Principal Updates - October 26

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chorus concertorchestra concert

Last week we held our fall concerts for both chorus and orchestra. We heard beautiful music from all who performed!


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 26 - Outstanding Employee Awards Nominations Due tonight (Details below)

October 27 - Governor's School Interest Meeting (details below)

October 30 – End of 1st Quarter, 2 hour early release

November 2-3 - No School for Students

November 4 - First day of 2nd Quarter

November 9 - Winter Sports Tryouts Begin

November 11 - Veterans Day Celebration

November 12-13 - Final Senior Portraits Session

November 13 - Underclass portrait make ups

November 16 - Winter Sports Meet the Teams / Parents Night 


Message from the Principal

Dear Oakton Families,

Last week we had an amazing Homecoming Week—from the high-energy pep rally and a big football win to closing things out with the dance! It was also incredible to see our Dance Team and Marching Band light up the field with an amazing halftime show performance.

We also have some incredible postseason news to celebrate! Huge congratulations to both our Boys Cross Country Team and Field Hockey Team for capturing the Concorde District Championships!

Our performing arts programs had a wonderful week as well! Last week, both our Orchestra and Choral students took the stage. Each evening was such a fantastic display of the talent and hard work of our students and directors.

In addition, our Marching Band had a strong performance at South County over the weekend, placing 4th overall with a score of 85.350! A special shout-out to our Color Guard, who earned 3rd place across the board. Wish them luck as they head to their final competition of the season this weekend for the state VBODA competition!

We also want to extend a huge thank you to our Athletic Boosters for their ongoing support of our athletic programs and school campus. We are greatly appreciative of their recent efforts to get our press box painted—it is looking spectacular! 

These are all great examples of how our Cougars are Creating Impact through Community, Integrity, and Respect.

As always, visiting classrooms and walking our hallways remains a highlight of my week. I love seeing our students actively engaged in their learning—collaborating, problem-solving, and applying new concepts.

As we approach the final week of the first quarter, please encourage your student to review their grades in SIS StudentVUE/ParentVUE and work with their teachers to complete any missing assignments or make-up assessments in accordance with established classroom procedures.

Thank you again for your continued support and partnership in our school community. 

Go Cougars!


General Information

School Photos Available

School Photos are now online!

Families should have received an E-proof via email.

Please remember to check your spam.

For any questions about your student's school pictures please contact: underclass@vosphoto.com

Please Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

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. For questions about ParentVUE at Oakton High School, you may contact Patrick Chang, registrar, at pchang@fcps.edu or 703-319-2810. 

Encouraging Regular Attendance

Regular attendance is a good habit to establish in childhood. It can lead to greater success in high school, college, and careers. Teachers and students miss your child when they can’t make it to school. If you or your family need support, please reach out to your school's front office. We are here for you! 

If students miss too much school, school staff may reach out to the family to partner with them on addressing barriers to regular attendance. Visit the FCPS website for attendance resources.  

🐾 FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards Nominations Due Today!

Oakton High School is filled with outstanding employees—let’s take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate each other for the incredible work happening across our building every day!

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards. To submit a nomination for an Oakton High School staff member, please complete the preliminary nomination using our  Google form link . You may submit more than one nomination. All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two describing how the employee demonstrates exceptional work within that award category.

Please refer to the  Employee Awards  link for details regarding criteria and eligibility for each award. Nominations will close on October 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

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 

Oakton Pantry Holiday Season Update

This Thanksgiving and holiday season, the Oakton Pantry will distribute gift cards to support our community.  We are collecting $50 Walmart gift cards for this distribution.  Please use the link below to provide gift cards for our families.

Sign up Genius  

Thanksgiving gift cards are due by Monday, November 16, 2025.

Holiday gift cards are due by Friday, December 11, 2025.

Physical gift cards can be dropped off at the Oakton High School main office.  Electronic gift cards ("Walmart eGift card") can be emailed to OaktonPantry@gmail.com (recipient name: Oakton Pantry).

Thank you for supporting the Oakton Pantry and our community.  Happy Thanksgiving and Holidays!

If you feel your family needs assistance during the holiday season, please email Ms. Bonnie Robertson (bmrobertson@fcps.edu).

YEARBOOK SALES

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.

