Dear South Lakes Seahawk Families and Community,

I hope everyone was able to enjoy some time off on Monday, February 23, due to the weather-related closure across Fairfax County. While we lost a day of instruction, we now have a great opportunity to “lock in” and make the remainder of this week especially productive as we finish February strong. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to our facilities and maintenance staff who worked diligently to ensure our campus was ready for a smooth reopening on Tuesday, February 24. Their behind-the-scenes efforts do not go unnoticed.

One of the many qualities that makes South Lakes special is the authentic sense of community fostered among our students, staff, and administration. This past week, we had the pleasure of welcoming our newest assistant principal, Dr. Phil Cronin, to Reston and to the Seahawk family. After just three days on campus, Dr. Cronin shared that South Lakes is already beginning to feel like home. That speaks volumes about who we are. Dr. Cronin brings tremendous experience and energy to our team, and I am confident he will be a game-changing addition to our leadership community.

I would also like to uplift the outstanding work of our Culinary Arts students. Through their coursework, students are gaining hands-on experience in professional kitchen environments, delivering Michelin-style service, and earning industry-recognized certifications that translate directly into career-ready credentials. Recently, I had the opportunity—alongside many staff members—to experience the “Seahawk Bistro” during their Cajun-Creole themed event. It truly felt like dining in the Warehouse District of New Orleans. Congratulations to our talented students and to Executive Chef Cynthia Stowers for her exceptional leadership in building such a dynamic and authentic program.

Congratulations as well to our Winter Sports student-athletes and coaches for an outstanding season marked by strong sportsmanship and championship-level performances. Special recognition goes to our Girls and Boys Indoor Track teams, Boys and Girls Wrestling, and our co-ed Swim and Dive program for bringing home titles and representing South Lakes with pride. As Spring Sports tryouts get underway, I encourage our students to consider becoming part of the rich athletic tradition that continues to define Seahawk excellence.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for all you do to support our students and staff. South Lakes is special because of the collective commitment of our families, educators, and community members.

Let’s continue to lift one another up and move forward together.

With gratitude, Carlos Seward

We value your feedback. Share your observations, suggestions, questions and celebrations with me here.

I am excited to share some wonderful news and take a moment to celebrate one of our own.

Fairfax County Public Schools has officially published an FCPS In the Spotlight video titled “A Milestone for Every Student: Inclusive Graduation at South Lakes.” The video highlights the special graduation ceremony we host for students on an adaptive path and the powerful message of dignity, belonging, and celebration that it represents.

I want to extend special recognition and appreciation to Lindsay Crytzer for her leadership, heart, and advocacy in bringing this work to life. Her commitment to ensuring that every student is seen, honored, and celebrated reflects the very best of South Lakes.

At the same time, this recognition belongs to all of South Lakes. Inclusive graduation is not the work of one person. It is the result of a collective belief system, thoughtful planning, and a deep commitment to our students and families. This video shines a light on what happens when compassion and professionalism intersect.

"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. 

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. 

New Visitor Management System

We are excited to announce that our school is now using the new Raptor Visitor Management System (VMS). This upgrade is part of our school’s and FCPS’ ongoing commitment to enhancing school safety and streamlining the process for visitors at our school. The VMS ensures that no visitor is on the sex offender registry. 

For most visitors, the user experience will be the same when you check in at the front office.

But now there is also an app, which can make check-ins even faster at school. Visitors who choose to download the RaptorSafe App and create a Raptor Passport can pre-verify their information before they get to school. The app will give you a QR code you can use when you check in at school. 

If you have questions or need assistance with the new system, please contact our front office. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe!

Register Today With Volunteer FCPS

Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment here at South Lakes High School. All volunteers must:

• Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS. 
• Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS. 
• Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk.  

At the Volunteer FCPS site, you can complete a volunteer orientation. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions for more information. 

Celebrating the Power of School Breakfast

Multiple studies show that school breakfasts are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school breakfast consume more fruit and fiber than their peers. 

This National School Breakfast Week (March 2-6, 2026), FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback. 

Want to know what’s for breakfast? Nutrition Services has printable menus available. 

2026 Inaugural FCPS 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, Skyview 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. 

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:

1. Login to your SIS ParentVUE Account
2. Go to “Course History” for your middle or high school student
3. 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!

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.

Gap Year Fair

Opportunities for the Year Following Graduation

FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas will co-host the FCPS Virtual Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, February 24, from 6 to 7 p.m. 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. Contact Pamela White with any questions. 

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 App

More News and Updates on-the-Go With the FCPS 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’s how it makes life easier:

• Customized for Your Family: Do you have students at two (or more!) schools? You can "follow" multiple schools to get a feed of news, notices, and events.
• No Sign-In Required: Access essential content like district-wide announcements, live updates, and school calendars instantly. There’s no password to remember, and no login is required.
• Real-Time Notifications: Get push notifications for urgent updates including weather announcements.
• 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 from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.  

Voluntary Student Insurance

K & K Insurance Group has student accident insurance coverage available for purchase by parents. If you do not have other insurance, this plan may be a resource to consider. Additionally, even if you have other coverage, this plan can help fill expensive gaps caused by deductibles and co-pays. Coverage may be purchased at any time during the school year.

For more information or how to enroll, click this link... Voluntary Student Insurance

Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year. 

Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website. 

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.