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Welcome to the 26-27 School Year!
Jaguar Families,
Welcome to the Falls Church High School (FCHS) 2026-2027 school year! I hope that you have had a restful and enjoyable summer! The entire staff is busy preparing to welcome our 2,000 new and returning students on August 24, 2026.
We know that students are excited to see their class schedules for the year. All students/parents in FCPS will be able to access class schedules using StudentVUE/ParentVUE on Thursday, August 20 at 9:00am.
There is so much happening at FCHS and I encourage all families, including returning families, to take some time to review the important information below. The information below will also be available on the FCHS website.
We look forward to working with you toward a successful school year!
Go Jags!
Ben Nowak, Principal
We've planned some exciting back-to-school events to kick off the new year, and we can't wait to see you there! Please see more details below.
- Open House: August 20, 3:00-5:00 pm
- Back-To-School Night: September 9, 5:00-7:00 pm
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents/caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. Contact the school registrar, Ivannia Retana-Mora if you need a code.
Once you have activated a SIS ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same SIS ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
Need help creating an account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
New this year: There is a new app with a more secure login. Download the new ParentVUE app today!
Parents can now update information for their child in one easy location. It is crucial that all families review information in ParentVue to ensure that we have up-to-date contact information and health information to best care for your child throughout the school year.
To access the Online Verification Update packet you will log-in to SIS ParentVUE and click on the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right hand corner. If you are accessing via the app on your phone click on the “OLR - Online Packets” button at the top of the screen. You can access more directions and details here.
Note that the OVU packet must be updated by the enrolling parent online.
The Parent Digital Consent (PDC) system is an online tool that supports the process of managing paper consent forms. Families can now provide permission for their children to access many resources quickly and easily online. By using this system, school staff can also efficiently manage and track these documents digitally. The system also supports multiple translations to ensure accessibility for all families.
The Parent Digital Consent page has a link to the system, where the parent/caregiver can opt in or opt out of different resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, tutoring services, and how student information is managed.
You will need to access the forms using your SIS ParentVUE account.
Forms available in the PDC starting in the 2026-2027 school year include:
- Required Forms
- Consent for Release of Student Records in Support of Postsecondary Applications
- Digital Resource Consent 2026-2027
- Required for students to access FCPS approved digital tools in the classroom. These tools are regularly embedded into lessons across all courses and grade levels.
- GCP Google Domain 2026-2027 - Secondary
- Optional Forms
- 8th/10th/12th Grade Fairfax County Youth Survey
- Commercial Release of Student Information
- Denial of Access to Military Recruiters
- Directory Information
- Family Life Education Grade 9 Opt-out 2026-2027
- Family Life Education Grade 10 Opt-out 2026-2027
- Family Life Education Grade 11 Opt-out 2026-2027
- Family Life Education Grade 12 Opt-out 2026-2027
- OPT-OUT FORM: FCPS-ISSUED LAPTOP
- Please see the benefits of using an FCPSOn device here
- SEL Screener Participation
- School Counseling Opt-Out
Student schedules will be live in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE on Thursday, August 20 at 9:00 am. If you have trouble accessing a schedule, we encourage you to attend the Open House in the afternoon (3:00 - 5:00 pm) on August 20 or reach out to your child’s counselor or one of our Family Liaisons. For those new to FCPS, you’ll need a password to activate which can be obtained at the Open House or the first day of school. All students will receive a printed schedule in 1st period on the first day.
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:
- 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.
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.
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.
The Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R) handbook is located online and in SISParentVUE. Parents and guardians are responsible for acknowledging they have received and reviewed the SR&R and should be prompted to do so when they log into their SIS Parent Account.
Updates to this year’s SR&R document, which explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses, include:
- Universal Grade Matrices (UGMs), which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.
- The updated “Bell to Bell” Cellphone Policy.
- New discipline responses for creating or sharing intimate images.
- Clarification that students with disabilities have the same protections for both in-school and out-of-school suspensions.
- More grade-aligned and culturally responsive learning interventions.
Visit the SR&R webpage for more information.
Students will be reviewing the SR&R during Advisory (4th Period) the first week of school.
Cellphones, cellphone accessories, and all smart devices (e.g. smart glasses, airpods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the phone) are to be off and personally stored. Watches that serve a dual purpose (e.g. smart watch) are to be off and personally stored (i.e. backpacks) for the duration of the school day - from bell to bell.
If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call the school’s front office. Visit the FCPS cellphone policy webpage for more information.
