Dear South Lakes Families and Seahawk Community,

I want to take a moment to reflect on the special significance of Memorial Day in our nation. It is a solemn reminder of the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and the ideals we hold dear as Americans. As the son of a retired Army officer who was fortunate enough to return home safely from multiple tours of duty, and as someone who has also lost close family members who served in active-duty roles in conflict zones, Memorial Day carries deep personal meaning for me. It is a time of gratitude, reflection, and remembrance. It also serves as a reminder that a life dedicated to service to something greater than oneself is among the most meaningful and rewarding paths one can pursue.

As we continue moving toward the conclusion of another outstanding school year, I also want to take this opportunity to recognize the tremendous efforts of our students and staff during an exceptionally busy and demanding Standards of Learning (SOL) and International Baccalaureate (IB) testing window over the past several weeks. While all testing data has not yet been returned to us, the metrics and indicators we are seeing thus far suggest that South Lakes High School has made meaningful progress toward several key School Improvement and Innovation Plan (SIIP) goals. We are excited about the trajectory of our school, and we look forward to sharing additional information and celebrating those accomplishments with our community over the summer months.

Beyond testing and assessments, what continues to inspire me most is the level of engagement, creativity, and excellence taking place throughout our building each and every day. Our students remain fully immersed in learning experiences, innovative projects designed and facilitated by our award-winning faculty and staff, performances, presentations, service initiatives, and the many honors and celebrations that traditionally cap off a great school year at South Lakes. It has truly been a remarkable spring season for our school.

I also want to remind our families and community that the South Lakes High School Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2026 will take place on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at EagleBank Arena on the campus of George Mason University. We are incredibly proud of our graduating seniors and look forward to celebrating this milestone moment with them and their families. For those who are unable to attend the ceremony in person, the graduation ceremony will be livestreamed on our school website so that all members of our community can share in this special occasion.

I also want to make our community aware of upcoming discussions regarding the Skyview High School and Western Pyramids Boundary Study, which may impact the South Lakes High School boundary in future years. FCPS will be holding community meetings later this week to share revised draft scenarios and gather additional feedback from families and community members.

Finally, I simply want to say thank you. South Lakes High School is fortunate to receive incredible support from every segment of our community; our parents and guardians, PTSA, community and business partners, alumni, students, staff, and the broader Reston community. The partnership and encouragement we feel every day help make South Lakes such a special place. We are fortunate to have you, and quite simply, we are fortunate to be Reston.

With Gratitude,

Carlos Seward

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

2026 South Lakes High School Graduation 

South Lakes High School is proud to invite the entire Reston community to join us as we celebrate the Class of 2026 at our Graduation Ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

Whether you attend in person or celebrate from home via livestream, we welcome our Seahawk families, alumni, community members, and supporters to be part of this special milestone honoring an incredible group of students.

Livestream Link: https://www.memoriesvideography.com/grad/south-lakes-hs/

This moment represents years of hard work, perseverance, growth, and community support, and we would love for Reston to celebrate alongside us as our graduates take their next steps into the future.

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.

Community Meetings: Skyview HS and Western Pyramids Boundary Study

We want to ensure you are aware of the upcoming community meetings for the Skyview High School and Western Pyramids Boundary Study. Revised draft scenarios will be shared at the events, which will be held in person at Skyview and virtually via Zoom on: 

• Thursday, May 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. (in person | virtual)
• Saturday, May 30, from 9 to 11 a.m. (in person | virtual)

Please register to attend by clicking the appropriate link above based on how you would like to participate. The same information will be shared at both meetings.

As mentioned in a recent message from the school division, FCPS has eliminated adjustments to elementary school boundaries from this study based on community feedback. While feeder patterns — the middle and/or high schools that some elementary schools would attend — may change, elementary school boundaries will not be adjusted at this time. 

The superintendent will present a final recommendation for boundaries to the School Board for consideration and action at a board meeting in July. This additional time will allow the consultant to analyze feedback received after the revised draft scenarios are shared this month and prior to the community meetings being scheduled in June. 

Boundary changes will go into effect for the 2027-28 school year. View the Skyview High School and Western Pyramids Boundary Study page for more information. 

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. 

Free and Reduced-Priced Meals, Fee Waivers and Lunch Balances

Free and Reduced-Priced 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. 

Course Fee Waivers

Has your child taken a course that has an associated course fee? By applying for Free and Reduced-Price Meals, you may also be eligible for your child's course fees to be reduced or even waived. Please see directions above for applying for Free and  Reduced-Price meals. It's not too late for the 2025-2026 school year.

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.

Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

Online Tutoring Services

Fairfax County Public Schools is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services, at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. 

All FCPS students automatically have access to these free resources when they log into Clever through Schoology.  For any questions, please reach out to onlinetutoring@fcps.edu.

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! 

Colleges Accepting Applications

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.

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 Mental Health Teletherapy for High School Students

Mental Health Teletherapy 

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.