News from THE LAKES - June 15 Edition

News From the Lakes3

 

A Note From Principal Seward

Carlos

Dear South Lakes Families and Seahawk Community,

For our students in grades 9–11, we have just a few days remaining in the school year. Final examinations conclude this week, and I encourage every student to finish strong by giving their best effort through the final assessments and assignments of the year. The habits of perseverance, responsibility, and resilience matter just as much in the final days of school as they do throughout the year.

For students who may not successfully complete a course, our staff will be reaching out to families regarding available opportunities and next steps, including participation in our Credit Continuation Program (CCP), to help students remain on track toward graduation and future success.

As a reminder, Wednesday, June 17, is the final official day of the school year. Students who choose to attend will report from 8:10 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. and will remain in the cafeteria during that time. This provides an opportunity to connect with friends, teachers, and staff one final time before we head into summer break.

I am filled with gratitude for the students, families, staff members, alumni, and community partners who make South Lakes such a special place. Together, we have continued to build upon our commitment to academic excellence, student belonging, meaningful relationships, and opportunities that prepare our students for success beyond high school.

The strength of South Lakes has always been found in our people, in our willingness to support one another, celebrate one another, and work together in service of our students. Thank you for your partnership, trust, and unwavering commitment to our school community.

Finally, to all of the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, guardians, mentors, and father figures in our South Lakes community, I wish you a very Happy Father's Day. Thank you for the many ways you encourage, support, and inspire our students throughout the year.

 

With Gratitude,

Carlos Seward

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


dates

Important Dates

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.


SEAHAWK Spotlights

Celebrating Excellence at South Lakes High School! 

LizaSydelle

South Lakes High School was proudly represented at the Fairfax County Public Schools Honors Awards Banquet as we celebrated two extraordinary educators who exemplify the very best of what it means to be a Seahawk.

Congratulations to Sydelle Keisler, our 2025-2026 South Lakes High School Teacher of the Year, and Liza Wynn, our 2025-2026 South Lakes High School New Teacher of the Year, on being recognized alongside some of the most outstanding educators across Fairfax County.

The FCPS Honors event brought together school and pyramid-level honorees from across the county to celebrate excellence in education, dedication to students, and the profound impact educators make every day. It was an evening filled with inspiring stories, meaningful connections, and well-deserved recognition.

Ms. Keisler and Ms. Wynn represent the passion, commitment, and student-centered excellence that define South Lakes High School. Whether inspiring students through the study of literature and film or supporting students through exceptional special education instruction, both educators make a lasting difference in the lives of our Seahawks every single day.

We are incredibly proud of Sydelle and Liza for this well-deserved honor and grateful for the impact they have on our students, families, and school community.

Please join us in congratulating these remarkable educators!


Seahawks Win Big At The Cappies

Monster

The South Lakes High School theater department captured the spotlight at the annual Cappies Awards ceremony! In a highly competitive awards season, our incredibly talented students stood out by taking home an outstanding five awards. Our students proved that hard work, dedication, and raw creativity are a winning combination!

The highlight of the evening came when our production, A Monster Calls, was awarded one of the highest honors of the night, Best Play! Please join us in congratulating our winners in five categories, including: 

  • A Monster Calls -  Play
  • Liam Birch - Lead Actor in a Male Role in a Play
  • The Core Ensemble - Ensemble in a Play
  • Taylor Clawson, Emilie Fiske, & Isabelle Phillipe, Animations & Video Editing - Creativity
  • Alden Walcott - Maryland Theater Guide Returning Critic (11th Grade)

South Lakes High School could not be prouder of these remarkable students and their brilliant achievements. Their commitment to excellence shone through in every aspect of this production.

Congratulations to all of our Thespians on a phenomenal season. You have made the entire Seahawk community incredibly proud!


South Lakes Rising Senior Published!

Poetry

Congratulations Geneviève Eddins, SLHS, Class of 2027, for having a poem published in 1455 Literary Arts' Young Poets Anthology centered on the concept of Hope, release date June 23, 2026 (https://1455litarts.org/ypa/). 

Her poem was written as part of an illustrated, interactive poetry book developed in her SLHS MYP project. She credits her freshman English teacher, Mr. John Lucibello, her sophomore English teacher Ms. Tabitha Morisson and her Junior English teacher, Ms. Emily Brown, with supporting her ongoing passion and respect for the written word. Her art teacher Mr. Rando and TOK teacher Mr. Ravenstahl have been very supportive of her continued art and writing. 

She has read poems from her book and displayed her associated art at the past two years' Celebrate Reston event. 

Please join us in congratulating Geneviève on this incredible accomplishment!


2026 Underclassmen Final Exam Schedule

underclasssoar

Underclassmen (Grade 9 -11) Final Exam Schedule - Week of June 15

Underclassmen exams continue this week on Monday, June 15th and complete 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). 

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
  • P4 Advisory - Laptop Return/Checkout - 10:00 AM - 11:35 AM
  • 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. 


Last Day of School - June 17 Schedule

LDS

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.


Updated Cellphone Policy: Starts July 1, 2026

nophone

No Phones or Devices During Lunch for High School Students

Under a new Virginia cellphone law (SB108) and the updated FCPS Cellphone Policy, high school students at FCPS will no longer be able to use cellphones and other smart devices during lunch time, starting July 1. This includes watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other items connected to the internet.

