From the Principal's Desk

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Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

June 1: Senior Grad Walk (must already be signed up to participate)

June 2: Grad Rehearsal and Senior Picnic

June 3: Graduation, 8:30am, Stalnaker Stadium - NO School for 9/10/11 grades

June 5: Last Day for Academy Shuttles

June 17: Last day of School for FCPS; Fairfax HS will dismiss at 10:10am

 

Included in this issue:

 

Student Spotlight

  • Senior Awards
  • Speech and Debate Team

Program Spotlight

  • Girls Who Code Induction Ceremony
  • Pride Prep

Athletics Spotlight

  • NCAA Ceremony

Calendar Reminders

  • Caribbean American Heritage Month
  • LGBTQIA+ History Month
  • End-of-Year Testing and Exam Schedule 
  • Last Saturday School June 6

Fairfax Lions Need to Know

  • Important Graduation Ceremony Information
  • End of Year Medication Pickup
  • FCPS Budget
  • Check Your Student's Lunch Balance
  • Family Information Phone Lines

Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:

  • Colleges and Universities Still Accepting Applications
  • Swimming and Lifeguard Course Available Next School Year
  • Summer Online Campus
  • Student Bus Pass
  • District News / In Case You Missed It
  • Quick Links

Why We Do What We Do - Our Students!!

Blue banner with white text

 

 

May 29, 2026

 

Dear FHS Community,

Although it was a short week, it was absolutely bursting with pride, achievement, and celebration. As we head into the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to highlight the incredible milestones our students reached this week. The excellence of the Class of 2026 was on full display, and we couldn't be prouder!

Real-World Ready: Senior PRIDE Prep

We kicked off the week with our Senior PRIDE Prep, where our seniors showcased their incredible real-world learning experiences from the past two weeks. It was inspiring to see our students present on their diverse internships and projects. FHS seniors have been making waves in:

  • Dental offices & medical clinics
  • Online tech companies & local businesses
  • Elementary schools & international non-profits

Thank you to our community partners for mentoring our seniors and helping them bridge the gap between classroom learning and future careers.

Center Stage: FX Players Shine at the Glamies

We were absolutely delighted to celebrate our FX Players this week! The incredibly talented cast of Matilda was recognized at the Blue Ridge Glamies. Our theatre department continues to set the standard for artistic excellence, and we are so proud of the hard work, creativity, and passion they brought to the stage this season. Bravo.

Senior Athletic Commitments

We were thrilled to congratulate all of our seniors who have officially committed to post-secondary athletics. Balancing rigorous academics with elite athletics takes immense dedication. We look forward to following your journeys at the next level—once a Lion, always a Lion!

Girls Who Code Senior Ceremony

Our Girls Who Code Club held a beautiful senior ceremony this week. Graduates were recognized with special honor cords and celebrated for their incredible achievements this year, including leading teacher training sessions and putting on an unforgettable code-a-thon. Thank you for paving the way for future tech leaders!

Class of 2026 Awards Ceremony

The Class of 2026 Awards Ceremony was a truly PAWSome showcase of the excellence that defines FHS. Students were recognized for their outstanding achievements in:

  • Academics: Honoring deep dedication to learning.
  • Community Impact: Celebrating those who make our world a better place.
  • Scholarships: Recognizing the hard work that is paving the financial pathways to their futures.

Athletics Update: Lady Lions Move On!

Congratulations to our Lady Lions Soccer Team on a nail-biting victory this week! They showed incredible grit and teamwork on the field. The journey continues as they advance to the Region Semi-Finals on Tuesday at Chantilly.

Next Week: GRADUATION

The moment we have all been waiting for is finally here. Next week, we celebrate our seniors' ultimate milestone. Please note the key events for our graduates next week:

  • Graduation Walk: Reconnecting with the elementary and middle schools that helped start it all.
  • Senior Sunset: The sun will set, but the memories will live on.
  • Senior Picnic and Rehearsal: A time to relax, eat, and make final high school memories with peers and PRACTICE.
  • The Main Event: Our final farewells as the Class of 2026 crosses the stage.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Have a wonderful weekend, and let's get ready to celebrate our graduates!

Principal's Signature

Student Spotlight

Senior Awards Ceremony

Collage of student award recipients

 

We had a lovely time celebrating our Seniors at this morning's award ceremony! 


Speech & Debate at Nationals

Students posing for a picture

 

The Speech team had a wonderful showing at the National Speech and Debate tournament! All four competitors did well, placing in the top 40% in their respective events. Well done, Lions!! 


Program Spotlight

Girls Who Code Ceremony

Students in a classroom posing for a picture

 

Girls Who Code hosted their induction ceremony and presented seniors with cords. Thank you for a PAWsome year!!


