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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 1: Senior Grad Walk
June 2: Grad Rehearsal and Senior Picnic
June 3: Graduation, 8:30am, Stalnaker Stadium - NO School for 9/10/11 grades
June 17: Last day of School for FCPS; Fairfax HS will dismiss at 10:10am
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Included in this issue:
Student Spotlight
Athletics Spotlight
- Girls Soccer Wins Patriot District Championship
Program Spotlight
- AVID End of Year Celebration
- Band Concert
Calendar Reminders
- Memorial Day, May 25
- 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
- End of Year Medication Pickup
- Senior Laptop Collection
- Graduation Photos Ordering Info
- Rising Senior Portraits
- Check Your Student's Lunch Balance
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Colleges and Universities Still Accepting Applications
- Swimming and Lifeguard Course Available Next School Year
- Third Annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt
- Cultural Event Photos Available to Order
- Student Bus Pass
- Mental Health Resources
- District News / In Case You Missed It
- Quick Links
Thank you to our Work & Transition Students for placing American Flags on FHS grounds for Memorial Day
May 22, 2026
Dear Lion Families,
We have officially wrapped up the final full week of school for our incredible Class of 2026. The energy in the building is a beautiful mix of nostalgia, pride, and anticipation as we count down the days to senior grad walks, final awards, sunset, graduation day, and our final farewell.
This week was a true celebration of the talents and heart that define Fairfax High School.
Here are a few of the incredible highlights from around our campus:
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A Symphony of Final Bows: This week has been all about the music. From our choral cabarets to our orchestra and band concerts, our student-musicians filled our halls with beautiful music. It was a deeply moving week as our seniors took their final bows on the Fairfax stages they have called home for so many years.
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City Schools AVID Night: We were delighted to host our annual AVID Night, bringing together the community to celebrate the purpose and impact of this program. It was inspiring to see the accomplishments of our students across grades 5-12. A special shout-out to our seniors, who shared powerful insights with younger students about what life looks like after high school and how AVID prepared them to conquer it.
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Celebrating Future Scientists: The Science Department hosted its annual awards ceremony, recognizing students across multiple courses. We are so proud of these Lions for demonstrating the inquiry, tenacity, and focus required of future scientific innovators.
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A Weekend of Remembrance: If you have driven past the front of the school today, you’ll notice a beautiful display of flags. We owe a huge thank you to our Work and Transition program for decorating our grounds as our community prepares for a weekend of remembrance and reflection.
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District Champions! A massive congratulations to our Girls Soccer Team, who officially captured the Patriot District Championship title this week! Your hard work and grit have made the entire Lion Nation proud.
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Lions Taking the Lead: We capped off the week with our "Lions Taking the Lead" program. It was the perfect way to head into the weekend, recognizing students who have shown an unwavering commitment to academics, service to our community, and fostering a culture of care here at FHS.
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Yearbook Distribution: Today, our seniors finally got their hands on the yearbook. It is always an emotional, milestone moment of the senior year. Seeing our students sit together, turning the pages, and taking the time to craft meaningful, lasting messages to one another is a poignant reminder of the tight-knit community they've built here.
As we head into these final days, thank you for your continued partnership, support, and shared pride in these students. Let's make these final countdown days unforgettable for our seniors!
Lions Take the Lead
Today we celebrated over 130 students at our Lions Take the Lead Ceremony. Students were celebrated for demonstrating Fairfax County's Portrait of a Graduate skills (POG) or our PAWS (Promoting Empathy, Accountable Actions, Working Hard, Self Advocacy) attributes! Congratulations, Lions, well done!!
Girls Soccer Wins Patriot District Championship!
AVID End of Year Celebration
Band Concert
🗓️Calendar Reminders
Memorial Day, May 25
As Memorial Day approaches, we take a moment to reflect and honor the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to our country. This national holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who fought to protect our freedoms.
While Memorial Day often marks the beginning of summer with family gatherings and parades, its true meaning lies in remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We encourage our school community to take time this weekend to honor their memory and show gratitude for their service.
All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, for the Memorial Day holiday. Learn about the history of Memorial Day. See the complete school year calendar.
May 26, Teacher Work Day
Tuesday, May 26, is a teacher work day. There is no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.