Cell phone use is prohibited, and cell phones may only be used on campus before the first bell and after the last bell. This is different from last year when high school students could access their phone at lunch.
We are committed to helping our students make responsible choices. If a student uses their phone when prohibited, it will be collected by a member of the administrative or security team. The student will receive a receipt, and the phone will be securely stored until the end of the school day. Students may retrieve their phone after the final bell.
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.
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.
For returning Falls Church students who kept their Chromebooks over the summer, please be sure to restart them before the first day of school.
New students will get their school-issued Chromebooks in their PE classes during the first two days of the school year.
There is no standard school supply list. Each course designates their own supplies and students will find out what may be needed the first week of school. If a student has financial difficulties, they should contact their school counselor for supply assistance.
Students and teachers will continue to use Schoology as their learning management system. Students will login using their student ID and FCPS network password. Parents who have a ParentVue account will have read-only access to view their child’s Schoology courses and will use their ParentVue username and password to login to Schoology.
If you wish to access Schoology, but do not have a ParentVue account, please visit this site to register for a ParentVue account. Students will be able to access their courses via Schoology by the first day of school.
Our weapons screening system will continue this year. Students will be required to pass through the screening devices each morning at doors 1, 3 and 4. The system will remain active all day at door 1.
Please watch this video of the Superintendent’s conversation with students about the weapons screening system. The most important thing is to be sure that students have the right items removed from their bag before getting in line.
Items to be removed include:
- Three-ring binders
- Laptops
- Collapsible umbrellas
- Metal lunch boxes
- Metal pencil cases
- Metal glass cases
These items can remain in a student’s bags:
- Non-metal lunch boxes
- Books
- Planners
- Spiral notebooks and folders
- Cell phones
- Keys
- Non-metal pencil cases
Once the items are removed, students should walk to the shortest line and proceed. If the light turns red, they will be directed to a secondary screening to determine what may have alerted the system. You can learn more by watching this video and reading the Frequently Asked Questions on FCPS’ website.
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
- Purses
- Fanny packs
- Tote bags
- Outside food and beverages
- 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.
FCHS has qualified for the USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) meal program for the 2026-2027 school year. CEP is a non-pricing meal service option for schools in low-income areas. CEP allows schools to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to ALL students without collecting household applications for free and reduced-price meals.
CEP General Information
- CEP is a USDA program; eligibility is based on direct certification for free meals at individual FCPS schools.
- All students at CEP schools automatically receive no-cost breakfast and lunch every day of the school year (even if the student would not qualify for free meals).
- If a student purchases an additional breakfast or additional meal, it will be at cost to the family.
Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications, Additional Benefits, and Related Information
For families that may want to receive benefits (class fees) beyond meals that are income-based, the FCPS CEP Consent to Share Information for Other Programs will continue to be utilized and is included in the free and reduced-price meal application process. Parents are encouraged to complete and submit the CEP Consent to Share Form
Falls Church High School is excited to welcome you to our annual Open House on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM! This is a fantastic opportunity for parents, guardians, and students to tour the building and get ready for the 2026–2027 school year.
Please also review the FCPS What’s New for 2026–27 resources, which include important information regarding the updated cell phone policy and the Student Rights & Responsibilities.
What You Can Do During Open House:
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Walk Your Student’s Schedule: Locate classrooms and meet teachers in their rooms.
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Explore the resources in the Cafeteria: Connect with the PTSA, clinic, food services and explore information about athletics and student activities.
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Pick Up Bus ID Cards: Collect your student’s new Bus Student ID Card from their school counselor in the cafeteria. (Please note: counselors will be unable to process schedule issues and requests or print schedules during this event. Your student should be checking his/her/their FCPS G suite email account to correspond).
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Attend an Attendance Session: Pop into the Lecture Hall at 3:15, 3:45, 4:15, or 4:45 PM to hear brief, valuable insights from our Deans of Students on attendance policies, the attendance recovery program, and more.
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Parent Resource Center: Visit the Parent Resource Center next to the main office to meet our Family Liaison and explore the resources available to you.
Event Logistics & Planning:
- Schedules will not be printed on-site. Please access your student's schedule via SIS ParentVUE or StudentVUE starting at 6:00 AM on August 20.
- Parking is available in the front bus loop and the newly paved rear lot near Jacks Lane. Overflow parking will be available at Providence Rec Center in our designated section.
- Please enter through Door 1 or Door 7.
- Look for our Student Leadership, National Honor Society, and Cheer team members throughout the building—they will be happy to help you navigate!
Cool off with a refreshing Kona Ice in front of the building! Sales directly support the Sophomore Class fundraiser.
