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Upcoming Events
November 10: Winter Sports Tryouts
November 11: Veteran's Day Holiday - No School
November 15 & 16: Holiday Craft Show
November 20, 21 & 22: FX Players Presents: Matilda, the Musical
November 26, 27 & 28: Thanksgiving Break; FCPS buildings and offices closed.
December 8: Religious/Cultural Observance: Bodhi Day
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November 7, 2025
Happy Friday Fairfax Families,
We are officially off to a fantastic start in Quarter 2! We were excited to kick off the week with our "ROAR Round Up," demonstrating one of our top priorities: connections with our community. Thank you to all the families who attended and partnered with us. I was also able to end the week with my principal's coffee, which is a great time to connect and collaborate with parents.
Celebrating Our Lions
This week, we celebrated academic excellence across all grades:
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Academic Lettering: We recognized FHS students in grades 10-12 who earned a 3.8 GPA or higher in the previous school year during our Academic Lettering event. This highly anticipated event, sponsored by the PTSA and Student Services, celebrated 512 Lions for their incredible commitment to scholarship.
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Honoring Veterans: We took time during advisory this week to honor and celebrate our veterans. We were proud to celebrate the staff and their family members who have served our country. We are excited to install our flag display next week.
Engaging with Partnership
Today, we participated in the "Bring Your Legislator to School" event. It was a productive afternoon where we visited classrooms, discussed programming potential, and reviewed current operations and policies. This type of high-level engagement ensures that FHS remains at the forefront of educational opportunities and continues to provide the best possible environment for our students.
We look forward to a PAWSome Quarter 2!
Included in this issue:
Student Spotlight
Community Spotlight
- Take Your Legislator to School Month
Calendar Reminders
- National School Psychology Week
- November is Family Engagement Month
- Saturday School, November 8
- Veterans Day Holiday, November 11 - No School
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Student Services Updates
- Volunteer FCPS Updates
- Last Chance for Outstanding Award Nominations!
- Brand New FCPS App
- Immunization Clinics
- Impact Aid Forms Due
- Resources for Furloughed Families
- Feed the Den Food Drive
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Attendance Matters
- Matilda Tickets On Sale Now!
- Tutoring Resources for Families
- Apply Anytime for Free & Reduced-Price Meals
- Services for Hearing- and Visually-Impaired Students
- PSAT/SAT School Day Scores
- Craft Fair Donations & Volunteers Needed!
- Quick Links
Academic Letters
Earlier this week, the Student Services Department and PTSA Academic Boosters congratulated students on achieving a 3.8 grade point average or higher during the previous school year. 512 students earned an Academic Letter and/or patch for this accomplishment. Well done, Lions!
Legislator Visit to FHS
The Virginia School Boards Association designates November as “Take Your Legislator to School” month. Chair and Springfield District School Board Member Sandy Anderson and Member At-Large Kyle McDaniel invited Delegate David Bulova and Senator Saddam Salim to visit Fairfax High School. They were accompanied by City of Fairfax Schools Acting Superintendent, Dan Phillips. The whole group enjoyed seeing Fairfax in action through classroom visits, the Academy career expo and student engagement. We are grateful to have their support and be able to connect with our Legislators!
🗓️Calendar Reminders
National School Psychology Week
During the week of November 3–7, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and schools across the United States will mark National School Psychology Week (NSPW). This week celebrates the contributions of school psychologists and the important role they play in schools and communities helping children thrive.
This year's theme, “Finding Your Path” recognizes the ways that school psychologists take an active role in helping everyone in their communities determine paths to learning, growth, and overall well-being that meet their unique needs. Fairfax HS is grateful to have Sharyn Hunt and Denise Mattingly working hard to advocate for our students. Thank you!!
November is Family Engagement Month
Family Engagement Month is a time to remember that parents and caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers.
The FCPS Family Academy supports the continued success and well-being of each and every student within the FCPS community. The Academy offers a variety of positive and engaging learning opportunities and meaningful connections to transform the FCPS experience into a welcoming environment for all families.
