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A Note From Principal Seward
Dear South Lakes High School Community,
As we move closer to Winter Break, I have been reflecting on the many reasons we have to be grateful here at South Lakes High School. Every day, I am reminded of the strength, pride, and heart of this community. I want to extend a special note of appreciation to our Seahawk Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA). Their partnership, generosity, and steadfast support make a meaningful difference for our students and staff. If you have not already, I encourage you to consider joining the South Lakes PTSA. Your involvement matters.
Over these next few weeks, we remain focused on finishing the quarter strong and ensuring every student is positioned for success. This past week, dozens of dedicated students spent their afternoon with us at are After-School Attendance & Academic Program (ASAAP), supported by administrators, staff, and student peer tutors who continue to go above and beyond. Counselors and administrators are also meeting individually with students who may be struggling in multiple classes, developing clear and actionable plans to help them regain momentum. Teachers are providing targeted support during Advisory, Seahawk Seminar, and after-school help sessions.
Families play an essential role in this collective effort. Monitoring progress through ParentVUE, staying in communication with teachers and counselors, and encouraging students to take advantage of after-school academic support can make a tremendous impact.
When our students, staff, and families work together, we create the conditions for every Seahawk to thrive.
Wishing you all a strong, positive week ahead. As always, please reach out with any questions.
With gratitude,
Carlos Seward
We value your feedback. Share your observations, suggestions, questions and celebrations with me here.
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 Important Dates
- December 11, 2025 - Orchestra Concert
- December 17, 2025 - Band Concert
- December 19, 2025 - Western High School Presentation to rising 10th graders **NEW DATE**
- 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
 #AttendanceMatters
We have 2 weeks until winter break. We are maximizing the full weeks of learning to close out 2025! To support our #AttendanceMatters initiative, we need your partnership by committing to the following:
- Please be sure to make any necessary appointments for your students outside of school hours to maximize the learning time during the day.
- If your child is sick, please contact the school to let us know. Our attendance line is 703-715-4545 and our attendance email is SouthLakesHigh.Attendance@fcps.edu.
- As you check ParentVue and you note that they might need additional academic supports to bring up their grades and their attendance, please have them attend ASAAP on Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursdays.
- Celebrate their accomplishments with them…whether it’s completing a retake, getting assignments turned in on time, or having 0 tardies! Every attempt matters!
CTE/Academy Fair
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.
South Lakes PTSA Food Pantry - Winter Break Schedule
Due to Christmas and New Years falling on Thursday's this year, the South Lakes PTSA Food Pantry has adjust their distribution days as follows:
- Friday, December 26, 2025
- Friday, January 2, 2026
Distribution times remain the same, 4:30PM - 5:00PM.
Should you have additional questions or would like to make a donation the the pantry, visit their website here...South Lakes PTSA Pantry.
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Graduation Status Now Available in ParentVUE & StudentVUE
A new Graduation Status section is now available in ParentVUE and StudentVUE. The Graduation Status is a tool that helps parents and students monitor and track their progress in meeting graduation requirements. This feature includes progress towards 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 graduation status section is available in addition to the course history and unofficial transcript options in ParentVUE and StudentVUE. To view the graduation status section, please take the following steps:
- Login to your SIS ParentVUE Account
- Go to “Course History” for your middle or high school student
- Go to “Graduation Status” and toggle “on”
For questions about graduation requirements, please contact your school counselor. Additional information about ParentVUE is available on the following website: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/technology/student-information-system-sis-fcps/sis-parent-account-overview
Additionally, a resource guide with frequently asked questions (FAQ) for the Graduation Status section is available for school counseling professionals on the Graduation Requirements site.
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2026 SLHS All Night Grad Party (ANGP)
Sign up to receive emails about the 2026 All Night Grad Party (ANGP). You'll get updates about ANGP tickets, lawn signs, planning meetings, fundraisers, volunteer opportunities, party reveals, and more... Sign up here!
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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.
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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. |
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
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.
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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