FCPS

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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

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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

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Early Release Schedule 10/31

October 31 is an early release day. For Fairfax Academy...

• Only AM buses will run, and they will run on their normal schedule.
• Midday and PM students (5th and 7th periods) will not have shuttles. Students should stay at their base schools and follow the schedule there.
• FHS students will follow the modified FHS schedule.
• 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. 

Got questions? Email Ms. Tarvid at [email protected] or call the Academy office.

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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In Today's Edition...

A Note from Your Academy Administrator
Academy Swag is IN!
Early Release Day Academy Schedule
Roar Round-Up: mini parent-teacher conferences
Academy Ambassador Kick-Off
Career Experience Expo
Scholarships & College Visits

A Note from Your Administrator

What a great October we have had with our students! The presentations and projects being presented in classes are phenomenal and our musical theatre students are in full swing with their auditions for our annual winter musical! It is a privilege to see students’ talent every day here at the Academy.

A reminder to ensure a strong end of the 1st quarter: Please check your grade in SIS and have conversations with teachers now if there are any concerns. There is still time to reassess before final grades are due on November 5.

Need to know about Early Release days: On October 31, all FCPS schools have an early release. Base schools may change their schedules, but our Academy schedule never changes. We will only have shuttles for AM classes. Fairfax High School students will follow the FHS bell schedule for MD and PM classes, and MD or PM students who take a shuttle or drive will not report to Academy. See below for more details.

Roar Round-up: On Monday, November 4 from 8:30-11:30am, Fairfax will host mini Parent/Teacher Conferences during the Roar Round-up. Academy families are invited to connect with teachers during this time. See below for more details. Two Academy teachers will be scheduling alternate times to meet with parents. Please contact the teacher or Academy office for specific days/times.

It’s the time of year when we start collecting nominations for outstanding employee awards. Stay tuned for information on our social media and in upcoming communications.

We hope all our students are able to rest and recharge during their long weekend next week!

Mrs Cook

Academy Swag is IN!

If you ordered Academy swag, it's here! It will go out through your classrooms. 

Got Academy swag questions? Contact Sarah Tarvid at [email protected]

Early Release Schedule

October 31 is an early release day. For Academies...

• Only AM buses will run, and they will run on their normal schedule.
• Midday and PM students (5th and 7th periods) will not have shuttles. Students should stay at their base schools and follow the schedule there.
• FHS students will follow the modified FHS schedule.
• 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. 

Questions about attendance or schedules? Email Sarah Tarvid at [email protected] or call the Academy office.

Roar Round-Up

Monday, November 4 | 8:30-11:30 a.m.
FHS Field House

Fairfax HS and Academy teachers will be welcoming parents for mini Parent-Teacher Conferences. Please enter through our field house and stop in to connect with any Academy teacher and members of the support team.

Lines form in front of each teacher, when it is your turn, step forward and sit down. You will have 4-6 minutes to chat with the teacher. (If you request a longer conference, it may be better to work with the teacher or counselor to schedule an appointment for a different time.) Light refreshments will be provided by the FHS PTSA.

Two Academy teachers will be scheduling alternate times to meet with parents. Please contact the teacher or Academy office for specific days/times.

Ambassador Kickoff

The Academy Ambassadors gathered with our partners at iContact Coaching for our Leadership Kickoff yesterday! Get ready for some major Academy presence in our community- these leaders, their ideas, and their spark are going to do great things this year. Ambassadors represent across all of our feeder schools and programs.

Questions about Academy Ambassadors? Contact Amy Hard, [email protected]

Career Experience Expo

This year, the Career Experience Expo will reach all Academy students and programs with specific opportunities to interact with industry professionals, participate in workshops and master classes, and engage in meaningful panel discussions with people in a variety of career roles. These Expo events will occur during classes throughout the month of November and is possible in part due to the support of the Fairfax City School Board. Get excited as we welcome Broadway performers, critical language specialists, Deaf theatre experts, Smithsonian production teams members, Bahtik artists, composers, calligraphers and so much more!

Questions about Career Experience Expo? Contact Amy Hard, [email protected]

Scholarships

2024-2025: The Michael Marshall Fund Scholarship: Candidates must show a demonstrated interest and proficiency in the fields of vocal or instrumental performing arts through participation in school, community or personal activities. $5000 award. DEADLINE: February 15, 2025. More information via the link.

