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Upcoming Events
January 24: Saturday School, 9am-12pm, Library.
January 24: Science Fair; students report at 8am; open to the public at 11am; awards at Noon
January 27: Grades 11/12 Only: Required Substance Abuse & Use Lessons
January 28: End of 2nd Quarter
January 29-30: No School, Teacher Workdays
January 30: Fairfax Academy Presents: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, 7pm
February 6: Principal's Coffee, 7:30-8:30am, Career Center
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English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
January 23, 2026
Dear Fairfax Families,
As we approach the finish line of the second quarter, the halls of Fairfax High are roaring with a unique kind of energy. This week, I had the pleasure of visiting classrooms to witness our students in action. It is always one thing to read a curriculum guide; it is quite another to see a semester of hard work manifest in such creative and critical ways.
Learning in Action
From the arts to the sciences, our students are proving that they aren't just absorbing information—they are mastering it. Some of the highlights from my visits this week included:
• Critical Thinking: I sat in on analytical presentations where students connected historical turning points to the complex social implications we face today.
• Spirited Discourse: Our students engaged in a high-energy Socratic seminar, debating the merits and requirements of second-language literacy in a global society.
• Technical Artistry: In our Academy class, I watched fashion design students perfect a variety of industry-standard stitches, while photography students were out in the field (and the halls!) capturing the nuances of spatial awareness.
• Culinary Creativity: Our FACS (Family and Consumer Sciences) students turned up the heat in their very own "Chopped" competition—the talent , the tastes, and the aromas were truly impressive!
The Science Fair
One of my personal highlights each morning this week has been greeting our young scientists at the front doors. Seeing them haul in their boards and models—the culmination of weeks of research and experimentation—is a testament to their dedication.
You won't want to miss our Science Fair tomorrow. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support these scholars and see their hard work judged by community experts.
Winter Storm
As we look toward the weekend, the forecast is calling for a significant winter storm. Please prioritize safety and stay warm. We will keep you updated through our standard communication channels regarding any impact on school scheduling, but for now, let’s enjoy the flurry of academic success happening inside our building!
In partnership,
Included in this issue:
Staff Spotlight
- Outstanding Leader, Ashley Anderson
- Fairfax Pyramid Outstanding Teacher, Thresa O'Neill
Student Spotlight
- VHSL Speech Regionals
- Scholastic Bowl Districts
- Chopped - FHS Edition!
Calendar Reminders
- End of Second Quarter, Early Release and Student Holidays
- Saturday School - New January Dates
- Black History Month
- Career & Technical Education Month
- Love the Bus Month
- School Board Appreciation Month
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Weather Closings
- FCPS Mobile App Info
- Winter Resources for Families
- FCPS Meal Accommodations
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Fairfax Chorus Fundraiser
- Fairfax Academy Presents: How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying - Opening Night next week!
- 26-27 Course Selection Information
- Gap Year Fair
- FHS Athletics Hall of Fame
- District News / In Case You Missed It
- Quick Links
Fairfax High School Outstanding Leader
Congratulations to our Director of Student Services, Ashley Anderson, for being named the Outstanding Leader for Fairfax High School!! Thank you for all you do for our staff and students! 🦁🐾💖
Fairfax Pyramid Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Mathematics Teacher, Thresa O'Neill, for being named Outstanding Teacher for the Fairfax Pyramid Schools!! She now moves on to compete at the Region Level. Congrats, Ms. O'Neill, and thank you for your hard work with our students and school community. Well done! 👏💯🎉🦁
VHSL Speech Regionals
The Fairfax Forensics team brought home 2nd place at the VHSL Regional Speech tournament earlier this week! The team has one alternate student for Super-Regionals, and eight of our team members advancing straight to Super-Regionals. Fairfax also had three Regional event champions at the tournament who brought home gold medals! Well Done, Lions!!
Heather Davids
English Teacher
Forensics Club Sponsor
Scholastic Bowl Districts
Fairfax had a great showing at the VHSL Scholastic Bowl District competition earlier this week. They won 4 out of 7 matches, finishing 4th out of 8 teams in a very tight competition! They are a very young team, we are looking forward to seeing what this team can do in the upcoming years. Way to Go, Lions!!
Coleen Loomis, Math Teacher
Rishi Agrawal, English Teacher
Club Sponsors
Chopped - FHS Edition!
 
Earlier this week, students in the semester Nutrition and Wellness class competed in a Chopped competition for their final. Students had to incorporate the mystery basket ingredients of chicken, zucchini, and cheddar cheese. There were four judges: our renowned Principal, Dr. Aye, Henry Riedy (a hospitality professional), Chef Hugh Cossard (a knighted chef), and FHS grad and Food Network Chopped show winner, Tanya Cauthen (owner of Belmont Butchery). Our student Chopped winners made chicken pupusas and zucchini pupusas with curtido and a pepper cheese sauce. Congrats to all our student contestants!
