Principal Updates - December 4

GovDelivery5 days 20 hours ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

如果您想以其他语言阅读此新闻时讯,请访问我们的网站

이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@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 2023-2024 school year calendar here.   

November 30 - December 6 - SOS, 9th Grade

December 4 - Youth Survey (10th/12th Grade) 

December 7 - Chanukah begins (Evening Religious and Cultural Observance Day) 

December 8 - Bodhi Day (Religious and Cultural Observance Day)

December 11 - December Parent Coffee - Student Supports 

December 18-January 1 - No School, Winter Break 

January 3 - Curriculum Night, Save the Date

General Information Fairfax County Youth Survey

The Fairfax County Youth Survey was administered to 10th and 12th graders today, December 4th in Cougar Connect.   The make-up date is Friday, December 8th  for any students who are absent. Opt-out forms were emailed out in October. If you opted your student out, you will received a confirmation email on Wednesday, November 27th. If you have any questions, please email Sal Olivo, Assistant Principal, at [email protected].

More information on the youth survey can be found here.  

Make-up/Retake Day Images - Now Viewable

To see any make-up/retake day images, please visit the Victor O'Neill Studios webpage.  When prompted for the online code, use your child's student ID. For questions regarding school pictures, please email: [email protected]

December Parent Coffee 

On December 11, 2023 at 12:00pm we will host a lunchtime virtual parent coffee surrounding the various supports available for students at Oakton High School.  This will include: school counselors, clinicians, systems of support advisor, substance abuse prevention specialist, college and career specialist, and  the center.  

The zoom link will be sent the morning of the meeting.  A recording and the presentation will be posted on Schoology for any interested families who are unable to attend.  

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school.

Course Registration 2024-25

After winter break, Oakton students will be registering for the courses for the 2024-25 school year!  Below are different ways students and parents can learn about the course offerings and when each grade level will register. 

Curriculum Night: January 3, 2024, from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM. During this time, you will be able to learn more about all the courses offered at Oakton. You can also find information about our classes, explained by our teachers, through our course offerings website (this site will go live the week of December 11). Additional information can be found on our academic advising and course offerings page (all links will be updated by December 15).

 

Registration: The dates below may be adjusted as needed.  All students will have presentations from the counselors and then an individual meeting to confirm the classes they wish to enroll in.

It is incredibly important that students sign up for the classes they want to take.  We base our staffing decisions on these initial numbers. Deadlines to register for courses is March 6, 2024.

 

Rising Seniors - Class of 2025

  • Classroom Presentations: January 4 & 5 through Social Studies classes
  • 1:1 Registration with counselor: January 8 – 25 through English classes

 

Rising Juniors - Class of 2026

  • Classroom Presentations: January 29 & 30 through Social Studies classes
  • 1:1 Registration with counselor: January 31 – February 14 through English classes

 

Rising Sophomores - Class of 2027

  • Classroom Presentations: February 15 & 16 through Social Studies classes
  • 1:1 Registration with counselor: February 20 – March 1 through English classes

 

Rising Freshmen - Class of 2028

Counselor Presentations:

  • January 9 – Carson Middle School
  • January 11 – Franklin Middle School
  • January 12 – Thoreau Middle School

Deadlines for course selection will be determined by the middle school; dates will vary by school.

Attendance Reminders

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 2023-2024 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 our online attendance form, attendance line, and our prearranged absence form (found at the bottom of the page). 

For future travel planning, the 2024-2025 school year and the 2025-2026 school year calendars have already been released and can be found here.  

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s administrator

Assignment/Assessment Blackout Dates

To ensure that our students are able to take a break and fully enjoy their upcoming winter break, January 2 and January 3 have been designated as assignment and assessment blackout dates.  This means that no assignments will be due, nor assessments given on those days.  Please note that new material can be covered and assignments completed in class  on these days can be graded.  This policy helps us to ensure that students can have a break from school work during the days off.  

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2023-2024 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. 

2023-2024 Dates:

  1. Tuesday, January 16, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  2. Tuesday, March 19, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  3. Wednesday, May 29, 6:30pm in the Auditorium

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.

Yearbooks and Senior Baby Ads

Yearbooks and senior baby ads for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale! You can purchase yearbook packages and senior baby ads at www.yearbookordercenter.com using the code 4770. Standalone yearbooks are also available via MySchoolBucks. Prices start at $67 and will increase throughout the year, so buy early to save. Don’t wait – the last two years sold out. Questions? Email [email protected]

Student Services Updates  Student Services Newsletter

Happy December Cougar Families!  Take a look at the December newsletter because it has a lot of valuable information.  Learn more about what counselors have been working on such as the Signs of Suicide Program, Freshmen Curriculum, and Academic Award Recognition.  Review the opportunities in the College & Career Center such as the HOBY Program and scholarships.  Learn more about the Course registration process for the 2024-2025 school year and testing updates.  Finally, check out upcoming events including the Student SEL Results, Gap Year Fair, Coursera information, and family webinars through the county. 

2024 Gap Year Fair

FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at George C. Marshall High School from 6 to 8:30 p.m.  This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. Student registration will open on November 20, 2023, on USA Gap Year Fairs.

SOS Information

During November and December, Oakton’s school counselors, social workers, and school psychologist will be presenting an optional depression awareness program and screening for ninth grade and eleventh grade students. The evidence-based prevention program is called Signs of Suicide (SOS) and it teaches students how to identify warning signs of suicide and depression and how students can reach out if they are worried about themselves or a friend.

For more information, please visit www.mindwise.org/parents/

Eleventh grade presentation and screening: November 13 – November 16

Ninth grade presentation and screening: November 30 – December 6

All ninth and eleventh grade parents and guardians received an email about the program and parents and guardians may opt out their child(ren) from the presentation.

Questions? Please reach out to your child’s counselor.

Timeline for Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2023-24 school year. 

  • November 6 - March 22: 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 22: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability.  This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.

To find out who your child's school counselor is, please visit our website.  

Testing Updates College Board - SAT Fee Waiver 

In late October, College Board rolled out a new online system for students to directly apply for Fee Reduction Waivers for SAT testing. All students who meet College Board’s SAT fee waiver–eligibility criteria can receive SAT fee waiver benefits from College Board by completing a fee waiver request form. Learn more about the fee waiver–eligibility criteria here.  Students will need to have a College Board account.

SAT School Score Reports Available to Students

Students who participated in the School Day SAT will have access to SAT score reports on Wednesday, November 1. Students who participated in the SAT on October 26 will have access to scores on November 16. Students can access scores via their College Board accounts. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding SAT scores is available on the College Board website. 

If you experience issues accessing your SAT score report, contact the College Board Student SAT help line at 866-756-7346.

Digital PSAT Scores and National Merit Scholarship Information

Students who participated in the Digital PSAT on Wednesday, October 11, can access their scores via the College Board BigFuture School App or their College Board accounts. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding Digital PSAT scores is available on the College Board website.

Eleventh grade students who participate in the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and can find information on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Families may reach out to their student’s school PSAT coordinator if they have questions regarding digital PSAT score reporting or the National Merit Scholarship Program.

College Board Testing Accommodations 

Students who have an IEP or 504 do not automatically have College Board accommodations. If you are scheduled to take an AP exam, SAT, or PSAT this year (or anticipate doing so next year) you need to apply for College Board Accommodations. Students who have been approved in previous years do not need to apply again. All of the paperwork is to be given to Shelley Wiederhold, special education department chair, at [email protected]. You must complete the following form to allow us to communicate on your behalf with the College Board:

Paperwork should be delivered to Oakton High School to the attention of Shelley Wiederhold at [email protected].

If applying for AP Exam accommodations, please submit your request for us to apply no later than December 7, 2023 for the May 2024 administration.

Please note that having an IEP or 504 does not automatically guarantee approval for College Board Accommodations.

 

Vote for the Marching Cougars - Metallica Competition 

The Oakton HS Marching Cougars have entered their fall marching band show into the Metallica Marching Band Competition!  To see the video submission check out the QR code above.  We would love your support of the program.  To vote for Oakton HS, text #HSOAKTON to 833-609-0330!  If Oakton wins the Fan Favorite high school category, the program would receive $10,000 in prizes.  Voting closes December 31!  

Service Learning Service Learning During the Holiday Season

As the holiday season gets underway, we want to remind and encourage all students to log any service-learning hours into the X2VOL system for proper verification and approval. As students give of their time to serve the community, we want to ensure that they remember to log these hours into X2VOL. Directions and information on how to log hours into X2VOL can be found HERE. If students and families are looking for opportunities and ways to give back this holiday season please visit the Volunteer Fairfax website or click HERE for more FCPS opportunities. If you have any questions regarding the definition of service learning for students in FCPS please see more information HERE.

We want to remind our students that while we truly appreciate and need donations for important causes throughout our community, donations do not count as service hours. Students must help organize, sort, deliver, collect, or prepare donations to receive service hours.

Volunteer Fairfax

Volunteer Fairfax is a resource that can be used to find out about service-learning opportunities in the community. Service learning is a great way for students and families to engage with local nonprofits and volunteer. More information about Volunteer opportunities on this day can be found on Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Health and Wellness Updates 2023-2024 Health & Safety Guidance for Schools

Be sure to review FCPS Health and Safety Guidance for the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and to find out when students should stay home from school.

Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline            703-527-4077

Crisis Text                                       Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency       703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency                         703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency         703-573-5979  TTY dial 711

Life Threatening                             911

FCPS News

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

  • How FCPS Announces Weather Closings
  • Keeping Your Child Warm
  • Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results

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

Safety and Security Updates Safety Drills

Below is a list of safety drills that we will be practicing this school year. 

  • Fire Evacuation Drills - Two within the first twenty school days, then one per month
  • Lockdown Drills - Two per school year; one in the first twenty days of school 
  • Bus Evacuation Drills - Two per school year; to be held within the first thirty school days of each semester 
  • Tornado Drill - To be held in March 
Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue.  Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or [email protected]

Oakton Pantry

Please consider making the holidays a little brighter for our students in need. Our Holiday Wish List is ready and can be found here. Full details are included on the Sign Up. Thank you in advance for your generous support!

We are so grateful to all of the individuals and groups who support the Pantry with their donations! These contributions will make it possible for us to send students home with extra groceries for the 2-week winter break. Special shoutouts to Mummies for Mouths, OHS sophomore Devan, DECA, and Savya for their generous support!

General Information 

The Oakton Pantry is available to any Oakton student or neighbor who is in need. We stock non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and household supplies. 

For assistance: [email protected] 

Volunteer/Questions: [email protected]

Donate via PayPal

Most needed items: website

Amazon Wish List 

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 - November 27

GovDelivery1 week 5 days ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

如果您想以其他语言阅读此新闻时讯,请访问我们的网站

이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@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 2023-2024 school year calendar here.   

November 27-28 - Assignment/Assessment Blackout Dates

November 28 - Parent Coffee (Virtual) 

November 29-December 1 - Senior Portraits - Final Opportunity 

November 30 - December 6 - SOS, 9th Grade

December 4 - Youth Survey (10th/12th Grade) 

December 7 - Chanukah begins (Evening Religious and Cultural Observance Day) 

December 8 - Bodhi Day (Religious and Cultural Observance Day)

December 18-January 1 - No School, Winter Break 

January 3 - Curriculum Night, Save the Date

General Information Fairfax County Youth Survey

The Fairfax County Youth Survey will be administered to 10th and 12th graders on Monday, December 4th in Cougar Connect with a make-up date of Friday, December 8th. Opt-out forms were emailed out last month. If you have opted out your student, you will receive a confirmation email by Wednesday, November 27th. If you do not receive an opt-out confirmation by COB on Wednesday and believe you should please email Sal Olivo, Assistant Principal, at [email protected].Mr. Olivo also serves as the point of contact for any general questions on the Fairfax County Youth Survey.  

More information on the youth survey can be found here.  

Make-up/Retake Day Images - Now Viewable

To see any make-up/retake day images, please visit the Victor O'Neill Studios webpage.  When prompted for the online code, use your child's student ID. For questions regarding school pictures, please email: [email protected]

Oakton Accolades 

Please be sure to check out our updated Oakton Accolades page to read about some amazing student achievements!  

November Parent Coffee

On November 28 at 9:30am we will host a virtual parent coffee to discuss our Strategic Improvement and Innovation Plan goals.  There will be a brief presentation and then we will open it up for questions.  The information shared will be posted on schoology for all families following the meeting.  A zoom link will be sent out the morning of the coffee to all families.  

In December we will have a parent coffee around school supports for students.  

Attendance Reminders

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 2023-2024 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 our online attendance form, attendance line, and our prearranged absence form (found at the bottom of the page). 

For future travel planning, the 2024-2025 school year and the 2025-2026 school year calendars have already been released and can be found here.  

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s administrator

Assignment/Assessment Blackout Dates

To ensure that our students are able to take a break and fully enjoy their upcoming Thanksgiving break, November 27 - November 28 have been designated as assignment and assessment blackout dates.  This means that no assignments will be due, nor assessments given on those days.  New material can be covered and assignments completed in class can be graded.  This policy helps us to ensure that students can have a break from school work during the days off.  The same is true for the two days we return from Winter Break and Spring Break. 

Fall Cougar Commendations 

It’s time for Fall 2023 Cougar Commendations. Teachers are in the process of nominating students to be recognized for their achievements in one of the five Fairfax County Portrait of a Graduate attributes. Nominated students will be recognized at a ceremony at 10 am on Thursday 14 December.

In addition, we also have Faculty/Staff Cougar Commendations to recognize OHS faculty/staff for their hard work, passion, and innovation. Parents and guardians can use this nomination form to recognize a faculty/staff member. All nominations are due by the end of the day on Monday, November 27th. Faculty recipients will be recognized at our end-of-year faculty meeting. Knowing that you notice their efforts means so much to our faculty and staff. 

Please get in touch with Ms. Kambic ([email protected]) or Ms. Kuhn ([email protected]) with any questions.

Senior Portraits - Final Opportunity 

December 1, 2023 has been added for Senior Formal Yearbook Portraits Session D. Session D will now be held on November 29, 30, and December 1.

**Don’t miss this opportunity to be photographed for the yearbook**

There is no charge to have the photos taken for the yearbook.

The attire for the school’s yearbook pose will be in the traditional Tuxedos and Drapes, or you can provide your own formal attire in black. We will provide the Tuxedo and Drapes. In addition to the yearbook session we also offer sessions that include casual/personality portraits and cap and gown portraits.  Please follow the link below to choose your session type and appointment time.

https://pickatime.com/vosphoto/Oakton2024

If you have any questions please email [email protected]

(please reference school name when emailing)

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2023-2024 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. 

2023-2024 Dates:

  1. Tuesday, January 16, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  2. Tuesday, March 19, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  3. Wednesday, May 29, 6:30pm in the Auditorium

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.

Yearbooks and Senior Baby Ads

Yearbooks and senior baby ads for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale! You can purchase yearbook packages and senior baby ads at www.yearbookordercenter.com using the code 4770. Standalone yearbooks are also available via MySchoolBucks. Prices start at $67 and will increase throughout the year, so buy early to save. Don’t wait – the last two years sold out. Questions? Email [email protected]

Student Services Updates  2024 Gap Year Fair

FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at George C. Marshall High School from 6 to 8:30 p.m.  This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. Student registration will open on November 20, 2023, on USA Gap Year Fairs.

SOS Information

During November and December, Oakton’s school counselors, social workers, and school psychologist will be presenting an optional depression awareness program and screening for ninth grade and eleventh grade students. The evidence-based prevention program is called Signs of Suicide (SOS) and it teaches students how to identify warning signs of suicide and depression and how students can reach out if they are worried about themselves or a friend.

For more information, please visit www.mindwise.org/parents/

Eleventh grade presentation and screening: November 13 – November 16

Ninth grade presentation and screening: November 30 – December 6

All ninth and eleventh grade parents and guardians received an email about the program and parents and guardians may opt out their child(ren) from the presentation.

Questions? Please reach out to your child’s counselor.

Student Services Newsletter

Check out Student Services November newsletter to learn more about our recent events such as the visit with alpacas, Teen Youth Mental Health First Aid training, and National Merit Ceremony.  Take a look at our upcoming events including the Depression Screening for Freshmen and Juniors, Governor’s School, and the Academic Award Ceremony.  Also, meet one of our new counselors, Kellie Kirstein.   

Timeline for Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2023-24 school year. 

  • November 6 - March 22: 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 22: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability.  This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.

To find out who your child's school counselor is, please visit our website.  

Testing Updates College Board - SAT Fee Waiver 

In late October, College Board rolled out a new online system for students to directly apply for Fee Reduction Waivers for SAT testing. All students who meet College Board’s SAT fee waiver–eligibility criteria can receive SAT fee waiver benefits from College Board by completing a fee waiver request form. Learn more about the fee waiver–eligibility criteria here.  Students will need to have a College Board account.

SAT School Score Reports Available to Students

Students who participated in the School Day SAT will have access to SAT score reports on Wednesday, November 1. Students who participated in the SAT on October 26 will have access to scores on November 16. Students can access scores via their College Board accounts. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding SAT scores is available on the College Board website. 

If you experience issues accessing your SAT score report, contact the College Board Student SAT help line at 866-756-7346.

Digital PSAT Scores and National Merit Scholarship Information

Students who participated in the Digital PSAT on Wednesday, October 11, can access their scores via the College Board BigFuture School App or their College Board accounts. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding Digital PSAT scores is available on the College Board website.

