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A Note From Principal Seward
Greetings, South Lakes Families,
What an absolutely fantastic first day back to school! As the school day winds down, I hope you and your students are feeling as energized and excited as we are here at South Lakes High School!
It was a joy to see so many familiar faces and to welcome our new students into our school community. Seeing the halls buzzing with laughter, the classrooms filled with curiosity, and friends reconnecting after the summer break was a powerful reminder of how special our school is.
Our teachers and staff spent the day creating a welcoming environment where every student felt seen, safe, and ready to learn. Today was about more than just finding the right classroom or meeting the teacher; it was about reconnecting as a community and setting the stage for a year full of growth, curiosity, and discovery.
A few important reminders:
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School Entry: Doors open at 7:40 am. Students may enter through Door 1, Door 2 or Door 4 (“kiss and ride” side).
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Weapons Detection System: Students should remove heavy metal items from their backpacks and hand them to a staff member before walking through. To see how the system works watch this short video.
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Cell Phone Policy: Cell phones are prohibited from bell to bell, except in the cafeteria during lunch. Please take a moment to talk with your student about this policy.
We are so grateful for your partnership and trust. Thank you for sharing your children with us and for being such a vital part of our school community.
With Gratitude,
Carlos Seward
We value your feedback. Share your observations, suggestions, questions and celebrations with me here.
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 Important Dates
- August 28 - Open House (3:15pm-4:00pm)
- August 28 - Block Party (4pm-6pm)
- September 10 - Back to School Night (5:50pm-9pm)
- October 6-11 - Homecoming Week
- October 8 - PSAT and SAT School Day
- October 10 - Homecoming Parade/Game
- October 11 - Homecoming Dance
FCPS School Year Calendar
Table of Contents
 How to Report FULL DAY Absences, LATE ARRIVALS and Request EARLY CHECKOUTS
Better attendance in school means higher student achievement! School attendance not only impacts academic success, but social and emotional success as well. We want to thank you in advance for your partnership in ensuring that our students attend school regularly. To continue this partnership, South Lakes High School is committed to communicating with you regularly around your students’ absences, tardies, and resources around supports.
FULL DAY ABSENCES
Reporting full day absences can be done via ParentVUE, our attendance line (703-715-4545) or by sending an email to SouthLakesHigh.Attendance@fcps.edu.
LATE ARRIVALS and EARLY CHECK OUTS
To report a late arrival or request an early checkout, parents/guardians can choose from the following options:
Parent/guardian signed absence notes, emails, or telephone messages should include the following information:
- spelling of the student’s name
- student’s ID number
- reason for the absence, including symptoms, if applicable
- your relationship to the student
- daytime phone number for the parent/guardian
*NOTE – When requesting EARLY CHECK OUT, we ask that you provide the school a minimum notice of 2-hours. This will help us ensure that the student is ready to checkout based on your requested time, your wait time is minimized, and most importantly, there is minimal disruption to classroom instruction.
**NOTE - Early morning messages take time to process. Your student’s absence will be excused when the information is retrieved. Please only call again if you receive the evening automated call out message.
***NOTE - Students cannot excuse their own absence (including 18-year-old students); the parent/guardian must report an excused absence.
Please click on the SLHS Attendance Website for more information. If you have any questions about attendance, please contact the school via email at SouthLakesHigh.Attendance@fcps.edu.
We want everyone to have a successful school year - learning, spending time with friends, and participating in all the activities that bring them joy whether it is a club, sport, or the fine/performing arts. These rules and processes are in place to make that possible without disruption.
 Complete the Permission Forms Today
Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Opt your child in or out of online educational tools and choose how student information is managed. Visit FCPS’ Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.
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Learning ON Cell Phones OFF
FCPS and South Lakes High School is fully implementing the no cellphone policy this school year. The protocols for violation our outlined in the SY2026 Student Rights & Responsibilities which is associated with Regulation 2601.39P and can be seen in the below chart.
Please take the time to begin the conversations with your student(s). It will help prepare your student for this significant change. Should you need to reach your student during the school day, please call the main office at 703-715-4500.
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Cellphone Policy Violation Consequences
To further accommodate the FCPS and SLHS safety plans, all student parking will be relocated to door 1/flagpole-side of the building. In addition, a portion of the back lot will also be allocated for student parking. Kiss 'n Ride will continue to be on the door 4/stadium-side of the building. Visitor Parking will remain on the door 1/flagpole-side. The number of visitor spots have increased and are located along Seahawk Drive and in the first several spots on the bus loop-side, closest to Langston Hughes Middle School. Please respect and not park in spots that have numbers or have signs stating they are reserved for "School Admin at All Times". Thank you for your continued support of our South Lakes High School community.
This school year, all students will continue to enter through Open Gate screening every morning. This means that only Doors 1, 2, 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, Doors 2 and 4 will close, and all daily arrivals will need to enter through Door 1.
Security Screening Reminders:
Apply Today for Free and Reduced Price Meals!
According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals receive breakfast and lunch at school at no cost.
Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. Access the application and view criteria on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage
Students who were approved for free and reduced-price meals last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Support Your Child’s Success by Checking SIS ParentVUE
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents/caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. Contact the school registrar Christina Khashnobish at 703-715-4500, if you need a code.
Once you have activated a SIS ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same SIS ParentVUE account. You may also access SIS ParentVUE using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
Need help creating an account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
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Catch Up on Your Child's Classwork in Schoology
Teachers use Schoology to post their classroom materials online; to provide a secure forum for students to discuss their ideas and collaborate on projects; and to assign and collect homework electronically. It helps students stay organized, and it keeps the class connected.
A Schoology Parent Account gives you access to:
- Your child’s classes.
- Your child’s upcoming assignments.
- School, class, and group announcements.
Parent accounts will be available after Monday, August 18. To access Schoology, parents will need to have an active SIS/ParentVUE account. Get more information on how to login and use Schoology.
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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. |
Volunteer FCPS
Volunteer FCPS helps community members connect with schools. This new volunteer management system, will allow students, parents/caregivers, and community members to register and search volunteer opportunities within the school division.
All volunteers (new or returning) will register in Volunteer FCPS, complete a volunteer orientation, and be required to sign in using the visitor kiosk. Some volunteers will also be required to undergo a background check. Visit the Volunteer FCPS website for details.
School Bond Referendum on Ballot Tuesday, November 4
A $460 million School Bond Referendum will be on the Tuesday, November 4, general election ballot.
Bond-funded projects provide safe, welcoming, effective, and modern spaces for students to learn and staff to work.
The building and renovation of our schools is not funded through FCPS’ operating budget. Voter-approved bonds that allow payment for projects over time, while seeking to avoid an increase in property tax rates, fund building and renovation. Without bond funding, renovations would likely cease, delaying much needed repairs at many schools. Potential bond-funded projects are identified in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program, which was adopted by the School Board in February.
Voters have a direct role in shaping the future of FCPS schools. Read more about the 2025 Bond Referendum. Learn more about registering to vote.
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.
Family Information Line Available in Nine Languages
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
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Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
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.
Family Academy
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Building a Brighter Future, Together: FCPS Family Academy
The FCPS Family Academy promotes connections and collaborations between families, educators, and the community. Its work is aimed at strengthening partnerships in support of each and every student’s success.
Explore a wide range of resources; tools; and virtual and in-person webinars, workshops, and programs. The FCPS Family Academy helps you become a key part of your child’s education! Learn more about the FCPS Family Academy.
JOIN THE PTSA TODAY!
For more information please visit the South Lakes PTSA website.
Quick links to the South Lakes High School Website:
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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: X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
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