Principal Updates - February 16

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 02/16/2026 08:34 PM EST

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Important Dates

February 16 - No School, Presidents' Day

February 17 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday, Lunar New Year

February 18 - Religious & Cultural Observance Day; First day of Ramadan; Ash Wednesday

February 23 - Spring Sports Tryouts begin

March 20 - No School, Nowruz

March 27 - 2 Hr. Early Release, End of 3rd Quarter

March 30 - April 3 - No School, Spring Break

April 6 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday

April 10 - Student Holiday, School Planning Day

Save the Date:

April 17 - Junior/Senior Prom, Westwood Country Club

June 3 - Class of 2026 Graduation

June 17 - Last day of school

The FCPS School Year Calendars are available below by school year for your planning purposes.

General Information

Spring Sports Tryouts

Spring Sports tryouts begin on Monday, February 23^rd. Athletes need a current VHSL physical on file with the Activities office and have registered online. All information needed can be found at our Oakton Sports website.

Oakton Internship Program

The Oakton Internship application is live for seniors. The application is due by the end of the day on April 17, 2026. There will be a box in the main office to collect the completed applications. The link and all information regarding the internship is available on the Class of 2026 Schoology page. Students must be signed in to their fcpsschools.net account to access the application. If students have any questions they should follow up with Ms. Landis or Ms. Weber.

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:

Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day.
Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
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.

Upcoming Student Experience Survey at Oakton High School

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 include a focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.

K&K Student Accident Insurance

Fairfax County Public Schools does not provide medical insurance for accidents that occur at school. Parents may want to consider if purchasing voluntary student insurance is appropriate for their family.

K & K Insurance Group offers student accident insurance coverage that parents may purchase. For families without other medical insurance, this plan may be a helpful resource. Additionally, for families who already have coverage, this plan may help offset costs such as deductibles and co-pays. Coverage may be purchased at any time during the school year.

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Service-Learning Hours

All Service-Learning Hours for Seniors must be submitted no later than April 24^th 2026 to be approved and considered for graduation recognition and awards. FCPS does not have a Service- Learning graduation requirement. Seniors can earn special recognition and distinguishments for their approved hours of Service-Learning. Please see the OHS Service Learning website for more information.

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2025-2026 school year must attend an in-person Partners for Safe Teen Driving (PSTD). The presentation is connected to successful classroom instruction and must be completed to receive a DEC-District 8 card (pink card). The parent-teen traffic safety presentation (PSTD) will be offered multiple times during the school year at Oakton. Students and their parents/guardians should plan to attend the presentation at Oakton at your earliest convenience.

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.

2025-2026 Remaining Dates:

March 16, 2026 6:30-8:00pm
May 18, 2026 6:30-8:00pm

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education.

PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Please find more information about driver education for parents by accessing this flyer.

Testing Information

Volunteer to Support AP Exams at Oakton High School

This year, Oakton High School students will be taking more AP Exams than ever, and we need your help to make testing run smoothly! If you’re available during the AP Testing window, May 4–15, we invite you to volunteer as a proctor. Please complete the AP Testing Proctor Volunteer Google Form if you are willing to volunteer. Mrs. Stewart, OHS AP Coordinator will reach out with further information and details with the FCPS Volunteer Registration and available slots for volunteering during the testing window.

Important: Parents of students taking an AP Exam cannot volunteer during the time their student is testing, but you are welcome to help on other days of testing.

What You’ll Do as a Large Group Exam Proctor:

Pass out student ID labels before testing begins
Help students find their seats and get ready
Distribute testing materials
Collect trash and provide pencils/pens as needed
Assist students with restroom breaks during testing
Help teachers collect and sort ID labels
Support Lead Proctors with collecting and counting test materials

Your support ensures a smooth and successful testing experience for all our students and staff!

World Language Credit By Exam (WLCBE) Fall 2025 Score Reporting

During the week of February 2, score reports for the World Languages Credit by Exam results were placed in students’ SIS “Documents” tabs and are available to parents using SIS ParentVue. The report includes passing status and earned credits. Students’ transcripts reflecting any earned credits will be updated in February as pass (P) credits. These credits will not impact Grade Point Averages (GPA).

