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Important Dates
For your planning purposes, you can access the FCPS 2026-2027 school year calendar on the FCPS website. We ask that every effort is made to consider the school calendar when planning trips and events that would take students out of school.
September 30 - ML Parent Information and Engagement Night, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
October 2 - Senior Panoramic (during Cougar Time)
October 5-8 - Senior Portraits (email sent with details on 9/18)
October 6 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving, Night 1
October 7 – PSAT (10th-11th Grade)/SAT (12th Grade) Day; No School 9th grade/non-testers
October 10 - Oakton Classic
October 12 – Staff Development Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day
October 16 - NHS Applications Due (see more details below)
October 19 - Homecoming Pep Rally
October 19-23 - Homecoming Spirit Week
October 23 - Homecoming Game
October 24 - Homecoming Dance
October 30 – End of 1st Quarter, 2 hour early release
Message from the Principal
Dear Oakton Families,
As we move further into the first quarter, we encourage all students to stay focused, keep up with their assignments, and communicate with their teachers. If students need additional support, they can take advantage of Cougar time on Burgundy days or after school on Wednesdays when we have our late bus run. Staying proactive helps build the strong habits every Cougar needs for a successful school year, and our team is always here to help them succeed.
Every day, our students inspire us by modeling our core values of Community, Integrity, and Respect—in the classroom, throughout extracurriculars, and in the ways they lift each other up. Together, we are building Oakton High School into a place where potential becomes excellence for all students. To help us maintain a safe, positive, and focused learning environment, we invite you to review information about our school-wide operations and expectations at https://oaktonhs.fcps.edu/about.
We are deeply grateful for your partnership in making consistent daily attendance a priority. Showing up ready to engage every single day ensures our students stay on track academically while deepening their connection to our vibrant school community.
Thank you for working alongside us to reinforce these values and make Oakton High School a welcoming and inspiring place for every student. We couldn't do this without your support!
Let’s carry this momentum forward into another fantastic week together.
Take Care... and Go Cougars!
General Information
Update to Open Gate Weapons Detection Screener Process
Beginning this week, students should pass items such as their Chromebooks, binders, and other metal items that are clearly identified to a staff member when passing through the open gate security system . At this time, we are unable to support overhead carry of items by students passing through the open gate. More information about our weapons detection process can be found in our Back-to-School Information.
PICTURE DAY Follow-Up
School Picture Day Was Last Week
📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day
🛒 Pre-order Online: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001416982
📧 Questions about Ordering? Email Victor O’Neill at underclass@vosphoto.com
There is one make-up picture day: Friday, November 13. This is the only opportunity for students who missed last week’s picture day to take their picture.
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. We have received concerns from many neighbors who live in close proximity to Oakton HS regarding unsafe drop offs and pick ups. Let’s all do our part in following the Oakton HS traffic patterns to ensure students arrive and dismiss safely. 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.
It’s Time to Order Your Yearbook! Prices will increase soon and significantly as the year progresses. The 300-page book cost $65 until mid-December but don’t delay. We will run out. To reserve your copy, go to yearbookordercenter.com and use the code 4770.
Oakton High School National Honors Society
All eligible 11th and 12th grade students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher received an invitation to apply to Oakton’s National Honor Society on September 11th . Students received this invitation through their FCPSschools.net email.
All information for the application process was included in the letter. Current NHS members DO NOT need to reapply. Any student who has transferred to Oakton in the past year who had membership in another established NHS program should contact Ms. Organt at maorgant@fcps.edu.
More information about Oakton’s NHS can be found on the Oakton website under “National Honor Society”.
Applications are due by October 16, 2025 at 3:00pm.
Oakton Multilingual (ML) Family Information and Engagement Night
Please join us on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. This is an event you don't want to miss!
Location: Oakton High School. College and Career Center Room 1102
Come in Through Door 1
Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Please join us for a school information night specifically for families who are multilingual. This means that a language other than English is spoken in your home. At the event you will learn about all Oakton High school has to offer, support for technology resources (SIS, Schoology, Parent VUE). Please bring a cellphone or other device that can connect to Wi-Fi.
Light refreshments will be served.
