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Included in this issue:
Student Spotlight
- Senior Signing Day
- Transition Ceremony
- Jane Mahoney Peterson Umbrella Award
Program Spotlight
Calendar Reminders
- End-of-Year Testing and Exam Schedule
- Saturday School Dates
- EOY Calendar Reminders
Fairfax Lions Need to Know
- New Cell Phone Policy Starts July 1
- Senior Laptop Collection
- Senior Parent Meeting Link and Slideshow
- Graduation Photos Ordering Info
- Rising Senior Portraits
- FCPS Budget
- Attendance Matters
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Fairfax Academy Dance Showcase, Ink in the Marrow, May 15 & 16
- Cultural Event Photos Available to Order
- Athletic Boosters Lazy Dog Fundraiser
- Student Bus Pass
- District News / In Case You Missed It
- Quick Links
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Upcoming Events
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
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May 15, 2026
Academic Excellence: The Numbers are In
This week, we successfully administered our Math and Science SOLs. I am thrilled to share that as the preliminary scores “roar” in, the data confirms what we already knew: our students are excelling. We are currently on pace to outperform last year’s SOL results, showing significant gains in both individual mastery and annual performance. These results speak to the preparation in our classrooms and the sheer determination and motivation of our students.
WHAT’S Next?
While we celebrate current academic wins, this week was also dedicated to the "what’s next" conversation. We turned our focus toward the future with three of our favorite events:
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National Decision Day: In a sea of college tees and high-fives, our seniors officially declared where their journeys will continue. Seeing parents and classmates cheer as students committed to their futures reminded us all why we do this work.
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Annual College and Trades Fair: Our commons was transformed into a hub of opportunity. We welcomed over 30 organizations, ranging from top-tier universities to specialized trade programs. Students engaged in meaningful dialogue, asking the "right fit" questions that will shape their professional lives and futures.
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Transition Ceremony: We held a special celebration for our students heading into career prep programs. As they prepare to leave FHS for specialized training, we honored their readiness to enter the workforce and their commitment to their chosen path.
A Note of Gratitude
Whether our students are headed toward a four-year degree, a technical certification, the military, or the workforce, the goal remains the same: ensuring students leave FHS with a solid plan and the confidence to execute it. Thank you to our staff who organized these experiences, the families who joined us for these celebrations, and the faculty who work behind the scenes every day to guarantee student access and success.
Have a PAWSome weekend!
Senior Signing Day - Oh the Places You'll Go!
Special Education Dept. Transition Ceremony
The Special Education Department held their Transition Ceremony earlier this week. Congrats to and Josie Davis, James Jackson, Moeez Malik, Sai Patibandla, Sean Sams. Best wishes to our LIONS as they take the next step towards their bright futures!
Senior Awarded Jane Mahoney Peterson Umbrella Award
Senior Seokjin Han was presented with the Jane Mahoney Peterson Umbrella Award recently.
This award is named after Jane Mahoney Peterson who graduated from FHS in 1942. When Jane went to FHS, she completed what was known at the time as the Commercial track. When Jane was about to graduate from FHS, awards were given to other students who were considered to be “going places.” However, Jane’s Business Teacher pulled her aside and said she knew Jane had great potential to succeed in the workplace and she gave Jane an umbrella as a gift, since she would need it to go to work. Jane was always thankful to this teacher for recognizing her talent and for the gift of the umbrella, which she kept for years.
The award include a check for $800. Congratulations, Seokjin, well done!
Crew Regatta
Our FHS Crew Team had an amazing day on the river!! The kids were excited and the races were so much fun. Both boats ended up placing 6th in the finals with some incredibly tough competition statewide. Way to go, Lions!!
🗓️Calendar Reminders
End-of-Year Testing and Exam Schedule
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The FHS End-of-Year Testing and Exam schedule can be found on our school website.
Download the PDF
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FOR NEXT WEEK
May 20 - Senior Finals Start
May 22 - Math SOL retakes
Saturday School is being held May 16
graphic for saturday school
Saturday School is being held May 16.
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 -
May 23
There is NO Saturday School on May 30th.
June 6 - LAST Saturday School for the year.
Thank you for a great year!
EOY Calendar Reminders! Don't Forget!
May 25: Memorial Day Holiday - NO School
May 26: Teacher Workday - NO School; main office open 9AM - 3PM
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
June 17: Last Day of School for all FCPS; FHS dismisses at 10:10am
New Cell Phone Policy Starts July 1
On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.
This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell.
High school students will no longer be able to use cellphones and personal devices during lunchtime. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.
Other SR&R Changes for the 2026-27 School Year
Visit the FCPS website or the School Board agenda to learn about additional updates, including:
- Added guidance and procedures for in-school and out-of-school suspensions and discipline investigations, including supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners.
- Expanded guidance and standardized disciplinary procedures (“Universal Grade Matrices”) related to harassment, hate speech, discriminatory behavior, and Title IX reporting requirements.
- Responses to incidents involving intimate images, fighting, physical aggression, object throwing, and drug policy violations.
Senior Laptop Collection in L-211 Tech Office
 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
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).
Graduation 2026 Photo Ordering Info
 Graduation pictures ordering flyer
Graduation 2026! Don't Miss Out on ordering your pictures!
Images will be available to view online 1-2 weeks after graduation.
1. After your event, view your photos online at: https://entry.imagequix.com/legacy/.
2. Enter your online gallery password: 4541H26
3. Locate your student's image and proceed to checkout. All orders will be shipped home within 4-5 weeks. Shipping and handling fees will apply
Speaking of Seniors....
RISING Senior Portrait info is here!
Rising Senior Families!
It’s hard to believe that time is flying by so fast, but it’s time to schedule Senior Portraits!
We have a new photography partner, CADY, and we are excited about the quality and portrait experience which they promise to provide.
What hasn’t changed? You still have the option of a full photography session or just a free yearbook portrait. The free yearbook photo sessions will be in fall at the school. The sessions with options of poses, outfits, and prints will be at the local CADY studio.
See the flyer for information on how to book a session, or visit booking.cady.com, and feel free to reach out to Dr. Cutter (acting yearbook sponsor) if you have any questions: djcutter@fcps.edu. Thank you!
Rising Senior Portraits (pdf)
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Update
On Friday, May 8, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid provided an update on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget. FCPS receives the majority of its funding from the Fairfax County Government and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Fairfax County Government recently adopted its FY 2027 Budget, and at the funding levels provided, there is currently a $28 million budget gap. In addition, the state budget has not been finalized. At last Thursday's School Board meeting, the superintendent proposed adjustments that would balance the FCPS budget.
Read Dr. Reid’s message to the community for more information on the budget process and budget priorities.
Attendance Matters!
As we enter the final weeks of the school year, Fairfax County Public Schools appreciates your continued partnership in supporting your child’s success. Regular attendance plays an important role in helping students stay engaged in learning, maintain connections with their teachers and peers, and finish the school year strong.
Attending school consistently also helps students build valuable habits such as responsibility, perseverance, and daily routines that support success both in and out of the classroom.
If your child needs to miss school, please remember to report the absence. Full-day absences can be reported in ParentVUE. Families may also report absences by calling the school attendance line or emailing the school-designated attendance address.
If your child is experiencing challenges that are affecting attendance, we are here to help. Please contact your child’s school so staff can partner with you to provide support and resources. Learn more about attendance resources.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Fairfax Academy Dance Showcase, May 15 & 16
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!
Cultural Event Photos Available to Order!
 Students in traditional garments dancing on stage
Ordering Photos from Fairfax High School's Cultural Event 2026:
- To view your gallery, please visit: https://legacyeventphotos.shop/
- Click the link on the right side of the page that says Access your treasured photos by clicking HERE to find your state.
- Scroll down and select Virginia from the state options and then scroll down to select Fairfax High School.
- Enter code 454126 to access your school’s image gallery.
- Scroll through the events listed until you find the Cultural Event 3.26.26.
- All orders will be shipped directly to your home (photos will not be returned to the school).
Lazy Dog Fundraiser for Athletics Boosters
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.
Student Bus Pass
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.
Visit the Fairfax County website for details and approved Metrobus routes and to access the application.
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.
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:
- 2027 Budget Updates
- New Cell Phone Policy
- Stay Up-to-Date with the Mobile App
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
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