Eleventh grade students who participate in the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and can find information on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Families may reach out to their student’s school PSAT coordinator if they have questions regarding digital PSAT score reporting or the National Merit Scholarship Program.

College Board Testing Accommodations 

Students who have an IEP or 504 do not automatically have College Board accommodations. If you are scheduled to take an AP exam, SAT, or PSAT this year (or anticipate doing so next year) you need to apply for College Board Accommodations. Students who have been approved in previous years do not need to apply again. All of the paperwork is to be given to Shelley Wiederhold, special education department chair, at [email protected]. You must complete the following form to allow us to communicate on your behalf with the College Board:

Paperwork should be delivered to Oakton High School to the attention of Shelley Wiederhold at [email protected].

If applying for AP Exam accommodations, please submit your request for us to apply no later than December 7, 2023 for the May 2024 administration.

Please note that having an IEP or 504 does not automatically guarantee approval for College Board Accommodations.

 

Vote for the Marching Cougars - Metallica Competition 

The Oakton HS Marching Cougars have entered their fall marching band show into the Metallica Marching Band Competition!  To see the video submission check out the QR code above.  We would love your support of the program.  To vote for Oakton HS, text #HSOAKTON to 833-609-0330!  If Oakton wins the Fan Favorite high school category, the program would receive $10,000 in prizes.  Voting closes December 31!  

Service Learning Service Learning During the Holiday Season

As the holiday season gets underway, we want to remind and encourage all students to log any service-learning hours into the X2VOL system for proper verification and approval. As students give of their time to serve the community, we want to ensure that they remember to log these hours into X2VOL. Directions and information on how to log hours into X2VOL can be found HERE. If students and families are looking for opportunities and ways to give back this holiday season please visit the Volunteer Fairfax website or click HERE for more FCPS opportunities. If you have any questions regarding the definition of service learning for students in FCPS please see more information HERE.

We want to remind our students that while we truly appreciate and need donations for important causes throughout our community, donations do not count as service hours. Students must help organize, sort, deliver, collect, or prepare donations to receive service hours.

Fairfax County Park Authority Opportunity

On December 9 the Fairfax County Park Authority, Invasive Management Area is looking for volunteers!  This is part of a habitat restoration project that would involve helping with the removal of invasive plants.  More information and sign-up information can be found here for those interested.  

Volunteer Fairfax

Volunteer Fairfax is a resource that can be used to find out about service-learning opportunities in the community. Service learning is a great way for students and families to engage with local nonprofits and volunteer. More information about Volunteer opportunities on this day can be found on Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Health and Wellness Updates 2023-2024 Health & Safety Guidance for Schools

Be sure to review FCPS Health and Safety Guidance for the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and to find out when students should stay home from school.

Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline            703-527-4077

Crisis Text                                       Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency       703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency                         703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency         703-573-5979  TTY dial 711

Life Threatening                             911

FCPS News

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

  • Student Food Show
  • Veterans Day Celebrations
  • State Music Honors

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

Safety and Security Updates Safety Drills

Below is a list of safety drills that we will be practicing this school year. 

  • Fire Evacuation Drills - Two within the first twenty school days, then one per month
  • Lockdown Drills - Two per school year; one in the first twenty days of school 
  • Bus Evacuation Drills - Two per school year; to be held within the first thirty school days of each semester 
  • Tornado Drill - To be held in March 
Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue.  Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or [email protected]

Oakton Pantry

The Pantry has so many people to be thankful for! First, our 7th Annual Thanksgiving Meal Distribution was a huge success. Thanks to our wonderful donors and volunteers, we were able to provide 83 Oakton students and their families with Thanksgiving groceries and a $50 gift card to buy their protein of choice. In addition, members of the Oakton Church of the Brethren and the Oakton Ward of the LDS Church provided homemade baked goods for every family.

We are so grateful for the school and larger, extended Oakton community that so generously supports the Pantry and our students. We are fortunate to be the recipients of food and toiletry drives held by the Oakton Football Team, Oakton Cheerleaders, Mimi Tyler and RK&K, Vienna Presbyterian Church, and Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik's office.

The Holiday Wish List Sign Up Genius will be available soon! Thank you all! 

General Information 

The Oakton Pantry is available to any Oakton student or neighbor who is in need. We stock non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and household supplies. 

For assistance: [email protected] 

Volunteer/Questions: [email protected]

Donate via PayPal

Most needed items: website

Amazon Wish List 

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 - November 20

GovDelivery2 weeks 5 days ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

如果您想以其他语言阅读此新闻时讯,请访问我们的网站

이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@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 2023-2024 school year calendar here.   

November 22-24 - No School, Thanksgiving Holiday 

November 27-28 - Assignment/Assessment Blackout Dates

November 28 - Parent Coffee (Virtual) 

November 29-December 1 - Senior Portraits - Final Opportunity 

November 30 - December 6 - SOS, 9th Grade

December 7 - Chanukah begins (Evening Religious and Cultural Observance Day) 

December 8 - Bodhi Day (Religious and Cultural Observance Day)

December 18-January 1 - No School, Winter Break 

January 3 - Curriculum Night, Save the Date

Wishing all of our families a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!  

General Information Oakton Accolades 

Please be sure to check out our updated Oakton Accolades page to read about some amazing student achievements!  

November Parent Coffee

On November 28 at 9:30am we will host a virtual parent coffee to discuss our Strategic Improvement and Innovation Plan goals.  There will be a brief presentation and then we will open it up for questions.  The information shared will be posted on schoology for all families following the meeting.  A zoom link will be sent out the morning of the coffee to all families.  

In December we will have a parent coffee around school supports for students.  

Attendance Reminders

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 2023-2024 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 our online attendance form, attendance line, and our prearranged absence form (found at the bottom of the page). 

For future travel planning, the 2024-2025 school year and the 2025-2026 school year calendars have already been released and can be found here.  

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s administrator

Assignment/Assessment Blackout Dates

To ensure that our students are able to take a break and fully enjoy their upcoming Thanksgiving break, November 27 - November 28 have been designated as assignment and assessment blackout dates.  This means that no assignments will be due, nor assessments given on those days.  New material can be covered and assignments completed in class can be graded.  This policy helps us to ensure that students can have a break from school work during the days off.  The same is true for the two days we return from Winter Break and Spring Break. 

Fall Cougar Commendations 

It’s time for Fall 2023 Cougar Commendations. Teachers are in the process of nominating students to be recognized for their achievements in one of the five Fairfax County Portrait of a Graduate attributes. Nominated students will be recognized at a ceremony at 10 am on Thursday 14 December.

In addition, we also have Faculty/Staff Cougar Commendations to recognize OHS faculty/staff for their hard work, passion, and innovation. Parents and guardians can use this nomination form to recognize a faculty/staff member. All nominations are due by the end of the day on Monday, November 27th. Faculty recipients will be recognized at our end-of-year faculty meeting. Knowing that you notice their efforts means so much to our faculty and staff. 

Please get in touch with Ms. Kambic ([email protected]) or Ms. Kuhn ([email protected]) with any questions.

Senior Portraits - Final Opportunity 

December 1, 2023 has been added for Senior Formal Yearbook Portraits Session D. Session D will now be held on November 29, 30, and December 1.

**Don’t miss this opportunity to be photographed for the yearbook**

There is no charge to have the photos taken for the yearbook.

The attire for the school’s yearbook pose will be in the traditional Tuxedos and Drapes, or you can provide your own formal attire in black. We will provide the Tuxedo and Drapes. In addition to the yearbook session we also offer sessions that include casual/personality portraits and cap and gown portraits.  Please follow the link below to choose your session type and appointment time.

https://pickatime.com/vosphoto/Oakton2024

If you have any questions please email [email protected]

(please reference school name when emailing)

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2023-2024 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. 

2023-2024 Dates:

  1. Tuesday, January 16, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  2. Tuesday, March 19, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  3. Wednesday, May 29, 6:30pm in the Auditorium

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.

Yearbooks and Senior Baby Ads

Yearbooks and senior baby ads for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale! You can purchase yearbook packages and senior baby ads at www.yearbookordercenter.com using the code 4770. Standalone yearbooks are also available via MySchoolBucks. Prices start at $67 and will increase throughout the year, so buy early to save. Don’t wait – the last two years sold out. Questions? Email [email protected]

Student Services Updates  2024 Gap Year Fair

FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at George C. Marshall High School from 6 to 8:30 p.m.  This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. Student registration will open on November 20, 2023, on USA Gap Year Fairs.

SOS Information

During November and December, Oakton’s school counselors, social workers, and school psychologist will be presenting an optional depression awareness program and screening for ninth grade and eleventh grade students. The evidence-based prevention program is called Signs of Suicide (SOS) and it teaches students how to identify warning signs of suicide and depression and how students can reach out if they are worried about themselves or a friend.

For more information, please visit www.mindwise.org/parents/

Eleventh grade presentation and screening: November 13 – November 16

Ninth grade presentation and screening: November 30 – December 6

All ninth and eleventh grade parents and guardians received an email about the program and parents and guardians may opt out their child(ren) from the presentation.

Questions? Please reach out to your child’s counselor.

Student Services Newsletter

Check out Student Services November newsletter to learn more about our recent events such as the visit with alpacas, Teen Youth Mental Health First Aid training, and National Merit Ceremony.  Take a look at our upcoming events including the Depression Screening for Freshmen and Juniors, Governor’s School, and the Academic Award Ceremony.  Also, meet one of our new counselors, Kellie Kirstein.   

Timeline for Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2023-24 school year. 

  • November 6 - March 22: 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 22: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability.  This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.

To find out who your child's school counselor is, please visit our website.  

Testing Updates College Board - SAT Fee Waiver 

In late October, College Board rolled out a new online system for students to directly apply for Fee Reduction Waivers for SAT testing. All students who meet College Board’s SAT fee waiver–eligibility criteria can receive SAT fee waiver benefits from College Board by completing a fee waiver request form. Learn more about the fee waiver–eligibility criteria here.  Students will need to have a College Board account.

SAT School Score Reports Available to Students

Students who participated in the School Day SAT will have access to SAT score reports on Wednesday, November 1. Students who participated in the SAT on October 26 will have access to scores on November 16. Students can access scores via their College Board accounts. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding SAT scores is available on the College Board website. 

If you experience issues accessing your SAT score report, contact the College Board Student SAT help line at 866-756-7346.

Digital PSAT Scores and National Merit Scholarship Information

Students who participated in the Digital PSAT on Wednesday, October 11, can access their scores via the College Board BigFuture School App or their College Board accounts. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding Digital PSAT scores is available on the College Board website.

Eleventh grade students who participate in the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and can find information on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Families may reach out to their student’s school PSAT coordinator if they have questions regarding digital PSAT score reporting or the National Merit Scholarship Program.

College Board Testing Accommodations 

Students who have an IEP or 504 do not automatically have College Board accommodations. If you are scheduled to take an AP exam, SAT, or PSAT this year (or anticipate doing so next year) you need to apply for College Board Accommodations. Students who have been approved in previous years do not need to apply again. All of the paperwork is to be given to Shelley Wiederhold, special education department chair, at [email protected]. You must complete the following form to allow us to communicate on your behalf with the College Board:

Paperwork should be delivered to Oakton High School to the attention of Shelley Wiederhold at [email protected].

If applying for AP Exam accommodations, please submit your request for us to apply no later than December 7, 2023 for the May 2024 administration.

Please note that having an IEP or 504 does not automatically guarantee approval for College Board Accommodations.

 

Vote for the Marching Cougars - Metallica Competition 

The Oakton HS Marching Cougars have entered their fall marching band show into the Metallica Marching Band Competition!  To see the video submission check out the QR code above.  We would love your support of the program.  To vote for Oakton HS, text #HSOAKTON to 833-609-0330!  If Oakton wins the Fan Favorite high school category, the program would receive $10,000 in prizes.  Voting closes December 31!  

Service Learning Opportunities  Volunteer Fairfax

Volunteer Fairfax is a resource that can be used to find out about service-learning opportunities in the community. Service learning is a great way for students and families to engage with local nonprofits and volunteer. More information about Volunteer opportunities on this day can be found on Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Health and Wellness Updates 2023-2024 Health & Safety Guidance for Schools

Be sure to review FCPS Health and Safety Guidance for the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and to find out when students should stay home from school.

Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline            703-527-4077

Crisis Text                                       Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency       703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency                         703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency         703-573-5979  TTY dial 711

Life Threatening                             911

FCPS News

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

  • Student Food Show
  • Veterans Day Celebrations
  • State Music Honors

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

Safety and Security Updates Safety Drills

Below is a list of safety drills that we will be practicing this school year. 

  • Fire Evacuation Drills - Two within the first twenty school days, then one per month
  • Lockdown Drills - Two per school year; one in the first twenty days of school 
  • Bus Evacuation Drills - Two per school year; to be held within the first thirty school days of each semester 
  • Tornado Drill - To be held in March 
Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue.  Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or [email protected]

Oakton Pantry

The Oakton Pantry is available to any Oakton student or neighbor who is in need. We stock non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and household supplies. 

For assistance: [email protected] 

Volunteer/Questions: [email protected]

Donate via PayPal

Most needed items: website

Amazon Wish List 

 

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 - November 13

GovDelivery3 weeks 5 days ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

如果您想以其他语言阅读此新闻时讯,请访问我们的网站

이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@OaktonHS), and Instagram @oaktonhs ! 

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar here.   

November 13-16 - SOS, 11th Grade students 

November 14-15 - Vision & Hearing Screening 

November 16 - National Honor Society Induction Ceremony 

November 17 - Academic Awards Celebration 

November 22-24 - No School, Thanksgiving Holiday 

November 29-December 1 - Senior Portraits - Final Opportunity 

November 30 - December 6 - SOS, 9th Grade

December 7 - Chanukah begins (Evening Religious and Cultural Observance Day) 

December 8 - Bodhi Day (Religious and Cultural Observance Day)

December 18-January 1 - No School, Winter Break 

January 3 - Curriculum Night, Save the Date

General Information Fall Cougar Commendations 

It’s time for Fall 2023 Cougar Commendations. Teachers are in the process of nominating students to be recognized for their achievements in one of the five Fairfax County Portrait of a Graduate attributes. Nominated students will be recognized at a ceremony at 10 am on Thursday 14 December.

In addition, we also have Faculty/Staff Cougar Commendations to recognize OHS faculty/staff for their hard work, passion, and innovation. Parents and guardians can use this nomination form to recognize a faculty/staff member. All nominations are due by the end of the day on Monday, November 27th. Faculty recipients will be recognized at our end-of-year faculty meeting. Knowing that you notice their efforts means so much to our faculty and staff. 

Please get in touch with Ms. Kambic ([email protected]) or Ms. Kuhn ([email protected]) with any questions.

Outstanding Employee Awards 

Every year Oakton High School seeks to recognize outstanding members of our school staff through the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards program. All nominated employees will receive the information shared about them as a part of this process. 

Those selected to represent Oakton High School will go on for consideration for recognition within the Oakton Pyramid, Region 1, and all of FCPS. There are a wide variety of categories, so nominations are welcome for any member of the staff. 

This form will close on Friday, November 17.

Vision & Hearing Screening - Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed for the 10th grade Vision and Hearing Screening on November 14 and 15, 2023. Volunteer shifts will be from 8:20 AM – 2:30 PM (2 – 6 hour shifts available). No training is needed.

Also, we welcome volunteers to help provide care for our students and assist with administrative duties throughout the school year. No prior medical experience is necessary.

If interested, please contact Christina Magnotti, Health Room Aide, 703-319-2710 or [email protected]

Second Quarter Parking Permit Applications

We still have some parking spaces remaining for junior or senior students who wish to apply for a parking permit. 

The application can be found here and hard copies are also available in the main office. If you download the document it is a fillable form. Note that you must complete:

  1. A completed FCPS Application for Use of a Private Automobile - School Session form
    1. Leave the gray boxes marked “School Use Only” blank
  2. A signed and dated Oakton High School Student Parking Regulations Form
  3. A legible photocopy of the student’s valid Virginia Driver’s License

All applications are due by 3:00pm on November 13 and must be submitted to the main office. We will only accept hard copies of the application.

If after reading through all of the documents thoroughly you have questions, please email Ms. Landis at [email protected]

Underclassmen Academic Awards Celebration

November 17 during Cougar Time

On Friday, November 17, Oakton will recognize over 800 students who have earned an Academic Award. Academic Awards are based on their 2022-2023 high school GPA (4.0 and higher). First time award recipients will receive an academic letter and a pin. Returning recipients will receive a pin to be placed on the academic letter they received in a previous year. Recipients received an invitation to this event on Wednesday, October 18 via email. This is a student only event.

Senior Portraits - Final Opportunity 

December 1, 2023 has been added for Senior Formal Yearbook Portraits Session D. Session D will now be held on November 29, 30, and December 1.

**Don’t miss this opportunity to be photographed for the yearbook**

There is no charge to have the photos taken for the yearbook.

The attire for the school’s yearbook pose will be in the traditional Tuxedos and Drapes, or you can provide your own formal attire in black. We will provide the Tuxedo and Drapes. In addition to the yearbook session we also offer sessions that include casual/personality portraits and cap and gown portraits.  Please follow the link below to choose your session type and appointment time.

https://pickatime.com/vosphoto/Oakton2024

If you have any questions please email [email protected]

(please reference school name when emailing)

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2023-2024 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. 

