Good Evening, Seahawk Community - 

One of the best parts of my day is getting into classrooms and seeing our students and teachers at work. Across South Lakes, I see teachers building meaningful relationships, creating engaging learning experiences, and holding students to high expectations. I also see our students asking questions, taking risks, collaborating with one another, and growing in their confidence as learners. That daily work is at the heart of who we are as a school.

But the strength of South Lakes extends well beyond our classrooms. It is evident in the way our students support one another, the way our staffulty pours into young people, and the way our families and community continue to show up for our school. Whether we are learning together, competing together, celebrating together, or navigating challenging moments together, we are reminded that community matters.

As we head into another week, I encourage our students to continue leaning into the opportunities in front of them. Be present. Ask for help when you need it. Challenge yourself. Support someone else. And remember that every day is another opportunity to get a little better.

Thank you to our families and community for your continued partnership and for helping us make South Lakes a place where students feel known, supported, challenged, and proud to belong.

With Gratitude,

Carlos Seward

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

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. 

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.

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:

• Wednesday, September 16, at 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
• Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
• Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
• Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
• Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
• Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. 

Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students 

Register now for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students. The free conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School. 

Hosted by FCPS in collaboration with community partners, the conference highlights the power of partnerships in supporting student success. Families, educators, and community members are invited to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. 

The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall with local resources, and lunch for all participants.

Register for the conference and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.

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.

Reporting Discrimination or Harassment

FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible. 

Strategic Plan 

Schools Build Belonging so Students Can Thrive

What does belonging look like in our school? At South Lakes High School, we are creating inclusive, supportive environments where every student feels known, valued, and connected — the second goal of the Strategic Plan. From mentoring to cross-grade collaboration, when students feel safe and supported, they can truly thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice at FCPS. 

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.

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. 

Student ID/Bus Tracking

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.

Have you already downloaded 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.

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 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.

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.