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Upcoming Events
December 13: FX Players CollaBRRet, and VHSL One-Act Preview, 6:30pm, Auditorium
December 21: NO Saturday School
December 23 - Jan 3: FCPS Winter Break, All Schools Closed
January 6: Classes Resume, Blue Day
January 6: Cultural Observance: Three Kings Day/Epiphany
January 7: Cultural Observance: Orthodox Christmas
January 7-8: Academic Emphasis
January 9: Curriculum Fair
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Lion Students enjoyed our Candy Cane Village!
December 13, 2024
A Week of Festivity and Excellence at Fairfax High!
What an exciting week it's been at Fairfax! We kicked things off with our Sounds of the Season Winter Band Concert, and I couldn’t be prouder of our band— they were absolutely PAWSome!
Do you hear what I hear? It could be the Fairfax Choir as they continue to perform within the halls, at local events, and private residences. We are so excited to share student talent with the community.
During Lion Time, we hosted our Candy Cane Club Village, where students came together to enjoy festive songs, tasty snacks, and plenty of spirited fun. The energy was contagious, and it was a great way to celebrate our clubs and the holiday season in a fun, new way.
Our Fairfax Academy students truly warmed up the stage with their outstanding performance of Disney songs during their Cabaret. Their talent and enthusiasm brought the house down.
Today, we were thrilled to honor over 100 students at our Lions on the Rise event, celebrating their academic achievements and contributions to our community. It was a true treat to see so many families joining us for this special occasion.
Tonight, our FHS Theater program will also host a Winter CollaBRRet and preview their VHSL One Act Play. Fairfax Leadership will also sponsor a toy drive during our Boys Basketball Home Opener.
As we wrap up this week of celebrations, I’m reminded of how lucky we are to have such a vibrant, supportive, and talented community at FHS.
Thank you for being part of our success and JOY!
🦁 Lions on the Rise!
Included in this issue:
Student Spotlight
- Questbridge Scholarship Recipients
School Spotlight
- FHS Teaches English to Parents After School
- Code Across America Week
Calendar Reminders:
- Christmas, December 25
- Chanukah: Begins Sundown, December 25
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Special Education Resources
- 2025-26 FAFSA Form Now Available
- Preparing for Winter Weather
- Winter Resources
- Junior College Night - NEW Date
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Mental Health Teletherapy
- Student Services Updates
- Do You want to be a Science Fair Judge?
- Academy Open Houses Begin in January
- District News - In Case You Missed It
- Quick Links
Fairfax HS PTSA
- Community Meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review
- What is Saturday School?
- No-Fuss Fundraiser
Questbridge Scholarship Recipients
We are ecstatic to announce that THREE of our seniors received the prestigious QuestBridge Scholarship and matched with some of the nation’s most selective colleges and universities. Our students were selected from an applicant pool of more than 25,500 students nationwide. The QuestBridge National College Match is a scholarship program for seniors who have excelled academically, despite financial or personal circumstances, and have demonstrated evidence of strong writing ability, intellectual spark, determination and extracurricular involvement. Each Match Scholarship is worth over $325,000 and covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing and food, books and supplies, and travel expenses. Three winners is a school record and we are so proud of the following students:
- Lynn Choi – University of Virginia
- David Kim – Princeton University
- Hani Moudarres – University of Virginia
For more information on QuestBridge, see: https://www.questbridge.org/
The QuestBridge College Prep Scholarship Program application for the Class of 2026 will open in spring 2025 and the National Scholarship Match application will be due in late September 2025. For more information, contact: Maureen Kim, FHS College & Career Specialist, at MHKim@fcps.edu.
Congratulations to our winners and their families!
Dr. Aye Teaches English Classes for Spanish-Speaking Parents
Every Wednesday after school, a special class takes place at Fairfax High School. The students are parents, eager to learn a new language and skills to help them support their children’s education. Principal Georgina Aye is one of the dedicated teachers.
These classes are the heart of Fairfax High School’s Family Engagement Center, a vibrant space dedicated to empowering families and fostering a strong sense of community. Fairfax’s Family Engagement Center is building a bridge between families and the school, creating a shared space for learning, support, and community. Read more and see the video about the English literacy parent program.
✨ Building trusting partnerships between home and school is Pillar B of the FCPS Strategic Plan.
Code Across America Week
The week of December 9-15 is Code Across America week. Notable items from this week at FHS include:
Thursday 12/5: Computer Science Honor Society members put together a display in the front foyer celebrating coding and computer science.