SENIORS -- YEARBOOK AD SALES

As we approach the exciting culmination of your student's high school journey, why not create a lasting memory by recognizing your student in the 2026 Yearbook through a personalized senior ad? Space is limited to act now. This year, we are offering the following senior ad page sizes to accommodate all preferences and budgets:

  • Full Page - $450
  • Half Page - $225
  • Quarter Page - $120
  • Eighth Page - $60
  • Sixteenth Page - $35

Whether you choose a heartfelt message, a collection of photos, or a combination of both, this senior ad is a perfect way to highlight your student's unique accomplishments, friendships, and experiences. To reserve a page, go to yearbookordercenter.com and use code 4770. Please contact Mr. Fortner, the Oakton High School yearbook advisor, at  bjfortner@fcps.edu with any questions.

We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 together!


Student Activities

For our game versus Madison this week:

We encourage visitors to arrive early as we anticipate a busy gate. 

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 Reminders

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
  • 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”
  • Fanny packs (update!)
  • 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

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.

Governor’s School Interest Meeting & Application Info

Attention 10th and 11th graders! If you are looking for an enriching summer residential program in Academics or Visual & Performing Arts, please join us for an informational meeting.

  • Date: Tuesday, October 27
  • Time: 10:40 AM – 11:15 AM
  • Location: Oakton Lecture Hall

Important Deadline: Submitting an interest form by October 30, 2026 is the mandatory first step in applying. Late forms will not be accepted.

Note: Programs run late June through late July. Applicants must be available for the entire session.


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:

  • Literacy Resources
  • Return Your Impact Aid Survey
  • Download the New ParentVUE App

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):

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. 

Maintain Access to Your Child’s Grades and Assignments: Download the New ParentVUE App

New ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile apps launched in July. Be sure to download the new app before winter break. After that time, you will need to use the new mobile app or a web browser to access ParentVUE or StudentVUE.

For instructions on installing the new apps and learning more about the updated login process, visit ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile app resources. If you need assistance, please submit a Parent Support Request.


PTSA News

🎉 Meet Our New Oakton High School PTSA Leaders!

Please join us in giving a big Oakton Cougar welcome to our newly elected and appointed PTSA leaders! 💙💛

Executive Committee

  • Vice President: Charlotte Liu

Executive Board

  • Mini-Grant Chair: Lisa Heim
  • Student Support & Programs Chair: Karin Palomino
  • Student Support & Programs Co-Chair: Radha Yellepeddy
  • Hospitality Chair: Gladys Baltazar
  • ANGP Chair: Anne Szymanski
  • ANGP Co-Chair: Katie Carrier

👏 Thank you for stepping up to serve our Oakton community!

🌟 We Need More Leaders Like YOU!

Our PTSA is still looking for passionate parents and community members to join our Executive Board and help advance our mission of supporting students, teachers, and families.

Your voice, talents, and time can make a difference!

👉 Explore Open Leadership Roles & Apply Here - https://forms.gle/FEA8f4rb1NJHPnYr6

🎓 Help Make Oakton’s All Night Grad Party Unforgettable! 🎉

Let’s give our seniors a fun, memorable, and SAFE graduation celebration! We need the Oakton community’s support to make this year’s All Night Grad Party (ANGP) the best yet!

Here’s how you can help:

  • 🎉 Encourage your senior to attend!
  • 🙌 Volunteer with the ANGP Committee or help sell cotton candy at Friday night football game!
  • 🤝 Connect us with potential business sponsors!
  • 💙 Make a donation: https://oaktonhsptsa.ptboard.com/formvw?store=8457&form=2

🙌 Ready to help? Email oaktonhsangp@gmail.com

Every donation, volunteer, and sponsor makes a difference. Let’s celebrate our seniors in style! 💙💛

Oakton PTSA Mini-Grants – Apply Today!

Have an idea that could benefit Oakton students? The Oakton PTSA is offering Mini-Grants of up to $300 to help fund projects, activities, and resources that make a positive impact on our school community. Oakton teachers, staff, and students representing school clubs are eligible to apply and must be current Oakton PTSA members. Funding is limited, so apply early! Applications are due November 16, 2026, with awards announced the week of December 14. Apply for a Mini-Grant Here!

Join us on Tuesday, November 17th at 7:00 PM

PTSA Members Meeting — Oakton High School 

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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