From the Principal's Desk

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Included in this issue:

 

Student Spotlight

  • National Merit Corporate Scholarship Winner
  • Girls Lacrosse Senior Night
  • Girls Soccer Senior Night

Program Spotlight

  • Auto Tech Program Advisory Council
  • Get2Green Club

Calendar Reminders

  • Updates to the 2026-27 School Year Calendar
  • Saturday School Dates
  • End-of-Year Testing and Exam Schedule 
  • Save the Date - Prom is May 2!

Fairfax Lions Need to Know

  • Senior Class Virtual Meeting, April 29
  • Required Immunizations
  • Student Services Info
  • Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
  • Office of the Ombuds is here to Help 

Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:

  • Fairfax Physical Night Athletic Training Fundraiser, May 4
  • FCP Family Cafe Virtual Workshop
  • FX Players Presents: Something Rotten
  • District News / In Case You Missed It
  • Quick Links

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

April 30: Opening Night, FX Players Presents: Something Rotten, 7:00pm, Auditorium

May 3: Prom, Pearl Street Warehouse, DC

May 25: Memorial Day Holiday, No School

May 26: Teacher Workday, No School

May 27: Religious & Cultural Observance Day: Eid al-Adha, No School

June 3: Graduation, 8:30am, Stadium


Student Insights Matter!

Student advisory meeting

 

April 24, 2026

 

Happy Friday Fairfax! 

 

Feedback Matters 

We were delighted to host the City of Fairfax School Board student panel. Our lions are leading the way with honest and innovative feedback on ways to continue to improve facilities, instruction, and community connection. 

Celebrating Academic Achievement

This week, we took time to recognize the dedication and excellence of our students in the Social Studies and World Language departments. Seeing our students honored for their commitment to understanding our history, our world, and the diverse languages that connect us is always a highlight of my year.

Building Future Opportunities

Our recent Auto Tech Council meeting was a true "meeting of the minds," bringing together industry experts and educators to ensure we are providing the most robust, relevant, and exciting opportunities for our students in the automotive technology pathway. We are energized by the roadmap we’ve developed to keep Fairfax High at the forefront of career and technical education. 

The Heartbeat of Fairfax High

I want to take a moment to extend a profound, heartfelt thank you to our Administrative Professionals - our Office Assistants and Administrative Assistants. They are, without a doubt, the heartbeat of this school. Their tireless work, grace under pressure, and commitment to our students and staff make everything else we do possible. Thank you for all that you do behind the scenes to keep our community running seamlessly.

Music in the City

Finally, our Band, Choir, and Orchestra are traveling to New York City! I know they are busy seeing the sights and representing Fairfax High with talent and pride. We cannot wait to hear all about their experiences when they return.

Thank you all for your continued support of our students and our school community. Have a wonderful weekend.

Principal's Signature

Student Spotlight


National Merit Corporate Scholarship Winner

Student's school picture

 

Congrats to senior Rohan Desai!

Nine Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students have been awarded 2026 corporate-sponsored scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The students are part of a group of more than 700 National Merit finalists chosen to receive scholarships financed by corporations, company foundations, and other business organizations. Corporate-sponsored merit scholarship awards are renewable for up to four years of college undergraduate study and range from $1,000 to $10,000 per year. 


Girls Lacrosse Senior Night

Lacrosse players

 

Lacrosse Senior Night! Pictured Left to Right:

Claudia Langton, Hailey Strasbaugh, Izzy Benavides, Kayla Lee, and Madison Malloy.


Girls Soccer Senior Night

Soccer senior night

 

Soccer Senior Night! Pictured Left to Right:

Michelle Lopez, Marla Vera-Sanchez, Kasey Parker, Jocelyn Martinez, Laura Davidovich, Maddy Ogletree and Hailey Fullen


Program Spotlight

Auto Tech Program Advisory Council

Students receiving awards

 

Our Auto Tech program recently held their spring Advisory Council meeting and recognized students for their achievements:

Top Left:

Senior Ian Driver received a Shop Foreman Award. 

Top Right:

Senior Eriel Benitez-Hernandez received the 2025-2026 Student Auto Technology Award.

Auto Teacher John King also recognized the City School Board for their support and dedication. School Board Members Sarah Kelsey, Lauren Bartelme, and Kristina Cecere presented the awards on behalf of the school board. 

Not Pictured: Senior Mackenzie Adriazola also received a Shop Foreman Award.


Get2Green Club

students standing in front of flowers

 

Our Get2Green club celebrated Earth Day! Thank you to club sponsor, Teacher Hibo Ali, and her students for all their hard work keeping our flowers and plants so nourished and beautiful!


Staff Spotlight

Celebrating Our Administrative Professionals

Office Staff sitting around a table having lunch

 

THANK YOU to our amazing Office Assistants and Administrative Assistants that keep our building up and running, EVERY day! We couldn't do all we do without them, they are the best!!

Sarah Tarvid, Wendy Jimenez, Teri Waters, Christina Keeney, Jessica Rios, Lorie Spelman, Melissa Courtney, Blanca Sanchez, Kris Canada, Cristina McCabe, Deb Dennis, Maya AbdelRahim-Soboleva, Toby Sorensen, Ginny Cate.

You are the heartbeat of our school! Thank you for all you do!!