Brittany Jones
FACS Teacher
🗓️Calendar Reminders
Calendar Reminder: End of Q2, 2HR Early Release and Student Holidays
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A reminder that Wednesday, January 28, 2026 is the last day of Second Quarter and a 2HR Early Release. FHS will dismiss at 12:55pm. Jan. 29 & 30 are student holidays - no school. Classes resume Monday, Feb. 2 - Gray Day.
See the full FCPS School Calendar.
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Saturday School this weekend, Jan 24
Saturday school will be held this weekend, January 24
No signup required, and snacks are 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.
January: New Date Added: 24, 31
February 7, 14, 21, 28
March 7, 14
April 11, 18, 25
May 2, 9, 16, 30
June 6
These dates may change, so keep an eye on this space for updates.
February is Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.
Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month.
February is Career & Tech Ed Month
By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school including Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, Marketing, Technology and Engineering Education, and Trade and Industrial Education. Since this is an elective, course offerings may vary by school. Learn more on the FCPS CTE webpage.
CTE also offers summer programs for students to explore their programs. Enroll now!
February is Love the Bus Month
Love The Bus Month is celebrated every February and is dedicated to the influence of the school bus in American school culture. The holiday appreciates the individuals and organizations involved in the operation of school buses including the drivers. Just as the name implies, Love the Bus Month is about showing love for the American school bus and everything that it represents in American society.
February is School Board Appreciation Month
VSBA School Board Appreciation Month
Thank you to the Fairfax County School Board for all they do throughout the year. Want to contact your school board representatives to share your appreciation? Visit their website to find your school board member and contact them.
⚠️ Weather Closings
 ❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.
⛄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.
FCPS Mobile App
Gone are the days of digging through emails or hunting for bookmarks. The FCPS app provides a custom experience that is both powerful and easy to use. Here is how it makes life easier:
- Customized for Your Family: Do you have students at two (or more!) different schools? You can "follow" multiple schools to get a feed of news, notices, and events specific to your family.
- No Sign-In Required: Access essential content like district-wide announcements, live updates, and school calendars instantly — no password to remember, no login required.
- Real-Time Notifications: Get push notifications for urgent updates — including weather announcements! — ensuring you never miss an important announcement from the district or your school.
- Everything in One Place: From bell schedules and staff directories to athletic event locations and school menus, the app is a central hub for all things FCPS.
To ensure every family stays informed, the app supports automatic translation for more than 100 languages. Learn more about the app, or download it today in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Winter Resources for Families
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 weather. 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 snow or inclement weather days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home.
FCPS Meal Accommodations
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.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Fairfax Chorus Fundraiser
Come to Honeygrow on Saturday, January 24th to support Fairfax Chorus!! Honeygrow will donate 20% of all orders placed when using promo code GIVE161 on the Honeygrow app, Honeygrow.com, or in-store at the kiosk.
1. Visit & Enjoy Honeygrow - 9600 Main Street, Fairfax
2. Use Promo Code GIVE 161 on the app, web, in-store kiosk
3. Honeygrow will donate 20% of ALL orders
Thank you for your support!
Fairfax Academy Presents: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Fairfax Academy's Musical Theatre & Actors Studio (MTAS) presents How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying - The Musical Comedy.
January 30, 31 at 7:00pm
February 1 at 2:00pm
February 5, 6 at 7:00pm
February 7 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Purchase Tickets online!
26-27 Course Selection Information
Did you or your student miss any of the academic advising events? If so, please be sure to check out our 26-27SY Course Selection Information. There you will view all the presentations at Curriculum and Community Night, as well as the Lion Time presentation on selecting courses in SIS. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your student's counselor.
Gap Year Fair
FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas will co-host the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Wednesday, January 28, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Marshall High School.
This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning about opportunities for the year following high school graduation. Students should register at USA Gap Year Fairs.
FHS Athletics Hall of Fame
Fairfax High Athletics Hall of Fame
Class of 2026 Induction Ceremony
Friday, February 6, 2026
Halftime Ceremony at 7:30pm, Varsity Boys Basketball Game
Congratulations to our Inductees:
Decker Barborek Joe Rice
Rachel Barborek Jody Rutherford
George Duangmanee Nicholas Scott
Greg Maddox John Smith
Harry Rhoads Ed Tabish
The Fairfax Athletic Boosters invite you to join us for the Hall of Fame INDUCTEE CEREMONY & BANQUET at 5:00pm, on Friday, February 6th, in the Auxiliary Gym. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased online until Feb. 1st. Questions? Contact Nancy Melnick, at namelnick@fcsp.edu.
District News/In Case You Missed It
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- 📱 More News and Updates — on the go — With the FCPS App
- Special Education Family Conference: Registration Open, Volunteers Needed
- Connect With Your Kids: Simple Steps to Stronger Communication
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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