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Upcoming Events
February 28: Cultural Observance Day: Ramadan begins at Sundown, and continues til March 30.
March 4: Choir Pre-Assessment Concert, 7pm, Auditorium
March 5: Ash Wednesday
March 7: Principal's Coffee, 7:30am, Career Center
March 10: Sophomore College Planning Night
March 17: Saint Patrick's Day
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February 21, 2025
Dear Fairfax High School Community,
It has been an exciting week here at Fairfax High School. We are saying farewell to February and shouting BRING ON SPRING! Our students continue to impress, showcasing their talents and engaging in opportunities that will help them grow both academically and personally.
On Saturday, our AVID students embarked on a trip to James Madison University for a campus tour and attended an exciting sporting event alongside staff and their friends from KJMS. The trip was a great opportunity to explore higher education and connect with peers, and we’re so proud of their enthusiasm and engagement. The AVID program is an amazing opportunity to support executive functioning
This week, our talented Band and Orchestra musicians previewed their sets for the District Assessment. The musical talent on display was nothing short of amazing, and we are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication these students have shown. We can’t wait to hear about their results and celebrate their achievements.
Wednesday evening was a special one as FHS hosted Military Academy Night. Over 200 students attended the event, where they had the opportunity to meet representatives from prestigious military academies, including West Point, The Naval Academy, The Air Force Academy, The Maritime Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and The Merchant Marine Academy. It was a fantastic chance for students to learn more about these incredible opportunities and explore their future options.
SAT prep sessions are a great NEW resource for students. We are elated that 60 Juniors have committed to attending our Saturday sessions and focusing on literacy, numeracy, and test taking skills. Saturday school is also available for all students as an additional content coaching and tutoring support. We are very excited to invite our friends from National Honor Society in to serve as peer-to-peer tutors as well.
Have a PAWSome weekend!
Included in this issue:
Staff Spotlight
- Outstanding New Teacher, Secondary Schools Winner, Anna Cannon
- Outstanding School-based Leader, Asst. Principal, Dana Walker
Student Spotlight
- Students Creating an Equity Video
- Band Concert
School Spotlight
- U.S. Service Academy & ROTC Night
Calendar Reminders
- Celebrating Art in Our Schools
- National School Social Work Week
- National Women's History Month
- Ash Wednesday, March 5
- Saturday School Dates
- Principal's Coffee, March 7
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Graduation Survey Feedback
- Upcoming Important SENIOR Dates!
- Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun
- Connect with your Kids
- Financial Aid Information for Military Families
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Student Services Updates
- Varsity Tutors
- Golf Tournament - Only 30 Spots Left!
- Join the Co-Ed Golf Team!
- FCPS Family Summit
- District News - In Case You Missed It
- Quick Links
Fairfax HS PTSA
- ANG Silent Auction - Coming Soon!
- Mock SAT/ACT Information
- Join the PTSA!
Students working on an Equity Video
Fairfax High students headed out into our pyramid schools to create an equity video! We can't wait to see the final product! So proud of our Lions 🦁💖
Another Outstanding Band Concert 🎶🎺🥁
School Spotlight
U.S. Service Academy & ROTC Night was a big success!
Congratulations to our Fairfax Pyramid Outstanding Staff Winners!!
Thank you to those who submitted nominations, and wrote letters of support for our Outstanding Staff. After winning at the school level, our winners were then put forward to compete at the Pyramid level - and we are happy to announce that two of our staff members won!!
They now move on to the Region level of competition. Good luck to our PAWsome staff!!! 🦁💯🎉
Outstanding New Teacher, Secondary Schools, Anna Cannon
Outstanding School-Based Leader, Asst. Principal, Dana Walker
🗓️Calendar Reminders
Celebrating Art in Our Schools
The Council for Art Education (CFAE) administers Youth Art Month. Youth Art Month encourages support for quality school art programs, and promotes art material safety. The program provides a medium for recognizing skills developed through visual arts experiences unlike any other curriculum subjects, including: Problem-solving, Creativity, Observation, and Communication.
Art shows, special exhibits, fundraisers, and school and community activities take place annually, traditionally during March, to celebrate visual art education for grades K-12.
National School Social Work Week
March 2-8 is National School Social Work Week.
Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential. Here at Fairfax HS, we are proud and grateful for all the work that Brian Hasser and Kailyn Slade do on a daily basis for our students and community. Thank you, Mr. Hasser and Ms. Slade!!! Learn more about the role of social workers in FCPS.
National Women's History Month
Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.
See the complete school year calendar.
Ash Wednesday, March 5
This year Ash Wednesday is on March 5. Ash Wednesday is observed as a holy day of prayer and fasting in many Western Christian denominations. It marks the beginning of Lent, a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Easter. Many Christians attend special Ash Wednesday church services, at which churchgoers receive ashes on their foreheads as a sign of penance.
Saturday School Dates in March
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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: March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.
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Next Principal's Coffee, March 7, 7:30am
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Please join us coffee and conversation with the Principal! Friday, March 7, from 7:30-8:30am in the College & Career Center, room L106. |
Graduation Survey Feedback
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Thank you for your FEEDBACK.
Based Upon the Community Survey with Staff, Students, and Parents, each group voted to have graduation remain at FHS.
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SENIOR DATES
 Save these Important Dates!
MAY 17 - Prom
MAY 21 - Senior Trip NYC
MAY 27-30 - Senior Exams
JUNE 3 - Senior Grad Walk
JUNE 4 - Graduation Rehearsal and Senior Picnic
JUNE 5 - GRADUATION! 8:30am, Stalnaker Stadium
More info and details to follow! Keep an eye on future newsletters!
🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Summer Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps.
IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, Health and Physical Education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater.
