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Be sure to follow us on X (@OaktonHS), and Instagram oaktonhs ! Be sure to check out our Oakton Accolades section on our website as we celebrate student achievement!
Important Dates
You can access the FCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar here.
February 4 - Junior Family College Night (Virtual)
February 11 - Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Parent Presentation
February 17 - No School, Presidents Day
February 21 - Cougar Culture Fest
February 22 - Sweetheart Dance
General Information
Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter
Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps.
Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.
Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVueLearn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.
Welcome Mr. Corey Bowerman
As you may know, Mr. Larry Stroud, former Oakton Assistant Principal, became principal at Langley High School in late November. We are looking to bring on our new assistant principal in the summer of 2025. In the meantime, we are fortunate to welcome Mr. Corey Bowerman as our interim assistant principal. Mr. Bowerman is a retired experienced administrator having worked as an Assistant Principal and a Director of Student Activities at Langley High School and Chantilly High School.
Mr. Bowerman will be supervising the Special Education, Category A and World Languages Departments. He will work with students whose counselor is Ms. Kirstein (Alpha Range: Grades 9, 10, 12: Mj – Par; Grade 11: Lef – Nand students enrolled in Avid 9 and 12); and Ms. Osborne (Alpha Range: Grades 9, 10, 12: Pas – Sel; Grade 11: O- Riz).
Mr. Bowerman started in his interim assistant principal role at Oakton, today, Monday, February 3.
Bus Stop Reminders
Just a friendly reminder about the importance of ensuring the safety of our students at designated bus stops. It is important that all drivers and students follow all traffic laws to ensure the safety of students. This includes stopping fully when the bus stop sign is extended and red lights are flashing. Please also be sure to avoid parking in the designated bus stop area if you are waiting with your child for the bus stop to arrive. Please park away from the bus stop to allow the bus to safely stop to pick up students.
Student Absences Due to Illness
We recognize that this time of year there is typically a higher rate of illness. We want to remind our families to keep students home when they are sick. If students have fevers, they are to remain home and be fever free for 24 hours without the need for fever reducing medication.
We want to encourage everyone to wash their hands frequently this time of year to prevent the spread of germs.
Staff will work with students who were absent to get them caught up in their school work.
Cougar Commendations
We have had the longstanding tradition of recognizing students and staff for Cougar Commendations. In previous years, those commendations aligned with the portrait of a graduate skills. We will continue to recognize those skills in the classroom. However, we have shifted our Cougar Commendations to be in alignment with our core values of community, integrity and respect. Staff will nominate students and we want to give the opportunity to our families to nominate staff!
Please consider nominating a staff member this week for a Cougar Commendation connected to one of our core values. This is a great way to recognize a staff member and show the impact they have had on your student. Please use this link to nominate faculty/staff members for their noteworthy endeavors.
ALL nominations are due by the end of the day on Friday, February 7th.
Upcoming Safety Drills
In the month of February we will practice three different safety drills.
- Monthly Fire Drill
- Lockdown Drill - We will hold our second lockdown drill of the school year. The specific date and time of the drill will not be announced. However, parents will be notified via email in a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the drill. Parents will also be notified at the conclusion of the lockdown drill on the day it is held.
- Bus Evacuation Drill - Upon arriving to school, all buses will practice a bus evacuation drill. This will be done once during the month of February.
Spring Sports - Important Dates
If your student wishes to participate in tryouts for spring sports, they MUST have a current VHSL physical on file with us and be registered online for the season. Please reach out to individual coaches for any questions regarding green day schedules.
- Tuesday, February 11th - Optional registration check in during Cougar Times in gym lobby. (make sure you have all your paperwork in and are ready for tryouts)
- Monday, February 24th thru 28th – Spring sports tryouts.
- Wednesday, March 5th - Meet the Teams parent night 6pm
- Wednesday, March 12th - Team photos afterschool (times TBA)
Bookmark our website so you can easily find out important sports information www.oaktonsports.net
📝 Application for the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board
The School Board student representative represents the interests of Fairfax County Public Schools students. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity. Students currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply.
Watch this video to learn about the student representative experience from the current representative, Megan Sawant.
Application Information and Deadlines
To be considered for the election, students are required to provide:
- A written component, which is due Monday, February 24.
- A 30-second candidate video statement, which is due Wednesday, March 26. Candidates will be emailed a link to record their video on Monday, March 17.
Both application components are required to be considered for the election. Read more about the election process.
Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Presentation
HIPS is a community awareness program designed to enlighten parents through a unique learning experience encompassing insights into trends and indicators of potentially risky behavior. This allows parents the opportunity to interact with police officers and various props.
If you are interested in attending on February 11, please register for the event using this link (https://bit.ly/hipsohs021125).
The presentation will be run by Fairfax County Police Department and our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist for the Oakton and Madison Pyramids, Mr. Michael McNulty.
The event will take place in the Auditorium. Enter in Door 1 walk straight through Oakton Hall. The auditorium will be on your left across from the Main Gym.
 Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours
All Senior Service-Learning hours for Seniors must be submitted no later than April 25th at 3pm to guarantee they are approved for graduation accomplishments. Hours posted past the deadline will not be guaranteed to be counted toward awards and recognition for Seniors. Please submit all hours into X2VOL for approval no later than April 25th at 3pm.
