Justice HS News & Announcements - 2/17/25


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This Week's Topics


Important Dates

Tuesday, February 18 - WIDA Testing Begins

Thursday, February 20 - International Night

Saturday, February 22 - Saturday School

Monday, February 24 - International Night Snow Date

Monday, February 24 - Spring Sports Tryouts Begin

Monday, February 24 - Virtual PTSA Monthly Town Hall & General Meeting

Friday, February 28 - Ramadan Begins at Sundown

Saturday, March 8 - Wolf Shack Stock-Up with FFN Red Bag Day

Saturday, March 15 - Saturday School

Saturday, March 15 - Wolves at the Lodge: Casino Night

Wednesday, March 19 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

Saturday, March 22 - Saturday School

Monday, March 24 - Virtual PTSA Monthly Town Hall & General Meeting

Friday, March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter

Monday, March 31 - Eid-al-Fitr (Division Closed)

Tuesday, April 1 - Teacher Workday

Wednesday, April 2 - Start of 4th Quarter

Saturday, April 5 - Saturday School

Monday, April 14 - Friday, April 18 - Spring Break (Justice Offices Closed)

Saturday, April 26 - Saturday School

Monday, April 28 - IB Testing Begins


Upcoming WIDA Assessment February 18 - March 3

Every year, students who are multilingual learners are required to take the WIDA assessment. The WIDA assessment is an English language proficiency test that measures your child’s academic English language skills.  If your child has the “EL” symbol in SIS, they are required to take this test. Attendance each day is vital to completing all four parts of this required test.  Students take one part every other day to minimize impact on the rest of their classes. 

What is WIDA?

We have prepared a video with more information on how a student’s WIDA score impacts their opportunities in school as well as college.  Please click on the video link below to hear more information on this test and how it impacts your child. The video is less than seven minutes in length.

WIDA video link [English]: https://youtu.be/5J47-5pDgZ4

WIDA video link [SPANISH]: https://youtu.be/DQCEJz4Vrnk

For additional languages, please select the English video, then click on the settings icon, then “subtitles” and next “autotranslate” and select the language preferred. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to assistant principal Colleen Lally at 703-824-3907 or by email at clally@fcps.edu.


International Night - Thursday, February 20

You are cordially invited to International Night 2025!

International foods and cultural displays will be in the aux gym between 4:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Performances will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Entrance is free; however, if you would like reserved advanced seating, please use the QR code on the flyer directly below. Reserved Advance seating will be from 6:15 p.m. to 6:40 p.m. After 6:40 p.m., all reservations are canceled, and seating will be first come, first served. Once we reach our capacity, we will be able to watch the performance live-streamed in the aux gym.

In the event of inclement weather on Thursday, 2/20, a make up date for International Night has been scheduled for Monday, February 24.

i night

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day.Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student.To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.


Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)

FCPS’ Chief Equity Officer 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.


Stuff the Bus Drive

We are happy to announce we are currently participating in Stuff the Bus, a collaborative program and partnership between Fairfax County Government and local nonprofits. We are asking for your support in donating various food items to help fight food insecurity in Fairfax County. Donated food will go to various charities that will benefit Fairfax County residents. If you plan to donate to the Stuff the Bus food drive, please consider giving items from this list below.  Additionally, donating items that are high fiber, low sugar and low sodium not only feed people experiencing food insecurity but also contribute to their overall health and wellness. A donation box will be located in the front office and will be open to donations until February 28th. Thank you for your consideration in helping out this great cause!

Please consider donating items from the list below

Cooking oil, Corn Flour Maseca, Bag (dry) beans, peas or lentils (16 oz.), Rice - brown or white (5 lbs. or smaller,  Canned tuna, salmon or chicken (15 oz. or smaller),  Canned tomatoes - low sodium, no salt added (29 oz. or smaller), Soup - lower sodium (19 oz. or smaller), Canned pasta (16 oz. or smaller), Canned fruit in light syrup or juice (20 oz. or smaller), Healthy hot and cold cereal (42 oz. or smaller), Healthy snacks (e.g. raisins, granola bars), Macaroni and cheese, Peanut butter (40 oz. or smaller), Fruit jam (32 oz. or smaller), Instant potatoes (16 oz. or smaller), Pancake mix (32 oz. or smaller) and syrup, Canned vegetables - low sodium, no salt added (29 oz. or smaller), Canned beans or peas (29 oz. or smaller),

Got the winter blues? Come warm up at the annual Broadway Desserts concert, “Somebody to Love” on Saturday, February 15th at 2pm and 7pm. The Justice Choirs will perform favorites from Wicked, Mary Poppins, Newsies, Six, The Great Gatsby and so much more! And of course, there will be sweet treats! Tickets are $10 through 2/14 and $15 the day of the show. Click here to purchase tickets. We can’t wait to sing for you!!


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.


Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:    

  • Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school.


Justice HS PTSA

The Wolf Shack is Open!

The Wolf Shack is our PTSA-sponsored in-school food and resource pantry, providing free essential resources for all students. The Wolf Shack is open from 3-5pm on late bus days (Wednesdays & Thursdays) in Room B27 between the Black Box Theater and the Little Theater. 

Read more in the latest PTSA newsletter.


PTSA Calendar of Events

FEBRUARY 2025

24 - Mon - 730pm - PTSA Monthly Town Hall & General Meeting

MARCH 2025

8 - Sat - 11am - Wolf Shack Stock-Up with FFN Red Bag Day

15 - Sat - 7pm - Wolves at the Lodge: Casino Night

24 - Mon - 730pm - PTSA Monthly Town Hall & General Meeting


Connect with the PTSA

JHS PTSA Website

justicehsptsa.org

Social Handles

Facebook: facebook.com/justicehsptsa

X (formerly Twitter): x.com/justicehsptsa

Instagram: instagram.com/justicehsptsa/

Membership Link

jhsptsa.org/join

Donation Link

jhsptsa.org/packpartnerfund

Contact the PTSA

info@justicehsptsa.org

Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA)

www.fairfaxcountysepta.org 


From FCPS

Learn More About How Your Child Feels at School

The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-12 in March. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop the skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who do not have a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.


