Dear South Lakes Families and Seahawk Community,

We are now in the final stretch of the school year! This is a time that calls for renewed focus, consistency, and purpose. This is the moment for our entire community to truly lock in and commit to finishing strong. In the classrooms and other learning spaces I have visited, I have already seen students engaging, connecting, and getting ready to finish the year strong! That energy will be essential as we prepare for the important weeks ahead.

Our ASAAP (After-School Academics and Attendance Program) continues to serve as a critical support system, providing targeted academic assistance and mentorship to help students stay on track. We encourage students to harness this opportunity.

The weeks ahead will move quickly, and this is a time that requires discipline, focus, and commitment. When our students attend regularly, engage deeply, and take advantage of the supports available to them, they position themselves for success both in the classroom and beyond. I

Thank you for all that you do to support South Lakes High School. It is the collective commitment of our families, educators, and community members that makes this such a special place. Let us 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.

Skyview HS Boundary Meetings - Your Voice Matters!

FCPS has begun the process of developing the boundary for our new high school, Skyview High School. The school is located in the western part of Fairfax County. Establishing a boundary for a new high school affects surrounding schools and pyramids. The following western pyramids are included in this process:

• Centreville High School
• Chantilly High School
• Oakton High School
• South Lakes High School
• Westfield High School

As part of this process, FCPS is providing Community Engagement Opportunities for those communities affected by the change. There are both in-person and virtual options for each meeting. 

At the community meetings this week, initial draft scenarios will be shared and you will be provided an opportunity to share you feedback. If you plan to attend in person or virtually, please click one of the links to register. 

• Tuesday, April 28, 6-8 p.m. (in person | virtual)
• Thursday, April 30, 6-8 p.m. (in person |virtual)

The same information will be shared at both meetings. Community feedback from those meetings will help inform the development of one or more revised scenarios. 

The revised scenarios will be presented during a second round of community meetings in May. If you plan to attend in person or virtually, please click one of the links to register. 

• Thursday, May 28, 6-8 p.m. (in person | virtual)
• Saturday, May 30, 9-11 a.m. (in person | virtual)

The same information will be shared at both meetings.

This is our chance as a community to use our voice in support of the South Lakes High School community. We encourage your attendance at the meetings and to share your voice.

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.

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.

"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. 

Required Immunizations for the 2026 - 2027 School Year

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. 

Equity Award

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. 

Ombuds

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.

Career Pathways

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.

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. 

Unskippable/Fetanyl Awareness

Start an Unskippable Conversation With Your Teen

When was the last time you talked to your teen about fentanyl and overdose? 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. 

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.