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A Note from Your Academy Admin

Academy Parents and Caregivers:

At this midpoint of the school year, the Fairfax Academy is busy with activity.   In recent weeks, I had the opportunity to enjoy the amazing production of Once Upon A One More Time by students enrolled in our Musical Theatre and Actors Studio classes.  I also traveled with our Korean language students to visit the Old Korean Legation and Korean Cultural Center in Washington, DC.  Students from our dance classes were featured as part of a student showcase at the Gatehouse Administration Center and their benefit concert, Move to Mend, is scheduled for Friday, February 21 at 7:00.   Stay tuned as other programs will have culminating events to showcase student work in the months ahead.

Students are currently enrolled in course selection for the 2024-2025 school year.   If your student wishes to continue in the next level of their academy class or enroll in an academy class, they should contact their base school counselor as soon as possible.  

 

Thank you for your continued support of the Fairfax Academy.

 

Jay Pearson
Interim Academy Administrator
Fairfax Academy
Fairfax High School

Move to Mend Dance Benefit CIEE Study Abroad Scholarships

CIEE will be distributing over $7 million in summer abroad scholarships this year. The window is closing soon, but your students have until February 26 to apply!

Don’t let them miss out on the experience of a lifetime. CIEE Global Navigator scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and financial need and cover up to 100% of tuition fees. Students travel for 3 to 4 weeks to one of 35 amazing global locations to live a full immersion in a local culture and topic they’re passionate about. More information can be found on the CIEE Global Navigator website.

Teen Job Fairs

Looking for a job or volunteer opportunity? All students are invited to attend the 2025 Fairfax County Teen Job Fair Series and Career Building Workshops sponsored by Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity with FCPS kicking off Saturday, March 8th from 11am to 1pm at West Springfield High School and on Saturday, March 15th at Chantilly High School from 11am to 1pm. At each fair, students will have the opportunity to engage with employers offering part-time, full-time, seasonal, and volunteer positions. During the fairs, students will also be able to attend career-building workshops like Resume Building and Interviewing 101. Most positions at the fair are geared toward students age 16+, but some opportunities for younger students may be available with parental consent. Registration is free here and at the fairs. For more information, or to register, please visit the Teen Job Fair webpage.

Rotary Club Youth Music Contest

Contest: Performance of vocal, keyboard and instrumental music

When: Now! Entries due by early March

Eligibility: Eligible students include those who attend Fairfax High School, or students in the academy who live within the City of Fairfax.  Students outside these boundaries should contact Julia Strickland ([email protected]) for their area contact.

District Level Contest Awards: (Note: Winners announced no later than April 19, 2025)

• First place ($1000)
• Second place ($500)
• Third place ($250)

Contact: Holly Graf, Youth Contest Chair ([email protected])

More info: https://www.rotary7610.org/youth-music-contest/

Academy Attendance Links

Did you know? Academy attendance is separate from base school attendance. Report Academy attendance online, by email, or by phone.

Attendance Line: 703-219-4060 
Online: https://fairfaxacademy.fcps.edu/resources/attendance
Email: [email protected]

Fairfax Academy for Communications & the Arts 
3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 | Main phone: 703.219.2226

Attendance Phone: 703.219.4060 | Web | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Welcome back!

Dear Fairfax Academy families, welcome back from the extended winter break! We are so happy to see your students back with us this week. 

This week's News You Choose is short and sweet - two things we want you to know!

The first is that we're excited to announce the production of our winter musical, Once Upon a One More Time. Read on to learn about the show and get your tickets.

The second is that we're planning for our spring Fashion In Motion fashion show - an exciting event every year in which students in our Fashion Careers program showcase their work - and we're looking for sponsors. 

As always, your attendance links are at the bottom of this email as well. 

Stay warm!

Once Upon a One More Time

Musical Theatre & Actors Studio Musical: Once Upon a One More Time!

Fairfax Academy will become one of the first schools in the entire nation to produce Once Upon a One More Time, opening January 31st!

Powered by the chart-topping hits of the undisputed Princess of Pop, Once Upon a One More Time turns our favorite fairy tales upside down with a clever twist! When a fairy godmother goes rogue and plops copies of The Feminine Mystique in the laps of classic heroines, the damsels go on a quest to rewrite their stories and redefine “happily ever after.” Once Upon a One More Time weaves 23 of Britney Spears’ smash singles into a fun and brilliant book by Jon Hartmere, culminating in a show that is guaranteed to delight! 

