GovDelivery | Oakton High School

Principal Updates - February 17

GovDelivery4 days 19 hours ago

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

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

Important Dates

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

February 17 - No School, Presidents Day

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

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

February 24 - Spring Sports Tryouts

February 26 - 12th Grade Capitol Hill Field Trip

March 5 - Staff v. Student Basketball Game

March 6 - Talent Show

March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter

March 31 - No School, Eid-al-Fitr

April 1 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday

April 14-18 - Spring Break

General Information Cougar Culture Fest

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

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

Sweetheart Semi-Formal - February 22

It’s February and love is in the air!

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

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

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

Upcoming Safety Drills

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

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

Spring Sports - Important Dates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The event is open to the entire community.

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

📝 Application for the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board

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

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

Application Information and Deadlines

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

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

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

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Presentation - New Date

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

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

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

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

K-12 Mathematics Basal Public Review

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

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

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

FCPS Administrative Building

8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Dr.,

Suite 100

Falls Church, VA 22031

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

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

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

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

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

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 school year must attend an in-person Partners for Safe Teen Driving (PSTD). The presentation is connected to successful classroom instruction and must be completed to receive a DEC-District 8 card (pink card). The parent-teen traffic safety presentation (PSTD) will be offered multiple times during the school year at Oakton. Students and their parents/guardians should plan to attend the
presentation at Oakton at your earliest convenience.

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.

2024-2025 Dates:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Student Services Updates February Newsletter

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

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

Virtual FAFSA Workshops

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

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

Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

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

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

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

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

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

Summer 2025 Online Campus Courses

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

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

Schedule Changes

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

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

Health and Wellness Updates Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077

Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening 911

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

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

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

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

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

Oakton Pantry Update

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

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

FCPS News

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

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

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

Upcoming Family Academy Events

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

FCPS Proposed Budget Progress

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

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

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

Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit

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

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

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

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

PTSA Updates Senior Student Families

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

Winter Fundraiser

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

Stay Connected

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

Join the PTSA

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

Parent Resources Parent Information Line

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

Parent Resource Center

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

FCPS Cares

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

Principal Updates - February 10

GovDelivery1 week 4 days ago

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

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

Important Dates

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

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

February 17 - No School, Presidents Day

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

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

March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter

March 31 - No School, Eid-al-Fitr

April 1 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday

April 14-18 - Spring Break

General Information P.S. I Love You Spirit Week

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

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

Monday, February 10 - Spread the Love Monday

Students and staff wear pink or red
Do a kind gesture!

Tuesday, February 11 - Self Love Tuesday

Students and staff wear pajamas
Do one act of self care!

Wednesday, February 12 - Couple of Cuties

Students and staff pair up with a friend(s) and twin
Say hi to someone new!

Thursday, February 13 - We Are All on the Same Team!

Wear your Oakton merch
Give someone a compliment!

Friday, February 14 - P.S. I Love You Friday

Wear Purple
Share a kind message with those you care about!

Sweetheart Semi-Formal

It’s February and love is in the air!

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

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

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

Oakton Accolades

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

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

Upcoming Safety Drills

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

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

Spring Sports - Important Dates

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

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

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

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

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

The event is open to the entire community.

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

📝 Application for the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board

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

Application Information and Deadlines

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

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

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

Cougar Culture Fest

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Presentation - New Date

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

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

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

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.

2024-2025 Dates:

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

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

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

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

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

Student Services Updates February Newsletter

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

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

Virtual FAFSA Workshops

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

Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

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

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

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

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

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

🗓️ Save the Date: Academy Open Houses

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

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

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

Schedule Changes

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

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

Health and Wellness Updates Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077

Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening 911

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

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

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

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

Oakton Pantry Update

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

FCPS News

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

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

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

Upcoming Family Academy Events

FCPS Proposed Budget Progress

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

Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit

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

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

PTSA Updates Senior Student Families

Winter Fundraiser

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

Stay Connected

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

Join the PTSA

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

Parent Resources Parent Information Line

Parent Resource Center

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.

Principal Updates - February 3

GovDelivery2 weeks 4 days ago

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

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

Important Dates

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

February 4 - Junior Family College Night (Virtual)

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

February 17 - No School, Presidents Day

February 21 - Cougar Culture Fest

February 22 - Sweetheart Dance

General Information Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

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

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

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

Welcome Mr. Corey Bowerman

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

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

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

Bus Stop Reminders

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

Student Absences Due to Illness

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

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

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

Cougar Commendations

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

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

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

Upcoming Safety Drills

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

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

Spring Sports - Important Dates

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

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

📝 Application for the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board

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

Application Information and Deadlines

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

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

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

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Presentation

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

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

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

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.

2024-2025 Dates:

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

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

Student Services Updates January Newsletter

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

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

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

Topics include:

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

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

Virtual FAFSA Workshops

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

Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

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

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

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

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

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

🗓️ Save the Date: Academy Open Houses

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

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

Schedule Changes

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

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

Health and Wellness Updates Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077

Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening 911

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

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

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

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

Oakton Pantry Update

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

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
FY 2026 Proposed Budget
Student-Driven Lunch Menus
Inclusion Awards Nominations

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

Upcoming Family Academy Events

🏗️ FCPS’ Proposed Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

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

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

What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse

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

What can families do?

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

Get more information on opioid awareness.

📈 Virginia’s Student Assessment Summary for Families

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

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

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

Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

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

Monday, February 10, 6:30-8 p.m.

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

PTSA Updates Senior Student Families

Winter Fundraiser

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

Stay Connected

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

Join the PTSA

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

Parent Resources Parent Information Line

Parent Resource Center

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.

