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A Note From Principal Seward
Dear South Lakes High School Community,
I am thrilled to begin by congratulating Seahawks Theatre Company for their outstanding production of A Monster Calls last weekend. The performance showcased the incredible talent of our students. A heartfelt thank-you goes to Mr. Viola, our Theatre Director, the performers, and the technical crews for their dedication and hard work in bringing this wonderful show to life.
I would also like to congratulate our Seahawks Football team on their victory over Yorktown High School on Friday. It was quite an exciting ending to the game! The team will face Westfield High School this upcoming Friday in the Region Semifinals. Fairfax County Public Schools has implemented enhanced security measures throughout the playoff season for the safety of all students, families, and community members. The Office of Student Activities will send detailed information about these protocols to families later this week.
Additionally, this weekend, I had the opportunity to accompany our Quiz/Scholastic Bowl team to WETA Studios in Arlington for a filming of the show "It's Academic." The show is in its 65th season, making it the one of the longest continuously running shows in all of television history. Our team had dominating performances over two very good schools from the metropolitan area. Thank you to Ms. Franz, our Scholastic Bowl Coach, and the players for representing our school so well.
Lastly, I encourage our students to take full advantage of our After-School Academic and Attendance Program (ASAAP). ASAAP provides a structured, supportive space for you to get help with coursework, make up assignments, strengthen your study habits, and stay on top of your academic responsibilities. Your effort now will open doors to future opportunities. Lean into the support that is here for you.
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 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
- January 8, 2026 - 2026-2027 Curriculum Night, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
FCPS School Year Calendar
Table of Contents
 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
 South Lakes JROTC Marches in NYC Veterans Day Parade
Last Tuesday, November 11th, 2025, the Seahawk Battalion - joined by South Lakes Principal, Carlos Seward - traveled to New York City to march in the 29th Annual New York Veterans Day Parade. Cadets marched 1.5 miles down Fifth Avenue and were featured on the infamous red carpet during the parade's live broadcast.
This is the sixth year that South Lakes JROTC has been received the honor to march in the New York City's Veterans Day Parade. Featured in this photo are banner holders, C/PVT Jacob Cheek and C/PVT Wyatt Seifert, as well as Battalion Commander C/LTC Emily Brown and the color guard: C/1SG Ian Merzig, C/CPT Ramzey Abastos, C/CPT Ulric von Schnetlage, C/SFC Angel Serrano, and C/1SG Jaco Meyer.
 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 the South Lakes Attendance webpage for more information.
Please return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey
FCPS is asking all families to complete 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 the survey as soon as possible.
Our school will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page or watch this video about why Impact Aid matters.
Register for ParentVUELearn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child’s education at FCPS.
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Lightspeed Parent Portal Allows Parents to Manage Student Screen Time
FCPS has introduced new parent controls in the Lightspeed Parent Portal to help families manage screen time on FCPS-issued devices. Through the portal, parents can control their child's access to YouTube and pause web browsing during designated After-School Hours while students are off the FCPS network.
These controls are active Monday - Friday from 3:30 PM to 6:00 AM (even on student holidays) and all day Saturday and Sunday. They do not affect district filtering policies during the instructional day.
Parents can register for the Lightspeed Parent Portal using the link provided in their weekly Lightspeed Online Student Activity Report email.
For more information about the Parent Portal, please visit the Lightspeed Parent Portal page on the FCPS website.
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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 Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots to all FCPS students at no cost. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year.
Immunization clinic will take place on:
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Tuesday, November 18, from 3 to 6:30 p.m., at Willow Oaks Administrative Center.
Participation is voluntary. Additional Immunization Resources are available online. Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment for their student.️
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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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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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