FCPS Family Café Series: Support Your Child’s Growth and Learning
The FCPS Family Academy announces the launch of a monthly series called the FCPS Family Café. These fun and helpful sessions are designed to keep families informed and involved in their child’s education. At Family Café, parents are key partners in helping children succeed. Click on a topic below to register to attend.
✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships, reminds us to empower families through trusting partnerships that sustain a safe, inclusive culture for learning.
Saturday School, November 8th
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Saturday School will be open November 8, from 9am-12pm. Students should enter the building at Door 1 and report to the Library. No signup required! Snacks provided. Transportation is on your own. |
🫡 Veterans Day, November 11
Tuesday, November 11, is a school holiday, all FCPS schools and offices will be closed.
Veterans Day is a time to honor the brave individuals who have served in all branches of the United States Armed Forces.
This day is a heartfelt opportunity to show our gratitude for their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our freedoms.
We especially want to recognize and thank the veterans within our own Fairfax High School community - our parents, grandparents, neighbors, faculty, and staff. We are incredibly grateful for your service.
We encourage all our families to take a moment to reflect on the contributions of these dedicated service members and to thank a veteran for their service.
See the complete school year calendar.
Thank you, Fairfax Veterans!
Thank you to our staff members for their service!
Pictured Left to Right, top to bottom:
- Security Specialist Pat Berling, U.S. Coast Guard
- Instructional Assistant Dan Keyser, U.S. Navy
- Social Studies Teacher Lee Petty, U.S. Coast Guard
- Social Studies Teacher Kaia Lazo, U.S. Marine Corps
Other staff not pictured: Security Specialist Manny Solloso, PE Teacher Marcus Odell, ESOL Teacher Troy Barnes - all U.S. Army.
Student Services Updates
- Report cards will be available in ParentVue the week of Nov. 17th
- First quarter A/B Honor Roll will be recognized on November 20th
- SEL results data coming soon - more info to come!
Volunteer FCPS Updates
Due to the overwhelming response from our community, FCPS is temporarily pausing fingerprint requirements for most Level 3 volunteers.
If you are scheduled for an upcoming fingerprinting appointment, please cancel your appointment unless you are a mentor, host parent, or non-parent volunteer having frequent, direct, and unsupervised contact with students, which will still require fingerprinting. FCPS will be charged if individuals miss a fingerprinting appointment without canceling in advance.
Those who have already been fingerprinted will be processed to be eligible for all Level 3 opportunities.
Field trip chaperone opportunities will now be classified as Level 2 (not requiring a background check).
To ensure continuous safety, all new volunteers are required to sign a Volunteer Certification Statement. This statement is a legal attestation confirming you have no history of violent felonies, physical/sexual crimes against children, or crimes of moral turpitude.
Want to volunteer? Visit Volunteer FCPS to find and sign up for volunteer opportunities. Contact Volunteers@fcps.edu with any questions.
🏆Last Chance to Submit Outstanding
Staff Nominations!
Each year, FCPS looks to honor several staff members for outstanding excellence in their roles:
Outstanding Teacher (has at least 3 years of experience)
Outstanding New Teacher (within their first three years)
Outstanding Principal (have completed three or more years as a building Principal)
Outstanding School Leader (has completed at least 1 year as an Assistant Principal, Director of Student Activities, or Director of Student Services)
Outstanding Professional Employee (Counselor, Psychologist, Social Worker, College & Career Center Specialist, Systems of Support Advisor (SoSA), School Based Technology Specialist (SBTS), Technology Support Specialist (TSSpec), Instructional Coach, Assessment Coach, Special Education Department Chair, Assistant Director of Student Activities (ADSA), Athletic Trainer, Safety & Security Specialist)
Outstanding Operational Employee (Administrative and Office Assistants, Finance Technician, Student Services Registrar, Custodial Staff, Operating Engineer, Food Service Staff, Instructional Assistant, Family Liaison, Safety & Security Assistant)
We believe that our staff is truly exceptional and that the work we do for our students deserves celebration beyond our school. Our Fairfax High School winners will be submitted for consideration at the pyramid, region, and division levels.
You may submit this form more than once.