Friday 12/6: Cyberpatriot club was awarded a grant from EducateFairfax of $900 to cover 4 competition team registrations at $225 each. We thank them for their support in aiding students to learn curriculum outside the scope of what is taught in classes.
Monday 12/9: Computer Science Data Structures classes were visited by CodeHS speakers and students learned about CS careers and CS adjacent careers. They also led an “hour of code” in class to introduce students to the idea of blockchain technology and hashing concepts.
Thursday 12/12: The CS Honor Society led an hour of code event with activities at beginner and intermediate levels to promote all students being introduced to coding. We would like to thank the outgoing officers: Shubha Udipi, Yousif Al Atbi, Abenezer Gelashe, Rohan Soma and Peter Choi for leading that and all they have done in 2024 for CSHS. We would also like to congratulate the new officers for 2025: Rohan Desai (President), Arhan Desai (VP), Neha Puthalapat (VP), Khalid Amikishiyev (Treasurer) and Mayar Al Atbi (Secretary).
Monday 12/16: Girls Who Code will be taking a trip to Katherine Johnson MS to conduct hour of code.
🗓️Calendar Reminders
🎄Christmas, Dec. 25
A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. #OurFCPS
SPANISH:🎄 ¡Feliz Navidad a los miembros de nuestra comunidad que la celebran! La Navidad es una fiesta anual que conmemora el nacimiento de Jesús de Nazaret, la persona que se encuentra en el corazón de la tradición cristiana. Se celebra de muchas maneras únicas en todo Estados Unidos y el mundo, más comúnmente por la alegre entrega de regalos. #SomosFCPS
KOREAN: 🎄 크리스마스를 맞이하는 모든 분들께 메리 크리스마스! 크리스마스는 기독교 전통으로, 나사렛 예수의 탄생을 기념하는 연례 휴일입니다. 크리스마스는 미국과 전 세계에서 여러가지 특별한 방식으로 이날을 기념하며, 흔하게는 선물을 주고받으며 기쁨을 나눕니다. #OurFCPS
https://www.fcps.edu/calendars/standard-school-year-calendar
🕎 Chanukah, Sundown, December 25
Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25. See the complete school year calendar.
Spanish:"Chanukah/Janúca""Chanukah/Janucá" la Fiesta de las Luces, es una celebración Judía que dura 8 días la cual conmemora la reedificación del Templo Sagrado y el milagro de una pequeña cantidad de aceite que encendió la menorá del Templo. Este año, Chanukah/Janucá comienza al anochecer del Miércoles 25 de Diciembre. Vea el calendario completo del año escolar.
Korean: 하누카8일간 이뤄지는 빛의 축제인 하누카는, 8일 동안 메노라를 밝히는 지속된 소량의 기름 기적과 성전봉헌절을 기념하는 유대인의 명절입니다. 올해 하누카는 12월 25일 수요일 해 질 녘에 시작됩니다. 이날은 반나절 동안 진행되며, 당일 저녁에는 주요 행사를 진행할 수 없습니다. 내셔널 지오그래픽 키즈를 통해 하누카에 대해 자세히 알아보세요. 전체 학년도 일정을 확인하세요.
Special Education Resources
Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter
The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:
- Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
- Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
- SEL Screener Results
- New Accessibility Resources
- Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
- Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
- VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
- Executive Functioning Webinars
- Early Literacy Resources
- ESY and Assessment Webinar
- COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options
Subscribe to the Special Education and 504 Newsletter.
Spanish: Boletín de Invierno de Educación Especial y 504El boletín más reciente de Educación Especial y 504 está disponible en línea. Los temas de este número incluyen:
- Recursos Comunitarios para Familias de Estudiantes con Discapacidades
- Reserve la fecha: Conferencia para Familias 2025
- Resultados de la encuesta SEL
- Nuevos recursos de accesibilidad
- Educación Física Adaptada y Programa de Recreación
- Por qué algunos estudiantes con discapacidades se quedan en FCPS hasta los 22 años
- Programas de VR Apoya Escuelas Post Secundarias Fuera del Estado
- Webinarios de Funcionamiento Ejecutivo
- Recursos de Alfabetización Temprana
- Webinario de ESY y Evaluación
- Educación Compensatoria de COVID-19: Opciones de Prestación de Servicios de FCPS
Suscríbase al Boletín de Educación Especial y 504.
