The Wildcat Weekly - August 16, 2026

Centreville Students, Families, and Community,

We are officially one week away from kicking off the 2026–2027 school year, and I could not be more excited to welcome our students back and continue building upon the strides we made together last year! As we begin another chapter, our priorities remain clear: providing high-quality instruction for all students, fostering a positive school climate where every student feels connected and supported, and working each day to get better, together. These priorities guide our work, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish as a Wildcat community this year!

That work begins this week as we welcome our newest Wildcats! On Thursday morning, we will host our Freshmen and New Student Orientation, and our staff and student leaders are looking forward to helping our new students become comfortable with Centreville, make connections, and prepare for a successful start.

We will follow orientation with our Wildcat Welcome community kick-off event on Thursday evening from 5:00–7:00 p.m. We know that students who feel connected to their school community are better positioned to have a positive and successful high school experience. Wildcat Welcome is a great opportunity for students and families to explore the many ways to get involved at Centreville, including our clubs, activities, athletic programs, and parent organizations. Whether you are brand new to the Wildcat Nation or looking for a new way to get connected this year, we hope you will join us!

Then, of course, everything leads up to the moment we have all been preparing for, the first day of school! We will begin our first morning together in ROAR, our advisory period designed to help students build meaningful connections with one another and our staff while receiving important information and support for success throughout the year. Because we will begin with ROAR, students will attend classes in the order of Periods 3, 1, 5, and 7 on the first day. Starting the year together in ROAR is an important opportunity to reconnect, establish expectations, and set the tone for the year ahead.

As families make their final preparations for the start of school, I also want to draw your attention to several critical updates included in the Important Information section below. Please take time to review information regarding the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application, our Updated Student Device Policy, and new Student ID Badges for Transportation. Reviewing these items now will help ensure that students are prepared for a smooth start to the school year.

There is something special about the beginning of a new school year. It brings new opportunities, new relationships, new goals, and a fresh chance for each of us to grow. I encourage every student to enter this year ready to engage, challenge yourself, support those around you, and find your place within the Wildcat Nation. When our students, families, staff, and community work together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.

Enjoy this final week of summer, Wildcats. We cannot wait to welcome you back!

Go Wildcats!

Dr. Erik Healey, Principal


Upcoming Events

August 20 - Freshmen & New Student Orientation, Centreville High School, 8:30-10:30AM

August 20 - WildCat B Open House, Centreville High School, 9:00-10:00AM

August 20 - Wildcat Welcome, Centreville High School, 5:00-7:00PM

August 22 - Marching Band Carwash Fundraiser, Colonnade Shell Station, 11:00AM-2:00PM

August 24 - First Day of School

August 28 - Senior Sunrise, Centreville Football Field, 6:00-7:00AM

August 31-September 1 - Fall Musical Auditions, Centreville Auditorium, 3:00-6:00PM

September 2 - Senior Parent Night, Centreville High School, 6:00-6:45PM

September 2 - Back to School Night, Centreville High School, 7:00-8:30PM

 

August 20 - Freshmen and New Student Orientation - 8:30AM-10:30AM: Centreville High School will welcome the Class of 2030 and newly enrolled students at orientation on Thursday, August 20th. Students will learn about CVHS routines, walk their schedule to meet their teachers, and hear from Wildcat Ambassadors about what to expect from high school. The program will run from 8:30-10:30 at CVHS. Transportation will be provided from Bull Run, Centre Ridge, Centreville, Colin Powell and Union Mill elementary schools. Buses will depart at 8:00 am and return at 10:45 to the elementary schools.

August 20 - Wildcat Welcome - 5:00PM-7:00PM: Join us for Centreville High School’s annual back-to-school kick-off!   We invite students, families, and the Wildcat community to come out to enjoy performances provided by the marching band, cheerleaders, dance team, and more student groups. Learn all about athletic teams, clubs, and student organizations here at CVHS, purchase spirit wear, and grab a bite at the food trucks. This is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect as a community and kick off the 2026–27 school year together!

