Principal Updates - March 24

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Be sure to follow us on X (@OaktonHS), and Instagram oaktonhs ! Be sure to check out our Oakton Accolades section on our website as we celebrate student achievement!  

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar here.   

March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter 

March 31 - No School, Eid-al-Fitr

April 1 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday 

April 3 - Class of 2025 Parent Coffee (virtual) 

April 14-18 - Spring Break 

May 1 - 3 - Spring Musical (Into the Woods) 

May 1 - 20 - SOL Exams 

May 5-16 - AP Exams 

May 8 - Spring Musical (Into the Woods) 

May 9 - Junior/Senior Prom (Westwood Country Club) - SAVE THE DATE! 

May 10 - Spring Musical (Into the Woods) 

General Information Student Parking Reminder

This is a reminder that only student’s who have purchased parking permits are allowed to park on campus during the school day. Any car without a valid permit parked on campus for the day will receive a parking ticket.  Students are not permitted to park in visitor parking at any time.

Parking tickets do come with a fee that will be added to a student's obligation list..

We have currently sold all available parking permits for the 2024-2025 school year.  

Parking permit applications for next school year will become available in June 2025.  

Quarter End, Eid al-Fitr, and Student Holiday

Friday, March 28, is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school for students. 

All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31, for Eid al-Fitr. Tuesday, April 1, is a student holiday and teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

The Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the quarter from Friday, March 28, at 4 p.m. to Monday, April 7, at 6 a.m.

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.

Class of 2025 Parent Coffee

On Thursday, April 3 at 9:00am we will offer a virtual parent coffee for the Class of 2025.  We will take that time to review senior activities for the end of the school year, including the senior internship program and graduation.  We will also allow time for questions. 

We will send out a zoom link the morning of the parent coffee.  The presentation portion will be recorded and posted for families on Schoology for all to access. 

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Presentation - New Date

Please note we have moved the date to May 21 due to inclement weather on February 11.  

HIPS is a community awareness program designed to enlighten parents through a unique learning experience encompassing insights into trends and indicators of potentially risky behavior.  This allows parents the opportunity to interact with police officers and various props.  

If you are interested in attending on May 21, please register for the event using this link (https://bit.ly/hipsohs021125). 

The presentation will be run by Fairfax County Police Department and our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist for the Oakton and Madison Pyramids, Mr. Michael McNulty.   

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

All Senior Service-Learning hours for Seniors must be submitted no later than April 25th at 3pm to guarantee they are approved for graduation accomplishments. Hours posted past the deadline will not be guaranteed to be counted toward awards and recognition for Seniors. Please submit all hours into X2VOL for approval no later than April 25th at 3pm.

To learn more about Senior awards and recognition for graduation click HERE. This includes all Service-Learning Recognitions for graduation and their requirements. Any questions regarding this information can be forwarded to Mrs. Kimberly Stewart, the Service Learning Liaison, at OHS at [email protected]

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 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.

2024-2025 Dates:

  • October 28, 2024 6:30-8:00pm
  • January 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • March 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • May 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Testing Information

Throughout the month of May we have AP and SOL testing.  

  • SOL testing for 12th graders will begin the week of April 22.  SOL testing  for 9th-11th graders will run from May 1-20. 
  • AP Testing will run from May 5-May 16.  

More information on SOL and AP testing can be found here on the Oakton HS website.  

Student Services Updates  Junior College and Post-Secondary Planning Presentations

This year, school counselors will offer two optional presentations for juniors to attend that are focused on post-secondary planning.

The first presentation will be offered on April 3 during Cougar Time and will focus on college planning and applying to four-year institutions.

The second optional presentation will be offered on April 9 during Cougar Time and will focus on post-secondary options other than attending four-year institutions such as attending a community college, enlisting in the military, receiving training at a vocational or trade school, and taking a gap year.

Juniors will have the option to attend one or both presentations.

Junior College Planning - Parent Night (Virtual)

Junior parents and guardians, please join us on Wednesday, April 9th from 6:00-7:30pm for Junior College Planning - Parent Night. Counselors will share information about the college planning and search process. This will be a virtual webinar, and a link will be emailed to all junior families a day before the webinar. We hope you can join us, but if not, the session will be recorded and posted on the OHS website.

Virtual FAFSA Workshops

uAspire is hosting free FAFSA Walkthrough for students and families. This session will give them an overview of the new FAFSA and walk them through the steps required to receive federal financial aid at colleges nationwide.

  • Thursday April 3 - 5:00PM

Register HERE!

Summer 2025 Online Campus Courses

Registration for the Summer 2025 Online Campus courses started Friday, February 14, 2025, and ends Friday, June 6, 2025. Courses are open to middle and high school students who meet prerequisites.

Courses may be cancelled if they are under-enrolled. If a course is cancelled, students will be notified using the registration contact information and a full refund will be given.

Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year.

  • August 8 – September 6: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability.
  • September 9 – November 8 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • November 12 - March 28: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
  • After March 28: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.
Health and Wellness Updates 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

💻 Hazel Health: Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Teletherapy services are available for all FCPS high school students at no cost. Sessions can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Hazel Health’s highly qualified therapists specialize in working with teens. Learn more on FCPS’ teletherapy webpage.

Teen Afterschool Program 

Please see the flyer below for the Jim Scott Community Center's Teen Afterschool Program.  The Jim Scott Community Center is located one mile from Oakton High School.  

Oakton Pantry Update 

The Oakton Pantry continues to provide support for families in our community with food insecurities. On a weekly basis our student shopping and curb side delivery serve approximately 50 families. We appreciate all who donate food, money and time to keep the pantry up and running! If you would like to donate food items please consider something from the list below. These are items that are in greatest demand and shortest supply. Thank you.

  • Beans- 1 pound bag
  • Rice- 1 pound bag
  • Canned Tuna
  • Canned Chicken
  • Mac and Cheese- boxes, preferably not easy mac
  • Instant Oatmeal- individual packages or cups
  • Crackers- individual packs
  • Jelly- jars
  • Ramen
  • Cup of Noodles
FCPS News

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

    • Student Achievements
    • Art in Our Schools Month
    • Celebrating Students Setting Positive Examples

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

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The next steps in the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process include the School Board presenting the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22. The Board of Supervisors will then conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak

Visit the county government website to view the Fairfax County FY 2026 Advertised Budget. The community is also invited to complete an online survey to provide feedback on the county’s FY 2026 Advertised Budget. 

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process.

Become Unskippable: Share the Facts

Talking with teens about the facts of fentanyl is a conversation you can’t skip. Learning about fentanyl gives teens a better understanding of the risks and effects of the drug. 

Share these important facts with your child:

  • Even half a fentanyl-laced pill can be fatal. Just a few salt-sized grains of fentanyl are enough to cause an overdose.
  • More than half of local street pills contain a deadly dose of fentanyl. As of 2023, seven in
10 counterfeit pills in the U.S. contain enough fentanyl to cause a fatal overdose.
  • Fentanyl is usually taken accidentally. Many people have no idea they’ve taken it until they overdose because you can’t see, smell, or taste it in pills and powders.
  • Overdose can happen in an instant. In as little as four minutes, the lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage and even death.

Learn more about how to have conversations with your child in a way that will make you Become Unskippable.

🎤 Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS on the dates/locations listed below from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Click on a date to register. Registration is not required but is encouraged for planning purposes.

Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

PTSA Updates Senior Student Families 

The PTSA is seeking a dedicated volunteer to chair the All-Night Grad Party (ANGP) Chair position. Without someone stepping up, this cherished event will be canceled. If you’re organized and passionate about giving our graduates the celebration they deserve, please consider taking on this rewarding role. Training and support will be provided. 

Stay Connected 

Follow ' oaktonhs_ptsa' on Instagram to keep abreast of what's happening at the PTSA. Become a member, Join the mailing list and/or donate to the PTSA at PTBoard - Oakton High School PTSA

Join the PTSA 

Want to be part of PTSA? We are looking for an ANGP Chair (All Night Grad Party),  Webmaster, Business Chair, Hospitality Chair and Treasurer.  Email us at [email protected]

Parent Resources Parent Information Line 

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

Parent Resource Center 

The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students.  This includes monthly workshops and webinars.  More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.  

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected?  If so, then click here to share with everyone. 

2900 Sutton Road, Vienna VA 22181 | Main Office: (703) 319-2700
Attendance: (703) 319-2727 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Principal Updates - March 17

GovDelivery1 week 1 day ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Be sure to follow us on X (@OaktonHS), and Instagram oaktonhs ! Be sure to check out our Oakton Accolades section on our website as we celebrate student achievement!  

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar here.   

March 19 - The Center Tutor-a-Thon; Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation; Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation 

March 23 - Regional Science Fair Awards (Robinson Secondary School) 

March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter 

March 31 - No School, Eid-al-Fitr

April 1 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday 

April 14-18 - Spring Break 

May 9 - Junior/Senior Prom (Westwood Country Club) - SAVE THE DATE! 

Please note the Tutor-a-Thon has been moved to March 19th (same time, same place) to avoid conflict with the Student vs. Staff Basketball game on March 5.  

General Information 👗 Prom Dress Shop Opens With Hundreds of Dresses

The annual Prom Dress Shop opens for the season on Friday, March 7, at Centreville High School. Any area student — not just those from Fairfax County Public Schools — who do not have the funds to purchase a prom dress may choose from hundreds of new dresses donated by Macy’s. Learn more and see shop hours.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Upcoming Safety Drills 

In the month of March we will practice two safety drills in addition to our monthly fire drill.  More information can be found below. 

  • Tornado Drill (Completed 3/6): The Code of Virginia § 22.1-137.1 requires all public schools to participate in at least one tornado drill each year. Additionally, FCPS Regulation 8625 requires the tornado drill be completed during the school year in March. 
  • Lockdown Drill (Completed 3/12) - We will hold our second lockdown drill of the school year.  The specific date and time of the drill will not be announced.  However, parents will be notified via email in a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the drill. Parents will also be notified at the conclusion of the lockdown drill on the day it is held.  
Reminder to Sign Up Weekly for Student Fasting Meal Kits

Students who are fasting during the school day between now and March 28 can take school meal kits home at the end of the day. Families must fill out a separate request form for each week and for each student in order to receive school meal kits. To receive meal kits for the week of March 24, please fill out this form by March 17. 

Please remind your child to pick up their meals each day at our school’s designated location. Visit the Food and Nutrition Services webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Presentation - New Date

Please note we have moved the date to May 21 due to inclement weather on February 11.  

HIPS is a community awareness program designed to enlighten parents through a unique learning experience encompassing insights into trends and indicators of potentially risky behavior.  This allows parents the opportunity to interact with police officers and various props.  

If you are interested in attending on May 21, please register for the event using this link (https://bit.ly/hipsohs021125). 

The presentation will be run by Fairfax County Police Department and our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist for the Oakton and Madison Pyramids, Mr. Michael McNulty.   

K-12 Mathematics Basal Public Review

Fairfax County Public Schools will adopt new Mathematics Instructional Resources for the 2025-2026 (secondary) and 2026-2027 (elementary) school years. A review committee composed of community members, administrators, and teachers will be meeting to review materials submitted by vendors. The public is also invited to review materials and provide comments.

Mathematics basal instructional resources may be accessed in-person and online from February 14, 2025 – March 21, 2025, for public feedback. Those reviewing instructional materials in-person or on-line will give feedback via a digital input form. 

Hard copies of instructional materials will be available for review at Willow Oaks Welcome Center Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Note: If review hours are needed outside of these hours please email [email protected]

FCPS Administrative Building

8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Dr.,

Suite 100

Falls Church, VA 22031

Electronic materials for public review will be available on the FCPS Mathematics web site.

All community feedback will be shared with the review committee and with School Board members before a vote at the School Board regular meeting in 2025.

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

All Senior Service-Learning hours for Seniors must be submitted no later than April 25th at 3pm to guarantee they are approved for graduation accomplishments. Hours posted past the deadline will not be guaranteed to be counted toward awards and recognition for Seniors. Please submit all hours into X2VOL for approval no later than April 25th at 3pm.

To learn more about Senior awards and recognition for graduation click HERE. This includes all Service-Learning Recognitions for graduation and their requirements. Any questions regarding this information can be forwarded to Mrs. Kimberly Stewart, the Service Learning Liaison, at OHS at [email protected]

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 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.

2024-2025 Dates:

  • October 28, 2024 6:30-8:00pm
  • January 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • March 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • May 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Student Services Updates  Junior College and Post-Secondary Planning Presentations

This year, school counselors will offer two optional presentations for juniors to attend that are focused on post-secondary planning.

The first presentation will be offered on April 3 during Cougar Time and will focus on college planning and applying to four-year institutions.

The second optional presentation will be offered on April 9 during Cougar Time and will focus on post-secondary options other than attending four-year institutions such as attending a community college, enlisting in the military, receiving training at a vocational or trade school, and taking a gap year.

Juniors will have the option to attend one or both presentations.

Junior College Planning - Parent Night (Virtual)

Junior parents and guardians, please join us on Wednesday, April 9th from 6:00-7:30pm for Junior College Planning - Parent Night. Counselors will share information about the college planning and search process. This will be a virtual webinar, and a link will be emailed to all junior families a day before the webinar. We hope you can join us, but if not, the session will be recorded and posted on the OHS website.

Virtual Presentations on Financial Aid for Military Families

College Access Fairfax will hold two sessions on financial aid hosted by the Navy Mutual Aid Association’s lead financial educator and military benefits liaison. 

Topics will include:

  • Residency Requirements 
  • Using the GI Bill
  • The Yellow Ribbon Program
  • Using Chapter 35 (DEA benefits)
  • Military scholarships and grants
  • Virginia Education Programs

Sessions will be held Tuesday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 22, at 10 a.m. Click on the date to register. Contact [email protected] to learn more.

Virtual FAFSA Workshops

uAspire is hosting free FAFSA Walkthrough for students and families. This session will give them an overview of the new FAFSA and walk them through the steps required to receive federal financial aid at colleges nationwide.

  • Thursday April 3 - 5:00PM

Register HERE!

Summer 2025 Online Campus Courses

Registration for the Summer 2025 Online Campus courses started Friday, February 14, 2025, and ends Friday, June 6, 2025. Courses are open to middle and high school students who meet prerequisites.

Courses may be cancelled if they are under-enrolled. If a course is cancelled, students will be notified using the registration contact information and a full refund will be given.

Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year.

  • August 8 – September 6: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability.
  • September 9 – November 8 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 12: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
  • After March 28: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.
Health and Wellness Updates 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

💻 Hazel Health: Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Teletherapy services are available for all FCPS high school students at no cost. Sessions can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Hazel Health’s highly qualified therapists specialize in working with teens. Learn more on FCPS’ teletherapy webpage.

Oakton Pantry Update 

The Oakton Pantry continues to provide support for families in our community with food insecurities. On a weekly basis our student shopping and curb side delivery serve approximately 50 families. We appreciate all who donate food, money and time to keep the pantry up and running! If you would like to donate food items please consider something from the list below. These are items that are in greatest demand and shortest supply. Thank you.

  • Beans- 1 pound bag
  • Rice- 1 pound bag
  • Canned Tuna
  • Canned Chicken
  • Mac and Cheese- boxes, preferably not easy mac
  • Instant Oatmeal- individual packages or cups
  • Crackers- individual packs
  • Jelly- jars
  • Ramen
  • Cup of Noodles
FCPS News

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

  • Second Annual Food Show
  • Cameras on School Bus Stop Arms
  • Comprehensive Boundary Review Process Explained

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 Dr. Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS on March 20, 2025 at Cunningham Park Elementary School from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

FCPS Budget

FCPS Budget — Our Students Deserve the Best

More than $240 million of FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget is dedicated to increasing compensation for our teachers and staff to stay competitive and reduce turnover. Currently, FCPS ranks fifth out of eight neighboring districts in regards to starting salary for teachers with a master’s degree. 

Our families expect — and our students deserve — the best teachers.

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The next steps in the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process include the School Board presenting the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22, and then the Board of Supervisors will conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak

Visit the county government website to view the Fairfax County FY 2026 Advertised Budget. The community is also invited to complete an online survey to provide feedback on the county’s FY 2026 Advertised Budget. 

🛑 Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms

Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”). 

Warnings for drivers will begin on Wednesday, April 9. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.

According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction (unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped). They should remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus is moving. 

