From the Principal's Desk

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Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

 

September 3: Unite & Excite, Field House parking lot, 4:30-6:30pm; First Home Football Game, 7pm

September 4 & 7: Labor Day Holiday, 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

October 7: PSAT/SAT School Day

May 1: PROM! Info TBA

June 2: GRADUATION! 8:30am, Stalnaker Stadium

 

Included in this issue:

 

Student Spotlight

  • New Student-led Initiative: Generation Supply

Staff Spotlight

  • Distinguished Geospatial Educator Award

Calendar Reminders

  • Labor Day Holiday Sept. 4 & 7
  • Learning Lounge and Late Bus Days Start Sept. 2
  • Saturday School Starts September 12
  • Important BTS Dates for FHS - Prom and Graduation Added!

Fairfax Lions Need to Know

  • Open Gate at Friday Night Football Games
  • Crossing Guards to Remain at City Schools
  • FHS Transportation Updates
  • Parent Digital Consent
  • SIS ParentVUE
  • World Language Credit Exam
  • Superintendent Community Conversations

Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:

  • Back to School Night, Sept. 16
  • Boys Lacrosse Chipotle Fundraiser
  • Math Textbooks
  • Family Information Phone Lines
  • Food for Neighbors Donations Needed
  • City of Fairfax Schools & FCPS Partnership
  • Quick Links

 

September 3, 2026

 

Dear Fairfax Families,

As we close out another fantastic week at Fairfax High School, I want to share how inspiring it has been to walk our hallways and visit classrooms. The positive energy across our building is contagious!

This week, I had the privilege of participating in two classroom community circles. Watching our students and teachers engage in meaningful dialogue and build authentic relationships was truly heartening. These moments remind us that strong connections are the foundation of all great learning. It has also been exciting to see the new role of our peer mentors in Freshman advisory classes, they are truly committed to supporting a strong transition.

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to kick off some of our favorite school traditions! We cannot wait to see everyone out supporting our Lions at our first home football game, enjoying the incredible talents of our marchers at the band showcase, and celebrating together at our Unite & Excite Tailgate. Bring your school spirit and help us make some noise.

Important Updates & Reminders

  • Labor Day Holiday (No School): There is no school on Friday, September 4, or Monday, September 7. We hope all of our families take this time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the long weekend together.
  • Bus IDs Mandatory Starting Next Week: Beginning next week, all student bus riders must use their Bus ID cards to tap on and off FCPS transportation. Please ensure your student has their card ready each morning and afternoon.
  • Digital Resource Consent Forms: If you haven't already, please take a moment to complete your child’s Digital Resource Consent form online. Timely submission ensures your student has uninterrupted access to essential digital learning tools and classroom materials.
  • Back to School Night: Save the date! We look forward to welcoming you into our building on Wednesday, September 16, to meet your child's teachers and learn more about the exciting year ahead.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership, trust, and enthusiasm. Have a restful, safe, and PAWSome extended weekend.

There is no "ROAR" without all of us!

Warmly,

Principal's Signature line

Student Spotlight


Generation Supply

Collage of student collecting donations and a restaurant flyer

 

These young men have started Generation Supply, a student-led community initiative that collects school supplies and redistributes them to students in need. 

Join them for their Chick-fil-A fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 17th from 4:00 to 8:00pm. A portion of sales will help provide funds for more supplies! Be sure to mention SPIRIT NIGHT. 

If ordering online, please enter the code: ROADRUNNER

Follow them on Instagram!


Staff Spotlight


Bradley Webster named 2026 Distinguished Geospatial Educator

Bradley Webster

 

Bradley Webster was awarded the Distinguished Geospatial Educator for 2026 by the Geospatial Technology Consortium of Community Colleges (GTC3) at their recent annual conference. Mr. Webster has been teaching Geospatial Analysis for 8 years as part of the JMU Geospatial Semester, which offers students the option of earning college credit while learning in high school. He has supported the FCPS community through writing Geospatial Technology curriculum and connecting standards, mentoring new Geospatial teachers, and providing technical support to various subjects, such as IB Environmental, IB Geography, and 7th grade US History.

