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A Note From Principal Seward
Hello Seahawk Families and Community,
As we step into the month of October, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of building strong foundations for success. One of the most powerful predictors of achievement is steady and consistent attendance. Each day in class offers opportunities for growth, collaboration, and discovery that simply cannot be replicated. When our Seahawks are present, engaged, and learning together, they put themselves in the very best position to excel academically and personally.
Alongside attendance, October is the perfect time for students to refine their study habits and routines. Whether it is designating a quiet space at home, setting aside consistent times for review, or breaking big assignments into smaller, manageable steps, these habits strengthen discipline and pave the way for confidence and success. I encourage families to partner with us in reinforcing these routines. Trust me, it truly makes a lasting difference.
Of course, the air around South Lakes is also buzzing with excitement as Homecoming Week is just around the corner! The energy, Seahawk pride, and community spirit that fill our halls during this time are unmatched. From the parade and pep rally to the big game vs. Oakton High School, and the dance, Homecoming is always a highlight of our year and a chance to celebrate everything that makes South Lakes so special. Next week is going to be special!
Finally, I want to take a moment to spotlight our dedicated team of assistant principals. Their tireless commitment ensures that our students, staff, and families are supported each and every day. They work behind the scenes and on the front lines to make sure our school is a safe, engaging, and thriving place to learn. Please join me in showing them appreciation for the critical role they play in our success as a community.
Together, with steady attendance, strong study habits, Seahawk pride, and a spirit of gratitude, we will continue to soar to even greater heights.
With Gratitude,
Carlos Seward
We value your feedback. Share your observations, suggestions, questions and celebrations with me here.
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Important Dates
- October 2 - School Holiday for Yom Kippur (SCHOOL CLOSED)
- 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 (SCHOOL CLOSED)
- October 31 - End of 1st Quarter (2-Hour early release)
- October 31 - IB/AP Exam Opt-Out Request Deadline
FCPS School Year Calendar
Table of Contents
The SLHS PTSA Food Pantry will be hosting its 8th Annual FUNdraiser, the “Do It Your Way 0.5K” on October 5th from 2-4pm at Lake Anne Plaza.
I hope you will join me and others in our community for lively music, pre-race warm-ups, yummy cookies (baked by the SLHS Culinary students) to put a little pep in your step, a live raffle, and the most rewarding 650 steps you’ll take all year. Register online now or in-person the day of the event. All proceeds will directly support providing food to over 550 local students and families in the SLHS Pyramid each week.
 Homecoming is just 1 week away and we can’t wait to see everyone’s spirit! See below for all the relevant information for the Homecoming Spirit Week, Parade, and Dance.
Below are a few key points.
Homecoming Tickets
- Ticket Pricing
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Sep. 22-28: $15 on MySchoolBucks
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Sept. 29 - Oct. 3: $15 on MySchoolBucks and at lunch (cash or check)
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Oct. 4 - 10: $20 on MySchoolBucks and at lunch (cash or check)
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Oct. 11: $25 cash only at the door
- Guest Tickets
- If you are bringing a guest from another school, pick-up a guest form from your SubSchool or Room 216. Guest forms MUST BE RETURNED TO YOUR SUBSCHOOL BY Oct. 3rd at 3:00pm – NO EXCEPTIONS!
- Leadership will need parents help to sell tickets during lunches. Sign-up to help sell tickets here!
Homecoming Parade
Homecoming Dance
IMPORTANT VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
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 "application, please do so at your earliest convenience.
Questions? Please reach out to Catherine McDermott at chmcdermott@fcps.edu.
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 (10th) through twelfth (12th) grade students.
Therefore, on Wednesday October 8, 2025, most ninth (9th) grade students will have an unscheduled school day and not attend school. On this day ninth (9th) 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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We’re excited to offer you a more convenient option for receiving your student’s report cards: Go Paperless!
By choosing to go paperless, you'll be able to:
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Access report cards directly in ParentVUE with just a few clicks.
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Reduce wait time in seeing your student’s report card.
Here's how you can OPT-IN:
- Log into ParentVUE, click on "My Account," and select “Go Paperless.”
- All parents/guardians living with the student at the same address must have an active SIS ParentVUE account to opt-in.
- Once selected, the “Go Paperless” option will apply to all associated students, no matter their grade level.
- If you’ve already opted for paperless for your secondary students, it will automatically apply to any younger siblings at the elementary level too!
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As in previous years, the fees for the first six IB and AP tests taken for courses in which students are enrolled for high school credit will be paid by FCPS. Students taking AP tests without enrolling in the corresponding FCPS course are responsible for the test fee(s).