We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with us to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more information about the stop arm cameras and all of the ways that we work with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.

📍 The Comprehensive School Boundary Review Process Explained

Want to learn more about the ongoing Comprehensive School Boundary Review process? Watch this video for explanations of terms such as attendance zones, attendance islands, split feeders, and other factors that affect school boundaries. The video will also be available in other languages soon.

 Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information and sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter.

 

PTSA Updates Senior Student Families 

The PTSA is seeking a dedicated volunteer to chair the All-Night Grad Party (ANGP) Chair position. Without someone stepping up, this cherished event will be canceled. If you’re organized and passionate about giving our graduates the celebration they deserve, please consider taking on this rewarding role. Training and support will be provided. 

Winter Fundraiser 

The Winter Fundraiser is also underway. You can send checks ( made out to - Oakton High School PTSA)  or donate on our website. All donations are tax deductible!

Stay Connected 

Follow ' oaktonhs_ptsa' on Instagram to keep abreast of what's happening at the PTSA. Become a member, Join the mailing list and/or donate to the PTSA at PTBoard - Oakton High School PTSA

Join the PTSA 

Want to be part of PTSA? We are looking for an ANGP Chair (All Night Grad Party),  Webmaster, Business Chair, Hospitality Chair and Treasurer.  Email us at [email protected]

Parent Resources Parent Information Line 

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

Parent Resource Center 

The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students.  This includes monthly workshops and webinars.  More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.  

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected?  If so, then click here to share with everyone. 

2900 Sutton Road, Vienna VA 22181 | Main Office: (703) 319-2700
Attendance: (703) 319-2727 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Principal Updates - March 10

GovDelivery2 weeks 1 day ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Be sure to follow us on X (@OaktonHS), and Instagram oaktonhs ! Be sure to check out our Oakton Accolades section on our website as we celebrate student achievement!  

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar here.   

March 12 - Spring Sports Pictures (afterschool) 

March 19 - The Center Tutor-a-Thon; Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation 

March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter 

March 31 - No School, Eid-al-Fitr

April 1 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday 

April 14-18 - Spring Break 

May 9 - Junior/Senior Prom (Westwood Country Club) - SAVE THE DATE! 

Please note the Tutor-a-Thon has been moved to March 19th (same time, same place) to avoid conflict with the Student vs. Staff Basketball game on March 5.  

General Information 👗 Prom Dress Shop Opens With Hundreds of Dresses

The annual Prom Dress Shop opens for the season on Friday, March 7, at Centreville High School. Any area student — not just those from Fairfax County Public Schools — who do not have the funds to purchase a prom dress may choose from hundreds of new dresses donated by Macy’s. Learn more and see shop hours.

Eating Disorder Parent Information

The Code of Virginia, 22.1-273.2 requires schools provide, on an annual basis, parents/guardians educational information regarding eating disorders for students in grades five through twelve.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2023), Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. In the United States, 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives. There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Rather, it is a complex combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that converge and set off an individual’s predisposed genetic vulnerability.

In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a web page with detailed information and resources to be provided to parents and guardians of Fairfax County Public Schools. This information may be found at Eating Disorders

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Upcoming Safety Drills 

In the month of March we will practice two safety drills in addition to our monthly fire drill.  More information can be found below. 

  • Tornado Drill (Completed 3/6): The Code of Virginia § 22.1-137.1 requires all public schools to participate in at least one tornado drill each year. Additionally, FCPS Regulation 8625 requires the tornado drill be completed during the school year in March. 
  • Lockdown Drill (Week of 3/10) - We will hold our second lockdown drill of the school year.  The specific date and time of the drill will not be announced.  However, parents will be notified via email in a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the drill. Parents will also be notified at the conclusion of the lockdown drill on the day it is held.  
Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28, 2025

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has issued a new, first-time waiver allowing students fasting during the school day from February 28 to March 28, 2025, to request take-home breakfast and lunch meal kits. The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will provide meal kits reflecting the school menu. Meals will be kept cold and must be heated at home. Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day. If a student purchases breakfast or lunch at school, they cannot pick up a kit that day. Meal kits must be picked up by students at the end of the school day—adults cannot collect them. Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:

  • February 24, 2025, for February 28 and the week of March 3, 2025
  • March 3, 2025, for the week of March 10, 2025
  • March 10, 2025, for the week of March 17, 2025
  • March 17, 2025, for the week of March 24, 2025

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.

2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)

Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

This event will feature: 

  • Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
  • Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.
  • Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
  • Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process

Learn more about this event and register today! Contact [email protected] for more information.

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Presentation - New Date

Please note we have moved the date to May 21 due to inclement weather on February 11.  

HIPS is a community awareness program designed to enlighten parents through a unique learning experience encompassing insights into trends and indicators of potentially risky behavior.  This allows parents the opportunity to interact with police officers and various props.  

If you are interested in attending on May 21, please register for the event using this link (https://bit.ly/hipsohs021125). 

The presentation will be run by Fairfax County Police Department and our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist for the Oakton and Madison Pyramids, Mr. Michael McNulty.   

K-12 Mathematics Basal Public Review

Fairfax County Public Schools will adopt new Mathematics Instructional Resources for the 2025-2026 (secondary) and 2026-2027 (elementary) school years. A review committee composed of community members, administrators, and teachers will be meeting to review materials submitted by vendors. The public is also invited to review materials and provide comments.

Mathematics basal instructional resources may be accessed in-person and online from February 14, 2025 – March 21, 2025, for public feedback. Those reviewing instructional materials in-person or on-line will give feedback via a digital input form. 

Hard copies of instructional materials will be available for review at Willow Oaks Welcome Center Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Note: If review hours are needed outside of these hours please email [email protected]

FCPS Administrative Building

8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Dr.,

Suite 100

Falls Church, VA 22031

Electronic materials for public review will be available on the FCPS Mathematics web site.

All community feedback will be shared with the review committee and with School Board members before a vote at the School Board regular meeting in 2025.

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

All Senior Service-Learning hours for Seniors must be submitted no later than April 25th at 3pm to guarantee they are approved for graduation accomplishments. Hours posted past the deadline will not be guaranteed to be counted toward awards and recognition for Seniors. Please submit all hours into X2VOL for approval no later than April 25th at 3pm.

To learn more about Senior awards and recognition for graduation click HERE. This includes all Service-Learning Recognitions for graduation and their requirements. Any questions regarding this information can be forwarded to Mrs. Kimberly Stewart, the Service Learning Liaison, at OHS at [email protected]

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 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.

2024-2025 Dates:

  • October 28, 2024 6:30-8:00pm
  • January 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • March 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • May 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Student Services Updates  Virtual Presentations on Financial Aid for Military Families

College Access Fairfax will hold two sessions on financial aid hosted by the Navy Mutual Aid Association’s lead financial educator and military benefits liaison. 

Topics will include:

  • Residency Requirements 
  • Using the GI Bill
  • The Yellow Ribbon Program
  • Using Chapter 35 (DEA benefits)
  • Military scholarships and grants
  • Virginia Education Programs

Sessions will be held Tuesday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 22, at 10 a.m. Click on the date to register. Contact [email protected] to learn more.

Virtual FAFSA Workshops

uAspire is hosting free FAFSA Walkthrough for students and families. This session will give them an overview of the new FAFSA and walk them through the steps required to receive federal financial aid at colleges nationwide.

  • Thursday April 3 - 5:00PM

Register HERE!

Summer 2025 Online Campus Courses

Registration for the Summer 2025 Online Campus courses started Friday, February 14, 2025, and ends Friday, June 6, 2025. Courses are open to middle and high school students who meet prerequisites.

Courses may be cancelled if they are under-enrolled. If a course is cancelled, students will be notified using the registration contact information and a full refund will be given.

Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year.

  • August 8 – September 6: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability.
  • September 9 – November 8 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 12: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
  • After March 28: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.
Health and Wellness Updates 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

💻 Hazel Health: Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Teletherapy services are available for all FCPS high school students at no cost. Sessions can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Hazel Health’s highly qualified therapists specialize in working with teens. Learn more on FCPS’ teletherapy webpage.

Oakton Pantry Update 

The Oakton Pantry continues to provide support for families in our community with food insecurities. On a weekly basis our student shopping and curb side delivery serve approximately 50 families. We appreciate all who donate food, money and time to keep the pantry up and running! If you would like to donate food items please consider something from the list below. These are items that are in greatest demand and shortest supply. Thank you.

  • Beans- 1 pound bag
  • Rice- 1 pound bag
  • Canned Tuna
  • Canned Chicken
  • Mac and Cheese- boxes, preferably not easy mac
  • Instant Oatmeal- individual packages or cups
  • Crackers- individual packs
  • Jelly- jars
  • Ramen
  • Cup of Noodles
FCPS News

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

    • A Strong Academic Foundation
    • 70th Annual Regional Science Fair
    • New Breakfast Options

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

FCPS Budget Developing a Strong Academic Foundation, Curiosity, and Joy for Learning

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan

A strong start for every student is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan. Pre-K classrooms are making a difference in our community. In this video, we explore the importance of bringing children under the age of five together, regardless of abilities.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date and learn about opportunities to provide feedback to Fairfax County and FCPS.

💬 Share Your Input on the County Budget

The Fairfax County government presented its Fiscal Year 2026 Advertised Budget Plan to the Board of Supervisors on February 18. The community is invited to share feedback through an online survey, email, phone calls, or by attending Budget Town Hall meetings.

Become Unskippable - Fentanyl Awareness Campaign Preparing for Tough Conversations With Teens

Discussing tough topics like fentanyl and other drugs can feel challenging — no matter how close you are with your child. Explain to your teen that it’s important to learn about fentanyl so they know what to do if a friend overdoses. Prepare in advance with the tips below:

  • Set the stage. Choose a casual environment that’s free from distractions. Talk while driving, taking a walk, or doing chores together. 
  • Make it a two-way discussion. Ask open-ended questions. 
  • Stay patient and reserve judgment. 
  • Check in with your child early and often. 

Visit our website for more information on how to Become Unskippable with your teens.

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Summer Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps

IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, Health and Physical Education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater. 

Earn Credit Toward Graduation This Summer

Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 6. Mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible middle and high school students.

Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. This is a self-directed course where students work independently. The course is available between Monday, June 23, and Friday, July 25. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, May 23. For more information, visit this Summer Learning page.

PTSA Updates Senior Student Families 

The PTSA is seeking a dedicated volunteer to chair the All-Night Grad Party (ANGP) Chair position. Without someone stepping up, this cherished event will be canceled. If you’re organized and passionate about giving our graduates the celebration they deserve, please consider taking on this rewarding role. Training and support will be provided. 

Winter Fundraiser 

The Winter Fundraiser is also underway. You can send checks ( made out to - Oakton High School PTSA)  or donate on our website. All donations are tax deductible!

Stay Connected 

Follow ' oaktonhs_ptsa' on Instagram to keep abreast of what's happening at the PTSA. Become a member, Join the mailing list and/or donate to the PTSA at PTBoard - Oakton High School PTSA

Join the PTSA 

Want to be part of PTSA? We are looking for an ANGP Chair (All Night Grad Party),  Webmaster, Business Chair, Hospitality Chair and Treasurer.  Email us at [email protected]

Parent Resources Parent Information Line 

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

Parent Resource Center 

The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students.  This includes monthly workshops and webinars.  More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.  

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected?  If so, then click here to share with everyone. 

2900 Sutton Road, Vienna VA 22181 | Main Office: (703) 319-2700
Attendance: (703) 319-2727 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Principal Updates - March 3

GovDelivery3 weeks 1 day ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Be sure to follow us on X (@OaktonHS), and Instagram oaktonhs ! Be sure to check out our Oakton Accolades section on our website as we celebrate student achievement!  

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar here.   

March 5 - Staff v. Student Basketball Game; Spring Sports Meet the Teams Parent Night 

March 6 - Talent Show

March 12 - Spring Sports Pictures 

March 19 - The Center Tutor-a-Thon; Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation 

March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter 

March 31 - No School, Eid-al-Fitr

April 1 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday 

April 14-18 - Spring Break 

Please note the Tutor-a-Thon has been moved to March 19th (same time, same place) to avoid conflict with the Student vs. Staff Basketball game on March 5.  

General Information 📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Upcoming Safety Drills 

In the month of March we will practice two safety drills in addition to our monthly fire drill.  More information can be found below. 

  • Tornado Drill: The Code of Virginia § 22.1-137.1 requires all public schools to participate in at least one tornado drill each year. Additionally, FCPS Regulation 8625 requires the tornado drill be completed during the school year in March. 
  • Lockdown Drill - We will hold our second lockdown drill of the school year.  The specific date and time of the drill will not be announced.  However, parents will be notified via email in a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the drill. Parents will also be notified at the conclusion of the lockdown drill on the day it is held.  
Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28, 2025

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has issued a new, first-time waiver allowing students fasting during the school day from February 28 to March 28, 2025, to request take-home breakfast and lunch meal kits. The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will provide meal kits reflecting the school menu. Meals will be kept cold and must be heated at home. Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day. If a student purchases breakfast or lunch at school, they cannot pick up a kit that day. Meal kits must be picked up by students at the end of the school day—adults cannot collect them. Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:

  • February 24, 2025, for February 28 and the week of March 3, 2025
  • March 3, 2025, for the week of March 10, 2025
  • March 10, 2025, for the week of March 17, 2025
  • March 17, 2025, for the week of March 24, 2025

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.

Spring Sports - Important Dates 

If your student wishes to participate in tryouts for spring sports, they MUST have a current VHSL physical on file with us and be registered online for the season.  Please reach out to individual coaches for any questions regarding green day schedules.

  • Monday, February 24th thru 28th – Spring sports tryouts.
  • Wednesday, March 5th - Meet the Teams parent night 6pm
  • Wednesday, March 12th - Team photos afterschool (times TBA)

Bookmark our website so you can easily find out important sports information www.oaktonsports.net

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)

Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

This event will feature: 

  • Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
  • Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.
  • Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
  • Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process

Learn more about this event and register today! Contact [email protected] for more information.

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Presentation - New Date

Please note we have moved the date to May 21 due to inclement weather on February 11.  

HIPS is a community awareness program designed to enlighten parents through a unique learning experience encompassing insights into trends and indicators of potentially risky behavior.  This allows parents the opportunity to interact with police officers and various props.  

If you are interested in attending on May 21, please register for the event using this link (https://bit.ly/hipsohs021125). 

The presentation will be run by Fairfax County Police Department and our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist for the Oakton and Madison Pyramids, Mr. Michael McNulty.   

K-12 Mathematics Basal Public Review

Fairfax County Public Schools will adopt new Mathematics Instructional Resources for the 2025-2026 (secondary) and 2026-2027 (elementary) school years. A review committee composed of community members, administrators, and teachers will be meeting to review materials submitted by vendors. The public is also invited to review materials and provide comments.

Mathematics basal instructional resources may be accessed in-person and online from February 14, 2025 – March 21, 2025, for public feedback. Those reviewing instructional materials in-person or on-line will give feedback via a digital input form. 

Hard copies of instructional materials will be available for review at Willow Oaks Welcome Center Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Note: If review hours are needed outside of these hours please email [email protected]

FCPS Administrative Building

8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Dr.,

Suite 100

Falls Church, VA 22031

Electronic materials for public review will be available on the FCPS Mathematics web site.

All community feedback will be shared with the review committee and with School Board members before a vote at the School Board regular meeting in 2025.

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

All Senior Service-Learning hours for Seniors must be submitted no later than April 25th at 3pm to guarantee they are approved for graduation accomplishments. Hours posted past the deadline will not be guaranteed to be counted toward awards and recognition for Seniors. Please submit all hours into X2VOL for approval no later than April 25th at 3pm.

To learn more about Senior awards and recognition for graduation click HERE. This includes all Service-Learning Recognitions for graduation and their requirements. Any questions regarding this information can be forwarded to Mrs. Kimberly Stewart, the Service Learning Liaison, at OHS at [email protected]

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 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.

2024-2025 Dates:

  • October 28, 2024 6:30-8:00pm
  • January 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • March 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • May 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Student Services Updates  Virtual Presentations on Financial Aid for Military Families

College Access Fairfax will hold two sessions on financial aid hosted by the Navy Mutual Aid Association’s lead financial educator and military benefits liaison. 

Topics will include:

  • Residency Requirements 
  • Using the GI Bill
  • The Yellow Ribbon Program
  • Using Chapter 35 (DEA benefits)
  • Military scholarships and grants
  • Virginia Education Programs

Sessions will be held Tuesday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 22, at 10 a.m. Click on the date to register. Contact [email protected] to learn more.

Virtual FAFSA Workshops

uAspire is hosting free FAFSA Walkthrough for students and families. This session will give them an overview of the new FAFSA and walk them through the steps required to receive federal financial aid at colleges nationwide.

  • Tuesday March 4 - 7:00PM
  • Thursday April 3 - 5:00PM

Register HERE!

Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

Student course registration is here!  Students will register for their courses January 13-March 5.    

All course registration change requests must be received by the st

More information on course registration can be found on the Oakton HS website.  

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success.

Summer 2025 Online Campus Courses

Registration for the Summer 2025 Online Campus courses started Friday, February 14, 2025, and ends Friday, June 6, 2025. Courses are open to middle and high school students who meet prerequisites.

Courses may be cancelled if they are under-enrolled. If a course is cancelled, students will be notified using the registration contact information and a full refund will be given.

Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year.

  • August 8 – September 6: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability.
  • September 9 – November 8 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 12: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
  • After March 28: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.
Health and Wellness Updates 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

💻 Hazel Health: Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Teletherapy services are available for all FCPS high school students at no cost. Sessions can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Hazel Health’s highly qualified therapists specialize in working with teens. Learn more on FCPS’ teletherapy webpage.

Oakton Pantry Update 

The Oakton Pantry continues to provide support for families in our community with food insecurities. On a weekly basis our student shopping and curb side delivery serve approximately 50 families. We appreciate all who donate food, money and time to keep the pantry up and running! If you would like to donate food items please consider something from the list below. These are items that are in greatest demand and shortest supply. Thank you.

  • Beans- 1 pound bag
  • Rice- 1 pound bag
  • Canned Tuna
  • Canned Chicken
  • Mac and Cheese- boxes, preferably not easy mac
  • Instant Oatmeal- individual packages or cups
  • Crackers- individual packs
  • Jelly- jars
  • Ramen
  • Cup of Noodles
FCPS News

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

  • Summer Camps and Learning Opportunities
  • Supporting Academic Growth 
  • Preparing for Tough Conversations With Your Child

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

FCPS Budget

🌟 Your child deserves the best teachers, safe schools, and the resources to achieve their highest academic potential! On Feb. 20, the School Board unanimously approved the FY 2026 Advertised Budget to invest in what works: competitive salaries to attract top educators, expanded learning opportunities, and school safety improvements.

Now, it’s time for the next step! The budget moves to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, with opportunities for the community to provide feedback from Feb. 24 through April, before a final vote in May.

📖 Learn more about the FY 2026 Advertised Budget: bit.ly/26AdvBudgetFCPS 

📊 See the budget documents and timeline: bit.ly/FCPS-FY2026-Budget 

#InvestInExcellence

Become Unskippable - Fentanyl Awareness Campaign

🗣️ Connect With Your Kids: Simple Steps to Stronger Communication

Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. How do you connect with your children and really know what's going on in their lives? How can you become “unskippable”?

Effective communication can build trust and understanding, but it takes thought, planning, and effort. 

The latest Healthy Minds Blog offers practical strategies to improve communication and build strong, lasting relationships:

  • Ditch distractions and create a safe space where your child feels comfortable opening up.
  • Listen actively and validate their feelings, even if you don't agree.
  • Ask "how" questions instead of "what" questions to get them talking about their experiences.

For more tips and techniques, read the full article on the Healthy Minds Blog, which shares information related to youth mental health and wellness.

For support on talking with your teen about difficult subjects like fentanyl, discover how to Become Unskippable.

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Summer Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps

IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, Health and Physical Education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater. 

Earn Credit Toward Graduation This Summer

Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 6. Mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible middle and high school students.

Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. This is a self-directed course where students work independently. The course is available between Monday, June 23, and Friday, July 25. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, May 23. For more information, visit this Summer Learning page.

PTSA Updates Senior Student Families 

The PTSA is seeking a dedicated volunteer to chair the All-Night Grad Party (ANGP) Chair position. Without someone stepping up, this cherished event will be canceled. If you’re organized and passionate about giving our graduates the celebration they deserve, please consider taking on this rewarding role. Training and support will be provided. 

Winter Fundraiser 

The Winter Fundraiser is also underway. You can send checks ( made out to - Oakton High School PTSA)  or donate on our website. All donations are tax deductible!

Stay Connected 

Follow ' oaktonhs_ptsa' on Instagram to keep abreast of what's happening at the PTSA. Become a member, Join the mailing list and/or donate to the PTSA at PTBoard - Oakton High School PTSA

Join the PTSA 

Want to be part of PTSA? We are looking for an ANGP Chair (All Night Grad Party),  Webmaster, Business Chair, Hospitality Chair and Treasurer.  Email us at [email protected]

Parent Resources Parent Information Line 

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

Parent Resource Center 

The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students.  This includes monthly workshops and webinars.  More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.  

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected?  If so, then click here to share with everyone. 

2900 Sutton Road, Vienna VA 22181 | Main Office: (703) 319-2700
Attendance: (703) 319-2727 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Principal Updates - February 24

GovDelivery1 month ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Be sure to follow us on X (@OaktonHS), and Instagram oaktonhs ! Be sure to check out our Oakton Accolades section on our website as we celebrate student achievement!  

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar here.   

February 24 - Spring Sports Tryouts Begin

February 26 - 12th Grade Capitol Hill Field Trip 

March 5 - Staff v. Student Basketball Game; Tutor-a-Thon 

March 6 - Talent Show 

March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter 

March 31 - No School, Eid-al-Fitr

April 1 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday 

April 14-18 - Spring Break 

General Information 📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Upcoming Safety Drills 

In the month of February we will practice three different safety drills. 

  • Monthly Fire Drill (completed
  • Lockdown Drill (March) - We will hold our second lockdown drill of the school year.  The specific date and time of the drill will not be announced.  However, parents will be notified via email in a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the drill. Parents will also be notified at the conclusion of the lockdown drill on the day it is held.  
  • Bus Evacuation Drill (completed) - Upon arriving to school, all buses will practice a bus evacuation drill.  This will be done once during the month of February.  
Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28, 2025

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has issued a new, first-time waiver allowing students fasting during the school day from February 28 to March 28, 2025, to request take-home breakfast and lunch meal kits. The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will provide meal kits reflecting the school menu. Meals will be kept cold and must be heated at home. Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day. If a student purchases breakfast or lunch at school, they cannot pick up a kit that day. Meal kits must be picked up by students at the end of the school day—adults cannot collect them. Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:

  • February 24, 2025, for February 28 and the week of March 3, 2025
  • March 3, 2025, for the week of March 10, 2025
  • March 10, 2025, for the week of March 17, 2025
  • March 17, 2025, for the week of March 24, 2025

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.

Spring Sports - Important Dates 

If your student wishes to participate in tryouts for spring sports, they MUST have a current VHSL physical on file with us and be registered online for the season.  Please reach out to individual coaches for any questions regarding green day schedules.

  • Monday, February 24th thru 28th – Spring sports tryouts.
  • Wednesday, March 5th - Meet the Teams parent night 6pm
  • Wednesday, March 12th - Team photos afterschool (times TBA)

Bookmark our website so you can easily find out important sports information www.oaktonsports.net

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

📝 Application for the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board

The School Board student representative represents the interests of Fairfax County Public Schools students. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity. Students currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply. 

Watch this video to learn about the student representative experience from the current representative, Megan Sawant. 

Application Information and Deadlines

To be considered for the election, students are required to provide:

  • A written component, which is due Monday, February 24.
  • A 30-second candidate video statement, which is due Wednesday, March 26. Candidates will be emailed a link to record their video on Monday, March 17.

Both application components are required to be considered for the election. Read more about the election process.

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Presentation - New Date

Please note we have moved the date to May 21 due to inclement weather on February 11.  

HIPS is a community awareness program designed to enlighten parents through a unique learning experience encompassing insights into trends and indicators of potentially risky behavior.  This allows parents the opportunity to interact with police officers and various props.  

If you are interested in attending on May 21, please register for the event using this link (https://bit.ly/hipsohs021125). 

The presentation will be run by Fairfax County Police Department and our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist for the Oakton and Madison Pyramids, Mr. Michael McNulty.   

K-12 Mathematics Basal Public Review

Fairfax County Public Schools will adopt new Mathematics Instructional Resources for the 2025-2026 (secondary) and 2026-2027 (elementary) school years. A review committee composed of community members, administrators, and teachers will be meeting to review materials submitted by vendors. The public is also invited to review materials and provide comments.

Mathematics basal instructional resources may be accessed in-person and online from February 14, 2025 – March 21, 2025, for public feedback. Those reviewing instructional materials in-person or on-line will give feedback via a digital input form. 

Hard copies of instructional materials will be available for review at Willow Oaks Welcome Center Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Note: If review hours are needed outside of these hours please email [email protected]

FCPS Administrative Building

8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Dr.,

Suite 100

Falls Church, VA 22031

Electronic materials for public review will be available on the FCPS Mathematics web site.

All community feedback will be shared with the review committee and with School Board members before a vote at the School Board regular meeting in 2025.

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

All Senior Service-Learning hours for Seniors must be submitted no later than April 25th at 3pm to guarantee they are approved for graduation accomplishments. Hours posted past the deadline will not be guaranteed to be counted toward awards and recognition for Seniors. Please submit all hours into X2VOL for approval no later than April 25th at 3pm.

To learn more about Senior awards and recognition for graduation click HERE. This includes all Service-Learning Recognitions for graduation and their requirements. Any questions regarding this information can be forwarded to Mrs. Kimberly Stewart, the Service Learning Liaison, at OHS at [email protected]

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 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.

2024-2025 Dates:

  • October 28, 2024 6:30-8:00pm
  • January 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • March 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • May 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Student Services Updates  February Newsletter 

Happy February! Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Student Services February Newsletter:

  • Student Services Updates
  • Course Registration Details
  • Upcoming Events such as the College Partnership Program Application and Spring ASVAB Test
  • College & Career Center Updates
  • National School Counselor Week 
Virtual FAFSA Workshops

uAspire is hosting free FAFSA Walkthrough for students and families. This session will give them an overview of the new FAFSA and walk them through the steps required to receive federal financial aid at colleges nationwide.

  • Tuesday March 4 - 7:00PM
  • Thursday April 3 - 5:00PM

Register HERE!

Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

Student course registration is here!  Students will register for their courses January 13-March 7.    

More information on course registration can  be found on the Oakton HS website.  

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success.

Summer 2025 Online Campus Courses

Registration for the Summer 2025 Online Campus courses started Friday, February 14, 2025, and ends Friday, June 6, 2025. Courses are open to middle and high school students who meet prerequisites.

Courses may be cancelled if they are under-enrolled. If a course is cancelled, students will be notified using the registration contact information and a full refund will be given.

Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year.

  • August 8 – September 6: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability.
  • September 9 – November 8 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 12: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
  • After March 28: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.
Health and Wellness Updates 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

💻 Hazel Health: Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Teletherapy services are available for all FCPS high school students at no cost. Sessions can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Hazel Health’s highly qualified therapists specialize in working with teens. Learn more on FCPS’ teletherapy webpage.

Oakton Pantry Update 

The Oakton Pantry continues to provide support for families in our community with food insecurities. On a weekly basis our student shopping and curb side delivery serve approximately 50 families. We appreciate all who donate food, money and time to keep the pantry up and running! If you would like to donate food items please consider something from the list below. These are items that are in greatest demand and shortest supply. Thank you.

  • Beans- 1 pound bag
  • Rice- 1 pound bag
  • Canned Tuna
  • Canned Chicken
  • Mac and Cheese- boxes, preferably not easy mac
  • Instant Oatmeal- individual packages or cups
  • Crackers- individual packs
  • Jelly- jars
  • Ramen
  • Cup of Noodles
FCPS News

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

  • Middle School Start Times (This includes recommendations to adjust start times to all levels ES/MS/HS) 
  • New Lunch Items
  • Talking to Teens About Tough Topics

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

📐 Breaking Down the Budget: Supporting Academic Growth and Algebra by Eighth Grade

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan

Since the 2023-24 school year, FCPS has seen a 9.5% increase in eighth graders taking Algebra I or more advanced math and a 6.8% increase in fifth graders in advanced math.

Studies show that students who complete algebra in middle school have more opportunities to take advanced math and science courses in high school. This can open up new academic paths for students! Watch a video that shows why eighth grade algebra matters

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget.

Become Unskippable: Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens About Fentanyl

Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. But young people die from fentanyl overdoses in Fairfax County each year — so it's important to have short, impactful talks with your teen, whether or not you think they’re at risk.

As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to become “unskippable” and talk with your teen in a way they will listen. 

See our tips for talking with your teen about fentanyl and other difficult subjects. Watch this video to learn more about becoming unskippable.

PTSA Updates Senior Student Families 

The PTSA is seeking a dedicated volunteer to chair the All-Night Grad Party (ANGP) Chair position. Without someone stepping up, this cherished event will be canceled. If you’re organized and passionate about giving our graduates the celebration they deserve, please consider taking on this rewarding role. Training and support will be provided. 

Winter Fundraiser 

The Winter Fundraiser is also underway. You can send checks ( made out to - Oakton High School PTSA)  or donate on our website. All donations are tax deductible!

Stay Connected 

Follow ' oaktonhs_ptsa' on Instagram to keep abreast of what's happening at the PTSA. Become a member, Join the mailing list and/or donate to the PTSA at PTBoard - Oakton High School PTSA

Join the PTSA 

Want to be part of PTSA? We are looking for an ANGP Chair (All Night Grad Party),  Webmaster, Business Chair, Hospitality Chair and Treasurer.  Email us at [email protected]

Parent Resources Parent Information Line 

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

Parent Resource Center 

The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students.  This includes monthly workshops and webinars.  More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.  

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected?  If so, then click here to share with everyone. 

2900 Sutton Road, Vienna VA 22181 | Main Office: (703) 319-2700
Attendance: (703) 319-2727 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Principal Updates - February 17

GovDelivery1 month 1 week ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Be sure to follow us on X (@OaktonHS), and Instagram oaktonhs ! Be sure to check out our Oakton Accolades section on our website as we celebrate student achievement!  

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar here.   

February 17 - No School, Presidents Day 

February 21 - Cougar Culture Fest (4:30-5:30pm) 

February 22 - Sweetheart Semi-formal (8-10pm)

February 24 - Spring Sports Tryouts 

February 26 - 12th Grade Capitol Hill Field Trip 

March 5 - Staff v. Student Basketball Game 

March 6 - Talent Show 

March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter 

March 31 - No School, Eid-al-Fitr

April 1 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday 

April 14-18 - Spring Break 

General Information Cougar Culture Fest

Join us on February 21, 2025 for Cougar Culture Fest from 4:30-5:30pm in the cafeteria hosted by our student equity ambassadors and our participating student affinity clubs!  Cougar Culture Fest is a celebration rooted in Oakton’s core value of community, creating a space where students and staff can connect through the diverse cultural traditions and stories that shape our school.  

Through this event, all are invited to explore the variety of backgrounds that make Oakton unique.  This will include an exploration of food, history and language serving to foster a deeper sense of belonging and understanding within our community. 

Sweetheart Semi-Formal - February 22

It’s February and love is in the air!

Have your students join Oakton’s Leadership and Sports Leadership on Saturday, February 22nd for the Sweetheart Semi-Formal Dance from 8-10pm at OHS.

Tickets go on sale on February 10th during lunches and on MySchoolBucks for $15.

Additionally, the first 100 tickets sold will be entered to win free Cougar Merch! Make sure your students buy their tickets as soon as possible.

Upcoming Safety Drills 

In the month of February we will practice three different safety drills. 

  • Monthly Fire Drill (completed) 
  • Lockdown Drill - We will hold our second lockdown drill of the school year.  The specific date and time of the drill will not be announced.  However, parents will be notified via email in a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the drill. Parents will also be notified at the conclusion of the lockdown drill on the day it is held.  
  • Bus Evacuation Drill (completed) - Upon arriving to school, all buses will practice a bus evacuation drill.  This will be done once during the month of February.  
Spring Sports - Important Dates 

If your student wishes to participate in tryouts for spring sports, they MUST have a current VHSL physical on file with us and be registered online for the season.  Please reach out to individual coaches for any questions regarding green day schedules.