Upcoming College Visits

10/28 Ringling 

11/8 MICA

11/11 Shenandoah University

Questions about college visits? Contact Luke Donald at [email protected]

Academy Attendance Links

Did you know? Academy attendance is separate from base school attendance. ParentVUE attendance reports do not convey to Academies. Use these links to report Academy attendance.

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 Administrator

October 9, 2024

What a fast few weeks it has been! Our students are doing amazing work in their classes and bring great energy to the building. See below for some pictures of recent activities at the Academy.

We are looking forward to continuing our college visits over the next month. Any student who is interested should talk with their teacher and our Academy Counselor, Mr. Donald.

We will have our first county-wide early release day on October 31. Only AM (1st period) Academy shuttles will run that day. All feeder school students should remain at their base school for MD (5th period) and PM (7th period) classes and follow their base school schedule. Fairfax HS students will follow the modified FHS schedule. If you have any questions about that day, please contact the Academy office. 

Lastly, we receive a lot of questions about how to see your student’s Academy grade in SIS. When viewing the grade book in ParentVue, you will see an N/A on the base school side. Depending on how you are viewing the grade book, you will either scroll to the bottom of the grade book OR use the drop-down arrow to toggle between base and concurrent schools to view Academy grades.  

We hope everyone enjoys their long weekend!

Ballet Hispanico comes to Fairfax Academy

Our Dance Program had an incredible opportunity to partner with George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts to bring in guest artists from internationally acclaimed Ballet Hispanico for a master class! Students and families were also invited to GMU’s Center for the Arts to see excerpts from the company’s concert.

Early Release Details for October 31

October 31 is an early release day. For Academies...

• Only AM buses will run, and they will run on their normal schedule.
• Midday and PM students (5th and 7th periods) will not have shuttles. Students should stay at their base schools and follow the schedule there.
• FHS students will follow the modified FHS schedule.
• 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. 

Got questions? Email Ms. Tarvid at [email protected] or call the Academy office.

Recent Academy Photos

What's been going on at Academy lately? We've had an exciting guest artist in Musical Theatre, college visits in Fashion Careers, tea with our Chinese language class, and so much more! See a few pictures here. 

Upcoming Academy College Visits

Here's the current lineup of college visits for Academy.

10/11 Carnegie Mellon 

10/16 Boston Conservatory

10/18 Belmont

10/21 Manhattan School of Music

10/22 Berklee College of Music

10/24 Elon

10/28 Ringling 

11/8 MICA

11/11 Shenandoah University

Got questions about college visits? Contact Mr. Donald at [email protected] or call the Academy office. 

Inclement Weather Schedule Changes

Here's some information about inclement weather schedule changes for Academies, so that you can plan ahead!

For 2-hour late start days...

• AM classes are cancelled, and no AM shuttles will run.
• Midday and PM students will have shuttles on their normal schedule. 
• FHS students will follow the modified FHS schedule.
• MD/PM Academy students need to report attendance if they are not attending due to a modified base school schedule, so that it can be correct in their attendance record.

In the event of a 2-hour early dismissal...

• Only AM buses will run, and they will run on their normal schedule.
• Midday and PM students (5th and 7th periods) will not have shuttles. Students should stay at their base schools and follow the schedule there.
• FHS students will follow the modified FHS schedule.
• 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.

Got questions? Email Ms. Tarvid at [email protected] or call the Academy office.

Academy Attendance Links

Attendance Line: 703-219-4060 
Online: https://fairfaxacademy.fcps.edu/form/attendance-form
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 Administrator

September 25, 2024

We kicked off our performance season with our dance students participating in the City of Fairfax National Dance Day this past Saturday led by our fabulous director, Meredith Barnes. Make sure you check out the photos below! This Thursday at 7pm our Musical Theatre & Actor’s Studio seniors take the stage for the Pre-Screen Preview Showcase. It’s a great chance to see what students work on daily in class and the ultimate culmination of their training to make the jump to post-secondary experiences.

A reminder that Academy classes do not run on PSAT day (October 9). Students will engage with activities at their base schools.

We look forward to welcoming the fall weather and seeing our students continuing to shine!

