From the Principal's Desk

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

April 4: Cultural Celebration, 7pm, Auditorium, Tickets required

April 7 - 11: Student Appreciation Week 

April 10: Junior Focus Day

April 14 - April 18: Spring Break - No School

April 25: Opening Night, FX Players Presents: Hadestown, Teen Edition, 7pm

May 9: Senior Signing Day

May 17: Prom

May 21: Senior Class NYC Trip


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Cultural Celebration

 

April 4, 2025

Happy Friday Team Fairfax,

Although this week was short, it was filled with vibrant energy and PAWSitive excitement as we offered our students a special preview of our much-anticipated Cultural Celebration. From engaging performances to colorful displays, it was an action-packed showcase of the diversity that makes our community so unique.

If you missed the preview, don’t worry—you still have a chance to catch the final show tonight here at FHS! Join us for an evening of food, festivities, and global representation as we come together to honor cultures from around the world.

When we talk about embracing and promoting diversity and inclusion, this event is truly top-notch. It’s more than a celebration—it's a reflection of who we are as a school family.

We hope to see you there!

 

Stay PAWSome! 🐾

Principal's Signature

 

Included in this issue:

 

Student Spotlight

  • VHSL State Speech Results

Staff Spotlight

  • School Librarian Day, April 4

Community Spotlight

  • Nova Prism Center Opens for LGBTQ+ Community
  • Food for Neighbors Fundraiser

Calendar Reminders

  • Spring Break, April 14-18
  • Purple Up Day, April 9
  • Saturday School Dates
  • AP Mock Exam Schedule

Fairfax Lions Need to Know:

  • Check the Lost & Found! 
  • School Start Times Survey Coming Soon
  • FCPS Budget at a Crossroads
  • Community Conversations with Dr. Reid

Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:

  • Cultural Celebration, April 4
  • Testing Volunteers Needed
  • Virtual FCPS Military Night
  • Golf Tournament Sponsorship
  • District News - In Case You Missed It
  • Quick Links

Fairfax HS PTSA

  • Staff Appreciation Week - Help Needed!
  • Graduation Yard Signs Now Available!
  • Volunteers & Donations Needed for the Modelers Show
  • Join the PTSA!

Student Spotlight

VHSL State Speech Results

VHSL States pic 1

VHSL States pic 2

 

Fairfax HS students did very well this past weekend at our VHSL State Speech tournament. After a long day of driving to and from Salem, VA, we brought home TWO state medalists: Vy Tran placed 3rd in the state, in Original Oratory; Lila Seifert came home a state champion, finishing 1st place in Prose Interpretation! Caden Truvan also participated and had a strong competition overall. Well done, Lions!! 😊


Staff Spotlight

School Librarian Day, April 4

Picture of Librarians

 

School Librarian Day is celebrated on April 4th each year. It's a day to recognize the work of school librarians, who are essential for student success. They help students find resources, provide digital resources, and collaborate with teachers. Here at Fairfax HS, we are very thankful for our amazing Librarians, Lyndsay Friedman and Lynette Constantinides! Thank you for all you do!!! 🍎📚✨

National Library Week, April 6-12

April is School Library Month and it's a great time to celebrate the essential role that school librarians play in the lives of students. School librarians ensure students have access to a wide variety of high-quality books and resources that connect them to the world and build a culture of literacy. Librarians develop lessons that are meaningful to students and help them develop critical thinking, inquiry, and information literacy skills. They support learning across all subject areas by teaching students the skills to be independent problem-solvers and creative thinkers. By creating a safe environment for all students to be engaged and curious learners, FCPS libraries are places where everyone belongs. Take a moment to learn more about FCPS Library Programs and share your appreciation of your school librarian!


Student Appreciation Week

Student Appreciation Week from April 7th-11th

Student Appreciation Week events: Words of Affirmation, Egg Hunt & Bingo, Snack Attack, Petting Zoo, and Mane Lane Games. Colorful sticky notes

Student Appreciation Week, taking place from April 7th-11th, is a fun-filled celebration recognizing students' hard work and contributions. Each day features exciting activities, including Words of Affirmation, an Egg Hunt & Bingo, Snack Attack, a Petting Zoo, and Mane Lane Games. This engaging week fosters a positive school environment, encouraging students to connect, have fun.

