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Upcoming Events
Sept. 18: Ted Britt Bowl, 7pm, Stalnaker Stadium
Sept. 19: Mock SAT/ACT @ FHS
Sept. 23: Parents for Safe Teen Driving Night
Sept. 25: Homecoming Game, 7:00pm
Sept. 26: Homecoming Dance
October 7: PSAT/SAT School Day
October 9: Principal's Coffee, 7:30am, Career Center, L106
October 19: Virtual College & Postsecondary Fair
May 1: PROM! Info TBA
June 2: GRADUATION! 8:30am, Stalnaker Stadium
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Included in this issue:
Student Spotlight
- National Merit Commended Scholars Announced
Program Spotlight
- Athletic Boosters host the Ted Britt Bowl
Community Spotlight
- Ashi-Jyothi Annual 5K & Fun Run
Calendar Reminders
- Constitution Day, September 17
- Yom Kippur
- Saturday School Info
Fairfax Lions Need to Know
- Attendance Matters!
- Important Info from Student Services
- Senior Portrait Information
- Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30
- Superintendent Community Conversations
- 2e Resources
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Homecoming Spirit Week! Hoco Dance, September 26
- Mock SAT and Mock ACT at FHS
- College Fair and Postsecondary Virtual Night, October 18
- Flu Vaccine
- Immunization Events for FCPS Students
- PE Apparel Website Opened Sept. 1st
- Teletherapy
- Here Comes the Bus
- Quick Links
Thank you for a Roarrring BTS Night! 🦁💯
September 18, 2026
Happy FAIRFAX FRIDAY!
Another incredible week of back-to-school energy is in the books.
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Freshman Recess Debut: Our Class of 2030 had a blast taking over the fields, gym, courts, and commons. It was a well-deserved brain break and a fantastic way for our newest high schoolers to recharge and build community.
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Back to School Night: Thank you to all the families who joined us for a PAWSome evening. Connecting with you and setting the foundation for strong partnerships this year is always a highlight.
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Picture Day Success: Our students were looking fresh and ready for camera action - these photos are going to make our 2026-2027 yearbook one for the books.
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Britt Bowl Friday: We are capping off the week tonight with the Britt Bowl - Be on the lookout for huge hometown prizes awarded to two lucky students and one deserving staff member—if they have perfect aim!
Looking Ahead: SPIRIT and HOMECOMING
Get ready to bring the energy next week as we kick off our Rio HOCO homecoming celebration! The halls are already transformed with tropical palm trees (and maybe a colorful bird or two). Make sure to get your spirit day outfits ready!
Here is what is on deck for Homecoming Week:
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Daily Lunch Events: Games, music, and activities during all lunch periods.
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SPIRITED Swag: Select days school spirit and theme wear will be provided for all students.
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Tradition: Our annual Pep Rally, Royalty Presentation, and the Friday Night Game.
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Community Parade & Dance: Show your school pride at the parade on Friday and close out the week at the Homecoming Dance on Saturday.
Thank you for your ongoing support, enthusiasm, and partnership. Let’s make next week unforgettable!
Warmly,
2027 National Merit Commended Scholars
2027 National Merit Commended Scholars: Earning National Merit Commended Scholar status is an outstanding academic achievement that places a student in the top 3–4% of over 1.5 million PSAT test-takers nationwide. Congratulations to the 21 seniors that received this designation.
Mayar Al Atbi Kavi Manoharan
Elizabeth Bae Akshara Mittal
Grace Barsotti Tristan Morgan
Candice Cheung Minh Nguyen
Nethan Dang Zolzaya Nyamochir
Korben Fuerstinger Jiya Patel
Evan He Devishi Savdharia
Allison Kim Nina Shupp
Eliana Kofford Ethan Tran
Michael Lindo Eeshani Uppuluri
Ethan Lu
These Students will be invited to our Lions Take the Lead Ceremony in December. Congratulations, Lions, well done!! 🎉🦁
Athletic Boosters Sponsor Ted Britt Bowl 🏈
Ted Britt Ford Bowl, Rivalry Community Tradition Driven Together!
Fairfax Lions v. Chantilly Chargers football game is Friday, September 18, at 7:00pm. Come out to watch the game and have a chance to win HUGE prizes. Sponsored by Fairfax High School Athletic Boosters.
Asha-Jyothi Annual 5K and Fun Run
Support Your School by joining us for the 18th annual Asha-Jyothi 5K + 1MI FUN RUN on Sunday, September 20, 2026!!
- Run or Walk to support FAIRFAX High School
- 100% of registration fees (using school code) are donated BACK to the school
- Registration includes: AJ t-shirt, Kids' medals, Food, Bollywood Music
- Use the Coupon Code: AJ4SCHOOLS for a direct school donation
When: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Where: Fairfax Corner
- 1MI Fun Run @ 8:00AM
- 5K Run @ 8:30AM
Register online! Follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
See you there!!!
🗓️Calendar Reminders
Constitution Day, September 17
Photo courtesy of Academy of Art University
Constitution Day is a day to reflect on the U.S. Constitution and its creators. Officially called Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, it is also a time to reflect on what it means to be a U.S. citizen. It is held on September 17, in honor of the day that the Founding Fathers signed the Constitution in 1787. Numerous countries throughout the world celebrate their own version of Constitution Day. - Britannica.com
Yom Kippur
May all in our Jewish community observing Yom Kippur have an easy and meaningful fast. Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year. This day is also known as the Day of Atonement and many Jews spend the day in prayer and fasting.
Monday September 21, is a holiday and schools and offices will be closed. See the complete school year calendar.
Next Saturday School is September 26
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 is held from 9am to 12pm in the Library. Breakfast will be available. No transportation provided. Enter at Door 1 and sign in at the security desk.
See the dates below for first semester. Keep an eye on this space for any changes or updates!
First Semester Dates:
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Sept 26
Oct 3
Oct 10
Oct 17
Oct 24
First Quarter ends Oct 30
Oct 31
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Nov 7
Nov 14
Nov 21
Dec 5
Dec 12
Jan 9
Jan 23
Second Quarter ends Jan 28
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Attendance Matters! 🙋🏽♂️
Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School
School is better when your child is here! But we do understand that some days, they may feel unwell. Learn more about which symptoms are ok at school (like sneezing or sniffles), and when your child should stay home (if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, for example).
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify the school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let them know how long you think they will be out.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Important Info from Student Services
September 22-30: Individual Senior Meetings with Counselor through Government
October 7: PSAT/SAT School Day
FCPS high schools are administering the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day on October 7, 2026. On this day school staff will be supporting the administration of these tests. There is a two-hour early dismissal for the students in school on October 7.
Please plan for the following:
- Students receiving low incidence special education services receive a normal instructional program if not participating in the PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day with a two-hour early release.
- Grade 9 students do not attend school on this day
- Grade 10-11 students take the PSAT/NMSQT, with limited exceptions
- Grade 12 students were encouraged to participate in the SAT and were asked to sign up; those choosing not to take the SAT do not attend school on this day.
If your student will be picked up after the exam or driving themselves home, please fill out this form by October 6, 2026, at NOON. Parents and guardians will NOT be allowed to enter the building or check out their students until after 11:30am on test day. Please keep in mind if your student has College Board accommodations, their end time may be affected.
Free Test Preparation:
All FCPS students have access to free test preparation, whether taking the PSAT for the first time, preparing for eleventh grade National Merit Scholarship qualification, or preparing for the SAT college entrance exam.
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Khan Academy provides a library of practice questions, videos, lessons, plus test taking tips and strategies.
- Students will have access to full length paper tests and digital PSAT and SAT practice tests via the College Board Bluebook App.
- Students will participate in a PSAT or SAT “Digital Readiness Check” advisory lesson to ensure devices are prepared for digital testing on September 29. This test ticket will provide them with an extra practice test.
If you have any questions, please contact Leslie Trieu at latrieu@fcps.edu.
Pass/Fail Request (Due September 23)
Students may request to take one course on Pass/Fail basis per school year. Eligible courses include an elective credit course, Economics and Personal Finance, Health & PE 9 or 10, and world language courses.
Students who choose Pass/Fail will receive a grade of P (Pass) or F (Fail) on their report card and transcript. Their current grade in the course will continue to appear in the gradebook so they can monitor their academic progress.
Request must be made within the first 22 school days of the year, this year’s deadline is September 23, 2026.
Pass Fail Status Request Form
Senior Portrait Information 📸
You have the option of a full photography session or just a yearbook portrait.
The sessions with options of poses, outfits, and prints will be at the local CADY studio and range from simple options with a $10 sitting fee (scroll down on the page) up to a comprehensive session with a large sitting fee. All appointments booked at the studio include the yearbook photo and all except the Basic Session include at least a $30 credit towards prints purchased.
CADY will also be at FHS for a day each in October, November, and December for senior portraits. October 21st should be available on the booking site within the next few days. We are still finalizing the November date. Either the November or December date will be the opportunity for the no fee yearbook only portrait. Please keep an eye out for follow up information regarding these sessions.
Visit booking.cady.com to schedule your session at the studio or at FHS.
SR&R 📑
Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30
The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.
Families, please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.
Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.
Cellphones and Personal 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. Learn more about the student device requirement.
Superintendent Community Conversations 🎤
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required but it helps with planning. 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.
2e Resources
Twice Exceptional Students
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are both gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities.
Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.
New information, including printable flyers, has been added under the heading Supporting 2e Learners in FCPS.
For more information, please contact our Special Education Administrator, Megan Ciccarello at mcciccarello@fcps.edu.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Hoco SPIRIT WEEK!
JOIN IN on our HOCO SPIRIT WEEK!!!
- Tuesday - BLU out!!
- Wednesday - Jungle vs. Tropical
- Thursday - Rep Your Flock - Team / Culture / School
- Friday - Class Colors
- Freshman - Blue
- Sophomores - Gray
- Juniors - White
- Seniors - Black
Friday Night Lights! Home Game vs. WestPo kicks off at 7pm!!
Homecoming Dance, September 26
 Save the Date Are you ready to Rio?
Parents and students, mark your calendars for an exciting evening of music, dancing, and fun at this year's homecoming dance!
Where: Fairfax High School
When: September 26, 2026 from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Who: All High School Students, grades 9-12
More details coming soon! Follow Leadership on Instagram!
Mock SAT and Mock ACT at Fairfax HS 📝
FHS Academic Boosters is partnering with Applerouth Tutoring to offer both the Mock SAT and the Mock ACT exams twice this school year: Saturday, September 19th and Saturday, March 20th at Fairfax High School.
This is a perfect opportunity for students who haven’t started their testing to become familiar with the format in a stress-free environment at FHS for only $25. Students will receive detailed score reports to help them determine which areas they need to study.
Students must bring a fully charged computer.
September 19, 2026 tests:
Registration: https://guidewelleducation.onecanoe.com/applerouth/school/1008801
Mock SAT registration (limited to 75): Cost $25
Test Time: Saturday, September 19th, 8:00am – 10:35am
Mock ACT (paper) registration (limited to 50): Cost $25
Test Time: Saturday, September 19th, 8:00am – 11:15am
March 20, 2027 tests:
Registration: https://guidewelleducation.onecanoe.com/applerouth/school/1008801
Mock SAT registration (limited to 75): Cost $25
Test Time: Saturday, March 20th, 8:00am – 10:35am
Mock (paper) ACT registration (limited to 50): Cost $25
Test Time: Saturday, March 20th, 8:00am – 11:15am
Questions: Academicboosters@fairfaxptsa.org
College Fair and Postsecondary Virtual Night
Prepare for your child’s future at College Fair and Postsecondary Night. The annual FCPS College Fair will be held Sunday, October 18, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the George Mason University Eagle Bank Arena. Approximately 200 colleges and universities will be represented, including two- and four-year schools and U.S. Service Academies.
The virtual postsecondary night event will be held on Monday, October 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. Both events will help students prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey. Learn more about the College Fair and postsecondary virtual event.
Flu Vaccine
The Importance of the Flu Vaccine
As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, the health and well-being of our students continues to be one of our priorities. Staying up to date with your child's flu vaccination helps:
- Reduce School Absences: Keeping students healthy means more time spent learning and engaging with peers.
- Protect the Community: Vaccination helps shield vulnerable family members and neighbors from seasonal illness.
- Support Overall Wellness: Routine flu shots are a key component of a proactive student health plan.
Upcoming Flu Shot Events
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will be taking 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.
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.
FHS PE Dept. Apparel Website Now Open 🏃🏼♂️➡️
The Fairfax High School PE Department’s apparel website is now open, and items are available for purchase. Items available are short sleeve shirts, long sleeve shirts, hooded sweatshirts, shorts (5" and 9" inseams), towels, and a drawstring bag. All items have our Fairfax Lions logo.
*NONE of the items on our site say “PE” or “Physical Education”, so anyone can buy our items purely as owning Fairfax HS clothing/apparel.
Ordering deadline:
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September 1 – 25 = orders placed during this window will arrive around October 15th!
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September 25 = the apparel website will close for the year!
To order, visit https://athleticunion.com/fairfax/
If you have any questions regarding with ordering on the Athletic Union website, please contact Bev Carruthers via email - bev@athleticunion.com
If you have any school specific questions, please contact Cathy Horacek (FHS PE Department Chair) via email – cshoracek@fcps.edu
Teletherapy
Virtual Mental Health Services Available
Since 2023, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to FCPS high school students.
Parents are encouraged to contact Hazel Health directly if they are seeking mental health support for their child, have noticed changes in their child’s mood or behavior, or are having difficulty connecting with a therapist in the community.
To make it easier for families to access services, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to streamline the referral process. Parents can visit the Hazel Health in FCPS website to enroll their child in services or visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
Stay in the Know with Here Comes the Bus 🚌
Even though FCPS has launched a new bus navigation system, some aspects like the new FCPS My Ride mobile app are still in development. Families should still use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to track the location of their child’s bus. This app is still compatible with the new system.
FCPS will notify families and schools when the new app is ready to download and use. In the meantime, everyone should reinforce with students that they need to tap on and off the bus with their student ID cards.
Did you already download the new app? That’s okay! The new app is in the final stage of testing, so some features are not yet fully functional. At this time, you should refer to Here Comes the Bus for the most accurate information.
Quick Links
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