We're Celebrating!

Happy #HispanicHeritageMonth! From September 15 to October 15 we recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of the members of our community whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Happy Chuseok from Fairfax Academy! Wishing everyone a joyous harvest festival filled with gratitude and delicious food.  

Academy SWAG orders

Academy swag is ON SALE NOW!

We are excited to offer NEW Academy swag! For a limited time, order Academy swag online. 

Choose from a screenprint tee, hoodie, trucker cap, or beanie in the screenprint shop. 

Or if bling is more your style, choose from several different items with a beautiful sparkly Academy logo. 

Choose from crew neck tee, v-neck tee, long sleeve tee, sweatshirt, or hoodie in the bling shop. 

MTAS Prescreen Preview - Tomorrow!

MTAS Pre-Screen Preview Showcase Thursday, 9/26 7pm

Mark your calendars and do not miss our first MTAS Showcase of 2024-2025: A Prescreen Preview! Prescreens are essentially the first round of college auditions, and our Pre-Professional Musical Theatre Class has been hard at rehearsal getting these pieces ready. Now, all they need is an audience- hope to see you there next Thursday, 9/26th

in the FHS Auditorium! FREE.

Arena Stage Theatre Week

Arena Stage Kickoff Fest - Saturday, September 28

Networking, tours, workshops, performances, panels, & more!

For more info, visit https://theatreweek.org/theatreweek-kickoff

Academy Attendance Links

Attendance Line: 703-219-4060 
Online: https://fairfaxacademy.fcps.edu/form/attendance-form
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 families,

It's been another great week with our students! We started the week with Academy Kick-Off, where we talked with all classes about the people and processes they'll need to know during their time at Academy. 

One of those processes is attendance! There are some specifics about Academy attendance that will help keep your student's attendance record accurate. Most importantly, your base school does not communicate attendance information to Academy. To make sure absences are marked accurately, you'll need to submit to Academy also. This includes families with base school at Fairfax High School.

Below you will also see some information about Back to School Night. For our families with base school at FHS, you'll follow the class rotation schedule in your FHS bulletin. For families whose student commutes to Fairfax Academy from another school, come between 5:30 and 6:15 to meet your student's teacher and ask us your questions.

Last but not least, see the links to our swag shops below. Academy tees, hoodies, beanies, and trucker caps are in the screenprint shop and sparkly gear is available in the bling shop. 

Mrs. Cook

How To Submit Academy Attendance

Did you know? Fairfax Academy attendance is separate from base school attendance. Base schools do not report attendance to Academies - this includes students whose base school is at Fairfax High.

Parents or guardians need to submit attendance information to Academy for all absences - illness, field trips, base school schedule changes, testing, etc. You can call the attendance line at 703-219-4060 OR use the online attendance form OR email [email protected]

Need your student to dismiss early from Academy? Please call the Academy office at 703-219-2226. 

Back to School Night

Back to School Night | September 18

Students from schools other than Fairfax: Stop by 5:30-6:15pm for our open house format Back to School Night. Teachers will be in their rooms and the Academy Support Team will be in the commons for questions.

Fairfax High School families: follow the FHS schedule from 6:30-8:30pm to visit classes, including Fairfax Academy programs.

Next Weekend: National Dance Day

Saturday, September 21 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Old Town Square, Fairfax

Fairfax Academy Dance performs at 1 p.m.! 

Academy Swag Store

We are excited to offer NEW Academy swag! For a limited time, order Academy swag online. 

Choose from a screenprint tee, hoodie, trucker cap, or beanie in the screenprint shop. 

Or if bling is more your style, choose from several different items with a beautiful sparkly Academy logo. 

Choose from crew neck tee, v-neck tee, long sleeve tee, sweatshirt, or hoodie in the bling shop. 

 

Both shops are open through September 27. Orders will be filled after the close of the online store. Pay online and items will be delivered to Academy! 

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

Short weeks always go by so quickly. We hope our students enjoyed the beautiful weather and the day off on Monday! We know there are a few shuttles that are still a little slower than we hoped, but updated runs start next week which should rectify those issues. If a student has any concerns about a shuttle throughout the year, please don’t hesitate to contact the Academy office and let us know.

