From the Principal's Desk

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Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

 

July 28: Golf Tryouts

August 3: Cheer, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Boys Volleyball, Girls Volleyball tryouts

August 4-6: Lions on the Rise

August 20: New Student Orientation (Grade 9 and New Students) and the Fear the Roar Open House Jam, 1:30-4:30pm

August 24: First Day of School, all FCPS

Sept. 4 & 7: Labor Day Holidays, No School

September 14: Flag Football Tryouts

Sept. 16: Back to School Night, 6:30-8:30pm

Sept. 25: Homecoming Game, 7:00pm

Sept. 26: Homecoming Dance, info TBA

 

Included in this issue:

 

Program Spotlight

  • World Language Camp
  • Golf Camp

Calendar Reminders

  • Important Dates for Next Year!

Fairfax Lions Need to Know

  • Virtual Grade Level Night, July 20
  • Fear the Roar Open House Jam, August 20
  • Blenheim Boulevard Project
  • Cell Phone Policy
  • Free and Reduced Meal Applications

Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:

  • ParentVUE and StudentVUE Sign-in Changes
  • SAT School Day Accommodations
  • Lions on the Rise, August 4-6
  • Kaplan Online Prep Access
  • Quick Links

 

July 17, 2026

 

Bonjour, Hola, Hallo, & Salve!

Our World Language Camp officially kicked off this week, and the energy has been incredible. Students aren't just learning vocabulary; they are fully immersing themselves in rich cultural experiences.

Our dedicated instructors and students have put together an amazing lineup of activities highlighting our diverse language programs:

  • French & Spanish: Exploring vibrant traditions, music, and culinary highlights.
  • German: Diving into rich history and interactive language games.
  • Latin: Unlocking the foundations of modern language through mythology.

Seeing our students embrace global perspectives with such curiosity and enthusiasm is always a highlight of our summer programming.

Spreading Summer Cheer at Summer School

The FHS Administration Team took some time this week to drop by our summer school classrooms. Our goal was simple: check in on our hard-working students, support our fantastic summer staff, and spread a little extra summer cheer.

We are incredibly proud of the determination and focus these students are showing. They are putting in the work now to set themselves up for future success, and their grit does not go unnoticed!

Looking Ahead: Back-to-School Prep

While we are still enjoying the summer warmth, the new school year is just around the corner.

What to watch for: Be on the lookout for upcoming back-to-school communications in the next couple of weeks. We will be sharing essential resources, schedules, and tips designed to support a smooth, strong transition back to high school for all of our students.

Have a PAWSome weekend!

Principal's Signature

Program Spotlight

World Language Camp

A collage of students in a classroom

Another year of World Languages Camp comes to a close, and had an amazing time!! Our students learned about foods and cooking, body parts with a Twister game, colors, played charades, Jeopardy and so much more!

We appreciate our Fairfax community and are so grateful to our Fairfax family and our community families. A huge thank you to Fairfax City School Board and our building/staff for making this camp possible. Have a great rest of your summer!

Nathalie Coyle
French Language Teacher


Golf Camp

A group of people playing golf

Golf Camp week was amazing!! It was an absolute joy to share the incredible experience of golf with our campers! 

Please reach out if you have questions about learning the game, golf clubs, or playing competitive golf, I would love the opportunity to assist. Make sure to follow us on Instagram! Have a great summer!

Coach Latimer
wlatimer@fcps.edu


🗓️Calendar Reminders


Save these Important Dates for Next Year! ✅

save the date

Thursday, August 20

  • 9 to 11am: New Student Orientation (Grade 9 and New Students)
  • 1:30 to 4:30pm: Fear the Roar Open House Jam

Monday, August 24

  • First Day of School, Blue Day, full day 8:10am-2:55pm

Friday and Monday, September 4 and 7 

  • Labor Day Holiday - No School

Wednesday, September 16

  • Back to School Night, 6:30 to 8:30pm

Friday Night Lights, September 25

  • Homecoming Football Game; Kickoff @ 7pm

Saturday, September 26

  • Homecoming Dance @ FHS; more info coming 

Fairfax Lions Need to Know:


Virtual Grade Level Night, July 20 🖥️

Join us for a brief virtual meeting on Monday, July 20th from 5:30 to 6:30PM.

FHS Administration will be available to discuss beginning of the year expectations, need to knows, and anything else that you can do over the summer to get your student prepared for the start of the year! A recording will be available if you are unable to attend.

