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A Note From Principal Seward
Dear South Lakes Families and Seahawk Community,
This week, we celebrate the staff members who keep our school running smoothly each and every day, our Administrative Assistants, Finance Technician, Student Information Assistant, and Registrar. These individuals are often the first point of contact for our families and the backbone of our daily operations. If you have a moment, please join me in thanking them for their professionalism, care, and dedication to our school community.
I would also like to extend my appreciation to the many staff members who continue to create meaningful opportunities for our students, whether through academic enrichment, extracurricular experiences, or community partnerships. It is this collective effort that ensures every Seahawk has access to a well-rounded and impactful high school experience.
As we move through these final weeks of the school year, I encourage all students to stay focused, engaged, and committed to finishing strong. Families, your continued partnership is critical, and we thank you for your ongoing support
Thank you for all you do to support South Lakes High School. Together, we will continue to soar!
With Gratitude,
Carlos Seward
We value your feedback. Share your observations, suggestions, questions and celebrations with me here.
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 Important Dates
April 20, 2026 - Q3 Progress Reports sent home
April 20, 2026 - Grades are available in ParentVue/StudentVue
April 21, 2026 - Special Elections Day - Teacher Workday; No School for students; Main Office CLOSED
April 30 - May 2, 2026 - Spring Musical, "9 to 5", 7:00 - 10:00 PM
May 2, 2026 - Spring Musical, "9 to 5", 2:00 - 4:30 PM
May 12, 2026 - Orchestra Spring Concert
May 14, 2026 - Band Spring Concert
May 20, 2026 - Choral Spring Concert
May 21, 2026 - SENIORS Last Day of Classes
May 22 - June 1, 2026 - SENIOR Exams
May 25, 2026 - Memorial Day - All School Holiday
May 26, 2026 - Teacher Workday - Student Holiday
Save the Date:
June 5 - Class of 2026 Graduation, Eagle Bank Arena
June 11 - Underclass (Grades 9 -11) Exams Start (Students are dismissed at 11:55 AM)
June 17 - Last day of school
The FCPS School Year Calendars are available below by school year for your planning purposes.
2025-26 School Year
2026-2027 School Year
2027-2028 School Year
Table of Contents
 #AttendanceMatters
We want to thank you for your partnership in ensuring that the students arrive to school on time and regularly. We recognize that there is situations that require the students to be out for appointments, illnesses, etc. between now and the end of the school year. The attendance process for SLHS is outlined on our website for you to access at any time.
https://southlakeshs.fcps.edu/about/attendance/attendance-reporting
Please note: ParentVue reporting is ONLY used for full day absences. Please do not submit late arrivals/early releases in ParentVue as the attendance team checks the ParentVue absence submittals in the morning.
PurpleUpSLHS!
 South Lakes Seahawks officially kicked off April as the Month of the Military Child on Wednesday, April 8th with a Parent/Student Coffee for all of our military-connected families. The beautifully organized Purple Star family coffee, provided members of our community an opportunity to gather and celebrate the resilience of our military-connected students. The event saw a beautiful turnout of families, staff, and students, who came together over breakfast treats and coffee provided by Assistant Principal Dr. Marvin Rodriguez. FCPS Region 1 Executive Principal, Jamie Lane, was also able to join, arriving in time to hear the powerful words of our student organizers!
Thank you to our Purple Star Student Leaders Ainsley Sachse, Ava-Grace Satterfield, and Emily Inman for organizing and running this event and for making South Lakes High School a welcoming home for all students.
End-of-Year Policy Reminders
 As we head into the final weeks of the school year, we want to ensure our environment remains safe, focused, and productive. Please review these key FCPS/ SLHS Policy reminders to help your student finish the year strong.
🕒 Tardy Policy
Consistent attendance is critical for finishing the curriculum and preparing for final assessments.
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Arrival: Students are expected to be in their classrooms and ready to learn by 8:10a.m. We will be having random sweeps and any students arriving late without a proper excuse or on a pre-arranged waiver will be subject to After School Detention. Students with Parking Passes may be subject to loss of privilege/ short term no parking consequence.
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Impact: Excessive tardiness disrupts instruction and may result in administrative intervention or loss of certain end-of-year privileges.
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Support: Please help your student plan for morning traffic or bus schedules to ensure a prompt start.
📱 Cell Phone Policy (SR&R)
To maintain an environment free from digital distractions, FCPS enforces specific guidelines regarding personal devices:
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Expectation: Cell phones should be "off and away" during instructional time. This is a State order. The only time cell phones and all accompanying equipment (ear buds, airpods, etc.) is IN the cafeteria during their assigned lunch.
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Focus: This policy encourages face-to-face social interaction and deep concentration on final projects and exams.
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Compliance: Students who do not follow the "off and away" rule will have their phones confiscated until the end of the school day and / or other consequences as laid out in the SLHS cell phone policy.
💻 Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
With increased digital project work at the end of the year, please remind students of the Acceptable Use Policy:
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Educational Purpose: School-issued devices and networks are for school-related work only.
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Digital Citizenship: Students must engage in respectful, safe, and legal behavior online.
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Monitoring: Activity on FCPS devices is monitored to ensure safety. Inappropriate use may lead to a loss of technology privileges during this critical testing window.
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Note: FCPS is noticing an uptick in the number of students using fake accounts and proxy servers to get around laptop security measures. This is a violation of Acceptable Use but may also result in an Academic Integrity Policy violation as well.
🚗 Morning Traffic Patterns
The Stadium Side is for Drop-Offs
The Stadium Side Kiss and Ride is our only designated area for parent drop-offs. It is designed and staffed to keep the drop-offs moving safely and quickly to get students into the building at Door 4.
