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A Note From Principal Seward
Dear South Lakes Families and Seahawk Community,
As we enter the final stretch of the 2025-2026 school year, I want to take a moment to thank our students, staff, families, and community for another incredible year at South Lakes High School. This is a special time of celebration, reflection, and accomplishment as we honor the achievements of our students and prepare to close another successful chapter in Seahawk history.
A special congratulations goes out to the Class of 2026! Graduation was a truly memorable celebration of perseverance, growth, and achievement. We are incredibly proud of our graduates and excited to see the impact they will make as they begin the next phase of their journeys. Once a Seahawk, always a Seahawk.
For our students in grades 9-11, Wednesday, June 10, marks the final day of regular classes. Underclassmen final exams will take place June 11-16, with students dismissed at 11:55 a.m. each day. Attendance remains important during the exam period, and students are expected to be present and prepared for each scheduled assessment. We encourage families to help students maintain healthy routines, get plenty of rest, and arrive on time each day.
The last day of school is Wednesday, June 17. Students will be dismissed at 10:00 a.m. following a modified schedule designed to provide opportunities to meet with teachers, return laptops, resolve obligations, and close out the school year successfully. We look forward to celebrating the completion of another outstanding year together.
As summer approaches, I encourage families to take advantage of the many resources highlighted in this edition of News from The Lakes. The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers valuable workshops, webinars, and support opportunities designed to help families navigate a wide variety of educational topics. Whether you're looking for academic guidance, parenting support, or information about school services, these resources are available year-round.
Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the free academic support available through Varsity Tutors. Every FCPS student has access to on-demand tutoring, live online classes, essay review, test preparation materials, and study resources at no cost. Summer is an excellent time to strengthen skills, prepare for advanced coursework, or get a head start on next year.
I would also encourage all families to stay connected with our outstanding South Lakes PTSA. Their partnership, advocacy, and support continue to make a meaningful difference for our students, staff, and school community. If you are not already a member, I encourage you to consider joining and supporting their important work.
Thank you for your continued support of South Lakes High School.
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 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
** Indicates section updates.
 #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.
Class of 2026 Graduation
 South Lakes is defined by the lives of the young people who walk our halls, and who later walk across that stage and carry out values into the world.
The real song of our South Lakes graduates will be heard in the kindness they show, the questions they ask, the challenges they overcome, and the lives they touch.
Class of 2026, CONGRATULATIONS!
Last Chance: 2026-2027 Course Change Opportunity
This week will be the last chance to make changes to your student's CORE course selection for the 2026-2027 school year.
NO CHANGES ARE GUARANTEED
When: June 8 - June 12
For What: Core course changes
How: Students, email your school counselor who will make the change if space is available. If the course is full, the student will be added to wait list.
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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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Write Your Way Into College
 Learn to write a knock-out college admissions essay in a four-session workshop through FCPS Adult and Community Education starting on Saturday, June 6.
Learn how to brainstorm meaningful topics, develop a powerful hook, scrawl a superlative narrative, and gain invaluable editing skills to make your essay clear and concise. After this affordable course at the FCPS Herndon Learning Center, you’ll have a polished, knockout essay ready to sell to the university of your dreams.
Trades Scholarship Application Window Opening
 If you’re seeking a career in the Electrical, Plumbing, or HVAC trades, FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) can help you get started with a certified Apprenticeship program and a $1,000 scholarship toward your classes.
Apply Monday, June 15, through Saturday, August 15, for $1,000 towards an FCPS ACE Trades Apprenticeship class starting this Fall. See more details and explore trade programs.
Apprenticeship 101: Core Construction Skills
 Due to high demand, a third course section is now open for Apprenticeship 101: Core Construction Skills, through FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE).
Prepare to succeed in any skilled-trade career. This rigorous course from the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) covers all the basic skills you need to begin an apprenticeship and a career in the Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, or other Construction trades.
This course is a prerequisite to all other Level 1 NCCER trades curriculum and is required to gain NCCER craft qualification. Learning is condensed into three weeks of intensive training, combining both in-person and online classes. Earn 80 hours of apprenticeship-related instruction as well as an industry-recognized, registered credential. And connect with employers who may sponsor your career!
Enroll today. These classes fill quickly. The tuition price has been subsidized by grants to make it an affordable start to building your career.
Summer Courses for SAT Test Prep
 Make the most of your time this summer to get confident and ready to “ACE” your SATs. Affordable classes are available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) to prepare you for either (or both) the Math Part 1 or Part 2 exams. Or, strengthen your overall test-taking strategies with a Reading/Writing Skills and Strategies class to enhance speed, accuracy, and confidence. Choose either day or evening classes to fit your summer schedule.
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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Calendar Survey
Calendar Survey
FCPS values your input as we plan future school calendars. On Friday, June 5, all caregivers and FCPS staff will receive an email from noreply@fcps.edu containing a unique link to complete the FCPS Calendar Survey.
Your feedback matters. Please take a few minutes to share your priorities and perspectives by Monday, June 22, at 11:59 p.m.
Your individual responses will be kept confidential and will not be shared with school staff or used in any way that identifies you or your student. Only aggregate, summary-level results will be reported to the Fairfax County School Board.
If you do not receive a link to the survey or have technical difficulties completing the survey, please contact the FCPS Office of Research and Program Evaluation.
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Summer Resources
Summer Resources Help Students Stay Curious, Healthy, and Busy
FCPS’ Summer Resource Guide has activities and tips on a variety of subjects and interests, from camps and activities to health and safety resources.
Be sure to check back over the summer, as more resources may be added.
Learning Doesn’t Take a Vacation and Neither Does Fun!The FCPS Summer Learning webpage offers ideas and strategies for families to keep students curious until August. Summer is the perfect time to help your student explore new interests, reinforce concepts, and stay engaged!
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Summer Meals
Summer Meals for Students
Starting Monday, June 22, no-cost meals will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis at the sites and times listed on the FCPS Summer Food Service Program webpage. Students must remain on site while eating their meals.
This year, thanks to generous support from Educate Fairfax, families may also receive one no-cost breakfast and lunch per adult at the following elementary schools: Braddock, Dogwood, Glen Forest, Hutchison, Hybla Valley, and London Towne.
Summer sites will continue to be added, so please check the Summer Food webpage regularly for updates.
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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:
- Calendar Survey
- Summer Meals, Resources, and Learning Activities
- Check Your MySchoolBucks Balance
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. |
Immunizations
Summer Immunization Events for All FCPS Students
Inspire Health Alliance, in partnership with FCPS, will be providing school-required immunizations this summer. Immunizations will be provided at no out-of-pocket cost to students or families. Registering families will be required to provide insurance information, if applicable, but students without insurance may still participate.
Visit the FCPS and Inspire Health Alliance Student Immunization Events webpage for dates, times, and locations. Additional event dates will be made available and shared four to five weeks prior to the event on the webpage. 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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