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Upcoming Events
December 14 and December 20: City Band Concerts; tickets required: www.fairfaxband.org
December 16: Parents for Safe Teen Driving, 6pm
December 18: Academy MTAS Showcase, 7pm
December 22 - January 2: Winter Break, No School
December 27, 29, 30: Basketball Tournament
January 5: School resumes, FHS Blue Day
January 9: Principal's Coffee, 7:30-8:30am, Career Center
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Decking the halls... literally! 🌿 Happy Holidays from your Admin Team.
December 12, 2025
Community Resilience, Distinguished Recognition, and Holiday Cheer
This has been a week where the strength of the Fairfax High School community was truly on display.
Safety and Resilience
I want to once again recognize our students and staff for supporting one another through our necessary evacuation this week. Events like these are always stressful and challenging, and our community responded in a calm and responsive manner. Your quick adherence to procedures ensures the safety of everyone, and I am incredibly proud of our collective composure.
Academic Recognition: VDOE Distinguished School and Recognizing Student Excellence
We are thrilled to announce that Fairfax High School has been officially recognized by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) as a DISTINGUISHED School!
This designation reflects excellence across the new state accountability system by demonstrating success in academic achievement, graduation rates, and college/career readiness, while also showing progress in continuous school improvement. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and families!
Today, we recognized 190 students during our "LIONS TAKING THE LEAD" breakfast. This was a wonderful event that highlighted merit scholars, student leadership, and showcased students who exhibit our PAWS characteristics.
Festive Fun and Giving
There have been many festive events this week at school as we continue our holiday countdown. A few of my favorites include the creative gingerbread house making, the spirited hallway and door decorating, and a wonderful evening opportunity to listen to our Band and Orchestra as they entertained us with the beautiful sounds of the season.
As we look toward the break, please remember those in our community who may need a little extra support:
- We are asking for continued support in stocking our pantry.
- We also need donations of hats, gloves, and scarves for our giving tree.
Please consider supporting a LION in need this holiday season! Have a restful and safe weekend.
 We are PAWsome! 🦁 So proud to see our Fairfax High Principal recognizing these amazing students with their 'Lions Take the Lead' awards. Keep rising, Lions! #FairfaxHigh #LionsOnTheRise #StudentSuccess
Holicraze Spirit Days!
Included in this issue:
Student Spotlight
- Robotics Competition
- Cultural Celebration - Save the Date
- Interact Club
Calendar Reminders
- Winter Break, December 22 - January 2, No School
- Saturday School, December 13
- Next PTSA and ANG Meetings January 20
- Food Drive @ Boys Basketball Games, Dec. 12
- Principal's Coffee, Friday, January 9
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Weather Closings
- Winter Resources for Families
- Reporting Student Absences
- Food Assistance and Resource Guide
- Scoliosis Fact Sheet
- Become Unskippable: Talking to Teens about Fentanyl
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Course Selection
- Virtual Therapy for High School Students
- Explore CTE and Academy/Specialty Programs
- Educate Fairfax
- District News / In Case You Missed It
- Quick Links
Robotics Team
The Robotics Team competed at their first competition for the season last week, and won the Connect Award! The following students competed at the competition:
- Khalid Amikishiyev
- Adel Al Jumaily
- Vedik Vajja
- Robert Hurd
- Kuberadatta Ravi
- Shaan Thyagarajan
- Benedict Thomas
- Hyomin Alvin Kwon
- Razeen Ahmed
- Mohammed Ouazzani Touhami
Well done, Lions, and Congratulations!
Cultural Celebration - Save the Date
SAVE the DATE for our upcoming Cultural Celebration on Thursday night, March 26, 2026. Enjoy a night of food, cultural dances and music!
It is a wonderful time where our Fairfax community comes together to celebrate the diversity and talents of our student body. There will be food from our cultural clubs and various performances highlighting different cultures. It’s a fun time for the whole family!
More info will be sent out as we get closer. Follow our Instagram for updates:
@fhs.cultural celebration. See you there!
Interact Club
 Photos courtesy of Interact Club
The Interact Club, the student arm of Rotary International, is a service organization that reaches out to both the local and wider, international community with the spirit of service. This past week, Interact club members home-baked several dozen cookies, sorted them into 20 boxes of cookies and presented them to first responders: the ER and Pediatric ER at INOVA, the Fairfax Police, Fairfax Fire and Rescue, and at the Schar Cancer -- Breast Center at INOVA as a gesture of thanks for their service.
The Interact Club meets bi-weekly in C115. They do projects both as Interact alone and in fellowship with Fairfax Rotary International. They will be at the Candy Cane Lane next week. Stop by, say hi, and grab a nice cup of hot chocolate!
🗓️Calendar Reminders
❄️☃️ Winter Break (Student Holiday)
As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 22, to Friday, January 2. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.
Classes resume on Monday, January 5, 2026, a BLUE day for Fairfax HS. See the complete school year calendar.
Saturday School, December 13
Saturday School is being held Dec. 13, and is the last one before winter break!
No signup required, and snacks provided, but transportation is on your own. Students should enter the building at Door 1, check in at the Security Desk, and report to the Library.