Principal Updates - January 27

GovDelivery3 weeks 4 days ago

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

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

Important Dates

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

January 28 - Second Quarter Ends (Full School Day)

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

January 31 - Rising Junior registration begins (tentative)

February 4 - Junior Family College Night (Virtual)

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

February 17 - No School, Presidents Day

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

General Information SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey

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

Quarter End

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

Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

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

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

📝 Application for the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board

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

Application Information and Deadlines

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

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

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

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Presentation

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

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

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

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.

2024-2025 Dates:

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

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

Student Services Updates January Newsletter

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

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

Topics include:

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

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

Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

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

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

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

Schedule Changes

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

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

Health and Wellness Updates Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077

Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening 911

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

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

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

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

Oakton Pantry Update

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

FCPS News

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

SOL Score Reports
Upcoming Budget Presentation
Science Fair Judges Needed

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

Upcoming Family Academy Events

🏗️ FCPS’ Proposed Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse

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

What can families do?

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

Get more information on opioid awareness.

📈 Virginia’s Student Assessment Summary for Families

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

Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

PTSA Updates Senior Student Families

Winter Fundraiser

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

SAT Edge Class

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

Stay Connected

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

Join the PTSA

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

Parent Resources Parent Information Line

Parent Resource Center

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.

Principal Updates - January 20

GovDelivery1 month ago

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

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

Important Dates

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

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

January 28 - Second Quarter Ends (Full School Day)

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

January 31 - Rising Junior registration begins (tentative)

February 4 - Junior Family College Night (Virtual)

February 17 - No School, Presidents Day

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

General Information Second Quarter Center Tutor-a-thon

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

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

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SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon

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

Quarter End

Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

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

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

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.

2024-2025 Dates:

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

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

Student Services Updates January Newsletter

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

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

Topics include:

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

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

Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

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

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

Schedule Changes

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

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

Health and Wellness Updates Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077

Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening 911

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

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

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

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

Dress Children Warmly
Proposed Construction Projects
Dual Language Immersion Lottery

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

Upcoming Family Academy Events

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

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

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.

Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Language interpretation will be available.

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

PTSA Updates Fundraiser

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

Stay Connected

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

Join the PTSA

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

Parent Resources Parent Information Line

Parent Resource Center

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.

Principal Updates - January 13

GovDelivery1 month 1 week ago

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

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

Important Dates

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

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

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

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

January 28 - Second Quarter Ends (Full School Day)

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

January 31 - Rising Junior registration begins (tentative)

February 4 - Junior Family College Night (Virtual)

General Information Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

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

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

Sense of Belonging Parent Feedback Meeting - January 14

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

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

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

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

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

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

📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy

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

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.

2024-2025 Dates:

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

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

Student Services Updates January Newsletter

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

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

Topics include:

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

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

Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

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

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

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

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

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

Curriculum Night - January 15, 2025

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

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

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

Curriculum Fair: 4:30 - 6:30 pm (Various Locations)
Registration Overview Presentation: 4:30-5:00 pm (Auditorium)
Special Education Session: 5:15 - 5:45 pm (Auditorium)

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

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

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

SAVE THE DATE - 2025 Gap Year Fair

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

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

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

Schedule Changes

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

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

Health and Wellness Updates Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077

Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening 911

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

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

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

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

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

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

Upcoming Family Academy Events

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.

Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Language interpretation will be available.

PTSA Updates Fundraiser

Stay Connected

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

Join the PTSA

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

Parent Resources Parent Information Line

Parent Resource Center

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.

Principal Updates - January 6

GovDelivery1 month 2 weeks ago

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

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

Important Dates

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

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

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

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

January 14 - Sense of Belonging Parent Feedback Meeting

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

January 28 - Rising Senior registration ends; Second Quarter Ends

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

January 31 - Rising Junior registration begins

January - National Mentoring Month

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

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

All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.

The FCPS MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at [email protected].

General Information Sense of Belonging Parent Feedback Meeting

If you are interested, we would love to have you attend on January 14, 2025 at 5:30pm -6:30pm in the Lecture Hall. We will review Oakton data from the SEL Screener around “Sense of Belonging”. We will also spend time discussing the potential “why” behind the data and recommendations for how we might better ensure a deeper sense of belonging among all students at Oakton High School. We will also share what the students who are involved in the Principal’s Advisory Committee identified going through this same exercise in the fall.

Senior Deadline for X2VOL Hours

Don’t Miss Out, Order Your Yearbook Today!

The time to purchase a yearbook is now. The 300-page book cost $67 until December 31, at which time prices increase. To reserve your copy, go to yearbookordercenter.com and use the code 4770. Each year, there are a limited number of copies available so don’t miss out.

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.

2024-2025 Dates:

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

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

Student Services Updates Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

Student course registration is right around the corner! Students will register for their courses January 6-March 5. We will provide students with an overview regarding registration on Thursday, December 19 during Cougar Connect. We also invite students and parents to our Curriculum Night on January 9.

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

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

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

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

Curriculum Night - January 9, 2025

Save the Date for Oakton's Curriculum Night: Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 4:30-6:30 pm. See our flyer here!

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

Curriculum Fair: 4:30 - 6:30 pm (Various Locations)
Registration Overview Presentation: 4:30-5:00 pm (Auditorium)
Special Education Session: 5:15 - 5:45 pm (Auditorium)

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

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

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

SAVE THE DATE - 2025 Gap Year Fair

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

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

Schedule Changes

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

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

Health and Wellness Updates Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077

Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening 911

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

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

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

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration
Be Among the First to Hear About Closings/Delays
Fall 2024 Sports Champions

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

🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

Upcoming Family Academy Events

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.

Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Language interpretation will be available.

PTSA Updates Fundraiser

Stay Connected

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

Join the PTSA

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

Parent Resources Parent Information Line

Parent Resource Center

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.

Principal Updates - December 30

GovDelivery1 month 3 weeks ago

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

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

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.

From the Oakton family to yours, have a wonderful winter break! For those celebrating, enjoy the holidays and Happy New Year to all! School will resume for students on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

Important Dates

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

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break (No School)

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

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

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

January 14 - Sense of Belonging Parent Feedback Meeting

January 28 - Rising Senior registration ends; Second Quarter Ends

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

January 31 - Rising Junior registration begins

Oakton Accolades

Please check out our updated Oakton Accolades section! This portion of our website seeks to highlight various celebrations throughout the school year. We update this sight every few months.

If you have an achievement you would like to share regarding your child, please send to Mrs. Lane at [email protected]!

General Information Winter Break

Students will be on Winter Break from December 23 to January 3. During that time, the main office will be closed.

Upon student return, no assessments will be given, nor assignments due on January 6-7 so that all can fully enjoy the break! New material can be covered on those days.

Wishing all who celebrate holidays during this time a wonderful holiday season!

⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform.

Sense of Belonging Parent Feedback Meeting

Don’t Miss Out, Order Your Yearbook Today!

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.

2024-2025 Dates:

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

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

Student Services Updates Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

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

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

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

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

Curriculum Night - January 9, 2025

Save the Date for Oakton's Curriculum Night: Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 4:30-6:30 pm. See our flyer here!

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

Curriculum Fair: 4:30 - 6:30 pm (Various Locations)
Registration Overview Presentation: 4:30-5:00 pm (Auditorium)
Special Education Session: 5:15 - 5:45 pm (Auditorium)

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

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

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

SAVE THE DATE - 2025 Gap Year Fair

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

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

Schedule Changes

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

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

Health and Wellness Updates Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077

Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening 911

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

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

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

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration
Be Among the First to Hear About Closings/Delays
Fall 2024 Sports Champions

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

📣 Sign Up and Speak Out: Fairfax County’s Pre-2025 Session Public Hearing

The Fairfax County delegation to the Virginia General Assembly will hold a public hearing regarding the upcoming 2025 session on Saturday, January 4, at 9 a.m., in the Board Auditorium at the Fairfax County Government Center.

As Fairfax County residents, you may sign up in advance to speak at the hearing and let the delegation know what matters most to you. To participate, register online using this form or contact the Department of Clerk Services at 703-324-3151 (TTY 711) by noon on Thursday, January 2. Find additional guidelines for speaking at the public forum on the Fairfax County Government website.

🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

Upcoming Family Academy Events

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.

Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Language interpretation will be available.

PTSA Updates Fundraiser

Stay Connected

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

Join the PTSA

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

Parent Resources Parent Information Line

Parent Resource Center

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.

Principal Updates - December 23

GovDelivery1 month 4 weeks ago

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

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

From the Oakton family to yours, have a wonderful winter break! For those celebrating, enjoy the holidays. School will resume for students on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

Important Dates

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

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break (No School)

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

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

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

January 14 - Sense of Belonging Parent Feedback Meeting

January 28 - Rising Senior registration ends; Second Quarter Ends

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

January 31 - Rising Junior registration begins

Oakton Accolades

Please check out our updated Oakton Accolades section! This portion of our website seeks to highlight various celebrations throughout the school year. We update this sight every few months.

If you have an achievement you would like to share regarding your child, please send to Mrs. Lane at [email protected]!

General Information Winter Break

Students will be on Winter Break from December 23 to January 3. During that time, the main office will be closed.

Upon student return, no assessments will be given, nor assignments due on January 6-7 so that all can fully enjoy the break! New material can be covered on those days.

Wishing all who celebrate holidays during this time a wonderful holiday season!

⛄Student and Family Resources

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions.

Sense of Belonging Parent Feedback Meeting

Don’t Miss Out, Order Your Yearbook Today!

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.

2024-2025 Dates:

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

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

Student Services Updates Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

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

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

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

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

Curriculum Night - January 9, 2025

Save the Date for Oakton's Curriculum Night: Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 4:30-6:30 pm. See our flyer here!

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

Curriculum Fair: 4:30 - 6:30 pm (Various Locations)
Registration Overview Presentation: 4:30-5:00 pm (Auditorium)
Special Education Session: 5:15 - 5:45 pm (Auditorium)

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

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

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

SAVE THE DATE - 2025 Gap Year Fair

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

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

Schedule Changes

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

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

Health and Wellness Updates Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077

Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening 911

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

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

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

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration
Be Among the First to Hear About Closings/Delays
Fall 2024 Sports Champions

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

📣 Sign Up and Speak Out: Fairfax County’s Pre-2025 Session Public Hearing

🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

Upcoming Family Academy Events

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.

Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Language interpretation will be available.

PTSA Updates Fundraiser

Stay Connected

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

Join the PTSA

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

Parent Resources Parent Information Line

Parent Resource Center

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.

Principal Updates - December 16

GovDelivery2 months ago

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

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

Important Dates

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

December 16 - Parent Coffee (Virtual)

December 17 - Signs of Suicide Screening Concludes (11th Grade)

December 18 - FCPS Boundary Review Community Meeting - Region 1 (see below)

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break (No School)

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

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

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

January 28 - Rising Senior registration ends; Second Quarter Ends

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

January 31 - Rising Junior registration begins

Oakton Accolades

Please check out our updated Oakton Accolades section! This portion of our website seeks to highlight various celebrations throughout the school year. We update this sight every few months.

