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Upcoming Events
Oct. 5 & 6: Hearing and Vision Screenings
October 7: PSAT/SAT School Day; 2HR Early Release
October 9: Principal's Coffee, 7:30am, Career Center, L106
October 13: Theatre Improv Competition, 7pm, Auditorium
October 15: FX Players CollaBOOret, PJ Skidoos
October 19: Virtual College & Postsecondary Fair
October 30: Last Day of Q1; 2HR Early Release
May 1: PROM! Info TBA
June 2: GRADUATION! 8:30am, Stalnaker Stadium
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Included in this issue:
Student Spotlight
- WAT Students Deliver Staff Treats!
- Marching Lions appear on NBC's "4 on Tour" segment
Staff Spotlight
- Custodian Appreciation Day, October 2
Calendar Reminders
- Calendar Update: Eid al-Fitr Holiday now March 9
- Saturday School Info
- PSAT Day, October 7 - Early Release Day
- Principal's Coffee, October 9
Fairfax Lions Need to Know
- Transportation Survey
- Superintendent Community Conversations
- Attendnce Matters!
- FAFSA Opening
- Immunizations & Flu Shot Events
- Traffic Safety
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Moving On to Life Resource Fair
- Postsecondary Opportunities for HS Students
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) at Home
- Important Info from Student Services
- Senior Portrait Information
- Quick Links
October 2, 2026
Dear Fairfax Families,
What an incredible Homecoming weekend we just had! Our Lions truly dressed to impress and danced the night away in Rio. Seeing our students come together with such joy, school spirit, and PAWSitive energy was the highlight of our season. Thank you to all of our staff chaperones, student leadership, and families who helped make the entire week such a huge success!
Inside Our Classrooms
Instructionally, there were so many dynamic learning activities happening across our building this week:
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Biology: Students were building "cell cities," bringing incredible creativity to their similes and metaphors in a fantastic content crossover between science and language arts.
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Latin: Our scholars were hard at work building their vocabulary knowledge, strengthening comprehension, and practicing their spoken language skills.
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Game Design: Creative juices were flowing as students developed unique gaming concepts, designed original characters, and mapped out mechanics.
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Honors English 10: Scholars deepened their literary understanding as they annotated, inferred, and analyzed complex characterization.
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AP Seminar: Students were deep into rhetorical analysis, examining speeches and novels with impressive analytical precision.
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Physical Education: Classes geared up for their flag football unit—the fun, sportsmanship, and athleticism were on point!
Academic Progress & Support Systems
As we transition back into our academic routines, this week marks our first progress snapshot of the school year. By now, every family should have received a progress report from their student's Lion Time advisor. These snapshot reports are a great opportunity to celebrate growth, identify focus areas, and have open conversations with your child about their learning targets. Next week, we will also be sending home attendance report cards along with targeted updates for any students who are currently not meeting success criteria in their courses.
We are deeply committed to partnering with you to ensure every Lion stays on track, and we want to remind our families of the robust academic support systems available right here at FHS:
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Lion Time Academic Passes: Students can request passes during Lion Time to receive targeted support and re-teaching from their teachers on Gray Days.
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The Learning Lounge: Open every Wednesday and Thursday on late bus days for after-school academic assistance and quiet study space.
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Peer Tutoring: Students can request peer tutoring support during Lion Time or after school for one-on-one help from trained student leaders.
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Saturday School: Dedicated weekend academic sessions designed to help students catch up, complete reassessments, and master key concepts.
Important Reminder: PSAT & SAT Testing Day (October 7)
Looking ahead to next week, Fairfax High School will host our on-site PSAT and SAT testing on Wednesday, October 7.
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Freshmen (Class of 2030): There is no school for 9th graders on Wednesday, October 7, as our upperclassmen complete testing.
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Grades 10–12: Please ensure your students arrive on time with fully charged FCPS laptops and their power cords.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Rest up, enjoy the autumn weather, and have a ROARing weekend, Lions!
There is no "ROAR" without all of us working together!
Warmly,
WAT Students Delivery "Happy Day" Treats!
Our Work and Transition Students have been working hard to deliver "Happy Day" treats to our deserving staff! We ask staff members to pick out a few favorite treats, and deliver them when they least expect it!
This is an excellent, hands-on vocational activity that builds real-world skills for our students. It helps them practice communication, navigation, time management, and motor skills in a familiar, supportive environment.
Thank you to our Teacher, Ms. Hibo Ali, for working with her students on this fun project!
Marching Lions appear on NBC's "4 on Tour!"
The NBC 4 morning news team appeared at "Ruthie's All Day" in Fairfax Corner on Friday morning, and invited members of our Marching Lions to join in on the fun! They spoke to news anchor, Jummy Olabanji - an FCPS graduate - about all things BAND! Watch the full 4 ON TOUR story.
Congrats, Lions!! 🥁🎺
National Custodian Appreciation Day, Oct. 2
From helping at Open Gate, to cleaning the cafeteria after breakfast and lunch, to setting up ALL events within the walls of Fairfax - our Custodial Team does it ALL!! They are the BEST around! We are happy to take a moment to recognize them during National Custodian Appreciation Day. We couldn't do all we do without their hard work, dedication, school spirit, and friendly faces. Please take a moment to acknowledge them when you see them!
THANK YOU ✨🦁
🗓️Calendar Reminders
Calendar Update: Eid al-Fitr Holiday March 9 📆
Calendar Change: Eid al-Fitr
FCPS will mark the beginning of Eid al-Fitr with an evening-only observance day on Monday, March 8. There will be school on this day, but major school-sponsored events and activities (such as auditions or tryouts) will not take place.
Tuesday, March 9, will be a holiday for students and staff.
Wednesday, March 10, will be an observance day. There will be school on this day, but certain activities that cannot be made up (major tests, field trips, or mandatory events) will not take place on this day.
