Spring is in the air, which provides us a new season and another opportunity to be great, to grow, and to make a difference.
This is a time of renewal and fresh energy. I want to take a moment to say how incredibly proud of everything our students have accomplished so far this year. Whether big or small, every step forward matters. Our students have faced challenges, pushed through tough moments, and continued to rise.
So as you move through this new season, we continue to encourage our students to stay focused, be here, be on time, and make every minute count.
With Gratitude,
Carlos Seward
We value your feedback. Share your observations, suggestions, questions and celebrations with me here.
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 Important Dates
- March 18, 2025: Pyramid Band Concert, 7:00 PM
- March 19, 2025: International Night; 6:00 PM
- March 28, 2025: Quarter 3 End; Dismissal at 2:55 PM
- March 31, 2025: All School Holiday
- April 1, 2025: Student Holiday
- April 14 - 18: Spring Break
- May 1 - 3, 2025: Spring Musical, Once Upon a Mattress
- May 15, 2025: Spring Band Concert, 7:00 PM
- May 22, 2025: Spring Orchestra Concert 7:00 PM
- May 28, 2025: Spring Choral Concert 7:00 PM
- May 30 - June 4, 2025: SENIOR Finals
- June 5 - June 10, 2025: UNDERCLASSMEN Finals
- June 10, 2025: Class of 2025 Graduation 2PM Eagle Bank Arena
- June 11, 2025: Last Day for Underclassmen; Dismissal at 10AM
 DECA Goes to the Beach
The Distribute Education Club of America (DECA) State Leadership Conference 2025 was recently held in Virginia Beach, and our students let everyone know that South Lakes High School was ready to represent!
Six students, Sophie Gencoglu & Jacob Stein, Morena Arriaga & Aryana Singh, Keelie Benabaye, and Ansh Sehgal, qualified for DECA’s international competition, AND many more were on stage at the first award ceremony last night having placed in either their test or role play.
Kudos to all the marketing teachers! Also, huge thank you to trip organizers Susan Brownsword and Jen Dixon for everything they did to take all these students to the Beach for a weekend of competition and fun!
Congratulations, Colette Panatier
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Our very own Colette Panatier (Class of 2025) won first place for her original children's book at Educators Rising Virginia State Leadership Conference, hosted at Potomac Shores Middle School in Prince William County. Educators Rising Virginia is a career and technical student organization (CTSO) with co-curricular learning opportunities integrated into existing education and training programs. |
 2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging!
Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging, hosted by Fairfax County Public Schools in collaboration with our valued community partners. This free in-person event will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.
Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You can sign up for childcare during the registration process.
 South Lakes HS International Night
International Night is coming up on March 19th from 6:00-8:30pm! Use the QR code in this flyer to sign-up to participate and show off your culture. There will be club booths with food and interactive activities, a fashion show, and performances! You can sign-up as an individual, group, or club/organization. Sign-up now to save your booth!
You can use this link to sign-up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-aP3nYRzq1ydvfZ0CtxlTQCQGCmJK5lvvvJP3B8RKPfPogA/viewform?usp=sf_link
Email Kirtana Vooktur at 1591667@fcpsschools.net with any questions!
It’s Prom Season!
Need A Dress and/or Essentials for Prom?
FCPS Prom Dress Shop Opens With Hundreds of Dresses
The annual Prom Dress Shop opens for the season on Friday, March 7, at Centreville High School. Any area student — not just those from Fairfax County Public Schools — who do not have the funds to purchase a prom dress may choose from hundreds of new dresses donated by Macy’s. Learn more and see shop hours.
Diva Central Shopping Event
Reston Community Center is hosting its annual “Diva Central Shopping Event” on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 from 11:00AM - 3:00 PM. The event will be held at Reston Community Center - Lake Anne, 1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston, VA. Everything is free and all teens are welcome.
Donations for this event (Circa 2020 or newer, in good condition and dry cleaned) are being accepted at Reston Community Center, Lake Anne or Hunters Woods. In addition to formal dresses, donations may include shoes, jewelry, shawls, handbags and accessories.
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Langston Hughes MS Library Book Fair
The Langston Hughes Middle School Library will host a book fair from March 17 - 21 from 7:30am - 3:00pm with extended hours on Wednesday, March 19 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm during the "I See Me in Reston" community event.
There will be a great selection of middle grade and YA books that are perfect for high school readers to enjoy. Please consider coming out to support the library!
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Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair
The 70th Annual Regional Science Fair will take place at Robinson Secondary School the weekend of March 21-23.
The fair is open to the public on Sunday, March 23, 1-3 p.m., during the open house. Community members are invited to see the project displays and congratulate our high school student participants.
Visit the science fair webpage for more information.
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Become Unskippable - Fentanyl Awareness Campaign
Preparing for Tough Conversations With Teens
Discussing tough topics like fentanyl and other drugs can feel challenging — no matter how close you are with your child. Explain to your teen that it’s important to learn about fentanyl so they know what to do if a friend overdoses. Prepare in advance with the tips below:
- Set the stage. Choose a casual environment that’s free from distractions. Talk while driving, taking a walk, or doing chores together.
- Make it a two-way discussion. Ask open-ended questions.
- Stay patient and reserve judgment.
- Check in with your child early and often.
Visit our website for more information on how to Become Unskippable with your teens.
 Developing a Strong Academic Foundation, Curiosity, and Joy for Learning
The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan.
A strong start for every student is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan. Pre-K classrooms are making a difference in our community. Regardless of their abilities, it is important to bring children under the age of five together, which we explore in the video above.
Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date and learn about opportunities to provide feedback.
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FCPS Cares
Do you know of a South Lakes 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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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.
Varsity Tutors
- 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.
Free Webinars and Events for Families
In March, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:
Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.
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 offering
Helpful Links
South Lakes High School Website
Follow The Lakes on Social Media!
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Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@south_lakeshs) and X (@southlakeshs)!!
Follow South Lakes HS on Social Media: Stay connected with South Lakes High School by following us on social media! It's the best way to keep up with our latest news, celebrate student achievements, and keep up with everything going on at The Lakes! Links: Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
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JOIN THE PTSA TODAY!
Our next PTSA meeting will be on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 7:00pm in the College & Career Center.
It's not too late! if you have not done so already, please consider joining the PTSA by filling out the online membership form. For more information about membership visit the South Lakes PTSA website.
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