The Flagpole Side is for Student Drivers Only
The Flagpole entrance – at Door 1 - and adjacent parking lot are reserved for permitted student drivers and staff.
Currently, unauthorized drop-offs in the Flagpole area are causing significant congestion. This "bottleneck" is preventing our student drivers from reaching their assigned spots, causing them to be late for class through no fault of their own.
Moving forward, we ask that you:
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Follow the Signs: Please respect the "No Drop-Off" signs on the Flagpole side.
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Keep it Moving: Use the Stadium Side Kiss and Ride even if it feels like a slightly longer loop; it is actually faster for the overall flow of school traffic.
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Protect Student Time: Help us ensure that student drivers aren't penalized for traffic delays occurring on school property.
There are so many positive things going on in these last weeks- Art Shows, Sporting events, The Musical and other performances! If we tighten up these above-mentioned items, we can focus on a strong academic and extra-curricular close to the year!
 Q3 Progress Reports - Where to locate them
Quarter 3 progress reports were distributed to you student today during the last block of the day (Period 7) on Monday, April 20, 2026. If your student doesn't have a last block (Period 7) of the day or didn't receive them, you can download them from your ParentVue or your student can download it for you from there StudentVue.
If you haven't had the chance to activate or access your ParentVue, please use this link to assist you with the process... ParentVue Overview.
 SLHS Spring Musical: 9 to 5
This year's spring musical, 9 to 5, will run from Thursday April 30th to Saturday May 2nd at 7:30pm. There will be an Open Captions matinee on Saturday May 2nd at 2:00pm
Click here to purchase online!
9 to 5 has over 100 students involved between the cast, production team, technical crews, & orchestra pit. It stars Lily Ingraham (Violet), Jocelyn Looney (Judy), Sidney Walkup (Doralee), Liam Birch (Franklin Hart), & Lua Songer-Johnson (Roz). Please note that the show is for audiences 13 & older due to some mature content.
We look forward to seeing you at the show!
Scholarship Opportunities From The Links, Incorporated (Reston VA Chapter)
Be sure to check in with your school counselor or visit the College and Career Counseling Center to learn about the scholarships available for the 2025–2026 school year from The Reston (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
You can access the application by clicking the ink below:
The Links, Incorporated Application Link
All applications are due by 11:59 PM on April 27th.
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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:
- Login to your SIS ParentVUE Account
- Go to “Course History” for your middle or high school student
- 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.
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"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.
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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!
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Calendar Updates
Updates to 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.
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SOL Support
Support Your Children During Important Spring Assessments
Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning.
FCPS encourages all families to support their students in taking these tests. Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOLs, so when families choose not to participate in testing, it can impact a school’s accreditation, accountability ratings, and ability to measure student progress accurately.
Parents and caregivers can help their children perform their best on these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and the cell phone policy still applies during testing season.
It is important that students attend school on scheduled testing dates. If you are aware of a conflict that may cause your student to miss a test, please notify us as soon as possible.
Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters.
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FY2027 Budget: Sustaining Excellence
Help FCPS Sustain Excellence: Make Your Voice Heard on the FY2027 Budget
About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. There are several upcoming opportunities to provide feedback to the county on its budget before final adoption in May. This includes public budget hearings (April 14-16) and an online survey.
Learn how the FCPS budget helps us sustain our excellence.
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Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on:
Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
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Flash Forward Postsecondary Event
Explore Life After High School at Flash Forward Postsecondary Education and Employment Options Event
Fairfax County Public Schools’ Career and Transition Services will host Flash Forward: Postsecondary Education and Employment Options on Wednesday, April 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in the cafeteria at Woodson High School.
The event is designed for students with disabilities pursuing a standard or advanced diploma and their families. It offers an introduction to postsecondary pathways, including education, employment, and community programs. Representatives from adult education, workforce programs, and community organizations will be available to share resources and answer questions.
Families are encouraged to register in advance to attend.
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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.
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Do you know of a South Lakes High School or FCPS 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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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.
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Teletherapy for High School Students
No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students
Is your student experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.
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Free and Reduced Meals - Apply Today!
Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. Access the application and view criteria on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage
Students who were approved for free and reduced-price meals last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Family Information Line Available in Nine Languages
Family Academy
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Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families
We know that as a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in your child’s education. The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by the school division to help you support your child’s needs and learning at home.
The Family Academy also includes information about resources to help ensure your child has what they need to succeed. Check out some of the upcoming Family Academy sessions:
- Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (available in English and Spanish)
- Loving Solutions
- Military-Connected Youth Family Advisory Council
- Parent Project
- Family Resource Center Webinars on topics including: How to Prepare for School; Building Collaborative Relationships Between Caregivers and Educators; Worried Parents, Anxious Kids; and What Families Need to Know About Drugs for Their Students with Disabilities.
Visit the Family Academy catalog for more information on these sessions and to register to attend.
Parent Resource Center
- The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students. This includes monthly workshops and webinars. More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.
Varsity Tutors
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Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
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. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation
All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass and access the application, which can be returned to the front office.
Children 12 and younger ride for free on the Fairfax Connector with a paying adult.
Bus Discount Program for Adults
Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) provides 50% off fares for low-income residents ages 18-65. Learn more about the TRIP program and how to apply.
JOIN THE PTSA TODAY!
For more information please visit the South Lakes PTSA website.
Quick links to the South Lakes High School Website:
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Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@south_lakeshs) and X (@southlakeshs)!!
Follow South Lakes HS on Social Media: Stay connected with South Lakes High School by following us on social media! It's the best way to keep up with our latest news, celebrate student achievements, and keep up with everything going on at The Lakes! Links: X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
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