*Please note that material may not be suitable for all ages.

Visit the MTAS website for tickets and more information at https://mtasacademy.weebly.com/

Sponsors Needed for Fashion In Motion

The highly anticipated annual student fashion show, Fashion in Motion, will be held May 3rd, 2025 at the Sherwood Center and is seeking partners in support!

As a donor or sponsor, your support will directly contribute to:

• Materials & Resources: Fabrics, accessories, and staging essentials.
• Event Costs: Venue setup, lighting, and sound for a professional-grade experience.
• Student Opportunities: Recognition, awards, and networking with industry professionals.

For more information on incentives and how to support, please check out the Sponsorship Menu and/or complete this quick Fashion Show Sponsorship Interest Form. The Fashion program will reach out to discuss your participation. Thank you for your support!

Fairfax Academy Attendance Links

Did you know? Academy attendance is separate from base school attendance. Report Academy attendance online, by email, or by phone.

Attendance Line: 703-219-4060 
Online: https://fairfaxacademy.fcps.edu/resources/attendance
Email: [email protected]

Fairfax Academy for Communications & the Arts 
3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 | Main phone: 703.219.2226

Attendance Phone: 703.219.4060 | Web | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Fairfax Academy Need to Know: Inclement Weather

We hope you are all enjoying the last days of Winter Break! Due to the weather forecast for next week (to possibly include some snow), this email is just a reminder of the Fairfax Academy schedule for inclement weather. Sometimes inclement weather causes a delayed start or an early dismissal. Here is what you need to know! 

If your base school is Fairfax High School: you will follow the FHS schedule for the day, whether an early release or a late start.

For all our students who commute: 

On a 2-hour delayed opening...

• AM and Mid-Day shuttles will not run. Drivers should remain at their base schools AM and MD. Double block classes will be in session in the PM block. 
• PM classes will be held as normal and shuttles will run on their usual schedule (please allow a little extra time for shuttles on inclement weather days).
• You do not need to report absences for AM and Mid-Day classes for delayed opening days. 
• If your student is not attending their PM Academy class due to a modified base school schedule, report attendance using the links below so that it can be correct in their attendance record. 

On a 2-hour early release... 

• Only AM buses will run, and they will run on their normal schedule.
• Midday and PM students will not have shuttles. Students should stay at their base schools and follow the schedule there. Double block MD/PM classes will not be in session either block.
• Report attendance if your student is not attending their AM Academy class due to a modified base school schedule so that it can be correct in their attendance record. 

Academy Attendance Links

Did you know? Academy attendance is separate from base school attendance. Report Academy attendance online, by email, or by phone.

Attendance Line: 703-219-4060 
Online: https://fairfaxacademy.fcps.edu/resources/attendance
Email: [email protected]

Fairfax Academy for Communications & the Arts 
3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 | Main phone: 703.219.2226

Attendance Phone: 703.219.4060 | Web | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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A Note From Your Academy Admin

Fairfax Academy Community,

We hope everyone is looking forward to a peaceful break and recharging before the start of 2025. It’s been an exciting few weeks spreading some joy with a fantastic Academy Ambassador event celebrating our bus drivers and a wonderful field trip for our MCT 2 students. Check out more details below.

I am going out on leave for a couple of months and am happy to share that Jay Pearson will be joining us as the Interim Academy Administrator. We are excited for Jay’s leadership, guidance and enthusiasm to lead the Academy through the next few months. Please feel free to contact him with any concerns that arise. 

As we reset for the new year, a gentle reminder for all feeder school students to wear their Academy lanyards at all times when on school grounds. This is for everyone’s safety and to quickly identify students in cases of an emergency. See us in E119 (Academy office) for a replacement if needed.

We also know students are excited about newly acquired licenses and cars. If your student would like to become a driver, please have them stop by the Academy office for the necessary paperwork and to swap out their lanyard. Any new passengers need to do the same as well.

Looking forward to a wonderful start to 2025 with all of our students!

 

In Partnership,

Andrea Cook

Meet Your Interim Academy Admin

Jay Pearson has 25 years of experience working in FCPS high schools as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal.  As principal of Marshall High School for nine years, he worked closely with the Marshall Academy to ensure students had access to its unique and specialized courses.  