2023-2024 Dates:

  1. Tuesday, January 16, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  2. Tuesday, March 19, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  3. Wednesday, May 29, 6:30pm in the Auditorium

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.

Yearbooks and Senior Baby Ads

Yearbooks and senior baby ads for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale! You can purchase yearbook packages and senior baby ads at www.yearbookordercenter.com using the code 4770. Standalone yearbooks are also available via MySchoolBucks. Prices start at $67 and will increase throughout the year, so buy early to save. Don’t wait – the last two years sold out. Questions? Email [email protected]

Student Services Updates  SOS Information

During November and December, Oakton’s school counselors, social workers, and school psychologist will be presenting an optional depression awareness program and screening for ninth grade and eleventh grade students. The evidence-based prevention program is called Signs of Suicide (SOS) and it teaches students how to identify warning signs of suicide and depression and how students can reach out if they are worried about themselves or a friend.

For more information, please visit www.mindwise.org/parents/

Eleventh grade presentation and screening: November 13 – November 16

Ninth grade presentation and screening: November 30 – December 6

All ninth and eleventh grade parents and guardians received an email about the program and parents and guardians may opt out their child(ren) from the presentation.

Questions? Please reach out to your child’s counselor.

Student Services Newsletter

Check out Student Services November newsletter to learn more about our recent events such as the visit with alpacas, Teen Youth Mental Health First Aid training, and National Merit Ceremony.  Take a look at our upcoming events including the Depression Screening for Freshmen and Juniors, Governor’s School, and the Academic Award Ceremony.  Also, meet one of our new counselors, Kellie Kirstein.   

Timeline for Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2023-24 school year. 

  • November 6 - March 22: 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 22: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability.  This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.

To find out who your child's school counselor is, please visit our website.  

Testing Updates SAT School Score Reports Available to Students

Students who participated in the School Day SAT will have access to SAT score reports on Wednesday, November 1. Students who participated in the SAT on October 26 will have access to scores on November 16. Students can access scores via their College Board accounts. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding SAT scores is available on the College Board website. 

If you experience issues accessing your SAT score report, contact the College Board Student SAT help line at 866-756-7346.

Digital PSAT Scores and National Merit Scholarship Information

Students who participated in the Digital PSAT on Wednesday, October 11, can access their scores via the College Board BigFuture School App or their College Board accounts. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding Digital PSAT scores is available on the College Board website.

Eleventh grade students who participate in the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and can find information on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Families may reach out to their student’s school PSAT coordinator if they have questions regarding digital PSAT score reporting or the National Merit Scholarship Program.

College Board Testing Accommodations 

Students who have an IEP or 504 do not automatically have College Board accommodations. If you are scheduled to take an AP exam, SAT, or PSAT this year (or anticipate doing so next year) you need to apply for College Board Accommodations. Students who have been approved in previous years do not need to apply again. All of the paperwork is to be given to Shelley Wiederhold, special education department chair, at [email protected]. You must complete the following form to allow us to communicate on your behalf with the College Board:

Paperwork should be delivered to Oakton High School to the attention of Shelley Wiederhold at [email protected].

If applying for AP Exam accommodations, please submit your request for us to apply no later than December 7, 2023 for the May 2024 administration.

Please note that having an IEP or 504 does not automatically guarantee approval for College Board Accommodations.

 

Service Learning Opportunities  Volunteer Fairfax

Volunteer Fairfax is a resource that can be used to find out about service-learning opportunities in the community. Service learning is a great way for students and families to engage with local nonprofits and volunteer. More information about Volunteer opportunities on this day can be found on Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Health and Wellness Updates 2023-2024 Health & Safety Guidance for Schools

Be sure to review FCPS Health and Safety Guidance for the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and to find out when students should stay home from school.

Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline            703-527-4077

Crisis Text                                       Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency       703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency                         703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency         703-573-5979  TTY dial 711

Life Threatening                             911

FCPS News

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

  • 2023 School Bond Referendum Passed
  • Students Named National Merit Commended Scholars
  • SAT/PSAT School Day Scores

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

Safety and Security Updates Safety Drills

Below is a list of safety drills that we will be practicing this school year. 

  • Fire Evacuation Drills - Two within the first twenty school days, then one per month
  • Lockdown Drills - Two per school year; one in the first twenty days of school 
  • Bus Evacuation Drills - Two per school year; to be held within the first thirty school days of each semester 
  • Tornado Drill - To be held in March 
Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue.  Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or [email protected]

Oakton Pantry

The Oakton Pantry is available to any Oakton student or neighbor who is in need. We stock non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and household supplies. 

For assistance: [email protected] 

Volunteer/Questions: [email protected]

Donate via PayPal

Most needed items: website

Amazon Wish List 

 

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 - November 6

GovDelivery1 month ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

如果您想以其他语言阅读此新闻时讯,请访问我们的网站

이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@OaktonHS), and Instagram @oaktonhs ! 

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar here.   

November 6 - Student Holiday, School Planning Day; Winter Sports Tryouts begin

November 7 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday 

November 8 - First day of second quarter

November 12 - Religious and Cultural Observance Day (Diwali)

November 22-24 - No School, Thanksgiving Holiday 

General Information Winter Sports Tryouts 

Winter Sports Tryouts began today, Monday,  November 6th.  Details and times are outlined on our website www.oaktonsports.net.  Athletes cannot tryout without having a current physical on file and registering online.  

Vision & Hearing Screening - Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed for the 10th grade Vision and Hearing Screening on November 14 and 15, 2023. Volunteer shifts will be from 8:20 AM – 2:30 PM (2 – 6 hour shifts available). No training is needed.

Also, we welcome volunteers to help provide care for our students and assist with administrative duties throughout the school year. No prior medical experience is necessary.

If interested, please contact Christina Magnotti, Health Room Aide, 703-319-2710 or [email protected]

Second Quarter Parking Permit Applications

We still have some parking spaces remaining for junior or senior students who wish to apply for a parking permit. 

The application can be found here and hard copies are also available in the main office. If you download the document it is a fillable form. Note that you must complete:

  1. A completed FCPS Application for Use of a Private Automobile - School Session form
    1. Leave the gray boxes marked “School Use Only” blank
  2. A signed and dated Oakton High School Student Parking Regulations Form
  3. A legible photocopy of the student’s valid Virginia Driver’s License

All applications are due by 3:00pm on November 13 and must be submitted to the main office. We will only accept hard copies of the application.

If after reading through all of the documents thoroughly you have questions, please email Ms. Landis at [email protected]

Oakton High School Veteran's Day Celebration

To honor the tradition of military family connectedness at Oakton High School, United States history teachers are seeking veterans and active duty personnel interested in speaking to 11th grade students about their service experiences on Thursday, November 9th and/or Friday, November 10th. This celebration of Veterans Day is a wonderful opportunity for students to better understand the sacrifices made by veterans, active duty military personnel, and their families. Additionally, students benefit from learning about the military as a potential career option. Speakers will have approximately 15 – 20 minutes to speak followed by a 10 minute Q&A session. To aid in your planning, you can find the Oakton High School bell schedule here. School appropriate service artifacts are welcomed and encouraged. Zoom or Google Meet options can be available if currently out of the area. If you or someone you know might be interested, please complete THIS FORM and we will follow up with additional details.

Questions? Email James Oberndorf, Assistant Principal, at: [email protected].

Thank you for your service and consideration! 

Underclassmen Academic Awards Celebration

November 17 during Cougar Time

On Friday, November 17, Oakton will recognize over 800 students who have earned an Academic Award. Academic Awards are based on their 2022-2023 high school GPA (4.0 and higher). First time award recipients will receive an academic letter and a pin. Returning recipients will receive a pin to be placed on the academic letter they received in a previous year. Recipients received an invitation to this event on Wednesday, October 18 via email. This is a student only event.

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2023-2024 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. 

2023-2024 Dates:

  1. Tuesday, January 16, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  2. Tuesday, March 19, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  3. Wednesday, May 29, 6:30pm in the Auditorium

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.

Yearbooks and Senior Baby Ads

Yearbooks and senior baby ads for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale! You can purchase yearbook packages and senior baby ads at www.yearbookordercenter.com using the code 4770. Standalone yearbooks are also available via MySchoolBucks. Prices start at $67 and will increase throughout the year, so buy early to save. Don’t wait – the last two years sold out. Questions? Email [email protected]

Student Services Updates  Student Services Newsletter

Check out Student Services November newsletter to learn more about our recent events such as the visit with alpacas, Teen Youth Mental Health First Aid training, and National Merit Ceremony.  Take a look at our upcoming events including the Depression Screening for Freshmen and Juniors, Governor’s School, and the Academic Award Ceremony.  Also, meet one of our new counselors, Kellie Kirstein.   

Timeline for Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2023-24 school year. 

  • November 6 - March 22: 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 22: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability.  This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.

To find out who your child's school counselor is, please visit our website.  

Service Learning Opportunities  Service Learning Opportunity

Colvin Run Mill is more than a Historic Site. Help the natural resources of this site by removing non-native invasive plants and planting native plants to help wildlife and biodiversity thrive. They are looking for volunteers to help on Saturday, November 11th from 10am-3pm. Any FCPS student will have the opportunity to receive up to 4 hours of community service credit towards their high school graduation requirements. If you and your group are interested in participating in this event, please contact, Julie Gurnee ([email protected]).

Volunteer Fairfax

Volunteer Fairfax is a resource that can be used to find out about service-learning opportunities in the community. Service learning is a great way for students and families to engage with local nonprofits and volunteer. More information about Volunteer opportunities on this day can be found on Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Health and Wellness Updates 2023-2024 Health & Safety Guidance for Schools

Be sure to review FCPS Health and Safety Guidance for the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and to find out when students should stay home from school.

Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline            703-527-4077

Crisis Text                                       Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency       703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency                         703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency         703-573-5979  TTY dial 711

Life Threatening                             911

FCPS News

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

  • Results from Fairfax County Youth Survey
  • Become a Tutor! 
  • End of First Quarter

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

Safety and Security Updates Safety Drills

Below is a list of safety drills that we will be practicing this school year. 

  • Fire Evacuation Drills - Two within the first twenty school days, then one per month
  • Lockdown Drills - Two per school year; one in the first twenty days of school 
  • Bus Evacuation Drills - Two per school year; to be held within the first thirty school days of each semester 
  • Tornado Drill - To be held in March 
Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue.  Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or [email protected]

PTSA News & Information  PTSA Board and Committee Chair Volunteers Needed

The PTSA is looking to fill the following volunteer positions for the executive committee for the 2023-2024 school year.  Without a President and Vice-President, the Oakton PTSA cannot continue it's work.  

  • President
  • Vice President

In addition, the PTSA is searching for volunteers to be the Chair for the following committees to be a part of the Oakton PTSA team for the coming school year 2023-2024.

  • Membership

Those who are interested in the above positions should email [email protected] with desired positions. 

 

Oakton Pantry

The Pantry will be coordinating donations of Thanksgiving meals for Oakton students in need and their families. Please visit our Sign Up Genius for all of the details. Thank you for your support and generosity!

Shout-out to the Oakton DECA rockstars for the incredible collection they organized for the Pantry. Over 500 donated items plus cash contributions! We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and all of the effort that you put into this drive!

The Oakton Pantry is available to any Oakton student or neighbor who is in need. We stock non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and household supplies. 

For assistance: [email protected] 

Volunteer/Questions: [email protected]

Donate via PayPal

Most needed items: website

Amazon Wish List 

 

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 - October 30

GovDelivery1 month 1 week ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

如果您想以其他语言阅读此新闻时讯,请访问我们的网站

이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@OaktonHS), and Instagram @oaktonhs ! 

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar here.   

October 31 - Impact Aid Forms Due (ParentVue) 

November 1-2 - Religious and Cultural Observance Days, All Saints Day, Dia de los Muertos

November 2 - Underclassmen Portraits Make-up Opportunity 

November 3 - End of 1st Quarter; 2 Hour Early Release 

November 6 - Student Holiday, School Planning Day; Winter Sports Tryouts begin

November 7 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday 

General Information Winter Sports Tryouts 

Winter Sports Tryouts begin on Monday,  November 6th.  Details and times are outlined on our website www.oaktonsports.net.  

Athletes cannot tryout without having a current physical on file and registering online.  Students can confirm that they are cleared for try-outs by stopping by the Activities Office before school or afterschool this week.  

Oakton High School Veteran's Day Celebration

To honor the tradition of military family connectedness at Oakton High School, United States history teachers are seeking veterans and active duty personnel interested in speaking to 11th grade students about their service experiences on Thursday, November 9th and/or Friday, November 10th. This celebration of Veterans Day is a wonderful opportunity for students to better understand the sacrifices made by veterans, active duty military personnel, and their families. Additionally, students benefit from learning about the military as a potential career option. Speakers will have approximately 15 – 20 minutes to speak followed by a 10 minute Q&A session. To aid in your planning, you can find the Oakton High School bell schedule here. School appropriate service artifacts are welcomed and encouraged. Zoom or Google Meet options can be available if currently out of the area. If you or someone you know might be interested, please complete THIS FORM and we will follow up with additional details.

Questions? Email James Oberndorf, Assistant Principal, at: [email protected].

Thank you for your service and consideration! 

Governor’s School Applications

Governor’s School Interest forms for 10th and 11th grade students for Academic and Visual & Performing Arts are due Friday, November 3.

Late submissions will not be accepted. Please see link below to access the Google form. 

Academic Governor’s School Interest Form Link: https://forms.gle/f4REqWETg5UJfq5F7

Visual and Performing Arts Interest Form Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVC4m7OZ_2F1tLLDrM66TufOH-bKYdW31lYnmT-QjU-T3_KQ/viewform

Governor’s School is an enriching program designed for highly motivated students who are looking for a challenging summer experience. Programs are offered in Visual and Performing Arts, Humanities, Math/Science/Tech, Agriculture, Life Science/Medicine, and Mentorships in Engineering and Life Sciences. The selection process is extremely competitive. Most students selected rank in the top 5% of their class and have scored in the 90th percentile on standardized achievement tests. These residential programs run from late June to late July. Only students who are available during that time frame and whose records match these criteria should apply. 

Below is a link to detailed information from the Virginia Department of Education: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/specialized-instruction/governor-s-schools/summer-residential-governor-s-schools

Please use the following link to access the application guidance/deadlines from FCPS: https://www.fcps.edu/node/32439

If you have questions about any of this information please contact: Laura Osborne, School Counselor, [email protected] or Jessica Vilbas, [email protected].

Underclassmen Academic Awards Celebration

November 17 during Cougar Time

On Friday, November 17, Oakton will recognize over 800 students who have earned an Academic Award. Academic Awards are based on their 2022-2023 high school GPA (4.0 and higher). First time award recipients will receive an academic letter and a pin. Returning recipients will receive a pin to be placed on the academic letter they received in a previous year. Recipients received an invitation to this event on Wednesday, October 18 via email. This is a student only event.

Federal Impact Aid Survey: Now Online - Due October 31 

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. To make it easier, the form is now available online in SIS ParentVUE

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

Once logged in to SIS ParentVUE, click “Online Packets” in the top right corner. Then, select “Federal Impact Aid Survey.” Get more information.

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2023-2024 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. 

2023-2024 Dates:

  1. Tuesday, January 16, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  2. Tuesday, March 19, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  3. Wednesday, May 29, 6:30pm in the Auditorium

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.

Yearbooks and Senior Baby Ads

Yearbooks and senior baby ads for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale! You can purchase yearbook packages and senior baby ads at www.yearbookordercenter.com using the code 4770. Standalone yearbooks are also available via MySchoolBucks. Prices start at $67 and will increase throughout the year, so buy early to save. Don’t wait – the last two years sold out. Questions? Email [email protected]

Student Services Updates  Student Services Newsletter

Fall is here!  Check out the October Student Services Newsletter to learn more about our programs from September including Senior Parent Night and Freshman Parent Night.  The newsletter also addresses our wellness initiatives such as Suicide Prevention Month information and Brain Breaks and upcoming events such as the Fall Community Book Club. 

Timeline for Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2023-24 school year.  

  • September 11-November 3 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 6: 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 22: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability.  This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.

To find out who your child's school counselor is, please visit our website.  

Service Learning Opportunities  Service Learning Opportunity

Colvin Run Mill is more than a Historic Site. Help the natural resources of this site by removing non-native invasive plants and planting native plants to help wildlife and biodiversity thrive. They are looking for volunteers to help on Saturday, November 11th from 10am-3pm. Any FCPS student will have the opportunity to receive up to 4 hours of community service credit towards their high school graduation requirements. If you and your group are interested in participating in this event, please contact, Julie Gurnee ([email protected]).

Volunteer Fairfax

Volunteer Fairfax is a resource that can be used to find out about service-learning opportunities in the community. Service learning is a great way for students and families to engage with local nonprofits and volunteer. More information about Volunteer opportunities on this day can be found on Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Health and Wellness Updates 2023-2024 Health & Safety Guidance for Schools

Be sure to review FCPS Health and Safety Guidance for the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and to find out when students should stay home from school.

Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline            703-527-4077

Crisis Text                                       Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency       703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency                         703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency         703-573-5979  TTY dial 711

Life Threatening                             911

FCPS News

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

  • Results from Fairfax County Youth Survey
  • Become a Tutor! 
  • End of First Quarter

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

Safety and Security Updates Safety Drills

Below is a list of safety drills that we will be practicing this school year. 

