|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
 |
|
Upcoming Events
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
May 1: PROM! Info TBA
June 2: GRADUATION! 8:30am, Stadium
|
Included in this issue:
Calendar Reminders
- First day of School for FCPS
- Prom and Graduation Dates Just Announced!
- Important BTS Dates for FHS!
Fairfax Lions Need to Know
- Talking Points Invitations for Students
- BYOD Discontinued
- Weapons Screening at Football Games
- Student ID Cards for Fairfax HS Bus Riders
- Crossing Guard Update
- New Exception to Ride the School Bus Procedure
- FCPS Mobile App and WhatsApp
- Family Information Phone Lines
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Student Parking Pass
- Lightspeed Updates
- Schoology
- SEL Screener
- Family Information Phone Lines
- New Menu Platform
- School Meals
- City of Fairfax Schools & FCPS Partnership
- Quick Links
It was a Great Open House Jam! 🦁🎉
August 21, 2026
Dear Fairfax Families,
We are officially READY TO ROAR!
The energy throughout our building this past week was contagious. From hosting our student and family Orientation and Open House to welcoming our staff back for an inspiring week of planning, preparation, and collaboration, the momentum is electric. Together, we have set big goals for the 2026–2027 school year, and our team is ready to work alongside our community to achieve every single one of them.
Key Reminders for Day One
To ensure a smooth, safe, and successful kickoff on Monday, please keep these important operational updates in mind:
- Cell Phones & Personal Electronics: Our policy is OFF AND AWAY ALL DAY. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, AirPods/earbuds, personal iPads, and other personal devices. Let’s keep the focus on learning and real-world connection. Electronics must be in your backpack or locker.
- FCPS-Issued Laptops Only: Students are no longer permitted to use personal laptops during the school day. All students must use their FCPS-assigned device for instructional activities.
- Morning Doors Open at 7:40 AM: School doors will open at 7:40 AM on Monday to accommodate our Open Gate screening process. Please plan your arrival and drop-offs accordingly.
- Bus ID Cards & Transportation: All students riding the bus will receive new Bus ID cards during their lunch period. These cards will allow students to "TAP ON" and "TAP OFF" FCPS transportation for enhanced student safety.
Enjoy every moment of these final few days of summer. Get a great night's sleep on Sunday and let's make this year our best one yet!
There is no "ROAR" if we don't work together!
 
🗓️Calendar Reminders
First Day of School, August 24 🍎
Be First-Day Ready
The first day of school, Monday, August 24, is just around the corner!
First Day Fairfax is a BLUE day, full day, 8:10am-2:55pm
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.
SAVE THE DATE! JUST ANNOUNCED! 🔊
Newsflash! Just announced:
💃🏼 PROM: MAY 1, 2027 - location and details TBA
🎓 CLASS OF 2027 GRADUATION: JUNE 2, 2027 @ 8:30AM
Keep an eye on this space for more details!!
Important BTS Dates for Fairfax HS! ✅
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
 |
|
Have you seen our new FHS Playbook?? Check it out for all things back to school @ FHS!! |
Thank you, PTSA, for Treating our Staff!!
HUGE thanks to our PTSA Hospitality Team for treating our staff to an awesome, yummy breakfast! We are ready to ROAR for the first week back!
Make sure to check out the new PTSA website - and don't forget to become a member! https://fairfaxhs.givebacks.com/
Talking Points Invitation for Students
FHS will be sending an invitation to all students on Saturday (8/22) for Talking Points. This is to allow students to receive announcements on their cell phone, like you do as a Parent /Guardian. Please let them know that it is not spam, and they should accept the invitation. Parents will always receive a copy of any messages sent to students.
BYOD Discontinued 💻
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 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.
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 and get more information about weapons screening at football games.
Student ID Cards for Fairfax HS Bus Riders 🚌
We will begin distributing student ID cards to all our students who ride the school bus or use FCPS transportation services.
At Fairfax HS, students will pick up their IDs during lunch in the first week of school. Students will pick up the ID from staff at a designated table in the cafeteria. Only students that ride a bus should go to that designated table to pick up an ID.
