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Upcoming Events
February 16: President’s Day Holiday, No School
February 17: Student Holiday, Teacher workday
February 18: Cultural Observance Day: Ash Wednesday; Ramadan begins at sundown
February 19: Warm Up FCPS Spirit Day!
February 20: Academy Dance Benefit (snow date Feb. 22)
Saturday, February 21: VHSL One Acts, Academy auditions and World Language placement exams (Feb. 28 snow date)
February 23: Spring Sports Tryouts
February 24: Band Concert
February 26: Orchestra Concert
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Happy Valentine's Day! 🦁💖
February 13, 2026
Greetings, Fairfax Families,
If the hallways felt a little brighter this week, it wasn’t just the sun on the snow—it was the incredible spirit of "Lion Love." From candy-grams and singing-grams to handmade beaded bracelets and heart-shaped cookies, our students have spent the week spreading kindness and care in every corner of the building. Seeing our students lead with such friendly gestures—and even some brave karaoke performances—is a testament to the supportive culture we continue to build together.
Global Excellence: World Language Credits
We are thrilled to share some outstanding academic news. The World Language Credit Exam offers a unique opportunity for students to earn high school credits by demonstrating their proficiency through an approved assessment.
Fairfax High School is proud to announce that 93% of our participating students earned between 1 and 3 language credits! This achievement speaks to the rich culture of our school and the high level of linguistic skill our students possess. Congratulations to these scholars on their hard-earned success!
Reconnecting with Joy
In Advisory this week, we encouraged students to "get back together" with a healthy or fun habit that brings them joy. Whether it was a commitment to eating more veggies, diving back into creative writing, or making a return to the gym, the energy was contagious as students shared their goals with one another. We encourage you to ask your student this weekend: “What’s one habit you’re falling back in love with?”
Winter Sports: The Road to States
Our winter sports season is winding down, but the competition is heating up! Please join me in cheering on our student-athletes as they advance to Regional and State levels in the next few days.
A Musical Valentine’s Outing
If you are looking for a fantastic Valentine’s Day outing this weekend, our talented District Chorus will be performing at West Springfield High School. It is a wonderful way to support our performing arts and experience some incredible music.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for making Fairfax High such a vibrant place to learn and grow.
Warmly,
Included in this issue:
Student Spotlight
- Speech Team at SuperRegionals
- DECA's Mane Market shines Gold!
Calendar Reminders
- President's Day
- Lunar New Year
- Ramadan
- Ash Wednesday
- Saturday School Dates
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Black History Month Celebration, Feb 25
- Meal Kits for Fasting Students
- SR&R Survey
- Student Summit
- Warm Up, FCPS!
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Fairfax Academy Dance Benefit Concert: Grounded, Feb. 20, 7pm
- Kaplan PSAT/SAT Prep
- Fairfax City Arbor Day Contest
- Prepare for Summer Learning
- District News / In Case You Missed It
- Quick Links
Speech Team places at SuperRegionals!
Earlier this week, the Fairfax Speech team brought home 3rd place overall in our VHSL SuperRegional competition!! Four of our seven competitors are advancing to states in March: Isabelle An, Evan Curtas, Mina Habibi, and Charles Rogers. And Mina Habibi took first place in Storytelling to be named the SuperRegional Champion! Well done, Lions!!! 🎉🦁
DECA's Mane Market
Our Entrepreneurship 2 students’ Mane Market is one of many school-based enterprises achieving Gold Level Recertification for the 2025-2026 school year and will be recognized during DECA’s International Career Development Conference this April 25-28, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
The classes spent weeks creating a 20-page project detailing how our School Based Enterprise runs, organizes, funds, promotes and sells to the school community. This is truly a valuable work-based entrepreneurial experience. Many of these students will be going on to compete at the DECA Leadership Conference later this month in Virginia Beach.
Huge shout out to Samantha Murphy for being the “Project Manager” as her skills compiling all the information into a truly professional work product went above and beyond the call of duty. Kudos to Elle Duangmanee and Annika Tandon as section leaders making sure the students completed their parts.
