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Upcoming Events
January 6 & 8: Academic Advising Lessons
January 9: Principal's Coffee, 7:30-8:30am, Career Center
January 12: Curriculum Fair, 6-8pm, Auditorium
January 15: Junior/Parent College Night
January 19: MLK Holiday, No School
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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January 2, 2026
Happy New Year, Fairfax Community!
It is wonderful to countdown the remaining days until we return to school. As a principal, I always find this January return to be one of the most pivotal moments of the school year. It is a unique bridge where we must keep one eye on the horizon and the other firmly on the path beneath our feet.
Here is a look at what our focus will be as we get ready to ROAR into a productive and purposeful winter and spring.
Looking Ahead: 2026–2027 Planning
While it feels like we just settled into this year, the plans for the next academic year are already in motion . Over the coming weeks, our focus will shift heavily toward curriculum and course planning.
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Course Selection: We will be working closely with students to align their interests and passions with our academic offerings here at FHS. We are proud to offer one of the widest selections of academy, elective, CTE, and advanced course menus in FCPS.
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Academic Advising:Our counselors are prepared to help students find that "sweet spot" of rigor and balance to ensure a successful path forward. While we continue to encourage every student to "push" themselves in at least one area.
The Sprint
We have five months to ensure a strong finish. This is the time to maintain momentum and avoid the mid-year slump. Our priority is ensuring every student finishes their current coursework with excellence.
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Assessment Readiness:Whether it’s state testing, AP exams, or final projects, we are dedicated to providing the resources and support students need to perform their best.
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The College & Career Pivot:For our upperclassmen, this is a season of big decisions. From finalizing college selections to exploring vocational and career pathways, we are here to guide families through the logistics and the emotions of these transitions.
Let’s commit to making these next few months a period of growth, achievement, and preparation.
Warmly,
Included in this issue:
Calendar Reminders
- Monday, January 5 - FHS Blue Day
- Three Kings Day, January 6
- Principal's Coffee, Friday, January 9
- Saturday School Dates
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Curriculum Fair, January 12
- Winter Resources for Families
- Food Assistance and Resource Guide
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Junior College Night
- PTSA and ANG Meetings January 20
- Course Selection
- Quick Links
🗓️Calendar Reminders
Monday, January 5 is a Blue Day
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Classes resume on Monday, January 5, 2026, a BLUE day for Fairfax HS. |
Three Kings Day, January 6
FCPS has designated Three Kings Day/Epiphany as a religious and cultural observance day. There is school on these days, however specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days. See the complete school year calendar.
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. |
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
Curriculum Fair, January 12
This year’s Curriculum Fair is being held Monday, Jan. 12, from 6-8pm.
This is our Academic Advising event for the classes of 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030 (rising 9th, current 9th, 10th, and 11th grade). The evening aims to provide families with information to help select courses for the 2026-2027 school year. Topics to include electives, advanced placement, dual enrollment, and honors level classes. There will be optional information sessions for rising 9 from 6:15 to 7pm and then rising 10-12 from 7:15 to 8pm in the Auditorium. Throughout the night, tables will be set up for families to learn about courses directly from staff currently teaching courses or students that are currently enrolled.
- New Family Orientation (Library – 6:15 to 6:45pm)
- Rising 9th Grade Info Session (Auditorium - 6:15 to 6:45pm)
Rising 10th-12th Grade Post-Secondary Info Session (Auditorium - 7 to 7:45pm
⛄ 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:
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.
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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