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Upcoming Events
December 20: City Band Concert; tickets required: www.fairfaxband.org
December 22 - January 2: Winter Break, No School
December 27, 29, 30: Basketball Tournament
January 5: School resumes, FHS Blue Day
January 6 & 8: Academic Advising Lessons
January 9: Principal's Coffee, 7:30-8:30am, Career Center
January 21: Virginia School Planning Survey
January 27: Grades 11/12 Only: Required Substance Abuse & Use Lessons
January 28: End of 2nd Quarter
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Happy Holidays! ❄️☃️✨
Enjoy this Holiday Message from our Pawsome Admin Team!
December 19, 2025
Reflection, Celebration, and a Look Ahead to 2026
As we approach our much-needed holiday break, I am filled with pride reflecting on the many things we have to be thankful for this school year. While we look forward to the "reflection and refinement" that a new year brings, we are first taking a moment to celebrate a truly spectacular final week of 2025 at Fairfax High School.
Future Lions and the Power of Words
This week, our Equity Stakeholder Student Ambassadors traveled to Daniels Run and Providence Elementary schools to deliver their "Power of Words" presentation. They spent quality time with our future Lions, emphasizing a message that resonates deeply within our halls: the words we choose have a BIG IMPACT on our community and our culture.
A Season of Song
Our Chorus has been the soundtrack of the season! They have been spreading holiday cheer across the region, caroling at local elementary and middle schools, nursing homes, and various holiday events. A major highlight was their performance at the National Cathedral on Sunday evening, where they sang alongside the Cathedral Choir—a truly world-class experience for our students.
Spirit of the Den
The festive energy on campus has been unmatched. Between the friendly competition of door decorating and the creativity of gingerbread house making, our students have truly embraced the season. We also hosted our "Candy Cane Lane" Club Fair, which was a massive success filled with games, food, and fun, showcasing the incredible variety of student organizations that make FHS a home for everyone.
Academic and Artistic Excellence
Despite the festive distractions, our students remained focused on their goals. I was particularly moved by the AVID Ted Talks, where students shared their personal stories and learning with confidence and poise.
The week was rounded out by "star-studded" performances, including our Fairfax High One-Act Plays and the Fairfax Academy "PopCorn Playlist" Showcase. The level of talent in this building never ceases to amaze me.
Happy Holidays!
As we close out the first half of the school year, I hope that over this extended break you find quality time for yourself, your family, and your friends. We look forward to seeing everyone back in the den, refreshed and ready for a great 2026!
Warmly,
Georgina Aye, Proud Principal of Fairfax High School
Included in this issue:
Student Spotlight
- Crush Cancer Club
- Feed the Den Update
- FHS Chorus Sings at National Cathedral
- Power of Words
- Candy Cane Market
Staff Spotlight
- Outstanding Employee Awards!
Calendar Reminders
- Chanukah, starts December 14
- Christmas, December 25
- Winter Break, December 22 - January 2, No School
- Saturday School Dates
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Office Hours over Winter Break
- FCPS Budget
- Winter Resources for Families
- Food Assistance and Resource Guide
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Principal's Coffee, Friday, January 9
- Junior College Night
- PTSA and ANG Meetings January 20
- Course Selection
- Virtual Therapy for High School Students
- District News / In Case You Missed It
- Quick Links
Crush Cancer & Fashion Club
The Crush Cancer Club and Fashion Club met yesterday to make holiday cards for children at INOVA.
Feed the Den Update
The Feed the Den drive was very successful!!! We appreciate everyone's contributions and support. They were able to collect 1000 items to stock the pantry. THANK YOU!!
FHS Chorus Sings at National Cathedral
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FHS Chorus students sang at the National Cathedral for the Cathedral Choral Society's program, Joy of Christmas. |
Power of Words
 The Fairfax HS Equity Ambassadors deliver lessons to elementary school students, making sure they understand that their Words Matter.