Melanie West-Matalavage
Marketing Teacher
NVCC Dual Enrollment
DECA Adviser
🗓️Calendar Reminders
All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, for the Presidents Day holiday. Tuesday, February 17 is a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.
Lunar New Year, February 17
🐎 새해 복 많이 받으세요! 新年快乐! Chúc mừng Năm Mới! Wishing good fortune to those in our community who celebrate Lunar New Year! For those in many East and Southeast Asian countries, including Pacific Islanders, the Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays of the year and is all about ushering in luck and prosperity with family.
Teacher Workday (Lunar New Year, Ramadan Begins at Sundown)
Tuesday, February 17, is a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.
Ramadan Begins Sundown, February 17
Ramadan Mubarak to those in our community who observe! In Islam, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this month Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset each day while striving to increase their spirituality, through prayers, charity, and good deeds. Muslims believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad.
Teacher Workday (Lunar New Year, Ramadan Begins at Sundown)
Tuesday, February 17, is a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.
**MEDITATION & REFLECTION SPACE PASSES**
To revisit consistent practices, we will be revisiting our Meditation and Reflection systems for students (MARS). We are requesting ALL students receive a new temporary pass with a new permission slip in order to miss instructional time.
When the new permission slip is returned, students will receive a permanent MARS pass.
- Students may leave class to meditate.
- Hallway 23 is the dedicated meditation space.
- Students should only be gone 15 mins on the meditation pass.
The library will be open for students during lunch to accommodate those who are fasting.
Saturday School this weekend, Feb 14
Saturday school is being held tomorrow, February 14th
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.
February 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.
Black History Month Celebration
Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence
Families and community members are invited to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and uplift the voices shaping our future at FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration. Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at 6 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.
The event will honor the rich history, strength, and contributions of the Black community through inspiring student performances and a powerful keynote address by Rev. Vernon C. Walton, pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna. Light refreshments will be available.
Meal Kits for Fasting Students
From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.
Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. The first deadline is Wednesday, February 11, for the week of February 16. Please note other important details below:
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Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day.
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Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
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Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.
Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800.
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.
SR&R Survey
Survey on Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Now Open for All Families and Middle and High School Students
On Monday, all FCPS parents/caregivers and middle and high school students received an email to participate in a voluntary and confidential survey. (Please check your spam folder if you have not received it.)
Questions refer to proposed changes to FCPS’ SR&R document for next year. This document outlines the rules that students are expected to follow, and guidelines for consequences if those expectations are not met. Possible changes include:
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Universal Discipline: Charts will list consequences and supports for students. They will help ensure that two students of the same grade will be treated fairly and receive the same level of support.
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Standards for In-School Suspensions of Students with Disabilities: Creating standards for how in-school suspensions are handled for students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan.
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Accommodations for Multilingual Learner Student Statements: Providing translation accommodations when Multilingual Learner students provide statements about disciplinary incidents.
The survey will be open until Friday, February 20. Survey materials are available online.
Student Summit
Students: Share Your Ideas With the Superintendent
The inaugural FCPS Student Summit is a superintendent-led leadership and engagement experience designed to elevate student voice across FCPS. It will take place Monday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the new western high school.
The Student Summit will bring together high school students to share ideas, perspectives, and recommendations directly with the superintendent. Students will engage in meaningful conversations on important topics, including access to programs and resources, skill-building and micro-credentials, AI literacy, and other student-identified priorities.
Student Summit Planning Committee
High school students are encouraged to apply to serve on the FCPS Student Summit Planning Committee. Committee members will collaborate with students from other high schools, share creative and innovative ideas, and earn community service hours. Two students from each high school will be selected to serve on the planning committee. The application will be open until Monday, February 16.
Warm Up, FCPS! 😎☀️
Divisionwide Spirit Day
Tired of all the cold weather? Let’s warm up with a little school spirit across the division!
