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 Our cougar mascot continues to get ready to welcome students back next Monday!
The countdown is officially on! We are just one week away from the start of the 2026–2027 school year on Monday, August 24th, and the entire Oakton High School faculty and staff are incredibly excited to welcome our students and families back.
Please find all the essential Back to School information on our website to help you prepare for August 24th! This is also linked on Oakton High School website’s homepage for you to access at any time.
Important Dates
Key dates for the 2026-2027 School Year:
For your planning purposes, you can access the FCPS 2026-2027 school year calendar on the FCPS website. We ask that every effort is made to consider the school calendar when planning trips and events that would take students out of school.
August 20 - Schedules available in StudentVUE and ParentVUE at 9 am
August 20 - New Student Orientation; Open House; Cougar Kickoff
August 24 - First day of School!
August 26-31 - Senior Portraits (Sign-Up required; email sent Friday, August 14 with details)
August 28 - Senior Sunrise
September 1 - Back to School Night
September 3 - Gradebooks available in StudentVUE/ParentVUE at 9 am
September 4 - No School (Labor Day Break)
September 7 - No School (Labor Day)
September 21 – No School, Yom Kippur
September 23-24 – Underclassmen Portraits (through English classes)
October 2 - Senior Panoramic
October 5-8 - Senior Portraits
October 6 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving, Night 1
October 7 – PSAT (10th-11th Grade)/SAT (12th Grade) Day; No-School 9th grade/non-testers
October 12 – Staff Development Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day
October 19 - Homecoming Pep Rally
October 19-23 - Homecoming Spirit Week
October 23 - Homecoming Game
October 24 - Homecoming Dance
October 30 – End of 1st Quarter, 2 hour early release
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.
Dear Oakton Families,
Building on last week’s momentum, the anticipation in our building is higher than ever as we enter our last full week before the official start of the school year.
Our fields, gyms, and performance spaces have been buzzing all week with the energy of our student-athletes and marching band. Seeing our students dive into their passions is a powerful reminder that finding your place—whether through athletics, the arts, or student clubs—is an essential part of the high school experience.
As we prepare for the return to school, we want to ensure a safe, supportive, and focused environment where everyone can thrive. We continue to anchor everything we do in our core values: Community, Integrity, and Respect.
Key Campus Expectations & Updates
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Bell Schedule & Attendance: We believe that every day matters. Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success, academic achievement, and a positive high school experience. Our official school day runs from 8:10 AM – 2:55 PM. Together, we can ensure that every student is present, engaged, and ready to learn.
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Closed Campus & Security: To ensure the safety and security of all students and staff, Oakton High School operates as a closed campus. Students are not permitted to leave school grounds during the school day without explicit permission and proper sign-out procedures.
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Cell Phone & Personal Electronics Policy: In alignment with state regulations and FCPS policy to maintain an optimal learning environment, student cell phones must be turned off and put away throughout the instructional day (8:10 AM – 2:55 PM). This expectation extends to connected personal accessories, including smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, and smart glasses. You can review the full guidelines on the FCPS Cell Phone Policy webpage. https://www.fcps.edu/cellphone-policy
Thank you for your continued partnership and energy as we put the final touches on our preparations. We can’t wait to bring our students, staff, and families together for an incredible year ahead!
Take care... and Go Cougars!
General Information
Summer Office Hours
This week, the Oakton HS Main Office will be open from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Starting on the first day of school, Monday, August 24, the Main Office will be open from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm.
We do recommend a call in advance of your visit to ensure that we have the appropriate staff members available to address your concern as many staff members are off contract during the summer.
Registration
For families new to Oakton High School looking to register, please fill out information found on our website at https://oaktonhs.fcps.edu/student-services/new-student-registration
After you submit the form, you will be contacted by our Registrar, Mr. Patrick Chang, to schedule a registration appointment. We encourage you to submit the form as soon as possible so we can schedule your appointment!
New Student Device Requirement
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.
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.
Save the Date - Summer 2026 and Back to School 2026
We are already planning for this summer and our upcoming school year!
Please visit the announcement on our website about Save the Date for 2026 events for information about:
- Senior Portraits
- Activities (including band camp) and athletics summer dates to know
- Jump Start for rising 9th graders (optional)
- Orientation and Cougar Kickoff
- Parking
- Back to School Night
- Homecoming 2026
Parking Applications for the 2026-2027 School Year were due last week
All parking applications were due by 3:00 pm last Wednesday, August 12. Any students who submitted applications after that time will be placed on a wait list.
