Principal Updates - June 22

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image of the graduates from above and behind

Important Dates

June 22 - Summer Office Hours begin; 9:00 am-1:00 pm Monday through Friday

July 3 - School Office Closed, Independence Day Observed

Looking Ahead to 2026-2027 School Year:

Note more details are on the announcement found on the website: https://oaktonhs.fcps.edu/announcements/save-date-summer-2026-events 

The FCPS 2026-27 School Year calendar can be found on the FCPS website.

July 20-22 - Senior portrait session A (information on signing up will be sent to rising seniors and their parents this week)

July 27 - Golf Tryouts Begin 

August 3 - Fall Sports Tryouts Begin; Band camp begins 

August 5-6 - JumpStart Program (Rising 9th Graders) - Optional 

August 20 - New Student Orientation; Open House; Cougar Kickoff (Tentative Date) 

August 24 - First day of School 

September 1 - Back to School Night

September 4 - No School (Labor Day Break)

September 7 - No School (Labor Day) 


General Information

Summer Office Hours 

During the summer and beginning on Monday, June 22, the Oakton HS Main Office will be open from 9am-1pm, Monday to Friday.  Please note the office will be closed on June 19 (Juneteenth) and July 3 (Independence Day Observed).  

We do recommend a call in advance of your visit to ensure that we have the appropriate staff members available to address your concern as many staff members are off contract during the summer. 

Save the Date - Summer 2026 and Back to School 2026

We are already planning for this summer and our upcoming school year!

Please visit the announcement on our website about Save the Date for 2026 events for information about:

  • Senior Portraits
  • Activities (including band camp) and athletics summer dates to know
  • Jump Start for rising 9th graders (optional)
  • Orientation and Cougar Kickoff
  • Parking
  • Back to School Night
  • Homecoming 2026

Parking Applications for the 2026-2027 School Year are Available!

We are now accepting parking applications from juniors and seniors. All applications are due by 3:00pm on Wednesday, August 12. Please find the application and more information on our website if you search for “parking” - Parking Applications for the 2026-2027 School Year.  

Student Medication

The deadline for medication pickup was June 17, 2026 at 10:30 AM. Any medication left in the clinic after that time was not saved and was discarded according to FCPS and FCHD policy.

We will communicate information about the clinic for next year with our Back-to-School information later this summer. As a reminder, new medication authorization forms are required for each school year. These forms can be located at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/school-health-services

Requesting a refund for my student's meal account

Meal account refunds can be requested by e-mailing the following information to mealaccountrefund@fcps.edu 

  1. Student Name
  2. Student ID # (listed on the student's schedule)
  3. School Name
  4. Parent/Guardian Name
  5. Check Payable To
  6. Mailing Street Address (City, State and Zip)
  7. Phone #

On June 30 of each year, balances for all graduating seniors will no longer report in MySchoolBucks. Food and Nutrition Services will have access to balance files and if parents have not requested a transfer or refund by this date, they may still do so up to one year (to June 30 of the following year) using the above methods.

Parents are required to log into My School Bucks. From the homepage dashboard click “Remove Student." Click the box under “Remove?” for the graduating student’s name.

Full information is on this site on the FCPS website: https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/food-and-nutrition/prices-lunch-account-prepayments-and-refunds 

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 check the Summer Food webpage regularly for updates.


Improving Student Attendance Together

At Oakton High School, we believe that every day matters. Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success, academic achievement, and a positive high school experience. As we reflect on the 2025–2026 school year, we want to share an important attendance trend and ask for your partnership moving forward.

During the 2025–2026 school year, Oakton High School recorded 1,684 absences due to family vacations and discretionary travel. While we understand that family time is valuable and often provides meaningful experiences, these absences can have a significant impact on student learning.

Missing school—even for a few days—can result in:

  • Lost instructional time that cannot be fully replicated through make-up work.
  • Missed classroom discussions, labs, group projects, and assessments.
  • Increased stress for students trying to catch up after returning.
  • Reduced academic performance and engagement.
  • Increased risk of chronic absenteeism.

Research consistently shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to earn higher grades, stay connected to their school community, and graduate prepared for future opportunities.

What We Can Do Together

As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, we encourage families to help reduce unnecessary absences by:

  1. Schedule vacations during school breaks whenever possible.
  2. Prioritize daily attendance.
  3. Monitor attendance regularly.
  4. Communicate early with school staff.
  5. Reinforce the importance of showing up.

Our Commitment

Oakton High School remains committed to creating engaging learning experiences and providing support for students who face barriers to attendance. We recognize that some absences are unavoidable due to illness, family emergencies, or other circumstances. Our goal is not simply to improve attendance statistics—it is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to benefit from the rich educational experiences available each day.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to student success. Together, we can ensure that every student is present, engaged, and ready to learn.