  • Fire Evacuation Drills - Two within the first twenty school days, then one per month
  • Lockdown Drills - Two per school year; one in the first twenty days of school 
  • Bus Evacuation Drills - Two per school year; to be held within the first thirty school days of each semester 
  • Tornado Drill - To be held in March 
Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue.  Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or [email protected]

PTSA News & Information  PTSA Board and Committee Chair Volunteers Needed

The PTSA is looking to fill the following volunteer positions for the executive committee for the 2023-2024 school year.  Without a President and Vice-President, the Oakton PTSA cannot continue it's work.  

  • President
  • Vice President

In addition, the PTSA is searching for volunteers to be the Chair for the following committees to be a part of the Oakton PTSA team for the coming school year 2023-2024.

  • Membership

Those who are interested in the above positions should email [email protected] with desired positions. 

 

Oakton Pantry

The Pantry will be coordinating donations of Thanksgiving meals for Oakton students in need and their families. Please visit our Sign Up Genius for all of the details. Thank you for your support and generosity!

The Oakton Pantry is available to any Oakton student or neighbor who is in need. We stock non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and household supplies. 

For assistance: [email protected] 

Volunteer/Questions: [email protected]

Donate via PayPal

Most needed items: website

Amazon Wish List 

 

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 - October 23

GovDelivery1 month 2 weeks ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

如果您想以其他语言阅读此新闻时讯,请访问我们的网站

이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@OaktonHS), and Instagram @oaktonhs ! 

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar here.   

October 23 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation (10th grade) 

October 31 - Impact Aid Forms Available (ParentVue) 

November 1-2 - Religious and Cultural Observance Days, All Saints Day, Dia de los Muertos

November 2 - Underclassmen Portraits Make-up Opportunity 

November 3 - End of 1st Quarter; 2 Hour Early Release 

November 6 - Student Holiday, School Planning Day; Winter Sports Tryouts begin

November 7 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday 

General Information Oakton High School Veteran's Day Celebration

To honor the tradition of military family connectedness at Oakton High School, United States history teachers are seeking veterans and active duty personnel interested in speaking to 11th grade students about their service experiences on Thursday, November 9th and/or Friday, November 10th. This celebration of Veterans Day is a wonderful opportunity for students to better understand the sacrifices made by veterans, active duty military personnel, and their families. Additionally, students benefit from learning about the military as a potential career option. Speakers will have approximately 15 – 20 minutes to speak followed by a 10 minute Q&A session. To aid in your planning, you can find the Oakton High School bell schedule here. School appropriate service artifacts are welcomed and encouraged. Zoom or Google Meet options can be available if currently out of the area. If you or someone you know might be interested, please complete THIS FORM and we will follow up with additional details.

Questions? Email James Oberndorf, Assistant Principal, at: [email protected].

Thank you for your service and consideration! 

Governor’s School Applications

There will be a Governor’s School Interest Meeting for Academic and Visual & Performing Arts.

WHO: 10th and 11th grade students

WHEN: Thursday, October 26

WHERE: Oakton’s College and Career Center

TIME: 10:45 – 11:15am

If your student is unable to attend, please note the deadline to submit an interest form is November 3. Late submissions will not be accepted. Please see link below to access the Google form. 

Academic Governor’s School Interest Form Link: https://forms.gle/f4REqWETg5UJfq5F7

Visual and Performing Arts Interest Form Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVC4m7OZ_2F1tLLDrM66TufOH-bKYdW31lYnmT-QjU-T3_KQ/viewform

Governor’s School is an enriching program designed for highly motivated students who are looking for a challenging summer experience. Programs are offered in Visual and Performing Arts, Humanities, Math/Science/Tech, Agriculture, Life Science/Medicine, and Mentorships in Engineering and Life Sciences. The selection process is extremely competitive. Most students selected rank in the top 5% of their class and have scored in the 90th percentile on standardized achievement tests. These residential programs run from late June to late July. Only students who are available during that time frame and whose records match these criteria should apply. 

Below is a link to detailed information from the Virginia Department of Education: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/specialized-instruction/governor-s-schools/summer-residential-governor-s-schools

Please use the following link to access the application guidance/deadlines from FCPS: https://www.fcps.edu/node/32439

If you have questions about any of this information please contact: Laura Osborne, School Counselor, [email protected] or Jessica Vilbas, [email protected].

Underclassmen Academic Awards Celebration

November 17 during Cougar Time

On Friday, November 17, Oakton will recognize over 800 students who have earned an Academic Award. Academic Awards are based on their 2022-2023 high school GPA (4.0 and higher). First time award recipients will receive an academic letter and a pin. Returning recipients will receive a pin to be placed on the academic letter they received in a previous year. Recipients received an invitation to this event on Wednesday, October 18 via email. This is a student only event.

Federal Impact Aid Forms - Due October 31

We need your help!  Each student is required to have a federal impact aid form filled out annually.  This year, the process has been made easier by allowing families to use ParentVue to digitally submit the form for their students.  Parents can access the form by selecting the "online packets" tab.  Once there, you can select the "2023-2024 Federal Impact Aid Survey."  If you need assistance, please see these more detailed directions.  It is the division expectation that we have a form filled out for every enrolled student.  Please help us reach this goal!  

Digital forms are due by October 31!  If you need a hard copy, please call the main office (703-319-2701) and we will provide you with one.  

Use of Impact Aid Funds

Federal Impact Aid provides revenue to local education agencies to mitigate costs of educating children in areas impacted by federal activity. The Impact Aid policy was designed to compensate local school districts for the local funding share that is reduced or eliminated because of a Federal presence that is not taxable.  School districts with federal lands, military installations, federal low-rent housing or Indian Trust land within their boundaries lose local revenues.  Impact Aid is designed to compensate school districts for this lost revenue. Impact Aid goes into the general fund and is intended to offset the costs (e.g. staff, facilities, and transportation) associated with educating military dependent children and other special groups. More information can be found here.  

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2023-2024 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. 

2023-2024 Dates:

  1. Monday, October 23, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  2. Tuesday, January 16, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  3. Tuesday, March 19, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  4. Wednesday, May 29, 6:30pm in the Auditorium

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.

Yearbooks and Senior Baby Ads

Yearbooks and senior baby ads for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale! You can purchase yearbook packages and senior baby ads at www.yearbookordercenter.com using the code 4770. Standalone yearbooks are also available via MySchoolBucks. Prices start at $67 and will increase throughout the year, so buy early to save. Don’t wait – the last two years sold out. Questions? Email [email protected]

Testing Information AP Exam Registration for Non-enrolled Students

If any student wants to take an AP exam in a course that he/she is not enrolled in, registration is now open. Each exam costs $98. You can use this google form to register. Students currently enrolled in an AP course are automatically registered for the corresponding AP exam and do not need to complete any form. The deadline to register is October 27th. Payment can be submitted through My School Bucks or check made out to Oakton High School. Payment is required before the exam space will be reserved.

My School Bucks Link

Other AP related information can be found in our AP Testing FAQs on the Oakton website. If you have any other questions about AP testing in general, please contact AP Coordinator Kim Stewart at [email protected].

Student Services Updates  Student Services Newsletter

Fall is here!  Check out the October Student Services Newsletter to learn more about our programs from September including Senior Parent Night and Freshman Parent Night.  The newsletter also addresses our wellness initiatives such as Suicide Prevention Month information and Brain Breaks and upcoming events such as the Fall Community Book Club. 

Timeline for Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2023-24 school year.  

  • September 11-November 3 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 6: 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 22: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability.  This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.

To find out who your child's school counselor is, please visit our website.  

Service Learning Opportunities  Volunteer Fairfax

Volunteer Fairfax is a resource that can be used to find out about service-learning opportunities in the community. Service learning is a great way for students and families to engage with local nonprofits and volunteer. More information about Volunteer opportunities on this day can be found on Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

FCPS News

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

  • New School Lunch Menu Options
  • Know FCPS’ Security Terms
  • National Bullying Prevention Month 

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

Health and Wellness Updates 2023-2024 Health & Safety Guidance for Schools

Be sure to review FCPS Health and Safety Guidance for the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and to find out when students should stay home from school.

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

Safety and Security Updates Safety Drills

Below is a list of safety drills that we will be practicing this school year. 

  • Fire Evacuation Drills - Two within the first twenty school days, then one per month
  • Lockdown Drills - Two per school year; one in the first twenty days of school 
  • Bus Evacuation Drills - Two per school year; to be held within the first thirty school days of each semester 
  • Tornado Drill - To be held in March 
Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue.  Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or [email protected]

PTSA News & Information  PTSA Board and Committee Chair Volunteers Needed

The PTSA is looking to fill the following volunteer positions for the executive committee for the 2023-2024 school year.  Without a President and Vice-President, the Oakton PTSA cannot continue it's work.  

  • President
  • Vice President

In addition, the PTSA is searching for volunteers to be the Chair for the following committees to be a part of the Oakton PTSA team for the coming school year 2023-2024.

  • Membership

Those who are interested in the above positions should email [email protected] with desired positions. 

 

Oakton Pantry

The Oakton Pantry is available to any Oakton student or neighbor who is in need. We stock non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and household supplies. 

For assistance: [email protected] 

Volunteer/Questions: [email protected]

Donate via PayPal

Most needed items: website

Amazon Wish List 

The Pantry is 7 years old! One of the most beautiful aspects of the Pantry is the sense of community. Every day we are reminded how much the community cares for our students and families.

This week we received a very special delivery from Mrs. Chase-Kang and Girl Scout troops from Service Unit 50-10. This service unit includes troops from Marshall Road ES, Vienna ES, Mosaic ES, Thoreau MS, and Oakton and Madison HS. Daisies to Ambassadors (kindergartners to high school seniors) collected and assembled packs of full-size toiletries for our students and families in need. They even included a special note in each pack.

We then received another wonderful delivery from April Schwartz and the moms of the YMSL (Young Men's Service League) Hunter Mill chapter. April generously purchased enough supplies to make 100 substantial snack packs for our student recipients. YMSL Hunter Mill moms assembled the packs for us at their last meeting. We started distributing the packs last week and the kids were extremely appreciative. 

Thank you so much to everyone for your generous donations of supplies and time, and for letting our students and their families know how much the community cares about them!

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 - October 16

GovDelivery1 month 3 weeks ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

如果您想以其他语言阅读此新闻时讯,请访问我们的网站

이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@OaktonHS), and Instagram @oaktonhs ! 

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar here.   

October 16 - Impact Aid Forms Available (ParentVue) 

October 16-18 - Senior Portraits (3rd Opportunity)

October 18 - 1st Quarter Tutor-a-thon (3:00-4:30pm - Cafeteria) 

October 19 - Dig Pink Volleyball Game 

October 20 - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (See Below); Hall of Fame Recognition (at Football Game) 

October 23 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation (10th grade) 

October 31 - Impact Aid Forms Available (ParentVue) 

November 1-2 - Religious and Cultural Observance Days, All Saints Day, Dia de los Muertos

November 2 - Underclassmen Portraits Make-up Opportunity 

November 3 - End of 1st Quarter; 2 Hour Early Release 

November 6 - Student Holiday, School Planning Day; Winter Sports Tryouts begin

November 7 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday 

General Information Federal Impact Aid Forms - Available October 16

We need your help!  Each student is required to have a federal impact aid form filled out annually.  This year, the process has been made easier by allowing families to use ParentVue to digitally submit the form for their students.  Parents can access the form by selecting the "online packets" tab.  Once there, you can select the "2023-2024 Federal Impact Aid Survey."  If you need assistance, please see these more detailed directions.  It is the division expectation that we have a form filled out for every enrolled student.  Please help us reach this goal!  

Digital forms are due by October 31!  If you need a hard copy, please call the main office (703-319-2701) and we will provide you with one.  

Use of Impact Aid Funds

Federal Impact Aid provides revenue to local education agencies to mitigate costs of educating children in areas impacted by federal activity. The Impact Aid policy was designed to compensate local school districts for the local funding share that is reduced or eliminated because of a Federal presence that is not taxable.  School districts with federal lands, military installations, federal low-rent housing or Indian Trust land within their boundaries lose local revenues.  Impact Aid is designed to compensate school districts for this lost revenue. Impact Aid goes into the general fund and is intended to offset the costs (e.g. staff, facilities, and transportation) associated with educating military dependent children and other special groups. More information can be found here.  

"Leaf" Stress Behind - Tutor-a-Thon - October 18

The Center invites all students to come to the 1st Quarter Tutor-a-Thon!  All students welcome for tutoring in all subjects in preparation for the end of first quarter!  Teachers and center tutors will be available to assist students.  The event will run in the cafeteria from 3:00-4:30pm. 

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony/Hall of Fame Presentation

Friday night, October 20, we will celebrate the end of our renovation project and celebrate the 2023 Oakton High School Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees. 

Self-guided tours of the building to check out the amazing spaces are welcome to all community members and alumni.  You are welcome to tour the building between 5:00-6:30pm.  Please enter through Door 1.  Maps will be available for those that might need them.  Afterwards join us at the game ($5 per ticket) for a ribbon cutting ceremony that will occur at 6:45 pm on the track before the game begins.  

At half time we will introduce our 2023 Hall of Fame inductees. This year we have the distinct honor of recognizing twenty-five individual alumni, one coach, one contributor and one state championship team.  Inductees cover a substantial amount of Oakton High School history ranging from 1973 to 2017! A recognition ceremony will also be held for our inductees on Saturday, October 21 for the recipients and their families.  

Attendance Reminders

We are seeing an uptick in students who are checking out throughout the school day for various reasons.  Please be sure to review these procedures with your student.  We are seeing many students who are not picking up their passes and following up with the attendance office before leaving.  This helps us ensure accurate attendance records for our students.  Thank you. 

Check-out Procedures 

Students leaving before the end of the school day need to have a note from a parent excusing the early dismissal. If the note/form information is for a valid absence the student will be issued a pass to leave class at the appointed time.

  • You cannot use the attendance form to request early dismissal. Students should have a handwritten note from a parent or guardian.
  • We ask that students bring the note to the attendance window by 9:45 to get the early dismissal pass. Please note: Teachers will NOT allow students to leave class without this pass or confirmation from the attendance office.
  • If a student does not have a note, they will be marked "unexcused". Students may not leave campus during the school day without permission. If a student leaves campus without permission or without checking out, they may be subject to disciplinary consequences.
  • In the note, please include the student name, time the student is leaving, the reason for the early dismissal, a parent/guardian signature, the student ID, and contact phone number for follow-up.
  • If the need for an early check out arises after the start of school, please call the attendance line, 703-319-2727 BEFORE 1:00 pm. After leaving a message, please have your student pick up their checkout pass from the Attendance Office between classes or during lunch. 

If returning to school that same day, students must check in at the Attendance office before going back to class, even if it is between classes.

All attendance procedures and forms can be found here.  

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2023-2024 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. 

2023-2024 Dates:

  1. Monday, October 23, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  2. Tuesday, January 16, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  3. Tuesday, March 19, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  4. Wednesday, May 29, 6:30pm in the Auditorium

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.

Yearbooks and Senior Baby Ads

Yearbooks and senior baby ads for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale! You can purchase yearbook packages and senior baby ads at www.yearbookordercenter.com using the code 4770. Standalone yearbooks are also available via MySchoolBucks. Prices start at $67 and will increase throughout the year, so buy early to save. Don’t wait – the last two years sold out. Questions? Email [email protected]

Testing Information PSAT Information 

Students who were unable to test on October 11, 2023 due to an excused absence, will take the make-up on October 26, 2023.  If you wish to opt your student out of taking the PSAT/NMSQT make-up, please contact Catie Bishop ([email protected]) by Wednesday, October 18th. If your child did complete the PSAT/NMSQT test as scheduled and you have specific concerns regarding the technical issues that occurred, please contact Catie Bishop ([email protected]) by Wednesday, October 18th.

AP Testing Opt-Out Letters

As part of the FCPS FY 2024 Approved Budget, FCPS is continuing to assess Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test fees. As in previous years, the fees for the first six AP/IB tests taken for courses in which students are enrolled for high school credit will be paid for by FCPS. Students taking AP tests without enrolling in the corresponding FCPS course are responsible for the test fee(s). AP students must make Opt-Out decisions in October 2023 and parents will be billed a $98 non-refundable test fee in December 2023 for tests that exceed the six FCPS funded tests. 

Oakton students will receive their opt-out letters on Wednesday, October 4th 2023. All Opt-Outs are due by Wednesday, October 18th 2023 to Mrs. Hendelman in School Counseling. If students need a new Opt-Out form they can see Mrs. Hendelman.

Oakton information will continue to be posted on our AP Exam page here: https://oaktonhs.fcps.edu/academics/testing/ap-exams

AP Exam Registration for Non-enrolled Students

If any student wants to take an AP exam in a course that he/she is not enrolled in, registration is now open. Each exam costs $98. You can use this google form to register. Students currently enrolled in an AP course are automatically registered for the corresponding AP exam and do not need to complete any form. The deadline to register is October 27th. Payment can be submitted through My School Bucks or check made out to Oakton High School. Payment is required before the exam space will be reserved.

My School Bucks Link

Other AP related information can be found in our AP Testing FAQs on the Oakton website. If you have any other questions about AP testing in general, please contact AP Coordinator Kim Stewart at [email protected].

Student Services Updates  Student Services Newsletter

Fall is here!  Check out the October Student Services Newsletter to learn more about our programs from September including Senior Parent Night and Freshman Parent Night.  The newsletter also addresses our wellness initiatives such as Suicide Prevention Month information and Brain Breaks and upcoming events such as the Fall Community Book Club. 

