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A Note From Principal Seward
Dear Seahawk Families,
I want to take a moment to thank our students, staff, and families for an excellent start to the year. The energy in our classrooms, hallways, and school events has been positive and focused. This is evidence of a strong beginning that sets the tone for what is ahead.
As we move into our first full month of school in September, we remain committed to building a strong learning environment that supports each and every student academically, socially, and emotionally. Our focus continues to be on ensuring high-quality instructional delivery and alignment of assessments so that all students can thrive. Whether through academic learning, co-curricular programs, or extracurricular activities, we are creating opportunities for students to grow and succeed.
One area where we need the collective support of our entire community is student attendance. Our goal is to reduce chronic absenteeism to 12% or lower. Currently, we are already above that threshold, and this is a challenge we must face together. Every day matters. Every class counts. When students are in school on time and ready to learn, they are giving themselves the best chance to succeed; and we are better able to serve them.
We have made a strong start to the school year, but our journey is far from over. Together, we have “miles to go before [we] sleep,” as poet Robert Frost once wrote. This is a reminder that our work continues with dedication, focus, and heart.
Together, let us go forth and do great things!
With Gratitude,
Carlos Seward
We value your feedback. Share your observations, suggestions, questions and celebrations with me here.
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Important Dates
- September 2-5 - Underclassman Picture Days
- September 9 - School Holiday for Voting Day
- September 10 - Back to School Night (6:30pm-8:30pm)
- September 23 - School Holiday
- October 2 - School Holiday for Yom Kippur
- October 6-11 - Homecoming Week
- October 8 - PSAT and SAT School Day
- October 10 - Homecoming Parade/Game
- October 11 - Homecoming Dance
- October 13 - Student Holiday
- October 20 - School Holiday for Diwali
- October 31 - End of 1st Quarter
FCPS School Year Calendar
Table of Contents
Welcome to our Interim Assistant Principal, Sara James
Sara has a proven track record of fostering warm, empowering, and inclusive learning environments for both students and staff. She brings over 20 years of diverse experience in education, most recently serving as a Civics & Economics teacher at Hayfield Secondary School. In that role, she was a Collaborative Learning Team (CLT) Lead, the Faculty & Staff Advisory Council Lead Facilitator, and a co-founder of the Positive Pressure Initiative (PPI). She also supported the Equity and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) teams and served as a mentor teacher.
Prior to her current role, Sara was a teacher and teacher leader at Whitman Middle School, where she taught World History and Geography, served as an Equity co-Lead, and supported the Young Scholars Advisory Team and National Junior Honor Society Faculty Council. Sara's experience also includes curriculum development for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) where she contributed to the Cultural Responsiveness Review of Social Studies K-12 Summer Curriculum Development, the C3 History Inquiry Design Model (IDM) Project Team, and the Social Studies Professional Development Committee.
Sara also brings a wealth of knowledge from her experiences in various educational settings. She has taught in District of Columbia Public Schools, Halifax County Public Schools, Brunswick County Public Schools, and Alexandria City Public Schools. She also worked with Phillips Programs of Fairfax, where she created a therapeutic learning environment for students with various disabilities. Additionally, as a former Director for Knowledge Learning Corporation,
Sara holds an Administration and Supervision Certification PreK-12 from the University of Virginia. She also holds a Master of Arts in Education from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science in Psychology from Capella University. Sara received her Bachelor of Science in History & Social Sciences from Saint Paul’s College.
We welcome Sara to South Lakes High School and to the Reston Community.
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Underclassman Picture Day - September 2-5
At South Lakes High School, the safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority. In order to maintain a safe and welcoming environment, all students will soon be expected to carry their school-issued Student ID with them during the school day.
This coming week, September 2 – 5, 2025 is Underclassmen Picture Week. Details are below regarding the schedule, make-up days and directions for ordering pictures. Students will receive their IDs when they take their school picture. Once distributed, students will be expected to carry their ID with them at all times while on campus.
This expectation is part of our broader commitment to ensuring that everyone in our building is a current Seahawk and that we are doing everything we can to keep our school secure. Just as our staff members wear visible ID badges, we ask our students to do their part in helping us uphold this standard.
We believe that a safe school is a shared responsibility. Thank you for your support in keeping South Lakes a safe, respectful, and connected place for all.