OAKTON PANTRY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Our pantry needs volunteers for our Thursday’s curbside distribution. We serve our community from 3:15pm to 4:15pm by providing bagged pantry goods that are distributed outside of our school building. If you have an hour to help, we would deeply appreciate it. You don’t have to commit to every Thursday! If you find that you can, please email us at oaktonpantry@gmail.com.
Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation
All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2026-2027 school year must attend an in-person Partners for Safe Teen Driving (PSTD). The presentation is connected to successful classroom instruction and must be completed to receive a DEC-District 8 card (pink card). The parent-teen traffic safety presentation (PSTD) will be offered multiple times during the school year at Oakton. Students and their parents/guardians should plan to attend the presentation at Oakton at your earliest convenience. All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.
2026-2027 Dates:
- October 6 at 6:30pm in the Auditorium
- January 11 at 6:30pm in the Auditorium
- March 15 at 6:30pm in the Auditorium
- May 19 at 6:30pm in the Auditorium
These sessions are intended for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.
If you are unable to attend one of these dates, you can attend a session through Adult and Community Education for a $45 fee.
Oakton Classic
On Saturday, October 10, beginning at 1:20 pm, Oakton Band and Guard will host the 37th annual Oakton Classic. Twelve visiting regional marching band and guard groups will perform through the afternoon. The Marching Cougars will perform this year's show, "It's Alive", in exhibition at 5:00 pm. Concessions (including Paradise Ice Cream, a Marching Cougars sponsor) will be available all afternoon. More information and tickets are on the oaktonbands.org website (early-bird price -- $10 general admission).
Importance of Strong Attendance Habits
September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways parents can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include:
- Setting a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
- Laying out clothes and packing backpacks the night before.
- Talking to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning, if they seem anxious about going to school.
- Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to your child’s administrator. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Student Activities
For our game at Langley this week:
All spectators will enter the LHS stadium via the main entrance at the ticket booth. Every spectator will be required to purchase a game ticket, $7 for adults and $5 for students and we request that you bring exact change. We do not have credit card swipers. If you purchase online, you must use the QR code posted at Langley or purchase ahead of time using the link below. There will be no admittance after the start of the 3rd quarter.
https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/52100512/football-vsoakton-mclean-langley-high-school-athletics
Football Game Safety and Security Update
As we continue with our exciting fall sports season, FCPS is implementing additional safety and security measures at all varsity football games.
Beginning this season, all spectators will participate in security screening using the same weapons detection technology introduced in our high schools last school year. A standardized bag policy will also be in place to help ensure a safe, efficient entry process for everyone attending our games. The following items are prohibited:
- Backpacks
- Purses
- Fanny packs
- Tote bags
- Outside food and beverages
- Sporting equipment (balls, bats, sticks, etc.)
- Any item prohibited by FCPS policy, or determined by event staff to present safety concerns
Approved bags are limited to:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12”x6”x12”
- Small clutch bag no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”
- Medical and diaper bags permitted but subject to inspection
As a reminder, middle school students and younger students must be accompanied by a responsible adult who remains with the student(s) at the event.
Testing Information
SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT Testing Day
SAT School Day and PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) exams will be held at each high school on Wednesday, October 7, at no cost to families. The digital SAT School Day exam is offered to 12th grade students, and the digital PSAT/NMSQT exam is provided to 10th and 11th grade students.
Unscheduled Day for 9th Grade Students - October 7
Because of the testing, most 9th grade students will not have school on October 7. Students are encouraged to complete any missing work or assignments that need to be completed prior to the end of the first quarter.
Ninth grade students with disabilities who receive low incidence special education services will still receive in-person instruction with a two-hour early release on October 7.
Contact the Student Services team at your child’s school with any questions. Learn more about SAT and PSAT assessments in FCPS.
World Language Credit by Exam
Students in grades 7–12 who demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English may earn world language credit through the World Language Credit by Exam (WLCBE). The exam may also support course placement and eligibility for the Virginia Seal of Biliteracy.
Oakton High School will administer the exam November 12–13, 2026. Registration is due to students’ counselors by October 16, 2026. Late registrations will not be accepted.
