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A Note From Principal Seward
Dear South Lakes High School Community,
As we enter the second quarter of the school year, I want to take a moment to express how proud I am of the tremendous energy, commitment, and Seahawk spirit that fills our halls each day. The first quarter was filled with learning, growth, and community engagement. As we start the new academic quarter, now is the perfect time for all of us to refocus and recommit to excellence.
For our students, this new quarter presents an opportunity to start fresh, set new academic goals, and lean into the habits that lead to success. I encourage each of you to take full advantage of our After-School Academic and Attendance Program (ASAAP), which meets every Tuesday and Wednesday in the library. Whether you need extra support in a class, time to catch up on assignments, or simply a quiet space to study, ASAAP is designed to help every Seahawk soar higher.
For our parents and families, your involvement makes an extraordinary difference. I invite you to stay engaged by joining our Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA). The PTSA is a vital part of our school’s success — it builds connections, supports programs, and gives families a voice in shaping the South Lakes experience. Together, we can ensure every student feels supported, encouraged, and celebrated.
As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of how special our Reston community truly is. South Lakes is not just a school. It is a family that reflects the kindness, compassion, and care of this remarkable community. Let us continue to look out for one another, uplift those in need, and always keep the best interests of our students at the heart of all we do.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to making South Lakes High School a place where we aspire for each and every student to thrive. The second quarter is ours to make great, so let’s make it count!
With Gratitude,
Carlos Seward
We value your feedback. Share your observations, suggestions, questions and celebrations with me here.
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 Important Dates
- November 5 - 1st Day of Quarter 2
- November 10 - SIS Gradebook ParentVUE and StudentVUE OPENS at 6:00 AM
- November 11 - School Holiday for Veterans Day
- November 14-15, 21-22 - Fall Play: A Monster Calls
- November 26-28 - School Holiday for Thanksgiving
- December 19, 2025 - Last Day of School before Winter Break
- December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026 School Closed - Winter Break
FCPS School Year Calendar
Table of Contents
 After capturing 1st place in their first 3 competitions of the season, South Lakes Marching Band went on to claim 1st at the Oakton Classic on October 18. Their season reached a new height when the group earned a “Superior” rating—the highest possible distinction—at the statewide Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) assessment on October 25, ranking their music and marching skills among the best in the state.
What's next? The band is preparing for their debut at this December's Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Honolulu. South Lakes Marching Band will join the U.S. Marine Corps Pacific Band and other ensembles from around the country, offering students a rare chance to perform on a national stage while taking part in this historic event.
Before heading to Honolulu, you can catch them ushering in Santa Claus at the annual 2025 Reston Town Center Holiday Parade the day after Thanksgiving or you might want to catch them as they open up their winter concert season on December 17 at 7:00 PM at South Lakes High School Auditorium. The concert will feature both the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band.
 South Lakes Theatre Arts presents A Monster Calls, on stage November 14–15 and November 21–22. This is the Northern Virginia premiere of this play.
A Monster Calls follows a 13-year-old boy who is navigating emotions due to bullying, isolation, and grief. He is visited by a “Monster” yew tree that guides him through a series of stories to help him.
Recommended for audiences aged 13+ for mature themes, including illness, grief, and loss.
Location: South Lakes High School Theatre
Times:
- 7:30pm on November 14th, 15th, 21st, & 22nd and
- 2:00pm on November 15th & 22nd
Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15621/south-lakes-high-school-theatre
Changes to Middle and High School Report Card Feedback
With the first quarter of the school year ending on Friday, October 31st, families can expect student report cards to be available the week of November 10.
FCPS has revised the way teachers provide feedback on report cards, so you may notice some new comments. Specifically, comments have been revised to provide more detailed feedback for students and families.
Also, teachers will now include a Work Habits mark each quarter for each student. This scale provides feedback on students’ time management, organization, assignment completion, and overall effort in class. This is meant as feedback to families and will not appear on a student’s transcript.
View the Middle and High School Grading and Reporting webpage for more information.
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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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Download the New FCPS Mobile App!
The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep families connected and informed, directly from their smartphones. You can download the Fairfax County Public Schools mobile app by going to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and searching for “FCPS.”
With the app you can:
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Stay up-to-date: Get the latest news from our school and FCPS.
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View school calendars: See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
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Check school menus: See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week.
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Tap to contact: Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
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Access key links: Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.
Users can access updates and content without having to sign in, making it easy for everyone to stay informed.
Learn more about the new mobile app, including feedback from parents.
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Family Academy Offers Opportunities to Support Parents and Guardians
The FCPS Family Academy offers resources and in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families. The following webinars and workshops will take place in November:
- ABA Family Training: Prioritizing Skills to Teach at Home
- Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (in Spanish)
- Supporting Your Military-Connected Student in Secondary School
- Moving on to Life in the Community
Other Family Resource Center webinars will cover topics such as communication with twice exceptional children, family engagement in the special education process, restorative justice practices in schools and at home, and improving routines.
Visit the Family Academy Catalog to learn more about these and other resources.
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Impact of Federal Shutdown on Local Community
Fairfax County is home to around 80,000 federal employees and thousands of federal contractors. Its Federal Workforce Resource Hub is intended to help navigate current and future issues for residents, government employees, active military/veterans, contractors, nonprofits and businesses who may be affected by actions, changes, or disruptions to federal services or employment.
Community Resources for Families in Need
Through partnerships with community-based organizations and other Fairfax County agencies, Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) provides information, referrals, and advocacy to help individuals connect with services, including: basic needs (food, shelter, clothing), financial assistance, health care services, and referrals to services and resources.
Visit the CSP website or call 703-222-0880 for assistance.
How to Access or Donate Food to Those in Need
View the Emergency Food Access Providers webpage to see where to access food or donate to your local food bank.
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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
Immunization Clinics for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Immunization clinics will take place from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Willow Oaks Administrative Center on:
- Thursday, November 6
- Tuesday, November 18
- Wednesday, November 19
- Thursday, November 20
A clinic will also take place at Frost Middle School on Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year.
Participation is voluntary. Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment for their student. Learn more about immunization resources.
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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.
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.
Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation
All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass and access the application, which can be returned to the front office.
Children 12 and younger ride for free on the Fairfax Connector with a paying adult.
Bus Discount Program for Adults
Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) provides 50% off fares for low-income residents ages 18-65. Learn more about the TRIP program and how to apply.
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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