From the Principal's Desk

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Included in this issue:

 

Student Spotlight

  • Senior Nights - Soccer, Tennis, Baseball, Softball

Staff Spotlight

  • Choral Director, Juliana Woodill

Calendar Reminders

  • Happy Mother's Day
  • Food Allergy Awareness Month
  • National School Nurse Day, May 6
  • End-of-Year Testing and Exam Schedule 
  • Saturday School Dates

Fairfax Lions Need to Know

  • Senior Laptop Collection
  • Immunization Requirements for rising 7th and 12th
  • FCPS App
  • Senior Parent Meeting Link and Slideshow

Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:

  • Fairfax Physical Night Athletic Training Fundraiser, May 4
  • Fairfax Academy Dance Showcase, Ink in the Marrow, May 15 & 16
  • Golf Tournament Volunteers Needed
  • Athletic Boosters Lazy Dog Fundraiser
  • District News / In Case You Missed It
  • Quick Links

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

May 13: Senior Signing Day

May 13: AVID Career & College Fair

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, Stalnaker Stadium - NO School for 9/10/11 grades


🦁 THANK YOU, TEACHERS!! 📚🍎

picture collage of a staff celebration

 

May 1, 2026

 

Happy Friday Fairfax Families,

It has been a truly remarkable week here at Fairfax High School as we came together to celebrate our incredible teachers and staff. Our educators are deeply invested in the success of every student, and thanks to the generosity of our parents and community partners, we were able to honor them with several treats and gifts throughout the week.

Celebrating Student Excellence

I had the distinct pleasure of attending the Fairfax City School Board meeting this week to celebrate the diverse talents of our student body. It was an honor to highlight our:

  • National Merit Finalists and Science Olympiad State Winners
  • Athletic State Champions and Arbor Day Poetry Winners
  • Choral State and Regional Finalists

Beyond these accolades, I was able to share updates on our academic progress, truly highlighting the "magic" that happens both inside and outside our school walls every day.

Academic Mastery & Industry Excellence

We began our AP testing this week, and I have been impressed by how "locked in" our students are. They are working diligently to apply their skills and knowledge to demonstrate true mastery. We also hosted our CTE Awards, celebrating excellence in career education and industry—a testament to our students' readiness for their future professional paths.

Launching Senior Pride Prep

We are particularly excited to launch Senior Pride Prep next week! This innovative new opportunity allows our seniors to head out into the "real world" and apply their classroom knowledge in a variety of settings. Our students will be gaining invaluable experience at:

  • Local schools and non-profits
  • City government agencies
  • Law firms, real estate agencies, and many other local businesses

As we head into the weekend, I want to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all of our Lion family who are mothers or serve maternal roles in the lives of others. Your influence and support are vital to the success of our students.

Thank you for your continued partnership in making Fairfax High School a place where excellence is both expected and celebrated.

Warm regards,

Principal's Signature

Student Spotlight


More Senior Nights!

BOYS SOCCER

Soccer players on the field

students posing for a picture on a field


GIRLS TENNIS

Girls senior tennis

students posing in front of a tennis court


BOYS BASEBALL

Baseball players on a field

Baseball players on a field posing for a picture


GIRLS SOFTBALL

Student athletes standing on a softball field

Softball players on a field posing for a picture


Staff Spotlight

Juliana Woodill takes her Final Fairfax Bow

Teacher and students standing on a stage

A group of students and their teacher standing on stage

Students standing on a stage

A group of students on a stage performing a concert

Congratulations to our Choir Director, Juliana Woodill, on finishing out her FHS career with a fantastic choir concert! After 7 years at Fairfax, Ms. Woodill will be moving to Pennsylvania to be the Music Program Director for St. Tikhon's Seminary. She built an outstanding program and leaves behind a wonderful legacy. We will miss her but wish her the best of luck in this next chapter! Thank you, Ms. Woodill!!! 🎉🦁💖


🗓️Calendar Reminders


Happy Mother's Day 💖

Mother's Day

a graphic of a heart and flowers saying Happy Mother's Day

 

As we approach Mother’s Day, our school community pauses to celebrate the incredible influence of the women who shape our lives. We recognize that "Mother" is more than just a title; it is a verb - an ongoing act of courage, sacrifice, and unconditional love.

To every kind of caregiver - Mothers and Grandmothers, Mother figures, and Mentors - we extend our deepest gratitude.

Regardless of how you are spending this Sunday, we hope you find a moment of peace and a reminder of your own worth. To those who nurture, those who lead, and those who carry on a legacy of love: Happy Mother’s Day.


Food Allergy Awareness Month

Food Allergy Awareness Month graphic

https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/food-allergy

FCPS Caters to Food Allergies

May is Food Allergy Awareness Month. The FCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to safe and nutritious school meals. Since 1 in 13 children in the U.S. has a food allergy, FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school.

To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.

Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a safe menu for students.  


National School Nurse Day, May 6

School Nurse Day log

School Nurse Day May 6, 2026

 

National School Nurse Day is Wednesday, May 6. It is a day to recognize the many contributions that school nurses make to student health and learning.  