Save the Date for our Back to School Night will be in-person the evening of Wednesday, September 9 from 5:00-7:00 pm. Senior Parent Night - a presentation from our Counselors and Terri Markwart - will follow at 7-8:30pm in the Auditiorium. More information to follow.
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.
We begin school on Monday, August 24 and here are some other important dates near the start the school year:
- September 4 & 7 - Labor Day - No School
Click here to view the 2026-2027 bell schedules.
Our school office will be open daily from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, starting August 10, to answer calls and assist our community. For the safety and security of all, visitors must enter through Door #1 (the main entrance). Our office personnel will buzz you in, and we require all visitors to sign in using our Visitor Management System. Please have a valid driver's license or passport ready.
During the school year, our office hours will be 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Student Arrival and Dismissal
The building will be accessible to students starting at 7:40 am.
Dismissal is at 2:55 pm. Students are asked to leave the building at the end of the day unless they are being supervised by an adult. Any student who wishes to stay after school must be under the supervision of a staff member.
Traffic Patterns at Arrival and Dismissal
All drivers on campus are expected to follow all traffic/roadway laws and driving patterns established. This ensures the safety of all and maximizes the efficiency of our traffic pattern. Please follow all posted signs and directions of staff. The first week of school, traffic is traditionally heavier than normal. Please allow additional time if you are driving your student to school and/or your student is driving themselves to school.
Falls Church High School strives to maintain positive relationships with our surrounding neighbors. To that end, we ask that everyone respects private property while walking to and from school. In addition, no neighborhoods or surrounding streets should be used as kiss-and-ride drop off or pick-up locations. This practice severely impacts our neighbors and their daily schedules.
Kiss and Ride Pickup
When picking up or dropping off, it is important to adhere to the traffic pattern laid out below. Please do not park in any spot on campus during arrival and dismissal if you are dropping off or picking up.
PLEASE do not drop off your student on Marc Drive because it causes safety issues and impacts traffic flow.
Make sure you are receiving the weekly FCHS News & Announcements email by signing up through News You Choose.
Join the Falls Church High School PTSA Facebook page and join the PTSA organization.
Instagram: @fallschurchhighschoolfcps
Let’s Go Jaguars! Follow us on Instagram @fcjagsathletics! Please contact our Director of Student Activities, Greg Weisbecker, gpweisbecker@fcps.edu with any questions.
Interested in Athletics & Activities? Check out the FC Jaguars Activities Link Tree for our website, student-athlete requirements, athlete online registration, activities contact information, and more!
- Fall Sports started August 3rd, but we are looking for additional athletes in Field Hockey, Football, and Cross Country… more information regarding Girls Flag Football coming soon!
- Winter Sports - Tryouts begin November 9th, 2026
- Spring Sports - Tryouts begin February 22nd, 2027
- Academic Activities: Debate, ESports, Magazine, Scholastic Bowl/It’s Academic, Speech, Newspaper, Yearbook
- Performing Arts: Band, Choir, Guitar, Orchestra, Theatre, Marching Band, Color Guard, Drumline, Dance
Athletic Booster Club: Interested in volunteering to support our Falls Church High School Athletic Booster Club? Please check out their website! https://fchsathleticboosters.org/
Fall Save The Dates!
- Fall Sports - Meet The Coaches Night! Wednesday August 12th @ 6:30pm (Door 1)
- Homecoming Game Football/Cheer/Marching Band - Friday September 25th 7:00 PM
- Homecoming Dance - Saturday September 26th 7:00-10:00pm
Construction has continued throughout the summer! Students and staff will return to:
- New paved parking lot in the back of the school (old gravel lot)
- Ramp hallway from gym/auditorium lobby to cafeteria
- Boys and girls locker rooms
- Training room
- Stadium concession stand
- Stadium press box
- Stadium bathrooms
Work is currently ongoing in the following areas and we are hopeful to have them turned over to us before the end of the calendar year:
- HPE and sports leadership classrooms
- Weight room and wrestling room
- Dance/Gymnastic room
- Auxiliary gym
- Baseball field
- Softball field
- 6 tennis courts
- West side (stadium) parking lot
- Performing arts dressing rooms
- Custodial offices and storage
- Activities office
Parking will continue to be a challenge until the renovation is complete. Please see the graphic below for available parking areas. Please be aware that cars will not be able to loop around the building until further notice.
We are very excited for the new school year here at Falls Church High School. If there is any way we can assist you, please contact the Student Services or Administrative staff.
Go Jags!
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