If you have an achievement you would like to share regarding your child, please send to Mrs. Lane at [email protected]!

General Information Winter Break

Students will be on Winter Break from December 23 to January 3. During that time, the main office will be closed.

Upon student return, no assessments will be given, nor assignments due on January 6-7 so that all can fully enjoy the break! New material can be covered on those days.

Wishing all who celebrate holidays during this time a wonderful holiday season!

⛄Student and Family Resources

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

Student Attendance

The holiday season is almost upon us! With that, we recognize that many families may have travel plans that could impact school attendance. The FCPS and Oakton 2024-2025 calendar can be found here for your reference.

We ask that, if possible, please let us know of any planned absences as soon as you can. That will help our attendance office staff manage the increase in calls that we typically see around this time. Please see our Attendance Procedures and Forms page for reporting absences via ParentVue, the attendance line, and our prearranged absence form (found at the bottom of the page).

For future travel planning, the 2025-2026 school year calendars have already been released and can be found on the FCPS website under calendars. We strongly encourage families to schedule travel plans within the established school breaks to minimize student absences.

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

Don’t Miss Out, Order Your Yearbook Today!

The time to purchase a yearbook is now. The 300-page book cost $67 until December 31, at which time prices increase. To reserve your copy, go to yearbookordercenter.com and use the code 4770. Each year, there are a limited number of copies available so don’t miss out.

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.

2024-2025 Dates:

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

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

Student Services Updates Student Course Registration - 2025-2026 School Year

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

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

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

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

Curriculum Night - January 9, 2025

Save the Date for Oakton's Curriculum Night: Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 4:30-6:30 pm. See our flyer here!

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

Curriculum Fair: 4:30 - 6:30 pm (Various Locations)
Registration Overview Presentation: 4:30-5:00 pm (Auditorium)
Special Education Session: 5:15 - 5:45 pm (Auditorium)

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

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

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

SAVE THE DATE - 2025 Gap Year Fair

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

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

Schedule Changes

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

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

Health and Wellness Updates Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077

Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening 911

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

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

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

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
Join Our Teacher Team!
Comprehensive Boundary Review Updates

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

Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter

The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:

Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
SEL Screener Results
New Accessibility Resources
Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
Executive Functioning Webinars
Early Literacy Resources
ESY and Assessment Webinar
COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options

Subscribe to the Special Education and 504 Newsletter.

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Please note that several options include recommendations to change start times of all three levels (elementary, middle, and high).

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings

With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region (Region 1), which will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Madison High School Cafeteria.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

PTSA Updates Fundraiser

Stay Connected

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

Join the PTSA

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

Parent Resources Parent Information Line

Parent Resource Center

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.

Principal Updates - December 9

GovDelivery2 months 1 week ago

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

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

Important Dates

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

December 9-11 - Signs of Suicide Screening Continues (11th Grade)

December 9 - Senior Portraits (Added Session)

December 11 - Senior Portraits (Updated Final Session)

December 16 - Parent Coffee (Virtual)

December 17 - Signs of Suicide Screening Concludes (11th Grade)

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break (No School)

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

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

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

January 28 - Rising Senior registration ends; Second Quarter Ends

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

January 31 - Rising Junior registration begins

Arrival and Dismissal Reminders

Just a few friendly reminders regarding arrival and dismissal for students. As always, we appreciate the understanding of all so we may ensure a safe environment for all and ensure we are not unnecessarily impacting our surrounding neighborhoods.

Please follow the established kiss-and-ride traffic pattern, as well as traffic laws. Dropping students off in the middle of the street and making illegal U-turns creates concern for the safety of all. In addition, please refrain from using nearby neighborhoods for drop-off and pick-up locations.
Please follow the directions of our crossing guard. Her primary role is to ensure the safe passage of students walking to school. In addition, she works closely with the school to resolve traffic back-ups to keep the lines moving.
Student walkers should be sure to pay full attention to their surroundings. We encourage a family conversation around what this looks like for students. Including: looking both ways when crossing the road; removing earbuds; not being on the phone when crossing the street; etc.
Student walkers should also be mindful of private property and avoid taking shortcuts that impact private property.
Drivers are encouraged to pay attention to staff and crossing guard direction. We also encourage all to avoid high rates of speed when entering and leaving the campus to ensure a safe environment.
All students are encouraged to ensure they are getting to school on-time. We have seen a dramatic increase in student tardiness in the past few weeks.

General Information Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible. The form pops up automatically for you to complete when you log in using a computer, not the phone application.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Student Experience Survey

Students received this survey via their fcpsschools.net email account on Monday, December 2. Students were provided time during Cougar Connect on Thursday, December 5 to complete the survey. If you opted your child out of the survey, they did not receive the email with the survey.

Students may still take the survey at home, if preferred. The survey will remain open until December 13, 2024.

We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the five equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.

Student Attendance

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

December Parent Coffee

All families are invited to attend our virtual parent coffee on December 16, 2024 at 10:00am. This session will focus on the registration process for the 2025-2026 school year. We will present some information and then allow for questions.

The link will be sent out the morning of the parent coffee. The presentation along with the recording will be posted on the Parent Schoology account for those who are unable to attend.

Don’t Miss Out, Order Your Yearbook Today!