FCPS expects all students to take IB and AP tests for courses in which they are enrolled. However, students will have the opportunity to opt-out of the test(s) during this opt-out window.
If you would like to opt-out of an IB exam, please fill out this form while logged in to your fcpsschools.net account and you will receive an opt out form to sign and return to the school.
If you would like to opt-out of an AP exam, contact Patrick Tubbins at petubbins@fcps.edu.
Students must make opt-out decisions by October 31, 2025.
Parents will be billed a non-refundable test fee in December 2025 through MySchoolBucks for tests that exceed the six FCPS funded tests.
Reference the IB exam dates site for the schedule of IB Exams. IB exam slots are fixed, and students cannot take exams at alternate times.
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EARLY CHECK-OUTS
To request an EARLY CHECK-OUT, 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.
FULL DAY ABSENCES
To report FULL DAY ABSENCES, parents/guardians can choose from the following options:
LATE ARRIVALS
To report LATE ARRIVALS, parents/guardians can choose from the following options:
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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Take the K-12 School Start Times Survey
FCPS is continuing to explore options for adjusting school start times, with the primary goal of starting the middle school day at 8 a.m. or after. In order to minimize any cost for this project, elementary and high school start times would need to shift as well.
Providing feedback opportunities for the community is a critical part of this effort. Since 2024, FCPS’ consultant has hosted five community forums and administered two surveys. That feedback helped in developing two options for adjusting school start times. The options are designed to support student well-being, align with research, and balance transportation logistics.
We invite you to provide input on the two options by taking a short survey. This voluntary survey will close on Tuesday, September 30. Visit the FCPS website for more information on adjusting school start times.
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School Bond Referendum on Ballot Tuesday, November 4
What Is a Bond?
To pay for large-scale construction and renovation work, Fairfax County sells bonds, which allows the county to pay for these projects over time — like a home mortgage. By maintaining its triple-A bond rating, Fairfax County bonds are purchased by institutional investors at very low rates, saving the county considerable amounts of money that might otherwise be paid in interest. The county estimates that the triple-A rating has saved taxpayers at least $1 billion in financing costs.
Video: What Is a Bond? Video
FCPS uses bonds to fund all of its capital improvement projects – the projects that are focused on the infrastructure of schools and facilities. From important renovations to new safety features like security vestibules, this work is paid for by bonds.
FCPS will have a bond referendum on the ballot this election day, Tuesday, November 4. Bonds can make a difference that represents an investment in public education now and in the future.
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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The 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation
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.
Goal 5 focuses on preparing every student for life after graduation with the skills they need to thrive. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.
Participate in an Upcoming Community Boundary Review Meeting
As a reminder, FCPS will hold two sets of community boundary review meetings this fall — one in September and another in October. Each set of meetings will focus on two pyramids per meeting.
All September meetings will include an overview of where FCPS is in the comprehensive boundary review process, an update and opportunity for feedback on school start times, how community input is informing the process, and next steps in the boundary review process.
The September meeting for our pyramid was held on September 24th at South Lakes High School. If you missed this event, the October meeting will be held at Herndon High School, Tuesday, October 14, 6:30 - 8:00 PM.
Child care for in-person participants and language interpretation/translation for all participants will be available as needed.
For more information on the Comprehensive Boundary Review, visit Comprehensive School Boundary Review
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Roadmap to College: What Students Should Do Each Year of High School
Join the FCPS Family Resource Center for this engaging and informative webinar on what high school students should do to stand out on college applications. Attend for a guide for families and clear strategies for college preparation and success. This webinar is for families of upper-middle and high school students. Register to attend online on Friday, October 31, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
College Fair and Postsecondary Night
Prepare for your student’s future at College Fair and Postsecondary Night. The annual FCPS College Fair will be held Sunday, October 19, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena, from 4 to 6 p.m. Approximately 200 colleges and universities will be represented, including two- and four-year schools and U.S. Service Academies.
The virtual postsecondary night event will be held on Tuesday, October 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. Both events will help students prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey. Learn more about the College Fair and postsecondary virtual event.
Financial Aid Resources for Parents and Students
Parents and students in the Class of 2026 are invited to attend a series of workshops designed to help them understand the financial aid and scholarship processes. Join College Access Fairfax at any of the following virtual presentations. Click on a date to join the session:
- Paying for College for Military Families
- FAFSA Line-by-Line
For more information, contact info@collegeaccessfairfax.org.
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.
Career and Transition Services (CTS) Presents the Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair
The Moving on to Life in the Community exhibitor fair will introduce and connect families and students with IEPs to adult service providers and community supports they may need upon exiting the school system. Register to attend the community resource fair at Robinson Secondary School on Thursday, November 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
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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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