🏗️ FCPS’ Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

The Fairfax County School Board approved the annual update to FCPS’ FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at their regular board meeting last week. A CIP is a working budget document that shows the timing and costs of improvement to school buildings, such as renovations, additions, and new schools. Learn more about planned improvements. Fairfax County Public Schools’ updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the 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.


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.

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.  

Our families want their children in high-quality schools with the best teachers who provide rigorous academic experiences. FCPS 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.


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.


💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account.


Calendar Reminders

February Is 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.


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!


Ramadan Begins Friday, February 28

Ramadan begins at sundown on Friday, February 28. This day is an evening-only observance day. There is school on these days, but certain activities that cannot be made up can not take place after school. See the complete school year calendar. Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact their child’s principal regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.


VSBA School Board Appreciation Month

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.


Public Schools Week - February 24 - February 28

Public Schools Week is an annual celebration that brings together school leaders, educators, parents & community leaders to recognize the importance of our nation’s public schools.


Weekly Reminders

Saturday School at Justice High School

On certain Saturdays, students can get one-on-one assistance in any English, Math, Science, or History class. Our dedicated teachers will be available to help students tackle assignments, strengthen their understanding of key concepts, and ensure they are well-prepared for their upcoming assessments. Students do not have to sign up ahead of time to attend Saturday School.

Details are as follows:

  • When: February 22nd | March 15th and 22nd | April 5th and 26th | May 3rd and 17th
  • Time: 9 AM - 12 PM
  • Where: Justice High School

We encourage your child to take advantage of this valuable opportunity. It’s a fantastic way for them to improve their grades and gain confidence in their studies. Thank you for your continued support in helping our students succeed!


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.


Food for Neighbors - Red Bag Program

Food for Neighbors logo

Justice High School is a proud partner with Food for Neighbors, a local organization who helps to feed our students outside of school hours.

The Red Bag Program is filled five times a year and provided to needy families. Food for Neighbors will drop off an empty Red Bag with a list of items. You can support by purchasing some food items that is provided on the list. Leave the Red Bag outside your door and Food for Neighbors will come pick it up.

All donations are tax-deductible and can be in any amount. To learn more about the FFN Holiday Meals Program, please go here.


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!


Partners for Safe Teen Driving (PSTD)

Justice High School Auditorium - Driver’s Education

The state of Virginia requires students and their parents or legal guardians to attend ONE session of Partners for Safe Teen Driving in order to receive their Pink Card (DEC-8). The 90 minute session requires participants to be actively involved during the presentation. This is offered in conjunction with our 10th grade driver education curriculum and is a requirement. All sessions are in person for the 2024-2025 school year at Justice HS in the Auditorium. Registration link, and schedule is below. It is also posted on your 1oth grade teacher’s SCHOOLOGY PAGE.

If you are a current 11th or 12th grade Justice HS student seeking to attend a PTSD session, please email Monica White at mwhite@fcps.edu  for information.

PSTD presentations are 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

3rd Quarter - Wednesday March 19th, 2025

4th Quarter - Wednesday May 14th, 2025

The meetings are a “hard” 6:30 PM start in the Auditorium for every PSTD event. Doors lock at 6:30 sharp and an entry after that will not be allowed. (State Law)

Please plan to arrive at 6 pm to avoid being locked out. Every student will NEED to have a legal guardian present with them If they are attending PSTD session.

Link for students to register for 2024-2025 Justice HS - Driver Ed PSTD


Free Meals at Justice HS

Justice HS has qualified for the USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) meal program for the 2024-2025 school year. CEP is a non-pricing meal service option for schools in low-income areas. CEP allows schools to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to ALL students without collecting household applications for free and reduced-price meals.

CEP General Information

  • CEP is a USDA program; eligibility is based on direct certification for free meals at individual FCPS schools.
  • All students at CEP schools automatically receive no-cost breakfast and lunch every day of the school year (even if the student would not qualify for free meals). 
  • If a student purchases an additional breakfast or additional meal, it will be at cost to the family. 

Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications, Additional Benefits, and Related Information

For families that may want to receive benefits (class fees) beyond meals that are income-based, the FCPS CEP Consent to Share Information for Other Programs will continue to be utilized and is included in the free and reduced-price meal application process. Parents are encouraged to complete and submit the CEP Consent to Share Form


Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.


No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available at no cost to FCPS high school students to provide 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.

In order for students to participate, caregivers must give permission for FCPS to share basic demographic information with Hazel Health in ParentVUE. They must also provide consent for their student to access therapy services. 

Students may then be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. Refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services.

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.


Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health

Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially these warning signs:

  • Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
  • Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
  • Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
  • Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
  • A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
  • Alcohol or drug use.
  • Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family. 
  • Thoughts of harming themselves or others.

If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. Please contact your child's school counselor to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Find additional ways to support your child’s wellness

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.


Follow Justice HS On Social Media

X (formerly known as Twitter) 

Activities - @justice_sports

Instagram

School - @justicehs_wolves

Activities - @justice_wolves


Helpful Links

Justice Website

Justice Athletics

Student Services

Attendance

Red/Blue Rotation Calendar

Bell Schedule

Justice HS PTSA

MySchoolBucks

ParentVue Information


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

Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health (formerly Merrifield) - 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening - 911


FCPS Cares

FCPS Cares

Do you know a Justice 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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