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Centreville Students, Families, and Community,
As we welcome October, the changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and shorter days remind us that we are well into the school year. With the end of the first quarter just a few weeks away, it's a critical time for students to focus on managing their time and workload effectively. We encourage all students to take advantage of after-school help sessions on late bus days and to use their class time wisely to complete assignments and seek support when needed.
This Wednesday, we will administer the PSAT to all 10th and 11th grade students and the SAT to registered seniors. Our 9th grade students will participate in asynchronous learning from home. Please note that we will operate on an early release schedule that day. We encourage all students taking the tests to get a good night’s sleep and come prepared to do their best.
Looking ahead, we invite all families to attend our next PTSA meeting on Tuesday, October 14. This meeting will feature a special student panel discussion titled “Thriving at CVHS.” A group of current students will share their personal experiences, strategies, and tips on successfully navigating academic and extracurricular life at CVHS. More details can be found below.
Thank you and Go Wildcats!
Dr. Erik Healey, Principal
October 8 - PSAT Day (Grades 10-11), SAT Day (Grade 12)
October 8 - Orchestra Fall Concert, Centreville Auditorium, 7:00-9:00PM
October 9 - CVHS College Fair, Main Gym, 9:30-10:45AM
October 10 - Choir Mic Night, Centreville Auditorium, 7:00-9:00PM
October 13 - Student Holiday (Indigenous Peoples’ Day)
October 14 - PTSA Meeting, Thriving at CVHS Student Panel, Centreville High Library, 7:00PM
October 17 - World Language Credit Exam Registration Deadline
October 19 - FCPS College Fair, George Mason University EagleBank Arena, 4:00-6:00PM
October 20 - Student Holiday (Diwali)
October 22 - Orchestra Trunks, Tricks, & Treats, 6:00-8:30PM
October 25 - Food for Neighbors Red Bag Event
October 8 - PSAT/SAT School Day: On October 8, our 10th and 11th grade students will take the PSAT. Additionally, we will be administering the SAT for any 12th grade students who signed up for this optional test date. Our 9th grade students and any seniors who did not register should not attend school on this day. We will operate on an early release schedule, so all students will be dismissed at 12:55PM, unless they qualify for extended time on these tests.
October 8 - Orchestra Fall Concert: Join us on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the CVHS Auditorium for an evening of music and celebration! Enjoy beautiful and spooky favorites like Autumn Vows (Day), Twilight Ceremonial (Hofeldt), and Haunted Halloween (Hopkins). The Philharmonic will also give a sneak peek of their Annie pit performance! Parents—don’t miss this event! Directors will share important info about the year ahead, including details on the Chicago spring trip.
October 9 - CVHS College Fair: CVHS will be hosting our inaugural College Fair on Thursday, October 9 from 9:30-10:45am in our gym. Juniors and seniors must register using this Google form by October 6 to meet with over 50 college admissions reps. The form is accessible from the student FCPS email account.
The College Fair will replace individual college visits except for the following large in-state public universities. Juniors & seniors must register for CVHS college visits in Naviance for the following separate info sessions:
- GMU – Oct. 7 from 9:45-10:30am in the auditorium
- William & Mary – Oct. 14 from 9:45-10:30am in the auditorium
- VCU – Oct. 14 at 10:30-11:15am in the auditorium
- Virginia Tech – Oct. 16 from 9:45-10:30am in the auditorium
- JMU – Oct. 21 from 9:45-10:30am in the auditorium
- UVA – Oct. 23 from 9:45-10:30am in the auditorium
October 10 - Choir Mic Night: CVHS Mic Night will take place in the auditorium on Friday, October 10 at 7pm! This event is put on by the Choral Department and the Choral Boosters. Students enrolled in any Performing Arts class (Choir, Band, Orchestra, Theatre, & Guitar) are eligible to audition to perform. Students choose their own song/piece and can perform solos, duets, trios, or in small groups. Come on out to enjoy a varied lineup of performances! Admission is $5. Our student performing artists truly appreciate your support!