Yearbook - Senior Ads

The yearbook is now accepting purchases of senior ads. You can get a space to write a congratulatory message to your graduating senior in varying sizes. You can design and order online at yearbookordercenter.com with order number 4770. Payment is available by credit, debit, or Paypal and orders are due by December 13th, however space is limited so make sure to order now.

Class of 2025 - Senior Portraits

Unlike grades 9-11, seniors sign up for a picture session with Victor O’Neill at a time that works for them. We have added two additional days to accommodate our remaining seniors who need to sit for their portraits. These are the final opportunities for senior portraits for the Class of 2025.

June 20-21; 24 (Session 1)
August 26-28 (Session 2)
October 15-17 (Session 3)
November 20 (Session 4)
December 9 (Session 5)
December 11 (Session 6)

If you have questions about senior portraits in general, please email Victor O'Neill studios at [email protected]. Please kindly include your Senior’s First and Last Name and “Oakton Class of 2025” when emailing, for faster assistance. If you have other senior portrait or scheduling questions you can email Martha Rodeheaver, Assistant Principal, at [email protected].

All seniors are highly encouraged to sit for photos. These photos will be used for their yearbook photo. Sitting for the photos does not obligate a family to purchase the photos once you review the proofs.

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.

2024-2025 Dates:

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

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

Student Services Updates SAVE THE DATE - 2025 Gap Year Fair

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

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

Financial Aid 101 Webinars for Students and Parents

High school students, parents, and guardians who are interested in learning about financial aid options for college are invited to attend one of the Financial Aid 101 webinars hosted by Level Up Virginia and Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (VASFAA).

Topics covered include Federal Financial Aid, State Financial Aid, Application Tips, and Q & A.

Register today to attend on December 12, 2024, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Sessions are free and will cover the same information. Please see the Financial Aid 101 flyer for more information.

Schedule Changes

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

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

Health and Wellness Updates Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077

Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening 911

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

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

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

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

Family Academy Orientation
Literacy Resources
Winter Programs and Activities

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

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

Please note that several options include recommendations to change start times of all three levels (elementary, middle, and high).

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings

You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region (Region 1), which will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Madison High School Cafeteria.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

PTSA Updates Fundraiser

Stay Connected

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

Join the PTSA

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

Parent Resources Parent Information Line

Parent Resource Center

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.

Principal Updates - December 2

GovDelivery2 months 2 weeks ago

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

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

Important Dates

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

December 2-3 - Assessment Blackout Dates

December 3 - Signs of Suicide Screening Begins (11th Grade)

December 4 - Winter Tutor-a-thon

December 5 - Student Experience Survey (Cougar Connect: 9th-12th Grade)

December 8 - Bodhi Day

December 9-11 - Signs of Suicide Screening Continues (11th Grade)

December 9 - Senior Portraits (Added Session)

December 11 - Senior Portraits (Updated Final Session)

December 17 - Signs of Suicide Screening Concludes (11th Grade)

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break (No School)

General Information Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.

Upcoming Student Experience Survey

Our school has been selected to participate in a pilot program for FCPS’ Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.

Students will receive the survey via their fcpsschools.net email account on Monday, December 2. Students will be provided time during Cougar Connect on Thursday, December 5 to complete the survey. If you opted your child out of the survey, they will not receive the email.

Any student may take the survey at home, if preferred.

Student Attendance

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

Don’t Miss Out, Order Your Yearbook Today!

Yearbook - Senior Ads

Class of 2025 - Senior Portraits

June 20-21; 24 (Session 1)
August 26-28 (Session 2)
October 15-17 (Session 3)
November 20 (Session 4)
December 9 (Session 5)
December 11 (Session 6)

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.

2024-2025 Dates:

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

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

Student Services Updates SAVE THE DATE - 2025 Gap Year Fair

FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00- 8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. Student registration will open on November 20, 2024.

Financial Aid 101 Webinars for Students and Parents

Topics covered include Federal Financial Aid, State Financial Aid, Application Tips, and Q & A.

Register today to attend a session December 5 or December 12, 2024, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Both sessions are free and will cover the same information. Please see the Financial Aid 101 flyer for more information.

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 us.

Register for ParentVUE: Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

Schedule Changes

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

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

Health and Wellness Updates Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077

Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening 911

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

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

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

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

Preparing for Winter Weather
SEL Screener Results
Varsity Girls Wrestling Is New Winter Sport

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

📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings

You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region (Region 1), which will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Madison High School Cafeteria.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

PTSA Updates Fundraiser

Stay Connected

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

Join the PTSA

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

Parent Resources Parent Information Line

Parent Resource Center

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.

Principal Updates - November 25

GovDelivery2 months 3 weeks ago

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

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

Important Dates

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

November 27-29 - No School, Thanksgiving Break

December 2-3 - Assessment Blackout Dates

December 3 - Signs of Suicide Screening Begins (11th Grade)

December 5 - Student Experience Survey (Cougar Connect: 9th-12th Grade)

December 8 - Bodhi Day

December 9-11 - Signs of Suicide Screening Continues (11th Grade)

December 9 - Senior Portraits (Added Session)

December 11 - Senior Portraits (Updated Final Session)

December 17 - Signs of Suicide Screening Concludes (11th Grade)

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break (No School)

From our Oakton family to yours, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Schools and offices will be closed November 27-29. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving.

General Information Assessment Blackout Dates

To ensure that our students and families can fully participate, rest, and recharge over the Thanksgiving Break, no assessments will be given upon our return on December 2 or December 3. In addition, no assignments will be due on those days that would require students to work over the break. New material can be covered, and assignments completed in class can be collected for a grade.

The same will be true upon our return from winter break (January 6-7) and spring break (April 21-22).

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.

Make-up & Retake Images Now Available for 9th-11th Grade

Makeup/Retake Day images are now viewable online. Please visit: vosphoto.com/uc and use your student ID when prompted for the online code.

For questions regarding school pictures, please email: [email protected]

Upcoming Student Experience Survey

Any student may take the survey at home, if preferred.

Report Cards

Students’ 1st quarter report cards are now available in ParentVUE. Parents can log into ParentVUE and then look under “Documents” at the file “QTR1_2024-24_Oakton HS.” For parents without ParentVUE access, the report cards will be mailed home. If you would like to request ParentVUE access, you may contact Patrick Chang at [email protected] or 703-319-2810.

Don’t Miss Out, Order Your Yearbook Today!

Yearbook - Senior Ads

Class of 2025 - Senior Portraits

June 20-21; 24 (Session 1)
August 26-28 (Session 2)
October 15-17 (Session 3)
November 20 (Session 4)
December 9 (Session 5)
December 11 (Session 6)

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.

2024-2025 Dates:

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

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

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Student Services Updates SAVE THE DATE - 2025 Gap Year Fair

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

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.

Register for ParentVUE: Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

Schedule Changes

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

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

Health and Wellness Updates Handwashing

As we transition into the fall and winter seasons, it's important to remind our students, staff, and families about the importance of practicing good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. These simple practices can significantly reduce the spread of germs, particularly during the upcoming holiday season when gatherings and travel increase.

Key Reminders:

Wash Hands Frequently
Use Hand Sanitizer.
Cover Coughs and Sneezes
Avoid Touching Face

Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077

Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening 911

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

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

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

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

Preparing for Winter Weather
SEL Screener Results
Varsity Girls Wrestling Is New Winter Sport

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

📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings

You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region (Region 1), which will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Madison High School Cafeteria.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

PTSA Updates

Thank you, dear parents, for your support for The Monthly Teachers and Staff Breakfast! Your efforts are truly appreciated. Thank you for supporting the PTSA and our wonderful school faculty and staff!

Membership Meeting

The Monthly Membership meeting will be held on the 21st November 2024 at 7p.m. Please join the zoom link on the Oakton HS PTSA website.

Fundraiser

Mini-Grant Update

Congratulations to the following club/department that received the grant this session!

Library
AVID Department
Health and PE
Math Olympiad Club
World Language (Chinese Honor Society)
OHS Robotics
Oakton Rocketry
STEM Club

Important note: The grantees need to pay out-of-pocket first, then submit for reimbursement with the PTSA. The reimbursement request needs to be submitted to PTSA no later than 5/31/2025. Please download the reimbursement form from the Oakton PTSA website.

Stay Connected

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

Join the PTSA

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

Parent Resources Parent Information Line

Parent Resource Center

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.

Principal Updates - November 18

GovDelivery3 months ago

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

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

Important Dates

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

November 18-19;21 - Signs of Suicide (SOS) Screener (9th Grade)

November 18 - Fairfax County Youth Survey (Cougar Connect:10th/12th Grade)

November 20 - Senior Portraits

November 27-29 - No School, Thanksgiving Break

December 5 - Student Experience Survey (Cougar Connect: 9th-12th Grade)

December 9 - Senior Portraits (Added Session)

December 11 - Senior Portraits (Updated Final Session)

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break

General Information Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.

Report Cards

November Parent Coffee

Thanks to all who attended our November Parent Coffee. The presentation is now available on the parent schoology page. If you have any ideas for upcoming parent coffee topics, please email Jamie Lane at [email protected].

Don’t Miss Out, Order Your Yearbook Today!

Yearbook - Senior Ads

The yearbook is now accepting purchases of senior ads. You can get a space to write a congratulatory message to your graduating senior in varying sizes. You can design and order online at yearbookordercenter.com with order number 4770. Payment is available by credit, debit, or Paypal and orders are due by December 13th, however space is limited so make sure to order now.

Class of 2025 - Senior Portraits

June 20-21; 24 (Session 1)
August 26-28 (Session 2)
October 15-17 (Session 3)
November 20 (Session 4)
December 9 (Session 5)
December 11 (Session 6)

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.

2024-2025 Dates:

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

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

Student Services Updates SAVE THE DATE - 2025 Gap Year Fair

Schedule Changes

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

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

Health and Wellness Updates Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077

Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening 911

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

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

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

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

Veterans Day Recognitions
Resources on IEPs, Financial Aid, Literacy, and Community Leadership
Teacher Hiring Event

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

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region (Region 1), which will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Madison High School Cafeteria.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available.

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

PTSA Updates

Membership Meeting

The Monthly Membership meeting will be held on the 21st November 2024 at 7p.m. Please join the zoom link on the Oakton HS PTSA website.

Fundraiser

Mini-Grant Update

Congratulations to the following club/department that received the grant this session!

Library
AVID Department
Health and PE
Math Olympiad Club
World Language (Chinese Honor Society)
OHS Robotics
Oakton Rocketry
STEM Club

Stay Connected

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

Join the PTSA

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

Parent Resources Parent Information Line

Parent Resource Center

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.

Principal Updates - November 11

GovDelivery3 months 1 week ago

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

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

Important Dates

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

November 11 - No School, Veteran's Day; Winter Sports Tryouts Begin

November 12 - Academic Awards (Return Periods); Hearing & Vision Screening (10th Grade); Veterans Day Speaker Series (11th Grade)

November 13 - Hearing & Vision Screening (10th Grade); Veterans Day Speaker Series (11th Grade)

November 14 - Parent Coffee - Student Supports (Virtual); Human Trafficking Community Conversations (Evening); Signs of Suicide (SOS) Screener begins (9th Grade)

November 18-20 - Signs of Suicide (SOS) Screener (9th Grade)

November 20 - Senior Portraits (Final Session)

November 27-29 - No School, Thanksgiving Break

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break

Today we take a moment to appreciate and honor the service of our veterans. Thank you!

General Information Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.

November Parent Coffee

On November 14, 2024 at 9:00am we invite our families to our next virtual parent coffee. A link will be sent out in advance of the parent coffee for those who wish to join. The topic for the month of November is around student and family supports. This session will be led by our Director of Student Services, Jen Hogan. You will hear more about the following supports available to students at Oakton.

Administration
College & Career Specialist
Family Liaison
School Social Worker
School Psychologist
Student Services/School Counselors
Substance Abuse and Prevention Specialist
Systems of Support Advisor

There will be a brief presentation followed by a time of Q&A. The presentation and recording will be posted on the parent schoology page following the meeting.

Human Trafficking Awareness Conference

Hosted by Oakton High School

When: Thursday, November 14
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Oakton High School, Lecture Hall

Join us for an informative evening aimed at raising awareness about human trafficking in our community. This conference will provide valuable insights into recognizing the signs of trafficking, understanding its impact, and learning how we can work together to combat this issue.

Who Should Attend?
Families, educators, and community members are encouraged to participate.

Guest Speakers:
ATI Anti-Trafficking International

Don’t miss this important opportunity to learn and engage!

For more information, contact:
Mirtha Mutis 703-319-2787

Multilingual Learners Day of Service

Our Voices, Our Future: A Multilingual Learners Day of Service is available to FCPS high school students as an opportunity to explore multilingualism as a strength in developing leadership and advocacy skills. The event will be held Saturday, November 16, 9-11:30 a.m., at Edison High School. José Luis Zelaya, who spoke at last year's Multilingual Learners Summit, will be a special guest.

High school students are invited to network with their peers and staff, and learn how their interests and strengths can lead to future success. College and career readiness resources will be available. Students should register in advance and bring their FCPS laptops to the workshop.

Learn more about the event and watch videos from previous multilingual learner events.

Vision & Hearing Screening - Parent Volunteers Needed

Parent Volunteers are needed for the 10th grade Vision and Hearing Screening on November 12 -13, 2024.

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].

Don’t Miss Out, Order Your Yearbook Today!

Yearbook - Senior Ads

The yearbook is now accepting purchases of senior ads. You can get a space to write a congratulatory message to your graduating senior in varying sizes. You can design and order online at yearbookordercenter.com with order number 4770. Payment is available by credit, debit, or Paypal and orders are due by December 13th, however space is limited so make sure to order now.

Class of 2025 - Senior Portraits

Unlike grades 9-11, seniors sign up for a picture session with Victor O’Neill at a time that works for them. Our final sessions will be held in October and November.

June 20-21; 24 (Session 1)
August 26-28 (Session 2)
October 15-17 (Session 3)
November 20 (Session 4 - final opportunity)

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.

2024-2025 Dates:

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

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

Student Services Updates Academic Letter Awards Celebration

November 12 during Cougar Time

On Tuesday, November 12, Oakton will recognize 900 students who have earned an Academic Award. Academic Awards are based on last year’s 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 via email on October 30. This is a student only event.

Schedule Changes

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

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

Health and Wellness Updates Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077

Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening 911

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

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

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

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

Fall Testing Results
Boundary Review Community Meetings
Resources for Families

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

📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair

Parents/caregivers, school staff, and students over the age of 14 are invited to attend an interactive event celebrating the individualized education program (IEP) process. The IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Jackson Middle School.

The event is sponsored by Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). Activities include simulated IEP meetings, break-out sessions on the various parts of an IEP, and a resource fair to learn more about community supports. Register in advance.

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

PTSA Updates

Thank you, Dear Parents, for your support for The Monthly Teachers and Staff Breakfast! Your efforts are truly appreciated. Thank you for supporting the PTSA and our wonderful school faculty and staff!

Congratulations!! to our 900 Academic Award Winners and their parents! You make us proud! The Oakton PTSA will be participating by sponsoring Donuts! Way to go Cougars!

Stay Connected

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

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

Parent Resources Parent Information Line

Parent Resource Center

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.

Principal Updates - November 4

GovDelivery3 months 2 weeks ago

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

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

Important Dates

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

November 4 - Student Holiday, School Planning Day

November 5 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday

November 6 - Underclassmen Picture Retakes/Make-up

November 6-8 - World Language Credit Exam

November 7 - Immunization Clinic

November 11 - No School, Veteran's Day

November 12 - Academic Awards (Return Periods)

November 14 - Parent Coffee - Student Supports

November 20 - Senior Portraits (Final Session)

November 27-29 - No School, Thanksgiving Break

Calendar Reminder

Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday.

See the complete school year calendar.

In November we recognize: Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

National Family Engagement Month

This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success.

FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.

Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.

Oakton was thrilled to welcome Ms. Mirtha Mutis Benitez as our new family liaison in October. She can be reached at 703-319-2787 if you have any questions. Ms. Mutis Benitez comes to us from Thoreau Middle School so she is familiar with our school community and many of our students and families.

National Career Development Month

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs.

General Information Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.

Upcoming Picture Days

Underclass picture day is coming up! Victor O’Neill will be back on Wednesday, November 6 for student picture day. This is available to any student who was absent at the original session, is new to OHS since picture day, or did not like their original portrait. If a student purchased the photo package and would like a new picture, they have to bring the photo package with them.