You do not have to nominate for all categories.
You are asked to write at least a paragraph explaining how your nominee meets or exceeds the criteria for the award.
If your nominee is chosen as the Fairfax HS winner, you will be asked to complete the nominator statement form that is included in the official packet for consideration in the next round of the competition. Thank you for celebrating the wonderful work done at FAIRFAX by highlighting some of our amazing staff members!
To nominate a Fairfax HS staff member, click here or scan the QR code below:
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All nominations must be submitted by 8:00 am on Monday November 10, 2025. Eligibility and award criteria are listed on each nomination page of the nomination form. If you have any questions, please contact Ginny Cate at vmcate@fcps.edu. |
📱Brand New FCPS 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 TeAndra Nelson and Roy Dykes.
🩹 Immunization Clinics
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:
- 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.
✅Impact Aid Forms Due
Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey
FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete it as soon as possible. We will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE starting Wednesday, November 12.
Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. This year, FCPS expects to receive approximately $4 million in Impact Aid funding. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.
For more information, visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.
Register for ParentVUE
Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child.
Technical support for using ParentVUE or submitting the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type “Federal Impact Aid Survey” in the Issue Description section. You may also call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).
Resources for Furloughed Families
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.
Feed the Den Food Drive, Nov 5 - 26
FHS is holding a Feed the Den Food Drive from November 5 - 26.
All proceeds get donated to Fairfax Food Pantry. Families, check in with your students - it's a grade-level competition! Items should be dropped off in the front office, and labeled with your student's GRADE. Canned Products Only, please! Thank you for your support 🙏💙
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Attendance Matters
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 that will help them graduate on time and help them with time management. Parents and families can play a big role in helping kick-start good attendance habits.
Please take a look at the FCPS Calendar. Try to schedule any trips or family events on weekends and school holidays. 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. Visit our Attendance webpage for more information.
FX Players Presents: Matilda the Musical
Fairfax High School's theatre department, The FX Players, presents: Matilda the Musical. Performances are November 20, 21, and 22 at 7:00 PM and November 22 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $10 for students, and $15 for adults. They can be purchased at www.fxplayers.org starting November 1.
Inspired by the novel by writer Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Matilda The Musical revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. Matilda is a little girl from England with astonishing wit, intelligence, and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents, but impresses her schoolteacher, Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins to recognize and appreciate Matilda's extraordinary personality. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing. The school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves to punish those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts and could be the school heroine! Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, children and adults alike will be touched by the heartfelt story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.
Tutoring Resources for Families
Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as tutors. This list is a resource offered by the FRC, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. This list is not approved by FCPS and is only meant to be a resource to families.
FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. 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.
Apply Anytime for Free & Reduced-Price Meals
Families are encouraged to apply for free and reduced-price meals at any time during the school year.
If your income changes — for example, due to a furlough, layoff, or job loss — you may become newly eligible. Once approved, your benefits stay active for the rest of the school year and for the first 30 days of the next school year.
Students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals or attend a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school receive free breakfast and lunch every school day. It’s a great way to make your food budget go further and save time from packing meals. Learn more about FCPS Food and Nutrition.
Impact of Federal Shutdown on Local CommunityFairfax 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.
Find more community resources available to families.
Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students
Students with sensory disabilities require special services and support to access instruction that is typically presented auditorily (by means of hearing) and visually. FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school site or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.
The Virginia Department of Education also provides information about Additional Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.
PSAT/SAT School Day Scores
PSAT/SAT School Day Scores Available
Students who participated in the School Day SAT/PSAT on October 8 are now able to access scores via the College Board BigFuture School App or their College Board accounts. Students who participated in a make-up test will have access to scores on Thursday, November 6. Video tutorials for accessing and understanding PSAT and SAT scores are available on the College Board website.
National Merit Scholarship Information
Eleventh grade students who participated in the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Find information on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Families can reach out to their student’s school PSAT coordinator if they have questions regarding PSAT score reporting or the National Merit Scholarship Program.
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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Do you want to celebrate a Fairfax employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way? Or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone. |
throughout the year:
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