From the Principal's Desk

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

January 31, February 1, 6, 7, 8: Fairfax Academy Presents: Once Upon a One More Time,  FHS Auditorium, 7:00pm

February 2 & 8: Once Upon a One More Time, FHS Auditorium, 2pm matinee

February 1: Science Fair, 8AM-12PM, FHS Library

February 1: Saturday School, Career Center

February 7: Principal's Coffee, 7:30am

February 10: Parents for Safe Teen Driving, 6pm

February 17: Washington's Birthday and President's Day Holiday; No School


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January 31, 2025

 

Happy Friday Fairfax High School Community,

As we bid farewell to Semester 1, we eagerly anticipate the opportunities and experiences that Semester 2 will bring. It has been a PAWSome and exciting week at FHS, filled with achievements, performances, and student engagement.

A Standing Ovation for Our Theater Students - A round of applause for our talented FHS Theater students on their outstanding VHSL One Act performance. Your hard work and dedication to the arts continue to inspire us all.

OOPS, they did it again! The Musical Theater and Actor’s Studio (MTAS) at Fairfax Academy is set to premiere Once Upon a One More Time this weekend and next weekend. This is a performance you do not want to miss—get your tickets now and witness an unforgettable show!

Student Advising & Course Selections Student advising sessions and course selections are well underway. Families, please connect with your students and visit our online course catalog to ensure they have a well-rounded and enriching schedule for the next academic year.

Celebrating Our Seniors The celebrations continue for our seniors with Senior Basketball and Senior Hockey Nights. Let’s cheer on our Class of 2025 as they make lasting memories during their final year at FHS. 

Inquiry Ignites at the Science Fair Curiosity and innovation are at the forefront as our students prepare for the upcoming FHS Science Fair. Over the past several weeks, teams have been working diligently to hypothesize, investigate, and explore various topics. We look forward to seeing their incredible projects come to life this weekend. 

Thank you to our students, staff, and families for making Fairfax High School a vibrant and dynamic community. Let’s make Semester 2 just as fantastic as the first.  At Fairfax High School we will continue to focus on meaningful connections, enriched educational opportunities, and the transformational power of teaching and learning. 

In Partnership,

Principal's Signature

 

Included in this issue:

 

Student Spotlight

  • Basketball Senior Night
  • Ice Hockey Seniors
  • 2025 Regional Scholastic Art Winners

Calendar Reminders

  • Black History Month
  • Saturday School Dates
  • Principal's Coffee, February 7

Fairfax Lions Need to Know:

  • Proposed Budget Presented to School Board
  • Office of Ombuds is for YOU! 
  • SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey
  • FHS Graduation Survey

Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:

  • Fairfax Academy Presents: Once Upon A One More Time
  • Sophomore Parents - Virtual Meeting Presentation info
  • Nominations Open for First-Class Awards
  • District News - In Case You Missed It
  • Quick Links

Fairfax HS PTSA

  • Save the Date for the Golf Tournament
  • Join the PTSA!

Student Spotlight

Basketball Senior Night!

Basketball Senior Night Collage

Celebrating our Hockey Seniors!

Hockey Seniors

2025 Regional Scholastic Art Award Winners

Gold Key Winners Advance to Nationals, and winners will be announced in March. Congratulations, Lions! 

  • Kai Garcia - Unfiltered Illustration, Portfolio (Art) - Gold Key
  • Keyla Juarez - Irrational, Photography - Gold Key
  • Lilly Kyle - Invasion Painting - Gold Key; Empathetic Drawing & Illustration - Honorable Mention
  • Akshara Mittal - Candid, Drawing & Illustration - Silver Key
  • Kaida Jones - Somniphobia, Digital Art - Honorable Mention
  • Hannah Vintilescu - No Longer Human, Sculpture - Gold Key; The Burden of Creation, Digital Art - Gold Key; Caged, Digital Art - Honorable Mention; Overstimulated, Mixed Media - Honorable Mention; Unnatural Born Rights Digital Art - Honorable Mention
  • Rex Killian - Desolate, Digital Art - Silver Key; Lust, Photography - Silver Key
  • Skylar Levy - Faux Savior, Digital Art - Silver Key; Thalassophobia, Digital Art - Silver Key
  • Clara Kim - More is Never Enough Drawing & Illustration - Honorable Mention

🗓️Calendar Reminders


Black History Month

Black History Month

 

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month.

Spanish: El Mes de la Historia AfroamericanaEl Mes de la Historia Afroestadounidense es una celebración anual de los logros de los Afroestadounidenses y un tiempo para reconocer su papel central en la historia de los Estados Unidos. Aprenda más sobre los meses de herencia, celebraciones, y tradiciones celebradas en FCPS.Aprenda más sobre el mes de la Historia Afroestadounidense.

Korean: 흑인 역사의 달흑인 역사의 달은 매년 아프리카계 미국인의 업적을 축하하고 미국 역사속에서 이들의 업적과 역사를 기념하는 달입니다. FCPS에서 기념하는 유산의달, 기념행사, 전통에 대해 자세히 알아보세요. 흑인 역사의 달에 대해 자세히 알아보기. 


