Principal Updates - November 9

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scene from the Outsiders

A scene from Oakton Theatre's "The Outsiders" last weekend.


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.  

November 9 - Winter Sports Tryouts Begin (see details below under Activities)

November 10 - Veterans Day Celebration

November 10 - Brain Breaks (Grades 9/10) 

November 11 - Veterans Day

November 12-13 - Final Senior Portraits Session

November 13 - Underclass portrait make ups (last opportunity for pictures)

November 16 - Winter Sports Meet the Teams / Parents Night 

November 20 - Cougar Commendations (nominations for staff available below)

November 25-27 - No School, Thanksgiving

December 4 - Religious and Cultural Observance (evening only) - Chanukah

December 8 - Religious and Cultural Observance - Bodhi Day

December 21-January 1 - No School, Winter Break


Message from the Principal

Dear Oakton Families,

The start of a new quarter is always a wonderful time to reset, start fresh, and maintain our momentum. Through it all, our primary focus remains grounded in our core values of Community, Integrity, and Respect—where potential becomes excellence.

I had the pleasure of attending the opening night of The Outsiders—and WOW! We truly have some extraordinarily talented kiddos in our building. The performance was powerful, moving, and beautifully executed. Beyond the incredible acting and production, it was a great reminder for all of us to "stay gold"—to hold onto our authenticity, purpose, and the positive energy we bring to our school community every day.

With the time changing and colder weather arriving, please remind your students to remain alert and vigilant so all Cougars arrive at school safely and on time. Being punctual ensures our students don't miss key learning experiences and start their mornings on a positive note.

This week is National School Psychology Week. We are truly grateful for our school psychologist, Ms. Babaturk, who creates and maintains connections that make a difference for our students every day by helping build skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Athletics Highlights & Schedule

  • Football: Congratulations to our Football Team on going undefeated and winning the Concorde District Championship! They will begin Region playoffs this Friday at home versus Marshall at 7:00 pm

  • Cross Country: A huge shoutout to senior Abigail Mesfin on winning the VHSL 6A Cross Country Individual State Title!

  • Girls Volleyball: Our team has advanced to the Region Semifinals and will play this evening at Marshall High School at 6:30 PM.

  • Field Hockey: Our team has advanced to the State Semifinals and will play tomorrow night at home versus Stafford at 6:00 PM.

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

Go Cougars!


General Information

Cougar Commendation Nominations

So often faculty and staff members’ hard work, passion, and innovation go unnoticed. Cougar Commendations for faculty/staff allow us to recognize a colleague for their work towards Oakton’s Core Values, and you can find out more about Oakton’s core values, and our mission and vision, on our website. Please use this link to nominate faculty/staff members for their noteworthy endeavors.

Please note that students are also eligible to be nominated by Oakton staff members and will be recognized in a ceremony at Oakton on November 20. 

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

Field Hockey - Tuesday, November 10

We are hosting the Field Hockey state semifinal game versus Stafford tomorrow night, Tuesday, at 6:00 pm. Come to cheer on the Cougars! 

You can use our field hockey ticket link to purchase tickets prior to the game and show your code when you arrive. 

Admission Information:

  • $10.00 + $1.50 service fee using Go Fan ($11.50)
  • Cash tickets:  $12.00

Football - Friday, November 13

For our game versus Marshall this week

All spectators will enter the OHS stadium via the main entrance at the ticket booth and pass through the Security Screening. 

Ticket reminders:

Every spectator will be required to purchase a game ticket; the cost is $10 for adults (postseason price) and $5 for students and we request that you bring exact change.

There will be no admittance after the start of the 4th quarter.

Use this link to purchase tickets ahead of time. (This link will be updated by Thursday to purchase tickets)

Please note there will be no Booster passes accepted because it is the postseason. If you typically have come to the game using your Booster pass, please plan to buy in advance!

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.

As we have done all season, all spectators will continue to participate in security screening the weapons detection technology that we use in our high schools since last 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 Accommodations Requests

Students who have an IEP or 504 plan do not automatically have College Board accommodations. These accommodations are used for students when taking AP Exams, SAT, and PSAT. Students who were approved for accommodations in a previous year do not need to reapply. 

The deadline to apply for accommodations to ensure a decision prior to AP exams in May is Friday, December 4, 2026.

You must complete the following consent form (College Board Consent Form.pdf) to allow Oakton HS to communicate on your behalf with the College Board. 

Paperwork should be delivered to Oakton High School to the attention of Catie Bishop at crbishop@fcps.edu. 

