 |
|
Upcoming Events
January 12: Curriculum Fair, 6-8pm, Auditorium
January 13: Virginia Special Election Day
January 14: Virtual Senior Parent Meeting, 6:30pm; link to follow
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
January 29-30: No School, Teacher Workdays
|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
January 9, 2026
Happy New Year, Fairfax Families!
We are so excited to be back as we kick off the 2026 portion of our school year. There is nothing more invigorating about a new year than the opportunity it provides for reflection and intentional planning. This week, our students hit the ground running by taking time to self-assess their individual learning styles and examine the vast array of course options available here at FHS. Our goal is to ensure every Lion has a well-rounded and rigorous schedule that perfectly aligns with their unique needs and aspirations.
Student Choice: Curriculum Fair and Course Sampling
To empower our students in their academic journey, we are hosting our annual Curriculum Fair event this coming Monday during the school day. Students will have the opportunity to head to four different classrooms of their choice. They will meet the teachers, see the learning environment, and receive a "sample" of what those specific courses might look like on their 26–27 schedules. This hands-on approach allows students to move beyond a course catalog and experience the potential of their future classes firsthand.
Join Us: Curriculum Fair Night
The conversation continues on Monday evening, 6:00-8:00, and we invite all of our families to join us here at FHS. This is a vital opportunity to:
- Hear more about our diverse course options and specialized electives.
- Meet with admin, department leads, and instructional staff.
- Discuss how to tailor a schedule that balances academic rigor with student well-being.
- Explore the many PAWSome PAWSibilities that await your student next year.
We look forward to partnering with you as we begin this exciting transition into the next chapter of your student's high school career.
Warmly,
Included in this issue:
Community Spotlight
- Fairfax HS is a Polling Place for the January 13 Special Election
Staff Spotlight
- Kay Walters, VAME Teacher of the Year Nominee
Calendar Reminders
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Help Reduce the Spread of Flu
- Curriculum Fair, January 12
- Senior Parent Virtual Meeting, January 14
- FCPS Budget Process
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Judges needed for Science Fair on January 24
- Junior College Night, January 15
- PTSA and ANG Meetings January 20
- Quick Links
January 13 Special Election Voting at FHS
We wanted to make you aware that Tuesday, January 13, will be a special election day for the 11th -District House of Delegates Member. Fairfax High School is one of eight schools that will be serving as a polling place on January 13. We are taking extra safety precautions that will allow citizens to exercise their civic duty while minimizing disruptions to the school day.
In coordination with the FCPS Office of Safety and Security, the Fairfax County Office of Elections, and the Fairfax City Office of Elections, we have identified an area of our school that will be open to the public during the school day. This location minimizes any potential interactions with students and will help prevent anyone from entering other areas of the school.
We will need to make some parking spots available for voters, so if you have a meeting at school on January 13, we encourage you to arrive a little early to find parking. Otherwise, we anticipate that disruptions to the school day will be minimal.
We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we perform this important function for our community. Please reach out to the school directly if you have concerns at 703-219-2200.
View the City of Fairfax or Fairfax County election information.
Marketing Teacher Kay Walters
We are proud to announce that FHS Marketing Teacher, Kay Walters, has been nominated for the Virginia Association of Marketing Educators (VAME) Teacher of the Year award. This award honors outstanding marketing educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their students, schools, and communities. This recognition celebrates those who go above and beyond to support and elevate the field of marketing education in Virginia. Congratulations, Ms. Walters!
🗓️Calendar Reminders
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
Help Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs
Healthy Habits to Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs
Fairfax County is seeing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. Visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings.
Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs
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
🎓 Graduation Requirements and Planning
Planning which courses to take next year — and in future years — must be given considerable thought. Students and families should review the Graduation Requirements and Course Planning webpage to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond.
The curriculum webpage may also be helpful. Refer to our course catalog and course selection webpages. Questions, contact your student's Counselor.
🗓️ Mark Your Calendar: Academy Open Houses
FCPS high school academies are holding open houses for interested students. Open houses are a great opportunity to visit classrooms and labs, and meet instructors and academy counselors.
An academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Academy elective courses provide students with various career experiences, including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.
Students can explore more than a dozen career fields through FCPS academies! Watch this video to learn more about academy programs.
View the calendar of Academy Open Houses.
🖥️ Senior Parent Virtual Meeting, January 14
Wednesday, January 14, Fairfax High School will host a virtual meeting for the Class of 2026 parents at 6:30 pm. We will share graduation details, an overview of senior dues, additional expectations, and other important upcoming dates to remember. We will send the meeting link in the coming week. If you are unable to join the virtual meeting, slides will be posted on the school website. We are looking forward to the last months of high school.
Follow Our Budget Process
Encourage your neighbors, friends, and community members to follow the FCPS budget process and look for opportunities to share your ideas about funding public education. Key decision dates and engagement opportunities are coming up in the next few weeks:
- The Fairfax County delegation to the General Assembly will hold a public hearing regarding the upcoming 2026 session on Saturday, January 10, at 9 a.m. in the Board Auditorium at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Fairfax County residents can sign up in advance to speak at the hearing online or contact the Department of Clerk Services at 703-324-3151, TTY 711, by Thursday, January 8, at noon.
-
Thursday, January 22, Dr. Reid will present the proposed budget to the School Board.
Visit our budget webpage for more information.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
✨ Be a Science Fair Judge!
Are you a scientist, engineer, or science enthusiast?
Do you have a passion for discovery and helping students shine?
We’re looking for volunteer judges to evaluate projects at our Fairfax High School Science Fair on January 24th 2026!
Your expertise, enthusiasm, and constructive feedback can make a lasting impact on budding young scientists.
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
 |
|
The next PTSA and ANG meetings will be held on January 20 in the Library, starting at 7pm. Please join us! |
Quick Links
 |
|
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:
|