Mr. Webster has engaged students outside the classroom starting a Middle School Mappers club and a High School Drone Club with the goal of preparing students for their FAA Part 107 certification. This year, he rejoins the Fairfax High community and looks forward to engaging students in their Geospatial journey and building their interests through career connected learning. Congrats and well done, Mr. Webster!! 🎉🦁


🗓️Calendar Reminders


Labor Day Holiday, Sept. 4 and 7

labor day

 

Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.


Learning Lounge and Late Bus Days 🚌

Starting September 2nd, FHS will have late buses for students that stay after school for our Learning Lounge, afternoon clubs, and athletic activities. The Learning Lounge has teachers and tutors in different subjects, and is a great place to receive extra support in any class and ensure students are meeting their goals. 

Late Bus days are every Wednesday and Thursday. Students must have a bus pass from a teacher, coach, or sponsor in order to ride the late bus. 


Saturday School Starts September 12

Saturday School

 

What is Saturday School?

Picture a relaxed setting where you can catch up on subjects or ask questions without the usual class rush. Saturday School provides a calm atmosphere for focused learning. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed with assignments, Saturday School is an excellent time to seek assistance. Teachers will be available to guide you through any challenges you're facing. Take advantage of this extra time, recover some of your course work and attendance concerns. 

Saturday School begins September 12, from 9am to 12pm in the Library. Breakfast will be available. No transportation provided.

See the dates below for first semester. Keep an eye on this space for any changes or updates! 

First Semester Dates:

Sept 12

Sept 26

Oct 3

Oct 10

Oct 17

Oct 24

First Quarter ends Oct 30

Oct 31

Nov 7

Nov 14

Nov 21

Dec 5

Dec 12

Jan 9

Jan 23

Second Quarter ends Jan 28

 


Important BTS Dates for Fairfax HS! ✅

Picture of a lion standing with a calendar

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

  • School Picture Day

Friday Night Lights, September 25

  • Homecoming Football Game; Kickoff @ 7pm

Saturday, September 26

  • Homecoming Dance @ FHS; info TBA  

NEW: Saturday, May 1, 2027 💃🏼

  • PROM - Details to be Announced

NEW: Wednesday, June 2, 2027 🎓

  • CLASS OF 2027 GRADUATION, 8:30am, Stalnaker Stadium
Lions Paw

Have you seen our new FHS Playbook?? (PDF download) Check it out for all things back to school @ FHS!!


Fairfax Lions Need to Know:


Open Gate at Football Games

Football Game Safety and Security Update

Football Game Safety 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.

  • The field house parking lot will be the pre-game tailgate area. 
  • There will be two entrances through the OpenGate system.
  • There will be a Student ID Check-In Tent.
  • There will be two entry gates, one on each side of the ticket booth.
Diagram of a school stadium and parking lot

 

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.


Crossing Guards to Remain at City Schools 👮🏼‍♀️

You may have seen recent news about changes to crossing guard coverage at some Fairfax County Public Schools. At Fairfax High School, we are fortunate to continue to have Fairfax City-funded crossing guards supporting our students and families each morning and afternoon. The program is funded by the City of Fairfax and managed through the City of Fairfax Police Department.


FHS Transportation Updates 🚌

Image of sample student ID cards for a school system

Examples of the new FCPS bus IDs for students.

FHS Bus IDs Distributed This Week

Fairfax HS Bus ID cards were distributed during lunches this week. If your student did not receive their ID, please have them go to the Student Services office to pick it up. Each ID comes with a pouch and a lanyard.

ID cards should be worn and brought to the bus each day. ID cards should then be put away until the end of the day.

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 are checking in students 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.

Transportation Patience and Safety

Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your child’s bus. 

If your child’s bus is delayed, you may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Please contact the Transportation Office at [phone number] with any additional questions. For concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact the FCPS Office of Safety and Security at 571-423-2000. 

Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE to make sure you receive email messages about bus delays.


Parent Digital Consent

Remember to Complete Permission Forms for School Resources

Families can now easily grant consent for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account login. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of a variety of resources, including online educational tools, school counseling services, and more.

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool

Opt In or Out to Student Devices Being Sent Home for Grades 1-6

New this year, families can opt out of having student laptops sent home with their student. 

  • If you do not want your student to bring their FCPS-issued device home, please toggle the Opt Out button to a check mark and confirm by pressing Save Selection.
  • If you would like your student to bring their FCPS device home, no toggle action is needed. Confirm by pressing Save Selection. 