Student Activities

Fall Sports 2026 Tryout schedule

Check our Oakton sports website for any updates or changes.

Cheer:  8/3, 8/4, 8/5 - Aux gym 7-9am for all levels.  2nd tryout for Varsity only 5-8pm.  

Field Hockey: 8/3, 8/4,8/5 - returning JV/Varsity - Middle field 6-815am

                                            -  all candidates - Middle field 430-645pm

Football:  8/3 - JV/Varsity – Stadium field 6am-830am & 10:30-1pm 

Cross Country:  8/3-8/7 (8/5 will be a time trial) – 7-9am 

Golf: 7/27, 7/28 - Oakmont Golf Center 11am – 7/29 at Oakton HS

Girls Volleyball:  Freshmen:  8/3, 8/4, 8/5, 8/6 - Main gym 1-4pm 

                          Soph/Jr/Seniors:  8/3, 8/4, 8/5 - Main gym 4-630pm

Boys Volleyball:  8/3, 8/4, 8/5, 8/6 - Main gym 630-9pm

Summer Dance Camp for 1st-8th Graders

The Oakton High School Dance Team’s annual Junior Dance Camp will be held June 29-July 1 from 8:30-12:30 at Oakton High School. This clinic is open to rising 1st-8th graders from any school. Participants will learn choreography and technique with dance team members and will have the opportunity to perform at the end of camp on July 1!  Campers will enjoy a craft, snack time, and team building activities each day. For more information and to register go to bit.ly/ohsjuniordancecamp2025.


Testing Information

SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT 2026

SAT School Day and PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) exams will be held at each Oakton 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 our school by August 3, 2026, to request new or updated College Board testing accommodations. 

If you have a multilingual learner (ML) entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, please review the ML support request process and return forms by August 27, 2026, if you wish to request ML supports for the October 2025 PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day.  

Find out more about SAT and PSAT assessments in FCPS.  

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.


Student Services

School Counselor Availability 

Please note that our school counselors’ last day of contract for this school year is Tuesday, June 23, 2026.  They will begin responding to correspondence received over the summer on Thursday, August 6 upon their return for the 2026-2027 school year! 

Tutoring Resources for Families

Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as tutors. This list is a resource offered by the FRC, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. This list is not approved by FCPS and is only meant to be a resource to families.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. 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.


Health and Wellness Updates

💻 No-Cost Mental Online Therapy for All High School Students

Is your student experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.

Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline            703-527-4077

Crisis Text                                       Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency       703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency                         703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency         703-573-5979  TTY dial 711

Life Threatening                             911


FCPS News

FCPS This Week 

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

  • Review Math Resources
  • Give Feedback on the School Year Calendar
  • Summer Resources

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

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.  

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 throughout the summer. It’s the perfect time to help your student explore new interests, reinforce concepts, and stay engaged!

Updated FCPS Cellphone Policy Starts July 1

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.


PTSA News

New positions open at the Oakton High School PTSA!

Are you looking for a meaningful way to stay connected with the Oakton High School community and support our amazing students and staff?

The Oakton High School PTSA is currently seeking enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers to join our board and committees for the upcoming school year!

Open Positions & Descriptions:

  • President: Leads the PTSA, sets meeting agendas, oversees all programs and committees, and serves as the main liaison between the school administration and PTSA. Ideal for someone who enjoys leadership, organization, and collaboration.
  • Communications Chair: Manages our newsletters, social media, and promotional materials. Best for someone with strong writing, a creative bend of mind and design skills.
  • Hospitality Co-Chair: Plan and organize teacher and staff breakfasts. Consisting of a healthy grab-and-go breakfast. Currently, a once-a-month event. 
  • Student Support Chair: Recruits and organizes volunteers for school student events. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys engaging in student-related activities and overseeing volunteers.
  • All Night Grad Party Chair: Oversees the planning, fundraising, and execution of the senior All Night Grad Party for 2026-2027. Making it a memorable, fun and a safe place for our graduates. Responsibilities include fundraising, coordinating with vendors, managing volunteers, securing donations/sponsorships, and ensuring logistics run smoothly. This role is ideal for an individual with a fondness for event planning, and a strong passion for providing seniors with a memorable farewell.
  • Mini-Grant Chair: Coordinates the PTSA’s mini-grant program, which provides funding to teachers and students for clubs, projects, or innovative ideas. Responsibilities include publicizing the grant application process, organizing application review, and working with the PTSA board to award funds. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys supporting educators and managing small-scale funding programs.

Whether you have a few hours a month or more time to give, there’s a role for you. Being part of the PTSA is a wonderful way to make a difference, meet other families, and help shape the experience of every Cougar on campus.

Interested? Fill out the Volunteer Form. Please apply for three positions, in the order of your preference.

Let’s work together to make the 2026-2027 school year one to remember. Join the PTSA, your voice matters!


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