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Upcoming Events
February 3: Updated Date for End of 2nd Quarter
February 3: Fairfax Academy Open House, 6:30-7:30pm (snow date Feb. 10)
February 6: Principal's Coffee, 7:30-8:30am, Career Center
February 21: VHSL One Acts
February 24: Band Concert, 7pm, Auditorium
February 26: Orchestra Concert, 7pm, Auditorium
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THANK YOU to our Amazing Custodians!!! 👏💯
January 30, 2026
Greetings, Fairfax Families,
I don’t know about you, but I am officially ready to say goodbye to snow days and a very warm "hello" to school days! While the winter weather has kept us in our boots, nothing beats the energy of our students filling these hallways.
Our custodial and facilities team has been working tirelessly to clear the campus and salt the walkways. We are ready for a strong and safe return.
Celebrating Our Scientific Scholars
This past weekend was a true highlight for our community. We were thrilled to host the Fairfax High School Science Fair, featuring 325 projects and 555 participating students!
The feedback has been overwhelming—the quality of the research and the precise execution of the scientific method were simply outstanding. Seeing our students dive deep into their hypothesis and discovery methods reminds us that the future of science is incredibly bright. Thank you to all of our community members and parents who served as judges. Congratulations to all our participants!
Looking Ahead: Course Advising & "Right Fit" Selection
As we look forward to the next academic year, we want to ensure every student is set up for success. In this week’s newsletter, please take a moment to review our Course Advising Resources.
These tools are designed to help your student select courses that provide the "right fit"—balancing academic rigor with their individual passions and well-being.
Important Reminders
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Quarter End: A reminder that the quarter officially ends on February 3rd. Please encourage your students to check in with their teachers and finalize any outstanding assignments.
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Campus Safety: Please allow extra time during morning drop-off as we navigate the remaining snow on campus.
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Facilities Shout-Out: If you see our maintenance crew out on the grounds, please give them a wave of thanks for getting us back into the building!
We’ve missed the ROAR of a full school week. Let’s make this a PAWSitive and focused return to the classroom.
In partnership,
Included in this issue:
School Spotlight
Calendar Reminders
- Saturday School 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
- Upcoming Student Experience Survey
- FCPS Ombuds Office
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- New Performance Dates for How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying
- Student Services Updates
- FHS Athletics Hall of Fame
- District News / In Case You Missed It
- Quick Links
Science Fair
🗓️Calendar Reminders
Saturday School this weekend, Jan 31
Saturday school is still being held tomorrow, January 31!
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 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.
📝 Upcoming Student Experience Survey
Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.
All students in grades 6-12, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 23. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 23, and Friday, March 6. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. The electronic opt-out form can also be accessed at this link.
We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which includes a focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.
Ombuds Office
The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters. Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit the ombuds webpage, where you may submit a question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
NEW DATES: 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.
Here are the NEW performance dates:
Wednesday, Feb. 4 @7pm
Thursday, Feb. 5 @7pm
Friday, Feb. 6 @7pm
Saturday, Feb. 7 @ 2pm
Saturday, Feb. 7 @ 7pm
Sunday, Feb. 8 @ 1pm
Purchase Tickets ONLINE!
Student Services Updates
♦ 2026-2027 Course Selection Process
The Academic Advising process for the 2026-2027 school year is underway. Please take some time to review the information below.
You are encouraged to sit down with your student and review their graduation requirements and options for the following academic year. The FCPS site has general information but our Fairfax High School 2026-2027 Course Selection Process page will provide more specific information.
Students and families can view the following information:
- Important dates and deadlines
- Course Catalog
- Course Selection Video and Academic Advising Slides
- General Course Content (NEW ADDITION)
- Course Selection Sheets
- Information on FCPS Summer School, Dual Enrollment, and Academy Programs
FHS counselors will meet with students on the following dates for Academic Advising through English classes:
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Rising 12 Grade Students (Class of 2027) - Jan. 23 to Feb. 12 (Dates have shifted due to snow)
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Rising 11th Grade Students (Class of 2027) - Feb. 9 to Feb. 26
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Rising 10th Grade Students (Class of 2028) - Feb. 27 to Mar. 6
Any questions, please feel free to reach out to your child’s counselor.
♦ Senior Transcripts
Mid-year transcript will automatically be sent to the colleges where initial transcripts were sent. Many colleges have set February 1 deadlines to receive mid-year transcripts, and students may receive emails and/or see missing mid-year transcript listed in their application portals. However, as the 10th or 11th largest school district in the country (varies year to year), colleges are aware that historically FCPS does not have 1st semester official transcripts to send by Feb 1. Depending on the school calendar each year, FCPS transcripts will not be available to send until mid-February. You will not have access to SIS to upload an unofficial copy of your 1st semester grades by Feb. 1. This is not in your control and will not impact your application review. Colleges will accept and review our official transcripts when they are sent. Please let your school counselor know if you have any questions.
♦ Senior Career Experience
This year, FHS is starting an opportunity for seniors to explore and share their career and personal interests. The FHS PRIDE PREP Program is an experience for seniors to complete an internship or career shadow during May 11 to May 28. To be eligible for the program, seniors must apply and earn approval. Applications are due February 27, 2026, by 3:30pm. No late applications will be accepted. Upon approval, students must complete a contract that requires a parent signature. Students will document their experience and commit to sharing a reflection in a Presentation of Learning on May 28, 2026, prior to graduation. Applications were sent to students via email on January 28 to their FCPS email.
♦ College Partnership Program (CPP) Applications Open
Applications for official CPP membership for the 2026–2027 school year are now open. CPP supports students from high school through college enrollment.
Who Can Apply?
- Current 9th or 10th grade students
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11th graders who enrolled in FCPS after January 1, 2025 Current CPP members do not need to reapply.
Program Highlights
- Academic counseling
- College visits and application support
- Scholarship assistance
- Monthly CPP meetings at students’ base schools
- College and career updates via Schoology
Student Expectations
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher
- Attend monthly meetings
- Take advanced coursework
- Demonstrate leadership
Who Should Apply? All students are encouraged to apply. CPP especially supports first-generation college students, multilingual learners, economically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities.
Students can Apply Online through their FCPS Google Account: https://tinyurl.com/CPPAPP2026 Deadline: February 20, 2026
FCPS Student Google account required. Online applications only.
Questions, please contact Ms. Bender, nsbender@fcps.edu, Ms. Mensahbnmensah@fcps.edu, or Mr. Collins-Esswein, whcollinsess@fcps.edu.
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:
- In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget Presented to School Board
- School Board Approves Proposed Boundary Changes
- It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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