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is encouraging all FCPS students, teachers, and staff to shake the wrinkles out of their brightest outfits and tropical wear to help brighten everyone’s moods on Thursday, February 19.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Fairfax Academy Dance Presents: Grounded
Dance Benefit, Feb. 20 @ 7pm
Dancers Fight for "Grip": "Grounded" Benefit Concert to Transform Fairfax Academy Studio
Fairfax Academy is proud to announce "Grounded," a collaborative benefit dance concert aimed at enhancing student safety and performance standards. The showcase will take place on February 20th at 7:00 PM at the Fairfax High School Auditorium. Admission is free to the public, with all donations directed toward the installation of a professional Marley floor for the Academy’s dance studio.
For dancers at Fairfax Academy, the current studio surface has become a significant hurdle. Notoriously slick, the existing floor requires dancers to split their focus between their artistry and their balance. In dance, "grounding" is the essential connection between the body and the floor; without a reliable surface, performers cannot achieve the stability needed for high-level technical execution.
A Community Coming Together
To support this mission, an incredible lineup of local talent is joining the Fairfax Academy Dancers on stage. The evening will feature a diverse array of styles and cultural traditions, featuring guest performances from:
- Greater Washington Chinese Dance
- Rhythm and Arts Center for Dance
- 1 Pick
- West Potomac Academy
- Kaleid Dance Company
- Kalavardhi Center for the Performing Arts
The Goal: A Professional Foundation
The funds raised during "Grounded" will go directly toward a Marley floor, a specialized vinyl surface designed specifically for dance. Unlike standard flooring, Marley provides a consistent "grip" that prevents dangerous slips while allowing for fluid movement. This upgrade is vital for preventing injuries and ensuring that Fairfax Academy students can train on a professional-grade surface.
"Our dancers deserve a space where they can push their physical limits without fear of slipping," says [Name], [Title] at Fairfax Academy. "A Marley floor isn't a luxury; it’s a foundational tool that allows a dancer to truly feel grounded and secure in their craft."
Event Details
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What: "Grounded" Benefit Dance Concert
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When: February 20th, 2026, at 7:00 PM
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Where: Fairfax High School Auditorium, 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, VA
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Admission: No tickets required. Entry is free, though attendees are encouraged to make a donation via the QR codes provided at the event to support the flooring project.
About Fairfax Academy: Fairfax Academy for Communications and the Arts is a high school career and technical education center that provides professional-level training in the arts. The dance program focuses on technical excellence, creativity, and preparing students for future careers in the performing arts.
Kaplan PSAT/SAT Prep
Grades 9-11 now have free access to Kaplan’s online PSAT/SAT prep programs.
Students should use this link (https://tinyurl.com/FCPSKaplan) and their FCPS username and password to access this new and great resource! See below for directions on how to navigate the platform. Students will remain active through October 31, 2026, allowing coverage for multiple SAT administrations and the October PSAT held here at Fairfax High School.
Accessing your Kaplan PSAT course.pdf
Accessing your Kaplan SAT course.pdf
Fairfax City Arbor Day Contest
Help Fairfax City celebrate its 40th Arbor Day with a POEM!
Submissions due: March 8, 2026
"Protect the Environment Around You"
Poems should explore topics related to caring for our earth,
including air, water, soil, forests, and biodiversity.
- The contest is open to all Fairfax City K-12 students at City of Fairfax
Schools, The New School of Northern Virginia, and St. Leo’s the Great
Catholic School
- Poems must be the student’s own work without the use of AI (for
example ChatGPT)
- Contest winners will receive a $50 gift card and be invited to recite their
poem at the city’s Arbor Day celebration on April 25, 2026
- Submit Your Poem online: fairfaxva.gov/trees
Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.
Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a two-week camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theater. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well!
Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance
Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. During the self-directed course, students work independently to complete the requirements. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 5. For more information, see the Summer Learning information page.
Summer Online Campus
Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s Online Campus program. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 5. Mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible middle and high school students.
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:
- FCPS at the Olympics
- Coaches Making History
- Divisionwide Spirit Day
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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