Dear South Lakes Families and Seahawk Community,

We are officially 19 days away from graduation, and there is definitely a sense of excitement in the air. We are so proud of our seniors and all they have accomplished. As we head into these final weeks of the school year, let’s continue to support one another and finish strong.

Seniors, don’t forget about the All-Night Grad Party. Tickets are on sale now, and it is such a great opportunity to spend one last night together making memories with friends before everyone heads off in different directions next year.

With Gratitude,

Carlos Seward

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

SENIOR (Grade 12) Final Exam Schedule

Senior exams are Friday, May 22, 2026 - Monday, June 1, 2026. Reminder that May 25 - May 27 are a combination of holidays and teacher work days.

Seniors will be in school full days on Friday, May 22nd and Thursday, May 28th. They will dismiss at 11:15 AM on Friday,  May 29, 2026 at 9:40 AM on Monday, June 1, 2026. 

Friday, May 22, 2026

• Seniors are expected in class for Period 1 and Period 3
• Period 5 Exams
• Period 7 Exams

Thursday, May 28, 2026

• Seniors are expected in class for Period 2 and Period 4 (SS6/SS5)
• Period 6 Exams
• Period 8 Exams

Friday, May 29, 2026

• Period 1 Exams
• Period 3 Exams
• Seniors will dismiss at 11:15 AM

Monday, June 1, 2026

• Period 2 Exams
• If they haven't already, Seniors should clean out their lockers, return their laptops and take care of any other obligations. 
• Seniors will dismiss at 9:40 AM

Visit the Class of 2026 on the South Lakes High School website for further details and mandatory activities leading up to graduation on Friday, June 5, 2026.

Underclassmen (Grade 9 -11) Final Exam Schedule

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 will be the last day of regularly scheduled classes for grades 9 - 11.

Underclassmen exams begin on Thursday, June 11, 2026 and end on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. On each of these days, students will dismiss at 11:55 AM.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 is the last day of school and will have a modified schedule (see below). 

Thursday, June 11, 2026

• P2 Exams - 8:10 - 9:45 AM
• Break: 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
• P6 Exams - 10:00 AM - 11:35 AM
• Grab 'n Go Lunch - 11:35 AM- 11:55 AM
• Dismissal - 11:55 AM

Friday, June 12, 2026

• P1 Exams - 8:10 - 9:45 AM
• Break: 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
• P3 Exams - 10:00 AM - 11:35 AM
• Grab 'n Go Lunch - 11:35 AM- 11:55 AM
• Dismissal - 11:55 AM

Monday, June 15, 2026

• P8 Exams - 8:10 - 9:45 AM
• Break: 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
• P5 Exams - 10:00 AM - 11:35 AM
• Grab 'n Go Lunch - 11:35 AM- 11:55 AM
• Dismissal - 11:55 AM

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

• P7 Exams - 8:10 - 9:45 AM
• Break: 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
• Laptop Return/Checkout
• Grab 'n Go Lunch - 11:35 AM - 11:55 AM
• Dismissal - 11:55 AM

Attendance will be taken during all exam days so students are expect to be in school. 

Last Day of School Schedule

Last day of school will be Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Students will be dismissed at 10:00 AM. No meals will be provided. All meetings will be held in the cafeteria. 

The schedule is organized by subject/department so that students can focus in on those teachers with whom they would like to speak. All meetings will be located in the Cafeteria

Schedule:

• 8:10-8:25 Math
• 8:25-8:40 CTE/ SpEd elective
• 8:40-8:55 Science
• 8:55-9:10 Social Studies
• 9:10-9:25 World Language
• 9:25-9:40 English/ESOL
• 9:40-9:50 Fine/Per Arts
• 9:50-10:00 HPE

Anytime between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, students will be able to turn in their laptops and take care of any obligations (e.g. course fees). Students will be dismissed at 10:00 AM. Buses will depart shortly after that time.

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. 

Budget Update

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.

New Cellphone Policy and Other SR&R Changes

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.

Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation

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 your student's subschool.

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.

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.