October 14 - PTSA Meeting, Thriving at CVHS Student Panel: Join us for our next PTSA meeting on Tuesday, October 14 at 7:00 PM in the Centreville High School Library for a special student panel, "Thriving at Centreville High." Hear directly from current juniors and seniors as they share their unique journeys and tips for making high school both successful and enjoyable. Whether you're a current or future Wildcat, this is a great opportunity to gain insight, ask questions, and feel inspired. All students and families are welcome!
October 17 - World Language Credit by Exam Registration Deadline: The World Languages Credit by Exam is an optional test for students in grades 7-12 who can speak and write (type) proficiently in a language other than English. Based on the results of the exam, they can earn 1, 2, and/or 3 passing world language credits. If that language is one of the languages linked below, consider registering your student for the World Languages Credit by Exam!
Registration is open and closes on Friday, October 17, at 4 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted.
To register for the exam please:
- Complete the WLCE interest Google form.
- Print the WLCE Parent Permission Form, complete it, and return it to your school counselor.
- School counselors will complete the registration process.
Additional information about the test date, time & location will be sent to registered students. This test will take place during a school day in November.
More information, including the list of languages offered on the exam, and how to register is available online.
October 19 - FCPS College Fair: The annual FCPS College Fair will be held on October 19, at George Mason University's Eagle Bank Arena from 4-6pm. Approximately 200 colleges will be represented, including 2 and 4-year colleges and US Service Academies. Following, the Postsecondary Virtual Night will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Both events can help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey. Students may REGISTER HERE.
October 22 - Orchestra Trunk or Treat: “Trunks, Tricks & Treats” will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Centreville HS Café. All CVHS Pyramid string students and their families are invited for an evening of fun. The event begins with a short performance by the CVHS and Liberty MS Orchestras, followed by “Pro Tips” from high school students in the library and a chance for younger siblings to try out string instruments. The night concludes with Trunk or Treat in the bus loop, where families can vote for the best decorated car. Students who complete all activities will receive a CVHS Orchestra nametag, and SOPA parents will be available to share about orchestra life at CVHS. Parking is available in the faculty or student lots.
October 25 - Food For Neighbors Red Bag Event: Centreville High School is proud to partner with Food For Neighbors (FFN) to help feed our local students who deal with food insecurity because even in a county as wealthy as Fairfax, one in four kids in our area are struggling with hunger. Studies show that when adolescents are fed positive outcomes include increased enrollment in challenging courses, higher graduation rate, improved mental and physical health, a decrease in disruptive behaviors and increased participation in after-school activities".
Food For Neighbors is a local organization addressing this problem by collecting food from our community via their Red Bag Program and donating directly to our local schools. The food is then distributed to the students every week through our food pantry. Please consider donating and/or volunteering to support this important cause.
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Ceramics Students Get College Level Experience: Our 3D Ceramics students got a one-of-a-kind experience in Ms. Marcaccio's class this week. Students dove into the exciting world of Raku, a traditional Japanese ceramic art known for its unpredictably beautiful results. Through hands-on experience with firing techniques and glaze chemistry, they’re learning to embrace imperfection and spontaneity in the creative process. This unique art form is sparking curiosity, creativity, and cultural appreciation in the classroom.
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Common App Boot Camp: Our Student Services team recently hosted a successful Common App Boot Camp, giving seniors a valuable head start on the college application process. During the event, students had the opportunity to begin filling out their Common App, explore key sections, and receive hands-on support. Our College & Career Specialist, Ms. Stamper, along with members of our Counseling Team, were available to answer questions, provide guidance, and ensure students felt confident moving forward. It was a great kickoff to college application season!
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National Merit Commended Scholars & Semifinalists Celebration: On Friday last week, our Student Services team held a celebration for our seniors who were recognized as National Merit Commended Scholars and National Merit Semifinalists! Semifinalists advance to finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and other requirements including a recommendation from a high school official. We are incredibly proud of all our our students for their dedication to learning and their academic success.
