Justice HS News & Announcements - 2/24/25


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This Week's Topics


Important Dates

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

Friday, February 28 - Ramadan Begins at Sundown

Monday, March 3 - JHS Art Show Opening Reception from 5-7 pm

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


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.


Become Unskippable: Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens About Fentanyl

Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. But young people die from fentanyl overdoses in Fairfax County each year — so it's important to have short, impactful talks with your teen, whether or not you think they’re at risk.

As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to become “unskippable” and talk with your teen in a way they will listen. 

See our tips for talking with your teen about fentanyl and other difficult subjects. Watch this video to learn more about becoming unskippable.


Eating Disorder Parent Information

The Code of Virginia, 22.1-273.2 requires schools provide, on an annual basis, parents/guardians educational information regarding eating disorders for students in grades five through twelve.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2023), Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. In the United States, 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives. There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Rather, it is a complex combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that converge and set off an individual’s predisposed genetic vulnerability.

In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a web page with detailed information and resources to be provided to parents and guardians of Fairfax County Public Schools. This information may be found at Eating Disorders


WIDA Assessment Window Continues Through 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.


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),


Justice HS Art Show Begins Next Week

Come check out the amazing artworks created by Justice student artists this year! The Justice High School Art Show will be open in the Little Theater from Monday, March 3rd through Thursday, March 6th. All are invited to the opening reception on Monday, March 3rd from 5-7pm in the Little Theater. See you at the Art Show!

jhs art show

Wolves at the Lodge - Tickets On Sale!

Tickets now on sale for the March 15th event! 

Wolves at the Lodge is the main PTSA fundraiser of the year. Once again, we will be hosting a Casino Night with prizes for the top winners. This fun event is open to adults 21 years or older.

During the evening, you can enjoy casino games, dinner and desserts from local restaurants, dancing, and craft cocktails and wine.  There will also be a raffle and a silent auction with items such as tickets, artwork, and gift certificates.

Wolf Bucks will be needed for the raffle, cocktails, wine and casino, so don’t forget to purchase them when you buy your ticket or you can purchase one of the packages that include Wolf Bucks. If you have any questions, or would like to donate something to the silent auction, please email, watljusticeptsa@gmail.com.

Date: March 15, 2025 from 7 pm to 11 pm

Location: Moose Lodge (Arlington)

Get your tickets today at jhsptsa.org/WATL25

wolves at the lodge

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 - 7pm - Virtual 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

APRIL 2025

21-25 - Mon-Fri - National Volunteer Appreciation Week

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


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

📐 Breaking Down the Budget: Supporting Academic Growth and Algebra by Eighth Grade

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan

Since the 2023-24 school year, FCPS has seen a 9.5% increase in eighth graders taking Algebra I or more advanced math and a 6.8% increase in fifth graders in advanced math.

Studies show that students who complete algebra in middle school have more opportunities to take advanced math and science courses in high school. This can open up new academic paths for students! Watch a video that shows why eighth grade algebra matters

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget.


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.


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.


💻 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: 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.


Hazel Health: Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Teletherapy services are available for all FCPS high school students at no cost. Sessions can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Hazel Health’s highly qualified therapists specialize in working with teens. Learn more on FCPS’ teletherapy webpage.


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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