Dear South Lakes Students, Families, and Community,

I trust you and your family have enjoyed a wonderful, restful, and memorable summer. It is hard to believe that we are only a few short weeks away from the start of another exciting school year! Our entire staff is looking forward to welcoming our students back to South Lakes High School, and we are especially excited to welcome the Class of 2030 as the newest members of our Seahawk family.

This newsletter is designed to be your primary source for important announcements, upcoming events, reminders, celebrations, and highlights from around our school community. Throughout the coming weeks, I will continue sharing information to help every student and family prepare for a successful opening of school and an exceptional year ahead.

As we begin this school year, one of the most significant changes across Fairfax County Public Schools is the implementation of Virginia's new statewide cell phone law (SB108). In accordance with this legislation, all FCPS high schools will operate as bell-to-bell phone-free learning environments. During the instructional day—including lunch—students may not use cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, or other personal smart devices. These devices must remain powered off and stored away in a backpack, purse, locker, or other designated storage location throughout the school day.

Our goal is not simply to enforce a new expectation—it is to create the very best learning environment possible for every student. Research consistently demonstrates that minimizing distractions increases student engagement, strengthens classroom relationships, and supports improved academic outcomes. At South Lakes, we believe this change presents an opportunity for students to become even more connected to one another, engage more deeply in learning, participate in meaningful conversations, and fully experience all that makes high school such an important chapter in their lives.

To ensure consistency for all students, school staff will implement these expectations uniformly throughout the building. Students who have a prohibited personal smart device out during the school day—even if it is not actively being used—will be subject to the procedures outlined in the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities. Additional information regarding these expectations and our implementation plan is included later in this newsletter.

At South Lakes High School, our commitment extends well beyond academics. We strive every day to cultivate a school culture where every student feels welcomed, valued, challenged, and supported. Clear expectations, positive relationships, and shared accountability allow us to create the kind of environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.

I also ask our families to partner with us by discussing these new expectations with your student before the first day of school. Your support and reinforcement at home will play an important role in helping us ensure a smooth transition and a successful implementation of these new statewide requirements.

As we begin another year together, I remain incredibly optimistic about what lies ahead for South Lakes High School. Together, we will continue building a school community where excellence is expected, relationships matter, and every student has the opportunity to discover their passions, pursue their goals, and reach their fullest potential.

Thank you for your continued partnership, encouragement, and trust. I look forward to seeing our hallways filled with Seahawk pride once again very soon.

Have a wonderful remainder of your summer.

With Gratitude,

Carlos Seward

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

South Lakes High Math Department is hosting a free Freshman (Class of 2030) Summer Math Camp. It is a great way for incoming freshmen to meet future classmates and math teachers, become familiar with the building, and get ready for their next math class.

It runs from Tuesday, August 11, 2026 through Thursday, August 13, 2026 at South Lakes High School. Registration is now open! Click this link to register… Freshman Summer Math Camp Registration Link.   

NO PHONES: "Away for the Day - Bell-to-Bell"

As we prepare for the start of the 2026-2027 school year, our focus remains on creating a school environment where every student experiences a strong sense of belonging and engages daily in high-quality learning. In alignment with the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) updated guidelines, we are sharing important reminders regarding our school-wide cell phone and personal device policy.

To foster focus, connection, and a distraction-free learning environment, FCPS is enforcing a strict "bell-to-bell" policy. Please review the key details below so we can work together to ensure a successful, productive year.

The "Away for the Day - Bell to Bell" Guidelines (8:10 AM – 2:55 PM)

• "Away for the Day -Bell to Bell”: Devices must be off and stored out of sight in a backpack or locker (not in pockets) for the entire school day, including during classes, transitions, restrooms, and lunch.
• Covered Devices: This policy applies to cell phones, AirPods/earbuds, headphones, and smart glasses. Smartwatches may be worn, but communication features must be turned off.
• No Classroom Use: Cell phones may not be used as instructional tools in class.

Exceptions: Allowed only for documented medical necessities or approved IEP/504 accommodations.

Consequence for Policy Violations

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. 

South Lakes HS and FCPS Student Activities and Athletics now use FinalForms, a secure online forms and data management service for students registering for athletics and activities. 

High school parents should have received an email invitation from FinalForms to confirm their accounts and begin registering for athletics. This email was sent to the parent email account associated with student ParentVUE accounts. 

If you have not received this email, please reach out to our Activities Office:

• DSA, Andrew Duggan, amduggan@fcps.edu
• ADSA, Sierra Traynham, kstraynham@fcps.edu
• AA, Becky Slaight, raslaight@fcps.edu

For more information on Fall sports tryouts, please visit our website HERE.

If you do not have a ParentVUE account, please contact your child’s school.

For ParentVUE technical assistance, contact the FCPS Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

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 at no cost for their children. 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).

ACTION: Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible children 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.

"The Lakes -- Podcast"

Last year, Billy Watts, our Assessment Coach, and resident genius, created the first ever South Lakes High School Podcast, entitled "The Lakes!" The podcast featured stories, interviews, and advice for students, parents, educators, and community about all things South Lakes High School. 

He plans to continue and grow his podcasts this year with episodes called "senior playbook" based on the SEL intervention "saying is believing." Keep an eye out for these new stories and more as we begin the 2026-2027 school year. Check out his 2025-2026 SLHS podcast "The Lakes" now available on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon Podcasts. 

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:

• View school calendars. See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
• Check school menus. See what’s for lunch and breakfast each school day.
• Tap to contact. Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
• Stay up to date. Get the latest news from FCPS.
• 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 and Bus Navigation System

New Student ID Cards Coming This Fall 

This fall, every FCPS student will receive a student identification (ID) card as part of a division-wide 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.

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:

1. Request immunization records online through the Virginia Immunization Information System (a free service).
2. If your child was immunized outside of Virginia, get records from those states’ systems.
3. 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 7th and 12th Graders

Several immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grades. 

• All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 
• To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
• To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
• To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 and 12, but can be given as early as 9 years old. 
• As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
• 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.

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.