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A Note From Principal Seward
Dear South Lakes Families and Seahawk Community,
Welcome to Graduation Week at South Lakes High School. This is week filled with celebration, reflection, pride, and anticipation as we honor the incredible accomplishments of the Class of 2026 and the many successes of our students across the school community.
This is one of the most special weeks of the year. Throughout the coming days, our halls will be filled with meaningful traditions that remind us why South Lakes is such a remarkable place. From the Senior Grad Walk through our elementary schools, from final performances, showcases, and athletic competitions, to our graduation ceremony at EagleBank Arena on Friday morning, this week represents the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, growth, and achievement.
As we celebrate our seniors, I am also reminded that South Lakes is a school filled with extraordinary students at every grade level. Throughout the year, our Seahawks have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic fields, on the stage, in JROTC, through DECA, IB, fine arts, student leadership, service learning, and countless other activities that make our school community vibrant and strong. The excellence we celebrate this week is a reflection of the collective effort and spirit of the entire South Lakes family.
As we approach Friday's graduation ceremony, I encourage our seniors to take a moment to appreciate the significance of this milestone. Celebrate your accomplishments, thank those who have supported you along the way, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. You have left your mark on South Lakes High School, and we could not be more proud of you.
For all students, while there is much to celebrate, there is still important work to be done. I encourage everyone to remain focused, finish assignments and exams strong, support one another, and continue demonstrating the character and excellence that define our Seahawk community.
Let's finish strong, celebrate well, and make this a week worthy of the incredible Class of 2026.
With Gratitude,
Carlos Seward
We value your feedback. Share your observations, suggestions, questions and celebrations with me here.
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 Important Dates
June 5, 2026 - 9:00 AM, Class of 2026 Graduation, Eagle Bank Arena (No school for students)
June 10, 2026 - Last Day of Regular Classes for Grades 9-11
June 11-16, 2026 - Underclassmen (Grades 9 -11) Exams (Students are dismissed at 11:55 AM each day; See below for details)
June 17, 2026 - Last day of school - School dismisses at 10:00 AM (See below for Details)
The FCPS School Year Calendars are available below by school year for your planning purposes.
2025-26 School Year
2026-2027 School Year
2027-2028 School Year
Table of Contents
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 #AttendanceMatters
Finish the School Year With Strong Attendance!
As we enter the final weeks of the school year, FCPS and South Lakes High School appreciates your continued partnership in supporting your child’s success. Regular attendance plays an important role in helping students stay engaged in learning, maintain connections with their teachers and peers, and finish the school year strong.
Attending school consistently also helps students build valuable habits such as responsibility, perseverance, and daily routines that support success both in and out of the classroom.
If your child needs to miss school, please remember to report the absence. Full-day absences can be reported in ParentVUE. Families may also report absences by calling the school attendance line at 703-715-4545 or emailing SouthLakesHigh.Attendance@fcps.edu
If your child is experiencing challenges that are affecting attendance, we are here to help. Please contact South Lakes High School so staff can partner with you to provide support and resources. Learn more about FCPS attendance resources.
SLHS STEAM Team Members Selected to Attend UVA's Architecture's Design Discovery Youth Summer Program!
 Out of 232 applicants nationwide, three members of South Lakes High School’s Science Technology Engineering Art and Mathematics (STEAM) Team were chosen to be part of the University of Virginia School of Architecture’s Design Discovery Youth Summer Program.
Under the leadership of Art teacher Maro Rando, who brings his background in industrial design to lead the afterschool club, Juniors, Henry Abrash, Benicio “Beni” Hernandez, and Stephen Reider were three of forty students selected.
Commenting on the skills that make SLHS students particularly competitive for such opportunities, Mr. Rando noted that, “STEAM Team students are getting exposed to and practicing concepts of first-year architecture students”. When asked if any other high schools have this level of representation in the program, Kyle Sturgeon, architect and Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives at UVA School of Architecture noted, “No other high schools have that enrollment, nor have they ever - so you are doing something right.”
Congratulations to Mr. Rando and his three STEAM Team members, Henry, Beni and Stephen. Way to represent!
Senior's Schedule for the Week of June 1 - June 5
Monday, June 1, 2026
- Period 2 Senior Exams
- Locker Cleanout
- Laptop/Charger Return
- Seniors Dismissed at 9:40 AM
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
- Report Time: 8:15 AM
- Graduation Rehearsal #1
- Opportunity to pay outstanding student fees and senior dues
- Lunch will be served following rehearsal
- Seniors will be released following lunch
Thursday, June 4, 2026
- Report Time: 8:15 AM
- Senior Breakfast
- Graduation Rehearsal #2
- Cap and Gowns distributed (All fines and dues must be cleared)
- Elementary School Grad Walk
- South Lakes High School Grad Walk
- Seniors will be released following the SLHS Grad Walk
Friday, June 5, 2026 GRADUATION DAY
- Location: EagleBank Arena, George Mason University
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Graduating Seniors report between 7:30 AM and 7:45 AM to the loading dock area
- Doors open at 8:00 AM for family and friends attending the ceremony
- Ceremony begins at 9:00 AM
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All Night Grad Party, 9:00 PM - June 6, 3:30 AM (Ticket Sales close on Thursday, June 4, at 11:59 PM).
For more detailed information, visit the Class of 2026 webpage... https://southlakeshs.fcps.edu/class-2026-graduation-and-end-year-activities
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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.
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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 expected to be in school.
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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.
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 Volunteer for ANGP 2026
We can't have the All Night Grad Party without enough volunteers. So we're counting on the community to help make it happen!
Underclassman parents are especially needed on graduation day/night, since senior parents will be celebrating with their families.
VOLUNTEER FOR ANGP on June 5, 2026 and we will be in touch with more information via email.
Any adult 21+ can volunteer to help during the party. So, invite your friends and neighbors and volunteer as a group.
For more information about SLHS All Night Grad Party, click ANGP.
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:
- Login to your SIS ParentVUE Account
- Go to “Course History” for your middle or high school student
- 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.
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"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.
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2027 Budget Update
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.
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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.
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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.
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District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
FCPS News
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.
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Do you know of a South Lakes High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone. |
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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Free and Reduced Meals - Apply Today!
Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. Access the application and view criteria on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage
Students who were approved for free and reduced-price meals last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Family Information Line Available in Nine Languages
Family Academy
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Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families
We know that as a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in your child’s education. The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by the school division to help you support your child’s needs and learning at home.
The Family Academy also includes information about resources to help ensure your child has what they need to succeed. Check out some of the upcoming Family Academy sessions:
- Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (available in English and Spanish)
- Loving Solutions
- Military-Connected Youth Family Advisory Council
- Parent Project
- Family Resource Center Webinars on topics including: How to Prepare for School; Building Collaborative Relationships Between Caregivers and Educators; Worried Parents, Anxious Kids; and What Families Need to Know About Drugs for Their Students with Disabilities.
Visit the Family Academy catalog for more information on these sessions and to register to attend.
Parent Resource Center
- The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students. This includes monthly workshops and webinars. More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.
Varsity Tutors
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Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
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; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
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 the front office.
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.
JOIN THE PTSA TODAY!
For more information please visit the South Lakes PTSA website.
Quick links to the South Lakes High School Website:
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Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@south_lakeshs) and X (@southlakeshs)!!
Follow South Lakes HS on Social Media: Stay connected with South Lakes High School by following us on social media! It's the best way to keep up with our latest news, celebrate student achievements, and keep up with everything going on at The Lakes! Links: X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
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