As we conclude another remarkable school year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people who make South Lakes High School such an extraordinary place to learn, grow, and belong. Our students, staff, families, and community partners each play an essential role in creating the welcoming, inclusive, and high-achieving school community we are so proud to call home.

Every day, I have the privilege of witnessing the extraordinary work happening throughout our building. Our teachers, counselors, administrators, office professionals, custodians, cafeteria staff, instructional assistants, security team, and every member of our Seahawk family consistently go above and beyond for our students. Whether it's preparing engaging lessons, mentoring a student who needs encouragement, coaching a team, directing a performance, or simply offering a listening ear, your dedication changes lives. Thank you for investing your time, your talents, and your hearts into making South Lakes a place where students can thrive.

Our students continue to inspire me every single day. This year, you challenged yourselves in the classroom, excelled in athletics and activities, showcased incredible talents in the arts, served our community, earned prestigious recognitions, and demonstrated resilience through every challenge you faced. Most importantly, you showed what it means to be a Seahawk by leading with kindness, embracing one another's differences, and supporting your classmates. Your accomplishments this year have made our entire community proud, and I cannot wait to see where your journeys take you next.

I also want to take this time to say thank you to our parents and community for your unwavering partnership and support throughout the year. Whether you volunteered your time, attended performances and athletic events, supported the PTSA and booster organizations, mentored students, partnered with our school, or simply encouraged your child each day, your involvement has strengthened our school community in countless ways. South Lakes is successful because we work together, and I am deeply grateful for that partnership.

As we head into summer, I trust that each of you will have the opportunity to slow down, recharge, spend meaningful time with family and friends, and celebrate all that has been accomplished this year. It has truly been an honor to continue to serve as your principal here at South Lakes High School. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me and for the warm welcome you continue to extended to my family and me.

While summer offers a chance to rest, it also marks the beginning of another exciting chapter. Our team is already preparing for the 2026–2027 school year, and I look forward to sharing updates with you throughout the summer as we continue building on the incredible momentum we've created together.

Thank you for an unforgettable year.

Have a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved summer.

With Gratitude,

Carlos Seward

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

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.

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!

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.

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. 

Math Basal Resources

Provide Feedback on Secondary Mathematics Instructional Resource

FCPS will adopt new mathematics instructional resources for Math 6 (middle school only) through Algebra 2 for the 2026-27 school year. A review committee composed of community members, administrators, and teachers met to review materials submitted by vendors. The public is invited to review and provide feedback on the proposed resource.

Access the proposed resource for middle school Math 6 through Algebra 2 in person or on the Mathematics Basal Resource webpage from Saturday, June 13, to Sunday, July 12. Those reviewing instructional materials will provide feedback through a digital form. All community feedback will be shared with the review committee and the Fairfax County School Board before a board vote in July. 

Hard copies of instructional materials will be available for review at Willow Oaks Welcome Center, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you need to review materials outside of these hours, please email MathBasalReview@fcps.edu.

Calendar Survey

Provide Feedback on FCPS Calendar Survey

FCPS values your input as we plan future school calendars. On Friday, June 5, all caregivers and FCPS staff received an email from noreply@fcps.edu containing a unique link to complete the FCPS Calendar Survey.

If you have not had a chance to respond, 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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.