FCPS appreciates the role of School Public Health Nurses (PHNs) for their contribution to the health and welfare of all our students. Professional school nurses support the needs of students through their delivery of healthcare, contributions to local school communities, and promotion of safety, prevention, and wellness throughout the year. They are advocates who bridge healthcare and education by supporting student health and readiness to learn. School nurses are essential to our community and work tirelessly to make a positive impact in the lives of their students.  

Please join us in thanking the PHNs for their hard work and dedication to FCPS students. 


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

FOR NEXT WEEK

May 13 - Math SOLs (2nd period and LT-A for testing schedule)

May 15 - Science SOLs (2nd period and LT-A for testing schedule)


Saturday School is being held May 9

Saturday School

graphic for saturday school

 

Saturday School is being held May 9th. 

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

May 16, 23

June 6 

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


Fairfax Lions Need to Know:


Senior Laptop Collection in L-211 Tech Office

Senior Laptop Collection

Senior Laptop Collection

 

Please turn in your FCPSOn, Fairfax Issued Chromebook and Charger as soon as you have taken all exams that require the use of your laptop.

You may start turning in your laptop on May 1st. during the school day up until May 28th.

Collection times during half days in L-211, the Tech Office, 
in the back of the library.

May 22nd 9:30am-12:30pm 

May 28th 9:30am-12:30pm

NOTE: IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN GRADUATION, YOU MUST TURN IN YOUR LAPTOP AND CHARGER


Immunizations

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/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 health care 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/guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available. 


FCPS App

📱 Stay up to Date With the FCPS Mobile App!

The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep families connected and informed, directly from their smartphones. You can download the Fairfax County Public Schools mobile app by going to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and searching for “FCPS.” 

With the app, you can:

  • Stay up to date: Get the latest news from FCPS.
  • View school calendars: See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
  • Check school menus: See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week.
  • Tap to contact: Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
  • Access key links: Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.

Users can access updates and content without having to sign in, making it easy for everyone to stay informed. 

Learn more about the new mobile app, including feedback from parents.


Senior Parent Meeting Link and Slideshow

Did you miss the Virtual Senior Parent Night? If so, below are the links to the presentation and the recording.

Virtual Presentation Video

Virtual Presentation Slideshow PDF

Any questions, feel free to reach out to Brian Plancich, Senior Administrator (baplancich@fcps.edu) or Ashley Anderson, Director of Student Services (abanderson@fcps.edu). 


Fairfax Lions Nice to Know: 


Fairfax Academy Dance Showcase

Dance Showcase flyer

dance performance flyer

 

Fairfax Academy Dance proudly presents Ink in the Marrow, a powerful exploration of the creative process and the human spirit. The performance follows a lone Writer grappling with the void of an unwritten story, until the "Ink"—our dancers—bursts forth to give form to the formless.

Inspired by the evocative power of poetry, each piece serves as a visceral translation of emotion, turning written verse into breathtaking physical expression. From the first spark of inspiration to the depths of raw feeling, watch as words transcend the page and take flight on stage.

Show Details

Don’t miss this fusion of literature and movement!


Join us for these Athletic Boosters Fundraisers!

Golf Tournament. May 18th

Parent volunteers posing for a picture

a group of adults posing for a picture at a golf tournament

 

Fairfax High School Athletic Boosters - Fundraiser Golf Tournament 

Volunteers Needed! Monday, May 18, 2026 @ Country Club of Fairfax

Join us for a Day of Fun on the course at our BIGGEST fundraising event of the year!

This supports ALL Fairfax athletic teams and student athletes. We need your help! It takes nearly 40 volunteers to make the day a success. Grab a friend and join the fun on the course on Monday, May 18th.

Sign up to VOLUNTEER!

Visit the Athletic Boosters Website for more information. Thank you!

 

Lazy Dog Fundraiser to Support Fairfax High Athletics

Restaurant flyer fundraiser for Lazy Dog

Lazy Dog Restaurant fundraising flyer for May 17th; use code FAIRFAX01

 

In advance of our biggest fundraiser of the year, the May 18 Golf Tournament, Lazy Dog is generously partnering with us to help make an even greater impact. Join us at Lazy Dog Restaurant at Fair Oaks Mall from May 11 to May 17 to help support Fairfax High Athletics. Simply show this flyer or use the code FAIRFAX01 for takeout, and 15 percent of your total bill will be donated to the Fairfax High Athletic Boosters.

All funds raised support every team and every athlete at Fairfax High School.


Mental Health Services

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as: 

  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
  • Anxiety, worry, fears.
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
  • Academic stress.

Students can be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services. 

Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov

Additional Mental Health Resources

FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional support can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number. 

Recent reports have shared an 11% drop in suicides among young people since the rollout of 988. Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts. 

And as always, if your concern is an emergency, you should call 911.


Summer Extravaganza

Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas

Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School

Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family. 

For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.


District News / In Case You Missed It

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • FCPS Caters to Food Allergies
  • Immunizations Needed Before 7th and 12th Grade
  • Thank you Teachers and Staff! 

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.


stay in touch

throughout the year: