FCHS News & Announcements - 4/15/26

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Useful Links/Information

FCHS Bell Schedule

Schoology

SIS ParentVUE

FCPS School Year Calendar

Important Dates

4/18 - Jaguar 5K Run/Walk (see announcement below)
4/21 - Statewide Election (No school for students, see announcement below)
4/22 - Pyramid Art Show (see announcement below)
4/24 - Spotlight Theatre Presents Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (see announcement below)

Attendance Matters!

Let's Finish Strong!

We have reached the Fourth Quarter, the last quarter of the school year. Does your student need to improve their grades before the end of the school year to avoid summer school? Does your student need to recover missed days due to excessive absences? We're Here to Help!

If your student has fallen behind or is failing a class, or has just missed too many days of school, please have them join us after school:

When: Every Wednesday (transportation is available) and Thursday (you need to provide your own transportation)
Time: 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Where: Main Office

Remember, students can also stay with their teachers after school if they have made arrangements in advance.

If you have questions, please contact the deans at FCDeans@fcps.edu.

In the Final Stretch - Updates & Reminders

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, we have some wonderful news to share: all classes are now officially moved inside the building! No more trailers. We are so excited to have our entire school community under one roof and settled into their bright, new classrooms. The energy in the building is fantastic, and we love seeing everyone together.

As we kick off the fourth quarter, here are a few important reminders to help us finish the year strong:

Every class period is a valuable step toward the finish line. We encourage all students to make the most of every day by being in school and getting to class on time.
To ensure a smooth and successful wrap-up to the year, we expect all students to remain in school for the full day, right up until the last day of classes.

To keep our campus safe and organized, please remember that students must remain on campus throughout the school day.

Need to leave early? If your student has an appointment, please have a parent or guardian call us at 703-207-4019 to check them out.
Safety First: Please note that students who leave campus without prior parental permission will be subject to a search and school disciplinary procedures upon their return. This policy is in place to ensure the safety of every student in our care.

Graduation is just around the corner! We can’t wait to celebrate the Class of 2026 on June 3 at 9:00 AM.

Thank you for your continued support and for helping us make this a memorable and successful school year!

Ben Nowak, Principal

Reminder - Unsanctioned Senior Game/Competition

We are aware that some students are planning to participate in an activity called “Senior Assassin.” Part of this activity involves students getting someone “out” by squirting them with a water gun. While these toy guns may seem harmless, they pose a significant risk to the well-being and sense of security in our community.

Here are some reasons why toy guns can be dangerous:

Difficulty in Distinguishing: In stressful or high-pressure situations, it can be very difficult to quickly differentiate a toy gun from a real firearm. This confusion can lead to misidentification and potentially tragic consequences.
Disruption and Fear: The presence of toy guns can generate fear and anxiety among students and staff. This disrupts the learning environment and undermines our efforts to create a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
Normalization of Gun Violence: Bringing toy guns to school, even in a playful manner, can unintentionally make the use of weapons seem normal and lead to people becoming numb to gun violence.

FCPS has a strict policy against bringing any weapons or replicas of weapons onto school grounds or to any school activity. At FCHS, this includes all spring practices and competitions that are occuring at off campus locations this spring. This policy exists to protect our students, our staff, and our entire community. Students found in possession of toy guns will face disciplinary action as noted in FCPS’ Student Rights & Responsibilities document.

Please talk to your children about the severity of this issue and the importance of leaving toy guns at home. Emphasize that the school campus and all off campus athletic locations are places for learning/competition, and weapons, whether real or not, have no place in this environment.

Thank you for your commitment to making our school a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

Sincerely,

Ben Nowak, Principal

Falls Church Pyramid Art Show

When: April 22, 5:00-7:00 pm

Where: Falls Church HS Main Gym, Door 13

From the Spotlight Theatre Company

Falls Church Spotlight Theatre invites you to come see our spring production ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD by Tom Stoppard.

Performances are April 24th & 25th at 7:00 PM and April 25th and 26th at 3:00 PM.

Tickets can be found at https://tinyurl.com/FCTheatreTickets

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is a postmodern tragicomedy by Tom Stoppard that reimagines Hamlet from the perspective of its two minor, but very doomed characters. The play explores existential themes, the idea of fate, and the absurdity of existence as the duo tries to understand their purpose while navigating a plot they cannot control.

Prom 2026!

The countdown is on for Prom on May 9^th. We hope your Jaguar can attend. Please contact Assistant Principal Bianca Aiello (baaiello@fcps.edu) if you have any questions.

When: May 9th, 8:00-11:00pm

Where: The Garden Alexandria

Tickets: $75 until May 4th (only 200 tickets)

City of Fairfax Arts Day

Shoutout to Ms. Muiznieks' AP Art class for their participation in this city event!

April Statewide Election: No School for Students

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.

FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Tuesday, April 21, at participating schools. The meals must be eaten on site, and enrichment activities will be available for the children. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage.

Explore Life After High School

Flash Forward Postsecondary Education and Employment Options Event

Fairfax County Public Schools’ Career and Transition Services will host Flash Forward: Postsecondary Education and Employment Options on Wednesday, April 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in the cafeteria at Woodson High School.

The event is designed for students with disabilities pursuing a standard or advanced diploma and their families. It offers an introduction to postsecondary pathways, including education, employment, and community programs. Representatives from adult education, workforce programs, and community organizations will be available to share resources and answer questions.

Families are encouraged to register in advance to attend.

Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Questionnaire

On Monday, April 6, parents and guardians will receive an email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and provides an opportunity to share anonymous feedback about our school’s leadership and environment.

Topics covered in the survey include:

✅ Instructional leadership

✅ School climate

✅ Management (human resources and organizational)

✅ Communication and community relations

✅ Culturally responsive and equitable leadership

✅ Professionalism

The questionnaire will be open April 6 - April 19 and will be collected online. When you receive the email from noreply@fcps.edu, please take a few minutes to complete it. Your input is valuable and helps shape the future of our school.

Thank you for your time and feedback!

Falls Church High School Jaguar 5K Run/Walk and Kids 1 Mile Fun Run

Saturday April 18, 2026

The 21st Annual FCHS Jaguar 5K Run/Walk and Kids 1 Mile Fun Run will be held on Saturday, April 18th, 2026 at Falls Church High School (7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church, VA). The Kids 1 Mile Fun Run begins at 8am and the Jaguar 5K begins at 8:30am. Over the years it has grown significantly with the positive involvement of students, community members, and staff of FCHS - with over 800 race participants!

Please visit our website for information and registration! www.jaguar5k.com

Online registration will close on Wednesday, April 16, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Late registrations will be accepted during packet pick up times - see below. Email blkim@fcps.edu to request a registration form.

5K Race

$30 through March 31

$40 April 1 through April 17

$50 on Race day

Kids 1 Mile Fun Run

$20 through April 17

$30 on Race Day (April 18)

Race shirts guaranteed if registered by March 31st

Packet Pick Up - packets include race bibs, t-shirts, and other goodies. Packet pick up will be at Falls Church HS in the Main Gym Lobby (Use door #11) on Friday, April 17 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm, then again on race morning starting at 6:30 am. Late registrations will be available during packet pick up.

Awards will be given to Overall top three male and female finishers, and the top 3 male and female in each age group.

Keep up to date on all things regarding the Jaguar 5K by visiting our website! www.jaguar5k.com

Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

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.

No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students

Is your student experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.

Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation

All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass and access the application, which can be returned to the front office.

Additionally, our students can ride Metrobus for free. Visit the Fairfax County website for details and approved Metrobus routes and to access the application.

Children 12 and younger ride for free on the Fairfax Connector with a paying adult.

Bus Discount Program for Adults

Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) provides 50% off fares for low-income residents ages 18-65. Learn more about the TRIP program and how to apply.

PTSA Particulars

The Falls Church HS PTSA supports the entire FCHS community and encourages everyone to be involved. Visit our website to learn more.

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