  • Tuesday, February 11th - Optional registration check in during Cougar Times in gym lobby. (make sure you have all your paperwork in and are ready for tryouts)
  • Monday, February 24th thru 28th – Spring sports tryouts.
  • Wednesday, March 5th - Meet the Teams parent night 6pm
  • Wednesday, March 12th - Team photos afterschool (times TBA)

Bookmark our website so you can easily find out important sports information www.oaktonsports.net

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.   

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate.

The event is open to the entire community. 

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

📝 Application for the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board

The School Board student representative represents the interests of Fairfax County Public Schools students. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity. Students currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply. 

Watch this video to learn about the student representative experience from the current representative, Megan Sawant. 

Application Information and Deadlines

To be considered for the election, students are required to provide:

  • A written component, which is due Monday, February 24.
  • A 30-second candidate video statement, which is due Wednesday, March 26. Candidates will be emailed a link to record their video on Monday, March 17.

Both application components are required to be considered for the election. Read more about the election process.

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Presentation - New Date

Please note we have moved the date to May 21 due to anticipated inclement weather on February 11.  

HIPS is a community awareness program designed to enlighten parents through a unique learning experience encompassing insights into trends and indicators of potentially risky behavior.  This allows parents the opportunity to interact with police officers and various props.  

If you are interested in attending on May 21, please register for the event using this link (https://bit.ly/hipsohs021125). 

The presentation will be run by Fairfax County Police Department and our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist for the Oakton and Madison Pyramids, Mr. Michael McNulty.   

K-12 Mathematics Basal Public Review

Fairfax County Public Schools will adopt new Mathematics Instructional Resources for the 2025-2026 (secondary) and 2026-2027 (elementary) school years. A review committee composed of community members, administrators, and teachers will be meeting to review materials submitted by vendors. The public is also invited to review materials and provide comments.

Mathematics basal instructional resources may be accessed in-person and online from February 14, 2025 – March 21, 2025, for public feedback. Those reviewing instructional materials in-person or on-line will give feedback via a digital input form. 

Hard copies of instructional materials will be available for review at Willow Oaks Welcome Center Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Note: If review hours are needed outside of these hours please email [email protected]

FCPS Administrative Building

8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Dr.,

Suite 100

Falls Church, VA 22031

Electronic materials for public review will be available on the FCPS Mathematics web site.

All community feedback will be shared with the review committee and with School Board members before a vote at the School Board regular meeting in 2025.

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

All Senior Service-Learning hours for Seniors must be submitted no later than April 25th at 3pm to guarantee they are approved for graduation accomplishments. Hours posted past the deadline will not be guaranteed to be counted toward awards and recognition for Seniors. Please submit all hours into X2VOL for approval no later than April 25th at 3pm.

To learn more about Senior awards and recognition for graduation click HERE. This includes all Service-Learning Recognitions for graduation and their requirements. Any questions regarding this information can be forwarded to Mrs. Kimberly Stewart, the Service Learning Liaison, at OHS at [email protected]

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 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.

2024-2025 Dates:

  • October 28, 2024 6:30-8:00pm
  • January 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • March 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • May 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Testing Updates February 10th-21st: WIDA Assessment Testing

Beginning February 10th, both current and former ESOL students are scheduled to complete the four-part WIDA annual assessment. Federal Law (ESSA) requires that all Level 1-5 Multilingual Learners (MLs) participate annually in an English language proficiency assessment.

WIDA ACCESS for ELs consists of the following parts (domains): Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Each domain is a separate test, and students must complete all four domains to meet the testing requirement.

This assessment is used to determine a student’s English Language proficiency level, eligibility for ESOL services and testing accommodations. It also provides teachers with information they can use to plan for and support their students’ learning.

Participation in this assessment is a critical part of how we measure our students’ growth and progress as well as plan for their continued success.

The majority of WIDA testing will take place over 2-days, February 19th, and 20th. Students and parents/guardians of those participating will be notified of testing schedules via email.  

Student Services Updates  February Newsletter 

Happy February! Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Student Services February Newsletter:

  • Student Services Updates
  • Course Registration Details
  • Upcoming Events such as the College Partnership Program Application and Spring ASVAB Test
  • College & Career Center Updates
  • National School Counselor Week 
Virtual FAFSA Workshops

uAspire is hosting free FAFSA Walkthrough for students and families. This session will give them an overview of the new FAFSA and walk them through the steps required to receive federal financial aid at colleges nationwide.

  • Thursday February 20 - 4:00PM
  • Tuesday March 4 - 7:00PM
  • Thursday April 3 - 5:00PM

Register HERE!

Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

Student course registration is here!  Students will register for their courses January 13-March 5.  .  

More information on course registration can  be found on the Oakton HS website.  

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success.

Summer 2025 Online Campus Courses

Registration for the Summer 2025 Online Campus courses starts Friday, February 14, 2025, and ends Friday, June 6, 2025. Courses are open to middle and high school students who meet prerequisites.

Courses may be cancelled if they are under-enrolled. If a course is cancelled, students will be notified using the registration contact information and a full refund will be given.

Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year.

  • August 8 – September 6: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability.
  • September 9 – November 8 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 12: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
  • After March 28: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.
Health and Wellness Updates 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

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide them with a safe space to address concerns such as:

  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
  • Anxiety, worry, fears
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
  • Academic stress

You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. [Find contact information for Oakton staff on this webpage.  

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

Oakton Pantry Update 

The Oakton Pantry continues to provide support for families in our community with food insecurities. On a weekly basis our student shopping and curb side delivery serve approximately 50 families. We appreciate all who donate food, money and time to keep the pantry up and running! If you would like to donate food items please consider something from the list below. These are items that are in greatest demand and shortest supply. Thank you.

  • Beans- 1 pound bag
  • Rice- 1 pound bag
  • Canned Tuna
  • Canned Chicken
  • Mac and Cheese- boxes, preferably not easy mac
  • Instant Oatmeal- individual packages or cups
  • Crackers- individual packs
  • Jelly- jars
  • Ramen
  • Cup of Noodles
FCPS News

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

  • Proposed Budget Progress
  • Apply for Dual Immersion and Magnet Lotteries
  • Black History Month Event

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

Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings

 

FCPS Proposed Budget Progress

The Fairfax County School Board discussed the FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at their work session on February 4. They discussed details regarding student enrollment and investments in students requiring additional support, market comparison data for surrounding school divisions, and an update on progress toward achieving the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence. Baldrige is a framework used to assess and improve organizational performance across various sectors, including education. 

The School Board also held a public hearing on February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the proposed budget.

 

On Tuesday, February 18, the Fairfax County executive will present the county’s Advertised Budget, and the School Board will hold a work session on FCPS’ FY 2026 Proposed Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar.

Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit

The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information. 

At the event, FCPS students will be invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities. 

Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions. 

✨ Centering student voice is part of FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

PTSA Updates Senior Student Families 

The PTSA is seeking a dedicated volunteer to chair the All-Night Grad Party (ANGP) Chair position. Without someone stepping up, this cherished event will be canceled. If you’re organized and passionate about giving our graduates the celebration they deserve, please consider taking on this rewarding role. Training and support will be provided. 

Winter Fundraiser 

The Winter Fundraiser is also underway. You can send checks ( made out to - Oakton High School PTSA)  or donate on our website. All donations are tax deductible!

Stay Connected 

Follow ' oaktonhs_ptsa' on Instagram to keep abreast of what's happening at the PTSA. Become a member, Join the mailing list and/or donate to the PTSA at PTBoard - Oakton High School PTSA

Join the PTSA 

Want to be part of PTSA? We are looking for an ANGP Chair (All Night Grad Party),  Webmaster, Business Chair, Hospitality Chair and Treasurer.  Email us at [email protected]

Parent Resources Parent Information Line 

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

Parent Resource Center 

The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students.  This includes monthly workshops and webinars.  More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.  

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected?  If so, then click here to share with everyone. 

2900 Sutton Road, Vienna VA 22181 | Main Office: (703) 319-2700
Attendance: (703) 319-2727 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Principal Updates - February 10

GovDelivery1 month 2 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Be sure to follow us on X (@OaktonHS), and Instagram oaktonhs ! Be sure to check out our Oakton Accolades section on our website as we celebrate student achievement!  

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar here.   

February 10-14 - P.S. I Love You Spirit Week 

February 17 - No School, Presidents Day 

February 21 - Cougar Culture Fest (4:30-5:30pm) 

February 22 - Sweetheart Semi-formal (8-10pm)

March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter 

March 31 - No School, Eid-al-Fitr

April 1 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday 

April 14-18 - Spring Break 

General Information P.S. I Love You Spirit Week

Cougar Leadership is excited to announce the P.S. I Love You Spirit Week from February 10-14.  P.S. I Love You Day is a non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating the stigma around mental health.  Their mission is to instill hope for those affected by mental illness, fostering a supportive environment and a community where everyone feels welcomed, loved, and supported.

P.S. I Love You Day is designated as the second Friday in February.  Those participating are asked to wear purple. 

  • Monday, February 10 - Spread the Love Monday
    • Students and staff wear pink or red
    • Do a kind gesture! 
  • Tuesday, February 11 - Self Love Tuesday
    • Students and staff wear pajamas 
    • Do one act of self care! 
  • Wednesday, February 12 - Couple of Cuties
    • Students and staff pair up with a friend(s) and twin
    • Say hi to someone new!  
  • Thursday, February 13 - We Are All on the Same Team! 
    • Wear your Oakton merch
    • Give someone a compliment! 
  • Friday, February 14 - P.S. I Love You Friday
    • Wear Purple
    • Share a kind message with those you care about! 
Sweetheart Semi-Formal

It’s February and love is in the air!

Have your students join Oakton’s Leadership and Sports Leadership on Saturday, February 22nd for the Sweetheart Semi-Formal Dance from 8-10pm at OHS.

Tickets go on sale on February 10th during lunches and on MySchoolBucks for $15.

Additionally, the first 100 tickets sold will be entered to win free Cougar Merch! Make sure your students buy their tickets as soon as possible.

Oakton Accolades

Check out our latest Oakton Accolades on the Oakton HS website. You can find information on the following: 

  • Academic Letter Awards
  • November Student of the Month Recipients
  • National Honor Society
  • Scholastic Bowl Team - It’s Academic 
  • Environmental Stewardship 
  • Outstanding Oakton Employee Award Winners
  • January Student of the Month Recipients 
  • Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School 
  • Scholastic Art Awards
  • Scholastic Bowl - Concorde District Champions 
  • Science Olympiad - Fairfax Invitational 
  • District XII Orchestra 
  • Virginia State Latin Convention 
  • District Band
Upcoming Safety Drills 

In the month of February we will practice three different safety drills. 

  • Monthly Fire Drill (completed) 
  • Lockdown Drill - We will hold our second lockdown drill of the school year.  The specific date and time of the drill will not be announced.  However, parents will be notified via email in a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the drill. Parents will also be notified at the conclusion of the lockdown drill on the day it is held.  
  • Bus Evacuation Drill (completed) - Upon arriving to school, all buses will practice a bus evacuation drill.  This will be done once during the month of February.  
Spring Sports - Important Dates 

If your student wishes to participate in tryouts for spring sports, they MUST have a current VHSL physical on file with us and be registered online for the season.  Please reach out to individual coaches for any questions regarding green day schedules.

  • Tuesday, February 11th - Optional registration check in during Cougar Times in gym lobby. (make sure you have all your paperwork in and are ready for tryouts)
  • Monday, February 24th thru 28th – Spring sports tryouts.
  • Wednesday, March 5th - Meet the Teams parent night 6pm
  • Wednesday, March 12th - Team photos afterschool (times TBA)

Bookmark our website so you can easily find out important sports information www.oaktonsports.net

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.   

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate.

The event is open to the entire community. 

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

📝 Application for the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board

The School Board student representative represents the interests of Fairfax County Public Schools students. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity. Students currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply. 

Watch this video to learn about the student representative experience from the current representative, Megan Sawant. 

Application Information and Deadlines

To be considered for the election, students are required to provide:

  • A written component, which is due Monday, February 24.
  • A 30-second candidate video statement, which is due Wednesday, March 26. Candidates will be emailed a link to record their video on Monday, March 17.

Both application components are required to be considered for the election. Read more about the election process.

Cougar Culture Fest

Join us on February 21, 2025 for Cougar Culture Fest from 4:30-5:30pm in the cafeteria hosted by our student equity ambassadors and our participating student affinity clubs!  Cougar Culture Fest is a celebration rooted in Oakton’s core value of community, creating a space where students and staff can connect through the diverse cultural traditions and stories that shape our school.  

Through this event, all are invited to explore the variety of backgrounds that make Oakton unique.  This will include an exploration of food, history and language serving to foster a deeper sense of belonging and understanding within our community. 

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Presentation - New Date

Please note we have moved the date to May 21 due to anticipated inclement weather on February 11.  

HIPS is a community awareness program designed to enlighten parents through a unique learning experience encompassing insights into trends and indicators of potentially risky behavior.  This allows parents the opportunity to interact with police officers and various props.  

If you are interested in attending on May 21, please register for the event using this link (https://bit.ly/hipsohs021125). 

The presentation will be run by Fairfax County Police Department and our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist for the Oakton and Madison Pyramids, Mr. Michael McNulty.   

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

All Senior Service-Learning hours for Seniors must be submitted no later than April 25th at 3pm to guarantee they are approved for graduation accomplishments. Hours posted past the deadline will not be guaranteed to be counted toward awards and recognition for Seniors. Please submit all hours into X2VOL for approval no later than April 25th at 3pm.

To learn more about Senior awards and recognition for graduation click HERE. This includes all Service-Learning Recognitions for graduation and their requirements. Any questions regarding this information can be forwarded to Mrs. Kimberly Stewart, the Service Learning Liaison, at OHS at [email protected]

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 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.

2024-2025 Dates:

  • October 28, 2024 6:30-8:00pm
  • January 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • March 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • May 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Testing Updates February 10th-21st: WIDA Assessment Testing

Beginning February 10th, both current and former ESOL students are scheduled to complete the four-part WIDA annual assessment. Federal Law (ESSA) requires that all Level 1-5 Multilingual Learners (MLs) participate annually in an English language proficiency assessment.

WIDA ACCESS for ELs consists of the following parts (domains): Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Each domain is a separate test, and students must complete all four domains to meet the testing requirement.

This assessment is used to determine a student’s English Language proficiency level, eligibility for ESOL services and testing accommodations. It also provides teachers with information they can use to plan for and support their students’ learning.

Participation in this assessment is a critical part of how we measure our students’ growth and progress as well as plan for their continued success.

The majority of WIDA testing will take place over 2-days, February 19th, and 20th. Students and parents/guardians of those participating will be notified of testing schedules via email.  

Student Services Updates  February Newsletter 

Happy February! Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Student Services February Newsletter:

  • Student Services Updates
  • Course Registration Details
  • Upcoming Events such as the College Partnership Program Application and Spring ASVAB Test
  • College & Career Center Updates
  • National School Counselor Week 
Virtual FAFSA Workshops

uAspire is hosting free FAFSA Walkthrough for students and families. This session will give them an overview of the new FAFSA and walk them through the steps required to receive federal financial aid at colleges nationwide.

  • Thursday February 20 - 4:00PM
  • Tuesday March 4 - 7:00PM
  • Thursday April 3 - 5:00PM

Register HERE!

Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

Student course registration is here!  Students will register for their courses January 13-March 5.  .  

More information on course registration can  be found on the Oakton HS website.  

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success.

🗓️ Save the Date: Academy Open Houses

FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students which began in January.

A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year.

  • August 8 – September 6: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability.
  • September 9 – November 8 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 12: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
  • After March 28: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.
Health and Wellness Updates 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

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide them with a safe space to address concerns such as:

  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
  • Anxiety, worry, fears
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
  • Academic stress

You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. [Find contact information for Oakton staff on this webpage.  

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

Oakton Pantry Update 

The Oakton Pantry continues to provide support for families in our community with food insecurities. On a weekly basis our student shopping and curb side delivery serve approximately 50 families. We appreciate all who donate food, money and time to keep the pantry up and running! If you would like to donate food items please consider something from the list below. These are items that are in greatest demand and shortest supply. Thank you.