More information on accommodations can be found on our website under "Testing Accommodations." You can also read our Frequently Asked Questions on our website. 

SAT/PSAT School Day Scores Available

Students who participated in the School Day SAT/PSAT on October 7 are now able to access scores via the College Board BigFuture School App or their College Board accounts. Students who participated in a make-up test will have access to scores on Thursday, November 5. Video tutorials for accessing and understanding PSAT and SAT scores are available on the College Board website.

National Merit Scholarship Information

Eleventh grade students who participated in the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and can find additional information on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Families may contact our school’s PSAT coordinator with questions regarding PSAT score reporting or the National Merit Scholarship Program.


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, we are currently accepting schedule change requests on a limited basis, subject to space availability. Please have your child (using their @fcpsschools.net account) fill out this form to request a schedule change. This form will close on November 13, 2026. 

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.


Health and Wellness Updates

Hazel Health Discontinued

FCPS has ended its contract with Hazel Health, the vendor that provided virtual mental health services to middle and high school students. FCPS has resources available to support student mental health, and we encourage families to contact their child’s school for assistance exploring these options. 

Families may also contact their child’s healthcare provider or another trusted care professional for guidance and assistance identifying alternative mental health services.

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 This Week

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • SAT School Day Results
  • Family Engagement Opportunities
  • SIS Quarterly Outage

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

Hear From Parents, Students, and Others at the Special Education Family Conference Opening Session

The annual Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, November 14, at Hayfield Secondary School. 

New this year, the conference will open with an inspiring panel discussion featuring voices from across our school community: an FCPS student, a high school principal, a community partner, and an FCPS parent. 

Panelists will share personal experiences and practical ideas for building supportive, inclusive communities where students can thrive both in and beyond the classroom. 

Register to attend and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage to learn more about the panelists. Email questions to SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu.

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, 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, view ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile app resources. If you need assistance, please submit a Parent Support Request.


PTSA News

ANGP Cougar Shop Is Open! Shop Now & Double Your Impact!

🎓 ANGP Cougar Shop Is Open — Don't Miss Out!

Shop Cougar merchandise while supplies last or make your year-end donation to help keep All Night Grad Party (ANGP) affordable for every senior!

💛 Double or Triple Your Impact! Your $50 donation could become $100 or even $150 through employer matching gifts!

Oakton HS PTSA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit registered with Benevity for employer matching.

⏰ Act Now! Shop, Give & Submit Your Employer Match Before Year-End!

Shop for items by using this link here. 

Donate Today

Every donation gift counts. Every senior deserves to celebrate!

ANGP questions and to get involved with this committee email Oakton HS ANGP <oaktonhsangp@gmail.com>

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 Monday, November 16, 2026, with awards announced the week of December 14. Apply for a Mini-Grant Here!

Ever Wonder What Happens Behind the Scenes to Support Your Student at Oakton?

Get the Inside Scoop on Your Student’s Success at Oakton!

Join us Tuesday, November 17, at 7 PM at Oakton High School for our PTSA Members Meeting featuring Jennifer Hogan, Director of Student Services, and Pat Full, Director of Student Activities.

Learn about academic support, counseling, college and career planning, athletics, clubs, and leadership opportunities. Click here to learn about the speakers and details of what they will cover at the meeting. 

Come curious, bring your questions, and discover how to help your student thrive and succeed at Oakton!

All parents, students, teachers, and staff are welcome!

PTSA Needs YOU!

Help Build a Stronger Oakton Community!

Are you a connector who loves bringing people and organizations together? The Oakton HS PTSA is looking for a Business & Community Partnerships Chair to help build relationships with local businesses and community organizations, create new opportunities for collaboration, and bring donations and resources that support our students, staff, programs, and events.

This is a great opportunity to make connections, strengthen our community, and make a visible impact at Oakton!

Interested in helping us build what’s possible at Oakton? Join our PTSA leadership team! Explore Open Leadership Roles & Apply Here

Join. Connect. Shape Oakton. Questions about the PTSA, contact us at oaktonhsptsa@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram. For more information, visit our website.

Warm regards,

Linda Lang President | Oakton High School PTSA 2900 Sutton Road Vienna, VA 22181

Connect. Participate. Help Shape Oakton.

🌐 Explore the PTSA: Visit Our Website

📸 Stay Connected: Follow Us on Instagram

🤝 Join or Support the PTSA: Become a Member or Donate

💡 Help Shape Oakton: Share Your Ideas & Get Involved

⭐ Ready to Lead? Explore PTSA Leadership Opportunities

📧 Questions? oaktonhsptsa@gmail.com


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