As we approach the end of another remarkable school year, I find myself filled with immense joy and profound appreciation. From the moment I stepped onto the vibrant campus of South Lakes, I have been enveloped by the warmth and welcoming spirit of the Reston community. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to ask questions, to learn from each of you, and to lead our exceptional school. 

This year has been a period of significant growth and exciting forward momentum. I am thrilled to share that we are in the midst of finalizing our School Improvement and Innovation Plan (SIIP). This comprehensive plan is meticulously designed to help shape the future of how we approach the vital business of teaching and learning for every single student at South Lakes High School. It reflects our collective vision for an even more dynamic and effective educational environment.

Simultaneously, we are placing a strong emphasis on enhancing the quality of the student experience through our work in the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). This initiative is geared towards providing every student with the level of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support they need to thrive.

I am incredibly proud to serve as your principal. The spirit of unity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence that permeates South Lakes is truly inspiring.

As we look ahead, I echo the words of the great Frank Sinatra: "The best is yet to come!"

With Gratitude,

Carlos Seward

We value your feedback. Share your observations, suggestions, questions and celebrations with me here.

Main Office Summer Hours

South Lakes High School Main Office is now working their summer hours:

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

These hours are in affect Monday - Friday through August 5, 2025.

If you are in need of assistance outside of these hours, please email the administrator associated with your child's last name:

A - FIG:  Dr. Marvin Rodriguez

FIH - MAG:  Ms. Valerie Winter

MAH - RIU:  Ms. Michelle Beard

RIV - Z:  Dr. Marvin Rodriguez

Next school year, all students will continue to enter through Open Gate screening every morning. This means that only Doors 1 and 4 will be open for student entry. To ensure a timely start to the school day, please plan your morning arrival routine to accommodate this change. After 8:10 AM, Door 4 will close, and all daily arrivals will need to enter through Door 1.

Revised Cell Phone Policy

FCPS is also implementing a significant change to our cell phone usage policy. Students will now only be able to access their phones during their designated lunch periods each day. This means that pulling out phones in the hallways or during class transitions will no longer be permissible. We encourage you to begin discussing this change with your students over the summer to help them prepare for this adjustment.

Visit the Cell Phone Policy page on FCPS to read the policy changes for students in grades 9 - 12.

Summer Resources Help Students Stay Curious, Healthy, and Busy

FCPS’ Summer Learning webpage offers ideas and strategies for families to keep students curious until August. Summer is the perfect time to help your student explore new interests, reinforce concepts, and stay engaged! 

Be sure to check back over the summer, as more resources may be added.

Summer Meals for Students

FCPS’ Summer Meal Service Program provides breakfast and lunch free of charge to all children aged 18 and younger. Check FCPS’ Food and Nutrition Services webpage and the USDA Meals Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder in mid-June for specific dates, times, and locations. 

Please note that no meals will be served on the June 19 and July 4 holidays. If you have any questions regarding the Summer 2025 meal service, please email SummerMeals@fcps.edu or call 703-813-4800.

Free Virtual Mental Health Consultations for Parents and Secondary Students

This summer, the FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer free virtual Mental Wellness Consultations from June 23 through August 1. Any FCPS parent, or middle or high school student, will have an opportunity to schedule a 45-minute consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker by phone or videoconference. Learn more in the latest Healthy Minds blog or visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other options. 

Contact CSB Entry and Referral by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

SY2026 Required Immunizations for Rising Seniors (12th Grade)

All students entering 12th grade are to receive one dose of Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school.

To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 16 or older. 

Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and health care providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time. Additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and the Fairfax County Health Department. 

Online Driving Permit Test Prep

Online Driving Permit Test Prep Offered by ACE  Nearly 35,000 students have been educated by FCPS ACE’s Driver Education program in the last decade, preparing them to be safe, responsible drivers. 

In Virginia alone, 17% of all accidents are caused by distracted driving, amounting to over 21,000 accidents that could have been avoided. The Virginia DMV reports that driver education plays a significant role in safer driving by young drivers, with some studies showing that it can reduce accident rates by up to 20%. 

ACE now offers one of the only online permit test prep courses authorized by the state of Virginia. Learn more about driver education and FCPS ACE Driver Education courses.