  • Beans- 1 pound bag
  • Rice- 1 pound bag
  • Canned Tuna
  • Canned Chicken
  • Mac and Cheese- boxes, preferably not easy mac
  • Instant Oatmeal- individual packages or cups
  • Crackers- individual packs
  • Jelly- jars
  • Ramen
  • Cup of Noodles
FCPS News

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

  • Proposed Budget Progress
  • Apply for Dual Immersion and Magnet Lotteries
  • Black History Month Event

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

Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings

 

FCPS Proposed Budget Progress

The Fairfax County School Board discussed the FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at their work session on February 4. They discussed details regarding student enrollment and investments in students requiring additional support, market comparison data for surrounding school divisions, and an update on progress toward achieving the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence. Baldrige is a framework used to assess and improve organizational performance across various sectors, including education. 

The School Board also held a public hearing on February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the proposed budget.

 

On Tuesday, February 18, the Fairfax County executive will present the county’s Advertised Budget, and the School Board will hold a work session on FCPS’ FY 2026 Proposed Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar.

Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit

The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information. 

At the event, FCPS students will be invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities. 

Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions. 

✨ Centering student voice is part of FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

PTSA Updates Senior Student Families 

The PTSA is seeking a dedicated volunteer to chair the All-Night Grad Party (ANGP) Chair position. Without someone stepping up, this cherished event will be canceled. If you’re organized and passionate about giving our graduates the celebration they deserve, please consider taking on this rewarding role. Training and support will be provided. 

Winter Fundraiser 

The Winter Fundraiser is also underway. You can send checks ( made out to - Oakton High School PTSA)  or donate on our website. All donations are tax deductible!

Stay Connected 

Follow ' oaktonhs_ptsa' on Instagram to keep abreast of what's happening at the PTSA. Become a member, Join the mailing list and/or donate to the PTSA at PTBoard - Oakton High School PTSA

Join the PTSA 

Want to be part of PTSA? We are looking for an ANGP Chair (All Night Grad Party),  Webmaster, Business Chair, Hospitality Chair and Treasurer.  Email us at [email protected]

Parent Resources Parent Information Line 

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

Parent Resource Center 

The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students.  This includes monthly workshops and webinars.  More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.  

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected?  If so, then click here to share with everyone. 

2900 Sutton Road, Vienna VA 22181 | Main Office: (703) 319-2700
Attendance: (703) 319-2727 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Principal Updates - February 3

GovDelivery1 month 3 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Be sure to follow us on X (@OaktonHS), and Instagram oaktonhs ! Be sure to check out our Oakton Accolades section on our website as we celebrate student achievement!  

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar here.   

February 4 - Junior Family College Night (Virtual) 

February 11 - Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Parent Presentation 

February 17 - No School, Presidents Day 

February 21 - Cougar Culture Fest

February 22 - Sweetheart Dance 

General Information Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. 

Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.

Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVueLearn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child. 

Welcome Mr. Corey Bowerman

As you may know, Mr. Larry Stroud, former Oakton Assistant Principal, became principal at Langley High School in late November.  We are looking to bring on our new assistant principal in the summer of 2025.  In the meantime, we are fortunate to welcome Mr. Corey Bowerman as our interim assistant principal.  Mr. Bowerman is a retired experienced administrator having worked as an Assistant Principal and a Director of Student Activities at Langley High School and Chantilly High School. 

Mr. Bowerman will be supervising the Special Education, Category A and World Languages Departments.  He will work with students whose counselor is Ms. Kirstein (Alpha Range: Grades 9, 10, 12: Mj – Par; Grade 11: Lef – Nand students enrolled in Avid 9 and 12); and Ms. Osborne (Alpha Range: Grades 9, 10, 12: Pas – Sel; Grade 11: O- Riz). 

Mr. Bowerman started in his interim assistant principal role at Oakton, today, Monday, February 3.  

Bus Stop Reminders 

Just a friendly reminder about the importance of ensuring the safety of our students at designated bus stops.  It is important that all drivers and students follow all traffic laws to ensure the safety of students.  This includes stopping fully when the bus stop sign is extended and red lights are flashing.  Please also be sure to avoid parking in the designated bus stop area if you are waiting with your child for the bus stop to arrive.  Please park away from the bus stop to allow the bus to safely stop to pick up students. 

Student Absences Due to Illness

We recognize that this time of year there is typically a higher rate of illness.  We want to remind our families to keep students home when they are sick.  If students have fevers, they are to remain home and be fever free for 24 hours without the need for fever reducing medication.  

We want to encourage everyone to wash their hands frequently this time of year to prevent the spread of germs.  

Staff will work with students who were absent to get them caught up in their school work.  

Cougar Commendations

We have had the longstanding tradition of recognizing students and staff for Cougar Commendations.  In previous years, those commendations aligned with the portrait of a graduate skills.  We will continue to recognize those skills in the classroom.  However, we have shifted our Cougar Commendations to be in alignment with our core values of community, integrity and respect.  Staff will nominate students and we want to give the opportunity to our families to nominate staff!  

Please consider nominating a staff member this week for a Cougar Commendation connected to one of our core values.  This is a great way to recognize a staff member and show the impact they have had on your student.  Please use this link to nominate faculty/staff members for their noteworthy endeavors.

ALL nominations are due by the end of the day on Friday, February 7th.

Upcoming Safety Drills 

In the month of February we will practice three different safety drills. 

  • Monthly Fire Drill 
  • Lockdown Drill - We will hold our second lockdown drill of the school year.  The specific date and time of the drill will not be announced.  However, parents will be notified via email in a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the drill. Parents will also be notified at the conclusion of the lockdown drill on the day it is held.  
  • Bus Evacuation Drill - Upon arriving to school, all buses will practice a bus evacuation drill.  This will be done once during the month of February.  
Spring Sports - Important Dates 

If your student wishes to participate in tryouts for spring sports, they MUST have a current VHSL physical on file with us and be registered online for the season.  Please reach out to individual coaches for any questions regarding green day schedules.

  • Tuesday, February 11th - Optional registration check in during Cougar Times in gym lobby. (make sure you have all your paperwork in and are ready for tryouts)
  • Monday, February 24th thru 28th – Spring sports tryouts.
  • Wednesday, March 5th - Meet the Teams parent night 6pm
  • Wednesday, March 12th - Team photos afterschool (times TBA)

Bookmark our website so you can easily find out important sports information www.oaktonsports.net

📝 Application for the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board

The School Board student representative represents the interests of Fairfax County Public Schools students. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity. Students currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply. 

Watch this video to learn about the student representative experience from the current representative, Megan Sawant. 

Application Information and Deadlines

To be considered for the election, students are required to provide:

  • A written component, which is due Monday, February 24.
  • A 30-second candidate video statement, which is due Wednesday, March 26. Candidates will be emailed a link to record their video on Monday, March 17.

Both application components are required to be considered for the election. Read more about the election process.

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Presentation 

HIPS is a community awareness program designed to enlighten parents through a unique learning experience encompassing insights into trends and indicators of potentially risky behavior.  This allows parents the opportunity to interact with police officers and various props.  

If you are interested in attending on February 11, please register for the event using this link (https://bit.ly/hipsohs021125). 

The presentation will be run by Fairfax County Police Department and our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist for the Oakton and Madison Pyramids, Mr. Michael McNulty.  

The event will take place in the Auditorium.  Enter in Door 1 walk straight through Oakton Hall.  The auditorium will be on your left across from the Main Gym.    

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

All Senior Service-Learning hours for Seniors must be submitted no later than April 25th at 3pm to guarantee they are approved for graduation accomplishments. Hours posted past the deadline will not be guaranteed to be counted toward awards and recognition for Seniors. Please submit all hours into X2VOL for approval no later than April 25th at 3pm.

To learn more about Senior awards and recognition for graduation click HERE. This includes all Service-Learning Recognitions for graduation and their requirements. Any questions regarding this information can be forwarded to Mrs. Kimberly Stewart, the Service Learning Liaison, at OHS at [email protected]

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 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.

2024-2025 Dates:

  • October 28, 2024 6:30-8:00pm
  • January 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • March 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • May 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Student Services Updates  January Newsletter 

Happy New Year Cougars!  Take a look at January’s newsletter that covers information about course registration for the ’24-’25 school year and learn more about the FAFSA and upcoming workshops. 

Junior Family College Night – February 4, 2025 from 6:00 – 7:30pm (Virtual)

Junior families please mark your calendars for Junior Family College Night. This event is for junior students and their families to hear directly from college admissions representatives in a panel format.

Topics include:

  1. Starting the College Search and Finding the Right Fit
  2. Preparing for the College Application Process
  3. Understanding Key Aspects of College Applications

The zoom link will be emailed to junior families the last week of January via eNotify "Oakton High School."  

Virtual FAFSA Workshops

uAspire is hosting free FAFSA Walkthrough for students and families. This session will give them an overview of the new FAFSA and walk them through the steps required to receive federal financial aid at colleges nationwide.

  • Wednesday February 5 - 6:00PM
  • Thursday February 20 - 4:00PM
  • Tuesday March 4 - 7:00PM
  • Thursday April 3 - 5:00PM

Register HERE!

Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

Student course registration is here!  Students will register for their courses January 13-March 5.  .  

More information on course registration can  be found on the Oakton HS website.  

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success.

🗓️ Save the Date: Academy Open Houses

FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students which began in January.

A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year.

  • August 8 – September 6: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability.
  • September 9 – November 8 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 12: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
  • After March 28: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.
Health and Wellness Updates 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

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide them with a safe space to address concerns such as:

  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
  • Anxiety, worry, fears
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
  • Academic stress

You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. [Find contact information for Oakton staff on this webpage.  

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

Oakton Pantry Update 

The Oakton Pantry continues to provide support for families in our community with food insecurities. On a weekly basis our student shopping and curb side delivery serve approximately 50 families. We appreciate all who donate food, money and time to keep the pantry up and running! If you would like to donate food items please consider something from the list below. These are items that are in greatest demand and shortest supply. Thank you.

  • Beans- 1 pound bag
  • Rice- 1 pound bag
  • Canned Tuna
  • Canned Chicken
  • Mac and Cheese- boxes, preferably not easy mac
  • Instant Oatmeal- individual packages or cups
  • Crackers- individual packs
  • Jelly- jars
  • Ramen
  • Cup of Noodles
FCPS News
  • In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
  • FY 2026 Proposed Budget
  • Student-Driven Lunch Menus
  • Inclusion Awards Nominations

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

Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings

 

🏗️ FCPS’ Proposed Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

Fairfax County Public Schools’ updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the proposed FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.

The proposed CIP was presented to the School Board at the January 14 work session. A public hearing was also held January 14. The School Board will take action on the proposed CIP at its Thursday, February 6 meeting.

What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse

FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.

What can families do?

  • Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. 
  • Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success. 
  • Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage
  • Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors. 
  • Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”

Get more information on opioid awareness.

📈 Virginia’s Student Assessment Summary for Families

This month, families of students who took any Standards of Learning (SOL) test between school years 2015-16 and 2023-24 will receive a Student Assessment Summary Report. The report shows a student’s state percentile ranking for each test. This allows families to see how their child ranked compared to all Virginia students who took the same test that year. 

Reports are available now in SIS ParentVUE Documents. We will distribute them to students whose families do not have ParentVUE access. Learn how to access ParentVUE

The report is intended to help families reflect on how their child performed across all tested subjects over the years. Our staff members are committed to working with families to help every student reach their highest potential. Learn more about student assessments in FCPS.

Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

If you have not been able to attend an FCPS Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:

Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

PTSA Updates Senior Student Families 

The PTSA is seeking a dedicated volunteer to chair the All-Night Grad Party (ANGP) Chair position. Without someone stepping up, this cherished event will be canceled. If you’re organized and passionate about giving our graduates the celebration they deserve, please consider taking on this rewarding role. Training and support will be provided. 

Winter Fundraiser 

The Winter Fundraiser is also underway. You can send checks ( made out to - Oakton High School PTSA)  or donate on our website. All donations are tax deductible!

Stay Connected 

Follow ' oaktonhs_ptsa' on Instagram to keep abreast of what's happening at the PTSA. Become a member, Join the mailing list and/or donate to the PTSA at PTBoard - Oakton High School PTSA

Join the PTSA 

Want to be part of PTSA? We are looking for an ANGP Chair (All Night Grad Party),  Webmaster, Business Chair, Hospitality Chair and Treasurer.  Email us at [email protected]

Parent Resources Parent Information Line 

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

Parent Resource Center 

The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students.  This includes monthly workshops and webinars.  More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.  

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected?  If so, then click here to share with everyone. 

2900 Sutton Road, Vienna VA 22181 | Main Office: (703) 319-2700
Attendance: (703) 319-2727 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Principal Updates - January 27

GovDelivery1 month 4 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Be sure to follow us on X (@OaktonHS), and Instagram oaktonhs ! Be sure to check out our Oakton Accolades section on our website as we celebrate student achievement!  

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar here.   

January 28 - Second Quarter Ends (Full School Day) 

January 29 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday, Lunar New Year 

January 31 - Rising Junior registration begins (tentative) 

February 4 - Junior Family College Night (Virtual) 

February 11 - Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Parent Presentation 

February 17 - No School, Presidents Day 

🐍 새해 복 많이 받으세요! 新年快乐! Chúc mừng Năm Mới! Wishing good fortune to those in our community who celebrate Lunar New Year! For those in many East and Southeast Asian countries, including Pacific Islanders, the Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays of the year and is all about ushering in luck and prosperity with family.

General Information SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey

All FCPS families and middle and high school students have received an invitation to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available through Monday, February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!

Quarter End 

Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the quarter. Please note that Tuesday, January 28 is a full day of school. Lunar New Year is on Wednesday, January 29. The day will be a teacher workday and there will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar

Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. 

Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.

Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVueLearn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child. 

📝 Application for the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board

The School Board student representative represents the interests of Fairfax County Public Schools students. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity. Students currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply. 

Watch this video to learn about the student representative experience from the current representative, Megan Sawant. 

Application Information and Deadlines

To be considered for the election, students are required to provide:

  • A written component, which is due Monday, February 24.
  • A 30-second candidate video statement, which is due Wednesday, March 26. Candidates will be emailed a link to record their video on Monday, March 17.

Both application components are required to be considered for the election. Read more about the election process.

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Presentation 

HIPS is a community awareness program designed to enlighten parents through a unique learning experience encompassing insights into trends and indicators of potentially risky behavior.  This allows parents the opportunity to interact with police officers and various props.  

If you are interested in attending on February 11, please register for the event using this link (https://bit.ly/hipsohs021125). 

The presentation will be run by Fairfax County Police Department and our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist for the Oakton and Madison Pyramids, Mr. Michael McNulty.  

The event will take place in the Auditorium.  Enter in Door 1 walk straight through Oakton Hall.  The auditorium will be on your left across from the Main Gym.    

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

All Senior Service-Learning hours for Seniors must be submitted no later than April 25th at 3pm to guarantee they are approved for graduation accomplishments. Hours posted past the deadline will not be guaranteed to be counted toward awards and recognition for Seniors. Please submit all hours into X2VOL for approval no later than April 25th at 3pm.

To learn more about Senior awards and recognition for graduation click HERE. This includes all Service-Learning Recognitions for graduation and their requirements. Any questions regarding this information can be forwarded to Mrs. Kimberly Stewart, the Service Learning Liaison, at OHS at [email protected]

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 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.

2024-2025 Dates:

  • October 28, 2024 6:30-8:00pm
  • January 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • March 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • May 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Student Services Updates  January Newsletter 

Happy New Year Cougars!  Take a look at January’s newsletter that covers information about course registration for the ’24-’25 school year and learn more about the FAFSA and upcoming workshops. 

Junior Family College Night – February 4, 2025 from 6:00 – 7:30pm (Virtual)

Junior families please mark your calendars for Junior Family College Night. This event is for junior students and their families to hear directly from college admissions representatives in a panel format.

Topics include:

  1. Starting the College Search and Finding the Right Fit
  2. Preparing for the College Application Process
  3. Understanding Key Aspects of College Applications

The zoom link will be emailed to junior families the last week of January via eNotify "Oakton High School."  

Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

Student course registration is here!  Students will register for their courses January 13-March 5.  .  

More information on course registration can  be found on the Oakton HS website.  

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success.

🗓️ Save the Date: Academy Open Houses Begin in January!

FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in January.

A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

✈️ Learn About Opportunities for the Year Following Graduation at the Gap Year Fair

FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas will co-host the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 28, 6-8:30 p.m., at Marshall High School

This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning about opportunities for the year following high school graduation. Students should register at USA Gap Year Fairs

Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year.

