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A Note From Principal Seward
Dear South Lakes Students, Families, and Community,
Happy New Year, Seahawks! January represents one of the most pivotal moments of the school year. It is a unique bridge in which we keep one eye on the horizon while remaining firmly grounded in the work directly in front of us.
While it may feel like we just settled into this school year, planning for next year is already underway. In the coming days and weeks, our attention will shift toward thoughtful curriculum and course planning.
Students will work closely with counselors and teachers to align their interests, passions, and goals with South Lakes’ wide range of academy programs, electives, CTE offerings, and advanced coursework. Our counselors and teachers will continue helping students find the right balance of rigor and wellness.
This is the time to maintain momentum, avoid the mid-year slump, and commit to excellence in daily attendance, engagement, and effort.
Students, whether your goal is academic growth, improved attendance, or deeper involvement in school life, every step forward matters. Families, your partnership is essential. Please continue to check ParentVUE and Schoology, talk with your students about their progress, and reach out when questions arise.
Let’s commit to making these next few months a time of growth, achievement, and preparation. Together, we will finish strong and keep moving in an "distinguished-school" mindset, vision, and action!
With gratitude,
Carlos Seward
We value your feedback. Share your observations, suggestions, questions and celebrations with me here.
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 Important Dates
- January 8, 2026 - 2026-2027 Curriculum Night, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
- January 19, 2026 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School
- January 28, 2026 - End of 2nd Quarter - 2-Hour Early Release
- January 29 - 30, 2026 - Student Holidays
- February 2, 2026 - First day of 3rd Quarter
- February 16, 2026 - President's Day - No School
- February 17, 2026 - Teacher Work-Day - No School for students
FCPS School Year Calendar
Table of Contents
 #AttendanceMatters
Welcome back, Seahawks! We have 3 ½ weeks left in the second quarter. Missed some school days before/after winter break? We have ASAAP available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in the library from 3:00-4:30 for instructional and attendance recovery support. We hope to see you there!
 Shape Your Story: Course Selection For 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 may contact their student’s school counselor with questions.
The timeline for South Lakes High School course selection, also referred to as Academic Advising, will begin at the end of January, 2026. See the Timeline above for our schedule.
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. For additional support in tracking these requirements, families can now 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.
SLHS Culinary Students Win 1st Place
 Fairfax County Public Schools hosted its first-ever student cooking competition, an exciting culinary face-off that put the creativity and skills of culinary arts students to the test. This event was created through a partnership between the Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) and Family & Consumer Sciences, aimed at inspiring the next generation of chefs and promoting student engagement in school nutrition.
On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, ten culinary arts students, paired in teams of two from Marshall High School, South Lakes High School, and Annandale High School, met at the FNS test kitchen for a "Chopped" style challenge. Teams faced a true culinary test: plan, prepare, and present an original entrée to a panel of judges, using only items that met school nutrition standards while navigating the limited equipment that FCPS cooks use daily. Student teams received a mystery basket with proteins, grains, and vegetables, plus access to a supplemental pantry.
The students demonstrated grace under pressure, a passion for food, and excellent culinary skills, making the inaugural competition a resounding success that FCPS plans to continue annually.
A huge congratulations goes out to the winning team from South Lakes High School: Samuel Janow and Sara Jindal. Sam and Sara presented delicious vegetarian taco bowls with a special seasoning blend. They impressed the judges with their creativity and uniqueness as the sole vegetarian dish in the competition. The students' winning entrée is set to be featured on school menus across FCPS, giving students the unique opportunity to see their creation served districtwide.
Their winning recipe was also highlighted at the FCPS Student Food Show on December 9, 2025. Sam and Sara collaborated with Chef Tim Jones and Registered Dietitian Jenn Knepper from FNS to scale the recipe and gather direct feedback from their peers at the show.
This competition highlights how the school community, motivated teachers, and school partners are working together to ensure each student has access to excellence and opportunity. The division looks forward to continuing its work with these exceptional students and their programs in the coming year.
"The Lakes -- Podcast"
 Billy Watts, our Assessment Coach, and resident genius, has created the first ever South Lakes High School Podcast, entitled "The Lakes!" The podcast will feature stories, interviews, and advice for students, parents, educators, and community about all things South Lakes High School. The very first episode of the new podcast is "Navigating New Waters: Choosing a Pathway after High School, featuring our very own Kathy Luongo! Check it out, listen, follow, like, and of course, subscribe!
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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Dr. Reid Reflects: State Standards and the FCPS Budget Story
In an earlier 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, South Lakes High School was recognized as being Distinguished
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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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.
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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. |
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Become Unskippable: Talking to Teens About Fentanyl
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.
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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
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.
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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