Good Evening, Seahawk Community - 

I have been energized by what I see happening throughout South Lakes each day. Our classrooms are alive with learning, our activities and athletics are well underway, and perhaps most importantly, our students are reconnecting with one another and with the adults who are here to support them.

At South Lakes, we have high expectations for what our students can achieve. We believe deeply in their potential, and our goal remains clear: 100% student success. Reaching that goal, however, requires more than strong instruction and academic opportunity. Students are most successful when they also know that they belong.

Belonging means that our students know there are people at South Lakes who care about them. It means they feel seen, valued, and respected; that they are comfortable asking questions, taking academic risks, and even making mistakes along the way. It also means knowing that success does not happen alone—there are teachers, counselors, administrators, coaches, staff members, classmates, and families ready to support them.

Building that kind of community is work that belongs to all of us.

Families are an essential part of that partnership, and I encourage you to remain connected to your student's experience at South Lakes. Ask what they are learning. Ask who they are connecting with. Encourage them to join a club, attend an activity, try out for something new, or simply show up and support their fellow Seahawks at a game, performance, concert, or school event. Some of the most meaningful parts of high school happen when students find the people, activities, and experiences that make The Lakes feel like their school.

That same invitation extends to our families. Stay connected with teachers, attend our events, engage with our PTSA, and continue sharing your voice with us. Accountability and communication are two of the pillars guiding our work this year, and authentic partnership with our families is essential to both.

There is a tremendous opportunity ahead of us this year. I am proud of the start we have made, excited about where we are going, and grateful to have our students, staff, families, and community moving forward together.

With Gratitude,

Carlos Seward

We value your feedback. Share your observations, suggestions, questions and celebrations with me here.

South Lakes High School Food Pantry Update

The South Lakes Food Pantry serves a vital need for the people in our community by offering food staples and toiletries free of cost and supports hundreds of our community’s families each week.

The pantry is open to families in the area on Thursdays after school beginning at 4:30. We also provide an opportunity for our students to visit the food pantry on Thursday afternoons prior to dismissal. The first day that students will have access to the food pantry during the school day will be on Thursday, September 17th. 

This year, only students whose parents/guardians have completed a permission form are allowed to access the pantry during instructional time. Please complete this Food Pantry Permission Google form to grant your student permission to visit the pantry.

All students are welcome to visit the pantry after the school day has ended from 2:55 pm - 3:15 pm - parent permission is not needed to visit the pantry after the school day has ended.  

Final Core Course Change Request Windows

We have two remaining windows in which students are able to change their core course:

• September 8 – 25, 2026:  Students are able to request to change their core course if they are “leveling up”. For example, a student wants to move from English to English Honors. This does not include leveling to a DE course.
• September 28 – October 5, 2026: Students are able to request to change their core course if they are “leveling down”. For example, a student wants to move from English Honors to English.

If your student is interested in either of these windows, please have them connect with their school counselor. Change is dependent on space available and is not guaranteed.

Transportation Student ID Cards for South Lakes High School Bus Riders

We have been distributing student ID cards to all our students who ride the school bus or use FCPS transportation services.

Students who have not yet received their student ID cards can pick them up in their sub schools. 

Students who have their student ID card should begin tapping as they board and exit the bus. 

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.

Beginning this school year, FCPS is enforcing a strict "bell-to-bell" policy (8:10 am to 2:55 pm) for cell phones and other personal devices that can connect to the Internet. Personal devices include:

• AirPods/earbuds (corded or cordless)
• Headphones
• Smart glasses
• Smart watches
• IPads
• Personal laptops

These items should be stored in backpacks (not in purses, crossbody bags, or on a student’s person) or stored in lockers. 

Unless a student has an accommodation for specific use documented in a medical plan, 504 plan, or IEP, cell phones and devices which are not stored in backpacks or in lockers will be collected and secured for the day, and administrators will follow up with consequences outlined in the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities document.

If you urgently need to reach your student or send a message during the school day, you can call the following numbers: 

Last Names A-Dia: 703-715-4507

Last names Dib-Lamg: 703-715-4509

Last Names Lamh-Reg: 703-715-4523

Last Names Reh-Z: 703-715-4512

Special Education Office: 703-715-4567

Main Office: 703-715-4500

Thank you for your continued partnership and cooperation in helping us build a safe, respectful, and highly engaged learning community at South Lakes!

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 at no cost for their children. 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).

ACTION: Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible children 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.

"The Lakes -- Podcast"

Last year, Billy Watts, our Assessment Coach, and resident genius, created the first ever South Lakes High School Podcast, entitled "The Lakes!" The podcast featured stories, interviews, and advice for students, parents, educators, and community about all things South Lakes High School. 

He plans to continue and grow his podcasts this year with episodes called "senior playbook" based on the SEL intervention "saying is believing." Keep an eye out for these new stories and more as we begin the 2026-2027 school year. Check out and subscribe to our school's podcast, "The Lakes" on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon podcasts.

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. 

Join us for a series of Community Conversations that 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 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. 

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.”

• Check your child’s immunization records and submit updates. Please visit the How to Submit Immunization Documentation webpage for step-by-step instructions. 

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. 

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. 

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.

NEW FCPS App

Have Children in Multiple FCPS Schools?

The FCPS mobile app lets you follow updates from all your children's schools in one place! Simply open the app, tap the teal pull-down menu, then tap the gear icon and select every school you want to follow. See this video of how to follow your school.

Find out about more features of the app. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Immunizations

Update Your Child’s Immunizations and Records

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Prior to the start of school on Monday, August 24, please submit your child’s immunization documentation. If your child has an appointment to receive their required immunizations after August 24, please submit an Immunization Action Plan to confirm the appointment.

You can check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to a school’s front office. If needed, families may also provide other immunization documentation including a healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption or a notarized Religious Exemption Form. Please visit the FCPS How to Submit Immunization Documentation webpage for step-by-step instructions on how to submit each of these items.

Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.

Additional immunization resources are also available. 

Become Unskippable: Fentanyl and Overdoses

How to Talk With Your Teens So They Won’t Skip What You Say

Strong communication is key to supporting your student's mental health. FCPS provides guidance on how to have short, impactful conversations with your teen about difficult subjects such as fentanyl and overdoses.

Learn more about how to have conversations with your child in a way that will make you unskippable.

No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for High School Students

Mental Health Teletherapy 

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as: 

• Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
• Anxiety, worry, fears.
• Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
• Academic stress.

Students can be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information

Mental Health Services

Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services. 

Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

Additional Mental Health Resources

FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional support can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number. 

Recent reports have shared an 11% drop in suicides among young people since the rollout of 988. Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts. 

And as always, if your concern is an emergency, you should call 911.