  • Monday: Words of Affirmation 

  • Tuesday: Find the Hidden Eggs & BINGO 

  • Wednesday: Snack Attack @ Lunch 

  • Thursday: Petting Zoo 

  • Friday: Mane Lane Games


Community Spotlight

🌈 Nova Prism Center for LGBTQ+ Community

Nova Prism Center pic 2

 

Northern Virginia’s lone nonprofit community center for LGBTQ+ individuals marked the opening on March 29 of a new facility designed to expand opportunities serving the region.

“We are a space for everyone,” NOVA Prism Center Executive Director Leon van der Goetz said. “It’s a space where people can come, hang out [and] access vital services.”

Attending the opening ceremony were three members of the Fairfax County School Board — Dranesville District Representative Robyn Lady, at-large member Kyle McDaniel and Karl Frisch, who chairs the board and represents Providence District.

Picture and text courtesy of Fox News. Read the full story here: ffxnow.com


Food for Neighbors Fundraiser

Food for Neighbors

 

Spring break should be a time for fun, not hunger. But for food-insecure families, school closures mean missing essential meals. You can help by donating to our Spring Into Action fundraiser, giving teens and families the support they need while school is out. Every contribution makes a difference! Please Donate today --> https://foodforneighbors.org/spring-into-action/


🗓️Calendar Reminders


🌷Spring Break, April 14-18

calendar reminder graphic

 

April 14-18 is spring break. Schools and school offices will be closed.

We wish our students and teachers a happy and restful Spring Break! See the complete school year calendar.

 

Spanish: Vacaciones de Primavera

🌷 Del 14 al 18 de Abril son las vacaciones de primavera. Las escuelas y las oficinas escolares estarán cerradas. ¡Les deseamos a nuestros estudiantes y a nuestros maestros unas felices y descansadas vacaciones de primavera! Vea el calendario completo del curso escolar.

 

Korean: 봄방학🌷 4월 14일부터 18일까지는 봄방학입니다. 학교와 학교 사무실은 문을 닫습니다. 학생들과 선생님들이 행복하고 편안한 봄방학을 보내시길 바랍니다! 전체 학년도 일정을 확인하세요.


FCPS Purple Up Day, Wednesday, April 9

Purple Up! Day - Month of the Military Child

 

To show our support for all our military-connected families, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, school employees, and community members to “Purple Up!” on April 9  for military children. Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and Space Force blue. 

Note: FCPS is celebrating PurpleUp Day on April 9, since the national day, April 15, falls during our spring break.  

Military-Connected Family Support

FCPS welcomes all of our new and returning military-connected families throughout the year! Whether your family is moving permanently to the school district or living here for a short time, our schools and support staff welcome you and will be able to assist with your transition into and/or out of our district. Here at Fairfax HS, please reach out to Administrative Assistant, Ginny Cate,  at 703-219-2223, or vmcate@fcps.edu, or our Director of Student Services, Ashley Anderson, abanderson@fcps.edu, for questions and support. 

Visit the FCPS Military Families webpage and sign up to receive the Military Families newsletter. Follow FCPS Military Families accounts on Facebook and Instagram for support and resources throughout the year. If you have any questions, please email the FCPS Family and School Partnerships team.


Saturday School This Weekend! 

Come to Saturday School for SOL and finals support! Teachers are available to support as we wrap up the last quarter!

Upcoming Dates: March 29; April 5, 26.

Please Note:
NO Saturday School on April 12 or 19 due to spring break. Keep an eye on this space for updates.

Saturday School

AP Mock Exam Schedule

Some AP teachers choose to give a Mock or Practice AP Exam as part of their review/prep process.  Please see the FULL *updated* schedule for those teachers who will be doing so: 

Final 2025 AP Mock Exam Schedule - FHS.pdf

AP Exam season is upon us!  

While AP teachers build review time and prep practice into class periods, some AP teachers choose to hold *optional* after-school review sessions for their AP exam. See the attached flyers for some upcoming AP review sessions. Encourage your child to attend if they are taking these classes.

More will be shared as they become available!

**NEW** AP Chemistry Review Session and Optional Mock Event!!

Flyer for upcoming AP Statistics Review Sessions

Flyer for upcoming AP Lang Review Session

Flyer for upcoming AP Government Review Sessions


Fairfax Lions Need to Know:


Students, Check the Lost & Found!

lost and found

Our Lost & Found area is overflowing! Items will be placed in the Commons area next week for students to check if anything is theirs. Items not picked up by Friday will be donated. 


⏰Share Your Thoughts on School Start Times

FCPS would like to hear from all families on the possibility of adjusting school start times across the division. Please check your email for a survey link from Fairfax County Public Schools. It was also sent to staff as well as to students in grades 5-12. The confidential survey will be open through Saturday, April 12.

Spanish: ⏰Díganos qué Opina sobre el Horario de Inicio de Clases

En FCPS nos gustaría saber qué opinan las familias acerca de la posibilidad de ajustar el horario de inicio de las escuelas en toda la división educativa. Por favor revise su buzón email, hoy temprano le hemos enviado el enlace a una encuesta. La misma también fue enviada a todo el personal escolar y a los estudiantes cursantes del 5to al 12vo grados. Esta encuesta es confidencial y podrá contestarse hasta el sábado 12 de abril. 


Excellence is at a Crossroads

Budget Banner

 

Fairfax County residents believe in the value of a strong public school system. Residents live here because of the excellence of Fairfax County Public Schools, even our community members with grown children. Excellence in FCPS comes from its people — dedicated teachers and support staff who make sure that our students are ready to learn. Today, that excellence is at a crossroads.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will finalize the budget on Tuesday, May 6, and the current advertised budget underfunds FCPS by $150 million. 

Now is the time. Do we want continued excellence, or are we ready to consider cuts to important programs that we have come to expect from FCPS? 

Do you believe in the power and promise of public education? Go to fcps.edu/crossroads


🎤 Community Conversations with Dr. Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS. All events are 6:30-7:30pm. Click on a date to register. Registration is not required but is encouraged for planning purposes.

Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid

Spanish:🎤 Reserve el Día: Conversaciones con la Comunidad de la Superintendente Dra. Michelle Reid

¡Su opinión es importante y la Superintendente Reid quiere escucharle! Comparta sus ideas y haga preguntas sobre FCPS el [Insert date and location] entre las 6:30 y las 7:30 pm. Haga clic en la fecha para registrarse. La inscripción no es requerida pero se recomienda para ayudarnos a planificar.

Servicios de cuidado de niño y de interpretación en otros idiomas estarán disponibles. Estos eventos son para todo el público en general. Encuentre otras oportunidades para conectarse con la Dra. Reid


Fairfax Lions Nice to Know: 


Cultural Celebration

Cultural Celebration

 

Please join us for the Cultural Celebration!

Friday, April 4, 2025, FHS Auditorium

Adults $8; Students $5; FCPS Employees, Free

6pm: Club Tables & Refreshments

7pm: Show

Pre-Order TICKETS online!

or $10 at the door!

Bring the whole family for a night filled with celebration and unforgettable memories! See you there! 

Cultural Celebration QR Code

📝Testing Volunteers Needed!

Fairfax High School is in need of parent volunteers for proctoring duties during the AP exams being administered this year. We have many opportunities available to help give our students a great exam session. Email Leslie or sign up with the time you can work if it's not the whole session.

Please note: You cannot proctor an AP exam that your student is scheduled to take and you cannot be in the same room with any family member.

Sign up here: AP Testing Proctor Signup

Questions, contact Leslie Trieu, latrieu@fcps.edu.


VIRTUAL FCPS Military Night

Virtual Military Night

 

FCPS students and their families are invited to our Virtual FCPS Military night. Join us to learn about various military pathways for high school graduates. 

All presentations will be virtual:

  • 6:00-6:45pm - Panel Discussion
    • Discover how military service can fund your education and shape your career. Hear firsthand stories from military professionals. Registration is not required. Click on the link below to access the panel presentation (access will begin at 5:45pm). 
  • 7:00-8:00pm Information Breakout Sessions
    • After the panel, FCPS students and families will have the opportunity to hear from our panel members and other military experts in small group breakout sessions. 

Links will be posted on this page before the meeting:
https://www.fcps.edu/events/2025-virtual-military-night

Questions? Email Maureen Kim at mkim13@fcps.edu


Golf Tournament Sponsorship

Golf Sponsorship

 

NEW THIS WEEK! TWO WAYS TO SECURE A LIONS LEGENDS SIGN FOR YOUR ATHLETE!

  • Invite Family Members: Send a personalized text message to grandparents or other family members, offering them the opportunity to sponsor a sign in honor of your athlete. Scan QR to request or visit: https://forms.gle/fAsFfxsgysxbawkV8
  • Purchase Directly: Order a sign to showcase your athlete's accomplishments for a $50 donation at: Lions Legends Website 

Your Athlete's photo(s) and team involvement will be displayed on a 12 x 18 sign at the NOW SOLD OUT 12th Annual Fairfax HIgh Athletic Boosters Fundraiser Golf Tournament  - AND you have the option to keep the sign after the event. 

Thank you for your support!!


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:

  • FCPS Budget
  • School Start Times Survey
  • Month of the Military 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


stay in touch

throughout the year:


Fairfax HS PTSA


Staff Appreciation Week, April 21-25

Please help the PTSA celebrate FHS Teachers and Staff the week of April 21-25, 2025! The Luncheon and Basket Raffle will be held Wednesday, April 23, with small raffle drawings all week. We want to ensure that our teachers and staff know how much they are appreciated!

Lunch will be catered by Moby Dick House of Kabob again this year. If you would like to help offset the expense, please donate here: Givebacks. If you would like to donate beverages, please drop them in the front office no later than Tuesday, April 22, clearly labeled "Staff Appreciation Lunch." Fairfax PTSA: Staff Appreciation Lunch and Raffle

Gift Baskets are needed for the big raffle during lunch on Wednesday! Individuals and local businesses can contribute creative and exciting baskets or generous gift cards; please refrain from donating any items prohibited on school grounds as outlined in the SR&R, such as alcohol, CDB, or weapons. Fairfax PTSA: Staff Appreciation Lunch and Raffle

We welcome adult volunteers to help set up/serve/clean up lunch or support the basket raffle at Wednesday's lunch! Fairfax PTSA: Staff Appreciation Lunch and Raffle

Small gift cards are also requested for the daily raffles- our goal is to have something for each teacher! You may have some $5,10, or $15 cards tucked away that you won't use- our teachers will be delighted to win them! Fairfax PTSA: Staff Appreciation Lunch and Raffle

Donated baskets and gift cards should be dropped off in the front office no later than Tuesday, April 22. If you need to make other arrangements to deliver gift cards, baskets, and/or drinks, please contact Sandy Murray at saguidice@hotmail.com.

Your support at this event and throughout the year is very much appreciated- we could not celebrate our staff without the support of such a generous FHS community! Thank you!


Graduation Yard Signs Now Available!

Graduation Yard Sign

 

Celebrate your senior by purchasing custom
FHS Class of 2025 Graduation Yard Signs! 

Recognize your graduate and inform the community of their accomplishment by placing a grad sign in your yard or on Lion Run, or BOTH!  Each sign is 18” x 24” and individually customized with the graduate’s name for only $25.

Individual Graduation Yard Signs, 2 sign packages and home delivery are available now on PTSA’s MemberHub online store. All profits from this fundraiser will help keep the ANG ticket price low so all of our graduates can celebrate safely on graduation night.

Graduation yard signs will be available for pickup or delivery mid-May. The All Night Grad Committee will place the remaining signs outside, along Lion Run, on Graduation Day!


Volunteers and Donations Needed!

Food donations needed to support the Plastic Modelers event at FHS on April 12th!

All Night Grad is running concessions at this fun show and we need help with set up Friday after school, and sell snacks all day Saturday- it’s the first Saturday of spring break. If you are in town and available please sign up to volunteer! Students can earn service hours and adults will earn the satisfaction of supporting the Class of 2025 and keeping our grads safe the night of graduation! VOLUNTEER Signup

If you’re away, please consider donating food or drinks to sell at the concessions stand! We earn 100% profit on all donated items so every cent benefits FHS Class of 2025! For example, a 35-pack of Diet Coke costs about $18 at BJs, but generates $70 in sales at the concession stand!

Donated items can be dropped off in the FHS main office anytime the week of April 7-11th, but no later than 3 PM on Friday (April 11). Please clearly label all items ANG Plastic Modelers! DONATIONS Signup  

Thank you for your support!


It's Never Too Late to JOIN PTSA

Membership blurb 1
PTSA Membership QR Code

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!  

Membership blurb 2

FCPS Cares

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.