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Upcoming Events
February 7, 8: Fairfax Academy Presents: Once Upon a One More Time, FHS Auditorium, 7:00pm; February 8: 2pm matinee
February 17: Washington's Birthday and President's Day Holiday; No School
February 21: Dance Benefit Concert, 7pm, FHS Auditorium
February 26: New Date: Parents for Safe Teen Driving, 6pm
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February 7, 2025
Happy Friday Fairfax Families,
This week began with a SUPER SCIENCE SATURDAY recognizing over 300 projects and 500 student participants. It was truly remarkable. I learned so many life hacks from our students, but these were a few of my favorites - my plants may not be thriving based upon my Apple playlist choices; I am definitely using the wrong detergent; inspecting solar panels and renewable energy; there may be a bit of fraud in electrolyte advertising; and, I need a lot of mentos and cola to make my skateboard go faster! This type of project-based learning resulted in so much student pride and a direct application of their classroom learning. CONGRATULATIONS!
You do not want to miss the MTAS production of Once Upon a One More Time. You have three more chances to see this showstopper that highlights empowerment, inspiration, and Britney Spears.
This week was National Counselor's Week, and we are so fortunate to have a dynamic counseling team invested in our students and our community. We thank you for all the support and guidance you give.
We kicked off Black History Month with vibrant displays, daily trivia, and highlighting student projects. This is our second year of offering AP African American History and In this course, students study the vital contributions and experiences of African Americans and members of Black communities within the broader context of the African diaspora.
CTE Month kicked off here at FHS with our well attended Fairfax Academy Open House. We are fortunate to have FHS programs and Fairfax Academy programs that provide the opportunity for career and industry certification. We look forward to highlighting these career pathways, our industry staff, and many student projects this month.
Next week we will celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Month, and we are delighted to have daily events planned that focus on empathy, compassion, and care. Ask your students which word they choose to spread kindness with!
Have PAWSome weekend!
Included in this issue:
Student Spotlight
- FHS Senior performs in Round House Theatre Production
School Program Spotlight
- Forensics Speech & Debate
Staff Spotlight
Calendar Reminders
- CTE Month
- Love the Bus Month
- Virginia School Board Association Month
- Saturday School Dates
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Make Sure Immunizations are Up-to-Date!
- Proposed Budget Presented to School Board
- Black History Month Celebration - New Date!
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Student Voices at Family Summit
- 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
- Donations Needed for ANG Silent Auction
- Meeting Reminders
- Join the PTSA!
FHS Senior in Round House Theatre Production
FHS Senior Kat Pascual is making her professional debut in Round House Theatre's production of “What the Constitution Means to Me." It runs through Feb 16. FHS Theatre Director and Instructor, Christ Whitney, was able to take his students to go see the show and support Kat. You can read about it in the Fairfax County Times, or see their interview on the Fox5DC Morning Show. Way to go, Kat!!
Forensics Speech & Debate
 FHS Senior, Vy Tran, one of our speech team captains, was shadowed at last weekend's tournament by Mr. Moon from the School Board. He got to watch one round of competition and see her original oratory (for which she won 2nd place overall!). He was very impressed! Well done, Vy!
Counselor Appreciation Week
February 3-7 is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact our FAIRFAX counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career.School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.
🗓️Calendar Reminders
Career Technical Education (CTE) Month
February Is Career and Technical Education Month
By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school including Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, Marketing, Technology and Engineering Education, and Trade and Industrial Education. Since this is an elective, course offerings may vary by school. Learn more on the FCPS CTE webpage.
CTE also offers summer programs for students to explore their programs. Enroll now!
🚌 Love the Bus Month
February is Love the Bus Month, which is meant to highlight the iconic yellow school bus and its drivers, and the vital role they play in our education system. The yellow school bus is more than just a mode of transportation, it is a symbol of community, safety and opportunity. 🚌
🍎 Virginia School Board Appreciation Month
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Thank you to the Fairfax County School Board for all they do throughout the year. Want to contact your school board representatives to share your appreciation? Visit their website to find your school board member and contact them. |
Saturday School Dates
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Saturday School is held 9am-12pm in the Library. No sign up needed! Snacks provided; transportation is on your own.
Q3 dates: Feb. 1, 8, 22, and
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.
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Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations
Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!
Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE.
Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!
Proposed Budget Presented to School Board
FCPS Proposed Budget Progress
The Fairfax County School Board discussed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at their work session on February 4. They discussed details regarding student enrollment and investments in students requiring additional support, market comparison data for surrounding school divisions, and an update on progress toward achieving the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence. Baldrige is a framework used to assess and improve organizational performance across various sectors, including education.
The School Board also held a public hearing on the FY 2026 Proposed Budget on Tuesday, February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the budget.
On Tuesday, February 18, the Fairfax County executive will present the county’s Advertised Budget, and the Fairfax County School Board will hold a work session on the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget. View FCPS’ Budget Development Calendar.
Breaking Down the Budget
More than 85% of the budget is dedicated to instruction and reflects the needs of our community’s young people in response to the changing world around us. Budget priorities include providing competitive compensation for all employees, including a 7% salary increase for all staff. The majority of the budget increase is dedicated to that proposed 7% pay increase.
Our families want their children in high-quality schools with the best teachers who provide rigorous academic experiences. We must provide competitive compensation to attract and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students.
The proposed 7% salary increase would likely move FCPS to the highest starting salary for teachers with a master's degree among our neighboring counties and greatly improve our recruitment efforts amidst an ongoing teacher shortage. Visit the Budget webpage for more information.
Black History Month Celebration - Date Change!
FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30pm, at Carter G. Woodson High School.
The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community.
For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Student Voices at Family Summit
The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information.
At the event, FCPS students are invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities.
Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions.
✨ Centering student voice is part of FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.
Fairfax Academy's Once Upon A One More Time - Only 3 Performances Left!
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:
Only 3 performances left!!
- February 7 & 8 @ 7:00pm
- February 8 @ 2:00pm
Tickets are on sale NOW! https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15651/
Sophomore Parent Meeting Presentation
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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.
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🏅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:
- Proposed Budget Progress
- Apply for Dual Immersion and Magnet Lotteries
- Black History Month Event
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
throughout the year:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- Donations Needed for ANG Silent Auction
- Meeting Reminders
- Join the PTSA!
Donations needed for Online ANG Silent Auction
All Night Grad is holding our annual silent auction and virtual 50/50 raffle this spring and is looking for donations! These can be products, themed baskets, sports tickets, vacations, or business services. A Christmas gift you’re not sure you’ll use? A gift card to a restaurant you don’t frequent? Donate it to support the Class of ‘25! If you or your business have items or services to donate or are willing to solicit items from local businesses, please contact us at ANG@fairfaxptsa.org.
Donating businesses/families can be acknowledged on the silent auction site- including business information like website URL, photos, etc. Stay tuned for the auction link to bid on all of these wonderful items!
PTSA & ANG Meetings on February 18
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The next PTSA meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 18th at 7:00pm in the Library. Immediately following, is the ANG (All Night Grad) meeting at 8pm.
Please join us!
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It's Never Too Late to JOIN PTSA
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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! |
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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. |
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