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Upcoming Events Oct. 23: Pyramid Night Tailgate, Home Game 7pm Oct. 29: Band/Orchestra Masquerade Concert, 7pm, Auditorium Oct. 30: Last Day of Q1; 2HR Early Release Nov. 2: Roar Round-up Nov. 3: PTSA Election Day Fundraiser, DRES Nov. 6: Senior Night Tailgate, Home Game, 7pm Nov. 12: FX Players Presents: Wendy and Peter Pan, opening night - 7pm, Auditorium May 1: PROM! Union Stage, 8pm to 11pm June 2: GRADUATION! 8:30am, Stalnaker Stadium

Included in this issue:

Program Spotlight

• Cheer is Going to Regionals!
• Quiz Bowl Team to Appear on It's Academic
• Auto Advisory Council Meeting
• DECA District Leadership Conference

School Spotlight

• "Hey Day" Club Fair

Alumni Spotlight

• FHS Alumni Brothers Wrestle at Worlds!

Calendar Reminders

• Friday Night Lights! Tailgate Oct. 23 @ 5:30pm
• End of First Quarter; Teacher Workday, School Planning Day
• Saturday School Info

Fairfax Lions Need to Know

• Outstanding Employee Nominations Open
• Superintendent Community Conversations
• Impact Aid
• Renovation Queue Survey
• Halloween Spirit Week!

Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:

• Upcoming Flu Shot Events
• Digital Device Policy
• News from Student Services
• Special Education Conference
• FX Players Presents: Wendy and Peter Pan
• Quick Links

October 23, 2026

Dear Fairfax Families,

We had another dynamic week at Fairfax High School, filled with high-energy student engagement, hands-on learning, and incredible athletics!

Classroom & Community Highlights

• AVID College Conversations: On Monday, I had the pleasure of sitting down with our AVID students for a fantastic discussion about college environments, campus life, and the wide array of scholarship and financial aid opportunities available to them. Their ambition and vision for their futures are truly inspiring.
• First Annual "Hey Day!": We hosted our very first "Hey Day!" this week! During Lion Time, students explored tables hosted by our wide variety of clubs and student organizations, connecting with student leaders and signing up for activities on the spot.
• FFX Auto Council: Our FFX Auto Council convened to discuss the future of automotive instruction and the endless career opportunities our program creates for students entering high-demand technical fields.
• Fairfax Pyramid Fall Festival: Tonight, we are excited to host our Fairfax Pyramid Fall Festival! We can't wait to welcome our future Lions and their families for an evening of fun, games, and community connection.

Lion Athletics

• Cheerleading: A HUGE congratulations to our Competition Cheer Team! The team HIT ZERO with a flawless performance and is officially heading to the Regional Competition!
• Cross Country: Our Boys and Girls Cross Country teams ran fantastic races at Burke Lake Park, setting impressive times and showing great grit.
• Field Hockey: Our Lady Lions Field Hockey team put up a hard-fought, courageous battle against Lake Braddock. We are so proud of their tenacity and sportsmanship on the field.

Thank you for your continued partnership and school spirit. Have a restful, fun, and PAWSome weekend, Lions!

There is no "ROAR" without all of us working together!

Warmly,

Program Spotlight

Fairfax Cheer Qualifies for Regionals! 📣

Our Fairfax Cheer Squad competed earlier this week and qualified for the Regional competitions!!! Congrats, ladies, and good luck!! 

It's Academic! 🦉

This just in! Here's a sneak preview of tomorrow's It's Academic episode, featuring our own Fairfax Lions!!! You can preview it here:
FHS It's Academic Show.

Congrats to our Quiz Bowl team members, Lila Gearhart, Sauren Kwatra, and Adam Marcus, pictured above with show host Hillary Howard. Well done!!  

Auto Advisory Council Meeting 🚘

Auto Tech Teacher, John King, held his fall Advisory Council meeting recently. Community, Industry, and School leaders attend to review the latest goings-on with our auto shop - classroom updates, industry trends, alumni careers. Mr. King's students host the event, and even cook and serve dinner! 