During the school day, including during lunch time, high school students will have to keep cellphones and other smart devices off and stored in a locker, backpack, pouch, purse, etc. This policy does not apply to school-issued devices. Visit the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage for more information.


ACE Opportunities for High School Students

Write Your Way Into College 

CollegeWrite1

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.


Summer Courses for SAT Test Prep

SATTestPrep

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.


Trades Scholarship Application Window Opening

Trades

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

App101

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.


Reflections Program: Call for Entries from SLHS Students

Reflections

Excited to announce that SLHS PTSA is launching its inaugural participation in Reflections — the oldest running national and largest arts education and recognition program of its kind!  We will have at a minimum seven category winners moving to county level competition (and hopefully beyond to state and national levels), so get ready to make the most of your summer in exploring the arts and creating amazing original work of art.

Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program started in 1969 that helps students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence, and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful not only in school, but in life.

Each year, more than 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. Students submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts, and Accessible Art Division.

The theme of the Reflections program for 2026-2027 is "What My Culture Means to Me." The due date for 2026-2027 program submissions will be around mid-September. Students have now through the whole summer break to think about how to work on this Reflections art project. More information will be shared and updates on specific deadlines for the 2026-2027 school year will be posted here. If your student is interested in participating in this art program, these links may be helpful:

For more information you can email reflections@southlakesptsa.org


Graduation Status Now Available

GradStatus

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.


South Lakes HS Podcast - The Lakes

SLHSPC

"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 AppleSpotify, or Amazon Podcasts. 


FCPS Updates**

testing

Testing Results

Student Testing Results Coming Soon

Through June, you will receive your child’s spring assessment results. If you aren’t sure what assessments your child took this year, you can view a list of tests by grade level on the FCPS website. 

Most scores are available in SIS ParentVUE. Visit FCPS’ website for additional information about how test results are reported to families

Websites for each test provide report translations and help with understanding test results. Please contact our front office with any testing questions or for additional information about how our school and teachers use test results to support student success.


SISParent

SIS ParentVUE

Support Your Child’s Success in SIS ParentVUE

Signing up for a SIS ParentVUE account helps you to support your child’s academic success! Caregivers can view important information like attendance, grades, progress reports, and assessment scores through ParentVUE. 

Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. It is available online and as a mobile app for Apple and Android devices. 

Need help creating a SIS ParentVue account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

If you already have an account, be sure your contact information is up to date. Parents/guardians can update their phone numbers or email addresses in the Parent/Guardian section. View additional details about ParentVUE.

Activate Your ParentVUE Account to Stay Connected

On Wednesday, July 29, FCPS families who haven't activated their ParentVUE account will receive an email with the subject “Fairfax County Public Schools ParentVUE Activation Letter.” 

The email will include instructions to activate a ParentVUE account. If you don’t have an account and don’t receive the email, please check your spam folder or open a Parent Support Request. After July 29, families may also contact Christine Khashnobish at cgkhashnobis@fcps.edu or call the school at 703-715-4500 to request a printed activation letter or a new activation key, if needed.

All families are encouraged to activate their accounts as soon as possible to ensure they receive immediate access to important student information and school communications.

For assistance activating your account, please contact our front office. For technical support, create a Parent Support Request.


psatsat

SAT School Day Accommodations

SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT 2026

SAT School Day and PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) exams for the 2026-27 school year will be held at each high school on Wednesday, October 7, at no cost to families. The digital SAT School Day exam is offered to 12th grade students, and the digital PSAT/NMSQT exam is provided to 10th and 11th grade students. 

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities and Multilingual Learner Supports

Because these exams are operated by the College Board, students do not automatically receive testing accommodations or multilingual learner (ML) supports. 

If you have a student with disabilities entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, please review the accommodations request process and return forms to the high school by Monday, August 3, to request new or updated College Board testing accommodations. 

If you have a multilingual learner entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, please review the ML support request process and return forms by Thursday, August 27, if you wish to request ML supports for the October 2026 PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day.  

Find out more about SAT and PSAT assessments in FCPS. 


Online Safety

FCPS

Scroll Smart. Post Smart. Stay Safe. 

The Fairfax County Police Department encourages teens and parents to stay informed, have open conversations about digital safety, and practice smart online habits throughout the summer months. Read recommendations to stay safe online this summer.


summer resources

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!


summerMeals

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.


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:

  • Celebrating Graduates
  • Early Release Days for Next Year
  • SAT School Day Accommodations

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today


FCPS Cares

FCPS Cares2

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. 


Health & Wellness

HW3

immun

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. 


Mental Health Resources**

SE

Unskippable

Become Unskippable: Fentanyl and Overdoses

How to Talk With Your Teens So They Won’t Skip What You Say

Strong communication is key to supporting your student's mental health. FCPS provides guidance on how to have short, impactful conversations with your teen about difficult subjects such as fentanyl and overdoses.

Learn more about how to have conversations with your child in a way that will make you unskippable.


teletherapy

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


MentHe

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.


Parent Resources

PR2

 

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

  • 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

  • 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.


South Lakes PTSA

JOIN THE PTSA TODAY! 

PTSA

 

For more information please visit the South Lakes PTSA website.


South Lakes HS Helpful Links

Quick links to the South Lakes High School Website:


Follow The Lakes on Social Media

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.

Social Media
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