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Upcoming Events
October 17: Homecoming Parade, 4pm; Homecoming Game, 7pm
October 18: Homecoming Dance, 8pm, Field House
October 18: Saturday School Begins, 9am-12p
October 20: Religious/Cultural Observance Day: Diwali; No School - buildings and offices closed.
October 23: Chorus Pyramid Concert, 7pm, Auditorium
October 28: Band/Orchestra Masquerade Concert, 7pm, Auditorium
November 3: "Roar Roundup" Parent-Teacher Conferences, CAFETERIA (new location)
November 7: Principal's Coffee, 7:30-8:30am, Career Center
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Mamma Mia! It's HOCO 2025 🎉🤍🩵
October 17, 2025
MAMA MIA! A Week of Spirit and Success! 🐾
This week at FHS has been absolutely electric as we celebrated all things MAMA MIA HOCO! Students have engaged in spirited dress-up days, showcased incredible creativity through hallway decorating, and brought amazing energy to our lunchtime games. The entire school community is ready for the climax of the week!
TODAY we get ready to ROAR with our annual Pep Rally, our Parade, our celebratory Tail Gate, and our highly anticipated BLACK OUT GAME! The week will end with an evening under the stars as we all find our inner "DANCING QUEEN" and enjoy the Homecoming Dance. MAMA MIA, it sounds like so much fun!
Celebrating Student Achievement
A special shout out must go to our Class of 2029! These freshmen have truly entered high school in a PAWSome way. They are the proud winners of our Attendance Challenge and the first-time champions of our "Battle of the Books," thanks to checking out the most books in our library! Their commitment to both consistency and curiosity sets a high bar for the entire school.
We were also proud to recognize our phenomenal athletes at this week's Senior Night Recognitions for our Girls Volleyball and Field Hockey teams. Congratulations to these seniors and their families on their dedication to the program!
College Readiness & Community Partnerships
It is never too early to start planning and exploring college opportunities. Fairfax High School is so excited to partner with George Mason University for direct admissions of our Seniors. This week, we took a group of students on-site to explore the campus and imagine the possibilities.
This week was also a great time to celebrate collaboration and connection. We hosted our joyful Multi-Lingual Family Bingo Night and held our productive Auto Tech Advisory Council meeting. These events are crucial as they invite our school partners, families, students, and staff together to celebrate educational opportunities and collaborate on continued supports for all our Lions.
Important Reminder: George Mason College Fair
Don't forget the upcoming George Mason College Fair this Sunday, October 19, at Eagle Bank Arena from 4:00-6:00 PM. This is a great chance to talk with representatives from hundreds of colleges and universities!
Thank you for an unforgettable week, and we look forward to seeing your spirit tonight and tomorrow!
 Pep Rally! 📣
Included in this issue:
Student Spotlight
- FX Players CollaBOOret
- Field Hockey Senior Night
- Volleyball Senior Night
School Program Spotlight
- Multi-Lingual Learners Family Night
Calendar Reminders
- National School Lunch Week, Oct 13-17
- Diwali, October 20, School Holiday
- HOCO Game & Dance
- Roar Roundup, November 4
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Moving? Please let us know!
- Important Drop-Off Information
- Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report
- Bond Referendum
- Paperless Report Cards
- HOCO Schedule
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Early Check-Out Procedures
- College Fair
- Governor's School 2026
- Yearbook Sales
- October Community Boundary Review Meetings
- Mock SAT/ACT
- PTSA & ANG: Donations Needed!
- Quick Links
FX Players CollaBOOret
Field Hockey Senior Night
Volleyball Senior Night
Multi-Lingual Learners Family Night
 
🗓️Calendar Reminders
National School Lunch Week, Oct. 13-17
 Photo Credit: Food & Nutrition Services Facebook page
This week is National School Lunch Week, which promotes the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has inside and outside of the classroom. View menus for your child’s school to help you plan for the week ahead.
Did you know that families can apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits anytime during the school year?
If a family’s income changes at any point, they may become newly eligible according to federal income guidelines and can apply immediately. This includes income interruptions caused by furloughs, layoffs, or job losses. Once approved, benefits remain valid for the rest of the school year and for up to 30 school days into the following school year, even if the family’s income changes again. Read Superintendent Reid's October 1 letter regarding other resources available to families impacted by the government shutdown.
Diwali, October 20 - School Holiday
Monday, October 20, is a school holiday for Diwali and all schools and offices are closed.
🪔 We wish a happy Diwali to all celebrating! Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs & some Buddhists. The festival represents the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
See the complete school year calendar.
HOCO Game and Dance!