Underclassman Picture Day Schedule (September 2nd – 5th) Schedule:
Pictures will be taken during English classes on Tuesday, September 2nd and Wednesday, September 3rd. If your student misses those days, they are welcome to make up pictures during their lunch period on Thursday, September 4th or Friday, September 5th in the auditorium. If your student does not take an English class, they are encouraged to stop by the auditorium for their picture on Thursday, September 4th or Friday, September 5th.
Please see the information below regarding ordering your 2025-26 pictures!
🛒 Pre-order Online: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001268889
📸 Images Available: Approximately two-three weeks after picture day
📧 Questions about Ordering? Email us at underclass@vosphoto.com
Senior Portraits
If you have a student who is graduating this school year, the student will need to schedule their senior portrait. The next session for senior portraits will be October 27th - October 29th. Sign-ups will be posted on the Senior Class Schoology page in mid-September.
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No-Cost Meals Available for Students on September 9
As a reminder, all FCPS schools will be closed for students and school staff on September 9 due to a special election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. FCPS will provide student meals at a select number of schools at no cost. Please keep in mind that:
- Lunch and a snack will be served together from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Meals must be eaten on site at participating schools.
- Enrichment activities will be available for children. Participation is encouraged but not required.
- Only children 18 and under may receive meals.
- Each child may receive one lunch and one snack.
View a list of school sites that will be providing meals for children on September 9. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800.
Upcoming Changes to FCPS High School Transcripts
To provide a more comprehensive and accurate record of a student's educational journey, FCPS students’ transcripts will now specify the location where certain courses are taken. This change, which the School Board approved in December 2024, will affect courses taken at the following FCPS locations:
- FCPS High School Academies
- FCPS Interagency Alternative Schools
- FCPS Online Campus
- Classes taken concurrently at other FCPS schools
Starting Friday, September 26, students’ transcripts will list these courses under a separate heading for the corresponding program. Transcripts and report cards printed before this date will still show all courses listed under the student's base school.
This update will provide a clearer picture of the diverse academic opportunities our students are pursuing across the district.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Student Services office.
Ensuring Student Safety: Register for Volunteer FCPS
At South Lakes High School, our volunteers are a vital part of our school community. We deeply value the time and care they give to our students.
Recent updates to our volunteer process focus on one primary goal: keeping students safe.
These updates — such as checks against the sex offender registry and, in some cases, criminal background checks — are safety measures that will help us maintain a secure and supportive learning environment for every student in our care.
We encourage all our parents and community members interested in supporting our students by volunteering at school to visit Volunteer FCPS. Create a profile, view an orientation video, and complete the volunteer application.
Volunteer FCPS ensures a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must be registered in Volunteer FCPS. This includes individuals who volunteer to chaperone on field trips, work at book fairs, and help out regularly in classrooms, libraries, or cafeterias. Volunteers who work unsupervised with students will also be required to undergo a background check.
We understand these changes may seem disruptive, especially for long-time volunteers. Our intent is to ensure that our students feel safe and supported with each and every person they encounter at school.
As a reminder, all volunteers — and visitors to a school — are required to sign in by scanning their ID at our visitor kiosk. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.
 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.
Social and Emotional Learning Screener
The Fall Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3 through 12 in October.
Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit FCPS’ Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.
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.
Report FULL DAY Absences & LATE ARRIVALS/Request EARLY CHECKOUTS
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:
*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.
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.
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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
New Parking Protocols
 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 do 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.
Weapons Detection System
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:
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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. |
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Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations
Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!
Starting Tuesday, November 18, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. Visit the How To Submit Immunization Documents webpage for step-by-step guidance on how to check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information
Please check with your health care provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2025-26 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!
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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
Family Academy
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Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families
We know that as a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in your child’s education. The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by the school division to help you support your child’s needs and learning at home.
The Family Academy also includes information about resources to help ensure your child has what they need to succeed. Check out some of the upcoming Family Academy sessions:
- Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (available in English and Spanish)
- Loving Solutions
- Military-Connected Youth Family Advisory Council
- Parent Project
- Family Resource Center Webinars on topics including: How to Prepare for School; Building Collaborative Relationships Between Caregivers and Educators; Worried Parents, Anxious Kids; and What Families Need to Know About Drugs for Their Students with Disabilities.
Visit the Family Academy catalog for more information on these sessions and to register to attend.
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.
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.
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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