He is a strong proponent of students finding their niche in high school and believes the FCPS academies play an important role in helping students pursue their strengths and interests.  After leaving Marshall in 2014, he also served Regions 2 and 5 as an executive principal and Region 4 as the assistant superintendent. 

Jay grew up in the City of Alexandria and attended Alexandria City Public Schools.  He still lives in Alexandria and also spends time in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  

Parking Reminders

We know there are some new drivers among us, so we're sharing a reminder of parking information at Fairfax Academy.

Students DO need an Academy parking permit, even if they have one at their base school. All students who commute to Fairfax Academy in a private vehicle (including passengers) need to complete driver/rider paperwork. You can find that form here and it can be brought to E119. 

Got parking questions? Contact Sarah at [email protected].

Recent Academy Events

MCT students play a chord on the piano Sir Paul McCartney played during their field trip to SiriusXM Radio!

Academy Shuttle Bus Drivers enjoy some hot treats and appreciation by Ambassadors!

ASL Club at Fairfax Academy Fairfax Academy Attendance Links

Did you know? Academy attendance is separate from base school attendance. Report Academy attendance online, by email, or by phone.

Attendance Line: 703-219-4060 
Online: https://fairfaxacademy.fcps.edu/resources/attendance
Email: [email protected]

Fairfax Academy for Communications & the Arts 
3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 | Main phone: 703.219.2226

Attendance Phone: 703.219.4060 | Web | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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A Note from Fairfax Academy

November went by so quickly! We hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving break. One of the most exciting parts of our November was our Career Expo speaker series - read on for more.

We also had the pleasure of recognizing some outstanding Academy students this month. Two of our Dance students were inducted into the National Honor Society for Dance, and we celebrated Students of the Quarter. 

Just a reminder that this Friday, December 6, FHS is hosting the Wrestling Classic. Parking can be limited on this day. Students who drive should park in any available legal space. If they have trouble finding a place to park, they should call the Academy office at 703-219-2226. 

Do you have upcoming holiday travel? Remember that Academy attendance is separate from base school attendance. Prearranged absence forms are on our website - attendance links are also at the bottom of this email. Please send attendance questions to [email protected].

New Chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance at Fairfax Academy!

Our Dance Department, headed by Mrs. Barnes is excited to announce their membership in the National Honor Society. This is a wonderful opportunity for our artists to be recognized for their hard work and achievements in dance. 

Their Mission:

1. To recognize outstanding artistic merit, leadership, and academic achievement in students studying dance in public and private schools in K-12 education, dance studios, cultural/community centers, performing arts organizations, and post-secondary education.
2. To foster an appreciation for dance as a true art form and one worthy of recognition and prestige.

Congratulations to the first members inducted into the society, Robson Barnett (Graduation with Honor) and Pauleen Kabiling!

Career Experience Expo 2024

Fairfax Academy celebrated National Career Development month by hosting our Career Experience Expo throughout November. Industry professionals, alumni, and other experienced experts shared their experiences, career pathways, and other opportunities across all programs. Guest Speakers/Artists joined us from American Councils, NSLI-Y, George Mason University, FCPS, James Madison University, Netflix, Perfect Mistakes, Kennedy Center, Olney Theatre, Signature Theatre, Zenimax, University of Virginia, and as independent artists and professionals. 

If you have a career in Communications and the Arts and are interested in joining us next year, please email Career Experience Specialist Amy Hard.

Fairfax Academy Students of the Quarter

Congratulations to our “Students of the Quarter” from each program! We look forward to recognizing more of our Academy artists and students for their character, effort, and growth throughout the school year!

ARABIC: Jada AlQudwa AlHussieni

ASL: Zimeng (Zai) Ye & Owen Berger

CHINESE: Marco Scimeca

KOREAN: Kenneth Kong & Robin Haw

DANCE: Allie Horner

MCT: Jean de Paz Grisales

MTAS: Kai Perley

FASHION CAREERS: Dulce Ambrocio-Lopez

GAME DESIGN: Willow Dikeman

PRO PHOTO: Luis Valencia

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING: Charlie Allen

TV/MEDIA PRODUCTION: Elliott Erredge

Save the Date: 2025 HS 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 to 8:30 p.m.  This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. Student registration will open on November 20, 2024.

Contact:

Pamela White

[email protected]  

571-393-1102

School Counseling and College Success Program

Fairfax Academy Attendance Links

Did you know? Academy attendance is separate from base school attendance. Report Academy attendance online, by email, or by phone.