See below for the remaining Saturday School Dates - though they may change! Keep an eye on this space for updates.
January 10, 24
February 7, 14, 21, 28
March 7, 14
April 11, 18, 25
May 2, 9, 16, 30
June 6
Next PTSA and ANG Meetings in January
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Please Note that the PTSA and ANG meetings for December are CANCELED. Please join us on January 20 in the Library for the next ones! |
Food Drive for Boys Basketball Game, Dec. 12
FHS continues with our Feed The Den food drive! If you bring 5 Cans to the Dec. 12th Boys Basketball game, you will get in for FREE!! Please join us in feeding the den, and filling our pantry.
Dec. 12th Boys Basketball Games: 5 Cans of Food = One FREE Entry.
Freshman @ 4:30; JV @ 5:45; Varsity @ 7:30. Thank you for your support!
Weather Closings
 ❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.
⛄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.
⛄ Winter Resources for Families
A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources page for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue!
We encourage students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during the upcoming winter break and on snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home.
🙋Reporting Student Absences
We are committed to partnering with families to promote positive attendance habits. Any day that your child is unable to attend school, parents should report the absence. By reporting absences, families are partnering with our staff so that everyone can make sure students are supported and have access to resources.
Full-day absences can be reported in SIS ParentVUE. Parents can also report absences by calling our school attendance line at 703-219-2211. Parents can monitor their child’s attendance records in SIS ParentVUE.
Attendance Codes in SIS ParentVUE Explained
Attendance codes in SIS ParentVUE are assigned by school staff to better identify the reasons behind student absences. This allows us to respond thoughtfully and provide appropriate support. Visit the FCPS Attendance Policy webpage to learn more about the codes.
When Your Child Is Sick
It is also important to keep your child home when they are sick. The Can My Child Go to School? webpage provides helpful recommendations on when to keep your child home.
For instance, as long as they are feeling like they can participate in school activities, a child should attend school if they have cold symptoms. However, if they have severe, uncontrolled, or rapid coughing; wheezing; or difficulty breathing, definitely keep them home and contact your health care provider.
🍲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.
Scoliosis Fact Sheet
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. A spine affected by
scoliosis has a sideways curve, making it appear more like an "S" or a "C" than a straight line. Untreated scoliosis can lead to limited motion, back pain, deformity, and in extreme cases, impaired function of the heart and lungs. Early detection and treatment may prevent scoliosis from progressing.
Please see this Scoliosis Fact Sheet and learn about early detection. Visit the Scoliosis page on the FCPS website or www.srs.org for more information.
Become Unskippable: Talking to Teens about Fentanyl
Preparing for Tough Conversations With Teens
Are you planning on spending more time with your teen over winter break? Or are they planning to spend time away from you with friends? Now may be a good time to talk to them about fentanyl and overdose.
Discussing tough topics like fentanyl and other drugs can feel challenging, no matter how close you are with your child. Explain to your teen that it’s important to learn about fentanyl so they know what to do if a friend overdoses. Prepare in advance with the tips below:
- Set the stage. Choose a casual environment that’s free from distractions. Talk while driving the car, taking a walk, or doing chores together.
- Make it a two-way discussion. Ask open-ended questions.
- Stay patient, and reserve judgment.
- Check in with your child early and often.
Learn how to start an unskippable conversation, and find resources to share with your teen on how to spot an overdose and how to respond.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Course Selection
Shape Your Story: Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
Beginning in January 2026, students will meet with their counselors to discuss course selection for next year. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to actively participate in this important process.
As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:
- Current academic strengths and habits.
- Graduation requirements (high school students.
- Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
- Personal well-being.
- Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.
School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.
🎓 Graduation Requirements and Planning
FCPS’ Graduation Requirements and Course Planning page provides information that students and families can preview to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond. To further help families in tracking these requirements, new this year, families can log into ParentVUE to monitor their student's progress toward graduation.
Reviewing the Program of Studies may also be helpful. Be sure to refer to our course catalog and course selection information.
Virtual Therapy for High School Students
No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students
Is your student experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.
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
Educate Fairfax
Support Our Schools: 25 for 2025 Giving ChallengeJoin Educate Fairfax’s 25 for 2025 Giving Challenge and help ensure every FCPS student has the tools, support, and inspiration to succeed. Every gift, whether you can give $25 or $2,500, helps students learn while supporting the teachers and staff who make a lasting difference.
Educate Fairfax is the nonprofit education foundation that supports FCPS by providing resources, recognizing outstanding educators, and strengthening connections between schools and the community. Educate Fairfax invests directly in classrooms and programs. Last year, they contributed $1.27 million back into our schools.
The foundation supplied more than 5,000 school supply kits to more than 61 schools, centers, shelters, and Welcome Centers. Its Food for All Campaign packed more than 1,000 snack packs and helped feed more than 350 families over Thanksgiving. Read the Educate Fairfax Annual Report to learn more about their impact.
Together, we can support and encourage all learners and educators and strengthen the future of our schools. Donate to Educate Fairfax today.
District News - In Case You Missed It
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- FCPS Showcases Success
- Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings
- Winter Resources for Families
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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. |
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