A new school year calendar has been published, which includes this change. Please note that holidays and observances on the calendar may shift due to anticipated lunar sightings.
Saturday School will be held Oct 3
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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Oct 3
Oct 10
Oct 17
Oct 24
First Quarter ends Oct 30
Oct 31
Nov 7
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Nov 14
Nov 21
Dec 5
Dec 12
Jan 9
Jan 23
Second Quarter ends Jan 28
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PSAT/SAT Day October 7 - Early Release Day
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PLEASE NOTE:
PSAT Day is Wednesday, October 7
There is a two-hour early dismissal (12:55pm) for the students in school on October 7. Freshmen do NOT attend school.
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Principal's Coffee, October 9
Dr. Aye hosts a "Principal's Coffee" that gives parents and guardians a chance to stop by and say hello and hear updates about the school in a relaxed setting. It's a casual get-together and a nice way to share ideas and insights about all things Fairfax.
Please join us for the first Principal's Coffee of the school year, Friday, October 9th, 7:30-8:30am, in the Career Center, room L106. All visitors must sign in at the kiosk in the main office.
Transportation Survey
Safe Routes to School Parent and Caregiver Survey
As part of the Fairfax County School Board’s Annual School-Based Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Assessment, the FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are inviting parents and caregivers to share their experiences traveling to and from school.
The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss and ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns.
Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15.
Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.
Superintendent Community Conversations 🎤
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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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.
Attendance Matters!
Understanding the FCPS Calendar
Help your child prepare for future success by encouraging them to develop positive attendance habits. Regular attendance supports learning and helps students stay on track for college, careers, and other opportunities after graduation.
Take a look at the FCPS calendar. Try your best to schedule any vacations or planned family events on weekends and school holidays. If the appointment needs to be during the school day, when possible, schedule it for the beginning or end of the day to minimize time missed.
If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or appointment, please report the absence to our school as early as possible. Find out how to report an absence on our homepage or call the front office.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please let us know. We are here for you! Visit the FCPS Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
FAFSA Opening
Federal Student Aid Form Open
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form allows you to be considered for federal student aid. In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans.
The 2027-28 FAFSA is now open.
Free Financial Aid and Scholarship Information Sessions
College Access Fairfax, in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools, will present virtual information sessions on the financial aid process for post-secondary education and scholarship information.
Sessions include:
Click on a date to participate. Visit College Access Fairfax for more information
Immunizations
The Importance of the Flu Vaccine
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.
Traffic Safety
Traffic Safety Near Our School
We understand that families may need to drive their children to school from time to time. If you need to, please familiarize yourself with our school’s kiss-and-ride procedures for the safety of all children and staff.
Please drop off or pick up your students in the designated areas. Students should not be dropped off or picked up in other areas around the school or in nearby neighborhoods. Please also avoid parking in neighborhoods or double parking in front of our school if you intend to walk your child to school. This can increase the number of students walking through busy intersections and create traffic hazards for other drivers and families trying to get to school.
Please follow all signs and directions posted at our school, on public roads, or provided by school staff or crossing guards, and avoid making U-turns. Most of all, always — ALWAYS — drive slowly near our school. The safety of all our students is one of our top priorities!!
The Fairfax County Police Department has additional safety tips for families, including ways to keep walkers safe and what to do about scooters, bicycles, and e-scooters.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Moving On to Life Resource Fair
Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair
Students with disabilities and their families are invited to attend the Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair, which will be held Thursday, November 19, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the cafeteria at Fairfax High School.
The fair is designed for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities who will need continuing support after leaving FCPS. It is an opportunity to connect with agency and vendor representatives to gather information about services for adults in need of ongoing support.
The exhibitor fair includes information on supported employment options, day support programs, recreation/leisure activities, residential provider options, travel training supports, advocacy, and funding.
Agency representatives will be available to share information on adult service providers, employment and training programs, Medicaid, Social Security, and residential options. Register to attend the resource fair.
Postsecondary Opportunities for HS Students
Preparing for Life After High School
To help Virginia students get ready for college, job training, or entry-level work, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SHEV) have developed resources and gathered important information to share with Virginia families.
Middle and high school students and families can learn more about preparing for college or a career by visiting the following websites:
Each site contains information on preparing, applying, and paying for college, as well as information on degree options and labor market career projections.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) at Home
Growing Together: Talking About Social-Emotional Learning at Home
Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps children develop confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and other important skills that support their success in school and throughout life. Join a workshop for parents and caregivers to:
- Understand your child’s Fairfax County SEL Screener results.
- Use the results as a starting point for meaningful conversations at home.
- Support your child’s social and emotional development.
- Build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills together.
Learn practical ways to talk with your child about their social and emotional well-being and support their continued growth at home. Events will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, at Skyview High School and Wednesday, October 21, at Kingstowne Regional Library. View additional dates on the FCPS Family Academy webpage.
Childcare will be available. Interpretation services are available upon request. For more information, contact the Family and School Partnerships office at 703-204-4300 or FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu.
Important Info from Student Services
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.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a two-hour early dismissal (12:55pm) for the students in school on October 7. Freshmen do NOT attend school.
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.
**We highly encourage you to fill out the form for a prearranged dismissal. In the event, that you are unable to fill out the form, dismissal will be delayed due to students participating in activities and lunch.**
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.
Senior Portrait Information 📸
Seniors have the option of a full photography session or just a yearbook portrait.
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 October 21 for senior portraits. This date is now live on the CADY website and available for booking. Currently, this is the only FHS date available for booking; the others will be available closer to those dates.
We are still finalizing the November date. Either the November or the December 2 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.
Quick Links
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Do you want to celebrate a Fairfax employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way? Or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone. |
throughout the year:
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