Parade, Friday, Oct 17
- 4:00pm, Blenheim Blvd to Lion Run (ends in FHS parking lot)
Game, Friday, Oct 17
- Tailgate starts at 4:30pm, Field House parking lot
- Stadium opens at 6:00pm; game starts at 7:00pm
Dance Saturday, Oct 18
- 8:00-11:00pm at FHS; must have student ID to enter
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TICKETS available online.
"Roar Roundup" Parent/Teacher Conferences, November 4 in the Cafeteria (New Location)
Fairfax High School is excited to welcome back mini-Parent/Teacher Conferences.
The ROAR Round Up will be hosted on Monday, November 3, from 8:30 am-11:30 am, in the Cafeteria.
The cafeteria will be set up with rows of tables, organized by department, with teachers sitting in alphabetical order within each department. They will have signs posted so you know who's who.
Lines will form in front of each teacher; when it is your turn, step forward and sit down, and you will have 4-6 minutes to chat with the teacher. If you request a longer conference, it may be better to work with the teacher or counselor to schedule an appointment for a different time.
How long will it take? It depends on how many other parents are there to see the same teachers as you. If you are the only one in line to see your child's 7 teachers, you could be done in 20-30 minutes. You can come within any time during the 8:30-11:30 window.
More info to come! See you there!
🚛 Moving? Please let us know!
Have you moved? Please contact our Registrar, Ms. Deborah Dennis, 703-219-2202, or dadennis@fcps.edu, to update your information.
🚗 Important Drop-Off Information
Parents/Guardians and students are reminded that during bus arrivals and departures, please stay clear of the bus loops.
We are now using entrance 21 for bus arrivals in the morning. All other drivers should NOT this as a drop off area for your students.
During the afternoon dismissal, please refrain from using the entrance 1 bus loop for pickups. Also, do not park in fire lanes while waiting to pick up your student.
The only drop off and pick up area is the front of the school (KISS & RIDE) loop by the flag poles.
Thank you for your cooperation to make this a safe school year.
💻Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report
FCPS provides families with a free service that allows parents and caregivers a way to stay informed about their child's online activity on any FCPS device. Starting Sunday, October 12, all parents and guardians who have access to student records in SIS ParentVUE will be automatically enrolled to receive a weekly Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report.
This report provides a summary of the websites your child visited during the previous week and is delivered every Sunday to your email directly from Lightspeed, our internet content filter.
Each weekly report also includes a link to register for the Lightspeed Parent Portal, which provides more detailed browsing information. This portal also gives you the ability to pause internet access on your child’s FCPS laptop during non-school hours, such as dinner or bedtime.
Visit the Lightspeed Parent Report page for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
🏗️ Bond Referendum
The building and renovation of Fairfax County public schools is not funded through the division’s annual operating budget. Voter-approved bonds allow payment for these projects over time. A $460 million bond referendum is on the November ballot. Read more about the 2025 Bond Referendum. Learn more about registering to vote. Make a plan to vote by Tuesday, November 4.
🖥️Paperless Report Cards
We’re excited to offer you a more convenient option for receiving your child’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 child’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!
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
📝 Need to pick up your student early? Please follow our Check-Out Procedures
If you need to pick up your child early from school, please have them drop off a check-out note to their subschool. They will be issued a pink pass allowing them to leave school early. Forms can be found on the school website, or students can pick them up in the subschool:
Grades 9 and 11: Subschool 3 & 4, room D127
Grades 10 & 12: Subschool 1 & 2, room A114
Please see the attendance info on our school website for all the details.
Please note that we cannot accommodate last-minute check-outs after 2:30pm. Questions, please call the subschools listed above. Thank you for your cooperation!
🎓College Fair and Virtual Postsecondary Event
Your Next Chapter Starts Here: College Fair and Virtual 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 Virtual Postsecondary Night.
Roadmap to College: What Students Should Do Each Year of High School
Join FCPS’ Family Resource Center for a webinar on what high school students should do to stand out on college applications. Receive clear strategies for college preparation and success. This webinar will take place on Friday, October 31, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., and is for families of eighth graders and high school students. Register to attend.
2026 Virginia Summer Residential Governor's School (SRGS)
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) offers the opportunity for 10th and 11th grade students to apply to attend summer residential Governor’s schools in Academics and Visual and Performing Arts (VPA). Students who are accepted into one of the programs will live in residence halls in one of the state colleges in VA for four weeks in the June - late July timeframe. To learn more about SRGS opportunities and the application process, visit the VDOE website.
To be considered for an academic or VPA Governor’s school, students must complete the steps below.
1. Complete the interest form linked below for either Academics or VPA. The form is a required part of the application process and is due November 5th. No late entries will be accepted. When completing the form, enter a personal email address and do NOT use an fcpsschools.net email address. VDOE cannot send communications to the fcpsschools.net domain.
