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 We kicked off our home football season Thursday, September 3 with a win versus Justice. Go Cougars!
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.
September 17 - Virtual Senior Parent Night, 6-7 pm
September 21 – No School, Yom Kippur
September 23-24 – Underclassmen Portraits (through English classes)
September 23 - Virtual Freshman Parent Night, 6-7 pm
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
Dear Oakton Families,
We wrapped up another great week at Oakton High School, and it was wonderful to see our core values of Community, Integrity, and Respect come to life across our school. It has been inspiring to watch our students settle into their schedules, navigate our halls with confidence, and participate in so many wonderful school events and activities.
Thank you to all the parents and families who attended Back to School Night and made it such a fantastic event—connecting with our families is fundamental to building a strong, supportive school community.
As I continue visiting classrooms, I am consistently impressed by the high level of student engagement across all content areas. Our teachers' thoughtful planning and dedication make a visible difference every day.
Reflections & Highlights
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Cougar Den in Action: Watching our DECA students kick off the Cougar Den was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do! It was incredible to see the program in full swing, supported by our dedicated staff. Moments like these make a big impact in fostering a true sense of belonging for our students and staff.
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Community Connections: I also had the pleasure of joining several of our varsity football players and Mr. Full, our Director of Student Activities, at Oakton Elementary to welcome our future Cougars arriving on buses and at Kiss & Ride. Building community connections is a great example of how learning happens best together.
Safety Reminders
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Traffic & Safety: The safety of our students is always our highest priority. As we continue to manage the significant traffic volume during arrival and dismissal, I want to remind all families of our procedures for student drop-off and pickup. I understand that traffic can be frustrating, particularly during our busiest times of day. However, we have recently observed and received reports of students being dropped off in the middle of Sutton Road and crossing the roadway between moving vehicles, as well as vehicles making illegal U-turns to avoid traffic. These actions are extremely dangerous and place students, families, and other drivers at risk. I ask that all parents and guardians follow our designated Kiss & Ride procedures every day, even when traffic is backed up.
I hope you and your students are enjoying the long weekend and have had time to rest and recharge. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. I look forward to seeing everyone back in the building tomorrow!
Take Care... and Go Cougars!
General Information
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.
Arrival and Dismissal reminders
All Kiss and Ride traffic, both in the morning drop off and afternoon pick up, is in the front of the building. Please do not drive to the back of the building as that is reserved for bus traffic. A full map of the traffic pattern can be found on our Back-to-School information under “Traffic, Buses, School Arrival, and Student Parking”.
Your Child’s Presence at School Matters
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success by helping them build good habits.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to an administrator. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Safety Drills During the School Year
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and extreme weather. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.
The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school.
Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your child before and after school lockdown drills.
⚠️ Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.
If students, staff, or families have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Help Keep Our School Phone-Free: Updates to the FCPS Cellphone Policy
Please remind your student that high schoolers can no longer use their cellphones and other devices during lunch time, and that students must use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the instructional day.
Personal electronic communication or computing devices must be off and personally stored (such as in a backpack) for the duration of the school day. This includes personal laptops and tablets, smartphones and smartwatches, and other similar devices.
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office at 703-319-2773. Learn more about the FCPS Cellphone Policy and Device Policy.
Our first football game was a huge success! Thank you to all who attended for utilizing the weapons detection screening in an organized and quick manner, as well as adhering to the clear bag policy. Our next home football game is Friday, September 18 versus Colonial Forge.
Football Game Safety and Security Reminders
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 8/24/26
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.
The deadline has passed to request new or updated College Board accommodations if you have a student with disabilities entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade; please review the accommodations request process. If you would still like to apply you may do so but it is not guaranteed that it would be decided by the day of the PSAT.
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
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 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.
Senior Parent Night (virtual) - Thursday, September 17
The School Counseling Team will be hosting a virtual Senior Parent Night on September 17th at 6-7pm. The presentation will include detailed information about the college application process. An e-notify email will be sent to senior parents prior to the event. A recording will be posted to the Oakton HS website afterwards.
Senior Curriculum
School counselors met with seniors in Government classrooms last week on September 2nd and 3rd. We will meet individually with every senior September 8 – 22 to review graduation requirements and post-secondary plans. Materials will be posted in the Student Services Schoology page.
Freshman Parent Night (virtual) - Wednesday, September 23
The School Counseling Team will be hosting a virtual Freshman Parent Night on September 23rd at 6-7pm. Join us to learn how to navigate the next four years. We will cover counselor supports, resources, academic and attendance expectations, and tips for a smooth transition. An e-notify email will be sent to freshman parents prior to the event. A recording will be posted to the Oakton HS website afterwards.
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 This Week
In case you missed it in https://www.fcps.edu/news/fcps-week-september-2-2026, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid
- Weather Safety
- Attendance Resources for Families
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Weather Happens, FCPS Is Ready
Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, many different types of weather events can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff. What does FCPS do during a flood? What about a severe thunderstorm?
Learn how FCPS prepares for and responds to weather events, and find resources to help your family prepare, on the FCPS Weather Safety webpage.
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):
- Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
- Monday, September 28, at Riverside Elementary School
- Monday, October 19, at Spring Hill Elementary School
- Monday, October 26, at Beech Tree Elementary School
- Thursday, October 29, at North Springfield Elementary School
- Friday, November 13, at Colin Powell Elementary School
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.
PTSA News
We need you!
Please join us at our first PTSA Meeting of the year on Tuesday, September 15 at 7:00 in Lecture Hall at Oakton
Before we can dive into our plans and programs for the year, the PTSA must take care of some business first and we need your votes! Business items include:
- Voting in the next PTSA Executive Committee. The nominees are:
- President: Linda Lang, self-nominated
- Treasurer: Holly Dubbeling, self-nominated
- Secretary: Cathy Baptista, self-nominated
- Vice-President: Open – nominations accepted from the floor
- Voting for the PTSA Budget for the 2026-2027 school year
- Voting for the Organizational Structure Form (local “bylaw”)
As a reminder, in order to vote in PTSA meetings, you must be a member of the PTSA! If you were a member last year, your membership is valid through September 30 and if you haven’t become a member for this year yet, please join at this link!
For all voting members: All items on the docket for membership approval can be found here!
Once the business items have been addressed, you’ll be able to hear from Principal Shannon Matheny, connect with fellow Oakton families and students, 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!
Keep in touch
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 Back to School Night on September 1.
Your voice. Your ideas. Our Oakton.
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