Students who will be eligible to receive a parking pass, as well as those placed on the wait list, will receive an email tomorrow morning with updates, which will also be sent to parents. As a reminder, students need to pay for their passes and ensure any fees and fines have been resolved prior to being able to pick up a parking pass.
Any passes that were awarded but not picked up by Friday, August 28 will be distributed to the next students on the wait list.
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.
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.
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
- 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. Get more information about weapons screening at football games.
Testing Information
Updated on 8/3/26
SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT 2026
SAT Information
On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Oakton 12th graders will have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day, at no cost to families. The essay option and subject area tests are not available during SAT School Day. Twelfth graders must register to take this exam by Wednesday, September 2.
Please visit our PSAT/SAT page for registration information for the SAT School Day.
PSAT Information
On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Oakton will administer the digital PSAT/NMSQT to all students in grades 10 and 11, at no cost to families.. Students are automatically registered, and no additional action is required.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities and Multilingual Learner Supports
Because these exams are operated by the College Board, students do not automatically receive testing accommodations or multilingual learner (ML) supports. If you have a student with disabilities entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, please review the accommodations request process and return forms to our school by Monday, August 3, to request new or updated College Board testing accommodations.
If you have a multilingual learner (ML) entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, please review the ML support request process and return forms by Thursday, August 28, if you wish to request ML supports for the October 2026 PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day.
Find out more about SAT and PSAT assessments in FCPS
AP Exam Registration for Non-enrolled Students
If any student wants to take an AP exam in a course that he/she is not enrolled in, registration is now open. Each exam costs $99. You can use this google form to register. Students currently enrolled in an AP course at OHS are automatically registered for the corresponding AP exam and do not need to complete any additional form. The deadline to register is October 23rd. Payment can be submitted through My School Bucks or check made out to Oakton High School at a cost of $99 per exam. Payment is required before the exam space will be reserved.
My School Bucks Link
Other AP related information can be found in our AP Testing FAQs on the Oakton website. If you have any other questions about AP testing in general, please contact AP Coordinator Kim Stewart at kastewart@fcps.edu.
Student Services
Class Schedule Change Requests
We have finalized our schedule for the upcoming school year. Students and families across FCPS will have access to student schedules in StudentVue/ParentVue on Thursday, August 20, at 9:00am.
Our staffing decisions and the number of courses offered are based on the classes students selected during the registration period last school year. To maintain the best possible program for our students and one that is most responsive to their educational needs, schedule changes will be limited to space available.
Timeline for Schedule Changes
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August 6-13: Schedules were adjusted if there is a school error or summer school adjustment needed.
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August 14-September 11: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability
For any questions you may have, contact your child’s school counselor.
Tutoring Resources for Families
Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as tutors. This list is a resource offered by the FRC, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. This list is not approved by FCPS and is only meant to be a resource to families.
FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services, at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.
Health and Wellness Updates
💻 No-Cost Mental Online Therapy for All High School Students
Is your student experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.
Emergency Resources
Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077
Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511
Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000
INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560
Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711
Life Threatening 911
FCPS News
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- New Student Device Requirements
- Math Textbooks
- Football Game Safety Measures
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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.
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.
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.
PTSA News
Join. Connect. Shape Oakton.
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!
The Oakton High School PTSA is excited to partner with Principal Shannon Matheny, families, teachers, staff, and students to make this a great year for our entire Oakton community.
Join the PTSA — Your Voice Matters
We want to get to know you, hear your ideas and work together to shape our goals, influence our priorities, and strengthen the PTSA’s mission this school year.
Parents, guardians, students, teachers, and staff are encouraged to join. Become a member today and you’ll be eligible to vote at our September 15 meeting for the next PTSA Executive Committee that will help lead us through the coming school year.
➡️Join the Oakton PTSA Today here!
Save the Date
First PTSA Meeting
Tuesday, September 15 | 7:00 PM | Oakton High School
Come meet new Principal Shannon Matheny, connect with fellow Oakton families and students, share your ideas, and discover how we can work together to make this a great year for our entire Oakton community.
Refreshments will be served. We hope to see you there!
Follow @oaktonhs_ptsa on Instagram or reach out to us at oaktonhsptsa@gmail.com. We’d love to hear your ideas, questions, and how you’d like to get involved. Meet the PTSA at Cougar Kickoff.
Your voice. Your ideas. Our Oakton.
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