DECA District Leadership Competition

Seventy-eight Fairfax DECA members competed at the District Leadership Conference. We are so proud of each of these students for taking the opportunity on a teacher workday to demonstrate their marketing skills. Students are tested on competencies and analyze a case study, prepare a solution, and present to an industry professional. The following students placed in their respective events and are eligible to compete at the State Leadership Conference in Virginia Beach.

School Spotlight

First "Hey Day" Club Fair a Big Success

Earlier this week, the Activities office hosted the first ever "Hey Day" for students - an FHS Club Fair where students could explore all the clubs FHS has to offer. It was a great way for student to discover unique opportunities, connected with student leaders, and find a place to belong. It was a great event!!

Alumni Spotlight

FHS Alumni Brothers Wrestle at Worlds!

Fairfax High School Alumni and brothers, Lorenzo and Mauro Pellot, competed recently at the World Wrestling Championships, representing Puerto Rico. They also competed earlier this year for the Pan-American Championships in Lima, Peru, where they each took home silver medals. Current FHS Teacher and Wrestling Coach, Lio Quezada Guevara, helped them train for these events. He says, "These guys inspire so many of our current Fairfax student-athletes because they come from every different walk of life. NOVA is such a melting pot. They see that they could represent their country in their sport. These guys are paving that path for them." He also credits the brothers for helping build and shape the program into what it is today. Their proud mom, Aixa Vazquez-Pellot, is a current FHS Math Teacher. Well done, Lorenzo and Mauro!!! 

🗓️Calendar Reminders

Friday Night Lights! Tailgate Tonight at 5:30pm

Lion Nation,

Join us Friday Night, October 23, as our Lions take on the West Springfield Spartans. Kickoff is at 7pm!

Before the game, join us at our Pyramid School Night from 5:30 – 6:30 PM in the Field House Parking Lot! We’ll have games, pizza, a bouncy house, and even a petting zoo.

It’s going to be a night you don't want to miss! See you there!

GAME DAY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Tickets: Buy early to avoid long lines at the gate!

BUY FOOTBALL TICKETS ONLINE 

NO APPLE PAY at the Ticket Booth

Student Check-In Policy:

Who it applies to: All West Springfield HS, Fairfax HS, and FCPS students.

Requirements: Before entering through the Open Gate Tower, all students must present a physical school ID or show Student Vue at the CHECK-IN TENT to receive a wristband. Wristbands are required for entry.

Security & Entry Guidelines

Weapons Detection: All SPECTATORS will pass through the Open Gate system (the same system used during standard middle and high school morning arrival).

Elementary & Middle School Students: Must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. Unaccompanied students will not be admitted under any circumstances.

Bag Policy To ensure a quick and safe entry, a standardized bag policy is in effect.

Approved Bags:

Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags (max size: 12" x 6" x 12")

Small clutch bags (max size: 4.5" x 6.5")

Medical and diaper bags (permitted, but subject to inspection)

Prohibited Items: Backpacks, purses, tote bags, outside food or beverages, and sporting equipment (balls, bats, sticks, etc.).

Come out and cheer on your LIONS!

Oct. 30, First Quarter Ends, 2HR Early Release;
Nov. 2-3, No School, Teacher Workday / School Planning Day

Quarter End, Early Release, Student Holidays

Friday, October 30, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. FHS dismisses at 12:55pm.

Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 2, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 3, for a teacher workday.

See the complete school year calendar.

Saturday School will be held Oct 24

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:

Fairfax Lions Need to Know:

Nominate an Outstanding Fairfax HS Employee!

Each year, FCPS looks to honor several staff members for outstanding excellence in their roles. Nominations are now open for:

Outstanding Teacher - has at least 3 years of experience

Outstanding New Teacher - within their first three years

Outstanding Principal - has completed three or more years as a building Principal

Outstanding School Leader - has completed at least 1 year as an Assistant Principal, Director of Student Activities, or Director of Student Services

Outstanding Professional Employee - Counselor, Psychologist, Social Worker, College & Career Center Specialist, Systems of Support Advisor (SoSA), School Based Technology Specialist (SBTS), Technology Support Specialist (TSSpec), Instructional Coach, Assessment Coach, Special Education Department Chair, Assistant Director of Student Activities (ADSA), Athletic Trainer, Safety & Security Specialist

Outstanding Operational Employee - Administrative and Office Assistants, Finance Technician, Student Services Registrar, Custodial Staff, Operating Engineer, Food Service Staff, Instructional Assistant, Family Liaison, Safety & Security Assistant

We believe that our staff is truly exceptional and that the work we do for our students deserves celebration beyond our school. Our Fairfax High School winners will be submitted for consideration at the pyramid, region, and division levels.