Learn more about the WLCBE | View available languages | Access the registration form
AP Exam Registration for Non-enrolled Students
If any student wants to take an AP exam in a course that he/she is not enrolled in, registration is now open. Each exam costs $99. You can use this google form to register. Students currently enrolled in an AP course at OHS are automatically registered for the corresponding AP exam and do not need to complete any additional form. The deadline to register is October 23rd. Payment can be submitted through My School Bucks or check made out to Oakton High School at a cost of $99 per exam. Payment is required before the exam space will be reserved.
My School Bucks Link
Other AP related information can be found in our AP Testing FAQs on the Oakton website. If you have any other questions about AP testing in general, please contact AP Coordinator Kim Stewart at kastewart@fcps.edu.
Student Services
Class Schedule Change Requests
Our staffing decisions and the number of courses offered are based on the classes students selected during the registration period last school year. To maintain the best possible program for our students and one that is most responsive to their educational needs, schedule changes were limited to space available.
At this time, schedule changes are now closed.
For any questions you may have, contact your child’s school counselor.
Health and Wellness Updates
💻 No-Cost Mental Online Therapy for All High School Students
Is your student experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.
Emergency Resources
Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077
Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511
Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000
INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560
Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711
Life Threatening 911
FCPS News
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Traffic Safety Near Our Schools
- Sign and Return the SR&R
- Check Out New Menu Options
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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.
A series of Community Conversations 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):
- 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 Colin 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.
Set Screen Time Limits and Monitor Online Activity With Lightspeed
The free Lightspeed Parent Portal makes it easy for you to see and manage how your child uses their FCPS-issued device outside of school hours. New Lightspeed Parent Portal features for this school year include:
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Schedules: Pause or restrict internet access during specific times, such as during homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.
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Web Rules: Block specific websites you don’t want your child accessing at home.
Be sure to check your email (subject line: “Filter Portal Weekly Report”) each Sunday for the Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report, a weekly summary of the websites your child has visited. Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
New ParentVUE Mobile App Is Here
The new ParentVUE mobile app is available in the Apple and Google App stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their ParentVUE account. The previous app will be deactivated at the end of 2026.
In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature. Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.
PTSA News
Join. Connect. Shape Oakton.
Oakton is strongest when our families, students, teachers, and staff work together. Whether you have time to volunteer, a skill or talent to share, an idea to contribute, or the ability to support a program financially, there is a place for you. Together, we can help build and shape the Oakton community we want for all our students.
Complete our Shape Oakton questionnaire and tell us how you would like to get involved.
Interested in taking on a PTSA leadership role? Click here to submit your interest.
Membership & Donations
You don't have to serve on a committee to make a difference. If volunteering isn’t possible right now, we welcome you to just become a PTSA member or make a monetary donation. The PTSA does not conduct traditional fundraising activities, and our only fundraising comes through these direct donations. Every contribution helps us support programs, events, students, teachers, and staff throughout the year.
Memberships and Donations Link.
All Night Grad Party (ANGP) - Help Us Get Started Now
Planning for the Class of 2027 All Night Grad Party starts now.
ANGP is a special graduation-night celebration where Oakton seniors can come together one final time to celebrate their achievements, friendships, and memories in a safe, alcohol-free and drug-free environment.
Anne Szymanski and Katie Carrier have agreed to Co-Chair the ANGP Committee and are looking for a few dedicated volunteers to join them to help build the foundation for this year’s event starting with event planning, community fundraising, and external sponsorships.
Interested in joining the ANGP Committee? Contact the ANGP team at oaktonhsangp@gmail.com.
Save the Date: October 20 at 7:00 PM
PTSA Members Meeting — Oakton High School Lecture Hall
Join us for Part 2 of Getting to Know Principal Shannon Matheny. Hear more about her journey, her vision, and what’s ahead for Oakton.
You do not have to be a PTSA member to attend. Parents and guardians, students, teachers, and staff are all welcome. Take the opportunity to ask questions and connect with other members of the Oakton community.
We hope to see you there.
Join. Connect. Shape Oakton.
Questions about the PTSA, contact us at oaktonhsptsa@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram. For more information, visit our website.
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