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Upcoming Events
August 28: UNITE & EXCITE before the first Home Game in the Field House Parking Lot! 4:30-6:30pm. Stadium opens at 6pm, game starts at 7pm.
August 29 & September 1: No School - Labor Day Weekend
September 4: Back to School Night, 6:30-8pm; 12th grade meeting in person, 5:30-6:30pm; FLE and SpEd meetings at 5:30pm also
September 9: NEW SCHOOL HOLIDAY due to Virginia Special Election - No School
September 22: Cultural Observance Day: Rosh Hashanah (begins at sundown)
September 23: No School - Rosh Hashanah
October 8: SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT
October 17: Homecoming Game
October 18: Homecoming Dance
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🌄 Senior Sunrise!
August 22, 2025
A PAWSome Start to Our Year
What a fantastic first week back at Fairfax High School! The start of the new school year has been nothing short of PAWSome, and the energy in our hallways and classrooms has been incredible.
Our students have shown immense excitement as they've explored their new courses and began building great relationships with their peers, teachers, and staff. Adaptability was key for our Lions this week as they smoothly transitioned back into our Open Gate security system, adjusted to the new cell phone policy, and navigated their lockers. We are so proud of their commitment to our safe and supportive school culture.
It was wonderful to see so many fun and engaging activities happening across the school. Students participated in school scavenger hunts, created memes to represent themselves, built towers of power, and even shared their own theme songs. These activities are a testament to the vibrant and creative spirit of our student body. Fairfax fun poll results shared that pepperoni is the best pizza topping and all of our LIONS love waffles.
We look forward to heading into Week 2, where learning will ROAR and content knowledge will be at the core. Please mark your calendars for Back to School Night on September 4. We can't wait for the opportunity to connect with each of you!
In partnership always,
Included in this issue:
Calendar Reminders
- Labor Day Weekend
- Back to School Night and Senior Meeting, Sept. 4
- No School September 9
- Save the Date! Graduation is JUNE 3, 2026 @ 8:30am
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- FCPS Laptops
- Cell Phone Policy Update
- Digital Consent Form
- Fairfax HS Back to School Info
- Student Services Announcements
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- City of Fairfax Schools Superintendent Search
- Family Information Line Available in Nine Languages
- Schoology Parent Accounts
- Girls Flag Football
- Lunch Line Help
- Transportation Patience and Safety
- Varsity Tutors
- Quick Links
🗓️Calendar Reminders
Calendar Reminder: Labor Day Weekend
Friday, August 29, and Monday, September 1, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.
🏫Back to School Night and Senior Class Meeting set for Thursday, September 4
Back to School Night is Thursday, September 4, from 6:30 - 8:30pm.
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5:30PM - Special Sessions
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SENIOR Class Meeting in the Auditorium
- Special Education
- FLE - Room A101; directions will be posted inside Door 1.
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6:30-8:30PM
- Visit Classrooms and Meet Teachers
✅Special Election - No School September 9
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has set Tuesday, September 9, as the date for a special election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. Because more than half of our schools serve as polling locations, the Fairfax County Office of Elections asked us to consider closing for the day. Therefore, all FCPS schools will be closed on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s message about this change to the 2025-26 school year calendar.
🎓Save the Date! Graduation is JUNE 3, 2026
FCPS Laptops
Parents,
At FHS, every student gets their own laptop! We've got them pre-loaded with everything they need for class and special software to help them focus. Plus, our tech team is ready to fix or replace them if anything goes wrong. Parents can even get a report of the sites their student is visiting. It's all about making learning easy and fun! https://itweb.fcps.edu/itsupport/lightspeed/.
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GRADING:
Beginning September 2, SIS Grade Book will be for students and parents.
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📱Cell Phone Policy Update - Important!
As we get ready for the first day of school on Monday, August 18, we are sharing an important update about the FCPS’ cell phone policy.
Starting this school year, cell phones and personal devices (air pods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell) with the exception of lunch time in designated lunch spaces. Cell phones and personal devices can no longer be used during passing periods, which is a change from FCPS’ previous cell phone policy. In addition, cell phones are no longer permitted to be used as an instructional tool (across all grades).
Phones and other personal devices can be stored in a locker or backpack during the day. This policy helps strengthen engagement, learning, and positive social behavior in the classroom. If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our front office at 703-219-2200.
You can support your student by talking with them about the cell phone policy and reminding them that cell phones and personal devices may only be used during lunch time in designated lunch spaces. Thank you for working with us to set expectations for your student.
Students who require access to personally owned devices as an accommodation, as documented in their 504 plan or individualized education program (IEP), will continue to have access. If parents/guardians, multi-disciplinary team members, or other persons with knowledge of a student, believe a student requires access to personally owned devices as an accommodation, they shall make the requests for such accommodations through their respective multi-disciplinary team (i.e., 504 Committee, IEP Team, English Language Committee, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support [MTSS] Team). More information can be found in the SY 25-26 Student Rights & Responsibilities Family Guide, specifically on page 24.