Join us here: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/92977545634  


FEAR THE ROAR OPEN HOUSE JAM
Thursday, August 20, 1:30 to 4:30pm

Back to school event flyer

 

When: Thursday, August 20, 1:30 to 4:30pm

Where: Fairfax High School

What: Join us for our OPEN HOUSE JAM!! Teacher Meet & Greet, explore clubs and activities, and information sessions

We can't wait to welcome our PAWsome Lions! SEE YOU THERE! 🦁


Blenheim Boulevard Project

We wanted to provide you with an important update that could impact your daily travel. The construction phase of the Blenheim Boulevard Multimodal Improvements Project began July 6, 2026. This project is the culmination of extensive planning to improve the safety, look, and function of the corridor for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders.

Q: What is being constructed?

A: This project is redesigning Blenheim Boulevard between Layton Hall Drive and Ridge Avenue. The project will maintain one travel lane in each direction and add the following improvements:

  • A two-way, 10-foot-wide cycle track on the north side of the road
  • 5-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides of the road
  • Two multimodal hubs with upgraded bus shelters, bikeshare stations and bike racks
  • A new roundabout at the Ridge Avenue intersection
  • New left-turn lanes at Daniels Run Elementary, Sherwood Center, and Great Oaks Dr.
  • An outdoor classroom and community amphitheater outside Fairfax High School
  • Pedestrian-scale lighting and landscaping

For more information about the project and the improvements you can expect when it is complete, visit fairfaxva.gov and search for Blenheim Blvd Multimodal Improvements.

Q: When does construction start and how long will it last?

A: Construction will begin on or after July 6, 2026, and will last approximately two years. The construction timeline will be updated as the project progresses.

For more information:

Blenheim Boulevard Project

Engage Fairfax


Cell Phone Policy

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.


Free and Reduced Meals

Students in a cafeteria line

 

Free and Reduced Meal Applications are now open for the 2026-27 School Year

For information: https://www.fcps.edu/frm

Apply online: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application

Important next step:

Consent to Share Information for Benefits for Other Programs

If you have children eligible for the federal Free and Reduced-Price Meals program, they may also be eligible to participate in other Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) fee-based programs without paying a fee or by paying a reduced fee. You are also eligible to receive information about scholarships, classes, and services that are provided by agencies and organizations other than FCPS.

If you want your children to participate in FCPS fee-based programs on a free or reduced fee basis and receive information about other benefits for your children, you must complete the Consent to Share form (PDF). Otherwise, you will only have benefits in the lunchroom.

Please return this form to: Fairfax County Public Schools, Office of Food and Nutrition Services, 6840 Industrial Road Springfield VA 22151-9922 or email to fcpsmealsaps@fcps.edu

Even though these forms have an old date they are still valid.

These forms are available in other languages:

Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM) | Fairfax County Public Schools


Fairfax Lions Nice to Know: 


ParentVUE and StudentVUE Sign-in Changes

Beginning July 28, FCPS will ask parents and students to install the new ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. The current (classic) apps will remain available for approximately six months to support the transition. During this time, the classic apps will keep prompting users to upgrade to the new apps. 

The new login screen for both apps will display User Name and Password fields, with a Login FCPS SSO button below them. Using the Login FCPS SSO provides a more secure sign-in experience. 

Students will continue to use their existing FCPS username and password. 

Please share the following resources with families for instructions on installing the new apps and details about the updated login experience:

Support: Parents needing assistance should submit 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. 


Lions On the Rise, August 4-6, 9am,-12pm

School flyer for 9th grade orientation

 

Attention Rising 9th Grade Families:

Lions on the Rise

August 4-6, 2026

9AM-12PM

Registration is now open for “Lions on the Rise” through MySchoolBucks! The program will run at Fairfax High School from August 4-6, 9am to 12pm.

At this 3-day event, you will get to play games, eat snacks, and get some merch! It’s a great opportunity for students to get comfortable with the school, reconnect with friends, and get to know some Fairfax staff.

Sign-ups on MySchoolBucks will start the first week of July and will end August 2nd, so sign up now! 

Follow @ffxleadership on Instagram and keep eyes and ears open for more information!

Questions? Email Mr. Friedman, dlfriedman@fcps.edu. We hope to see your student there!


Kaplan Online Prep Access for Grades 9-11

A reminder that students in grades 9–11 have access to the Kaplan online prep program for PSAT and SAT preparation over the summer and through October 31, 2026. The summer months are a great time for students to prepare for their fall exams! Kaplan Online Prep Access


Quick Links


FCPS Cares

Do you want to celebrate a Fairfax employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way? Or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.


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