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Wind Ensemble Performs at GMU Center for the Arts: Congratulations to our Band Director, Ms. Hall, and our Wind Ensemble for their outstanding performance and participation in Celebrations in Motion, presented by the George Mason University Bands! This dynamic program featured a blend of historical and contemporary works, all centered around the theme of celebration through energy, reflection, and musical movement. Our students showcased their talent, dedication, and passion for music on a remarkable stage. We are so proud of their hard work and artistic achievement!
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2026-27 FAFSA Form Now Open: Federal Student Aid has released the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Any college-bound high school senior — regardless of income — who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete a FAFSA form.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to work with their students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Check each college’s financial aid office website for deadlines and financial aid forms. Then, create an account if you have not already done so, and fill out the FAFSA.
The Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application has not yet opened, but should be available in late January for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA. To help determine which aid option is right for you, visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.
Get Help Filling Out the FAFSA
Over the next few months, College Access Fairfax will offer several programs on completing the FAFSA/VASA and finding and applying for scholarships. Get information on these programs and how to access them on the College Access Fairfax website.
College Access Fairfax staff are available for virtual one-on-one help sessions to help complete the FAFSA/VASA. To request an appointment, families should email appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org.
Take the School Start Times Survey: FCPS is continuing to explore options for adjusting school start times, with the primary goal of beginning the middle school day at 8 a.m. or later. In order to minimize any costs associated with this change, 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. A new School Start Times Survey is open and includes two options that are designed to support student well-being, align with research, balance transportation logistics, and minimize costs.
Staff, parents and caregivers, students, and community members may provide input on the two options by taking the survey. The survey deadline has been extended to Monday, October 6. Find more information on adjusting school start times on the FCPS website.
Why Are Bonds Needed to Fund FCPS Construction Projects?: The building and renovation of schools are not financed through the FCPS’ operating funds, but through bonds. Similar to an individual or a family obtaining a mortgage on a residence to spread the cost of home buying over several years, bonds spread the cost of major capital improvements over a number of years. This ensures that current and future residents and users share in the payment.
This approach is good for our taxes, too. If capital construction were financed out of current tax revenues on a pay-as-you-go basis, projects would need to be paid for in a much shorter time frame, likely reducing other county services or necessitating tax increases. Fortunately, the county’s bonded debt is not likely to be a contributing factor to any increase in local taxes.
A bond referendum to benefit FCPS will be on the ballot this Election Day, Tuesday, November 4. It represents an investment by the community into the facilities everyone uses — whether for school or to gather as a community.
Read more about the FCPS 2025 Bond Referendum. Learn more about registering to vote. Make a voting plan and vote on Tuesday, November 4.
Comprehensive Boundary Review Update: FCPS will begin holding October community boundary review meetings on Monday, October 13. The new draft map, Scenario 4, will be shared with the community for feedback at those meetings. It will also be uploaded to the Boundary Explorer Tool shortly before October 13. Community members will then be able to provide feedback in the tool at their convenience.
As a reminder, the community provided feedback on draft scenarios 1-3 in the spring. Scenario 4 continues to build upon the first three scenarios. It is informed by the Superintendent's Boundary Review Advisory Committee, which reviewed community feedback received in the spring to help develop priorities that the consultant used to create Scenario 4. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information.
Every Day Is a Stepping Stone to Success: Attendance is an important life skill that will help your child later in life. It’s a good habit to build now to help them graduate from college on time and routinely report to work on time once they have a career.
Please take a look at the FCPS Calendar. Try to schedule any trips or family events on weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students who are absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered “chronically absent.”
When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or appointment, you must report the absence to our school through ParentVue, over the phone (703-802-5419) or email at CentrevilleHigh.Attendance@fcps.edu.
Participe en la Encuesta sobre el Horario de Inicio de Clases: FCPS continúa explorando opciones para ajustar el horario de inicio de clases, con el objetivo principal de que la jornada escolar comience a las 8 a. m. o más tarde. Para minimizar los costos asociados con este cambio, también se modificarían los horarios de inicio de las escuelas primarias y secundarias.
