Dear South Lakes Students, Families, and Community,

We are getting closer! In just a few short weeks, the halls of South Lakes High School will once again be filled with our Seahawks, and our entire staff is working hard to prepare for an outstanding start to the 2026–2027 school year.

I want to continue sharing important information about several changes that students and families should be aware of before the first day of school.

One significant update involves the use of personal electronic communication and computing devices during the instructional day. On July 16, the Fairfax County School Board approved a new requirement that students may not use personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, or similar personal devices during the school day. For school-related digital activities, students will be expected to use their FCPS-issued Chromebook or other FCPS-issued device.

This expectation works alongside the new bell-to-bell requirements regarding cell phones and other personal electronic devices that I shared previously. Together, these changes support a simple but important goal: creating learning environments where our students can be fully present, engaged, and connected to their teachers and one another.

At South Lakes, we also want to make the transition to these new expectations as clear and seamless as possible. Communication, consistency, and accountability will be important as we begin the year. We will continue providing students and families with information about what these expectations look like in practice and how we will support students in meeting them.

There are several other important updates as we prepare for the first day of school. In several of the sections below, families will find additional details regarding personal electronic devices (SR&R Updates), student ID cards and transportation (Student IDs/Bus Tracking), immunization requirements (Health and Wellness), and additional updates to the Student Rights & Responsibilities. I encourage families to review this information together so that every Seahawk arrives prepared and ready for a successful first day.

There is a great deal to be excited about as we approach the new school year. Our teachers, administrators, counselors, support staff, coaches, sponsors, PTSA, boosters, and community partners have been working throughout the summer to prepare for our students' return. I am grateful for that partnership and for the continued support of the South Lakes community.

We are almost there, Seahawks! I look forward to seeing our students back in the building and beginning another year of learning, growth, connection, and Seahawk Pride.

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

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.

Explore School Meals in the New Menu Platform

Experience an easier way to view your child’s school menus using SLHS 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.    

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. 

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 and subscribe to our school's podcast, "The Lakes" on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon podcasts.

Download the NEW FCPS App Today!

Get Ready for the New School Year With the FCPS App!

Simplify your back-to-school prep! Download the FCPS mobile app to check school calendars, breakfast/lunch menus, and school contacts all in one place with no login required.

Plus, get quick access to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the bus app.

Download the FCPS mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play, and make sure to subscribe to our school in the app settings.

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.

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.