|
A Note From Principal Seward
Dear South Lakes Students, Families, and Community,
As we move through the heart of the school year, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the collective effort that continues to make our school a place of learning, growth, and care. It is important that we pause to recognize how much progress our students and staff are making, sometimes in ways that are quiet but deeply meaningful.
With the second nine weeks drawing to a close and the first term wrapping up, our focus remains on supporting students in finishing strong. That means reinforcing expectations, offering encouragement, and providing timely feedback so students feel both challenged and supported. The consistency and care our staff brings to this work each day truly matters and makes a difference.
I am grateful for the partnership we share with our families and community as well. Your support, communication, and trust help strengthen the foundation we are building together for our students’ success academically, socially, and emotionally.
Thank you for all you do to make our school a place where students are known, supported, and held to high expectations.
With gratitude,
Carlos Seward
We value your feedback. Share your observations, suggestions, questions and celebrations with me here.
|
 Important Dates
- January 23 - 24, 2026 - Broadway Night
- January 23 - 7:00 PM
- January 24 - 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
- 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 9, 2026 - IB Information Night
- 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
As of January 16 (the 87th day of the school year), SLHS is at 18.6% or 450 students identified as chronically absent (8 or more full day absences). For comparison, last week’s data: 16.7% or 405 students.
The chronic absenteeism goal for SLHS is to stay below 12%!!!
Thank you for your partnership in helping the students understand that attendance is a key factor in academic success! Here are the messages to help the students connect the two:
-
Get to school on time. This is an important habit for students to stay on top of their schoolwork.
-
Check SIS/StudentVue weekly for tardies/absences to have a conversation with your student around attendance and goals.
-
Communicate and plan the instructional and attendance recovery dates for planned/unplanned absences through the ASAAP (After School Attendance and Academic Program). Planning a family trip? College visits? Feeling under the weather unexpectedly? ASAAP is held every Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday from 3:00-4:30pm in the library.
Thank you to all the families who have contributed through donations. We want to keep the incentives going for the students as we are seeing the difference in our ASAAP attendance thanks to your help.
-
Donate gift cards ($5 each)! Our students love them and it is such a positive incentive. Chipotle, Subway, Starbucks, and Chick-Fil-A are popular! (Contact Person: Mie Devers)
-
Donate Amazon gift cards (in any amount) to purchase snacks, planners, and other supplies for ASAAP students. (Contact Person: Mie Devers.
-
Donate food and snacks! Our students LOVE the snacks during ASAAP! We would appreciate snack bags of chips, pretzels, drinks, and other goodies, including full size candy bars! (Contact Person: Mie Devers)
The first semester is concluding and showing up each day will reflect on their academic and social success for the rest of the year. #AttendanceMatters is a message for every student as we build the community of our school as they are important members….just by showing up.
2026-2027 Academic Advising
Academic Advising continues this week with rising 11th graders starting on Wednesday, January 21, 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.
South Lakes Schedule:
- Individual Meetings
- Rising 12th Grade: January 13 - 20
- Rising 11th Grade: January 21 - February 1
- Rising 10th Grade: February 3 - 10
- Change Deadline: March 19
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.
South Lakes Thespians Rock The Virginia Thespys
 South Lakes Theatre Arts earned 36 superior ratings in their "Thespys". Four students-- Hudson Koonce, Thomas South, Ben Edelman & Shirom Kumar were invited to perform their Thespys at the Callback Showcase Sunday morning. This means they were chosen as the best in their respective "blocks".
In addition to the success with Thespys, South Lakes Theatre Arts' one-act "Metamorphoses", produced & performed by the IB Theatre class, earned 2nd place in the one-act competition. We actually tied for first, so the judges needed to make a final decision between us and Tuscarora HS. Four students got All-Star Cast Member awards.
Congratulations Lucy Rosst
Please join us in congratulating senior Lucy Rosst who has been awarded a Posse Scholarship for the University of Virginia!!
The Posse Scholarship is a full-tuition leadership award for talented high school seniors, identifying diverse young leaders with high potential and sending them to top colleges in supportive groups, or "posses," of 10. Lucy is one of our SAC delegates, and I know she’ll be an incredible leader in her posse and an exceptional Cavalier!
Congratulations Sydelle Keisler
Join us in congratulating Sydelle Keisler of the Department of English and our reigning Teacher of the Year on being named the South Lakes Pyramid of Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year! Sydelle is an outstanding educator whose passion for language, literature, and student voice shines through every lesson and her very being! Sydelle will now go on to represent our community as a candidate for the Fairfax County Public Schools Region 1 Teacher of the Year! Congratulations, Sydelle!
"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.
Check out what's new this week on the first ever SLHS podcast "The Lakes" - available on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon Podcasts.
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.
|
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!
|
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.
|
FCPS’ School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Immediately following, the program fair will be held in the cafeteria from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with representatives from over 30 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are encouraged to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available.
Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. For more information, visit: USA Gap Year Fairs.
**In the event of inclement weather on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The Gap Year Fair will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the same time and location.
|
Meal Accommodations Provide Safe, Nutritious Meals
FCPS’s Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to school meals that are safe, nutritious, and meet their individual dietary needs.
FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school. To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.
Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a menu for your child.
|
Cell Phone Policy
Did Your Student Get a New Phone or Device?
For a distraction-free start to the New Year, please remind your student about FCPS' policy for cell phones and personal devices. This policy helps students focus, interact more with their peers and teachers, and build independent problem-solving skills.
Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including:
- Exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.
- Cell phone use on buses and field trips.
- Consequences for cell phone policy violations.
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office, 703-715-4500.
|
 |
|
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. |
Strategies for Better Sleep
Sleep is essential to good health, and getting enough sleep has big benefits to your physical and mental health and well-being. Sleep is restorative, allowing your body time to recover and repair.
This is true for your child, too. In fact, adequate sleep in children supports healthy brain development, learning, and memory consolidation, as well as their mood. And it is important for a strong immune system and the prevention of infections. Read about how much sleep a person needs and get some sleep strategies you can use with your family.
|
Attendance and Illness
When Should Your Child Stay Home?
Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit the FCPS website for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school to minimize impacts on learning.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to let us know so we can provide assistance, if needed.
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.
|
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.
|
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
-
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
-
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:
|
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.
|
|
 |
|
