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 The Class of 2027!
Important Dates
Key dates for the 2026-2027 School Year:
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.
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 (see more details below under "Testing")
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,
Happy Monday! As we kick off October following another incredible week at Oakton High School, this change of season offers us a wonderful opportunity to pause, recenter, and ground ourselves in what matters most—our core values of Community, Integrity, and Respect.
Our students continue to show up each day with energy and purpose, whether engaging in challenging classroom discussions, collaborating on team projects, or supporting one another in our hallways and extracurricular activities. We love seeing our Cougars take ownership of their learning and growth!
Cougar Athletics & Events
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Friday Night Football Victory: Congratulations to our varsity football team on their exciting victory over Langley on Friday night, keeping our undefeated season going, 5-0!
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Dig Pink Volleyball Event Tonight: Come out and support our Girls Volleyball program tonight as they host their annual Dig Pink match to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
Celebrating Student Excellence
We are thrilled to celebrate Oakton student Skylar Schreiner, whose incredible colored pencil artwork, "Radiant Niya," was selected as one of three pieces featured on the back cover (top picture) of the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) guide.
Skylar’s piece was recognized through FCPS’s ARTiFAX program. Out of more than 900 district-wide submissions, Skylar earned two top honors:
- The Artistry Award
- The Region 1 Assistant Superintendent Leadership Award
Reflecting on her artwork, Skylar shared:
"Radiant Niya will forever serve as a symbol of resilience and a reminder for myself and others to embrace the joy of experimenting with color."
We are so proud of Skylar for representing Oakton High School with such exceptional creativity, talent, and passion!
Custodian Appreciation
Friday, October 2nd, was Custodian Appreciation Day, and Oakton High School truly has the best custodians. From the moment the doors open early in the morning until the final lock-up at night, each member of our custodial team gives their best to ensure our building is clean, safe, and ready for learning. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and hard work.
Important Upcoming Dates
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Wednesday, October 7: PSAT/SAT Day (2-Hour Early Release)
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Monday, October 12: School Planning Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day (No school for students)
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and shared commitment to making Oakton High School a place where every student can thrive. Here’s to another great week and a productive October!
Take Care…and Go Cougars!
General Information
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.
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.
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
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.
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).
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.
Student Activities
For our Varsity Football Game versus South Lakes at home this week:
All spectators will enter the OHS stadium via the main entrance at the ticket booth and pass through the Security Screening. 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 Oakton or purchase ahead of time using the link below. There will be no admittance after the start of the 4th quarter.
https://gofan.co/app/school/VA24932?utm_campaign=PlayOn_Sites
(This link will be updated by Thursday to purchase tickets)
Football Game Safety and Security Update
As we prepare for another 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
On Wednesday, October 7, Oakton High School will administer the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT. All students who attend school that day will be dismissed on a two-hour early release at 12:55 PM.
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10th and 11th grade students will take the PSAT/NMSQT (no registration required).
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12th grade students who registered by September 4 will take the SAT.
Testing Requirements and Reminders
- Students must arrive on time; late arrivals will not be admitted once testing has begun.
- Testing locations were sent to students via their fcpsschools.net email on October 2, 2026.
- All students must bring their fully charged FCPS-Chromebook and charger
- Personal devices may not be used for testing
- Students who do not bring their FCPS -Chromebook may be unable to test
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 Testing Opt-Out Letters
2026-27 AP/IB Test Registration, Opt-Out Timeline, and Fees
As part of the FCPS Approved Budget, the fees for the first six AP/IB tests taken for courses in which students are enrolled for high school credit will be paid for by FCPS. Students taking AP tests without enrolling in the corresponding FCPS course are responsible for the test fee(s).
FCPS encourages all students to take AP/IB tests for courses in which they are enrolled. However, students will have the opportunity to opt out of the test(s) by filling out an Opt Out form. To assist in the decision-making process, students will be provided a report with their previous tests and current AP/IB course enrollment.
Regardless of FCPS opt out decision, students enrolled in any AP course must register for their associated AP test(s) in AP Classroom. Instructions for this process have been provided by classroom teachers. Students who register after this date may incur a $40 late registration fee. Students who do not register by March 12th will not be able to take the exam(s) and applicable assessed exam fees will not be refunded.
AP/IB students must make Opt Out decisions. Student accounts will be billed in December for tests that exceed the six FCPS-funded tests. The nonrefundable fees are $99 per AP exam, or a $126.50 fee per IB exam.
2027 AP Testing
Reference the College Board AP exam dates site for dates of AP Exams.
Oakton students will receive their opt-out letters on Tuesday October 13th, 2026 during their first period class . All Opt-Outs are due by Tuesday October 20th 2026 to Mr. Chang in School Counseling by 3pm. If students need a new Opt-Out form they can see Mr. Chang and he will reprint the form. Students with an Off Campus Waiver or Academy during 1st period can see Mr. Chang for their opt out form. Oakton information will continue to be posted on our AP Exam page here: https://oaktonhs.fcps.edu/academics/testing/ap-exams
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
Freshman and Senior Parent Night Recordings
We were happy to have our 9th and 12th grade parents join us for our parent nights in September. If you were not able to attend you can find the links to the meetings on our Student Services Program and Presentations Page.
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.
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.
Health and Wellness Updates
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.
💻 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:
- College Prep Resources
- Life in the Community Fair
- Calendar Update: Eid al-Fitr
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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.
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):
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.
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? Complete our form.
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.
Find the Membership & Donations link.
Staff Appreciation Breakfast – Save the Date!
Every second Wednesday of the month is our Staff Appreciation Breakfast. What a great way for us to show the Oakton staff how much we appreciate them for all that they do every day. You can help by volunteering your time or by donating items for the breakfast.
Our next breakfast will be on Wednesday, October 14. Specific details on what you can bring to come.
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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