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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
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Included in this issue:
Student Spotlight
- FHS Student is an FCPS Summer Intern
Calendar Reminders
- Important Dates for Next Year!
Fairfax Lions Need to Know
- FCPS App
- New ParentVUE App
- New Student ID Cards
- Immunizations
- Cell Phone Policy
- Free and Reduced Meal Applications
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Virtual Grade Level Meeting Info
- Lions on the Rise, August 4-6
- Fear the Roar Open House Jam, August 20
- PSAT/SAT School Day Accommodations
- Teletherapy
- District News/In Case You Missed It
- Quick Links
July 24, 2026
Happy Friday Fairfax High School Community,
I hope you are having a wonderful, restful summer! We are over here rocking and roaring as we plan for a PAWSomely successful 2026–2027 school year.
It has been a lively week on campus. This week we were honored to host the annual FCPS Leadership Kick-Off, welcoming nearly 1,000 administrators and district staff to our campus each day as we ALL plan and prepare for the year ahead. We’ve also loved seeing so many of our current and future Lions on campus taking advantage of our summer sports camps and activity connection opportunities. The energy on campus is contagious, and as a reminder, official fall athletics tryouts begin July 28th.
Thank you to everyone who tuned in for our Virtual Parent Night on Monday. It was great to connect and share some important updates for the upcoming year. If you were unable to join us, please visit our school website to review the presentation and recording.
Important Updates for the 2026–2027 School Year
As we prepare for a safe, focused, and engaging learning environment, please keep the following operational updates in mind:
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Personal Student Computers: FCPS will be restricting the use of personal student laptops/computers on campus this school year. We are currently awaiting more specific guidance from the district and will share detailed instructions with you as soon as they are finalized.
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Cell Phone Policy: To support student focus and well-being, cell phones must be off and put away all day, including during lunch.
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OpenGate Screening & Morning Entry: Student entry and OpenGate screening will begin promptly at 7:40 AM each morning at Door 1 and Door 21. We have coordinated with FCPS Bus Transportation to align bus arrival times accordingly. If you drive your student to school, please work with them to plan your drop-off schedule to ensure a smooth transition through morning screening.
We are so grateful for your continued partnership and support as we make the final preparations for an incredible school year.
Enjoy these last few weeks of your summer!
FHS Student is an FCPS Summer Intern
Fairfax rising Senior, Shams Alkaraoi, is currently participating in this year's FCPS Summer Internship Program! The FCPS summer interns supported the FCPS Leadership event in a variety of roles this week.
Shams is interning with the Integrated Digital Technology Services School Innovation Team in the Office of the Chief Information Technology Officer.
From more than 800 applicants, Shams earned a spot in this highly competitive program, which has doubled in size this year to 40 interns working across FCPS departments. The program supports FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow's Innovation by providing authentic work-based learning experiences that prepare students for future careers.
This is a very big accomplishment for Shams, and we are super proud to have her representing Fairfax High School so well!! Congrats, Shams!!
🗓️Calendar Reminders
Save these Important Dates for Next Year! ✅
Thursday, August 20
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9 to 11am: New Student Orientation (Grade 9 and New Students)
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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
FCPS APP
Download the FCPS App Today!
The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep you connected and informed, directly from your smartphone. Download the FCPS mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
With the app, you can:
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View school calendars. See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
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Check school menus. See what’s for lunch and breakfast each school day.
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Tap to contact. Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
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Stay up to date. Get the latest news from FCPS.
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Access key links. Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.
No need to log in, just download and go!
Learn more about the FCPS mobile app.
New ParentVUE App
New ParentVUE Mobile App Launching July 28
On Tuesday, July 28, a new ParentVUE mobile app will become available in the Apple and Google app stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. The current “classic” app will remain active for about six months. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their child’s school data.
In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature.
Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.
New Student ID Cards
New Student ID Cards Coming This Fall
This fall, every FCPS student will receive a student identification (ID) card as part of a divisionwide effort to modernize school transportation, improve communication with families, and strengthen student safety while traveling to and from school.
Every student who rides the school bus will need to tap on and tap off the bus every day using their new student ID card. Families can help by reinforcing this new habit with their child.
All students at our school will need to wear their student ID cards throughout the school day. We will be handing out the new student ID cards the first few weeks of school. More details will be shared soon.
Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.
Immunizations
Back-to-School Immunization Requirements
Make sure your child has all of their required immunizations before the first day of school. Check their immunization records to see what they might be missing. You can:
- Request immunization records online through the Virginia Immunization Information System (a free service).
- If your child was immunized outside of Virginia, get records from those states’ systems.
- Request records from your health care provider. Some may charge for copies.
Review school-required immunizations to verify that your child is up to date.
Required Immunizations for Rising 12th Graders
All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school.