Students whose families opt out will continue to have access to an FCPS-issued device during the school day. Please reach out to your student’s teacher to understand expectations for homework and any learning activities that may require access to technology outside of the school day.


Everything You Need to Do in SIS ParentVUE

Are you working your way through back-to-school forms and checklists? Make sure you have a SIS ParentVUE account for your family and log in to find important forms and updates. 

  • Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in ParentVUE. To update your contact information in ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon. 
  • Submit daylong absences by clicking “Report Absence.”

If you do not have a ParentVUE account, contact your child’s school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage


World Language Credit Exam 🌍

Is your student fluent in a language other than English? If so, they may be able to earn up to three high school credits toward graduation by taking the World Language Credit Exam. This exam is a great opportunity for students to demonstrate their language proficiency and receive official recognition for their skills. By passing the exam, your student can:

  • Earn up to three high school World Language credits.
  • Meet the language requirement for the Advanced Studies Diploma.
  • Qualify for the Virginia Seal of Biliteracy, a special recognition on their diploma.

Enrollment is limited to one assessment per language each academic year, with a lifetime maximum of two attempts per language during the secondary school years.

The test will take place at Fairfax High School during the school day on November 13, 2026. 

Registration for the World Language Credit Exam is open.

To register, students must first fill out the online registration form by clicking this link WORLD LANGUAGE REGISTRATION FORM. Once the form is complete, they will receive a confirmation message with a link to the official registration paperwork. Parents or guardians are required to sign the paperwork before the student returns it to their school counselor. The deadline to submit the form is October 8, 2026. 

If needed, paper copies can be picked up in the Student Services office (L107).

Paper form deadline is October 16, 2025.

Important: This exam is not for students who have already earned three high school credits in the language they wish to test.

Don't miss out on this opportunity for your student to earn credit and be recognized for their skills!


Superintendent Community Conversations

Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life. 

A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):

Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid


Fairfax Lions Nice to Know: 


Back to School Night, Sept. 16

Back to school night flyer

 

Come out and ROAR with us on BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT!

We will be hosting families on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:00pm, to connect with our community and showcase our teachers and curriculum.

These events are starting at 5:30pm:

  • Senior Parent Night
  • Family Life Education (FLE) Presentation
  • Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) Signing
  • Special Education Meet Your Case Manager
  • Fairfax Information in the Commons

Teacher classroom visits start at 6:30pm and will follow a shortened school day schedule. Save the date and join us!!


Boys Lacrosse Fundraiser

Restaurant fundraising flyer

DO GOOD with Chipotle!

Chipotle Fundraiser for Fairfax High School Lions Boys Lacrosse

25% of event sales get donated to the cause

Wednesday, September 16th, 5-9pm

11062 Main St., Fairfax, VA 22030 (Kamp Washington location)

Order online for pickup using code Q9LEMVZ or show the picture above at the restaurant.

Note: For online order to count towards the fundraiser, they must be placed for pickup only from the restaurant location of, and during the hours of, the fundraiser. Delivery orders and gift cards do not qualify. $150 minimum event sales required to receive any donation. 


Math Textbooks and Workbooks Update 📚

Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2 students will be receiving Savvas enVision Mathematics materials soon. Students will receive workbooks and textbooks. AFDA teachers and students will receive Algebra 2 materials to be used as supplements to the published AFDA curriculum. 


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.


Food for Neighbors Red Bag Pickup Sept. 12!

Food for Neighbors

 

Our school is partnering with Food For Neighbors to help feed our local students who deal with food insecurity outside of school hours. Even in a county as wealthy as ours, one in four kids in our area are struggling with hunger. Through the Food For Neighbors’ Red Bag Program, you’ll make a difference in a local student’s life just by adding a few extra items to your shopping cart five times a year. And the best part - our students will immediately benefit from your generosity!

Red Bag Event Dates for the 2026–2027 School Year: 

• September 12, 2026 

• October 24, 2026

• January 16, 2027 (Snow date: January 23) 

• March 6, 2027 

• April 24, 2027

To learn more about how you can help, visit the Food For Neighbors’ website: 
www.foodforneighbors.org/get-involved


City of Fairfax Schools and FCPS Partnership🏫

Logo and flyer for City of Fairfax Schools

A flyer for City of Fairfax Schools and FCPS agreement

 

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


FCPS Cares

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.


stay in touch

throughout the year: