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Upcoming Events
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:
Calendar Reminders
- First day of School for FCPS
- Important BTS Dates for FHS!
- Fear the Roar Open House Jam, August 20
- Lions on the Rise
- Fall Sports Tryouts
Fairfax Lions Need to Know
- Weapons Screening at Football Games
- Back-to-School Checklist
- New Student ID Cards and Bus Navigation System
- New Exception to Ride the School Bus Procedure
- Updated Cell Phone Policy
- SR&R Updates
- Immunizations
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Student Parking Pass
- New ParentVUE App
- FCPS App
- New Menu Platform
- Free and Reduced-Price Meals
- PSAT/SAT Testing Accommodations
- District News/In Case You Missed It
- Quick Links
Welcome Class of 2030!
August 7, 2026
Greetings Fairfax High Community,
What an incredible week it has been welcoming our newest Lions! The Class of 2030 officially arrived on campus for our "Lions on the Rise" program, and they truly showed up and showed out. Our incoming freshmen jumped right into school spirit, engaging games, and opportunities to connect with peers and meet our PAWSome staff. Their energy was contagious, and we cannot wait to kick off the new school year together! We also enjoyed hosting our first Fresh Function Parent Meeting where we were able to connect with our new Lion families and plan for a successful back to school start.
As we gear up for the first day, please keep these important operational updates in mind to ensure a smooth transition for everyone:
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Morning Arrival & Security: School doors will open at 7:40 AM for our Open Gate security screening. Students may enter through Door 1 or Door 21 until 8:10 AM. Please plan your commute accordingly to allow enough time for security screening.
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School-Issued Laptops: All students will use an FCPS-issued laptop this school year; personal laptops and tablets are not permitted. Students can pick up their assigned device on August 20th, or they will receive it during the first few days of school.
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Cell Phone & Personal Device Policy: In alignment with the new FCPS policy, all personal electronic devices must be turned off and put away ALL DAY. This includes cell phones, headphones, AirPods, smartwatches, and personal iPads or laptops. All personal items must remain stored in student backpacks or lockers throughout the school day.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we set our students up for a safe, focused, and extraordinary year ahead. We are READY TO ROAR!
Warmly,
🗓️Calendar Reminders
First Day of School, August 24
See you for the first day of school - Monday, August 24, 2026!
First Day Fairfax is a BLUE day, full day, 8:10am-2:55pm
Important BTS Dates for Fairfax HS! ✅
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
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Have you seen our new FHS Playbook?? Check it out for all things back to school @ FHS!! |
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! 🦁
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!!
Weapons Screening at Football Games
Football Game Safety and Security Update
As we prepare for another exciting fall sports season, FCPS is implementing additional safety and security measures at all varsity football games.
Beginning this season, all spectators will participate in security screening using the same weapons detection technology introduced in our high schools last school year. A standardized bag policy will also be in place to help ensure a safe, efficient entry process for everyone attending our games. The following items are prohibited:
- Backpacks
- Purse
- Fanny pack
- Tote bags
- Outside food and beverage
- Sporting equipment (balls, bats, sticks, etc.)
- Any item prohibited by FCPS policy, or determined by event staff to present safety concerns
Approved bags are limited to:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or pvc bags no larger than 12”x6”x12”
- Small clutch bag no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”
- Medical and diaper bags permitted but subject to inspection
As a reminder, middle school students and younger, must be accompanied by a responsible adult who remains with the student(s) at the event.
These enhancements are designed to support a safe and welcoming environment while allowing families, students, and community members to enjoy Friday night football. We encourage attendees to arrive a little earlier than usual to allow time for screening.
See the Football Security flyer.
Back-to-School Checklist
We’re Eager to Welcome You Back to School!
As summer winds down, we are looking forward to welcoming students back to our classrooms. Use the following list to help make sure your child is ready!