Timeline for Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2023-24 school year.  

  • September 11-November 3 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 6: 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 22: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability.  This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.

To find out who your child's school counselor is, please visit our website.  

Service Learning Opportunities  Volunteer Fairfax

Volunteer Fairfax is a resource that can be used to find out about service-learning opportunities in the community. Service learning is a great way for students and families to engage with local nonprofits and volunteer. More information about Volunteer opportunities on this day can be found on Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Upcoming Opportunities  Instruction 2 Industry: Employability Skills

During the week of October 16-19, 2023, school divisions across the region are hosting employability skills webinars during the school day. Sessions cover Communication Etiquette, Resume Writing, Elevator Pitches, and Job Interviewing. A virtual, but live, event, Instruction 2 Industry, is free to all Northern Virginia high school students; recordings will be posted after for viewing if unable to participate during scheduled times. Classes may choose to participate as a whole class with one registration or as individual students which will each require their own registrations.   

For more information about the schedule and to register for the event, see Event Flyer.    

FCPS News

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

  • New School Lunch Menu Options
  • Know FCPS’ Security Terms
  • National Bullying Prevention Month 

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

Health and Wellness Updates 2023-2024 Health & Safety Guidance for Schools

Be sure to review FCPS Health and Safety Guidance for the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and to find out when students should stay home from school.

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

Safety and Security Updates Safety Drills

Below is a list of safety drills that we will be practicing this school year. 

  • Fire Evacuation Drills - Two within the first twenty school days, then one per month
  • Lockdown Drills - Two per school year; one in the first twenty days of school 
  • Bus Evacuation Drills - Two per school year; to be held within the first thirty school days of each semester 
  • Tornado Drill - To be held in March 
Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue.  Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or [email protected]

PTSA News & Information  PTSA Board and Committee Chair Volunteers Needed

The PTSA is looking to fill the following volunteer positions for the executive committee for the 2023-2024 school year.  Without a President and Vice-President, the Oakton PTSA cannot continue it's work.  

  • President
  • Vice President

In addition, the PTSA is searching for volunteers to be the Chair for the following committees to be a part of the Oakton PTSA team for the coming school year 2023-2024.

  • Membership

Those who are interested in the above positions should email [email protected] with desired positions. 

 

Oakton Pantry

The Oakton Pantry is available to any Oakton student or neighbor who is in need. We stock non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and household supplies. 

For assistance: [email protected] 

Volunteer/Questions: [email protected]

Donate via PayPal

Most needed items: website

Amazon Wish List 

Shout out to 3 special donors this week. The non-profit, No Child Goes Hungry, went shopping for the Pantry using our Amazon Wish List and we are so grateful. Many, many boxes have arrived and our volunteers can't wait to unpack them and get the items on our shelves.

Next, OHS 10th grader Natalie Leong used the proceeds from her Girl Scout troop to buy some desperately needed pads and other toiletries for the Pantry. Pads are one of the most popular requests that we get and we have a hard time keeping them in stock, so this donation was put to immediate use.

And finally, Oakton's Field Hockey team collected a huge variety of food and toiletries for the Pantry at their senior night. We feel very honored and grateful that the team chose to support the Pantry on this special night.

Thank you to all who donated! We couldn't do this without you!

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 - October 9

GovDelivery2 months ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

如果您想以其他语言阅读此新闻时讯,请访问我们的网站

이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@OaktonHS), and Instagram @oaktonhs ! 

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar here.   

October 9 - Student Holiday, Staff Development Day, Indigenous Peoples Day 

October 11 - PSAT Day (10th/11th Grade); SAT Day (12th Grade - Registration was required); Unscheduled Day (9th Grade; non-testers) 

October 12 - Candidates' Day (12th Grade) 

October 16-18 - Senior Portraits (3rd Opportunity)

October 23 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation (10th grade) 

November 1-2 - Religious and Cultural Observance Days, All Saints Day, Dia de los Muertos

November 2 - Underclassmen Portraits Make-up Opportunity 

November 3 - End of 1st Quarter; 2 Hour Early Release 

November 6 - Student Holiday, School Planning Day; Winter Sports Tryouts begin

November 7 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday 

General Information Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2023-2024 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. 

2023-2024 Dates:

  1. Monday, October 23, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  2. Tuesday, January 16, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  3. Tuesday, March 19, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  4. Wednesday, May 29, 6:30pm in the Auditorium

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.

National Honor Society 2023-2024 Membership Application Now Available

The NHS Membership Application is now available to complete for all qualified students who received an invitation to apply. Only students in 11th and 12th grade with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher are eligible to apply. Current members DO NOT need to reapply for membership. All applications for consideration must be submitted no later then October 13th at 3:00pm. Eligible students were given directions on how to complete the application last Wednesday September 27th during our information assembly. All questions or concerns should be directed to Mrs. Kimberly Stewart at [email protected].

Yearbooks and Senior Baby Ads

Yearbooks and senior baby ads for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale! You can purchase yearbook packages and senior baby ads at www.yearbookordercenter.com using the code 4770. Standalone yearbooks are also available via MySchoolBucks. Prices start at $67 and will increase throughout the year, so buy early to save. Don’t wait – the last two years sold out. Questions? Email [email protected]

Testing Information SAT Information

On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, Oakton 12th graders will have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth grade student to take this test. The essay option and subject area tests are not available during SAT School Day. 

Registration for the SAT on October 11 is now closed.  

PSAT Information 

On October 11, 2023, Oakton will offer the digital PSAT/NMSQT to students in grades 10-11. Students in grades 10-11 will be automatically registered and must test on an FCPS device. Students who wish to test with accommodations can learn more about the process and requirements on our PSAT/SAT page.

AP Testing Opt-Out Letters

As part of the FCPS FY 2024 Approved Budget, FCPS is continuing to assess Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test fees. As in previous years, the fees for the first six AP/IB tests taken for courses in which students are enrolled for high school credit will be paid for by FCPS. Students taking AP tests without enrolling in the corresponding FCPS course are responsible for the test fee(s). AP students must make Opt-Out decisions in October 2023 and parents will be billed a $98 non-refundable test fee in December 2023 for tests that exceed the six FCPS funded tests. 

Oakton students will receive their opt-out letters on Wednesday, October 4th 2023. All Opt-Outs are due by Monday, October 18th 2023 to Mrs. Hendelman in School Counseling. If students need a new Opt-Out form they can see Mrs. Hendelman.

Oakton information will continue to be posted on our AP Exam page here: https://oaktonhs.fcps.edu/academics/testing/ap-exams

AP Exam Registration for Non-enrolled Students

If any student wants to take an AP exam in a course that he/she is not enrolled in, registration is now open. Each exam costs $98. You can use this google form to register. Students currently enrolled in an AP course are automatically registered for the corresponding AP exam and do not need to complete any form. The deadline to register is October 27th. Payment can be submitted through My School Bucks or check made out to Oakton High School. Payment is required before the exam space will be reserved.

My School Bucks Link

Other AP related information can be found in our AP Testing FAQs on the Oakton website. If you have any other questions about AP testing in general, please contact AP Coordinator Kim Stewart at [email protected].

Student Services Updates  Student Services Newsletter

Fall is here!  Check out the October Student Services Newsletter to learn more about our programs from September including Senior Parent Night and Freshman Parent Night.  The newsletter also addresses our wellness initiatives such as Suicide Prevention Month information and Brain Breaks and upcoming events such as the Fall Community Book Club. 

Fall Community Book Club 

Join us for the first Oakton HS Community Book Club read this year: "Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine" by Michele Borba, Ed.D..

According to Amazon: "We think we have to push our kids to do more, achieve more, BE more. But we’re modeling the wrong traits—like rule-following and caution—and research shows it’s NOT working. This kind of “Striver” mindset isn’t just making kids unhappier, says Dr. Michele Borba…it’s actually the opposite of what it takes to thrive in the uncertain world ahead.

Thrivers are different: they flourish in our fast-paced, digital-driven, often uncertain world. Why? Through her in-depth research, Dr. Borba discovered that the difference comes down not to grades or test scores, but to seven character traits that set Thrivers apart—confidence, empathy, self-control, integrity, curiosity, perseverance, and optimism. The even better news: these traits can be taught to children at any age…in fact, parents and educations must do so. In Thrivers, Dr. Borba offers practical, actionable ways to develop these traits in children from preschool through high school, showing how to teach kids how to cope today so they can thrive tomorrow."

To receive your free copy of the book, please register at this link: https://forms.gle/yf5TJskDASuirtYq9. If copies are no longer available, the link will be closed.

The tentative book club discussion will be in January to allow enough time to read the book. More details will be emailed to book club participants.

Questions? Please reach out to Oakton Social Worker, Rachel Cherian, at [email protected] or Oakton School Counselor, Elizabeth Chase-Kang, at [email protected].

Timeline for Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2023-24 school year.  

  • September 11-November 3 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 6: 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 22: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability.  This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.

To find out who your child's school counselor is, please visit our website.  

Service Learning Opportunities  Volunteer Fairfax

Volunteer Fairfax is a resource that can be used to find out about service-learning opportunities in the community. Service learning is a great way for students and families to engage with local nonprofits and volunteer. More information about Volunteer opportunities on this day can be found on Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Upcoming Opportunities  Instruction 2 Industry: Employability Skills

During the week of October 16-19, 2023, school divisions across the region are hosting employability skills webinars during the school day. Sessions cover Communication Etiquette, Resume Writing, Elevator Pitches, and Job Interviewing. A virtual, but live, event, Instruction 2 Industry, is free to all Northern Virginia high school students; recordings will be posted after for viewing if unable to participate during scheduled times. Classes may choose to participate as a whole class with one registration or as individual students which will each require their own registrations.   

For more information about the schedule and to register for the event, see Event Flyer.    

College Fair and Look to the Future Events

The annual FCPS College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Approximately 250 colleges and universities will be represented, including two and four-year colleges and US Service Academies. Following the fair, the Two-Night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 16 and Tuesday, October 17, 2023, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Both events will help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey.  Students may REGISTER HERE.

Volunteers are needed for the College Fair. SIGN-UP TODAY to help make this event a success for students and their families.

FCPS News

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

  • PSAT/SAT School Day
  • Reading on Level by Third Grade
  • FCPS Facebook Pages in Spanish and Korean

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

Health and Wellness Updates 2023-2024 Health & Safety Guidance for Schools

Although the COVID-19 hospital transmission level (previously the COVID-19 Community Transmission level) for Fairfax County is currently low, COVID-19 cases have risen in Virginia during the last few weeks, and flu season will soon be upon us. Be sure to review FCPS Health and Safety Guidance for the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and to find out when students should stay home from school.

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

Safety and Security Updates Safety Drills

Below is a list of safety drills that we will be practicing this school year. 

  • Fire Evacuation Drills - Two within the first twenty school days, then one per month
  • Lockdown Drills - Two per school year; one in the first twenty days of school 
  • Bus Evacuation Drills - Two per school year; to be held within the first thirty school days of each semester 
  • Tornado Drill - To be held in March 
Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue.  Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or [email protected]

PTSA News & Information  PTSA Board and Committee Chair Volunteers Needed

The PTSA is looking to fill the following volunteer positions for the executive committee for the 2023-2024 school year.  Without a President and Vice-President, the Oakton PTSA cannot continue it's work.  

  • President
  • Vice President

In addition, the PTSA is searching for volunteers to be the Chair for the following committees to be a part of the Oakton PTSA team for the coming school year 2023-2024.

  • Membership

Those who are interested in the above positions should email [email protected] with desired positions. 

 

Oakton Pantry

The Oakton Pantry is available to any Oakton student or neighbor who is in need. We stock non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and household supplies. 

For assistance: [email protected] 

Volunteer/Questions: [email protected]

Donate via PayPal

Most needed items: website

Amazon Wish List 

The Pantry continues to see an increased demand each week for groceries and we are struggling to keep up. We are now at the point that we've significantly reduced the amount of food that we give to each recipient so that we can spread what we do have to more people. 

It is heartbreaking to turn someone away from our curbside distribution because we've run out of food.

Many of our OHS teams and clubs are in the process of organizing food drives to support the Pantry. We are so grateful! If you know of a group or neighborhood that might be interested in doing a collection for us, please send us an email. Thank you!

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 - October 2

GovDelivery2 months 1 week ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

如果您想以其他语言阅读此新闻时讯,请访问我们的网站

이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@OaktonHS), and Instagram @oaktonhs ! 

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar here.   

October 9 - Student Holiday, Staff Development Day, Indigenous Peoples Day 

October 11 - PSAT Day (10th/11th Grade); SAT Day (12th Grade - Registration was required); Unscheduled Day (9th Grade; non-testers) 

October 16-18 - Senior Portraits (3rd Opportunity)

October 23 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation (10th grade) 

November 1-2 - Religious and Cultural Observance Days, All Saints Day, Dia de los Muertos

November 2 - Underclassmen Portraits Make-up Opportunity 

November 3 - End of 1st Quarter; 2 Hour Early Release 

November 6 - Student Holiday, School Planning Day; Winter Sports Tryouts begin

November 7 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday 

General Information Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2023-2024 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. 

2023-2024 Dates:

  1. Monday, October 23, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  2. Tuesday, January 16, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  3. Tuesday, March 19, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  4. Wednesday, May 29, 6:30pm in the Auditorium

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.

National Honor Society 2023-2024 Membership Application Now Available

The NHS Membership Application is now available to complete for all qualified students who received an invitation to apply. Only students in 11th and 12th grade with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher are eligible to apply. Current members DO NOT need to reapply for membership. All applications for consideration must be submitted no later then October 13th at 3:00pm. Eligible students were given directions on how to complete the application last Wednesday September 27th during our information assembly. All questions or concerns should be directed to Mrs. Kimberly Stewart at [email protected].

World Languages Credit Exam 2023

The 2023 World Languages Credit Exam will be administered on November 8, 9, and 13, 2023. Thirty languages will be included: American Sign Language (ASL), Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Mandarin), Farsi, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Pashto, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Sanskrit, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Telugu, Tigrinya, Turkish, Twi, Urdu, and Vietnamese.

Registration opened on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. and closes on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted. To register, students must see their school counselor.  

More information can be found here.  

Yearbooks and Senior Baby Ads

Yearbooks and senior baby ads for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale! You can purchase yearbook packages and senior baby ads at www.yearbookordercenter.com using the code 4770. Standalone yearbooks are also available via MySchoolBucks. Prices start at $67 and will increase throughout the year, so buy early to save. Don’t wait – the last two years sold out. Questions? Email [email protected]

Testing Information SAT Information

On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, Oakton 12th graders will have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth grade student to take this test. The essay option and subject area tests are not available during SAT School Day. 

Registration for the SAT on October 11 is now closed.  

PSAT Information 

On October 11, 2023, Oakton will offer the digital PSAT/NMSQT to students in grades 10-11. Students in grades 10-11 will be automatically registered and must test on an FCPS device. Students who wish to test with accommodations can learn more about the process and requirements on our PSAT/SAT page.

AP Testing Opt-Out Letters

As part of the FCPS FY 2024 Approved Budget, FCPS is continuing to assess Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test fees. As in previous years, the fees for the first six AP/IB tests taken for courses in which students are enrolled for high school credit will be paid for by FCPS. Students taking AP tests without enrolling in the corresponding FCPS course are responsible for the test fee(s). AP students must make Opt-Out decisions in October 2023 and parents will be billed a $98 non-refundable test fee in December 2023 for tests that exceed the six FCPS funded tests. 

Oakton students will receive their opt-out letters on Wednesday, October 4th 2023. All Opt-Outs are due by Monday, October 18th 2023 to Mrs. Hendelman in School Counseling. If students need a new Opt-Out form they can see Mrs. Hendelman.

Oakton information will continue to be posted on our AP Exam page here: https://oaktonhs.fcps.edu/academics/testing/ap-exams

AP Exam Registration for Non-enrolled Students

If any student wants to take an AP exam in a course that he/she is not enrolled in, registration is now open. Each exam costs $98. You can use this google form to register. Students currently enrolled in an AP course are automatically registered for the corresponding AP exam and do not need to complete any form. The deadline to register is October 27th. Payment can be submitted through My School Bucks or check made out to Oakton High School. Payment is required before the exam space will be reserved.

My School Bucks Link

Other AP related information can be found in our AP Testing FAQs on the Oakton website. If you have any other questions about AP testing in general, please contact AP Coordinator Kim Stewart at [email protected].

Student Services Updates  Student Services Newsletter

Fall is here!  Check out the October Student Services Newsletter to learn more about our programs from September including Senior Parent Night and Freshman Parent Night.  The newsletter also addresses our wellness initiatives such as Suicide Prevention Month information and Brain Breaks and upcoming events such as the Fall Community Book Club. 

Fall Community Book Club 

Join us for the first Oakton HS Community Book Club read this year: "Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine" by Michele Borba, Ed.D..

According to Amazon: "We think we have to push our kids to do more, achieve more, BE more. But we’re modeling the wrong traits—like rule-following and caution—and research shows it’s NOT working. This kind of “Striver” mindset isn’t just making kids unhappier, says Dr. Michele Borba…it’s actually the opposite of what it takes to thrive in the uncertain world ahead.