2025-26 FAFSA Form Now Available
The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available. Any college-bound high school senior — regardless of income — who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete a FAFSA form.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to work with their children to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Check each college’s financial aid office webpage for deadlines and financial aid forms. Then, create an account, if you have not already done so, and fill out the FAFSA.
The Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application will be available in late January for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA. To help determine which aid option is right for you, visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.
Get Help Filling out FAFSA From College Access Fairfax
Over the next few months, College Access Fairfax will be offering several programs on completing the FAFSA/VASA and finding and applying for scholarships. Get information on these programs and how to access them on the College Access Fairfax website.
In addition, College Access Fairfax staff are available for virtual one-on-one help sessions to complete the FAFSA/VASA. To request an appointment, families should email appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org.
Spanish: Ya está disponible el formulario FAFSA 2025-26
La Solicitud Gratuita de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes (FAFSA) 2025-26 ya está disponible. Cualquier estudiante de último año de secundaria que vaya a la universidad - independientemente de sus ingresos - que quiera ser considerado para los programas de ayuda financiera federal, estatal y escolar debe completar un formulario FAFSA.
Se anima a los padres y tutores a trabajar con sus hijos para completar la solicitud de FAFSA lo antes posible. Consulte la página web de la oficina de ayuda financiera de cada universidad para conocer los plazos y los formularios de ayuda financiera. A continuación, cree una cuenta, si aún no lo ha hecho, y complete la FAFSA.
La solicitud de Ayuda Estatal Alternativa de Virginia (VASA) estará disponible a finales de enero para los estudiantes que no puedan completar la FAFSA. Para ayudarte a determinar qué opción de ayuda es la más adecuada para ti, visita el sitio web del Consejo Estatal de Educación Superior de Virginia.
Obtenga ayuda para llenar la FAFSA de College Access Fairfax
En los próximos meses, College Access Fairfax ofrecerá varios programas sobre cómo llenar la FAFSA/VASA y cómo encontrar y solicitar becas. Obtenga información sobre estos programas y cómo acceder a ellos en el sitio web de College Access Fairfax.Además, el personal de College Access Fairfax está disponible para sesiones virtuales de ayuda individual para completar la FAFSA/VASA. Para solicitar una cita, las familias deben enviar un correo electrónico a appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org.
❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather!
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.
Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.
Winter Resources from Fairfax County Agencies
🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break
Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered.
Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.
⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!
The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county.
Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.
Junior College Night - NEW Date
Mark your calendars and please plan to attend…
Junior College Planning Night
for juniors and their parents/guardians
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
Fairfax High School Auditorium
We are almost halfway through junior year, so it is time to start thinking ahead to the college admissions process!! This year’s format will be an in person, panel discussion and will be targeted to juniors who are interested in attending a four-year college or university. Four, very experienced College Admissions Officers will share valuable advice for your college search. We plan to ask important questions about research, preparation, applications, acceptance and making the final decision. We’ll wrap up with Q&A time dedicated to answering all of your admissions-related questions.
All juniors interested in attending a four-year college or university are encouraged to attend!
Note: The format of this event is a panel discussion and will not be recorded. If you cannot attend on January 14, you are welcome to go to Chantilly HS on Monday, January 13 @ 7:00 pm, or Madison HS on Wednesday, January 15 @ 7:00 pm. It will be the same exact program with the same speakers.
For more information, contact: Ms. Maureen Kim, Fairfax HS College & Career Specialist at MHKim@fcps.edu, or 703-219-2204.
See the full flyer: Junior College Night Flyer 2025.pdf
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
💻 No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students
Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.
Student Services Updates
Academic Advising Important Dates
FHS Academic Advising School Information - More information to come before break!
January 7 & 8: Teachers present options for students during class time.
January 9: Curriculum Fair (During Lion Time) and Curriculum Fair, 6-8pm (All are welcome!)
January 14 & 15: Students meet individually with teachers to review class options.
January 21 - March 3: Individual academic advising meetings with counselors through English class:
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Rising 12 Grade Students (Class of 2026): Jan. 21 - Jan. 31
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Rising 11th Grade Students (Class of 2027): Feb 3 - Feb. 12 (AP Seminar 10 students - Feb. 20 & 21)
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Rising 10th Grade Students (Class of 2028): Feb. 13 - Mar. 3
June 6, 2025: Last day to make changes to course request
Fairfax High School Grading Timeline
January 28: End of Quarter/SIS ParentVUE Closes
January 29: Teacher Workday
February 4: SIS ParentVUE Opens
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Now Available
Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of October, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.