2. Attend our school interest meeting which will take place on October 28th, during Lion Time B. Attendance at the meeting is optional but strongly encouraged. Please complete THIS interest form with your fcpsschools.net account by October 24, if you plan to attend.
3. Complete the application for the specific program you wish to apply to and return to Ms. Haddock (Student Services L111) who is supervising the Governor’s School application process.
- Academic applications are due to the school on December 12, 2025.
- VPA applications are due to the school on January 28, 2026.
Questions, please contact Ms. Haddock: tdhaddock@fcps.edu.
📖 Yearbook Sales have Started!
Yearbooks are on sale now! The number of books are always limited and the only way to reserve yours is by ordering online!
Visit www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter school code 5671 to be directed to Fairfax’s ordering portal. Don’t miss out on the best keepsake to remember your high school years for decades to come.
As part of the FCPS Approved Budget, the fees for the first six AP/IB tests taken for courses in which students are enrolled for high school credit will be paid for by FCPS. Students taking AP tests without enrolling in the corresponding FCPS course are responsible for the test fee(s).
FCPS encourages all students to take AP/IB tests for courses in which they are enrolled. However, students will have the opportunity to opt out of the test(s) by filling out an Opt Out form to be provided by the school. To assist in the decision-making process, students will be provided a report with their previous tests and current AP/IB course enrollment during Lion Time on Thursday, September 25, and must be returned to the Student Services Office (L107) by October 31.
AP students must make Opt Out decisions by October 31st. Student accounts will be billed in December for tests that exceed the six FCPS-funded tests. The nonrefundable fees are $99 per AP exam.
2026 AP Testing
Reference the College Board AP exam dates site for dates of AP Exams.
📍October Community Boundary Review Meetings
FCPS’ October community boundary review meetings will begin on Monday, October 13. Each of the 12 meetings will focus on two pyramids. Our area will be covered at the meeting on Tuesday, October 28, at Fairfax High School. Register by clicking “in person” or “virtual,” based on how you would like to participate: In Person or Virtual.
At the meeting, the consultant will present the latest draft boundary map (Scenario 4) and potential changes specific to our pyramid and the [Insert the pyramid your school is partnered with]. Participants will also be invited to ask questions.
If you are unable to attend the meeting for our pyramid, you are welcome to attend any meeting that is convenient. View the full list of October boundary meetings.
Visit the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information.
Mock SAT (digital) or Mock ACT (paper)
FHS Academic Boosters is partnering with Applerouth Tutoring to offer the Mock SAT (digital format) and the Mock ACT (paper format) exams twice this school year: Saturday, November 1st and Saturday, March 7th.
This is a perfect opportunity for students who haven’t started their testing to become familiar with the format in a stress-free environment at FHS for only $25. Students will receive detailed score reports to help them determine which areas they need to study.
Students taking the Mock SAT must bring a fully charged computer.
November 1st tests:
Mock (digital) SAT registration (limited to 75): Cost $25
Test Time: Saturday, November 1st, 8:15am – 10:50am
www.applerouth.com/events/group-classes Event Code: PSS4555FE
Mock (paper) ACT registration (limited to 50): Cost $25
Test Time: Saturday, November 1st, 8:00am – 11:15am
www.applerouth.com/events/group-classes Event Code: PAS455600
March 7th tests:
Mock (digital) SAT registration (limited to 75): Cost $25
Test Time: Saturday, March 7th, 8:15am – 10:50am
www.applerouth.com/events/group-classes Event Code: PSS4555FF
Mock (paper) ACT registration (limited to 50): Cost $25
Test Time: Saturday, March 7th, 8:00am – 11:15am
www.applerouth.com/events/group-classes Event Code: PAS455601
Questions: Academicboosters@fairfaxptsa.org.
From the PTSA: Craft Fair Donations Needed!
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The Class of 2026 is thrilled to host our All Night Grad (ANG) Celebration. ANG is an unforgettable, fun, drug- and alcohol-free event designed to keep our students safe on the night of graduation! |
How can YOU help?
All Night Grad (ANG ‘26) is working concessions at the Fairfax City Holiday Craft Show, November 15 & 16 at Fairfax High School. ALL the concessions and 50/50 raffle proceeds benefit the Senior Class ANG celebration, held the night of graduation. This fundraiser is the best way to defray the cost of ANG and keep ANG ticket prices low.
However, we need assistance - from many parents and students - to pull this off!
Junior parents are highly encouraged to assist since you will be running the event for your kids next year! All students can get volunteer hours for their support, plus it's a lot of fun. Volunteers also receive FREE entry to the craft fair! There are three ways to help:
Questions? Email us at ANG@fairfaxptsa.org. Thank you for supporting the Class of 2026 and providing a safe space to celebrate on graduation night!
Quick Links
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