Earn Credit Toward Graduation This Summer
Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 6. Mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible middle and high school students.
Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. This is a self-directed course where students work independently. The course is available between Monday, June 23, and Friday, July 25. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, May 23. For more information, visit this Summer Learning page.
🗣️ Connect With Your Kids: Simple Steps to Stronger Communication
Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. How do you connect with your children and really know what's going on in their lives? How can you become “unskippable”?
Effective communication can build trust and understanding, but it takes thought, planning, and effort.
The latest Healthy Minds Blog offers practical strategies to improve communication and build strong, lasting relationships:
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Ditch distractions and create a safe space where your child feels comfortable opening up.
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Listen actively and validate their feelings, even if you don't agree.
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Ask "how" questions instead of "what" questions to get them talking about their experiences.
For more tips and techniques, read the full article on the Healthy Minds Blog, which shares information related to youth mental health and wellness.
For support on talking with your teen about difficult subjects like fentanyl, discover how to Become Unskippable.
Financial Aid Information for Military Families
College Access Fairfax will hold two sessions on financial aid hosted by the lead financial educator and military benefits liaison from the Navy Mutual Aid Association.
Topics will include:
- Residency Requirements
- Using the GI Bill
- The Yellow Ribbon Program
- Using Chapter 35 (DEA benefits)
- Military scholarships and grants
- Virginia Education Programs
Sessions will be held Tuesday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 22, at 10 a.m. Click on the date to register. Contact info@CollegeAccessFairfax.org to learn more.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Student Services Updates
End Of Year Exam Schedule:
FHS Final Exam Schedule 24-25.pdf
Academic Advising Continues!
FHS Academic Advising School Information
Rising 10th Grade Students (Class of 2028) - Feb. 13 to Mar. 3
No course request changes between March 24 and May 9. After May 9, all course changes will be based on space available in courses.
June 6, 2025 – Last day to make changes to course request
FCPS Summer 2025 Online Campus Courses OPEN NOW!
Registration for the Summer 2025 Online Campus courses starts Friday, February 14, 2025, and ends Friday, June 6, 2025. Courses are open to middle and high school students who meet prerequisites.
Paperless Report Cards
We’re excited to offer you a more convenient option for receiving your child’s report cards: Go Paperless!
By choosing to go paperless, you'll be able to:
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Access report cards directly in ParentVUE with just a few clicks.
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Reduce wait time in seeing your child’s report card.
Here's how you can opt-in:
- Log into ParentVUE, click on "My Account," and select “Go Paperless.”
- All parents/guardians living with the student at the same address must have an active SIS ParentVUE account to opt-in.
- Once selected, the “Go Paperless” option will apply to all associated students, no matter their grade level.
- If you’ve already opted for paperless for your secondary students, it will automatically apply to any younger siblings at the elementary level too!
📑Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. 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.
🏌️♂️Golf Tournament - Only 30 Spots Left!
Join us for the 12th Annual FHS Athletic Boosters Golf Tournament on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Country Club of Fairfax! This fun day on the course helps fund ALL Fairfax High School athletic teams.
⛳️ Register Now: www.fairfaxhighathleticboosters.com 💼 Sponsorships Available! Support athletics & promote your business.
Questions? Contact golftournament@fairfaxhighathleticboosters.com.
⛳ Join the Co-Ed Golf Team!
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Interested in learning about the co-ed golf team at Fairfax? Fill out this Google Form and join us for an interest meeting on Tuesday, march 11 in rm D120.
Green Days start Wednesday, March 12. Tryouts start the last week of July.
Coach Latimer also would love for you to stop by his classroom D-120 to talk golf. Let’s tee it up!!
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2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)
Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.
This event will feature:
- Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
- Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.
- Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
- Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.
Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process.
Learn more about this event and register today! Contact FamilySummit@fcps.edu for more information.
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:
- Summer Camps and Learning Opportunities
- Supporting Academic Growth
- Preparing for Tough Conversations With Your Child
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
ANG Silent Auction Coming Soon! ✨
Get Ready to Bid!
The All Night Grad Silent Auction will be going LIVE on March 7 at 9am!
Support the class of ‘25 by sharing the link with friends, family and neighbors and bid on amazing items! Score a deal on handcrafted items or gift cards to local businesses. Senior families, bid on reserved seating or reserved PARKING to de-stress on the big day! Please bid generously- There’s something for everyone and each sale helps keep the ANG ticket price affordable so all FHS Seniors can celebrate safely the night of graduation!
For a sneak peek of our early listings click here https://app.galabid.com/fhsangsa2025/items and get ready to bid on March 7th! And mark your calendar to make that final bid before the auction closes on March 17th. ☘️
If you’d like to support our grads with a direct donation, give anytime at this link! https://fairfaxhs.givebacks.com/store/items/1101260
Many thanks from the Class of 2025!
Mock SAT (digital) & Mock ACT (paper) Testing
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, the FHS Academic Boosters will partner with Applerouth Tutoring to offer the Mock SAT (digital format) and the Mock ACT (paper format) exams.
This is a perfect opportunity for students who haven’t started their testing, to become familiar with the format in a stress-free environment at FHS for only $25. Students will receive detailed score reports to help them determine which areas they need to study.
Mock (digital) SAT registration (limited to 75)
Test Time: Saturday, March 22nd, 9:00am – 11:45am
Cost: $25
Students must be from FCPS and bring a fully charged FCPS computer
https://applerouth.onecanoe.com/school/8801
Mock (paper) ACT registration (limited to 50)
Test Time: Saturday, March 22nd, 9:15am – 1:30pm
Cost: $25
https://applerouth.onecanoe.com/school/8801
This is our final Mock SAT/ACT of this school year.
Questions: Academicboosters@fairfaxptsa.org
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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