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A Note From Principal Seward
Hello Seahawk Families and Community,
As we move deeper into the quarter, I want to celebrate the incredible teaching and learning happening across South Lakes High School. Walking our halls this week, I saw classrooms where academic rigor is the norm. Students analyzing complex texts, applying mathematical reasoning to real-world problems, designing labs, and defending their ideas with evidence. Our teachers are setting a high bar, and our students are rising to meet it by thinking critically, collaborating, and taking ownership of their learning. Thank you for reinforcing those habits at home.
Our Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) will meet on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lecture Hall. I encourage every family to be represented. The PTSA is a vital partner in supporting our classrooms, student activities, and community engagement. Your voice helps shape the student experience at South Lakes.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for trusting us with your students each day. Together, we will maintain high expectations, nurture curiosity, and ensure that every Seahawk is known, challenged, and supported.
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 17 - PTSA Meeting, 7:00 PM, Lecture Hall
- September 23 - School Holiday for Rosh Hashanah
- September 25 - Activities Fair (Students Only Event)
- October 2 - School Holiday for Yom Kippur
- October 6-11 - Homecoming Week
- October 8 - PSAT and SAT School Day (2-Hour early release)
- October 10 - Homecoming Parade/Game
- October 11 - Homecoming Dance
- October 13 - Student Holiday for Indigenous People's Day
- October 20 - School Holiday for Diwali
- October 31 - End of 1st Quarter
FCPS School Year Calendar
Table of Contents
Congratulations Ayush Tripathy!
The 2026 National Merit Semifinalists were announced through their high schools on September 10, 2025. More than 16,000 high-scoring students from across the nation were named Semifinalists, representing the highest scorers in each state and comprising less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors.
Announcing these Semifinalists is the first step in the competition for Merit Scholarships, with potential advancement to Finalist status and scholarship awards.
Congratulations to Ayush Tripathy, South Lakes Senior, for being selected as a National Merit Semifinalist!
PSAT/SAT Testing Day, Wednesday, October 8, 2025
South Lakes High School, along with all other FCPS High Schools, are administering the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day on October 8, 2025. On this day school staff will be supporting the administration of these tests for our tenth through twelfth grade students.
Therefore, on Wednesday October 8, 2025, most ninth grade students will have an unscheduled school day and not attend school. On this day ninth grade students are encouraged to complete any missing work or assignments that need to be completed prior to the end of the first quarter.
Please note that ninth grade students with disabilities taught on an adapted curriculum (students receiving low incidence special education services) will continue to receive in-person instruction with a 2-hour early release on October 8.
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Parent Volunteers Needed - Homecoming Dance
South Lakes High School Student Leadership is looking for parent volunteers to chaperone this year's homecoming dance "Summer In Greece", Saturday, October 11, 2025.
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.
Recently, FCPS and South Lakes High School implemented new volunteer protocols in support of our 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.
If you are considering volunteering for the Homecoming Dance or any other events at South Lakes High School and have not yet completed the Volunteer FCPS application, please do so at your earliest convenience.
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
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:
Be one of the first to submit the 2026-27 FAFSA® form!
The U.S. Department of Education is looking for students to help test the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form before it’s released by October 1.
By joining beta testing, students can:
- Submit their 2026–27 FAFSA form early.
- Get a head start on the financial aid process.
- Be part of shaping the future of the FAFSA experience.
Sign up today.
Based on Policy 8130, FCPS will hold two sets of meetings, one in September and another in October. Each set of meetings will be held with a focus on two pyramids per meeting.
At each September meeting, we will provide an overview of where we are in the comprehensive boundary review process, discuss the consultant’s ongoing review of transportation and instructional programming, provide an opportunity for feedback on school start times, and share the ways community feedback is informing the process. We will also share next steps.
September Meetings are scheduled as follows:
- Monday, September 15, 6:30-8 p.m., at Justice High School (Justice and Annandale Pyramids)
- Tuesday, September 16, 7-8:30 p.m., at Centreville High School (Centreville and Robinson Secondary School Pyramids)
- Wednesday, September 17, 6:30-8 p.m., at Oakton High School (Oakton and Langley Pyramids)
- Thursday, September 18, *7-8:30 p.m., at West Potomac School (West Potomac and Mount Vernon Pyramids)
- Friday, September 19, *12:30-2 p.m., at Sully Community Center (Westfield and Chantilly Pyramids)
- Friday, September 19, 6:30-8 p.m., at Madison High School (Madison and McLean Pyramids)
- Wednesday, September 24, 7-8:30 p.m., at South Lakes High School (South Lakes and Herndon Pyramids)
- Thursday, September 25, 6:30-8 p.m., at South County High School (South County and Hayfield Secondary Pyramids)
- Friday, September 26, 6:30-8 p.m., at Woodson High School (Woodson and Fairfax Pyramids)
- Saturday, September 27, 9-10:30 a.m., at Marshall High School (Marshall and Falls Church Pyramids)
- Monday, September 29, 6:30-8 p.m., at Lake Braddock Secondary (Lake Braddock and West Springfield Pyramids)
- Tuesday, September 30, 6:30-8 p.m., at Edison High School (Edison and Lewis Pyramids)
For more information on the Comprehensive Boundary Review, visit Comprehensive School Boundary Review
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 The 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 2: Schools Build Belonging so Students Can Thrive
What does belonging look like in our schools? Fairfax County public schools are creating inclusive, supportive environments where every student feels known, valued, and connected — the second goal of the Strategic Plan. From mentoring to cross-grade collaboration, when students feel safe and supported, they can truly thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally.
See how how Goal 2 is being put into practice.
The 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
Our third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful.
See how Goal 3 is being put into practice.
The 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 4: Equitable Access and Opportunities
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
One of the measures of the fourth goal is to provide all students with consistent availability of and accessibility to electives, extracurricular, co-curricular, and enrichment activities.
See how Goal 4 is being put into practice.
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.
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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.
Free and Reduced Meals - Apply Today!
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.
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.
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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