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Useful Links/Information
FCHS Bell Schedule
Schoology
SIS ParentVUE
FCPS School Year Calendar
Important Dates
- 12/23-1/3 - Winter Break (Offices Closed)
- 1/9 - Curriculum Night (6:15 pm, see announcement below)
- 1/15 - College Parent Night (see announcement below)
- 1/23 - FAFSA Completion Event (see announcement below)
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FCHS Offices Closed for Winter Break
December 23rd - January 3
Attendance Matters!
We recognize that holidays are an important time for reconnecting with families far away and exposing your children to your home and language, whether you grew up in another part of the United States or a different country. The price of plane tickets often influences when you want to travel. But keep in mind the costs to your children’s education if they miss too much school.
This year, Winter Break is from December 23rd to January 3rd. We hope to see all our students in school through December 20th and returning to school on January 6.
We wish you all a safe and joyful Winter Break!
Curriculum Night
January 9th 6:15-8:00pm
We wanted to share with you that the first big event to begin our academic advising season will be our curriculum night. We will hold the event in person, hosted by our Principal, Director of Student Services, Academy Administrator, Director of Student Activities and department representatives.
Who: Students, Parents & Caregivers of 8th, 9th, 10th, & 11th graders that will be attending FCHS in the Fall of 2025. We are also planning specialized sessions for Multilingual Learners (formally ESOL), Literacy courses, Advanced Academics (Honors, AP, & DE), and Math pathways.
When: January 9, 2025, 6:15pm presentation, 7:00pm academic fair with representatives available to answer questions about content and levels including the elective options.
Where: Falls Church High School Lecture hall and cafeteria (Door 7 & 9)
What: Curriculum night is a presentation to families regarding course selection information, diploma requirements, Academy opportunities and curriculum information. The Falls Church Academy is included and holds an open house to allow all eligible high school students a chance to learn about the Academy offerings. Academy representatives from Marshall, Fairfax, Edison, Chantilly, and West Po are also present.
Why: Your child will be selecting his/her/their courses for the next school year, this presentation offers lots of information on making the best choices for a successful school year.
Course Selection Begins in January
Beginning in January 2025, students will meet with their counselors to discuss course selection for next year. Families are encouraged to actively participate in this important process.
As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:
- Current academic strengths and habits.
- Graduation requirements (high school students).
- Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
- Personal well-being.
- Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.
School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.
Graduation Requirements and Planning
Careful consideration is essential when planning next year's courses. We encourage our students and families to review the Graduation Requirements and Course Planning webpage to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond. Reviewing the Program of Studies may be helpful as well.
Please refer to our course catalog and website for more information.
College Parent Night
Thursday, January 15, 7:00-9:00 pm
FCHS Lecture Hall (enter via door #7)
We will discuss what underclassmen (grades 9-11) should be doing now to prepare for college, the college application process, how to pay for college, and how parents can support their students through this process. While this presentation is mainly geared toward juniors, parents with students (and students themselves) in any grade are welcome to attend!
We have a great group of colleges representatives lined up:
- Joyce Lee- University of Utah
- Eric Ahlstrand- Dartmouth College
- Alexis Jenkins- Radford University
- Melissa Ward- Miami University- Ohio
Many of these college representatives have worked for and/or attended several institutions of higher learning. They are a wealth of information and a valuable resource not to be missed! If you have any questions, please contact FCHS College & Career Specialist Terri Markwart tmarkwart@fcps.edu
FAFSA Completion Event
January 23, 7:00-9:00 pm
FCHS Cafeteria (enter via Door #9)
Seniors who plan to attend NOVA and/or a 4-year college should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in order for schools to determine eligibility for financial aid/scholarships/Pell Grants, etc. College Access Fairfax has partnered with FCPS high schools to provide families assistance with completing the FAFSA. NOTE: Student & Parent MUST have created their FSA ID NO later than January 20 in order to complete the FAFSA on January 23. Create your FSA ID HERE Begin the FAFSA HERE WHAT should I bring to a FAFSA completion event?
*If you are unable to attend on January 23, please go to College Access Fairfax homepage for additional FAFSA Completion Event dates/locations. Falls Church HS families may attend ANY of these FAFSA Completion Events at ANY high school; you do NOT need to attend the host school.
Student and Family Resources
Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!
FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.
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.
Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.
No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students
Is your student 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.
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.
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.
Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation
All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass. Complete the application and return it to your school office.
Additionally, students at Justice, Annandale, Falls Church, and Marshall high schools, and Davis Center can ride Metrobus for free. Visit the Fairfax County website for details and approved Metrobus routes. Complete the application and return it to your school office.
Children 12 and younger ride for free on the Fairfax Connector with a paying adult.
PTSA Particulars
The Falls Church HS PTSA supports the entire FCHS community and encourages everyone to be involved. Visit our website to learn more.
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Become a member today
- Join our active private Facebook group
- Read the weekly JagMail emails we send using FCPS News You Choose
- Become a Red Bag Donor to support our food pantry work
Questions or ideas? Please reach out.
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FCPS Cares
Do you know a Falls Church HS or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.
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