To nominate a Fairfax HS staff member, please fill out this Nomination form.

• You may submit this form more than once.
• You do not have to nominate for all categories. 
• You are asked to write a few sentences explaining how your nominee meets or exceeds the criteria for the award.

If your nominee is chosen as the Fairfax HS winner, you may be asked to complete the nominator statement form for consideration in the next round of competition. Thank you for celebrating the wonderful work done at FAIRFAX by highlighting some of our amazing staff members! 

All nominations must be submitted by COB, Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Eligibility and award criteria are listed on each nomination page of the nomination form. Questions, please contact Administrative Assistant, Ginny Cate, at vmcate@fcps.edu, or 703-219-2223.

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:

• 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
• Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. 

Impact Aid

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete it as soon as possible. Schools will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE starting Wednesday, October 28.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is how we ensure we receive all the resources available to us from the federal government. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.  

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE account so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child. 

Renovation Queue Survey

Share Your Thoughts on Schools and Buildings in the Renovation Queue Survey

The Office of the Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Programs is seeking input from community members, families, and employees about school facility needs and how FCPS prioritizes facility improvements. 

Whether you work in an FCPS school, have a child enrolled, or live near an FCPS school, please share your perspective. The survey asks about building conditions, how facilities affect teaching and learning, renovation priorities, and what information would help you better understand this process.

An email was sent out to the community on October 16. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential. The survey will remain open until Saturday, October 31. 

Did You Know? Bond Referendums Fund Facility Renovations

FCPS does not pay for facility renovations out of its general operating budget. Instead, Fairfax County voters decide on how much money FCPS can spend on capital improvement projects through bond referendums. Bonds are issued by the county to the school division and allow FCPS to renovate buildings without increasing taxes.

Learn more about bond referendums and how they support our schools on the Bond Referendum webpage.

Halloween Spirit Week Loading.... 📶

👻Halloween Spirit Week, October 26-30 🎃

• Monday, Oct. 26: Matching Monday - Match with your favorite people!
• Tuesday, Oct. 27: Class Color Day
  • 9th grade - Orange 🟠
  • 10th grade - Green 🟢
  • 11th grade - Black ⚫
  • 12th grade - Purple 🟣
• Wednesday, Oct. 28: Wicked Wednesday - Wear your most wicked outfit!
• Thursday, Oct. 29: Book Character - Dress as your favorite book character
• Friday, Oct. 30: Costume Day - No Masks!

Fairfax Lions Nice to Know: 

Upcoming Flu Shot Events

The Importance of the Flu Vaccination

The annual flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect your child from getting sick and to prevent the spread of illness within our classrooms. 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 be providing flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will be taking 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.

Digital Device Policy

Help Your Student Stay Focused and Engaged Without Digital Distractions

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

This includes personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, and similar devices. Students can only use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the instructional day. There are exceptions for students with disabilities and those enrolled in specific courses.  

If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call the school’s front office. Learn more about the FCPS cellphone policy and device policy.

News from Student Services

Schedule Changes 📝

Last day to make schedule changes is Friday, November 13. Any questions, please reach out to your child’s counselor. 

Roar Round Up 🦁

Fairfax High School is excited to welcome back mini-Parent/Teacher Conferences.

The ROAR Round Up will be hosted on Monday, NOVEMBER 2, from 8:30 am-11:30 am, in the Cafeteria and Commons.

The cafeteria will be set up with rows of tables, organized by department, with teachers sitting in alphabetical order within each department. They will have signs posted so you know who's who.

Lines will form in front of each teacher; when it is your turn, step forward and sit down, and you will have 4-6 minutes to chat with the teacher. If you request a longer conference, it may be better to work with the teacher or counselor to schedule an appointment for a different time.

How long will it take? It depends on how many other parents are there to see the same teachers as you. If you are the only one in line to see your child's 7 teachers, you could be done in 20-30 minutes. You can come within any time during the 8:30-11:30 window. 