Candy Cane Lane
 Over two dozen clubs participated in what is now the annual Candy Cane Lane event! Such terrific entrepreneurial ideas and fun!
Celebrating our Outstanding Employees!
Congratulations to our Award Winners!
 Teacher of the Year: Thresa O'Neill, Math
 New Teacher of the Year: Joaquin Perez, ESOL
 Operational Employee of the Year: Sarah Tarvid, Fairfax Academy
 Professional Employee of the Year: Robyn Lankford, Behavior Solutions Innovator
🗓️Calendar Reminders
🕎 Happy Chanukah
Happy Chanukah to all in our community who celebrate! This Festival of Lights is an 8-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple, and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple's menorah for 8 days. Learn more about Chanukah.
🎄Merry Christmas
A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas.
❄️☃️ 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.
Next Saturday School is January 10
The next Saturday School is being held January 10, 2026. 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
Office Hours During Winter Break
Fairfax HS buildings are closed on Dec 22-23 for maintenance. Our main office will be open 9am-1pm on Dec. 26, 29, 30, 31, and Jan 2. Any other time, please leave a message at 703-219-2200 and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Happy Holidays!
FCPS Budget
Reid Reflects: State Standards and the FCPS Budget StoryIn her latest Weekly Reflections, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid thanked every member of our community for supporting FCPS as it remains fully accredited. Referencing a news release on accreditation, Dr. Reid noted how FCPS needs funding to support and maintain this excellence.
As we shared last week, [School Name] was recognized as being [Distinguished/On Track/etc.]
Visit the Budget Story webpage to learn more about the FCPS budget and the funding challenges that schools across Virginia, not just FCPS, face because of outdated state funding formulas.Read more of Dr. Reid’s Weekly Reflections.
Make Your Voice Heard!
Look for opportunities to share your ideas about funding public education and encourage your neighbors, friends, and community members to follow the FCPS budget process. Several key decision dates and engagement opportunities are listed below:
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Thursday, December 18, 2025 - The Virginia Governor introduced the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget.
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Wednesday, January 7, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m. - There will be virtual regional public hearings on the governor’s proposed 2026-28 biennial state budget.
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Thursday, January 22, 2026 - Dr. Reid will present the proposed FCPS budget to the School Board.
Visit the FCPS budget webpage for more information.
⛄ 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.
🍲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.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Next Principal's Coffee, January 9, 2026
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Please join us for the next Principal's Coffee, on Friday, January 9, 2026; 7:30-8:30am in the Career Center, room L106. All visitors must sign in at the front office. |
College Planning Night, January 15
College Planning Night
for Juniors and their parents/guardians
Thursday, January 15, 2026 @ 7:00 pm
Fairfax High School – Auditorium
We are almost halfway through junior year, so it is time to start thinking ahead to the college admissions process!! This year’s format will be an in person, panel discussion and will be targeted to juniors who are interested in attending a four-year college or university. Four, very experienced College Admissions Officers will share valuable advice for your college search. We plan to ask important questions about research, preparation, applications, acceptance and making the final decision. We’ll wrap up with Q&A time dedicated to answering all of your admissions-related questions.
All juniors interested in attending a four-year college or university are encouraged to attend!
Note: The format of this event is a panel discussion and will not be recorded. If you cannot attend on January 15, you are welcome to go to Chantilly HS on Tuesday, January 13 @ 7:00 pm or Madison HS on Wednesday, January 14 @ 7:00 pm. It will be the same exact program with the same speakers.
For more information, contact: Ms. Maureen Kim, Fairfax HS College & Career Specialist at MHKim@fcps.edu, or 703-219-2204.
Next PTSA and ANG Meetings, January 20
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The next PTSA and ANG meetings will be held on January 20 in the Library, starting at 7pm. Please join us! |
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.
District News - In Case You Missed It
Click to edit this placeholder text.
FCPS News
- In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Make Your Voice Heard! Have an Impact on the Budget
- Go on a Literacy Adventure
- Enjoy Your Winter Break!
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. |
throughout the year:
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