  • August 8 – September 6: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability.
  • September 9 – November 8 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 12: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
  • After March 28: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.
Health and Wellness Updates 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

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide them with a safe space to address concerns such as:

  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
  • Anxiety, worry, fears
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
  • Academic stress

You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. [Find contact information for Oakton staff on this webpage.  

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

Oakton Pantry Update 

The Oakton Pantry continues to provide support for families in our community with food insecurities. On a weekly basis our student shopping and curb side delivery serve approximately 50 families. We appreciate all who donate food, money and time to keep the pantry up and running! If you would like to donate food items please consider something from the list below. These are items that are in greatest demand and shortest supply. Thank you.

  • Beans- 1 pound bag
  • Rice- 1 pound bag
  • Canned Tuna
  • Canned Chicken
  • Mac and Cheese- boxes, preferably not easy mac
  • Instant Oatmeal- individual packages or cups
  • Crackers- individual packs
  • Jelly- jars
  • Ramen
  • Cup of Noodles
FCPS News

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

  • SOL Score Reports
  • Upcoming Budget Presentation
  • Science Fair Judges Needed

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

Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings

 

🏗️ FCPS’ Proposed Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

Fairfax County Public Schools’ updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the proposed FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.

The proposed CIP was presented to the School Board at the January 14 work session. A public hearing was also held January 14. The School Board will take action on the proposed CIP at its Thursday, February 6 meeting.

What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse

FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.

What can families do?

  • Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. 
  • Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success. 
  • Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage
  • Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors. 
  • Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”

Get more information on opioid awareness.

📈 Virginia’s Student Assessment Summary for Families

This month, families of students who took any Standards of Learning (SOL) test between school years 2015-16 and 2023-24 will receive a Student Assessment Summary Report. The report shows a student’s state percentile ranking for each test. This allows families to see how their child ranked compared to all Virginia students who took the same test that year. 

Reports are available now in SIS ParentVUE Documents. We will distribute them to students whose families do not have ParentVUE access. Learn how to access ParentVUE

The report is intended to help families reflect on how their child performed across all tested subjects over the years. Our staff members are committed to working with families to help every student reach their highest potential. Learn more about student assessments in FCPS.

Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

If you have not been able to attend an FCPS Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:

Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

PTSA Updates Senior Student Families 

The PTSA is seeking a dedicated volunteer to chair the All-Night Grad Party (ANGP) Chair position. Without someone stepping up, this cherished event will be canceled. If you’re organized and passionate about giving our graduates the celebration they deserve, please consider taking on this rewarding role. Training and support will be provided. 

Winter Fundraiser 

The Winter Fundraiser is also underway. You can send checks ( made out to - Oakton High School PTSA)  or donate on our website. All donations are Tax deductible!

SAT Edge Class

The SAT Edge Class starts Saturday, and this is your final chance to sign up! Register by Wednesday! Learn more about upcoming classes and mock tests at  Oakton High School Test Prep.

Stay Connected 

Follow ' oaktonhs_ptsa' on Instagram to keep abreast of what's happening at the PTSA. Become a member, Join the mailing list and/or donate to the PTSA at PTBoard - Oakton High School PTSA

Join the PTSA 

Want to be part of PTSA? We are looking for an ANGP Chair (All Night Grad Party),  Webmaster, Business Chair, Hospitality Chair and Treasurer.  Email us at [email protected]

Parent Resources Parent Information Line 

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

Parent Resource Center 

The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students.  This includes monthly workshops and webinars.  More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.  

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected?  If so, then click here to share with everyone. 

2900 Sutton Road, Vienna VA 22181 | Main Office: (703) 319-2700
Attendance: (703) 319-2727 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Principal Updates - January 20

GovDelivery2 months ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Be sure to follow us on X (@OaktonHS), and Instagram oaktonhs ! Be sure to check out our Oakton Accolades section on our website as we celebrate student achievement!  

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar here.   

January 20 - No School; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Inauguration Day 

January 28 - Second Quarter Ends (Full School Day) 

January 29 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday, Lunar New Year 

January 31 - Rising Junior registration begins (tentative) 

February 4 - Junior Family College Night (Virtual) 

February 17 - No School, Presidents Day 

Today we honor and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dedication to equality and serving others. 

General Information Second Quarter Center Tutor-a-thon

Students are invited to come to the Tutor-a-thon and lock in.  The Center hopes to be the key to their success!

The Center is hosting it's second tutor-a-thon of the quarter on January 22 from 3:00-4:30pm in the cafeteria. All students are invited to attend to get help before the quarter ends, study with a peer tutor, teacher, or in study groups.

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SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon

All FCPS families and middle and high school students will be receiving an email invitation on Tuesday, January 21, to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available from January 21 to February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!

Quarter End 

Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the quarter. Please note that Tuesday, January 28 is a full day of school. Lunar New Year is on Wednesday, January 29. The day will be a teacher workday and there will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar

Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. 

Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.

Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVueLearn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child. 

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

All Senior Service-Learning hours for Seniors must be submitted no later than April 25th at 3pm to guarantee they are approved for graduation accomplishments. Hours posted past the deadline will not be guaranteed to be counted toward awards and recognition for Seniors. Please submit all hours into X2VOL for approval no later than April 25th at 3pm.

To learn more about Senior awards and recognition for graduation click HERE. This includes all Service-Learning Recognitions for graduation and their requirements. Any questions regarding this information can be forwarded to Mrs. Kimberly Stewart, the Service Learning Liaison, at OHS at [email protected]

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 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.

2024-2025 Dates:

  • October 28, 2024 6:30-8:00pm
  • January 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • March 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • May 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Student Services Updates  January Newsletter 

Happy New Year Cougars!  Take a look at January’s newsletter that covers information about course registration for the ’24-’25 school year and learn more about the FAFSA and upcoming workshops. 

Junior Family College Night – February 4, 2025 from 6:00 – 7:30pm (Virtual)

Junior families please mark your calendars for Junior Family College Night. This event is for junior students and their families to hear directly from college admissions representatives in a panel format.

Topics include:

  1. Starting the College Search and Finding the Right Fit
  2. Preparing for the College Application Process
  3. Understanding Key Aspects of College Applications

The zoom link will be emailed to junior families the last week of January via eNotify "Oakton High School."  

Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

Student course registration is here!  Students will register for their courses January 13-March 5.  .  

More information on course registration can  be found on the Oakton HS website.  

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success.

🗓️ Save the Date: Academy Open Houses Begin in January!

FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in January.

A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

✈️ Learn About Opportunities for the Year Following Graduation at the Gap Year Fair

FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas will co-host the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 28, 6-8:30 p.m., at Marshall High School

This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning about opportunities for the year following high school graduation. Students should register at USA Gap Year Fairs

Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year.

  • August 8 – September 6: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability.
  • September 9 – November 8 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 12: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
  • After March 28: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.
Health and Wellness Updates 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

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide them with a safe space to address concerns such as:

  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
  • Anxiety, worry, fears
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
  • Academic stress

You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. [Find contact information for Oakton staff on this webpage.  

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

  • Dress Children Warmly
  • Proposed Construction Projects
  • Dual Language Immersion Lottery

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

Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:

  • Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 
  • Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
  • Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

PTSA Updates Fundraiser

This fundraiser allows 100% of your donations to be used in supporting the PTSA and its activities. Your donations are tax deductible as well! Please note that we depend on donations. Without your donations, the PTSA will be unable to financially support such programs and events as mentioned above. We only ask that you be as generous as your budget allows, no amount is too small.  Together we can make a difference! Please join the PTSA & show support. Many companies participate in matching gift programs. You can double or even triple your generous donations! Donations are always kept confidential. You can also send us checks addressed to Oakton High School PTSA. It’s even easy to join and/or pay via credit card by clicking on this link and ‘Thank you’ in advance for your support and generosity. If you have any questions about the PTSA please email us at [email protected]

Stay Connected 

Follow ' oaktonhs_ptsa' on Instagram to keep abreast of what's happening at the PTSA. Become a member, Join the mailing list and/or donate to the PTSA at PTBoard - Oakton High School PTSA

Join the PTSA 

Want to be part of PTSA? We are looking for an ANGP Chair (All Night Grad Party),  Webmaster, Business Chair, Hospitality Chair and Treasurer.  Email us at [email protected]

Parent Resources Parent Information Line 

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

Parent Resource Center 

The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students.  This includes monthly workshops and webinars.  More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.  

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected?  If so, then click here to share with everyone. 

2900 Sutton Road, Vienna VA 22181 | Main Office: (703) 319-2700
Attendance: (703) 319-2727 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Principal Updates - January 13

GovDelivery2 months 1 week ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Be sure to follow us on X (@OaktonHS), and Instagram oaktonhs ! Be sure to check out our Oakton Accolades section on our website as we celebrate student achievement!  

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar here.   

January 14 - Sense of Belonging Parent Feedback Meeting (5:30-6:30pm) 

January 15 - Curriculum Night (4:30-6:30pm)

January 20 - No School; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Inauguration Day 

January 28 - Second Quarter Ends (Full School Day) 

January 29 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday, Lunar New Year 

January 31 - Rising Junior registration begins (tentative) 

February 4 - Junior Family College Night (Virtual) 

General Information Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. 

Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.

Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVueLearn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.

Sense of Belonging Parent Feedback Meeting - January 14 

This year we created a School Improvement and Innovation Goal around increasing student sense of belonging.  We made this decision as we felt it directly connected with the work we did last school year around establishing school core values and rewriting our school mission and vision.  

To enhance our plans around increasing student sense of belonging, we would love to hear from our parent community.  We want to offer the opportunity to hear your perspective as the individuals who know your children best.  We also want to ensure that Oakton High School is also a place where our parents feel a sense of belonging.  

If you are interested, we would love to have you attend on January 14, 2025 at 5:30pm -6:30pm in the Lecture Hall.  Please enter in Door 2 and go up the stairs.  The Lecture Hall is at the top of the stairs.

We will review Oakton data from the SEL Screener around “Sense of Belonging”.  We will also spend time discussing the potential “why” behind the data and recommendations for how we might better ensure a deeper sense of belonging among all students at Oakton High School.  We will also share what the students who are involved in the Principal’s Advisory Committee identified going through this same exercise in the fall.  

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

All Senior Service-Learning hours for Seniors must be submitted no later than April 25th at 3pm to guarantee they are approved for graduation accomplishments. Hours posted past the deadline will not be guaranteed to be counted toward awards and recognition for Seniors. Please submit all hours into X2VOL for approval no later than April 25th at 3pm.

To learn more about Senior awards and recognition for graduation click HERE. This includes all Service-Learning Recognitions for graduation and their requirements. Any questions regarding this information can be forwarded to Mrs. Kimberly Stewart, the Service Learning Liaison, at OHS at [email protected]

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors

📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy

Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions! If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our main office, 703-319-2701. 

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 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.

2024-2025 Dates:

  • October 28, 2024 6:30-8:00pm
  • January 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • March 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • May 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Student Services Updates  January Newsletter 

Happy New Year Cougars!  Take a look at January’s newsletter that covers information about course registration for the ’24-’25 school year and learn more about the FAFSA and upcoming workshops. 

Junior Family College Night – February 4, 2025 from 6:00 – 7:30pm (Virtual)

Junior families please mark your calendars for Junior Family College Night. This event is for junior students and their families to hear directly from college admissions representatives in a panel format.

Topics include:

  1. Starting the College Search and Finding the Right Fit
  2. Preparing for the College Application Process
  3. Understanding Key Aspects of College Applications

The zoom link will be emailed to junior families the last week of January via eNotify "Oakton High School."  

Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

Student course registration is right around the corner!  Students will register for their courses January 13-March 5.  We provided students with an overview regarding registration on Thursday, December 19 and again on Friday, January 10 during Cougar Connect.  We also invite students and parents to our Curriculum Night on January 15 (rescheduled date) .  

More information on course registration can  be found on the Oakton HS website.  

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success.

Curriculum Night - January 15, 2025

Save the Date for Oakton's Curriculum Night: Thursday, January 15, 2025 from 4:30-6:30 pm. See our flyer here

Parents and students are welcome to come learn more about our course offerings for the 2025-2026 school year.  

We will have a few optional parent presentations that you can attend. In addition, we will have a fair style event with teacher representatives for elective and core classes. Staff will be able to answer questions and you will have the opportunity to learn more about Oakton’s course offerings. The itinerary is as follows:

  • Curriculum Fair: 4:30 - 6:30 pm (Various Locations)
  • Registration Overview Presentation: 4:30-5:00 pm (Auditorium)
  • Special Education Session: 5:15 - 5:45 pm (Auditorium)
🗓️ Save the Date: Academy Open Houses Begin in January!

FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in January.

A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

SAVE THE DATE - 2025 Gap Year Fair

FCPS’ School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00-8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:00-6:45 p.m. Immediately following, the program fair will be held in the cafeteria from 6:45-8:30 p.m., with representatives from over 30 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are encouraged to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available. 

Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. For more information, visit: USA Gap Year Fairs.

In the event of inclement weather on Tuesday, January 28, 2025: The Gap Year Fair will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the same time and location.

Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year.

  • August 8 – September 6: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability.
  • September 9 – November 8 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 12: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
  • After March 28: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.
Health and Wellness Updates 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

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide them with a safe space to address concerns such as:

  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
  • Anxiety, worry, fears
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
  • Academic stress

You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. [Find contact information for Oakton staff on this webpage.  

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

  • National Merit Commended Scholars
  • Celebrating the Best of 2024 in FCPS
  • Cell Phones Off, Learning On

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

Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:

  • Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 
  • Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 
  • Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
  • Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

PTSA Updates Fundraiser

This fundraiser allows 100% of your donations to be used in supporting the PTSA and its activities. Your donations are tax deductible as well! Please note that we depend on donations. Without your donations, the PTSA will be unable to financially support such programs and events as mentioned above. We only ask that you be as generous as your budget allows, no amount is too small.  Together we can make a difference! Please join the PTSA & show support. Many companies participate in matching gift programs. You can double or even triple your generous donations! Donations are always kept confidential. You can also send us checks addressed to Oakton High School PTSA. It’s even easy to join and/or pay via credit card by clicking on this link and ‘Thank you’ in advance for your support and generosity. If you have any questions about the PTSA please email us at [email protected]

Stay Connected 

Follow ' oaktonhs_ptsa' on Instagram to keep abreast of what's happening at the PTSA. Become a member, Join the mailing list and/or donate to the PTSA at PTBoard - Oakton High School PTSA

Join the PTSA 

Want to be part of PTSA? We are looking for an ANGP Chair (All Night Grad Party),  Webmaster, Business Chair, Hospitality Chair and Treasurer.  Email us at [email protected]

Parent Resources Parent Information Line 

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

Parent Resource Center 

The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students.  This includes monthly workshops and webinars.  More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.  

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected?  If so, then click here to share with everyone. 

2900 Sutton Road, Vienna VA 22181 | Main Office: (703) 319-2700
Attendance: (703) 319-2727 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Principal Updates - January 6

GovDelivery2 months 2 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Be sure to follow us on X (@OaktonHS), and Instagram oaktonhs ! Be sure to check out our Oakton Accolades section on our website as we celebrate student achievement!  

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar here.   

January 6 - Assessment Blackout Date; Religious and Cultural Observation Day (Three Kings Day/Epiphany) - Snow Day (Schools Closed) 

January 7 - Assessment Blackout Date; Religious and Cultural Observation Day (Orthodox Christmas); Rising Senior registration begins 

January 9 - Curriculum Night (4:30-6:30pm) - Save the Date 

January 14 - Sense of Belonging Parent Feedback Meeting 

January 20 - No School; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Inauguration Day 

January 28 - Rising Senior registration ends; Second Quarter Ends

January 29 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday, Lunar New Year 

January 31 - Rising Junior registration begins 

January - National Mentoring Month 

Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are. Learn more about Mentoring Month.

Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor.

All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.

The FCPS MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at [email protected].  

General Information Sense of Belonging Parent Feedback Meeting 

This year we created a School Improvement and Innovation Goal around increasing student sense of belonging.  We made this decision as we felt it directly connected with the work we did last school year around establishing school core values and rewriting our school mission and vision.  

To enhance our plans around increasing student sense of belonging, we would love to hear from our parent community.  We want to offer the opportunity to hear your perspective as the individuals who know your children best.  We also want to ensure that Oakton High School is also a place where our parents feel a sense of belonging.  