Signs of Suicide Screener 🤝

All middle and high schools in FCPS teach students about mental health and how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or a friend. All schools use an evidence-based program called Signs of Suicide (SOS). The program teaches students about this difficult topic and encourages them to seek help. 

SOS has been used by thousands of schools over the past few decades. Studies have shown that it effectively teaches students about depression and suicide while reducing the number of students’ self-reported suicide attempts.  

Through the program, students learn: 

• that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help
• how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friendt
• to ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend 
• who they can turn to at school for help, if they need it  

We encourage you to visit www.sossignsofsuicide.org/parent for information on warning signs for youth suicide, useful

resources, and some of the key messages students will learn.  If you would

like to view the SOS lesson materials, we will be hosting a viewing session on

Monday, November 2nd during the Roar Roundup from 10 to 10:30 am in the Student

Services Conference Room. You can also view this parent video  or visit this site to learn

more about how you can continue this important conversation at home.

At Fairfax High School, the SOS lesson and accompanying screening

will occur, November 9 to November 12 during PE classes for 9th graders and US VA History classes for 11th graders.  

We recognize that you may have opted your child

out of this program through the Parent Digital Consent tool (PDC). If you did not

complete an opt out using the PDC and would still like to do so you can opt

your child out of this lesson by Friday, November 6, 2026.Please use this form (https://forms.gle/Pj43ponzP77uAakT8 to do so. Any questions, please contact your student's counselor.

AP Opt Outs ✅

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 be provided by the school. To assist in the decision-making process, students will be provided a report with their previous tests and current AP/IB course enrollment on Friday, October 9 during Lion Time. 

Regardless of FCPS opt out decision, students enrolled in any AP course must register for their associated AP test(s) in AP Classroom by October 30th. Instructions for this process have been provided by AP 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 students must make Opt Out decisions by October 30th. Student accounts will be billed in December for tests that exceed the six FCPS-funded tests. The nonrefundable fees are $99 per AP exam.

​​​​​​​2027 AP Testing - Reference the College Board AP exam dates site for dates of AP Exams.  

Special Education Conference

Annual Special Education Family Conference: Breakout Session Information Available

Join us for the annual Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, taking place on Saturday, November 14, at Hayfield Secondary School. 

More than 20 engaging breakout sessions have been designed to support, inform, and inspire our community. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage to explore the lineup of presenters, titles, and session descriptions. Complete the Special Education Family Conference Registration Form to secure your spot and let us know about any childcare, language interpretation, or accommodation needs. 

Get Involved Today! Volunteer and Student Participation Opportunities

• Adult Volunteers: Sign up through Volunteer FCPS using the Volunteer Registration Form by Wednesday, October 28. FCPS staff volunteers will receive MyPDE credit.
• Student Volunteers: Complete the Student Volunteer Interest Form by Wednesday, October 28. Students who volunteer will receive volunteer hours.
• Student Showcase Opportunities: Students can complete the Student Participation Form to lead a performance or share information about a club or research project. Students serving in these roles will receive service hours. Sign up by Friday, October 30.

Email questions to SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu. 

Save the Date! FX Players' Wendy and Peter Pan Tickets go on Sale Nov 1st!!

Join the FX Players for their fall production of Wendy & Peter Pan, adapted from J.M. Barrie and written by Ella Hickson. In this fresh take on the beloved story, Wendy flies to Neverland with Peter, where she faces pirates, befriends the Lost Boys, and discovers what it means to grow up, all while searching for the key to her parents’ lost happiness.

 Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults. Performances are:

• November 12th @ 7pm
• November 13th @ 7pm
• November 14th @ 2pm AND 7pm

Tickets go on sale November 1 at www.fxplayers.org!!

Quick Links

• Fairfax HS Academy
• Educate Fairfax 
• FCPS Family Academy
• Family Resource Center
• FCPS CARES
• FCPS News
• Job Openings
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• SIS ParentVUE
• Standard School Year Calendar

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:

• Visit the Fairfax High School Website
• Visit the Fairfax PTSA Website
• Sign up for News You Choose messages or update your account

3501 Lion Run Fairfax, VA 22030  | Main Office: 703-219-2200

Attendance: 703-219-2211| Web