Dear South Lakes Families and Seahawk Community,

This past week, we proudly celebrated Staff Appreciation Week at South Lakes High School, and it served as a powerful reminder of just how fortunate we are to have such an extraordinary team of educators and support professionals serving our students each and every day. From our classroom teachers, instructional assistants, counselors, custodians, cafeteria staff, office professionals, security team, bus drivers, administrators, and every staff member in between, it truly takes all of us working together to make South Lakes the special place that it is.

Every day, our staff pours their hearts into this work. They mentor, encourage, support, challenge, inspire, and advocate for our students in ways that often extend far beyond the school day and far beyond what is ever publicly seen. The level of commitment, care, and pride our staff demonstrates for our students is second to none, and I could not be more grateful to lead alongside such an exceptional group of professionals. The appreciation shown throughout the week by students, families, and community members meant a great deal, and I hope we continue to celebrate and uplift our staff not just during one designated week, but throughout the entire school year.

I also want to encourage all parents and guardians to join our PTSA. One of the greatest strengths of South Lakes High School is the partnership we share with our families and community, and we are excited to continue building upon that collaboration as we prepare for the future. As we begin planning for the 2026–2027 school year, we are actively seeking parent volunteers and community members interested in supporting the important work of our PTSA. Leadership opportunities, including PTSA President and Vice President positions, as well as a number of other leadership and auxiliary positions will be available, and we encourage anyone interested in becoming more involved to review the information included below. Your voice, partnership, and support help create the outstanding experiences and opportunities that make South Lakes such a vibrant and student-centered community.

As we look ahead, families are encouraged to carefully review information regarding senior activities, testing schedules, and final exams for both seniors and underclassmen. With just over a month remaining in the school year, now is the time for all students to “lock in,” stay focused, attend class consistently, seek support when needed, and finish the year strong academically and personally. We believe deeply in our students and know they are capable of accomplishing great things when they remain committed to the work in front of them.

Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership, support, and unwavering commitment to South Lakes High School. Together, we will continue building something truly special for our students, staff, and community.

With Gratitude,

Carlos Seward

We value your feedback. Share your observations, suggestions, questions and celebrations with me here.

Last Chance: 2026-2027 Course Change Opportunity

There will be two windows this year that will give students the opportunity to change their course selections for the 26-27 School Year.

NO CHANGES ARE GUARANTEED.

Electives

When: May 11 - May 15

For What: Elective course request change. This is the FINAL CHANCE to request this kind of change. We will NOT have a process to change electives in the fall. The request is NOT guaranteed. Courses may be full.

How: Students, email your school counselor who will make the change if space is available. If the course is full, the student will be added to wait list.

Core Courses

When: June 8 - June 12

For What: Core course changes

How: Students, email your school counselor who will make the change if space is available. If the course is full, the student will be added to wait list.

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. 

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 mobile app, including feedback from parents.

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.

Food Allergies

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.  

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 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. 

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 and 12 or as early as 9 years old. 
• Parents/guardians may decide that their 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.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so 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 Students

FCPS, 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. 

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.