Principal Updates - December 8

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 12/08/2025 05:30 PM EST

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Outstanding Employee Award Winner Pictures

Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Oakton HS Outstanding Employee Award recipients. These amazing staff members will now move on for consideration for the Oakton Pyramid Outstanding Employee recognition.

Outstanding Teacher: Mr. DJ Godinez, Chorus Director, Performing Arts
Outstanding New Teacher: Mr. Jason Marsh, Career & Technical Education
Outstanding Professional Employee: Ms. Judy Turcott, Speech Language Pathologist
Outstanding Operational Employee: Ms. Maria Navia, Administrative Assistant, Special Education
Outstanding School Leader: Mr. Sal Olivo, Assistant Principal

Important Dates

December 8 - Religious & Cultural Observance Day, Bodhi Day

December 10 - FCPS Youth Survey 10th/12th Graders

December 12 - Cougar Commendations; Brain Breaks (9th/10th Grade)

December 16 - Brain Breaks (11th/12th Grade)

December 22 - January 2 - No School, Winter Break

January 5 - Student Registration Begins for 2026-27 school year (Rising 12th Grade)

January 6 - Religious & Cultural Observance Day, Three Kings Day; Epiphany; ILT Meeting

January 7 - Religious & Cultural Observance Day, Orthodox Christmas

January 8 - Curriculum Night

January 19 - No School, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Orthodox Epiphany

January 28 - End of 2nd Quarter; 2 Hr. Early Release

January 29 - Student Holiday, Staff Development Day

January 30 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday

The FCPS School Year Calendars are available below by school year for your planning purposes.

Attendance Spotlight

🙋‍♂️ Attendance Is Important Every Day!

Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after winter break. Give your child the gift of education and help build a habit of attendance. Visit the FCPS website for more attendance resources.

Since Thanksgiving Break we have seen a spike in our students arriving late to school. We hope that we can work collaboratively to reduce the number of students coming in tardy each day.

General Information

Winter Break

Oakton High School will be closed for winter break from December 22 - January 2. During this time, the main office will be closed. We will be happy to work with you prior to winter break or immediately upon our return on January 5, 2026.

January 5-6

So that all students may fully enjoy, relax, and recharge over winter break, January 5-6 no assignments can be due nor assessments given. New material may be covered and assignments can be given during the class period for students to complete and work on.

Retake/Makeup Day School Portraits - Now Online

Retake/Makeup day images are now online. Families will have received a reminder email to view images from Victor O'Neill Studios.

If you do not see your email, please check spam folder. If you need help ordering/viewing contact underclass@vosphoto.com.

Volunteer FCPS Helps Community Members Connect With Schools

Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities across the division. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must:

Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS.
Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS.
Sign in and out of schools using our visitor kiosk.

Individuals can complete a volunteer orientation on the Volunteer FCPS website. View Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the volunteer levels.

Recent Updates to Volunteer Opportunity Levels

Due to the overwhelming response from our community, FCPS is temporarily pausing fingerprint requirements for most Level 3 volunteers. Those who have already been fingerprinted will be processed to be eligible for all Level 3 opportunities.

As part of the application, all volunteers sign a statement confirming they have not been convicted of violent crimes, crimes against children, or other serious misconduct.

Field trip chaperone opportunities are now classified as Level 2 (not requiring a comprehensive background check).

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2025-2026 school year must attend an in-person Partners for Safe Teen Driving (PSTD). The presentation is connected to successful classroom instruction and must be completed to receive a DEC-District 8 card (pink card). The parent-teen traffic safety presentation (PSTD) will be offered multiple times during the school year at Oakton. Students and their parents/guardians should plan to attend the presentation at Oakton at your earliest convenience.

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.

2025-2026 Remaining Dates:

January 12, 2026 6:30-8:00pm
March 16, 2026 6:30-8:00pm
May 18, 2026 6:30-8:00pm

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education.

PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Please find more information about driver education for parents by accessing this flyer.

Student Services

Student Services Newsletter

Happy December Cougar Families! Check out Student Services December newsletter that highlights:

Underclassmen Academic Awards Celebration
Student Ambassadors Club
Depression Screening for Juniors
December Brain Breaks
Upcoming Course Registration Information for the 2026-2027 school year.

Join us on December 4 at 6:30pm for a session on Paying for College as well as a Gap Year Fair on January 28 at Marshall High School. More information on both events can be found in the newsletter.

🎓 Graduation Status: New Feature in ParentVUE and StudentVUE

A new Graduation Status tool is available in ParentVUE and StudentVUE. The tool helps parents and students monitor and track their progress in meeting graduation requirements.

Graduation Status includes progress toward the Standard or Advanced Studies diploma for high school students and middle school students who have enrolled in one or more high school courses. This new feature is available in addition to the course history and unofficial transcript options in ParentVUE and StudentVUE.