🗓️Calendar Reminders


Updates to the 2026-27 School Year Calendar

The School Board voted to direct the superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs. View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.

The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — has not changed. 


Saturday School is being held April 25th

Saturday School

 

Saturday School is being held April 25th. 

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 the remaining SS dates below - Please note there will be no Saturday School on Memorial Day weekend.

May 2, 9, 16, 23

June 6 

These dates may change, so keep an eye on this space for updates!


End-of-Year Testing and Exam Schedule

Drawing of Exam schedule

The FHS End-of-Year Testing and Exam schedule can be found on our school website.

Download the PDF


Save the Date! Prom is May 2nd- City of Stars ✨

Picture of an event venue

 

Fairfax High School Prom 2026 – City of Stars

The Night of Your Dreams

Join us for an unforgettable evening at Pearl Street Warehouse on the iconic DC Wharf.

WHEN: Saturday, May 2, 2026

TIME: 8:00 PM

Experience the "Rock Club Chic" vibe of the Wharf's premier music venue.

  • Luxury restaurants just steps away
  • Stunning waterfront photo opps
  • Soda bar and food!
  • DJ and free photo booth

Ticket Purchase Instructions

Follow these steps on MySchoolBucks:

  • Login to myschoolbucks.com
  • Go to SCHOOL STORE > BROWSE ALL
  • Filter by FAIRFAX HS
  • Look for the Prom Icon shown here
  • Add to cart to secure your spot!
Prom online store icon

Fairfax Lions Need to Know:


Senior Class Virtual Meeting

Fairfax High School will host The Final Countdown for Class of 2026 meeting! With 29 school days until graduation, the purpose of this conversation is to share important dates, provide an overview of upcoming events, and answer as many questions as possible as students and families prepare for the last month of high school.

This meeting is virtual and will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 6:30 to 7:30pm. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Director of Student Services, Ashley Anderson abanderson@fcps.edu, or Assistant Principal/Senior Administrator, Brian Plancich baplancich@fcps.edu. Link will be provided on Wednesday, April 29.


Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th Graders

The following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year. 

All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

  • To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
  • To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
  • To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 to 12 or as early as 9 years old. 
    •  As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.

All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older. 

Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.

Immunization Events for FCPS StudentsFCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. 

Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available. 


Student Services Info

 

Student Report Cards

Report Cards for Quarter 3 have been posted to your ParentVue. Any issues with accessing ParentVue, please reach out to Ms. Dennis at dadennis@fcps.edu.

 

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Now Available

Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of March, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, we will share copies with you directly.

For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.


Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 18.  

The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families. 

Full details and the nomination information form can be found at the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage


Our Office of the Ombuds is at Your Service!

Ombuds staff engage with FCPS staff, families, and students 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 get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Ombuds staff do not make or change decisions, policies, or regulations. They do not take sides, and they do not provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may submit a question.


Fairfax Lions Nice to Know: 


Fairfax Physical Night Athletic Training Fundraiser

The Fairfax Athletic Training Program is hosting our annual fundraiser on May 4th for for Physical Night. Get your physical done here - it will stay on file and will be valid for all next school year! You won’t need to worry about it expiring mid-season. The Cost of the physical would be $50.  All proceeds go to buying supplies for the athletic training room to support the student athletes. Use this link to sign up: Fairfax Physical Student Registration


FCPS Family Cafe: Introduction to Career Pathways for Students

Join Family and School Partnerships to explore career pathways, academies, and the wide range of courses and certifications available in FCPS. 

This virtual workshop will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. and will highlight the various career and technical education courses available to middle and high school students in FCPS. Currently, there are more than 160 Career and Technical Education (CTE) course options available to students. Many CTE programs include industry credentials, work-based learning, and career and technical student organizations, allowing students to develop the skills needed to be successful in future education, training, and careers. 

Register in advance for Career Pathways to receive the Zoom link. Email FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu for more information or call 703-204-4300. 


FX Players presents: Something Rotten

School play poster

 

The FX Players of Fairfax High School are proud to present Something Rotten! — the hilarious, high-energy musical comedy that takes you back to the Renaissance with a twist you won’t see coming. Packed with show-stopping numbers, outrageous humor, and plenty of Broadway parody, this is one production you won’t want to miss!

About the show: Set in the 1590s, Something Rotten! follows two struggling playwright brothers who are desperate to outshine their rockstar rival, William Shakespeare. When a soothsayer predicts that the future of theater involves singing, dancing, and acting all at once, they set out to create the world’s very first musical… with wildly chaotic results!

Join us for an unforgettable night of theater as our talented students bring this fan-favorite musical to life on stage. Tickets go on sale starting April 1st at https://www.fxplayers.org/ — grab yours early before they sell out! Come support the arts, cheer on local talent, and enjoy a night full of laughter, music, and pure entertainment! 


Something Rotten!, a Fairfax HS Theatre Production

Book by Karey Kirkpatrick & John O'Farrell

Music & Lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick & Karey Kirkpatrick

April 30th - 7pm

May 1st - 7pm

May 2nd - 1pm

May 8th - 7pm

May 9th - 1pm & 7pm


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:
  • Student Awards and Recognitions
  • Military Child of the Year Finalist
  • Required Immunizations Reminder

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


FCPS Cares

Do you want to celebrate a Fairfax employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way? Or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.


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