Thrivers are different: they flourish in our fast-paced, digital-driven, often uncertain world. Why? Through her in-depth research, Dr. Borba discovered that the difference comes down not to grades or test scores, but to seven character traits that set Thrivers apart—confidence, empathy, self-control, integrity, curiosity, perseverance, and optimism. The even better news: these traits can be taught to children at any age…in fact, parents and educations must do so. In Thrivers, Dr. Borba offers practical, actionable ways to develop these traits in children from preschool through high school, showing how to teach kids how to cope today so they can thrive tomorrow."

To receive your free copy of the book, please register at this link: https://forms.gle/yf5TJskDASuirtYq9. If copies are no longer available, the link will be closed.

The tentative book club discussion will be in January to allow enough time to read the book. More details will be emailed to book club participants.

Questions? Please reach out to Oakton Social Worker, Rachel Cherian, at [email protected] or Oakton School Counselor, Elizabeth Chase-Kang, at [email protected].

Timeline for Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2023-24 school year.  

  • September 11-November 3 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 6: 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 22: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability.  This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.

To find out who your child's school counselor is, please visit our website.  

Service Learning Opportunities  Volunteer Fairfax

Volunteer Fairfax is a resource that can be used to find out about service-learning opportunities in the community. Service learning is a great way for students and families to engage with local nonprofits and volunteer. More information about Volunteer opportunities on this day can be found on Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Upcoming Opportunities  Instruction 2 Industry: Employability Skills

During the week of October 16-19, 2023, school divisions across the region are hosting employability skills webinars during the school day. Sessions cover Communication Etiquette, Resume Writing, Elevator Pitches, and Job Interviewing. A virtual, but live, event, Instruction 2 Industry, is free to all Northern Virginia high school students; recordings will be posted after for viewing if unable to participate during scheduled times. Classes may choose to participate as a whole class with one registration or as individual students which will each require their own registrations.   

For more information about the schedule and to register for the event, see Event Flyer.    

College Fair and Look to the Future Events

The annual FCPS College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Approximately 250 colleges and universities will be represented, including two and four-year colleges and US Service Academies. Following the fair, the Two-Night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 16 and Tuesday, October 17, 2023, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Both events will help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey.  Students may REGISTER HERE.

Volunteers are needed for the College Fair. SIGN-UP TODAY to help make this event a success for students and their families.

FCPS News

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

  • Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health
  • Attend Superintendent Reid’s Community Conversation
  • Free COVID-19 Tests 

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

Health and Wellness Updates 2023-2024 Health & Safety Guidance for Schools

Although the COVID-19 hospital transmission level (previously the COVID-19 Community Transmission level) for Fairfax County is currently low, COVID-19 cases have risen in Virginia during the last few weeks, and flu season will soon be upon us. Be sure to review FCPS Health and Safety Guidance for the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and to find out when students should stay home from school.

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

Safety and Security Updates Safety Drills

Below is a list of safety drills that we will be practicing this school year. 

  • Fire Evacuation Drills - Two within the first twenty school days, then one per month
  • Lockdown Drills - Two per school year; one in the first twenty days of school 
  • Bus Evacuation Drills - Two per school year; to be held within the first thirty school days of each semester 
  • Tornado Drill - To be held in March 
Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue.  Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or [email protected]

PTSA News & Information  PTSA Board and Committee Chair Volunteers Needed

The PTSA is looking to fill the following volunteer positions for the executive committee for the 2023-2024 school year.  Without a President and Vice-President, the Oakton PTSA cannot continue it's work.  

  • President
  • Vice President

In addition, the PTSA is searching for volunteers to be the Chair for the following committees to be a part of the Oakton PTSA team for the coming school year 2023-2024.

  • Membership

Those who are interested in the above positions should email [email protected] with desired positions. 

 

Oakton Pantry

The Oakton Pantry is available to any Oakton student or neighbor who is in need. We stock non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and household supplies. 

For assistance: [email protected] 

Volunteer/Questions: [email protected]

Donate via PayPal

Most needed items: website

Amazon Wish List 

The Barker Family and Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery have been generous supporters of the Oakton Pantry since our inception 7 years ago. We are so incredibly grateful to once again be the recipient of their generous grant.

Pantry usage continues to increase as does the cost of food and it is a regular challenge to keep our shelves stocked. This grant will be used immediately to ensure that we can continue to support more than 100 students and families a week. Thank you so much!

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 - September 25

GovDelivery2 months 2 weeks ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

如果您想以其他语言阅读此新闻时讯,请访问我们的网站

이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@OaktonHS), and Instagram @oaktonhs ! 

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar here.   

September 25 - No School, Yom Kippur 

September 26 - Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS): Parent presentation 

September 30 - Homecoming Dance (rescheduled date) 

October 9 - Student Holiday, Indigenous Peoples Day 

October 11 - PSAT Day (10th/11th Grade); SAT Day (12th Grade - Registration was required); Unscheduled Day (9th Grade; non-testers) 

General Information Homecoming 2023

Oakton High School’s 2023 Homecoming Dance has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 30 from 8pm-11pm.  Tomorrow we will send out information regarding requesting refunds for those students no longer able to attend.  We will also include the sales window for this week for students who may now wish to attend.  This information will also be posted on the student and parent schoology pages as soon as it is available.  

World Languages Credit Exam 2023

The 2023 World Languages Credit Exam will be administered on November 8, 9, and 13, 2023. Thirty languages will be included: American Sign Language (ASL), Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Mandarin), Farsi, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Pashto, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Sanskrit, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Telugu, Tigrinya, Turkish, Twi, Urdu, and Vietnamese.

Registration opened on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. and closes on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted. To register, students must see their school counselor.  

More information can be found here.  

Yearbooks and Senior Baby Ads

Yearbooks and senior baby ads for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale! You can purchase yearbook packages and senior baby ads at www.yearbookordercenter.com using the code 4770. Standalone yearbooks are also available via MySchoolBucks. Prices start at $67 and will increase throughout the year, so buy early to save. Don’t wait – the last two years sold out. Questions? Email [email protected]

Testing Information SAT Information

On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, Oakton 12th graders will have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth grade student to take this test. The essay option and subject area tests are not available during SAT School Day. 

Registration for the SAT on October 11 is now closed.  

PSAT Information 

On October 11, 2023, Oakton will offer the digital PSAT/NMSQT to students in grades 10-11. Students in grades 10-11 will be automatically registered and must test on an FCPS device. Students who wish to test with accommodations can learn more about the process and requirements on our PSAT/SAT page.

AP Exam Registration for Non-enrolled Students

If any student wants to take an AP exam in a course that he/she is not enrolled in, registration is now open. Each exam costs $98. You can use this google form to register. Students currently enrolled in an AP course are automatically registered for the corresponding AP exam and do not need to complete any form. The deadline to register is October 27th. Payment can be submitted through My School Bucks or check made out to Oakton High School. Payment is required before the exam space will be reserved.

My School Bucks Link

Other AP related information can be found in our AP Testing FAQs on the Oakton website. If you have any other questions about AP testing in general, please contact AP Coordinator Kim Stewart at [email protected].

Student Services Updates  Student Services Newsletter

Welcome Back Cougars!  Check out the Student Services September Newsletter for department reminders as well as upcoming events including the College & Career Center updates.  Learn more about FCPS college fairs, Naviance, the World Language Credit Exam, and counseling events such as Senior Parent Night, Freshman Parent Night, and Ambassadors Program. 

Timeline for Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2023-24 school year.  

  • September 11-November 3 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 6: 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 22: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability.  This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.

To find out who your child's school counselor is, please visit our website.  

Service Learning Opportunities  Volunteer Fairfax

Volunteer Fairfax is a resource that can be used to find out about service-learning opportunities in the community. Service learning is a great way for students and families to engage with local nonprofits and volunteer. More information about Volunteer opportunities on this day can be found on Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Upcoming Opportunities  Instruction 2 Industry: Employability Skills

During the week of October 16-19, 2023, school divisions across the region are hosting employability skills webinars during the school day. Sessions cover Communication Etiquette, Resume Writing, Elevator Pitches, and Job Interviewing. A virtual, but live, event, Instruction 2 Industry, is free to all Northern Virginia high school students; recordings will be posted after for viewing if unable to participate during scheduled times. Classes may choose to participate as a whole class with one registration or as individual students which will each require their own registrations.   

For more information about the schedule and to register for the event, see Event Flyer.    

College Fair and Look to the Future Events

The annual FCPS College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Approximately 250 colleges and universities will be represented, including two and four-year colleges and US Service Academies. Following the fair, the Two-Night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 16 and Tuesday, October 17, 2023, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Both events will help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey.  Students may REGISTER HERE.

Volunteers are needed for the College Fair. SIGN-UP TODAY to help make this event a success for students and their families.

FCPS News

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

  • Student Rights and Responsibilities Signatures Due
  • Free Webinars for Families in October 
  • Make a SUBstantial Difference!

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

Health and Wellness Updates Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS): Parent Presentation 

Oakton High School is excited to bring back the Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) parent program for this school year.  This presentation is a collaboration with our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, Mr. McNulty, and the Fairfax County Police Department.  More information can be found below.  To attend you must register.  

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) is FREE and has seats available!

Join us Tuesday, September 26th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Oakton High School (Lecture Hall).  Please use Door 2 to enter.  

Register here: https://bit.ly/hipsoakton23

The Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) program is an IN-PERSON interactive program for adults to be educated about the signs of risky behavior in teens and young adults. It touches on drug and alcohol use, mental health concerns, eating disorders, risky sexual behaviors and more.

The PowerPoint presentation details red flags (props will be passed around) and how they are indicative of — or used in — risky behavior. We include up to date statistics and local trends, and law enforcement officers will share their experiences they have had in our community identifying risky behavior and helping to put kids on the right path to a healthy life.  Let’s open the door to communicating with our teens!

2023-2024 Health & Safety Guidance for Schools

Although the COVID-19 hospital transmission level (previously the COVID-19 Community Transmission level) for Fairfax County is currently low, COVID-19 cases have risen in Virginia during the last few weeks, and flu season will soon be upon us. Be sure to review FCPS Health and Safety Guidance for the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and to find out when students should stay home from school.

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

Safety and Security Updates Safety Drills

Below is a list of safety drills that we will be practicing this school year. 

  • Fire Evacuation Drills - Two within the first twenty school days, then one per month
  • Lockdown Drills - Two per school year; one in the first twenty days of school 
  • Bus Evacuation Drills - Two per school year; to be held within the first thirty school days of each semester 
  • Tornado Drill - To be held in March 
Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue.  Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or [email protected]

PTSA News & Information  PTSA Board and Committee Chair Volunteers Needed

The PTSA is looking to fill the following volunteer positions for the executive committee for the 2023-2024 school year.  Without a President and Vice-President, the Oakton PTSA cannot continue it's work.  

  • President
  • Vice President

In addition, the PTSA is searching for volunteers to be the Chair for the following committees to be a part of the Oakton PTSA team for the coming school year 2023-2024.

  • Membership

Those who are interested in the above positions should email [email protected] with desired positions. 

 

Oakton Pantry

The Oakton Pantry is available to any Oakton student or neighbor who is in need. We stock non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and household supplies. 

For assistance: [email protected] 

Volunteer/Questions: [email protected]

Donate via PayPal

Most needed items: website

Amazon Wish List 

Thank you for your continuing support of the Pantry! If you know of a team or group interested in holding a food drive for us, please let us know! 

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 - September 18

GovDelivery2 months 3 weeks ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

如果您想以其他语言阅读此新闻时讯,请访问我们的网站

이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@OaktonHS), and Instagram @oaktonhs ! 

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar here.  

September 18-22: Homecoming Week 

September 18 - Homecoming Pep Rally (Cougar Connect) 

September 19 - ESOL Parent Night 

September 19-20 - Underclassmen Portraits

September 22 - Senior Panoramic (CT 7/8.); Homecoming Game

September 23 - Homecoming Dance 

September 25 - No School, Yom Kippur 

September 26 - Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS): Parent presentation 

October 9 - Student Holiday, Indigenous Peoples Day 

October 11 - PSAT Day (10th/11th Grade); SAT Day (12th Grade - Registration was required); Unscheduled Day (9th Grade; non-testers) 

General Information ESOL Back to School Night 

All ESOL students and their families are invited to a Back To School event on September 19 from 6:30-8:00 in the OHS cafeteria. The information is below. Please contact Janet Jones ([email protected]) or Mary Landis ([email protected]) with any questions.

World Languages Credit Exam 2023

The 2023 World Languages Credit Exam will be administered on November 8, 9, and 13, 2023. Thirty languages will be included: American Sign Language (ASL), Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Mandarin), Farsi, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Pashto, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Sanskrit, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Telugu, Tigrinya, Turkish, Twi, Urdu, and Vietnamese.

Registration opened on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. and closes on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted. To register, students must see their school counselor.  

More information can be found here.  

Underclassmen Picture Days

School Picture Day is coming Tuesday September 19th & Wednesday September 20th 2023 for our underclassmen (grades 9-11).  Students will take their pictures through their English class. Pictures will be available approximately two weeks following our school's photo day. Save time and pre-order online here.

For questions about ordering please email [email protected]

Oakton High School NHS Application 2023-2024

All students who are eligible to apply for the Oakton High School National Honor Society should have received an email from Mrs. Kimberly Stewart via their FCPS school email on September 7th 2023. Students in 11th and 12th grade with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher have been provided details regarding the application process. We ask all eligible applicants to please hold any questions regarding the application process until after our interest meeting later in September. Applicants were provided details of the upcoming meeting as well as application deadlines. All current members eligible to apply for an NHS Officers position for the 2023-2024 school year have also been notified via their school email regarding the application process and deadlines.

Homecoming 2023

Oakton High School’s 2023 Homecoming Dance will be on Saturday, September 23rd from 8:00 – 11:00 PM in the Main Gym of OHS.  This year’s theme is ‘Bet on OHS – Casino Night.’  Dress is semi-formal and the dance includes great music from Electric Events DC, photobooths, games, light desserts, and drinks.  Tickets will be available through MySchoolBucks and will be $20.  Guest passes for non-Oakton students will be available in Mr. McCulla’s room (2514) and the Activities Office in early September for student's to pick-up.  Guests who are not from Oakton High School must be at least a freshmen at another high school and no older than 20.  Information will be posted to each grade levels’ Schoology page.  We look forward to seeing all our students come out and celebrate Homecoming.  

Yearbooks and Senior Baby Ads

Yearbooks and senior baby ads for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale! You can purchase yearbook packages and senior baby ads at www.yearbookordercenter.com using the code 4770. Standalone yearbooks are also available via MySchoolBucks. Prices start at $67 and will increase throughout the year, so buy early to save. Don’t wait – the last two years sold out. Questions? Email [email protected]

Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic Absenteeism is an active area of focus for Oakton High School. Chronic Absenteeism is defined as a student who misses 10% or more of their enrolled days during an academic school year. Attendance is a school quality indicator and is factored into the school accreditation process. 

According to research, regular attendance is a significant factor in a student’s success.

  • Chronic absenteeism correlates to low academic achievement.
  • Absenteeism is a powerful predictor of dropout rates.
  • Absenteeism has been linked to poor outcomes later in life.

If you need assistance with your student's attendance or have questions, please reach out to our SOSA (System of support advisor) Mr. Justin Janis [email protected]

Testing Information SAT Information

On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, Oakton 12th graders will have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth grade student to take this test. The essay option and subject area tests are not available during SAT School Day. 

Registration for the SAT on October 11 is now closed.  

PSAT Information 

On October 11, 2023, Oakton will offer the digital PSAT/NMSQT to students in grades 10-11. Students in grades 10-11 will be automatically registered and must test on an FCPS device. Students who wish to test with accommodations can learn more about the process and requirements on our PSAT/SAT page.

AP Exam Registration for Non-enrolled Students

If any student wants to take an AP exam in a course that he/she is not enrolled in, registration is now open. Each exam costs $98. You can use this google form to register. Students currently enrolled in an AP course are automatically registered for the corresponding AP exam and do not need to complete any form. The deadline to register is October 27th. Payment can be submitted through My School Bucks or check made out to Oakton High School. Payment is required before the exam space will be reserved.

My School Bucks Link

Other AP related information can be found in our AP Testing FAQs on the Oakton website. If you have any other questions about AP testing in general, please contact AP Coordinator Kim Stewart at [email protected].

OHS Service Learning Opportunity Highlight Healthy Kids Running Series

Healthy Kids Running Series is a community-based non-profit that provides a fun, inclusive five-week running series for ages 2-14 designed for kids to get active, feel accomplished, and lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Our program runs each Sunday from 3pm-4pm from 9/10 - 10/8 at Oakton High School. Student volunteers will need to be at least 14 to volunteer.

You can learn more about our race series here

Here is the link to include for students to sign up.

Contact at Healthy Kids Running Series Oakton – Tiffany O’Neill-Stuermann at  [email protected]

Volunteer Fairfax

Volunteer Fairfax is a resource that can be used to find out about service-learning opportunities in the community. Service learning is a great way for students and families to engage with local nonprofits and volunteer. More information about Volunteer opportunities on this day can be found on Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Student Services Updates  Student Services Newsletter

Welcome Back Cougars!  Check out the Student Services September Newsletter for department reminders as well as upcoming events including the College & Career Center updates.  Learn more about FCPS college fairs, Naviance, the World Language Credit Exam, and counseling events such as Senior Parent Night, Freshman Parent Night, and Ambassadors Program. 

Timeline for Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2023-24 school year.  

  • September 11-November 3 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 6: 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 22: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability.  This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.