Pictures will be held in Oakton Hall from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. Students will need to ask their teacher to get their pictures taken, as there will not be a set schedule. Students who Oakton has as missing their picture will receive an email this week reminding them of picture day as well. We will send out information shortly regarding the upcoming senior portrait session on November 20 to senior families only.

Questions about picture day? Email Martha Rodeheaver, Assistant Principal, at [email protected].

November Parent Coffee

Administration
College & Career Specialist
Family Liaison
School Social Worker
School Psychologist
Student Services/School Counselors
Substance Abuse and Prevention Specialist
Systems of Support Advisor

There will be a brief presentation followed by a time of Q&A. The presentation and recording will be posted on the parent schoology page following the meeting.

Vision & Hearing Screening - Parent Volunteers Needed

Parent Volunteers are needed for the 10th grade Vision and Hearing Screening on November 12 -13, 2024.

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].

2025 Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School (SRGS)

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) offers the opportunity for 10th and 11th grade students to apply to attend summer residential Governor’s schools in Academics and Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) – this is NOT for World Language Governor’s School. Students who are accepted into one of the programs will live in residence halls at one of the state colleges in VA for four weeks in the June - late July timeframe. To learn more about SRGS opportunities and the application process, visit the VDOE website.

To be considered for an academic or VPA Governor’s school, students must complete the steps below:

Complete the interest form linked below for either Academics or VPA. The form is a required part of the application process and is due November 6th. No late entries will be accepted. When completing the form, enter a personal email address and do NOT use an fcpsschools.net email address. VDOE cannot send communications to the fcpsschools.net domain.
1. Academic Interest form
2. Visual and Performing Arts Interest form
Complete the application for the specific program you wish to apply to and return to your school counselor who is supervising the Governor’s School application process.
1. Academic applications are due to the school on December 13, 2024.
2. VPA applications are due to the school on January 31, 2025.

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Parent Presentation

This year we are offering two HIPS sessions in collaboration with Madison HS. The fall offering will be at Madison High School on November 7, 2024. The winter offering will be at Oakton High School on February 11, 2025.

More information can be found in this flyer.

If you are interested in attending on November 7 at Madison HS, please register for the event using this link. A registration link for the February 11 event at Oakton HS will come out closer to the event date.

Don’t Miss Out, Order Your Yearbook Today!

Yearbook - Senior Ads

The yearbook is now accepting purchases of senior ads. You can get a space to write a congratulatory message to your graduating senior in varying sizes. You can design and order online at yearbookordercenter.com with order number 4770. Payment is available by credit, debit, or Paypal and orders are due by December 13th, however space is limited so make sure to order now.

Veterans Day Presentations

To honor the tradition of military family connectedness at Oakton High School, United States history teachers are seeking staff and community members who are veterans or active-duty personnel interested in speaking with students about their service experiences on Tuesday, November 12th and/or Wednesday, November 13th.

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. School appropriate service artifacts are welcomed and encouraged.

Zoom or Google Meet options 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.

Class of 2025 - Senior Portraits

Unlike grades 9-11, seniors sign up for a picture session with Victor O’Neill at a time that works for them. Our final sessions will be held in October and November.

June 20-21; 24 (Session 1)
August 26-28 (Session 2)
October 15-17 (Session 3)
November 20 (Session 4 - final opportunity)

Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.

2024-2025 Dates:

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

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

Student Services Updates Academic Letter Awards Celebration

November 12 during Cougar Time

Schedule Changes

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

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

Testing Updates & Information 2024 WIDA Alternate ACCESS Scores

2024 WIDA Alternate ACCESS scores are now available. Families can access score reports through SIS ParentVUE. If you do not have a ParentVUE account, your child’s score report will be provided by Oakton HS in the coming weeks.

PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day Scores Available

PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day scores were released to students on Thursday, October 24. Those students who participated in make-up testing will have access to score reports by November 7. Students may access their scores through the BigFuture School mobile app or their College Board account. During Advisory on Friday, October 25, students were provided a lesson to help understand their SAT and PSAT/NMSQT scores and the National Merit Program.

Health and Wellness Updates Fall Immunization Clinic at Oakton High School

Oakton High School will host a School Site Immunization Clinic on Thursday, November 7th in collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD). Only students enrolled at Oakton High School may participate in the clinic.

The following immunizations will be offered during school hours at the School Immunization Clinic:

Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine

Find additional information for each vaccine.

If you would like your child to receive immunizations as part of the School Site Immunization Clinic, you must first provide:

Permission via a signed Adolescent Vaccine Clinic Consent Form, which can be found in the Middle and High School Clinics section on this webpage.
A copy of their immunization records (if available).
A copy of the front and back of their insurance card (if applicable). Insurance is not required.

Please bring your signed consent form to our front office by Friday, November 1st, in order for your child to participate. If your child is insured, please submit a copy of the front and back of your child’s insurance to our front office as well. You may contact our school’s public health nurse, Lorie Jreige at [email protected] with any immunization questions.

Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077

Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening 911

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

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

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

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

FCPS News

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

Calendar Reminders
Resources for Families
Complete Impact Aid Survey

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

PTSA Updates

Congratulations!! to our 900 Academic Award Winners and their parents! You make us proud! The Oakton PTSA will be participating by sponsoring Donuts! Way to go Cougars!

Stay Connected

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

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

Parent Resources Parent Information Line

Parent Resource Center

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.

1 hour 57 minutes ago

Oakton High School News and announcements

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