If you are interested, we would love to have you attend on January 14, 2025 at 5:30pm -6:30pm in the Lecture Hall.  We will review Oakton data from the SEL Screener around “Sense of Belonging”.  We will also spend time discussing the potential “why” behind the data and recommendations for how we might better ensure a deeper sense of belonging among all students at Oakton High School.  We will also share what the students who are involved in the Principal’s Advisory Committee identified going through this same exercise in the fall.  

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

All Senior Service-Learning hours for Seniors must be submitted no later than April 25th at 3pm to guarantee they are approved for graduation accomplishments. Hours posted past the deadline will not be guaranteed to be counted toward awards and recognition for Seniors. Please submit all hours into X2VOL for approval no later than April 25th at 3pm.

To learn more about Senior awards and recognition for graduation click HERE. This includes all Service-Learning Recognitions for graduation and their requirements. Any questions regarding this information can be forwarded to Mrs. Kimberly Stewart, the Service Learning Liaison, at OHS at [email protected]

Don’t Miss Out, Order Your Yearbook Today!

The time to purchase a yearbook is now. The 300-page book cost $67 until December 31, at which time prices increase. To reserve your copy, go to yearbookordercenter.com and use the code 4770. Each year, there are a limited number of copies available so don’t miss out.

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 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.

2024-2025 Dates:

  • October 28, 2024 6:30-8:00pm
  • January 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • March 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • May 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Student Services Updates  Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

Student course registration is right around the corner!  Students will register for their courses January 6-March 5.  We will provide students with an overview regarding registration on Thursday, December 19 during Cougar Connect.  We also invite students and parents to our Curriculum Night on January 9.  

More information on course registration can  be found on the Oakton HS website.  

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success.

Curriculum Night - January 9, 2025

Save the Date for Oakton's Curriculum Night: Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 4:30-6:30 pm. See our flyer here

Parents and students are welcome to come learn more about our course offerings for the 2025-2026 school year.  

We will have a few optional parent presentations that you can attend. In addition, we will have a fair style event with teacher representatives for elective and core classes. Staff will be able to answer questions and you will have the opportunity to learn more about Oakton’s course offerings. The itinerary is as follows:

  • Curriculum Fair: 4:30 - 6:30 pm (Various Locations)
  • Registration Overview Presentation: 4:30-5:00 pm (Auditorium)
  • Special Education Session: 5:15 - 5:45 pm (Auditorium)
🗓️ Save the Date: Academy Open Houses Begin in January!

FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in January.

A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

SAVE THE DATE - 2025 Gap Year Fair

FCPS’ School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00-8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:00-6:45 p.m. Immediately following, the program fair will be held in the cafeteria from 6:45-8:30 p.m., with representatives from over 30 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are encouraged to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available. 

Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. For more information, visit: USA Gap Year Fairs.

In the event of inclement weather on Tuesday, January 28, 2025: The Gap Year Fair will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the same time and location.

Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year.

  • August 8 – September 6: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability.
  • September 9 – November 8 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 12: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
  • After March 28: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.
Health and Wellness Updates 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

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide them with a safe space to address concerns such as:

  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
  • Anxiety, worry, fears
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
  • Academic stress

You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. [Find contact information for Oakton staff on this webpage.  

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

  • Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration
  • Be Among the First to Hear About Closings/Delays
  • Fall 2024 Sports Champions

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

🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.

Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:

  • Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. 
  • Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 
  • Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 
  • Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
  • Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

PTSA Updates Fundraiser

This fundraiser allows 100% of your donations to be used in supporting the PTSA and its activities. Your donations are tax deductible as well! Please note that we depend on donations. Without your donations, the PTSA will be unable to financially support such programs and events as mentioned above. We only ask that you be as generous as your budget allows, no amount is too small.  Together we can make a difference! Please join the PTSA & show support. Many companies participate in matching gift programs. You can double or even triple your generous donations! Donations are always kept confidential. You can also send us checks addressed to Oakton High School PTSA. It’s even easy to join and/or pay via credit card by clicking on this link and ‘Thank you’ in advance for your support and generosity. If you have any questions about the PTSA please email us at [email protected]

Stay Connected 

Follow ' oaktonhs_ptsa' on Instagram to keep abreast of what's happening at the PTSA. Become a member, Join the mailing list and/or donate to the PTSA at PTBoard - Oakton High School PTSA

Join the PTSA 

Want to be part of PTSA? We are looking for an ANGP Chair (All Night Grad Party),  Webmaster, Business Chair, Hospitality Chair and Treasurer.  Email us at [email protected]

Parent Resources Parent Information Line 

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

Parent Resource Center 

The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students.  This includes monthly workshops and webinars.  More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.  

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected?  If so, then click here to share with everyone. 

2900 Sutton Road, Vienna VA 22181 | Main Office: (703) 319-2700
Attendance: (703) 319-2727 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Principal Updates - December 30

GovDelivery2 months 3 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Be sure to follow us on X (@OaktonHS), and Instagram oaktonhs ! Be sure to check out our Oakton Accolades section on our website as we celebrate student achievement!  

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.

From the Oakton family to yours, have a wonderful winter break! For those celebrating, enjoy the holidays and Happy New Year to all!  School will resume for students on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar here.   

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break (No School) 

January 6 - Assessment Blackout Date; Religious and Cultural Observation Day (Three Kings Day/Epiphany)

January 7 - Assessment Blackout Date; Religious and Cultural Observation Day (Orthodox Christmas); Rising Senior registration begins 

January 9 - Curriculum Night (4:30-6:30pm) - Save the Date 

January 14 - Sense of Belonging Parent Feedback Meeting 

January 28 - Rising Senior registration ends; Second Quarter Ends

January 29 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday, Lunar New Year 

January 31 - Rising Junior registration begins 

 

Oakton Accolades

Please check out our updated Oakton Accolades section!  This portion of our website seeks to highlight various celebrations throughout the school year.  We update this sight every few months.  

If you have an achievement you would like to share regarding your child, please send to Mrs. Lane at [email protected]!  

General Information Winter Break

Students will be on Winter Break from December 23 to January 3.  During that time, the main office will be closed. 

Upon student return, no assessments will be given, nor assignments due on January 6-7 so that all can fully enjoy the break!  New material can be covered on those days. 

Wishing all who celebrate holidays during this time a wonderful holiday season! 

⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures. 

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform.

Sense of Belonging Parent Feedback Meeting 

This year we created a School Improvement and Innovation Goal around increasing student sense of belonging.  We made this decision as we felt it directly connected with the work we did last school year around establishing school core values and rewriting our school mission and vision.  

To enhance our plans around increasing student sense of belonging, we would love to hear from our parent community.  We want to offer the opportunity to hear your perspective as the individuals who know your children best.  We also want to ensure that Oakton High School is also a place where our parents feel a sense of belonging.  

If you are interested, we would love to have you attend on January 14, 2025 at 5:30pm -6:30pm in the Lecture Hall.  We will review Oakton data from the SEL Screener around “Sense of Belonging”.  We will also spend time discussing the potential “why” behind the data and recommendations for how we might better ensure a deeper sense of belonging among all students at Oakton High School.  We will also share what the students who are involved in the Principal’s Advisory Committee identified going through this same exercise in the fall.  

Don’t Miss Out, Order Your Yearbook Today!

The time to purchase a yearbook is now. The 300-page book cost $67 until December 31, at which time prices increase. To reserve your copy, go to yearbookordercenter.com and use the code 4770. Each year, there are a limited number of copies available so don’t miss out.

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 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.

2024-2025 Dates:

  • October 28, 2024 6:30-8:00pm
  • January 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • March 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • May 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Student Services Updates  Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

Student course registration is right around the corner!  Students will register for their courses January 6-March 5.  We will provide students with an overview regarding registration on Thursday, December 19 during Cougar Connect.  We also invite students and parents to our Curriculum Night on January 9.  

More information on course registration can  be found on the Oakton HS website.  

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success.

Curriculum Night - January 9, 2025

Save the Date for Oakton's Curriculum Night: Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 4:30-6:30 pm. See our flyer here

Parents and students are welcome to come learn more about our course offerings for the 2025-2026 school year.  

We will have a few optional parent presentations that you can attend. In addition, we will have a fair style event with teacher representatives for elective and core classes. Staff will be able to answer questions and you will have the opportunity to learn more about Oakton’s course offerings. The itinerary is as follows:

  • Curriculum Fair: 4:30 - 6:30 pm (Various Locations)
  • Registration Overview Presentation: 4:30-5:00 pm (Auditorium)
  • Special Education Session: 5:15 - 5:45 pm (Auditorium)
🗓️ Save the Date: Academy Open Houses Begin in January!

FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in January.

A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

SAVE THE DATE - 2025 Gap Year Fair

FCPS’ School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00-8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:00-6:45 p.m. Immediately following, the program fair will be held in the cafeteria from 6:45-8:30 p.m., with representatives from over 30 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are encouraged to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available. 

Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. For more information, visit: USA Gap Year Fairs.

In the event of inclement weather on Tuesday, January 28, 2025: The Gap Year Fair will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the same time and location.

Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year.

  • August 8 – September 6: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability.
  • September 9 – November 8 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 12: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
  • After March 28: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.
Health and Wellness Updates 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

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide them with a safe space to address concerns such as:

  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
  • Anxiety, worry, fears
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
  • Academic stress

You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. [Find contact information for Oakton staff on this webpage.  

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

  • Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration
  • Be Among the First to Hear About Closings/Delays
  • Fall 2024 Sports Champions

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

📣 Sign Up and Speak Out: Fairfax County’s Pre-2025 Session Public Hearing

The Fairfax County delegation to the Virginia General Assembly will hold a public hearing regarding the upcoming 2025 session on Saturday, January 4, at 9 a.m., in the Board Auditorium at the Fairfax County Government Center

As Fairfax County residents, you may sign up in advance to speak at the hearing and let the delegation know what matters most to you. To participate, register online using this form or contact the Department of Clerk Services at 703-324-3151 (TTY 711) by noon on Thursday, January 2. Find additional guidelines for speaking at the public forum on the Fairfax County Government website. 

🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.

Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:

  • Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. 
  • Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 
  • Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 
  • Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
  • Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

PTSA Updates Fundraiser

This fundraiser allows 100% of your donations to be used in supporting the PTSA and its activities. Your donations are tax deductible as well! Please note that we depend on donations. Without your donations, the PTSA will be unable to financially support such programs and events as mentioned above. We only ask that you be as generous as your budget allows, no amount is too small.  Together we can make a difference! Please join the PTSA & show support. Many companies participate in matching gift programs. You can double or even triple your generous donations! Donations are always kept confidential. You can also send us checks addressed to Oakton High School PTSA. It’s even easy to join and/or pay via credit card by clicking on this link and ‘Thank you’ in advance for your support and generosity. If you have any questions about the PTSA please email us at [email protected]

Stay Connected 

Follow ' oaktonhs_ptsa' on Instagram to keep abreast of what's happening at the PTSA. Become a member, Join the mailing list and/or donate to the PTSA at PTBoard - Oakton High School PTSA

Join the PTSA 

Want to be part of PTSA? We are looking for an ANGP Chair (All Night Grad Party),  Webmaster, Business Chair, Hospitality Chair and Treasurer.  Email us at [email protected]

Parent Resources Parent Information Line 

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

Parent Resource Center 

The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students.  This includes monthly workshops and webinars.  More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.  

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected?  If so, then click here to share with everyone. 

2900 Sutton Road, Vienna VA 22181 | Main Office: (703) 319-2700
Attendance: (703) 319-2727 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Principal Updates - December 23

GovDelivery3 months ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Be sure to follow us on X (@OaktonHS), and Instagram oaktonhs ! Be sure to check out our Oakton Accolades section on our website as we celebrate student achievement!  

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.

From the Oakton family to yours, have a wonderful winter break! For those celebrating, enjoy the holidays. School will resume for students on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar here.   

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break (No School) 

January 6 - Assessment Blackout Date; Religious and Cultural Observation Day (Three Kings Day/Epiphany)

January 7 - Assessment Blackout Date; Religious and Cultural Observation Day (Orthodox Christmas); Rising Senior registration begins 

January 9 - Curriculum Night (4:30-6:30pm) - Save the Date 

January 14 - Sense of Belonging Parent Feedback Meeting 

January 28 - Rising Senior registration ends; Second Quarter Ends

January 29 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday, Lunar New Year 

January 31 - Rising Junior registration begins 

 

Oakton Accolades

Please check out our updated Oakton Accolades section!  This portion of our website seeks to highlight various celebrations throughout the school year.  We update this sight every few months.  

If you have an achievement you would like to share regarding your child, please send to Mrs. Lane at [email protected]!  

General Information Winter Break

Students will be on Winter Break from December 23 to January 3.  During that time, the main office will be closed. 

Upon student return, no assessments will be given, nor assignments due on January 6-7 so that all can fully enjoy the break!  New material can be covered on those days. 

Wishing all who celebrate holidays during this time a wonderful holiday season! 

⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures. 

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform.

Sense of Belonging Parent Feedback Meeting 

This year we created a School Improvement and Innovation Goal around increasing student sense of belonging.  We made this decision as we felt it directly connected with the work we did last school year around establishing school core values and rewriting our school mission and vision.  

To enhance our plans around increasing student sense of belonging, we would love to hear from our parent community.  We want to offer the opportunity to hear your perspective as the individuals who know your children best.  We also want to ensure that Oakton High School is also a place where our parents feel a sense of belonging.  

If you are interested, we would love to have you attend on January 14, 2025 at 5:30pm -6:30pm in the Lecture Hall.  We will review Oakton data from the SEL Screener around “Sense of Belonging”.  We will also spend time discussing the potential “why” behind the data and recommendations for how we might better ensure a deeper sense of belonging among all students at Oakton High School.  We will also share what the students who are involved in the Principal’s Advisory Committee identified going through this same exercise in the fall.  

Don’t Miss Out, Order Your Yearbook Today!

The time to purchase a yearbook is now. The 300-page book cost $67 until December 31, at which time prices increase. To reserve your copy, go to yearbookordercenter.com and use the code 4770. Each year, there are a limited number of copies available so don’t miss out.

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 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.

2024-2025 Dates:

  • October 28, 2024 6:30-8:00pm
  • January 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • March 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • May 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Student Services Updates  Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

Student course registration is right around the corner!  Students will register for their courses January 6-March 5.  We will provide students with an overview regarding registration on Thursday, December 19 during Cougar Connect.  We also invite students and parents to our Curriculum Night on January 9.  

More information on course registration can  be found on the Oakton HS website.  

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success.

Curriculum Night - January 9, 2025

Save the Date for Oakton's Curriculum Night: Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 4:30-6:30 pm. See our flyer here

Parents and students are welcome to come learn more about our course offerings for the 2025-2026 school year.  

We will have a few optional parent presentations that you can attend. In addition, we will have a fair style event with teacher representatives for elective and core classes. Staff will be able to answer questions and you will have the opportunity to learn more about Oakton’s course offerings. The itinerary is as follows:

  • Curriculum Fair: 4:30 - 6:30 pm (Various Locations)
  • Registration Overview Presentation: 4:30-5:00 pm (Auditorium)
  • Special Education Session: 5:15 - 5:45 pm (Auditorium)
🗓️ Save the Date: Academy Open Houses Begin in January!

FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in January.

A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

SAVE THE DATE - 2025 Gap Year Fair

FCPS’ School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00-8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:00-6:45 p.m. Immediately following, the program fair will be held in the cafeteria from 6:45-8:30 p.m., with representatives from over 30 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are encouraged to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available. 

Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. For more information, visit: USA Gap Year Fairs.

In the event of inclement weather on Tuesday, January 28, 2025: The Gap Year Fair will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the same time and location.

Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year.

  • August 8 – September 6: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability.
  • September 9 – November 8 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 12: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
  • After March 28: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.
Health and Wellness Updates 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

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide them with a safe space to address concerns such as:

  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
  • Anxiety, worry, fears
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
  • Academic stress

You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. [Find contact information for Oakton staff on this webpage.  