- To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older.
As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.
Where to Receive Immunizations
If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your family’s healthcare provider or one of the following immunization events.
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.
If you do not have a healthcare provider, visit a Health Department clinic. Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) clinics offer immunizations to all Fairfax County students, as well as those who are behind on their scheduled immunizations or need a booster.
Summer back-to-school immunization clinics are also available. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. FCHD offers limited walk-in hours for immunization services on a first-come, first-served basis. Immunizations are also available by appointment.
Inova Cares Back to School Pediatric Health Fairs provide children ages 5 and up with free school physicals and immunizations. Weekend clinics are available in July and August. These health fairs are for VA Medicaid or Uninsured Inova registered patients only. Appointments are required. Call 703-698-2550 to make an appointment. Bring vaccine records to the appointment.
Local immunization clinics and additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and from the FCHD.
Please provide updated immunizations to Student Information Assistant,
Maya AbdelRahim-Soboleva (mabdelrahims@fcps.edu).
Cellphone Policy
Updated Cellphone Policy: No Phones or Devices During Lunch for High School Students
Senate Bill 108 is a new Virginia law that went into effect on July 1. It requires that all schools in the state follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy and prohibit cellphone possession and use for the entire school day. The updated FCPS Cellphone Policy aligns with this law, which means high school students are no longer able to use cellphones, cellphone accessories, or smart devices (like smart glasses, earbuds, headsets, and other items connected to the phone) during lunchtime.
Across all grade levels, cellphones, cellphone accessories, and all smart devices must be off and personally stored for the duration of the school day. Watches that serve a dual purpose (like a smartwatch) must be off and personally stored for the duration of the school day, too. Personal devices that connect to a cellphone or cellphone accessory or operate as a smart device must also follow the FCPS Cellphone Policy.
This policy does not apply to school-issued devices. However, school-issued devices must be used in accordance with FCPS Regulation 6410, Acceptable Use Policy, which allows the use of school-issued devices for educational purposes. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.
FRM/Summer Meals
Apply Today for Free and Reduced-Price Meals!
According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Studies show that students who eat both school breakfast and lunch tend to have healthier diets than those who don't participate in school meals.
Families who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals can receive breakfast and lunch for their students at no cost or at a reduced cost. This includes more than one-third of FCPS students. Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM) application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits.
The application for FRM is now available for the 2026-27 school year. Students who were approved for FRM last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Access the application and view criteria and up-to-date information on the FRM webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.
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
Meals for Students Available Through August 21
No-cost meals will be provided to students on a first-come, first-served basis through Friday, August 21, at the sites and times listed on the FCPS Summer Food Service Program webpage. Students must remain on site while eating their meals.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Virtual Grade Level Meeting Info 🖥️
If you weren't able to join us for our virtual meeting earlier this week, please see our presentations below.
They can also be found on our school website:
https://fairfaxhs.fcps.edu/student-services/programs-and-presentations
Please contact the school for any questions, 703-219-2200.
LAST Call for Lions on the Rise!
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. See
Sign-ups on MySchoolBucks are live now and will close on August 2nd!
Follow @ffxleadership on Instagram and keep eyes and ears open for more information!
Questions? Email Mr. Friedman, dlfriedman@fcps.edu, or see our website for more details. We hope to see your student there!
FEAR THE ROAR OPEN HOUSE JAM
Thursday, August 20, 1:30 to 4:30pm
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! 🦁
PSAT/SAT School Day Accommodations
Request PSAT and SAT School Day Testing Accommodations and Multilingual Support
FCPS high schools will give the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) to 10th and 11th graders on Wednesday, October 7. That same day, 12th graders will participate in SAT School Day.
Because these exams are operated by the College Board, students do not automatically receive testing accommodations or multilingual support. Families can view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about College Board accommodations on the FCPS website.
If you have a student with disabilities in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade this school year, please review the accommodations request process and return forms to the high school by Monday, August 3.
If you have a multilingual learner (ML) in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade this school year, please review the ML support request process and return forms by Thursday, August 27, if you wish to request ML support for the October 2026 PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day.
Find out more about SAT and PSAT assessments in FCPS.
Teletherapy
Virtual Mental Health Services
Since 2023, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to FCPS high school students.
Parents are encouraged to contact Hazel Health directly if they are seeking mental health support for their child, have noticed changes in their child’s mood or behavior, or are having difficulty connecting with a therapist in the community.
To make it easier for families to access services, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to streamline the referral process. Parents can visit the Hazel Health in FCPS website to enroll their child in services or visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
District News / ICYMI
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- New Student ID Cards and Bus Navigation System
- Boundary Changes for Skyview and Western Pyramids
- Free Mental Health Support for Middle Schoolers
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Quick Links
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throughout the year:
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