☑️ Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Contact our registrar at [email/phone number] if you need an activation code. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
Update Your Contact Information
Be sure you receive important information! Update your phone number(s) and/or email address(es) by clicking “My Account” and reviewing the “Online Verification/Update.” On that form, you can also update immunization records, health information, and emergency contacts.
☑️ Update Immunizations and Records
Immunizations are required for all students to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of protecting them from certain diseases and keeping them healthy.
When your child is immunized, remember to request a copy of their immunization record and bring that to our front office or submit the record via SIS ParentVUE as soon as possible. Find more information on FCPS’ website.
☑️ Learn About School Meals
Families need to provide their children with money to purchase meals at school or send them with a packed lunch. Alternatively, families may apply to receive free and reduced-price meal benefits, pending approval.
☑️ Bookmark the School Year Calendar
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances:
- Days marked blue with an “H” are student holidays. Schools are closed on these days.
- Days marked orange with an “O” are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings, if only half marked). There is school on these days, but certain events that cannot be made up may not be scheduled on these days.
- Days marked as TW, SD, and SP and in pink are holidays for students but working days for teachers and staff.
Please note that some holidays and observances, such as Eid al Fitr, may shift, and the calendar may be adjusted.
New Student ID Cards Coming for Bus Riders This Fall
As part of the ongoing commitment to strengthening layered safety and security programs, FCPS will implement a new student ID system for students who ride our school buses.
The implementation of the student IDs is designed as an additional safety measure for our 130,000 FCPS students who ride the bus each day, ensuring they are on the right bus and that they get on and off at the correct bus stop, as well as making sure only authorized students are on our buses.
The IDs will be provided to students who ride the bus. Those students will be expected to tap on and tap off the bus. The student IDs do not track student movement. The only information available is when a student taps on or off a bus. Much like our Here Comes the Bus app, our new app will allow parents/guardians to track the progress of the school bus.
It is possible that the ID program will expand in the future to include uses such as library cards and meal payment. Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.
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
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.
SR&R Updates
- Understanding Student Rights and Responsibilities Updates: New Universal Grade Matrices for Families
Families are encouraged to review the updated FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document, which explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses in order to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment.
Updates for the 2026-27 school year include new Universal Grade Matrices (UGMs). UGMs are charts that show behavior expectations and school responses by grade level (K-3, 4-8, and 9-12). These at-a-glance resources (in Appendix D of the SR&R) are designed to make it easier for parents and caregivers to understand how schools respond to different types of behavior concerns.
Visit the SR&R webpage for more information and to review additional updates to the SR&R for the 2026-27 school year.
- New Requirement for Student Device Use During the School Day
Starting this school year, students must use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the instructional day. This is in accordance with a new School Board requirement, approved on July 16, which states that students may not use personal electronic communication or computing devices, including personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, and similar devices.
Students may only use their personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device.
Families can help support this requirement by reminding students to bring their FCPS-issued device each day and use it for all school-related digital activities unless an approved exception applies.
Immunizations
Back-to-School Immunization RequirementsMake 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:
- 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 healthcare provider. Some may charge for copies.
Review school-required immunizations to verify that your child is up to date.
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/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 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 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.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Student Parking Pass Info
All information to buy a parking pass is available on the Fairfax High School website. To find the information, search Student Parking.
Students will need to use their school Google account --- @fcpsschools.net to access the parking form.
Questions, please email Asst. Principal Brian Plancich, baplancich@fcps.edu.
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.
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 Menu Platform
Explore School Meals in the New Menu Platform
Experience an easier way to view your child’s school menus using MealViewer:
- View what is being served each day.
- View the nutritional information for each meal.
- See if any specific allergens are being served.
- Get notified when your student’s favorite meal is being served.
Printable menus are always available on the Food and Nutrition Services webpage.
Free and Reduced-Price 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.
District News / ICYMI
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Back-to-School Checklist
- Stay Up to Date with the FCPS Mobile App
- New Menu Platform
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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