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

  • Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration
  • Be Among the First to Hear About Closings/Delays
  • Fall 2024 Sports Champions

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

📣 Sign Up and Speak Out: Fairfax County’s Pre-2025 Session Public Hearing

The Fairfax County delegation to the Virginia General Assembly will hold a public hearing regarding the upcoming 2025 session on Saturday, January 4, at 9 a.m., in the Board Auditorium at the Fairfax County Government Center

As Fairfax County residents, you may sign up in advance to speak at the hearing and let the delegation know what matters most to you. To participate, register online using this form or contact the Department of Clerk Services at 703-324-3151 (TTY 711) by noon on Thursday, January 2. Find additional guidelines for speaking at the public forum on the Fairfax County Government website. 

🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.

Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:

  • Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. 
  • Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 
  • Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 
  • Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
  • Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

PTSA Updates Fundraiser

This fundraiser allows 100% of your donations to be used in supporting the PTSA and its activities. Your donations are tax deductible as well! Please note that we depend on donations. Without your donations, the PTSA will be unable to financially support such programs and events as mentioned above. We only ask that you be as generous as your budget allows, no amount is too small.  Together we can make a difference! Please join the PTSA & show support. Many companies participate in matching gift programs. You can double or even triple your generous donations! Donations are always kept confidential. You can also send us checks addressed to Oakton High School PTSA. It’s even easy to join and/or pay via credit card by clicking on this link and ‘Thank you’ in advance for your support and generosity. If you have any questions about the PTSA please email us at [email protected]

Stay Connected 

Follow ' oaktonhs_ptsa' on Instagram to keep abreast of what's happening at the PTSA. Become a member, Join the mailing list and/or donate to the PTSA at PTBoard - Oakton High School PTSA

Join the PTSA 

Want to be part of PTSA? We are looking for an ANGP Chair (All Night Grad Party),  Webmaster, Business Chair, Hospitality Chair and Treasurer.  Email us at [email protected]

Parent Resources Parent Information Line 

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

Parent Resource Center 

The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students.  This includes monthly workshops and webinars.  More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.  

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected?  If so, then click here to share with everyone. 

2900 Sutton Road, Vienna VA 22181 | Main Office: (703) 319-2700
Attendance: (703) 319-2727 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Principal Updates - December 16

GovDelivery3 months 1 week ago

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English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Be sure to follow us on X (@OaktonHS), and Instagram oaktonhs ! Be sure to check out our Oakton Accolades section on our website as we celebrate student achievement!  

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar here.   

December 16 - Parent Coffee (Virtual) 

December 17 - Signs of Suicide Screening Concludes (11th Grade) 

December 18 - FCPS Boundary Review Community Meeting - Region 1 (see below) 

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break (No School) 

January 6 - Assessment Blackout Date; Religious and Cultural Observation Day (Three Kings Day/Epiphany)

January 7 - Assessment Blackout Date; Religious and Cultural Observation Day (Orthodox Christmas); Rising Senior registration begins 

January 9 - Curriculum Night (4:30-6:30pm) - Save the Date 

January 28 - Rising Senior registration ends; Second Quarter Ends

January 29 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday, Lunar New Year 

January 31 - Rising Junior registration begins 

 

Oakton Accolades

Please check out our updated Oakton Accolades section!  This portion of our website seeks to highlight various celebrations throughout the school year.  We update this sight every few months.  

If you have an achievement you would like to share regarding your child, please send to Mrs. Lane at [email protected]!  

General Information Winter Break

Students will be on Winter Break from December 23 to January 3.  During that time, the main office will be closed. 

Upon student return, no assessments will be given, nor assignments due on January 6-7 so that all can fully enjoy the break!  New material can be covered on those days. 

Wishing all who celebrate holidays during this time a wonderful holiday season! 

⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.

Student Attendance

The holiday season is almost upon us!  With that, we recognize that many families may have travel plans that could impact school attendance.  The FCPS and Oakton 2024-2025 calendar can be found here for your reference. 

We ask that, if possible, please let us know of any planned absences as soon as you can.  That will help our attendance office staff manage the increase in calls that we typically see around this time.  Please see our Attendance Procedures and Forms page for reporting absences via ParentVue, the attendance line, and our prearranged absence form (found at the bottom of the page). 

For future travel planning, the 2025-2026 school year calendars have already been released and can be found on the FCPS website under calendars.  We strongly encourage families to schedule travel plans within the established school breaks to minimize student absences. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s administrator

Don’t Miss Out, Order Your Yearbook Today!

The time to purchase a yearbook is now. The 300-page book cost $67 until December 31, at which time prices increase. To reserve your copy, go to yearbookordercenter.com and use the code 4770. Each year, there are a limited number of copies available so don’t miss out.

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 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.

2024-2025 Dates:

  • October 28, 2024 6:30-8:00pm
  • January 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • March 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • May 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Student Services Updates  Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

Student course registration is right around the corner!  Students will register for their courses January 6-March 5.  We will provide students with an overview regarding registration on Thursday, December 19 during Cougar Connect.  We also invite students and parents to our Curriculum Night on January 9.  

More information on course registration can  be found on the Oakton HS website.  

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success.

Curriculum Night - January 9, 2025

Save the Date for Oakton's Curriculum Night: Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 4:30-6:30 pm. See our flyer here

Parents and students are welcome to come learn more about our course offerings for the 2025-2026 school year.  

We will have a few optional parent presentations that you can attend. In addition, we will have a fair style event with teacher representatives for elective and core classes. Staff will be able to answer questions and you will have the opportunity to learn more about Oakton’s course offerings. The itinerary is as follows:

  • Curriculum Fair: 4:30 - 6:30 pm (Various Locations)
  • Registration Overview Presentation: 4:30-5:00 pm (Auditorium)
  • Special Education Session: 5:15 - 5:45 pm (Auditorium)
🗓️ Save the Date: Academy Open Houses Begin in January!

FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in January.

A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

SAVE THE DATE - 2025 Gap Year Fair

FCPS’ School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00-8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:00-6:45 p.m. Immediately following, the program fair will be held in the cafeteria from 6:45-8:30 p.m., with representatives from over 30 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are encouraged to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available. 

Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. For more information, visit: USA Gap Year Fairs.

In the event of inclement weather on Tuesday, January 28, 2025: The Gap Year Fair will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the same time and location.

Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year.

  • August 8 – September 6: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability.
  • September 9 – November 8 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 12: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
  • After March 28: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.
Health and Wellness Updates 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

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide them with a safe space to address concerns such as:

  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
  • Anxiety, worry, fears
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
  • Academic stress

You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. [Find contact information for Oakton staff on this webpage.  

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

  • Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
  • Join Our Teacher Team!
  • Comprehensive Boundary Review Updates

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

Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter

The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:

  • Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
  • Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
  • SEL Screener Results
  • New Accessibility Resources
  • Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
  • Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
  • VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
  • Executive Functioning Webinars
  • Early Literacy Resources
  • ESY and Assessment Webinar
  • COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options

Subscribe to the Special Education and 504 Newsletter

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Please note that several options include recommendations to change start times of all three levels (elementary, middle, and high).  

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. 

With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region (Region 1), which will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Madison High School Cafeteria

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

PTSA Updates Fundraiser

This fundraiser allows 100% of your donations to be used in supporting the PTSA and its activities. Your donations are tax deductible as well! Please note that we depend on donations. Without your donations, the PTSA will be unable to financially support such programs and events as mentioned above. We only ask that you be as generous as your budget allows, no amount is too small.  Together we can make a difference! Please join the PTSA & show support. Many companies participate in matching gift programs. You can double or even triple your generous donations! Donations are always kept confidential. You can also send us checks addressed to Oakton High School PTSA. It’s even easy to join and/or pay via credit card by clicking on this link and ‘Thank you’ in advance for your support and generosity. If you have any questions about the PTSA please email us at [email protected]

Stay Connected 

Follow ' oaktonhs_ptsa' on Instagram to keep abreast of what's happening at the PTSA. Become a member, Join the mailing list and/or donate to the PTSA at PTBoard - Oakton High School PTSA

Join the PTSA 

Want to be part of PTSA? We are looking for an ANGP Chair (All Night Grad Party),  Webmaster, Business Chair, Hospitality Chair and Treasurer.  Email us at [email protected]

Parent Resources Parent Information Line 

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

Parent Resource Center 

The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students.  This includes monthly workshops and webinars.  More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.  

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected?  If so, then click here to share with everyone. 

2900 Sutton Road, Vienna VA 22181 | Main Office: (703) 319-2700
Attendance: (703) 319-2727 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Principal Updates - December 9

GovDelivery3 months 2 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Be sure to follow us on X (@OaktonHS), and Instagram oaktonhs ! Be sure to check out our Oakton Accolades section on our website as we celebrate student achievement!  

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar here.   

December 9-11 - Signs of Suicide Screening Continues (11th Grade) 

December 9 - Senior Portraits (Added Session) 

December 11 - Senior Portraits (Updated Final Session) 

December 16 - Parent Coffee (Virtual) 

December 17 - Signs of Suicide Screening Concludes (11th Grade) 

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break (No School) 

January 6 - Assessment Blackout Date; Religious and Cultural Observation Day (Three Kings Day/Epiphany)

January 7 - Assessment Blackout Date; Religious and Cultural Observation Day (Orthodox Christmas); Rising Senior registration begins 

January 9 - Curriculum Night (4:30-6:30pm) - Save the Date 

January 28 - Rising Senior registration ends; Second Quarter Ends

January 29 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday, Lunar New Year 

January 31 - Rising Junior registration begins 

 

Arrival and Dismissal Reminders

Just a few friendly reminders regarding arrival and dismissal for students.  As always, we appreciate the understanding of all so we may ensure a safe environment for all and ensure we are not unnecessarily impacting our surrounding neighborhoods.  

  • Please follow the established kiss-and-ride traffic pattern, as well as traffic laws.  Dropping students off in the middle of the street and making illegal U-turns creates concern for the safety of all.  In addition, please refrain from using nearby neighborhoods for drop-off and pick-up locations.  
  • Please follow the directions of our crossing guard.  Her primary role is to ensure the safe passage of students walking to school. In addition, she works closely with the school to resolve traffic back-ups to keep the lines moving.  
  • Student walkers should be sure to pay full attention to their surroundings. We encourage a family conversation around what this looks like for students.  Including: looking both ways when crossing the road; removing earbuds; not being on the phone when crossing the street; etc.
  • Student walkers should also be mindful of private property and avoid taking shortcuts that impact private property. 
  • Drivers are encouraged to pay attention to staff and crossing guard direction.  We also encourage all to avoid high rates of speed when entering and leaving the campus to ensure a safe environment. 
  • All students are encouraged to ensure they are getting to school on-time.  We have seen a dramatic increase in student tardiness in the past few weeks.    
General Information 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 (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible. The form pops up automatically for you to complete when you log in using a computer, not the phone application.  

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Student Experience Survey

Students received this survey via their fcpsschools.net email account on Monday, December 2.  Students were provided time during Cougar Connect on Thursday, December 5 to complete the survey.  If you opted your child out of the survey, they did not receive the email with the survey.   

Students may still take the survey at home, if preferred. The survey will remain open until December 13, 2024. 

We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the five equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.

Student Attendance

The holiday season is almost upon us!  With that, we recognize that many families may have travel plans that could impact school attendance.  The FCPS and Oakton 2024-2025 calendar can be found here for your reference. 

We ask that, if possible, please let us know of any planned absences as soon as you can.  That will help our attendance office staff manage the increase in calls that we typically see around this time.  Please see our Attendance Procedures and Forms page for reporting absences via ParentVue, the attendance line, and our prearranged absence form (found at the bottom of the page). 

For future travel planning, the 2025-2026 school year calendars have already been released and can be found on the FCPS website under calendars.  We strongly encourage families to schedule travel plans within the established school breaks to minimize student absences. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s administrator

December Parent Coffee

All families are invited to attend our virtual parent coffee on December 16, 2024 at 10:00am.  This session will focus on the registration process for the 2025-2026 school year.  We will present some information and then allow for questions.  

The link will be sent out the morning of the parent coffee.  The presentation along with the recording will be posted on the Parent Schoology account for those who are unable to attend.  

Don’t Miss Out, Order Your Yearbook Today!

The time to purchase a yearbook is now. The 300-page book cost $67 until December 31, at which time prices increase. To reserve your copy, go to yearbookordercenter.com and use the code 4770. Each year, there are a limited number of copies available so don’t miss out.

Yearbook - Senior Ads

The yearbook is now accepting purchases of senior ads. You can get a space to write a congratulatory message to your graduating senior in varying sizes. You can design and order online at yearbookordercenter.com with order number 4770.  Payment is available by credit, debit, or Paypal and orders are due by December 13th, however space is limited so make sure to order now.

Class of 2025 - Senior Portraits

Unlike grades 9-11, seniors sign up for a picture session with Victor O’Neill at a time that works for them. We have added two additional days to accommodate our remaining seniors who need to sit for their portraits.  These are the final opportunities for senior portraits for the Class of 2025. 

  • June 20-21; 24 (Session 1) 
  • August 26-28 (Session 2) 
  • October 15-17 (Session 3) 
  • November 20 (Session 4)
  • December 9 (Session 5) 
  • December 11 (Session 6) 

If you have questions about senior portraits in general, please email Victor O'Neill studios at [email protected]. Please kindly include your Senior’s First and Last Name and “Oakton Class of 2025” when emailing, for faster assistance. If you have other senior portrait or scheduling questions you can email Martha Rodeheaver, Assistant Principal, at [email protected].

All seniors are highly encouraged to sit for photos.  These photos will be used for their yearbook photo.  Sitting for the photos does not obligate a family to purchase the photos once you review the proofs.  

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 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.

2024-2025 Dates:

  • October 28, 2024 6:30-8:00pm
  • January 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • March 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
  • May 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Student Services Updates  SAVE THE DATE - 2025 Gap Year Fair

FCPS’ School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00-8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:00-6:45 p.m. Immediately following, the program fair will be held in the cafeteria from 6:45-8:30 p.m., with representatives from over 30 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are encouraged to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available. 

Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. For more information, visit: USA Gap Year Fairs.

In the event of inclement weather on Tuesday, January 28, 2025: The Gap Year Fair will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the same time and location.

Financial Aid 101 Webinars for Students and Parents 

High school students, parents, and guardians who are interested in learning about financial aid options for college are invited to attend one of the Financial Aid 101 webinars hosted by Level Up Virginia and Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (VASFAA).  

Topics covered include Federal Financial Aid, State Financial Aid, Application Tips, and Q & A. 

Register today to attend on December 12, 2024, from 6 to 7:15 p.m.  Sessions are free and will cover the same information. Please see the Financial Aid 101 flyer for more information. 

Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year.

  • August 8 – September 6: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability.
  • September 9 – November 8 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 12: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
  • After March 28: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.
Health and Wellness Updates 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

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide them with a safe space to address concerns such as:

  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
  • Anxiety, worry, fears
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
  • Academic stress

You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. [Find contact information for Oakton staff on this webpage.  

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

  • Family Academy Orientation
  • Literacy Resources
  • Winter Programs and Activities

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

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Please note that several options include recommendations to change start times of all three levels (elementary, middle, and high).  

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. 

With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region (Region 1), which will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Madison High School Cafeteria

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

PTSA Updates Fundraiser

This fundraiser allows 100% of your donations to be used in supporting the PTSA and its activities. Your donations are tax deductible as well! Please note that we depend on donations. Without your donations, the PTSA will be unable to financially support such programs and events as mentioned above. We only ask that you be as generous as your budget allows, no amount is too small.  Together we can make a difference! Please join the PTSA & show support. Many companies participate in matching gift programs. You can double or even triple your generous donations! Donations are always kept confidential. You can also send us checks addressed to Oakton High School PTSA. It’s even easy to join and/or pay via credit card by clicking on this link and ‘Thank you’ in advance for your support and generosity. If you have any questions about the PTSA please email us at [email protected]

Stay Connected 

Follow ' oaktonhs_ptsa' on Instagram to keep abreast of what's happening at the PTSA. Become a member, Join the mailing list and/or donate to the PTSA at PTBoard - Oakton High School PTSA

Join the PTSA 

Want to be part of PTSA? We are looking for an ANGP Chair (All Night Grad Party),  Webmaster, Business Chair, Hospitality Chair and Treasurer.  Email us at [email protected]

Parent Resources Parent Information Line 

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

Parent Resource Center 

The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students.  This includes monthly workshops and webinars.  More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.  

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected?  If so, then click here to share with everyone. 

2900 Sutton Road, Vienna VA 22181 | Main Office: (703) 319-2700
Attendance: (703) 319-2727 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

2 hours 48 minutes ago
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