To view the Graduation Status section, which is only available for students who have enrolled in high school courses, please take the following steps:

Go to “Course History.”
Go to “Graduation Status” and toggle “on.”

For questions about graduation requirements, please contact your child’s school counselor. Learn more about ParentVUE.

Explore CTE and Academy/Specialty Programs

As academic advising season approaches, families are encouraged to explore the many pathways available for rising and current high school students.

Learn more about FCPS academies, specialized programs, and high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses at the Pathway Fair on Wednesday, December 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in the cafeteria at Robinson Secondary School.

FCPS central office leaders and academy counselors will share insights about CTE programs, pathways, and opportunities across the school division.

Find additional information, including dates for academy open houses. Contact Bonnie Wannett with questions.

2026 FCPS Gap Year Fair

FCPS’ School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Immediately following, the program fair will be held in the cafeteria from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with representatives from over 30 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are encouraged to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available.

Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. For more information, visit: USA Gap Year Fairs.

**In the event of inclement weather on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The Gap Year Fair will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the same time and location.

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.

Class Schedule Change Requests

Timeline for Schedule Changes

November 10 - March 27: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
April 7 - June 17: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.

For any questions you may have, contact your child’s school counselor.

Health and Wellness Updates

Scoliosis Fact Sheet

To meet the Code of Virginia 22.1-273.1 and FCPS Regulation 2103 for the provision of parent educational information on scoliosis, all FCPS schools must provide a scoliosis fact sheet to parents or guardians of students in grades 5 through 10.

The Scoliosis Fact Sheet and translations are available on the Scoliosis Fact Sheet page.

💻 No-Cost Mental Online Therapy for All High School Students

Is your student experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? Do they seem withdrawn or uninterested in their usual hobbies?

Parents/caregivers can refer their children for free weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the FCPS’ Teletherapy webpage for information about this service.

Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077

Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening 911

FCPS News

FCPS This Week

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

💻 Technology Tips
🍲 Food Assistance
📚 Winter Reading Challenge

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

🎤 Share Your Thoughts With Superintendent Reid

At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school.

Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid are underway across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. We encourage you to attend, share your thoughts, and ask questions about FCPS. Events are planned for the following dates from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:

Click on a date above to register. Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Community Conversations are open to all. Please check FCPS’ website for additional updates.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter. View the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

FCPS’ Budget Supports the Success of the Local Economy

When our schools have the resources they need, all of Fairfax County succeeds!

FCPS is one of Fairfax County’s largest employers, and every paycheck we issue helps support local businesses, services, and housing markets. FCPS’ annual operating budget flows through our local economy — supporting jobs, purchasing goods and services, and contributing to regional stability.

Learn more about the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and how FCPS supports the Fairfax County economy.

Fairfax County Joint Budget Committee Meeting

The School Board met with the Board of Supervisors on December 2 to discuss the budget forecast. View the meeting materials and learn more about FCPS' FY27 budget.

PTSA News

Congratulations to the Recipients of the PTSA Mini-Grants!

After review of all applications, the PTSA is pleased to announce the recipients of the PTSA Mini-Grant funding.

AVID- Funding approved to help offset costs for the University of Mary Washington field trip, supporting 100 traditionally underserved students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to visit a college campus.
Bookworms Club- Funding approved to provide food for their monthly book club partnership with Mosaic Elementary School, serving 37 students total (15 Oakton and 22 Mosaic students).
Chinese Honor Society- Funding approved for their annual Lunar New Year celebration event, which brings together over 150 students, teachers, and staff to celebrate with traditional food, performances, decorations, and cultural activities.
Latin Club- Funding approved to create a school standard (flag) for the annual state Latin convention in Richmond, Virginia, which will benefit 20 students annually for years to come.
Library - Funding approved for registration to attend the American Association of School Librarians conference, benefiting our student body of 2700+ students that the Library serves through professional development and best practices sharing.
Muslim Students Association (MSA)- Funding approved for their Iftaar dinner event serving 100+ students and community members, along with snacks for club meetings and club t-shirts for 45 members.
Oakton Cougar Robotics- Funding approved for outreach events and robot parts to support 77 students in their robotics program.

The amount awarded ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the requested amount and PTSA budget considerations. These grants will make a meaningful impact across our school community and are possible through the annual membership contributions of all Oakton PTSA members (parents, staff, teachers, students). Visit https://oaktonhsptsa.ptboard.com/formvw/store?store=6898 for details on how you can sign up for annual membership.

Next PTSA Meeting is Monday, December 8th at 7pm!

All are welcome to join the upcoming virtual PTSA meeting. Visit https://oaktonhsptsa.ptboard.com/home for meeting details and Zoom link.

Feedback Requested!

To better serve our Oakton school community, PTSA requests your feedback. Please take a few minutes to complete the google form at https://forms.gle/E9orKDUdkzpqd1KS6.

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