City of Fairfax Celebrates Black History Month

City of Fairfax Black History Month

 

While we celebrate black achievement and history 365 days a year, the month of February is nationally recognized as Black History Month. We invite everyone to join the City of Fairfax in the month of February to honor, learn, and explore our nation's black history.

Jan 15-Feb 28: Martin Luther King, Jr. Statue on display at City Hall

Feb 1-28: Frederick Douglass Exhibit: Fairfax Museum & Visitor's Center

See the full list of FREE events here: Black History Events Calendar


Saturday School, Feb. 1 in the Career Center

Due to the Science Fair, the Feb. 1st Saturday School will be held in the Career Center (rm. L106).

Saturday School is held 9am-12pm. No sign up needed! Snacks provided; transportation is on your own.

Q3 dates: Feb. 1, 8, 22, and March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. 

Saturday School

Next Principal's Coffee, Feb. 7 @ 7:30am

Principal's Coffee

Please join us for Coffee & Conversation with the Principal! 

The next Principal's Coffee will be held on Friday, February 7, from 7:30-8:30am in the Career Center (room L106). See you there! 


Fairfax Lions Need to Know:


Proposed Budget Presented to School Board

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 23. Watch a video of the presentation

As Dr. Reid noted in her January 24 letter to families, “The budget is fiscally responsible and invests in excellence — not just for FCPS, but for all of us in Fairfax County who want a strong community with successful young people, dedicated educators and support staff, and a thriving economy.” 

The proposed budget reflects the needs of and FCPS’ commitments to Fairfax County students, families, and community members. It focuses on competitive compensation, including a 7.0% salary increase for all staff to recruit and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students; investing in students who require additional support; and continuing multiyear initiatives such as inclusive preschool and safety and security updates.

Learn more on the Budget webpage


Did you Know? Office of the Ombuds is for YOU

The FCPS Office of the Ombuds engages with FCPS employees, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Ombuds office staff members are available to help resolve disagreements between parents/caregivers and schools. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Ombuds Office QR Code

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.


SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey

All FCPS families and middle and high school students have received an invitation to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available through Monday, February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!

Spanish: Se Viene Pronto la Encuesta de SR&R y Política de Celulares

Todas las familias de FCPS y estudiantes de escuelas intermedias y secundarias recibirán una invitación por correo electrónico el martes, 21 de enero, para participar en una encuesta acerca de los Derechos y Responsabilidades del Estudiante (SR&R) de FCPS, Política de Teléfonos Celulares, y opciones de almacenamiento de teléfonos celulares. La encuesta estará disponible del 21 de enero al 3 de febrero. Por favor tómese unos minutos para compartir su opinión y ayudar a FCPS a tomar decisiones informadas e inclusivas para todas nuestras escuelas.


FHS Graduation Survey Coming Next Week

Next week, an input survey will be sent out to families in grades 9-11, regarding future graduations locations. We will be surveying students, staff, and our community. 


Fairfax Lions Nice to Know: 


Fairfax Academy Presents: Once Upon A One More Time (High School Version)

One More Time Academy Musical

 

Powered by the chart-topping hits of the undisputed Princess of Pop, Once Upon a One More Time turns our favorite fairytales upside down with a clever twist! When a fairy godmother goes rogue and plops copies of The Feminine Mystique in the laps of classic heroines, the damsels go on a quest to rewrite their stories and redefine “happily ever after.” Once Upon a One More Time weaves 23 of Britney Spears’ smash singles into a fun and brilliant book by Jon Hartmere, culminating in a show with non-stop appeal!

Please Note: Some material may not be suitable for all ages.

All performances held at Fairfax High School Auditorium:

  • January 31, February 1, 6, 7 @ 7:00pm
  • February 2 @ 2:00pm
  • February 8 @ 2:00pm & 7:00pm

Tickets are on sale NOW! https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15651/ 


Sophomore Parent Meeting Presentation

Fairfax Lion Heads Logo

The recording and presentation from the Sophomore parent meeting can be found on the school website.

Questions, contact Asst. Principal Troy Ketch at tketch@fcps.edu.


🏅Nominations Open for First-Class Awards

Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards

First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education. 

Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have a positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.

Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.


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:

  • FY 2026 Proposed Budget
  • Student-Driven Lunch Menus
  • Inclusion Awards Nominations

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today


Quick Links

District News - In Case You Missed It


stay in touch

throughout the year:


Fairfax HS PTSA


Table of Contents:

  • Save the Date: Golf Tournament on May 19 
  • Join the PTSA! 

Save the Date: Golf Tournament on May 19

Golf Tournament

 

Save the Date! The 12th Annual Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025 at the Country Club of Fairfax. Sponsored by the Athletic Boosters, this is one our biggest Fundraisers of the Year! Keep an eye out for Registration announcements, coming soon! 

Don't forget to check out our new FHS Athletic Boosters Website!


It's Never Too Late to JOIN PTSA

Membership blurb 1
PTSA Membership QR Code

JOIN the PTSA to support our FHS teachers, students and community! Your member dues and donations work to fund ALL of our activities and programs, help keep you engaged and informed about what is happening in our school community, and provide opportunities to get involved and have fun with other families. Join us!  

Membership blurb 2

FCPS Cares

Do you want to celebrate a Fairfax employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way? Or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.