Attendance Line: 703-219-4060 
Online: https://fairfaxacademy.fcps.edu/resources/attendance
Email: [email protected]

Fairfax Academy for Communications & the Arts 
3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 | Main phone: 703.219.2226

Attendance Phone: 703.219.4060 | Web | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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

A Note from Your Academy Admin

Fairfax Academy Community,

We have had an amazing November! One of the most exciting parts of the Academy programs is the industry experiences including field trips, performances, guest speakers, internships and business partnerships. Seeing our students deeply impacted by those experiences is what we are all about. Follow our social media to see some of the amazing guests we have worked with over the past few weeks.

We were delighted to host a group of visitors from Korea as part of our work with NSILY. They were able to visit both Korean classrooms, tour Fairfax Academy and Fairfax High School, and connect with students to expand their understanding of students’ education in the US.

 

Up next is our annual Dis-ember Cabaret hosted by our Advanced Musical Theatre Workshop students. This super talented group of juniors will light up the stage on Thursday, December 12 at 6:30pm. Don’t miss it!

We hope everyone enjoys the short week and long weekend next week.

Mrs Cook

MTAS Cabaret Heads Up: Wrestling Classic 12/6

A heads up for our drivers! Fairfax High School is hosting the Wrestling Classic on December 6. Expect the FHS parking lot to be much busier than normal on this day. 

Students should park in the Academy parking spots. If those are taken, park in any legal parking spot at Fairfax Academy. If students have challenges finding a spot or are unsure about a spot, they should pull over somewhere safe and call the Academy office: 703-219-2226.

FCPS IT Internship Program

Now Hiring FCPS DIT Student Interns!

The FCPS Department of Information Technology is now hiring for their paid internship program for Session 2: January 2, 2025 – June 30, 2025. The following position is available for current and FCPS graduates for hire during the 2024-2025 school year:

• Enterprise Information Services and Assessment

For more information about the High-Quality Work-Based Learning program, refer to the FCPS DIT Internship Website and apply by the December 2, 2024 deadline.

Academy Attendance Links

Did you know? Academy attendance is separate from base school attendance. Report Academy attendance online, by email, or by phone.

Attendance Line: 703-219-4060 
Online: https://fairfaxacademy.fcps.edu/resources/attendance
Email: [email protected]

Fairfax Academy for Communications & the Arts 
3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 | Main phone: 703.219.2226

Attendance Phone: 703.219.4060 | Web | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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

A Note from Your Academy Admin

Fairfax Academy,

As we start the second quarter and head into a heavy travel season, we want to remind our families to notify us of absences. The new full day form in SIS does not show in your student’s Academy attendance. Please have them pick up a pre-arranged absence form from their teacher or the Academy office (or download it from the website here). It is also important that students communicate absences with their teachers so they can stay on top of any work they may miss. 

We are gearing up for our annual Career Experience Expo. This year’s event spans 6 days with guest speakers in all of our classes. Follow us on Instagram to learn more about what your students will be participating in this month.

Lastly, it’s the time of year when we collect nominations for outstanding employee awards. If you have an Academy faculty or staff member that you want to nominate, please follow the directions below.

Please reach out to the Academy office if you have any questions.

Time to Nominate our Outstanding Employees!

Do you have 5-10 minutes to tell someone at Fairfax Academy how outstanding they are?

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Fairfax Academy/Fairfax High Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through the Google form linked in each title. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards and the eligibility requirements are below.

Outstanding Teacher  

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district). This includes Academy Resource Teachers.

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district). This includes Academy Resource Teachers.

Outstanding Leader 

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal):

Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

Outstanding Professional Employee 

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership

Common positions in this category: Career Experience Specialist, Career Center Specialist, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist

Outstanding Operational Employee

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons (regardless of how they are paid)  

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 15, 2024. 

Questions, please contact the FHS Principal's Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Cate, at 703-219-2223 or [email protected]. Thank you!

Academy Attendance Links

Did you know? Academy attendance is separate from base school attendance. Report Academy attendance online, by email, or by phone.

Attendance Line: 703-219-4060 
Online: https://fairfaxacademy.fcps.edu/resources/attendance
Email: [email protected]

Fairfax Academy for Communications & the Arts 
3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 | Main phone: 703.219.2226

Attendance Phone: 703.219.4060 | Web | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter