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As the saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers," and here at South Lakes HS, we’re embracing this season of growth and renewal! With the final quarter in full swing, it's the perfect time for our students to dig deep, stay focused, and blossom into their full potential. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the stage, or on the field, we’re proud of all the ways our Seahawks continue to shine.
We're off to a fantastic start for the 4th quarter, and it's hard to believe that spring break (April 14 - 18) is just around the corner! This week is our last week before the break, and I think it's safe to say everyone is ready for some relaxation and recharge time.
Last week, I had the distinct honor of attending the JROTC Ball at the Crystal View. Our students did an outstanding job paying tribute to our armed services and showcasing their commitment to the JROTC program. It was truly inspiring.
April is the Month of the Military Child, and we proudly recognize and celebrate all of our students who serve alongside their parents. Their resilience and strength enrich our South Lakes community in countless ways.
Last Friday, April 4th, was National School Librarian Appreciation Day, and I want to give a huge shout-out to Mrs. Frantz and Mrs. Morton for their incredible dedication and support. They have created a warm and welcoming library environment where all students and staff feel valued and supported.
This week is National Assistant Principal Week. Please take a moment to reach out and show your appreciation to your child's assistant principal. Their tireless efforts behind the scenes contribute greatly to our school's success.
Next week, FCPS will observe its annual Spring Break. As such, the main office will be closed. We look forward to welcoming students, families, and community back to campus on Monday, April 21, 2025.
Have a safe and restful break.
With Gratitude,
Carlos Seward
We value your feedback. Share your observations, suggestions, questions and celebrations with me here.
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 Important Dates
- April 14 - 18, 2025: Spring Break; Main Office will be closed
- April 21, 2025: First day back after 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
Superintendent’s Advisory Committee Presentations
South Lakes High School’s representatives on the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee (SAC) recently had the opportunity to give a presentation to Dr. Reid and members of her administration on ideas to address different goals from FCPS’s Strategic Plan. One of the facilitators of the meeting was Ms. Candice Hunstad, Executive Director, Strategy & Planning; and a very proud South Lakes High School alumnae!
Great job to Ertta, Zahra, Sally, and Oliva for representing our school so well!
South Lakes Theatre Presents
ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
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The spring musical, Once Upon a Mattress, will run from May 1st - May 3rd. The show is expected to sell out most shows. Please use the link below to order your tickets today.
https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15621/south-lakes-high-school-theatreperformance_id=91996086&country=US&language=en
Once Upon a Mattress is a hilarious musical twist on The Princess and the Pea. In a medieval kingdom, Queen Aggravain has forbidden marriage until her son, Prince Dauntless, finds a worthy bride—but she ensures no princess passes her impossible tests. Enter Princess Winnifred, a quirky outsider who captures Dauntless' heart and faces the Queen's final absurd challenge. With humor, romance, and lively music, this enchanting tale is a must-see!
The show features over 100 South Lakes students in the cast, crew, and orchestra pit. The show stars Clara Neag, Justin Burnett, Itsuko Scoville, Liam Birch, Sitina Tochterman/Eliana Redford, Isaac Garcia, Hudson Koonce, Jahlil Greene, & Lucy Gould. Victor Winterstein will be conducting the student orchestra pit. Reese Heitmann and Tomas Bocock serve as student technical directors. The artwork is designed by Ronan Angerosa.
For a full list of the company, please visit: https://www.slakestheatre.com/productions/2024-2025
Come support your amazingly talented students!
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SLHS Leadership Book Drive
April is the Month of the Military Child
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.
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.
 To show our support for all our military-connected families, we are inviting our school community to “Purple Up!” on Wednesday, 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.
 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.
Please see the FCPS Military Night page for additional information:
https://www.fcps.edu/events/2025-virtual-military-night
 The Smithsonian's Young Ambassador Program
The Young Ambassadors Program (YAP) is a nationally recognized program for graduating high school seniors that fosters the next generation of community-conscious leaders in the arts, sciences, and humanities via the Smithsonian Institution and its resources. It is a college preparatory and leadership program for high school seniors who will enroll in college.
It encourages participants to explore various academic and career opportunities. The program pays for a weeklong workshop in Washington, D.C., which is followed by a 4-week practicum at a local institution.
The deadline to apply is April 11. Click here for all of the details...Young Ambassador Program for the National Museum of the American Latino
School Start Times Survey
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.
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 FY2025-2026 School Budget
Excellence is at a Crossroads
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.
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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 April, 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 held on Wednesday, April 9, 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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