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Upcoming Events
August 3: Cheer, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Boys Volleyball, Girls Volleyball tryouts
August 4-6: Lions on the Rise
August 6: "Fresh Function" Freshman Parent Orientation, 6:30-7:30pm, Library
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. 18: School Picture Day
Sept. 25: Homecoming Game, 7:00pm
Sept. 26: Homecoming Dance, info TBA
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Included in this issue:
Staff Spotlight
- Kay Walters announced as VAME Teacher of the Year
Calendar Reminders
- First day of School for FCPS
- Fairfax HS Important Dates for Next Year!
- Fear the Roar Open House Jam, August 20
- Lions on the Rise
- Fall Sports Tryouts
Fairfax Lions Need to Know
- New Exception to Ride the School Bus Procedure
- New Student ID Cards and Bus Navigation System
- Updated Cell Phone Policy
- FCPS App
- New ParentVUE App
- New Student ID Cards
- Immunizations
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Blue Star Families' BTS Military Fair, August 1st
- Summer Meals & FRM Applications
- PSAT/SAT Testing Accommodations
- Virtual Grade Level Meeting Info
- PSAT/SAT School Day Accommodations
- Teletherapy
- District News/In Case You Missed It
- Quick Links
Happy Summer, Fairfax! ☀️⛱️
July 31, 2026
Dear Fairfax Families,
I want to share congratulations with our incredible summer graduates! Seeing them walk across the stage this past week to receive their diplomas was a deeply moving reminder of why we do what we do. They worked hard, stayed the course, and are now stepping confidently into their next chapters. We could not be prouder of their resilience and determination—Once a Lion, Always a Lion!
If you’ve driven past the school recently, I hope you’ve caught a glimpse of our brand-new athletic field. It is truly top-notch, and we are practically counting down the minutes until fall nights under the lights! We can't wait to see our stands filled with roar-worthy cheer as our student-athletes, band, and community take over the field in just a few short weeks.
Speaking of counting down... the clock is officially ticking! We are just 24 days away from welcoming our students back into the building for an incredible 2026–2027 school year.
To help you get ready, here are a few important updates and action items for the week ahead:
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FHS Back to School Playbook (Dropping Monday, August 3rd): Keep an eye on your inbox this Monday! Our official startup guide contains all the essential "need-to-know" details regarding schedules, school operations, and key policies to set your student up for day-one success.
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Class of 2030 — Lions on the Rise: To our incoming freshman families, welcome! There is still time to sign up for Lions on the Rise to help your student transition seamlessly into high school. We want every member of the Class of 2030 feeling confident and connected before the bell rings.
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Fall Sports Tryouts Start Next Week: Make sure your student-athletes have all their required physicals and paperwork completed so they're cleared and ready to hit the ground running.
Please take time over these next few weeks to rest, recharge, and enjoy the remaining days of summer fun with family and friends. We are gearing up for an extraordinary year, and we can’t wait to have everyone back together.
There is no "Roar" if we don't work together!
Warmly,
Our New Turf Field looks Amazing!!
Marketing Teacher, Kay Walters, Announced as 2026 VAME Teacher of the Year
The Virginia Association of Marketing Educators (VAME) has named FHS Marketing Teacher, Kay Walters, as the VAME Teacher of the Year!! This award honors outstanding marketing educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their students, schools, and communities. This recognition celebrates those who go above and beyond to support and elevate the field of marketing education in Virginia.
We know this to be true at Fairfax, seeing all the hard work and dedication Ms. Walters gives to our school community. We are PROUD to see her accomplishments recognized at the state level!! Well done and Congratulations!!
Find out more: https://www.vame.org/teacher-of-the-year
🗓️Calendar Reminders
First Day of School, August 24
See you for the first day of school - Monday, August 24, 2026!
FHS' first day will be a BLUE day, full day, 8:10am-2:55pm
Important BTS Dates for Fairfax HS! ✅
Thursday, August 6
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6:30 to 7:30pm: Freshman "Fresh Function" Parent Orientation; Early partnership with freshman families to learn about Fairfax High School and school operations (Library)
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, September 18
Friday Night Lights, September 25
- Homecoming Football Game; Kickoff @ 7pm
Saturday, September 26
- Homecoming Dance @ FHS; info TBA
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! 🦁
LAST CALL for Lions on the Rise! Signups End August 2nd!
Attention Rising 9th Grade Families:
Lions on the Rise
August 4-6, 2026
9AM-12PM
Registration is open for “Lions on the Rise” through MySchoolBucks! The program will run at Fairfax High School next week, 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.
Registration closes Sunday, 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!
Fall Sports Tryouts
Hey, Fairfax - Fall Sports Tryouts are coming up! Check the Athletics website for the complete schedule and all the info!!
IMPORTANT: ALL athletes trying out must submit their information on the FinalForms website and submit a VHSL Physical form prior to participation.
GO LIONS!!
NEW "Exception to Ride the School Bus" Procedure starting in SY26-27 🚌
From the Office of Transportation Services:
A new electronic system is in place to submit request for an "Exception to Ride the School Bus," replacing the previous paper-based process. Families will now complete and submit the Exception to Ride request online. Once submitted, the request is automatically entered into a new tracking system, allowing us to monitor each step of the review process from submission through final approval or denial.
After a decision has been made, parents will automatically receive an email notification with the outcome. If the request is approved, the email will also include the student's bus assignment and transportation information.
https://www.fcps.edu/facilities-and-transportation-forms
New Student ID Cards and Bus Navigation System
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.
Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.
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.
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.
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).
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Blue Star Families' Back-to-School Military Fair
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Saturday, August 1, 2026
While summer is in full swing, it’s never too early to start preparing for the upcoming school year!
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Blue Star Families and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) invite you to join our Back-to-School Military Fair on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at West Springfield High School (6100 Rolling Rd, West Springfield, VA 22152).
FCPS and community resources will be available to families, and school supplies will be provided for students in all grade levels (please note there is a limited amount of supplies). Please show your military spirit by wearing clothing that represents your military branch, installation, or unit!
This opportunity is open to Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, and Veteran families. Parents and students must attend the event in person to receive the school supplies. Please visit Blue Star Families to register.
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.
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 Ashley Anderson (abanderson@fcps.edu) by Monday, August 3.
If you have a multilingual learner (ML) entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade this school year, please review the ML support request process and return forms to Ashley Anderson (abanderson@fcps.edu) 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.
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.
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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