August 24 - First Day of School: We are excited to welcome our students back on Monday, August 24. Students will begin their day in ROAR, which is our Advisory Period. Students will be provided a paper copy of their schedule, since they will not be allowed to access their cell phones, and will be provided critical information about school operations and expectations. 

August 28 - Senior Sunrise: Seniors, start your final year together at Senior Sunrise on August 28 at 6:00 a.m.! We’re looking forward to a memorable morning celebrating the Class of 2027 and kicking off an exciting senior year. Families interested in helping make this event fantastic can sign up using the link. For updates and additional information, follow TalkingPoints, stop by the Class of 2027 booth at Wildcat Welcome, and follow the class Instagram page.

SeniorSunrise

 

September 2 - Back to School Night: We’re excited to invite you to Centreville’s Back to School Night on Wednesday, September 2 starting at 7:00PM. There will be a specialized program for our Senior Parents from 6:00-6:45PM to address the unique needs of the Class of 2027. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, learn about classroom expectations, and see how we can work together for a successful school year.

Wonderful Wildcats

SeniorParking

Forming New Traditions at CVHS: The Class of 2027 is starting an exciting new tradition at Centreville High School! Led by our SGA, seniors spent several days this week bringing their creativity to life by personalizing and painting their parking spots. We hope this tradition continues for years to come, providing our seniors with a fun opportunity for self-expression while bringing our school community together. A special thank you to the staff, parents, and community members who generously volunteered their time to help make this new tradition possible!


Important Information from FCPS

Free and Reduced Meal Application and Course Fee Assistance: Students and families who qualify for Free and Reduced Meals (FRM) must submit a new FRM Application each school year within the first 30 days of school. Students who qualify may also be eligible for receiving assistance with other school programs, such as course fees. When completing the FRM Application, mark every box in Part 6B to be considered for assistance with course fees. Families who have questions or need assistance with the application or course fees should contact their school counselor or Kristin Girardin, Director of Student Services.

New Student Device Requirement: Starting this school year, students may only 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 a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in their 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.

New Student ID Cards and Bus Navigation System: FCPS is launching a new bus navigation system, which includes student ID cards for students who ride the bus. Students will use the cards to tap on and off the bus, helping FCPS and families know exactly which students are riding which buses. Learn more about the new system and how it will improve route efficiency, safety, and transparency with families. Check out the frequently asked questions for families

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 screenings using the same weapons detection technology introduced in our middle and 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. 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. Get more information about weapons screening at football games.

Be First-Day Ready: The first day of school, Monday, August 24, is just around the corner! Check out these back-to-school tips to make sure your child gets off to a great start. Also find out what will be new this school year

Study Help and Support Available to Students in Schoology: A new Schoology Study and Support Hub is available for students in Schoology. This space was developed by the FCPS Educational Technology Team with input from students. It is designed to provide essential study tools and academic support resources directly to our learners. Students can log in to Schoology and read their Schoology announcements or watch this video on the support hub for more information.

All Your FCPS Links in One Spot: There are a lot of school and FCPS webpages to bookmark, but the FCPS mobile app serves as your central hub! Check daily meal menus and calendars with no login required, or use one-tap quick links to launch SIS ParentVUE, Schoology, and MySchoolBucks. Download the FCPS mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store

Building a Brighter Future, Together: FCPS Family Academy: The FCPS Family Academy is where families can learn and get support for their child’s school journey. We know that parents and caregivers are critically important in their child’s education. The Family Academy lists classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources available to help every family ensure their child has what they need to succeed. Visit the Family Academy webpage. Check out its catalog for upcoming classes, workshops, and webinars to help families learn about FCPS, parenting, early literacy, and how to partner with schools.


Información importante

Solicitud de comidas gratuitas o a precio reducido y asistencia para las cuotas de los cursos: Los estudiantes y las familias que reúnen los requisitos para el programa de comidas gratuitas o a precio reducido (FRM, por sus siglas en inglés) deben presentar una nueva solicitud cada año escolar, dentro de los primeros 30 días de clases. Los estudiantes que califican también podrían recibir ayuda para otros programas escolares, como el pago de cuotas de los cursos. Al completar la solicitud FRM, marque todas las casillas de la sección 6B para ser considerado para recibir asistencia con dichas cuotas. Las familias que tengan preguntas o necesiten ayuda con la solicitud o con las cuotas de los cursos deben comunicarse con su consejero escolar o con Kristin Girardin, Directora de Servicios Estudiantiles.

Nuevo requerimiento para el uso de dispositivos electrónicos: A partir de este año escolar, los estudiantes sólo deberán utilizar los dispositivos proporcionados por FCPS para realizar actividades digitales relacionadas con sus clases durante la jornada escolar. Este requerimiento responde a una nueva disposición de la Junta Escolar aprobada el 16 de julio, que establece que los estudiantes no podrán utilizar dispositivos electrónicos personales de comunicación o computación, como computadoras portátiles, tabletas, relojes inteligentes,teléfonos celulares u otros dispositivos similares. Los estudiantes solo podrán utilizar un dispositivo personal cuando sea necesario como parte de un ajuste establecido en su Programa Educativo Individualizado (IEP) o Plan de la Sección 504. La dirección de la escuela, o la persona que ésta designe, también podrá autorizar una excepción limitada para un curso específico cuando un estudiante esté inscrito en una clase especializada cuyo currículo requiera una herramienta tecnológica o un programa que no esté disponible en los dispositivos estándar proporcionados por FCPS. Las familias pueden apoyar el cumplimiento de este requisito recordándoles a los estudiantes que lleven todos los días a la escuela su dispositivo proporcionado por FCPS y que lo utilicen para todas las actividades digitales relacionadas con sus clases, a menos que cuenten con una excepción aprobada. 

Nuevas credenciales de identificación para estudiantes y sistema de navegación de autobuses: FCPS está implementando un nuevo sistema de navegación para los autobuses escolares. Como parte de este sistema, los estudiantes que utilizan el autobús recibirán una credencial de identificación. Al subir y bajar del autobús, los estudiantes deberán acercar su credencial al lector. Esto permitirá que FCPS y las familias sepan con mayor precisión que estudiantes viajan en cada autobús. Conozca más sobre el nuevo sistema y cómo ayudará a mejorar la eficiencia de las rutas, la seguridad  y la información que reciben las familias. No olvide consultar las preguntas frecuentes para mayor entendimiento.

Actualización sobre las medidas de seguridad en los partidos de fútbol americano: Mientras nos preparamos para una otra emocionante temporada de deportes de otoño, FCPS implementara medidas adicionales de seguridad en todos los partidos de fútbol americano de los equipos varsity. A partir de esta temporada, todas las personas que asistan como espectadores a los partidos deberán pasar por un control de seguridad utilizando la misma tecnología de detección de armas que se implementó el año pasado en nuestras escuelas intermedias y secundarias. También habrá una norma para la regulación de los bolsos permitidos. Esto para facilitar un acceso seguro y rápido a los partidos. Estas medidas buscan mantener un ambiente seguro y amigable para que las familias, estudiantes y miembros de la comunidad puedan disfrutar de los partidos cada viernes. Les recomendamos llegar un poco más temprano de lo habitual para tener tiempo suficiente para pasar por el control de seguridad. Obtenga más información sobre el control para la detección de armas en los partidos de fútbol americano.

Prepárese para el Regreso a Clase¡: El primer día de clases está a la vuelta de la esquina! Nos vemos este lunes 24 de agosto. Revise estos consejos para el regreso a clase y asegúrese de que su estudiante tenga un fantástico inicio. Entérese de qué habrá de nuevo en este año escolar.

Asistencia y Apoyo para el Estudio disponible para Estudiantes en Schoology: Una nueva sección de Ayuda y Apoyo para el Estudio está disponible para los estudiantes en Schoology. Esta página fue desarrollada por el equipo de Tecnología Educacional usando ideas de los propios estudiantes. Está diseñada para ofrecer herramientas esenciales para el estudio y recursos de apoyo académico directamente a nuestros estudiantes. Los estudiantes pueden entrar en Schoology y leer las notificaciones o mirar este video de apoyo, para que encuentre más información.