Pride Prep

Collage of student presentations

 

Our first year of PRIDE Prep was a tremendous success! This innovative new opportunity allowed our seniors to head out into the "real world" and apply their classroom knowledge in a variety of settings. Our students gained invaluable experience at local schools and non-profits, City government agencies, law firms, real estate agencies, and many other local businesses

It was a great experience for our Seniors and the reflections were PAWSome! Well, done, Lions! 🐾


Athletics Spotlight

NCAA Ceremony

Student athletes posting for a picture

 

Congratulations to all of our incredible student athletes who are continuing their academic and athletic careers at the NCAA level this fall. Your hard work, dedication, and resilience have paid off. We are proud of you and wish you the very best! 🦁


🗓️Calendar Reminders


Caribbean American Heritage Month

Caribbean American Heritage Month

 

FCPS celebrates the rich diversity and honors the many contributions of immigrants of Caribbean heritage to our nation during the month of June. Caribbean individuals are some of the most ethnically diverse in the world. There are more than 8.5 million individuals in the United States born in the Caribbean or of Caribbean ancestry. Learn more about Caribbean American Heritage Month


LGBTQIA+ History Month

LGBTQIA+ History Month

 

In the month of June, we recognize the resilience and determination of the many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically. We stand with those facing an ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice. This Pride Month, we reaffirm and uphold the dignity of LGBTQIA+ people. Each individual in our school community should feel valued for who they are. Visit our LGBTQIA+ Student Resources and Supports webpage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


End-of-Year Testing and Exam Schedule

Drawing of Exam schedule

The FHS End-of-Year Testing and Exam schedule can be found on our school website.

Download the PDF

FOR NEXT WEEK

Monday, June 1:

  • Underclass: Regular Day, Gray Day
  • Senior Grad Walk (must already be signed up)

Tuesday, June 2:

  • Underclass: Regular Day, Blue Day
  • Graduation Rehearsal & Senior Picnic 

Wednesday, June 3:

  • GRADUATION DAY! 8:30am, Stalnaker Stadium
  • No School for 9th/10th/11th grades

Thursday, June 4: 

  • Underclass: Regular Day, Blue Day

Friday, June 5: 

  • Underclass: Regular Day, Gray Day

Next - and LAST - Saturday School is June 6th

Saturday School

graphic for saturday school

There is NO Saturday School on May 30th.

The next Saturday School - and the LAST one for the school year - will be held on June 6th, in the Library, from 9am-12pm.

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! 


Fairfax Lions Need to Know:


IMPORTANT Graduation Ceremony Information

Fairfax Families,

We are excited to celebrate The Class of 2026! We wanted to provide you with an important update around graduation entry procedures this year. All FCPS graduations will be using security screening procedures. We will be using Open Gate to screen each attendee into the graduation ceremony. Guests consent to a search prior to entry of their person and/or any items they may wish to bring into the stadium. Staff will visually conduct bag and metal detection inspections to detect prohibited items to ensure the safety of all guests.

The Open Gate screening will start at 6:30AM. There will be stations at the main stadium entrance (in the field house parking lot), and the bottom gate entrance on Lion Run. 

To keep the lines moving and ensure a seamless entry for all of our guests, please follow these simple bag guidelines:

  • Go Bagless if You Can: The absolute fastest way through the gates is to leave bags, purses, and backpacks at home or in your vehicle.
  • Consider a Clear Bag to Expedite Your Screening 

Important

  • Any guest who declines to be searched or is in possession of prohibited items may be denied entry
  • Guest who have health conditions which prohibit them from passing through magnetometers may flag an event supervisor for a manual screening

Prohibited Items

  • Weapons of any kind
  • Fireworks or explosives
  • Balloons
  • Noisemakers
  • Non-service animals
  • Illegal drugs or controlled substances
  • Laser pointers
  • Luggage or oversized bags
  • Drones or unmanned aircraft systems
  • Skateboards, rollerblades, or hoverboards
  • Projectiles (e.g., frisbees, footballs, inflatable balls)
  • Unapproved pamphlets, flyers, or promotional materials
  • Flags, banners, or signs that obstruct views
  • Poles or sticks of any size, except medical aids (e.g., canes, crutches)

We are looking forward to an amazing ceremony. In partnership, 

Fairfax High School Administration

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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!


FCPS Budget

School Board Adopts Fiscal Year 2027 Approved Budget

On May 21, the Fairfax County School Board unanimously adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Approved Budget, continuing FCPS’ commitment to sustaining excellence by prioritizing competitive compensation and strategic investments that support student success.

The adopted budget reflects the division’s ongoing efforts to navigate a challenging fiscal environment shaped in part by chronic state underfunding and economic uncertainty. Despite these challenges, the budget maintains key investments and restores several reductions made during the prior fiscal year. Read about the FY 2027 Budget.


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


Family Information Phone Lines

Family Information Line Available in Nine Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.


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.


Summer Online Campus

Summer Online Campus Registration Closes June 5

Registration for summer classes with FCPS’ Online Campus will close on Friday, June 5. Email OnlineCampus@fcps.edu or call 703-503-7781 with any questions.


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

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • School Board Adopts Budget
  • Celebrating our Graduates
  • Register for Summer Online Campus

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


FCPS Cares

Do you want to celebrate a Fairfax employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way? Or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.


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