Students who have student ID cards should begin tapping as they board and exit the bus. Only students who use FCPS transportation services will be provided with a student ID card at this time.
We ask for your patience! Bus drivers will begin checking in students next week and may need some extra time at each bus stop while they do this. The transportation team is working hard to minimize any potential delays.
Learn more about the bus navigation and student ID cards.
Crossing Guard Update
Beginning this school year, Fairfax County will no longer assign crossing guards to our school. As always, we encourage students, families, and drivers to use extra caution when traveling to and from school, follow all traffic laws, and remain alert to pedestrians and other vehicles. Because traffic patterns may be different, please allow a few extra minutes when arriving at or departing from school.
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
FCPS Mobile App - and Follow us on WhatsApp!
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.
Follow FCPS on WhatsApp
Is WhatsApp one of the ways you stay connected with family, friends, and your community? Now you can use it to stay connected with FCPS, too.
Follow the new FCPS WhatsApp Channel for helpful information and reminders throughout the school year, including important announcements, upcoming dates, tips for families, and more.
Family Information Phone Lines Available in Nine Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
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.
Lightspeed Updates
You Can Manage Student Web Access at Home
At Fairfax High School, we acknowledge that parents are our students' first and most important teachers. Parents now have greater control over their child’s FCPS-issued device outside of school hours through Lightspeed Parent Portal.
In addition to monitoring weekly internet activity, parents can now also customize web access at home on FCPS devices through Lightspeed using Schedules and Web Rules.
With Schedules, you can set tailored times to automatically pause or restrict internet access. This makes it easier to enforce rules around homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.
In Web Rules, you can create Custom Block Lists to block specific, individual websites they do not want your child accessing at home. This allows parents greater control over what is happening online, under their own roof.
These new custom controls take effect at home, outside of school hours, and when the device is off the FCPS network. They will not override standard district filtering policies during the instructional day.
Customize Your Lightspeed Settings
All parents should be receiving weekly Lightspeed Online Student Activity Report emails. To set up these new features, click the “Log in or Register” button at the bottom of your weekly Lightspeed Online Student Activity Report email.
Visit the FCPS Lightspeed Parent Portal Guide for more information. If you have additional questions, submit a Parent Technology Support Ticket.
Parents are encouraged to discuss internet boundaries with their children so that they can understand the reasoning behind any limits and the differences between access at home and at school. Get tips on talking to your children about technology safety.
Schoology
💻 Catch Up on Your Child’s Classwork in Schoology
Teachers use Schoology to post their classroom materials online; to provide a secure forum for students to discuss their ideas and collaborate on projects; and to assign and collect homework electronically. It helps students stay organized, and it keeps the class connected.
A Schoology Parent Account gives you access to:
- Your child’s classes.
- Your child’s upcoming assignments.
- School, class, and group announcements.
To access Schoology, parents will need to have an active SIS/ParentVUE account. Get more information on how to login and use Schoology.
SEL Screener Parent/Guardian Notification
The Fall Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3 through 12 in October. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.
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.
School Meals
Help Your Child Navigate the Lunch Line
Check out some tips to help your child get through the lunch line quickly and have more time to eat:
- Teach your child their student ID number to receive meals at school.
- Sign up for and add money to MySchoolBucks to purchase meals at school.
-
Apply for free and reduced-price meals. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price meals last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should submit a new application as soon as possible, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
If your child has any food allergies, learn how to submit accommodations for dietary restrictions and allergens.
Access menus for breakfast, lunch, and other school meals, as well as allergen and nutrition information.
City of Fairfax Schools and FCPS Partnership🏫
Fairfax High School is a City of Fairfax school. What does that mean for your student and your family? Explore the unique partnership between the City of Fairfax and FCPS and discover the programs, opportunities and investments that make our schools special. Click here to find out more.
Quick Links
 |
|
Do you want to celebrate a Fairfax employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way? Or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone. |
throughout the year:
|