Brindar oportunidades de retroalimentación a la comunidad es fundamental en este esfuerzo. Desde 2024, el consultor de FCPS ha organizado cinco foros comunitarios y administrado dos encuestas. Una nueva Encuesta sobre el Horario de Inicio de Clases está disponible e incluye dos opciones diseñadas para apoyar el bienestar estudiantil, alinearse con la investigación, equilibrar la logística del transporte y minimizar los costos.
El personal, los padres y tutores, los estudiantes y los miembros de la comunidad pueden brindar su opinión sobre las dos opciones respondiendo a la encuesta. La fecha límite para la encuesta se ha extendido hasta el lunes 6 de octubre. Encuentre más información sobre el ajuste del horario de inicio de clases en el sitio web de FCPS.
¿Por qué se necesitan bonos para financiar los proyectos de construcción de FCPS?: La construcción y renovación de escuelas no se financian con los fondos operativos de FCPS, sino mediante bonos. De forma similar a cómo una persona o familia obtiene una hipoteca para distribuir el costo de la compra a lo largo de varios años, los bonos distribuyen el costo de las mejoras de capital importantes a lo largo de varios años. Esto garantiza que los residentes y usuarios actuales y futuros compartan el pago.
Este enfoque también beneficia a nuestros impuestos. Si la construcción de capital se financiara con los ingresos fiscales actuales mediante un sistema de pago por uso, los proyectos tendrían que pagarse en un plazo mucho más corto, lo que probablemente reduciría otros servicios del condado o requeriría aumentos de impuestos. Afortunadamente, es poco probable que la deuda del condado vinculada a bonos contribuya a un aumento de los impuestos locales.
Un referéndum sobre bonos para beneficiar a FCPS se presentará en la boleta electoral este martes 4 de noviembre, día de las elecciones. Representa una inversión de la comunidad en las instalaciones que todos utilizan, ya sea para la escuela o para reunirse como comunidad.
Lea más sobre el Referéndum de Bonos de FCPS 2025. Obtenga más información sobre cómo registrarse para votar. Elaboren un plan de votación y voten el martes 4 de noviembre.
Actualización sobre la Revisión Integral de Límites: FCPS comenzará a realizar reuniones comunitarias de revisión de límites en octubre el lunes 13 de octubre. El nuevo borrador del mapa, Escenario 4, se compartirá con la comunidad para recibir comentarios en dichas reuniones. También se subirá a la Herramienta Explorador de Límites poco antes del 13 de octubre. Los miembros de la comunidad podrán compartir sus comentarios en la herramienta cuando les resulte conveniente.
Les recordamos que la comunidad proporcionó comentarios sobre los borradores de los escenarios 1 a 3 en la primavera. El Escenario 4 se basa en los tres primeros escenarios. Este se basa en la información del Comité Asesor de Revisión de Límites del Superintendente, que revisó los comentarios de la comunidad recibidos en la primavera para ayudar a desarrollar las prioridades que el consultor utilizó para crear el Escenario 4. Visiten la página web de la Revisión Integral de Límites de FCPS para obtener más información.
Cada día es un paso hacia el éxito: La asistencia es una habilidad importante para la vida que ayudará a su hijo/a en el futuro. Es un buen hábito que se debe desarrollar ahora para ayudarlos a graduarse de la universidad a tiempo y a presentarse a trabajar puntualmente una vez que tengan una carrera.
Consulte el Calendario de FCPS. Intente programar excursiones o eventos familiares durante los fines de semana y las vacaciones escolares. Cada día de aprendizaje es un día hacia el éxito. Tenga en cuenta que las ausencias se acumulan rápidamente. Los estudiantes que faltan el 10% del año escolar (o solo dos días al mes) se consideran "ausente crónico".
Siempre que sea posible, programe citas para su hijo/a fuera del horario escolar. Si su hijo/a necesita faltar a la escuela por enfermedad o cita, debe informar la ausencia a nuestra escuela a través de ParentVue, por teléfono (703-802-5419) o por correo electrónico a CentrevilleHigh.Attendance@fcps.edu.
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