To find out who your child's school counselor is, please visit our website.  

Upcoming Opportunities  Instruction 2 Industry: Employability Skills

During the week of October 16-19, 2023, school divisions across the region are hosting employability skills webinars during the school day. Sessions cover Communication Etiquette, Resume Writing, Elevator Pitches, and Job Interviewing. A virtual, but live, event, Instruction 2 Industry, is free to all Northern Virginia high school students; recordings will be posted after for viewing if unable to participate during scheduled times. Classes may choose to participate as a whole class with one registration or as individual students which will each require their own registrations.   

For more information about the schedule and to register for the event, see Event Flyer.    

College Fair and Look to the Future Events

The annual FCPS College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Approximately 250 colleges and universities will be represented, including two and four-year colleges and US Service Academies. Following the fair, the Two-Night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 16 and Tuesday, October 17, 2023, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Both events will help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey.  Students may REGISTER HERE.

Volunteers are needed for the College Fair. SIGN-UP TODAY to help make this event a success for students and their families.

FCPS News

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

  • Tips to Stay Healthy
  • When a Student Should Stay Home From School
  • College and Career Fair

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

Health and Wellness Updates Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS): Parent Presentation 

Oakton High School is excited to bring back the Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) parent program for this school year.  This presentation is a collaboration with our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, Mr. McNulty, and the Fairfax County Police Department.  More information can be found below.  To attend you must register.  

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) is FREE and has seats available!

Join us Tuesday, September 26th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Oakton High School (Lecture Hall).  Please use Door 2 to enter.  

Register here: https://bit.ly/hipsoakton23

The Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) program is an IN-PERSON interactive program for adults to be educated about the signs of risky behavior in teens and young adults. It touches on drug and alcohol use, mental health concerns, eating disorders, risky sexual behaviors and more.

The PowerPoint presentation details red flags (props will be passed around) and how they are indicative of — or used in — risky behavior. We include up to date statistics and local trends, and law enforcement officers will share their experiences they have had in our community identifying risky behavior and helping to put kids on the right path to a healthy life.  Let’s open the door to communicating with our teens!

2023-2024 Health & Safety Guidance for Schools

Although the COVID-19 hospital transmission level (previously the COVID-19 Community Transmission level) for Fairfax County is currently low, COVID-19 cases have risen in Virginia during the last few weeks, and flu season will soon be upon us. Be sure to review FCPS Health and Safety Guidance for the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and to find out when students should stay home from school.

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

Safety and Security Updates Safety Drills

Below is a list of safety drills that we will be practicing this school year. 

  • Fire Evacuation Drills - Two within the first twenty school days, then one per month
  • Lockdown Drills - Two per school year; once in the first twenty days of school 
  • Bus Evacuation Drills - Two per school year; to be held within the first thirty school days of each semester 
  • Tornado Drill - To be held in March 
Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue.  Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or [email protected]

PTSA News & Information  PTSA Board and Committee Chair Volunteers Needed

The PTSA is looking to fill the following volunteer positions for the executive committee for the 2023-2024 school year.  Without a President and Vice-President, the Oakton PTSA cannot continue it's work.  

  • President
  • Vice President

In addition, the PTSA is searching for volunteers to be the Chair for the following committees to be a part of the Oakton PTSA team for the coming school year 2023-2024.

  • Membership

Those who are interested in the above positions should email [email protected] with desired positions. 

 

Oakton Pantry

The Oakton Pantry is available to any Oakton student or neighbor who is in need. We stock non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and household supplies. 

For assistance: [email protected] 

Volunteer/Questions: [email protected]

Donate via PayPal

Most needed items: website

Amazon Wish List 

The Pantry Team is incredibly grateful to every single donor who helps support the Oakton Pantry. Every dollar donated goes directly to providing groceries to students and families.

Today we wish to thank and recognize two of our long-standing donors: Rustic Love and the Andino Family. Rustic Love has consistently supported us with their extremely generous grants, enabling us to keep our shelves stocked for months at a time. The Andino Family makes it possible for us to provide more than basic necessities to our recipients. Because of their generosity, we are able to provide hearty meals that feed a family.

Thank you so much for your support!

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 - September 11

GovDelivery2 months 4 weeks ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

如果您想以其他语言阅读此新闻时讯,请访问我们的网站

이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@OaktonHS), and Instagram @oaktonhs ! 

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar here.  

September 18 - Homecoming Pep Rally (Cougar Connect) 

September 19 - ESOL Parent Night 

September 19-20 - Underclassmen Portraits

September 22 - Senior Panoramic (CT 7/8.); Homecoming Game

September 23 - Homecoming Dance 

September 25 - No School, Yom Kippur 

October 9 - Student Holiday, Indigenous Peoples Day 

October 11 - PSAT Day (10th/11th Grade); SAT Day (12th Grade - Registration was required); Unscheduled Day (9th Grade; non-testers) 

General Information ESOL Back to School Night 

All ESOL students and their families are invited to a Back To School event on September 19 from 6:30-8:00 in the OHS cafeteria. The information is below. Please contact Janet Jones ([email protected]) or Mary Landis ([email protected]) with any questions.

Back to School Night Information

It was great to see many of you at our Back to School Night last week.  As a friendly reminder you are welcome to access our Back-to-School website at any time.  On this site you will find school board videos, a principal welcome message, updates and reminder videos, as well as curriculum videos for each teacher. 

World Languages Credit Exam 2023

The 2023 World Languages Credit Exam will be administered on November 8, 9, and 13, 2023. Thirty languages will be included: American Sign Language (ASL), Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Mandarin), Farsi, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Pashto, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Sanskrit, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Telugu, Tigrinya, Turkish, Twi, Urdu, and Vietnamese.

Registration opened on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. and closes on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted. To register, students must see their school counselor.  

More information can be found here.  

Underclassmen Picture Days

School Picture Day is coming Tuesday September 19th & Wednesday September 20th 2023 for our underclassmen (grades 9-11).  Students will take their pictures through their English class. Pictures will be available approximately two weeks following our school's photo day. Save time and pre-order online here.

For questions about ordering please email [email protected]

Oakton High School NHS Application 2023-2024

All students who are eligible to apply for the Oakton High School National Honor Society should have received an email from Mrs. Kimberly Stewart via their FCPS school email on September 7th 2023. Students in 11th and 12th grade with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher have been provided details regarding the application process. We ask all eligible applicants to please hold any questions regarding the application process until after our interest meeting later in September. Applicants were provided details of the upcoming meeting as well as application deadlines. All current members eligible to apply for an NHS Officers position for the 2023-2024 school year have also been notified via their school email regarding the application process and deadlines.

Homecoming 2023

Oakton High School’s 2023 Homecoming Dance will be on Saturday, September 23rd from 8:00 – 11:00 PM in the Main Gym of OHS.  This year’s theme is ‘Bet on OHS – Casino Night.’  Dress is semi-formal and the dance includes great music from Electric Events DC, photobooths, games, light desserts, and drinks.  Tickets will be available through MySchoolBucks and will be $20.  Guest passes for non-Oakton students will be available in Mr. McCulla’s room (2514) and the Activities Office in early September for student's to pick-up.  Guests who are not from Oakton High School must be at least a freshmen at another high school and no older than 20.  Information will be posted to each grade levels’ Schoology page.  We look forward to seeing all our students come out and celebrate Homecoming.  

Yearbooks and Senior Baby Ads

Yearbooks and senior baby ads for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale! You can purchase yearbook packages and senior baby ads at www.yearbookordercenter.com using the code 4770. Standalone yearbooks are also available via MySchoolBucks. Prices start at $67 and will increase throughout the year, so buy early to save. Don’t wait – the last two years sold out. Questions? Email [email protected]

AVID Tutors Needed

Attention families - looking for a flexible and part-time position at Oakton? FCPS is hiring AVID tutors for the 2023-2024 school year.  AVID tutors work with small groups of approximately 5-7 students during the school day in an academic elective class called Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). These groups use questioning strategies to help students develop a variety of college preparatory skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. Tutors earn $18.97 per hour and should either be a college graduate or currently enrolled in college. If interested, please email your resume to Lisa Shields at [email protected] or [email protected].

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow 

How can you help?

  • Make school attendance a priority
  • Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day. 
  • Help your teen maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.                
  • Try not to schedule appointments during the school day.
  • If your student must stay home because they are sick or in quarantine, make sure they have asked teachers for resources and materials to make up for the missed learning time in the classroom.

Check your Child's Attendance – Parents may log into Student Information System (SIS) Parent Account to view your child's attendance. For more support to access and use SIS parent Account visit our SIS Parent Account overview page.

If you need assistance with your student's attendance or have questions, please reach out to our SOSA (System of support advisor) Mr. Justin Janis [email protected]

Testing Information SAT Information

On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, Oakton 12th graders will have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth grade student to take this test. The essay option and subject area tests are not available during SAT School Day. 

Registration for the SAT on October 11 is now closed.  

PSAT Information 

On October 11, 2023, Oakton will offer the digital PSAT/NMSQT to students in grades 10-11. Students in grades 10-11 will be automatically registered and must test on an FCPS device. Students who wish to test with accommodations can learn more about the process and requirements on our PSAT/SAT page.

AP Exam Registration for Non-enrolled Students

If any student wants to take an AP exam in a course that he/she is not enrolled in, registration is now open. Each exam costs $98. You can use this google form to register. Students currently enrolled in an AP course are automatically registered for the corresponding AP exam and do not need to complete any form. The deadline to register is October 27th. Payment can be submitted through My School Bucks or check made out to Oakton High School. Payment is required before the exam space will be reserved.

My School Bucks Link

Other AP related information can be found in our AP Testing FAQs on the Oakton website. If you have any other questions about AP testing in general, please contact AP Coordinator Kim Stewart at [email protected].

Student Services Updates  Student Services Newsletter

Welcome Back Cougars!  Check out the Student Services September Newsletter for department reminders as well as upcoming events including the College & Career Center updates.  Learn more about FCPS college fairs, Naviance, the World Language Credit Exam, and counseling events such as Senior Parent Night, Freshman Parent Night, and Ambassadors Program. 

Senior Parent Night

Hello Class of 2024 Parents and Guardians: The School Counseling team is hosting a Virtual Senior Parent Night on Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. This presentation will include detailed information about the college application process. A recording of the presentation will be posted on the parent schoology course for you to access at your convenience if you are unable to attend. School counselors are presenting this information to seniors in their classrooms on Aug. 28 and 29, and they will also be meeting with each senior individually during the month of September to support them with the college application process. The event link will be shared via email to all senior families on Sept. 12.

College Visits for Juniors and Seniors

We are excited for another year of college visits. All college visits will be in the Career Center (unless otherwise noted). Juniors and Seniors must be registered for visits in order to attend and will be required to sign in for attendance. Students will use this time as a resource to find out about all the amazing things that colleges have to offer.

Instructions to register for visits:

  • Log in to Naviance
  • Click the colleges tab
  • Click Visits
  • Register for the college visits of interest.

Registration closes eight hours before the scheduled start time.  Please register on-time and check regularly as colleges may change their dates and times for visits. If you have any questions please reach out to Oakton's College and Career Specialist, Eddie McClam ([email protected]).

Timeline for Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2023-24 school year.  

  • September 11-November 3 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 6: 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 22: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability.  This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.

To find out who your child's school counselor is, please visit our website.  

OHS Service Learning Opportunity Highlight Healthy Kids Running Series

Healthy Kids Running Series is a community-based non-profit that provides a fun, inclusive five-week running series for ages 2-14 designed for kids to get active, feel accomplished, and lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Our program runs each Sunday from 3pm-4pm from 9/10 - 10/8 at Oakton High School. Student volunteers will need to be at least 14 to volunteer.

You can learn more about our race series here

Here is the link to include for students to sign up.

Contact at Healthy Kids Running Series Oakton – Tiffany O’Neill-Stuermann at  [email protected]

Volunteer Fairfax

Volunteer Fairfax is a resource that can be used to find out about service-learning opportunities in the community. Service learning is a great way for students and families to engage with local nonprofits and volunteer. More information about Volunteer opportunities on this day can be found on Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Upcoming Opportunities  Instruction 2 Industry: Employability Skills

During the week of October 16-19, 2023, school divisions across the region are hosting employability skills webinars during the school day. Sessions cover Communication Etiquette, Resume Writing, Elevator Pitches, and Job Interviewing. A virtual, but live, event, Instruction 2 Industry, is free to all Northern Virginia high school students; recordings will be posted after for viewing if unable to participate during scheduled times. Classes may choose to participate as a whole class with one registration or as individual students which will each require their own registrations.   

For more information about the schedule and to register for the event, see Event Flyer.    

College Fair and Look to the Future Events

The annual FCPS College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Approximately 250 colleges and universities will be represented, including two and four-year colleges and US Service Academies. Following the fair, the Two-Night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 16 and Tuesday, October 17, 2023, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Both events will help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey.  Students may REGISTER HERE.

Volunteers are needed for the College Fair. SIGN-UP TODAY to help make this event a success for students and their families.

FCPS News

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

  • Important Forms for Caregivers to Complete
  • Immunization Reminder
  • Free Tutoring Resources

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

Health and Wellness Updates 2023-2024 Health & Safety Guidance for Schools

Although the COVID-19 hospital transmission level (previously the COVID-19 Community Transmission level) for Fairfax County is currently low, COVID-19 cases have risen in Virginia during the last few weeks, and flu season will soon be upon us. Be sure to review FCPS Health and Safety Guidance for the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and to find out when students should stay home from school.

Scoliosis Fact Sheet

Please find more information about Scoliosis by visiting this site.  On this site you will find information on: 

  • What is scoliosis? 
  • When should my child be screened for scoliosis?  
  • What causes scoliosis? 
  • How is scoliosis treated? 
  • What are the signs of scoliosis? 

In addition, you will find this information translated into many different languages.  

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

Safety and Security Updates Safety Drills

Below is a list of safety drills that we will be practicing this school year. 

  • Fire Evacuation Drills - Two within the first twenty school days, then one per month
  • Lockdown Drills - Two per school year; once in the first twenty days of school 
  • Bus Evacuation Drills - Two per school year; to be held within the first thirty school days of each semester 
  • Tornado Drill - To be held in March 
Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue.  Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or [email protected]

PTSA News & Information  PTSA Board and Committee Chair Volunteers Needed

The PTSA is looking to fill the following volunteer positions for the executive committee for the 2023-2024 school year.  Without a President and Vice-President, the Oakton PTSA cannot continue it's work.  

  • President
  • Vice President

In addition, the PTSA is searching for volunteers to be the Chair for the following committees to be a part of the Oakton PTSA team for the coming school year 2023-2024.

  • Membership

Those who are interested in the above positions should email [email protected] with desired positions. 

 

Oakton Pantry

The Oakton Pantry is available to any Oakton student or neighbor who is in need. We stock non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and household supplies. Students are welcome to stop by the Pantry any time with their counselor. In addition, we have open shopping time on Thursdays from 3 - 3:30 PM. Also on Thursdays, we have curbside grocery pick-up at Door 4 from 3:30 - 4 PM.

If you need assistance, please visit your counselor or send an email to [email protected]

If you would like to volunteer, please send an email to [email protected].

Donations:

We accept donations of new, unopened, unexpired non-perishable food and supplies. Items can be dropped off in the main office during school hours. To see our list of most needed items, please visit our website. 

We accept monetary donations via check (made payable to Eddie Hurley Project) or PayPal. 

To order through our Amazon Wish List

Thank you for your support!

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 - September 4

GovDelivery3 months ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

如果您想以其他语言阅读此新闻时讯,请访问我们的网站

이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@OaktonHS), and Instagram @oaktonhs ! 

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar here.  

September 4 - No School, Labor Day 

September 5 - Gradebooks available in StudentVue/ParentVue

September 6 - Deadline for Oct. 11 SAT registration for 12th Grade (see below for more details) 

September 19-20 - Underclassmen Portraits

September 22 - Senior Panoramic (3rd Pd.); Homecoming Game

September 23 - Homecoming Dance 

September 25 - No School, Yom Kippur 

General Information Back to School Night Information

As a friendly reminder you are welcome to access our Back-to-School website at any time.  On this site you will find school board videos, Principal Welcome Message, Updates and Reminder videos, as well as curriculum videos for each teacher. 

National Honor Society 2023-2024 Application Process

As the school year begins it is important that qualified students who wish to apply for acceptance into the Oakton National Honor Society pay close attention to their school email regarding the application process. The process will begin in September and run through October. Eligible students who wish to apply for acceptance will receive an invitation in September via their school emails with further information.

Students who are identified as having a 3.5 GPA or higher currently in 11th and 12th grade, who are not current members of NHS, will be invited to apply. Students can find more information via the Oakton website using this link.

Please hold all questions regarding the process until after invitation letters have been sent to student emails. Current members of NHS do not need to reapply for the coming school year. Current members will receive updated information via student school emails in September regarding future meetings, opportunities, and our 2023-2024 NHS Officer application process.

Homecoming 2023

Oakton High School’s 2023 Homecoming Dance will be on Saturday, September 23rd from 8:00 – 11:00 PM in the Main Gym of OHS.  This year’s theme is ‘Bet on OHS – Casino Night.’  Dress is semi-formal and the dance includes great music from Electric Events DC, photobooths, games, light desserts, and drinks.  Tickets will be available through MySchoolBucks and will be $20.  Guest passes for non-Oakton students will be available in Mr. McCulla’s room (2514) and the Activities Office in early September for student's to pick-up.  Guests who are not from Oakton High School must be at least a freshmen at another high school and no older than 20.  Information will be posted to each grade levels’ Schoology page.  We look forward to seeing all our students come out and celebrate Homecoming.  

