The Lewis Lancer - 9/18/26

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Table of Contents


Principal's Note

Dear Lewis Families,

It is hard to believe we have already completed four weeks of school! Hopefully, your student is settling into their routines, building relationships, and finding their rhythm for the school year. As we move further into the quarter, please continue to support your student by regularly checking StudentVUE/ParentVUE together to monitor grades, missing assignments, and overall progress. Establishing these habits early and reaching out to teachers when questions arise are important ways we can work together to keep students on track.

IB Evaluation Visit & Parent Voice

As part of our ongoing commitment to educational excellence, Lewis and Key are hosting an Evaluation Team from the International Baccalaureate (IB) next week. This five-year review is a standard, collaborative part of our growth as IB World Schools and provides an opportunity to reflect on our progress and explore the strengths, needs, diversity, and partnership within our Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).

An important part of this process is hearing directly from our families. Your experiences and perspectives help provide the evaluation team with an authentic picture of how our IB programs support students and our broader community.

We invite interested parents and caregivers to participate in a focus group on Thursday, September 24:

  • Lewis DP families (Grades 11–12 or recent graduates): 8:15–9:00 AM, in person at Lewis or virtually via Zoom
  • Key/Lewis MYP families (Grades 7–10): 1:45–2:15 PM, in person at Key or virtually via Zoom

If you are willing and able to participate, please contact Allison Patterson at alpatterson1@fcps.edu by September 21 and indicate whether you plan to attend in person or virtually.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students. We appreciate all you do at home to help our Lancers have a successful school year.

Have a wonderful weekend, Lancers!

Serena Giron  | Principal | John R. Lewis High School


Important Dates

11/26 - Holiday | Thanksgiving Day

12/25 - Holiday | Christmas Day


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:

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. 


2e Resources


We’re excited to share information about Twice-Exceptional (2e) Programming available throughout our school system. Twice-exceptional students demonstrate advanced abilities while also experiencing learning, attention, or other challenges that may require additional support. 

Please view the attached flyer to learn more about 2e programming, available resources, and opportunities to support the unique strengths and needs of twice-exceptional learners. You can also visit the FCPS 2e webpage for additional information and resources.

Families can also learn more about 2e learners, ways to support them, and how to partner with schools.  The webpage also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Lewis IB Diploma Coordinator and 2e Representative, Allison Patterson at alpatterson1@fcps.edu.


Image of a teacher and three children engaged in a hands-on learning activity with colorful blocks in a classroom setting.

Imagen de una maestra y tres niños participando en una actividad de aprendizaje práctico con bloques de colores en un salón de clases.

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.

Click to edit this placeholder text.


Teletherapy

Since 2023, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to FCPS high school students. These services became available to students enrolled in all FCPS middle schools on July 1. 

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.


Sports Week at a Glance

9/19 - No Events Scheduled!

9/21 - No Events Scheduled!

9/22 - 

  • Field Hockey V. Rock Ridge 6:30
  • JV/V Boys Volleyball V. Justice 5:00/6:30
  • F/JV/V Girls Volleyball @ Justice 430/545/730

9/23 -

  • XC @ Grove Point 5:00
  • Golf @ Ft. Belvoir 4:20
  • JV Cheer @ Park View Competition

9/24 -

  • JV Football V. Mt. Vernon 6:00 PM
  • F/JV/V Girls Volleyball V. Hayfield 430/530/700
  • Field Hockey @ Mt. Vernon 7:15
  • Varsity Boys Volleyball @ Hayfield 6:30

9/25 - Varsity Football @ Mt. Vernon 7:00 PM

9/25 - Cross Country @ Pole Green Invitational


Performing Arts Dates

9/19 – Marching Band Competition at Colgan Classic

10/3 – Marching Band Competition at Woodbridge Viking Invitational

10/8 – 7:00pm – Fall Chorus Concert

10/17 – Marching Band Competition at Stafford Invitational

10/22 –  7:00pm – Fall Orchestra Concert

10/24 – VBODA State Marching Assessment at Patriot High School

10/28 – 7:00pm – Fall Band Concert



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. 


PSAT School Day - 10/7/26

FCPS high schools are administering the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day on    October 7, 2026.

Most Grade 10-11 students will be participating in PSAT/NMSQT testing. Grade 12 students who registered by the deadline will be participating in SAT testing.  Grade 9 students, along with grade 12 students who did not register for the SAT, should not be attending school on October 7. 

High school academy courses will not be held on October 7 and shuttles are canceled. Note that students with disabilities taught on an adapted curriculum (students receiving low incidence special education services) will receive in-person instruction with a 2-hour early release.

If you have questions about the SAT School Day administration or alternative activities, please contact us at sldawley@fcps.edu.


Lewis High School PTSA

Class of 2027, don’t wait!

Get your All Night Grad Party ticket now before the price increases. Future-you will be very glad present-you handled this. 

Grab your ticket and get ready to celebrate graduation with your classmates!

https://lancernationptsa.givebacks.com/shop


Strategic Plan

The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12

The FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

The first goal of the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they’re joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success.See how Goal 1 is being put into practice. 


Weather Safety

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.


Safety Drills

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. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. 

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 di


Attendance

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 our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.


BYOD/Cellphone Policy

Help Keep Our School Distraction-Free

Please remind your student that personal electronic communication or computing devices should be off and personally stored (i.e. backpacks) for the duration of the school day — bell to bell. This includes:

  • Personal laptops and tablets.
  • Smartphones and smartwatches.
  • Other personal electronic communication or computing devices.