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
Monday, May 25: Memorial Day Holiday, NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, May 26: Teacher Workday, NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, May 27: Religious/Cultural Observation day for Eid al-Adha - Student and Staff Holiday, NO SCHOOL
Thursday, May 28:
- Underclass: Regular Day, 8:10am - 2:55pm, GRAY day
- Senior Exams PERIOD 2
- Pride Prep Presentations
- Seniors Dismiss at 9:42AM
Friday, May 29:
- Underclass: Regular Day, 8:10am - 2:55pm, BLUE day
Saturday School is being held May 23
graphic for saturday school
Saturday School is being held May 23, in the library, from 9am-12pm.
The LAST day for Saturday School is June 6.
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.
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 1: Senior Grad Walk
June 2: Graduation Rehearsal and Senior Picnic
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.
End of Year Medication Pickup
Reminder: Pick up Medications by the Last Day of School!
The Fairfax High School health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than the student dismissal time on the last day of school - Thursday, June 17th at 10:10am. Medication left in the health room after that time will be destroyed.
It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian. Medication cannot be sent home with your student. However, with parent or guardian permission, a high school student may transport over-the-counter medications to and from the school health room.
If your student will be enrolled in a summer program sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools, the existing medication authorization form(s) may be used for the summer program, but you will need to pick up the medication on the last day of school and deliver the medication and completed forms to the summer learning site on the first day of the summer program. Please let the health room know if you would like a copy of the form(s).
Questions? Call the Health Room at 703-219-2210 or email our Public Health Nurse, Ashley Kim, at amkim1@fcps.edu.
Thank you for your cooperation and support!
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 28th 9:30am-12:30pm
NOTE: IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN GRADUATION, YOU MUST TURN IN YOUR LAPTOP AND CHARGER
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)
Please Check Your Student's Lunch Balance
It’s a busy time of year, and we know many priorities are on your plate. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to check your student’s MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.
Free and Reduced-Price Meals
Families who earn less than 185% of the poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals (FRM). However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2026-27 school year will be available this summer.
If you have a current balance and think you may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2025-26 school year.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Colleges and Universities Still Accepting Applications
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has released its annual College Openings Update. This voluntary listing features NACAC-member postsecondary institutions that are still accepting applications from prospective first-year and transfer students for the fall 2026 semester.
Students and families are encouraged to use this tool to search for colleges that still have space available. Users may narrow down the list of schools by state and view whether a school still has financial aid and available student housing. Please note that this list is updated daily.
Additionally, NACAC has created a waiver request form for enrollment deposit fees that some institutions will consider for students experiencing significant financial hardship. Learn more about the enrollment deposit fee waiver and eligibility. Students and families may contact their school counselor and college and career specialist with any questions.
Students who still need assistance applying for federal or state financial aid can schedule a free appointment with our partners at College Access Fairfax by emailing appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org. Support provided by your school or College Access Fairfax is free.
Swimming and Lifeguard Course
New Advanced Swimming & Lifeguard Certification Course Coming This Fall
Fairfax County Public Schools will offer a new course, Advanced Swimming and Lifeguard Certification, for the 2026-27 school year. This course will be open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and will be held at Skyview High School. Students from all FCPS high schools are eligible to enroll.
Students enrolled in the course will have the opportunity to take the lifeguard certification test in spring 2027. Those who successfully pass will earn American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification, including deep water certification.
Information about transportation between base schools and Skyview High School is being finalized and will be shared once it is available. Directors of Student Services will begin enrolling students by June 1. If your student is interested in this opportunity, please encourage them to speak with their school counselor.
Third Annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt!
Third Annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt Encourages Active Family Fun
The Solving Fun Puzzle Pals have been busy getting ready for the 3rd Annual Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt, and it kicks off in only three weeks!
This free event is open to solvers of all ages and is a great way to keep students and families engaged in fun, creative problem-solving over the summer. It also teaches bike and pedestrian safety and encourages active transportation.
New this year: The school with the most solvers will win a special visit from Sue Doku! Sign up for the Puzzle Hunt!
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).
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.
Mental Health Resources
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 our 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.
District News / In Case You Missed It
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Graduation and Summer Resources
- Check Your Lunch Balance
- Mental Health Support
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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