Todos la información de FCPS, en un solo lugar: Entre las páginas de su escuela y los diferentes recursos de FCPS, puede ser difícil recordar dónde encontrar cada cosa. La aplicación móvil de FCPS le facilita el acceso a la información que necesita de manera fácil y rápida en un solo lugar. Desde la aplicación diariamente podrá consultar los menús de comidas y los calendarios escolares sin necesidad de iniciar sesión. También encontrará accesos directos a SIS ParentVUE, Schoology y MySchoolBucks. Descargue la aplicación móvil de FCPS desde el Apple App Store o Google Play Site

Construyendo juntos un futuro más brillante: Academia Familiar de FCPS: La Academia Familiar de FCPS ofrece información y apoyo a las familias para acompañar a sus estudiantes durante su educación. Sabemos que madres, padres y tutores tienen un papel muy importante en la educación de sus estudiantes. En la Academia Familiar pueden encontrar las clases, seminarios en línea, talleres y programas que ofrece FCPS para ayudarle a apoyar las necesidades y el aprendizaje de sus estudiantes en casa. En este espacio también encontrará información sobre los recursos disponibles para ayudar a las familiar a asegurarse de que sus estudiantes cuenten con los necesario para tener éxito. Visite la página web de la Academia Familiar. Asimismo puede consultar el catálogo para conocer las próximas clases, talleres y seminarios en línea sobre FCPS, crianza, educación temprana, y cómo colaborar con la escuela de su hija o hijo.


News from Student Services


Calling All Rising Seniors: Apply for the Fairfax Global Leaders Fellowship: Are you passionate about making a difference in your community and around the world? The Fairfax Global Leaders Fellowship is now accepting applications for the Class of 2027!

Students must:

  • Be a Fairfax County resident or attend Fairfax County Public Schools.
  • Be a rising high school senior (Class of 2027).
  • Have a minimum 3.5 GPA.

Before applying, please have your resume (.doc or .pdf) and high school transcript (.doc or .pdf) ready to upload. Students will also answer several short questions as part of the application. There is no cost to apply. Students admitted to the program pay a one-time $75 administrative fee to support program expenses. The fee will be waived for students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals or who are experiencing financial hardship. To apply, complete the Global Leaders Fellowship Application Form by Tuesday, September 1, at 11:59 p.m. (You must use a personal Gmail account to apply.) Questions? Please email apply@fairfaxleaders.com.

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.

Solicit Comodidades y Apoyo Multilingüe para los Días Escolares de los Exámenes PSAT y SAT: Las escuelas secundarias de FCPS efectuarán el examen “PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test” (NMSQT) para estudiantes de 10mo. y 11vo. Grados el miércoles 7 de octubre. Ese mismo día, los estudiantes de 12vo grado tomarán el examen “SAT School Day”. Dado que estos exámenes son operados por la empresa College Board, los estudiantes no reciben automáticamente comodidades o apoyo multilingüe para tomar estas pruebas. Las familias pueden revisar en la página web de FCPS las Preguntas Frecuentes (FAQ, por sus siglas en inglés) sobre las comodidades ofrecidas por College Board. Si tiene un estudiante que tenga discapacidades y esté este año escolar en 10mo, 11vo u 12vo, por favor revise el proceso de solicitud de comodidades y envíe las planillas a la escuela secundaria antes del 4 de agosto. Si tiene un estudiante que tenga discapacidades y esté este año escolar en 10mo, 11vo u 12vo, si desea solicitar apoyo multilingüe (ML, por sus siglas en inglés), por favor, revise el proceso de solicitud de apoyo ML y envié las planillas necesarias antes del jueves 28 de agosto. 

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.

Schedule Change Procedure Changes: The schedule change process for the 2026-27 remains unchanged since Academic Advising in January. A summary of the timeline is provided below:

Schedule Change