Dear South Lakes Families and Seahawk Community,

As we enter the month of May, there is a palpable sense of momentum and purpose throughout our building. The final stretch of the school year is upon us, and while the finish line is in sight, these next few weeks are critically important for our students to demonstrate all that they have learned and accomplished.

Our students have officially begun their Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) and International Baccalaureate  (IB) testing, and I have been incredibly impressed by the focus, preparation, and determination I have seen in classrooms and hallways alike. This is a moment for our students to “lock in”, to trust their preparation, remain engaged, and approach each day with intention. We encourage all students to prioritize rest, maintain healthy routines, and keep perspective as they navigate this busy season. Your best effort, coupled with a clear and focused mindset, will go a long way.

As a reminder, during all SOL testing sessions, electronic devices must be powered off and put away. Accessing any device during testing will result in a score of zero. This includes newer technologies such as smart glasses, which are not permitted if they have the ability to record, connect, or transmit information. We ask for your partnership in ensuring students come prepared with only the materials they need for success.

This week provides us with a special opportunity to pause and recognize the incredible educators who make South Lakes such a remarkable place, Teacher Appreciation Week! Every day, our teachers go above and beyond to build meaningful relationships, deliver high-quality instruction, and support the academic and personal growth of every student. I encourage our entire community to take a moment this week to express gratitude, whether through a kind note, an email, or a simple word of thanks. These gestures matter deeply, and they reflect the strength of our school community.

As always, I am grateful for the continued partnership between our families, staff, and students. Together, we will ensure that every Seahawk finishes the year strong, proud, and prepared for what lies ahead.

Let’s stay focused, stay connected, and strong!

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. The proposed scenarios are now available for your review on the Boundary Explorer tool.

Based on community input, scenarios will be revised and presented during a the next 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.

For more information on the process, visit Skyview HS Boundary Study

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. 

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.

Family Information Phone Lines

FCPS family information phone lines are available in nine different languages. An FCPS employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. 

Call the phone line with questions about your child’s education or FCPS, and someone will help connect you to resources or arrange for you to speak to the appropriate school employee. Learn more about family information phone lines.

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. 

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. 

No-Cost Teletherapy for High School Students

No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All 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

Mental Health Services

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.

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.