If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office at [703-924-8300. Learn more about the FCPS Cellphone Policy and Device Policy. 


Administrative Assignments

Please see chart below for administrative roles and supervision for the 2026-2027 school year. Caseloads for Assistant Principals are by student’s last name as listed in SIS. We are having to make a shift in caseload assignments schoolwide. While there are some unique exceptions, please see below for the new alpha shift.

Administrator

Supervises

Student Alpha

Email

Serena Giron, Principal

Administrative Assistants, Safety & Security

Schoolwide

sagiron@fcps.edu 

Chris Cashman, Assistant Principal

Special Education, Junior Class Rep

A-FE

chcashman@fcps.edu 

Dr. Lukisha Gibbs, Assistant Principal

Mathematics, Multilingual Learners, Advanced Academics, Freshman Class Admin

Fi-J

lbgibbs@fcps.edu 

TBD

Science, Career & Technical Education, Library, Sophomore Class Admin

K-Qua

TBD

Matthew Johnson, Assistant Principal

English, Fine & Performing Arts, World Languages, Senior Class Admin

Qub-Z

majohnson4@fcps.edu  

Erik Giblin, Assistant Principal

Social Studies, AVID, Lewis Leadership Program

AVID Students

emgiblin@fcps.edu 

 


Student Services

Our team of professional school counselors, school social workers and school psychologists will be working with your students throughout the year in the areas of academics, college and career, and social-emotional support. Our team also consists of a College and Career Specialist, who can support students with postsecondary planning.

Caseloads for School Counselors and Clinical Team are by student last name as listed in SIS. We are having to make a shift in caseload assignments schoolwide. While there are some unique exceptions, please see below for the new alpha shift.

Counselor

Student Alpha

Email

Jennifer Rogin-Elliott

A-Boa & AVID 10-12

JRoginelliot@fcps.edu

Marisa Meiser

Bob-Fh

MSmeiser@fcps.edu

Alex Gorman

Fi-J

APGorman@fcps.edu

Katie Hoak 

K-Ng

KAhoak1@fcps.edu

Meaghan Pawelczyk

Nh-SAL & AVID 9

MPawelczyk@fcps.edu

David Checcino

Sam-Z

DJCheccino@fcps.edu

Carol Barrios  

9-12 Multilingual Learners

CSBarrios@fcps.edu

  

Joan Kelleher

School Psychologist

jakelleher1@fcps.edu

Jarrod Wallace

School Social Worker

jdwallace@fcps.edu


School Calendar & Bell Schedule

Here is a link to the FCPS school calendar which lists all school holidays.  We begin school on Monday, August 24. Classes begin at 8:10 am and school dismisses at 2:55 pm. 

Bell Schedule

Image of Bell Schedule

Graduation & Senior Information

SAVE THE DATE! Our graduation date has been set for Tuesday, June 8, 2027 9 a.m. at Eagle Bank Arena

 

Senior Pictures

Book your senior picture session today! 

Senior Portrait sign-up times are available at this link. Lewis High School is using Legacy Studios again this year. Click HERE for detailed instructions on how to sign up.

The required attire for the school’s yearbook pose is traditional tuxedos and drapes; these are provided by Legacy Studios. In addition to the free yearbook session, Legacy Studios also offers sessions that include cap-and-gown portraits. If you have any questions, please email customercare@legacystudios.com. Include your Senior’s First and Last Name and “Lewis High School Class of 2027” in the subject line of the email, for faster assistance.

 

Below are the following dates;

Oct 5, 2026 - 3 pm - 8 pm 

Oct 6, 2026 - 3 pm - 8 pm 

Nov 20, 2026 - 3 pm - 8 pm 

Dec 10, 2026 - 3 pm - 8 pm

Dec 11, 2026 - 3 pm - 8 pm 

 


Food Deliveries

Students will NOT be permitted to receive deliveries during the school day. All food will be confiscated and held until the end of the school day or disposed of if the student who ordered the items is unknown. If you wish to drop any items off for your student during the school day, please drop them off inside the main office at Door 1. We ask that all family drop-offs be brought into the main office for security purposes and to ensure students do not get stopped with items a parent brought to them.


Attendance Reminders & Tardy Accountability

School begins promptly at 8:10 am and ends at 2:55 pm.  Doors to the building will open at 7:40AM. Please use ParentVue or the 24/7 Attendance Line - 703-924-8312. The automated system that contacts parents for absences goes out at 10:30am and 4:15pm. If you believe you were notified incorrectly, contact your child’s assistant principal for clarification. FCPS Academies have their own attendance system and it’s best when you call in an absence that you contact both the base school and Academy.


Late Buses Wednesdays

We're excited to share that our Late Bus Wednesdays have returned! Students have the opportunity to stay after school each Wednesday to receive additional academic support from their teachers or participate in after-school clubs and activities.

The Late Bus program runs from 2:55 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with buses departing Lewis High School at 4:45 p.m. each Wednesday.

We look forward to providing our students with these additional opportunities to learn, connect, and get involved. Please keep an eye out for more information, including the official start date and additional details, coming soon!


Lewis HS Pyramid Night at D.C. United!

Join the Lewis HS Pyramid for a special night at Audi Field!

📅 September 19 ⏰ 7:30 PM ⚽ D.C. United vs. Charlotte FC

Discounted tickets are available, and proceeds will support Lewis Choir members who will be performing at Carnegie Hall in January!

🎟️ Purchase Discounted Tickets: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Johnlewis7

This request is sponsored by the Lewis Lancer Singer Boosters, which operates independently of the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, and John R. Lewis High School.


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