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

Oakton High will participate in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) on Thursday, March 5, 2026. NAEP is the largest nationally representative and continuing assessment of what students know and can do in various subjects. NAEP is administered by the National Center for Education Statistics, within the U.S. Department of Education. NAEP is different from our state assessments because it is a common measure of achievement across the country. The results are released as The Nation's Report Card, which provides information about student achievement to educators, parents/guardians, policymakers, and the public. Families of students selected to participate will be notified via email.

WIDA Assessment Testing (February 9^th-20^th)

Beginning February 9^th, all students identified as multilingual learners (MLs) will be assessed to monitor their progress and proficiency in English as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). WIDA ACCESS consists of the following parts (domains): Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Each domain is a separate test, and students must complete all four domains to meet the testing requirement. This assessment is used to determine a student’s English Language proficiency level, eligibility for ESOL services and testing accommodations. It also provides teachers with information they can use to plan for and support their students’ learning. Participation in this assessment is a critical part of how we measure our students’ growth and progress as well as plan for their continued success. The majority of WIDA testing will take place over 2-days, February 19^th, and 20^th. Students and parents/guardians of those participating will be notified of testing schedules via email.

Student Services

Course Selection for 2026-2027 School Year

The course selection process for next school year is well underway! To help students and families in their decision making, we have compiled all of our course registration materials in one easy location.

On the Oakton HS website you will find:

Course Selection Dates by grade level
Curriculum Night Date and Information
Course Catalog and Course Selection Sheets
General Academic Advising Information
Graduation Requirements
Oakton Course Maps and Information
Virtual Course Offerings Fair
Oakton Courses with Applications
Academies and Specialized Programs

If you have any questions or need any assistance related to academic advising during this time you are welcome to contact your school counselor or the appropriate department chair/teacher/content area administrator.

Tutoring Resources for Families

Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as tutors. This list is a resource offered by the FRC, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. This list is not approved by FCPS and is only meant to be a resource to families.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. 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.

Class Schedule Change Requests

Timeline for Schedule Changes

November 10 - March 27: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
April 7 - June 17: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.

For any questions you may have, contact your child’s school counselor.

Health and Wellness Updates

💻 No-Cost Mental Online Therapy for All High School Students

Is your student experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? Do they seem withdrawn or uninterested in their usual hobbies?

Parents/caregivers can refer their children for free weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the FCPS’ Teletherapy webpage for information about this service.

Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077

Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening 911

FCPS News

FCPS This Week

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.

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.

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.

Survey on Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Now Open for All Families and Middle and High School Students

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:

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.
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.
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.

Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

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.

Planning for Life in and After High School for Students with IEPs

Families, caregivers, and educators of elementary and middle school students receiving special education services are invited to join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school.

The transition fair will take place on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Luther Jackson Middle School.

Ensuring the success of our students with disabilities after high school is dependent on what is known as transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for an evening focused on planning for the future.

An exhibitor fair will include teachers and representatives from CTS high school courses, career academies, age 18-22 programs, and transition services for students with disabilities. This event also includes a presentation with a brief overview of transition services and a student/parent panel sharing firsthand experiences. Register in advance.

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.

PTSA News

Thank You!

PTSA organized a Teachers and Staff Breakfast event on February 11, 2026. Thank you to the Oakton High School community for supporting our school faculty and the PTSA!

PTSA needs your support!

Please consider supporting the PTSA with a contribution during the PTSA fundraiser at https://oaktonhsptsa.ptboard.com/formvw/store?store=6898. Your donations play a key role in shaping the experiences for our students and teachers and funds various PTSA programs and events at Oakton High School. All donations are tax deductible as well! Please note that we depend on donations. Without your donations, the PTSA will be unable to financially support programs and events throughout the school year. We only ask that you be as generous as your budget allows, no amount is too small. Together we can make a difference!

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