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Cell Phone Violation
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Sanction
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Intervention
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SIS Entry
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1st Offense
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The item is confiscated and given to the front office.
The phone/item is relinquished to the student at the end of school day.
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Students will be warned and reminded of expectations.
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Cell phone violation is entered in SIS as the first violation of the FCPS policy.
Parent will be notified
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2nd Offense
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The item is confiscated and given to the front office.
The phone/item is relinquished to the student at the end of school day.
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Administrator/Student Conference OR
Administrator/Parent Conference
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Cell phone violation is entered in SIS as the second violation of the FCPS policy.
Parent will be notified
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3rd Offense
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The item is confiscated and given to the front office.
The phone/item is relinquished to the student at the end of school day.
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Administrator/Student Conference OR
Administrator/Parent Conference
Restorative Justice
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Cell phone violation is entered in SIS as the third violation of the FCPS policy.
Parent will be notified
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4th Offense
& subsequent
Violations
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Loss of Privilege for 20 consecutive school days.
For each of 20 days, the student will report to the front office at the beginning of each day to turn over their phone until the end of the day.
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Administrator/Student Conference OR
Administrator/Parent Conference OR
Referral to MTSS for goal setting and progress monitoring.
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Cell phone violation is entered in SIS as the fourth violation of the FCPS policy.
Parent will be notified
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📝Important Permissions Needed
Complete 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.
📚FAIRFAX HS Back to School Info is HERE 🦁
To help you get informed and ready to ROAR into the new school year, please find all key FAIRFAX HS back-to-school information linked here. We've compiled everything you need, from schedules and important dates to required forms and schoolwide policies. Welcome to another great school year! 👏
Student Services Announcements
Counselor Update
As a reminder, any students that are assigned to Ms. Jeanna Squif (M-PAN, Grades 10-12) should reach out to Ms. Anderson, abanderson@fcps.edu, or see another counselor. Ms. Squif is out on leave at this time.
Schedule Change Information
If you are requesting a schedule change, please note:
- August 1 – 18: Schedule changes if there is a school error, see counselor, or a summer school adjustment needed. No elective changes will be made.
- August 19 – 29: No schedule changes during this time.
- September 1 – 26: Schedule change requests for math, science, social studies, or English levels require completion of the Schedule Change Request Packet. This packet must be approved by the parent, teacher, school counselor, and subject administrator. Even with approval, changes will only be made if space is available. No elective changes will be considered.
If your request does not meet the criteria above, we will not be able to make a change to your schedule.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
City of Fairfax Schools Superintendent Search
Join us Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 6:30 PM in the Fairfax HS Library for a community engagement session on the Superintendent Search.
☎️ Family Information Line Available in Nine Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
Spanish: ☎️ Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Nueve IdiomasPadres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.
Korean:☎️ 학부모 정보 전화는 8가지 언어로 제공됩니다.암하라어, 아랍어, 중국어, 페르시아어, 한국어, 스페인어, 우르두어, 베트남어를 할 줄 아는 보호자는 전화 안내 라인에 전화하여 FCPS에 대한 일반적인 정보를 얻을 수 있습니다. 또한 자녀의 학교와의 의사소통에 대한 지원도 받을 수 있습니다. 전화번호 목록 보기.
💻 Schoology Parent Accounts
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.
🏈 Touchdown! Girls Flag Football Takes the Field This Fall
Starting this fall, we’re piloting Girls Flag Football along with every high school in FCPS, thanks to a partnership with the Washington Commanders. With college scholarships already available and Olympic inclusion coming in 2028, there’s never been a better time to join. Interested students should stop by the Activities Office to find out more. Watch this hype video to learn more about this empowering team sport. Read more about flag football in FCPS.
🍎Help Your Child Navigate the Lunch Line
Help your child get through the lunch line quickly and have more time to eat:
- Teach your child their student ID number to receive meals at school.
- Sign up for and add money to MySchoolBucks to purchase meals at school.
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Apply for free and reduced-price meals. 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 submit a new application as soon as possible, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
If your child has any food allergies, learn how to submit accommodations for dietary restrictions and allergens.
Access menus for breakfast, lunch, and other school meals, as well as allergen and nutrition information.
🚌 Transportation Patience and Safety
Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses.
If your student’s bus is delayed, you may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Please contact the Transportation Office at [phone number] with any additional questions. For concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact the FCPS Office of Safety and Security at 571-423-2000.
Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE to make sure you receive email messages about bus delays.
📑 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.
Quick Links
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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. |
throughout the year:
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