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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 10-14 - P.S. I Love You Spirit Week
February 17 - No School, Presidents Day
February 21 - Cougar Culture Fest (4:30-5:30pm)
February 22 - Sweetheart Semi-formal (8-10pm)
March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 31 - No School, Eid-al-Fitr
April 1 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday
April 14-18 - Spring Break
 General Information
P.S. I Love You Spirit Week
Cougar Leadership is excited to announce the P.S. I Love You Spirit Week from February 10-14. P.S. I Love You Day is a non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating the stigma around mental health. Their mission is to instill hope for those affected by mental illness, fostering a supportive environment and a community where everyone feels welcomed, loved, and supported.
P.S. I Love You Day is designated as the second Friday in February. Those participating are asked to wear purple.
- Monday, February 10 - Spread the Love Monday
- Students and staff wear pink or red
- Do a kind gesture!
- Tuesday, February 11 - Self Love Tuesday
- Students and staff wear pajamas
- Do one act of self care!
- Wednesday, February 12 - Couple of Cuties
- Students and staff pair up with a friend(s) and twin
- Say hi to someone new!
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Thursday, February 13 - We Are All on the Same Team!
- Wear your Oakton merch
- Give someone a compliment!
- Friday, February 14 - P.S. I Love You Friday
- Wear Purple
- Share a kind message with those you care about!
Sweetheart Semi-Formal
It’s February and love is in the air!
Have your students join Oakton’s Leadership and Sports Leadership on Saturday, February 22nd for the Sweetheart Semi-Formal Dance from 8-10pm at OHS.
Tickets go on sale on February 10th during lunches and on MySchoolBucks for $15.
Additionally, the first 100 tickets sold will be entered to win free Cougar Merch! Make sure your students buy their tickets as soon as possible.
Oakton Accolades
Check out our latest Oakton Accolades on the Oakton HS website. You can find information on the following:
- Academic Letter Awards
- November Student of the Month Recipients
- National Honor Society
- Scholastic Bowl Team - It’s Academic
- Environmental Stewardship
- Outstanding Oakton Employee Award Winners
- January Student of the Month Recipients
- Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School
- Scholastic Art Awards
- Scholastic Bowl - Concorde District Champions
- Science Olympiad - Fairfax Invitational
- District XII Orchestra
- Virginia State Latin Convention
- District Band
Upcoming Safety Drills
In the month of February we will practice three different safety drills.
- Monthly Fire Drill (completed)
- 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 (completed) - 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
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!
Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)
FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., 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.
📝 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.
Cougar Culture Fest
Join us on February 21, 2025 for Cougar Culture Fest from 4:30-5:30pm in the cafeteria hosted by our student equity ambassadors and our participating student affinity clubs! Cougar Culture Fest is a celebration rooted in Oakton’s core value of community, creating a space where students and staff can connect through the diverse cultural traditions and stories that shape our school.
Through this event, all are invited to explore the variety of backgrounds that make Oakton unique. This will include an exploration of food, history and language serving to foster a deeper sense of belonging and understanding within our community.
 Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Presentation - New Date
Please note we have moved the date to May 21 due to anticipated inclement weather on February 11.
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 May 21, 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.
 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.
Testing Updates
February 10th-21st: WIDA Assessment Testing
Beginning February 10th, both current and former ESOL students are scheduled to complete the four-part WIDA annual assessment. Federal Law (ESSA) requires that all Level 1-5 Multilingual Learners (MLs) participate annually in an English language proficiency assessment.
WIDA ACCESS for ELs consists of the following parts (domains): Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Each domain is a separate test, and students must complete all four domains to meet the testing requirement.
This assessment is used to determine a student’s English Language proficiency level, eligibility for ESOL services and testing accommodations. It also provides teachers with information they can use to plan for and support their students’ learning.
Participation in this assessment is a critical part of how we measure our students’ growth and progress as well as plan for their continued success.
The majority of WIDA testing will take place over 2-days, February 19th, and 20th. Students and parents/guardians of those participating will be notified of testing schedules via email.
Student Services Updates
February Newsletter
Happy February! Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Student Services February Newsletter:
- Student Services Updates
- Course Registration Details
- Upcoming Events such as the College Partnership Program Application and Spring ASVAB Test
- College & Career Center Updates
- National School Counselor Week
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.
- 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:
- 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.
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 Budget Progress
The Fairfax County School Board discussed the FCPS 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 February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the proposed budget.
On Tuesday, February 18, the Fairfax County executive will present the county’s Advertised Budget, and the School Board will hold a work session on FCPS’ FY 2026 Proposed Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar.
Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 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 will be 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.
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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