To learn more about Senior awards and recognition for graduation click HERE. This includes all Service-Learning Recognitions for graduation and their requirements. Any questions regarding this information can be forwarded to Mrs. Kimberly Stewart, the Service Learning Liaison, at OHS at kastewart@fcps.edu
Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation
All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 school year must attend an in-person Partners for Safe Teen Driving (PSTD). The presentation is connected to successful classroom instruction and must be completed to receive a DEC-District 8 card (pink card). The parent-teen traffic safety presentation (PSTD) will be offered multiple times during the school year at Oakton. Students and their parents/guardians should plan to attend the
presentation at Oakton at your earliest convenience.
All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.
2024-2025 Dates:
- October 28, 2024 6:30-8:00pm
- January 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
- March 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
- May 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.
Student Services Updates
January Newsletter
Happy New Year Cougars! Take a look at January’s newsletter that covers information about course registration for the ’24-’25 school year and learn more about the FAFSA and upcoming workshops.
Junior Family College Night – February 4, 2025 from 6:00 – 7:30pm (Virtual)
Junior families please mark your calendars for Junior Family College Night. This event is for junior students and their families to hear directly from college admissions representatives in a panel format.
Topics include:
- Starting the College Search and Finding the Right Fit
- Preparing for the College Application Process
- Understanding Key Aspects of College Applications
The zoom link will be emailed to junior families the last week of January via eNotify "Oakton High School."
Virtual FAFSA Workshops
uAspire is hosting free FAFSA Walkthrough for students and families. This session will give them an overview of the new FAFSA and walk them through the steps required to receive federal financial aid at colleges nationwide.
- Wednesday February 5 - 6:00PM
- Thursday February 20 - 4:00PM
- Tuesday March 4 - 7:00PM
- Thursday April 3 - 5:00PM
Register HERE!
Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year
Student course registration is here! Students will register for their courses January 13-March 5. .
More information on course registration can be found on the Oakton HS website.
As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:
- Current academic strengths and habits.
- Graduation requirements
- 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.
🗓️ Save the Date: Academy Open Houses
FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students which began 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.
Schedule Changes
Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year.
- August 8 – September 6: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability.
- September 9 – November 8 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
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After November 12: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
- After March 28: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.
Health and Wellness Updates
Emergency Resources
Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077
Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511
Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000
INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560
Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711
Life Threatening 911
No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students
Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide them with a safe space to address concerns such as:
- Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
- Anxiety, worry, fears
- Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
- Academic stress
You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. [Find contact information for Oakton staff on this webpage.
Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
Oakton Pantry Update
The Oakton Pantry continues to provide support for families in our community with food insecurities. On a weekly basis our student shopping and curb side delivery serve approximately 50 families. We appreciate all who donate food, money and time to keep the pantry up and running! If you would like to donate food items please consider something from the list below. These are items that are in greatest demand and shortest supply. Thank you.
- Beans- 1 pound bag
- Rice- 1 pound bag
- Canned Tuna
- Canned Chicken
- Mac and Cheese- boxes, preferably not easy mac
- Instant Oatmeal- individual packages or cups
- Crackers- individual packs
- Jelly- jars
- Ramen
- Cup of Noodles
FCPS News
- 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.
Upcoming Family Academy Events
You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.
 🏗️ FCPS’ Proposed Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits
Fairfax County Public Schools’ updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the proposed FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.
The proposed CIP was presented to the School Board at the January 14 work session. A public hearing was also held January 14. The School Board will take action on the proposed CIP at its Thursday, February 6 meeting.
What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse
FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.
What can families do?
- Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink.
- Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success.
- Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage.
- Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors.
- Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”
Get more information on opioid awareness.
📈 Virginia’s Student Assessment Summary for Families
This month, families of students who took any Standards of Learning (SOL) test between school years 2015-16 and 2023-24 will receive a Student Assessment Summary Report. The report shows a student’s state percentile ranking for each test. This allows families to see how their child ranked compared to all Virginia students who took the same test that year.
Reports are available now in SIS ParentVUE Documents. We will distribute them to students whose families do not have ParentVUE access. Learn how to access ParentVUE.
The report is intended to help families reflect on how their child performed across all tested subjects over the years. Our staff members are committed to working with families to help every student reach their highest potential. Learn more about student assessments in FCPS.
Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings
If you have not been able to attend an FCPS Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:
Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.
PTSA Updates
Senior Student Families
The PTSA is seeking a dedicated volunteer to chair the All-Night Grad Party (ANGP) Chair position. Without someone stepping up, this cherished event will be canceled. If you’re organized and passionate about giving our graduates the celebration they deserve, please consider taking on this rewarding role. Training and support will be provided.
Winter Fundraiser
The Winter Fundraiser is also underway. You can send checks ( made out to - Oakton High School PTSA) or donate on our website. All donations are tax deductible!
Stay Connected
Follow ' oaktonhs_ptsa' on Instagram to keep abreast of what's happening at the PTSA. Become a member, Join the mailing list and/or donate to the PTSA at PTBoard - Oakton High School PTSA.
Join the PTSA
Want to be part of PTSA? We are looking for an ANGP Chair (All Night Grad Party), Webmaster, Business Chair, Hospitality Chair and Treasurer. Email us at oaktonhsptsa@gmail.com.
Parent Resources
Parent Information Line
Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.
Parent Resource Center
The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students. This includes monthly workshops and webinars. More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.
FCPS Cares
Do you know an Oakton High School 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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