For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to your child’s counselor with any questions.
2025 FCPS Gap Year Fair
FCPS’ School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00-8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:00-6:45 p.m. Immediately following, the program fair will be held in the cafeteria from 6:45-8:30 p.m., with representatives from over 30 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are encouraged to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available.
Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. For more information, visit: USA Gap Year Fairs.
**In the event of inclement weather on Tuesday, January 28, 2025: The Gap Year Fair will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the same time and location.
https://fairfaxhs.fcps.edu/student-services
Science Fair Judges Needed!
Are you a scientist, engineer, or science enthusiast?
Do you have a passion for discovery and helping students shine?
We're looking for volunteer judges to evaluate projects at our Fairfax HS Science Fair on February 1, 2025!
Your expertise, enthusiasm and constructive feedback can make a lasting impact on budding, young scientists.
🗓️ Save the Date: Academy Open Houses Begin in January!
FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in January.
A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.
Chantilly Academy: January 8
Fairfax Academy: February 4
Falls Church Academy: January 9
Learn more: https://bit.ly/41vtnk1 or visit fcps.edu and search for “Academies and Specialized Programs."
District News - In Case You Missed It
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
- Join Our Teacher Team!
- Comprehensive Boundary Review Updates
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Spanish: En caso de que se lo haya perdido en FCPS This Week, la división escolar compartió actualizaciones sobre los siguientes temas y otros:
- Selección de cursos para estudiantes de las Escuelas Intermedias y Secundarias
- Únase a nuestro equipo de maestros
- Reuniones de revisión de límites
Lea FCPS Esta Semana para aprender más sobre estos temas. Si aún no recibe este boletín semanal, suscríbase hoy mismo.
Quick Links
throughout the year:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- Community Meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review
- What is Saturday School?
- No-Fuss Fundraiser
Community Boundary Review Meetings
If you did not get a chance to attend one of the recent community meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review, please consider attending the final meeting in this first phase of the boundary review process. The Region 1 meeting will take place Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m.,in the Madison High School cafeteria. Register today. If you are unable to participate, stay tuned for details about virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings coming early next year.
View FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.
Spanish:Reuniones Comunitarias sobre la Revisión Integral de LímitesSi usted no tuvo la oportunidad de asistir a una de las recientes reuniones de la Comunidad sobre la Revisión Integral de Límites, por favor considere asistir a la reunión final en esta primera fase de la Revisión Integral de Límites. La reunión de la Región 1 tendrá lugar el miércoles 18 de diciembre, de 6:30 a 8 p.m., en la cafetería de la Escuela Secundaria de Madison. Inscríbase hoy mismo. Si no puede unirse a nosotros, manténgase al tanto de los detalles sobre las Reuniones de Revisión de Límites Comunitarios virtuales que vendrán a principios del próximo año.Vea la página web de Revisión Comprensiva de Límites de FCPS para aprender más sobre el proceso de revisión de límites. Inscríbase para recibir nuestro boletín de la Revisión de Límites Escolares también.
What is Saturday School?
Students - picture a relaxed setting where you can catch up on subjects or ask questions without the usual class rush. Saturday School provides a calm atmosphere for focused learning. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed with assignments, Saturday School is an excellent time to seek assistance. Teachers will be available to guide you through any challenges you're facing. Take advantage of this extra time, recover some of your course work and attendance concerns.
Quarter 2 Dates
December 14 January 11 January 18 January 25
No sign up needed! Students report to the LIBRARY from 9AM to 12PM.
Snacks provided. No transportation provided.
Please Note: There is NO Saturday School on December 21.
No-Fuss Fundraiser
Support our FHS Students and Teachers with your generous donations! Our No-Fuss Fundraiser has a goal of $2200 to fully fund the proposed 24-25 PTSA budget. The Parent, Teacher, Student Association supports FHS students and teachers through financing events and supporting wellness, diversity, and volunteerism.
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The PTSA rewards academic achievement, offers student scholarships, funds classroom grants, puts on teacher appreciation events, and supports the FHS Food Bank. We rely entirely on membership dues and donations to fund the PTSA budget, and as a 501(c)3, your DONATION is tax-deductible. For details on how the funds are spent, see the proposed budget online: https://www.fairfaxptsa.org/board/bylaws-budget |
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