Yearbooks and Senior Baby Ads

Yearbooks and senior baby ads for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale! You can purchase yearbook packages and senior baby ads at www.yearbookordercenter.com using the code 4770. Standalone yearbooks are also available via MySchoolBucks. Prices start at $67 and will increase throughout the year, so buy early to save. Don’t wait – the last two years sold out. Questions? Email [email protected]

AVID Tutors Needed

Attention families - looking for a flexible and part-time position at Oakton? FCPS is hiring AVID tutors for the 2023-2024 school year.  AVID tutors work with small groups of approximately 5-7 students during the school day in an academic elective class called Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). These groups use questioning strategies to help students develop a variety of college preparatory skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. Tutors earn $18.97 per hour and should either be a college graduate or currently enrolled in college. If interested, please email your resume to Lisa Shields at [email protected] or [email protected].

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow 

Did you know attendance is the number one predictor of dropout and graduation rates?

We understand there are unavoidable illnesses or times when your child should remain home. Together, let’s create a culture of showing up.

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow! Attending school every day is critical for success.  If you are having a difficult time attending school, please tell a trusted adult.  They can help you!

Visit for more: www.fcps.edu/attendance

Testing Information SAT Information

On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, Oakton 12th graders will have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth grade student to take this test. The essay option and subject area tests are not available during SAT School Day. 

Please visit our PSAT/SAT page to reserve a seat for your 12th grader to take this exam. Forms must be completed by Wednesday, September 6.

PSAT Information 

On October 11, 2023, Oakton will offer the digital PSAT/NMSQT to students in grades 10-11. Students in grades 10-11 will be automatically registered and must test on an FCPS device. Students who wish to test with accommodations can learn more about the process and requirements on our PSAT/SAT page.

AP Exam Registration for Non-enrolled Students

If any student wants to take an AP exam in a course that he/she is not enrolled in, registration is now open. Each exam costs $98. You can use this google form to register. Students currently enrolled in an AP course are automatically registered for the corresponding AP exam and do not need to complete any form. The deadline to register is October 27th. Payment can be submitted through My School Bucks or check made out to Oakton High School. Payment is required before the exam space will be reserved.

My School Bucks Link

Other AP related information can be found in our AP Testing FAQs on the Oakton website. If you have any other questions about AP testing in general, please contact AP Coordinator Kim Stewart at [email protected].

Student Services Updates  Senior Parent Night

Hello Class of 2024 Parents and Guardians: The School Counseling team is hosting a Virtual Senior Parent Night on Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. This presentation will include detailed information about the college application process. A recording of the presentation will be posted on the parent schoology course for you to access at your convenience if you are unable to attend. School counselors are presenting this information to seniors in their classrooms on Aug. 28 and 29, and they will also be meeting with each senior individually during the month of September to support them with the college application process. The event link will be shared via email to all senior families on Sept. 12.

College Visits for Juniors and Seniors

We are excited for another year of college visits. All college visits will be in the Career Center (unless otherwise noted). Juniors and Seniors must be registered for visits in order to attend and will be required to sign in for attendance. Students will use this time as a resource to find out about all the amazing things that colleges have to offer.

Instructions to register for visits:

  • Log in to Naviance
  • Click the colleges tab
  • Click Visits
  • Register for the college visits of interest.

Registration closes eight hours before the scheduled start time.  Please register on-time and check regularly as colleges may change their dates and times for visits. If you have any questions please reach out to Oakton's College and Career Specialist, Eddie McClam ([email protected]).

Timeline for Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2023-24 school year.  

  • August 10-September 8: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability
  • September 11-November 3 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 6: 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 22: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability.  This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.

To find out who your child's school counselor is, please visit our website.  

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

Safety and Security Updates Safety Drills

Below is a list of safety drills that we will be practicing this school year. 

  • Fire Evacuation Drills - Two within the first twenty school days, then one per month
  • Lockdown Drills - Two per school year; once in the first twenty days of school 
  • Bus Evacuation Drills - Two per school year; to be held within the first thirty school days of each semester 
  • Tornado Drill - To be held in March 
Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue.  Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or [email protected]

PTSA News & Information  PTSA Board and Committee Chair Volunteers Needed

The PTSA is looking to fill the following volunteer positions for the executive committee for the 2023-2024 school year.  

  • President
  • Vice President
  • Secretary

In addition, the PTSA is searching for volunteers to be the Chair for the following committees to be a part of the Oakton PTSA team for the coming school year 2023-2024.

  • Mini Grants
  • Hospitality
  • Membership
  • Communication
  • Social Media (student)
  • All Night Grad Party ( parent of a senior or junior student), 
  • Teacher Liaison
  • Counselor Liaison 

Those who are interested in the above positions should email [email protected] with desired positions, related experience, and availability. 

Candidates will be selected by the existed executive committee and will be notified by email. 

Oakton Pantry

The Oakton Pantry is available to any Oakton student or neighbor who is in need. We stock non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and household supplies. Students are welcome to stop by the Pantry any time with their counselor. In addition, we have open shopping time on Thursdays from 3 - 3:30 PM. Also on Thursdays, we have curbside grocery pick-up at Door 4 from 3:30 - 4 PM.

If you need assistance, please visit your counselor or send an email to [email protected]

If you would like to volunteer, please send an email to [email protected].

Donations:

We accept donations of new, unopened, unexpired non-perishable food and supplies. Items can be dropped off in the main office during school hours. To see our list of most needed items, please visit our website. 

We accept monetary donations via check (made payable to Eddie Hurley Project) or PayPal. 

To order through our Amazon Wish List

Thank you for your support!

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 - August 28

GovDelivery3 months 1 week ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

如果您想以其他语言阅读此新闻时讯,请访问我们的网站

이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@OaktonHS), and Instagram @oaktonhs ! 

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar here.  

August 28-30 - Senior Portraits (registration required) 

August 30 - Back to School Night (Asynchronous and In-Person options) 

September 1 - No School

September 4 - No School, Labor Day 

September 5 - Gradebooks available in StudentVue/ParentVue

September 6 - Deadline for Oct. 11 SAT registration for 12th Grade (see below for more details) 

September 19-20 - Underclassmen Portraits

September 22 - Senior Panoramic (3rd Pd.); Homecoming Game

September 23 - Homecoming Dance 

September 25 - No School, Yom Kippur 

General Information Back to School Night Information

We are excited to invite you to our Back to School Night and Open House Wednesday evening, August 30th! Back-To-School Night is an opportunity for you to meet your child’s teachers, gain an overview of each course, and connect with our overarching school goals.  While these nights are not intended for individual parent-teacher conferences, parents will have the chance to envision their child’s daily school life and to become better acquainted with our school community.  

We have both an asynchronous website option and an in-person option so families can chose the option that best meets their needs.  For those attending in-person, please note that parking is limited.  We strongly encourage walking for those that live by the school and carpooling to the greatest extent possible.  Overflow parking can be found by using street parking, Nottoway Park, and Marshall Road Elementary School.  Please note a shuttle will not be provided. 

More information on Back to School Night can be found on the Oakton HS website, under announcements (Back-to-School Night).  

Arrival and Dismissal Reminders

This is a friendly reminder for all families to use Oakton's established kiss-and-ride as the drop-off and pick-up for students.  This ensures the safety and wellbeing of our students and families, while also maintaining a positive relationship with our surrounding neighborhoods.  If everyone pulls to the end of the kiss-and-ride lane to drop off /pick-up and follows the communication of our staff, we can move people through quickly.  

Any make-shift kiss-and-ride lanes in surrounding neighborhoods negatively impact their streets and minimizes their access to their neighborhood and driveways.  

National Honor Society 2023-2024 Application Process

As the school year begins it is important that qualified students who wish to apply for acceptance into the Oakton National Honor Society pay close attention to their school email regarding the application process. The process will begin in September and run through October. Eligible students who wish to apply for acceptance will receive an invitation in September via their school emails with further information.

Students who are identified as having a 3.5 GPA or higher currently in 11th and 12th grade, who are not current members of NHS, will be invited to apply. Students can find more information via the Oakton website using this link.

Please hold all questions regarding the process until after invitation letters have been sent to student emails. Current members of NHS do not need to reapply for the coming school year. Current members will receive updated information via student school emails in September regarding future meetings, opportunities, and our 2023-2024 NHS Officer application process.

Homecoming 2023

Oakton High School’s 2023 Homecoming Dance will be on Saturday, September 23rd from 8:00 – 11:00 PM in the Main Gym of OHS.  This year’s theme is ‘Bet on OHS – Casino Night.’  Dress is semi-formal and the dance includes great music from Electric Events DC, photobooths, games, light desserts, and drinks.  Tickets will be available through MySchoolBucks and will be $20.  Guest passes for non-Oakton students will be available in Mr. McCulla’s room (2514) and the Activities Office in early September for student's to pick-up.  Guests who are not from Oakton High School must be at least a freshmen at another high school and no older than 20.  Information will be posted to each grade levels’ Schoology page.  We look forward to seeing all our students come out and celebrate Homecoming.  

Testing Information SAT Information

On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, Oakton 12th graders will have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth grade student to take this test. The essay option and subject area tests are not available during SAT School Day. 

Please visit our PSAT/SAT page to reserve a seat for your 12th grader to take this exam. Forms must be completed by Wednesday, September 6.

PSAT Information 

On October 11, 2023, Oakton will offer the digital PSAT/NMSQT to students in grades 10-11. Students who wish to test with accommodations can learn more about the process and requirements on our PSAT/SAT page.

Student Services Updates  Senior Parent Night

Hello Class of 2024 Parents and Guardians: The School Counseling team is hosting a Virtual Senior Parent Night on Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. This presentation will include detailed information about the college application process. A recording of the presentation will be posted on the parent schoology course for you to access at your convenience if you are unable to attend. School counselors are presenting this information to seniors in their classrooms on Aug. 28 and 29, and they will also be meeting with each senior individually during the month of September to support them with the college application process. The event link will be shared via email to all senior families on Sept. 12.

Timeline for Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2023-24 school year.  

  • August 10-September 8: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability
  • September 11-November 3 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 6: 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 22: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability.  This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.

To find out who your child's school counselor is, please visit our website.  

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

Safety and Security Updates Safety Drills

Below is a list of safety drills that we will be practicing this school year. 

  • Fire Evacuation Drills - Two within the first twenty school days, then one per month
  • Lockdown Drills - Two per school year; once in the first twenty days of school 
  • Bus Evacuation Drills - Two per school year; to be held within the first thirty school days of each semester 
  • Tornado Drill - To be held in March 
Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue.  Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or [email protected]

PTSA News & Information  PTSA Board and Committee Chair Volunteers Needed

The PTSA is looking to fill the following volunteer positions for the executive committee for the 2023-2024 school year.  

  • President
  • Vice President
  • Secretary

In addition, the PTSA is searching for volunteers to be the Chair for the following committees to be a part of the Oakton PTSA team for the coming school year 2023-2024.

  • Mini Grants
  • Hospitality
  • Membership
  • Communication
  • Social Media (student)
  • All Night Grad Party ( parent of a senior or junior student), 
  • Teacher Liaison
  • Counselor Liaison 

Those who are interested in the above positions should email [email protected] with desired positions, related experience, and availability. 

Candidates will be selected by the existed executive committee and will be notified by email. 

Oakton Pantry

The Oakton Pantry is available to any Oakton student or neighbor who is in need. We stock non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and household supplies. Students are welcome to stop by the Pantry any time with their counselor. In addition, we have open shopping time on Thursdays from 3 - 3:30 PM. Also on Thursdays, we have curbside grocery pick-up at Door 4 from 3:30 - 4 PM.

If you need assistance, please visit your counselor or send an email to [email protected]

If you would like to volunteer, please send an email to [email protected].

Donations:

We accept donations of new, unopened, unexpired non-perishable food and supplies. Items can be dropped off in the main office during school hours. To see our list of most needed items, please visit our website at: https://www.eddiehurleyproject.org/pantry/.

We accept monetary donations via check (made payable to Eddie Hurley Project) or PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CMFXYKQL466W8.

To order through our Amazon Wish List, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/S4VTOWRJ45S4/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1?fbclid=IwAR2Hv0b2Gv5ZI_HjaDGiURWP0P_T_HHX62t4ieRq8A5iV_SLxOz906RIzhI.

Thank you for your support!

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 - August 21

GovDelivery3 months 2 weeks ago

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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

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如果您想以其他语言阅读此新闻时讯,请访问我们的网站

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Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@OaktonHS), and Instagram @oaktonhs ! 

Important Dates 

You can access the FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar here.  

August 21 - First day of school 

August 25 - Cougar Kickoff, 1st Home Football Game 

August 30 - Back to School Night (Asynchronous and In-Person options) 

September 1 - No School

September 4 - No School, Labor Day 

September 25 - No School, Yom Kippur 

General Information Back to School Information

We had a great first day at Oakton!  Our back-to-school information for families is posted on our website!  You can also find this information anytime by visiting our website and searching under announcements - Back to School. 

Please be sure to fill out the following required forms: 

  • Online Verification Form (via ParentVue - enrolling parent access only)
  • SR&R Parent/Guardian Verification Signature Page (via ParentVue) 
  • Parent Digital Tool Permission (via the FCPS website - enrolling parent access only) 
Student Parking 

If you submitted an application for a student parking pass by the deadline of August 11 and have not yet picked up your pass, please do so by Friday August 25. You can see Ms. Coaquira in the main office during all lunches to get your pass. You may pay ahead of time using MySchoolBuc

ks, or bring a credit card or check made out to OHS. Any passes not picked up by the end of lunches on Friday August 25 will be redistributed to students on the wait list.

If you did not submit an application, you are welcome to complete one by the end of this week to be added to the wait list. The application can be found on the OHS website, or by using this link. Please bring the completed application to the main office before the end of the school day on Friday August 25 to be added to the wait list. If you are on the waitlist we will notify you via email if you receive a pass.

If you have any questions please contact Ms. Landis [email protected].

National Honor Society 2023-2024 Application Process

As the school year begins it is important that qualified students who wish to apply for acceptance into the Oakton National Honor Society pay close attention to their school email regarding the application process. The process will begin in September and run through October. Eligible students who wish to apply for acceptance will receive an invitation in September via their school emails with further information.

Students who are identified as having a 3.5 GPA or higher currently in 11th and 12th grade, who are not current members of NHS, will be invited to apply. Students can find more information via the Oakton website using this link.

Please hold all questions regarding the process until after invitation letters have been sent to student emails. Current members of NHS do not need to reapply for the coming school year. Current members will receive updated information via student school emails in September regarding future meetings, opportunities, and our 2023-2024 NHS Officer application process.

Testing Information SAT Information

On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, Oakton 12th graders will have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth grade student to take this test. The essay option and subject area tests are not available during SAT School Day. 

Please visit our PSAT/SAT page to reserve a seat for your 12th grader to take this exam. Forms must be completed by Wednesday, September 6.

PSAT Information 

On October 11, 2023, Oakton will offer the digital PSAT/NMSQT to students in grades 10-11. Students who wish to test with accommodations can learn more about the process and requirements on our PSAT/SAT page.

Student Services Updates  Timeline for Schedule Changes

Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2023-24 school year.  

  • August 10-September 8: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability
  • September 11-November 3 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
  • After November 6: 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 22: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability.  This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.

To find out who your child's school counselor is, please visit our website.  

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

Safety and Security Updates Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue.  Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or [email protected]

PTSA News & Information  PTSA Board and Committee Chair Volunteers Needed

The PTSA is looking to fill the following volunteer positions for the executive committee for the 2023-2024 school year.  

  • President
  • Vice President
  • Secretary

In addition, the PTSA is searching for volunteers to be the Chair for the following committees to be a part of the Oakton PTSA team for the coming school year 2023-2024.

  • Mini Grants
  • Hospitality
  • Membership
  • Communication
  • Social Media (student)
  • All Night Grad Party ( parent of a senior or junior student), 
  • Teacher Liaison
  • Counselor Liaison 

Those who are interested in the above positions should email [email protected] with desired positions, related experience, and availability. 

Candidates will be selected by the existed executive committee and will be notified by email. 

Oakton Pantry

The Oakton Pantry is available to any Oakton student or neighbor who is in need. We stock non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and household supplies. Students are welcome to stop by the Pantry any time with their counselor. In addition, we have open shopping time on Thursdays from 3 - 3:30 PM. Also on Thursdays, we have curbside grocery pick-up at Door 4 from 3:30 - 4 PM.

If you need assistance, please visit your counselor or send an email to [email protected]

If you would like to volunteer, please send an email to [email protected].

Donations:

We accept donations of new, unopened, unexpired non-perishable food and supplies. Items can be dropped off in the main office during school hours. To see our list of most needed items, please visit our website at: https://www.eddiehurleyproject.org/pantry/.

We accept monetary donations via check (made payable to Eddie Hurley Project) or PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CMFXYKQL466W8.

To order through our Amazon Wish List, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/S4VTOWRJ45S4/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1?fbclid=IwAR2Hv0b2Gv5ZI_HjaDGiURWP0P_T_HHX62t4ieRq8A5iV_SLxOz906RIzhI.

Thank you for your support!

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

14 minutes 58 seconds ago
Oakton High School News and announcements
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