For students who miss their shuttle at their base school, please connect with your base school main office to see if they can call to get another bus sent over for you. The same is true at Fairfax Academy - our main office is happy to assist you if you miss your bus. Students should be picking a consistent mode of transportation to the Academy.

For students being dropped off by parents, please use Door #10. Stop into the Academy office to let us know and we will also give you a different lanyard so we know you will be accessing that entrance. This helps ease the congestion up front (and also puts most of our students closer to their classrooms.)

A reminder that we will host our annual Back to School Night on September 18. If your student attends one of our feeder high schools, please stop by from 5:30-6:15pm for our open house format Back to School Night. Teachers will be in their rooms and the Academy Support Team will be in the commons for questions. Fairfax High School families will follow the FHS schedule from 6:30-8:30pm to visit classes, including Fairfax Academy programs.

We hope you all enjoy your long weekend!

Mrs. Cook

Back to School Night

Back to School Night | September 18

Students from schools other than Fairfax: Stop by 5:30-6:15pm for our open house format Back to School Night. Teachers will be in their rooms and the Academy Support Team will be in the commons for questions.

Fairfax High School families: follow the FHS schedule from 6:30-8:30pm to visit classes, including Fairfax Academy programs.

Ambassador Sign Up Info

Academy Ambassadors Leadership Program is currently recruiting for this year’s stars! Ambassadors serve the Academy by providing support, planning and executing events, and representing the Academy’s best at various functions. Applications are due Monday, September 16th. Email Ms. Hard if you have any questions!

Academy Swag Store

We are excited to offer NEW Academy swag! For a limited time, order Academy swag online. 

Choose from a screenprint tee, hoodie, trucker cap, or beanie in the screenprint shop. 

Or if bling is more your style, choose from several different items with a beautiful sparkly Academy logo. 

Choose from crew neck tee, v-neck tee, long sleeve tee, sweatshirt, or hoodie in the bling shop. 

 

Both shops are open through September 27. Orders will be filled after the close of the online store. Pay online and items will be delivered to Academy! 

How To Submit Academy Attendance

Did you know? Fairfax Academy attendance is separate from base school attendance. Base schools do not report attendance to Academies - this includes students whose base school is at Fairfax High.

Parents or guardians need to submit attendance information to Academy for all absences - illness, field trips, base school schedule changes, testing, etc. You can call the attendance line at 703-219-4060 OR use the online attendance form OR 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

August 29, 2024

We hope all our students have settled into their classes and are enjoying exploring projects in our lab spaces. We have had a great time getting to know our students in the halls and starting to feature them on our social media. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. We have some fun internships being posted and look forward to featuring student projects and performances soon.

Below you will find more detailed information about our Academy Support Team, including how they directly support students. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of us should you have any questions or concerns.

Looking forward to September, we will host our annual Back to School Night on September 18. If your student attends one of our feeder high schools, please stop by from 5:30-6:15pm for our open house format Back to School Night. Teachers will be in their rooms and the Academy Support Team will be in the commons for questions. Fairfax High School families will follow the FHS schedule from 6:30-8:30pm to visit classes, including Fairfax Academy programs.

We hope you all enjoy your long weekend!

Mrs. Cook

In This Email

Meet the Academy Support Team

Back To School Night

FCPS Cell Phone Policy

Upcoming College Fairs

World Languages Credit Exam

How To Submit Academy Attendance

Meet the Support Team

Mr. Donald, the Academy Counselor, provides school counseling services to all students at the Academy (i.e. academic, college/career and social/emotional counseling). He assists with 504 plans, college planning, and recruitment. He also oversees the registration/enrollment and scheduling for all Academy students. ([email protected])

Academy Resource Teachers (ART) provide the assistance necessary to enable students to successfully participate in Academy classes with a focus on our Special Education students.

• Mr. Reyes supports students in Music Computer Technology, Social Media Marketing, Arabic, and Game Design. ([email protected])
• Mrs. St. Germain supports students in ASL 1, Dance, Fashion Careers, Korean, and TV & Media Production. ([email protected])
• Mrs. Sterrett supports students in the ASL 2-3, Musical Theatre & Actor’s Studio, Professional Photography Studio, and Chinese. ([email protected])

Mrs. Chae is a resource to support our multilingual learners and teachers in the Academy to ensure success. ([email protected])

Ms. Hard, the Academy Career Experience Specialist, is here to support with paving pathways to futures in the arts and communications! She brings in guest speakers, master classes, internships, scholarships, field trips, and other ways to connect with the industry to make dreams into plans. She also heads up the Ambassadors leadership program and is our Communications/Social Media Lead. ([email protected]) 

Mrs. Cook, the Academy Administrator, supports current and future students and parents with questions and challenges regarding classes, schedules, instruction, career pathways and more. She supports student to student and student to teacher relationships, curricular questions and expansion, in addition to discipline and cheerleading the great things our students accomplish here and in their careers. ([email protected])

Ms. Tarvid, the Academy Admin Assistant, is here to help with your everyday needs at Academy. Got an attendance question, need a parking pass, not sure where to go? You’ll find her in E119 and she’s always around to help. ([email protected])

Academy Back to School Night

Back to School Night | September 18

Students from schools other than Fairfax: Stop by 5:30-6:15pm for our open house format Back to School Night. Teachers will be in their rooms and the Academy Support Team will be in the commons for questions.

Fairfax High School families: follow the FHS schedule from 6:30-8:30pm to visit classes, including Fairfax Academy programs.

Reminder: FCPS Cell Phone Policy Upcoming College Fairs

College Fair | Sunday, October 20, 2024 | 4-6:30pm
Eagle Bank Arena
Registration at https://bit.ly/fcpspostsecondary

 

 

ALCANZA College Fair | October 16, 2024 | 10:30am-12:30pm
Eagle Bank Arena
More info: http://go.gmu.edu/alcanza

World Languages Credit Exam

This year's World Languages Credit by Exam will be administered at each FCPS middle, high, and secondary school. 

The World Languages Credit by Exam is an optional test for students in grades 7-12 who can speak and write (type) proficiently in a language other than English. Based on the results of the exam, they can earn 1, 2, and/or 3 passing world language credits. 

Registration opens on Wednesday, September 4, at 8 a.m., and closes on Friday, October 4, at 4 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted. Please contact your student’s school counselor to register for the exam. 

Find more information, including the list of eligible languages. 

How to Submit Academy Attendance

Fairfax Academy's attendance policy follows FCPS guidelines. However, there are some details that apply only to Academies. This is true for ALL Fairfax Academy students, including those with their base school at Fairfax High School.

• Your base school may not report attendance to Academies. A parent or guardian needs to report attendance to Academy as well as to the base school.
• You can call the attendance line at 703-219-4060 OR use the online attendance form OR 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

What a fantastic start to our 2024-2025 school year! We have enjoyed meeting all of our new Academy students and welcoming back our returning students. All students received a welcome packet in class. Please remind your student to share that packet with you. There are also a few reminders below that we would appreciate you reviewing with your student. 

We also wanted to make sure all our families have our contact information. If there is anything we can do to support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Academy Staff Contact Information

Academy Office: 703-219-2226 | Academy Attendance 703-219-4060

Academy Administrator: Mrs. Cook ([email protected])

Academy Administrative Assistant: Ms. Tarvid ([email protected])

Academy Counselor: Mr. Donald ([email protected])

Academy Resource Teachers: Mr. Reyes ([email protected]), Ms. St. Germain ([email protected]), Ms. Sterrett ([email protected])

Academy ESOL Teacher: Ms. Chae ([email protected])

In This Email

• How To Submit Academy Attendance
• Lunch, Lanyards, & Parking
• FCPS Cell Phone Policy
• Counselor Corner: Tips to Lower Stress in High School

How to Submit Academy Attendance

Fairfax Academy's attendance policy follows FCPS guidelines. However, there are some details that apply only to Academies. This is true for ALL Fairfax Academy students, including those with their base school at Fairfax High School.

• Your base school may not report attendance to Academies. A parent or guardian needs to report attendance to Academy as well as to the base school.
• You can call the attendance line at 703-219-4060 OR use the online attendance form OR email [email protected]

Lunch, Lanyards, & Parking

Lunch

Students arriving at the start of 5th or 6th period have the option to purchase lunch in the cafeteria at Fairfax High School. Students should report directly to the cafeteria when they arrive and may bring lunch to their class if they will not be done eating by 11:50am.

Lanyards

Feeder school students have all received Academy lanyards. It is expected that all students wear those while on grounds at Fairfax Academy (from arrival to departure). This helps us keep all students safe in the building and helps us identify Academy students in the case of emergencies. Please remind your student to wear them while here.

Parking Passes

Reminder: If your student is driving to Academy, they need an Academy parking permit. They need a parking permit at Academy even if they have one at their base school. Parking permits are available on a first-come basis. See the forms page for the parking permit request, or come to E119 for forms or to ask questions!

FCPS Cell Phone Policy

STUDENT PHONE POLICY DOCUMENT & GUIDELINES

High School Cell Phone Pilot Control Group

Phones are not to be used during school except for when allowed by Regulation 2601, by which high school students may use their phones during passing times and at lunch.

Every classroom will have a secure storage unit where students will deposit their phones at the start of class and then retrieve their phones at the end of class.

 

DAILY PROCESS

1. As a student enters each classroom, they will silence their cell phones (or place in airplane mode). Smartwatches also need to be placed in silent or airplane mode. If a student brings airpods to school, these must be stored in the student’s backpack during class. 
2. As the student enters each classroom, they will place their phones in their backpacks. 
3. When class ends, students will be able to access their phones.
4. For the first few weeks of the pilot, schools may have a daily schoolwide announcement first thing in the morning to remind students to silence their phones and to place phones in their backpacks as they enter each of their classrooms.
5. Students may still use their phones during passing time and at lunch (but not in restrooms except in emergencies), in accordance with the SR&R.
6. Students with IEPs who have an accommodation allowing access to their phones or students with a documented medical need requiring access to their phones will be allowed to have access to their phones.

 

VIOLATIONS

Staff Response and Discipline

• First Violation
• Staff Response: the phone is confiscated by a staff member and held until the end of the class. The phone will be secured by a staff member in the student’s classroom if the violation occurs in the classroom, or the phone will be secured in the office if the violation occurs in the hall or bathroom during class time. The student can pick up their phone at the end of the class. A parent/guardian is notified.
• Discipline: the student receives a warning and it is logged in SIS.
• Second Violation
• Staff Response: the phone is confiscated and given to the front office/subschool office. The student can pick up their phone at the end of the school day. A parent/guardian is notified.
• Discipline: the student receives detention and it is logged in SIS.
• Third Violation
• Staff Response: the phone is confiscated and given to the front office/subschool office. A parent/guardian is notified.  A parent/guardian or designee must pick up the phone. The phone will not be released to the student. 
• Discipline: the student receives detention, a parent/guardian conference is held, and it is logged in SIS. 
• Fourth Violation (and all other subsequent violations)
• Staff Response: the phone is confiscated and given to the front office/subschool office.  A parent/guardian is notified.  A parent/guardian or designee must pick up the phone. The phone will not be released to the student. 
• Discipline: phone privileges are lost for 20 consecutive school days and it is logged in SIS.  For each of these 20 days, the student will report to the front office at the beginning of each day to turn over their phone until the end of the day.

Counselor Corner: Ways to Lower Stress in High School

Creative Minds, Healthy Lives: Well-being Tips from Fairfax Academy

Hello Fairfax Academy All-Star Families!

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! We’re thrilled to have you join us as we embark on another year of creativity, learning, and growth. We know that the beginning of a school year can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming, so we wanted to take a moment to share some helpful tips to support your well-being as you navigate this new chapter.

8 Ways to Lower Stress in High School

Starting a new school year can bring a mix of emotions—excitement, anticipation, and sometimes, a little stress. It’s completely normal to feel this way, but there are some simple strategies you can use to help manage those feelings and set yourself up for a successful year.

1. Try to Get Enough Sleep Sleep is essential for both your physical and mental well-being. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night to ensure you’re well-rested and ready to take on the day. A consistent sleep schedule can help regulate your body’s natural rhythms and make waking up in the morning a bit easier.
2. Pick a Person Having at least one trusted person you can turn to—whether it’s a friend, teacher, or family member—can make a big difference. This person can be your go-to for support, whether you need to talk about a tough day or just need someone to listen.
3. Find Your People Building a supportive community is key. Whether you join a club, a sports team, or simply connect with classmates who share your interests, surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded individuals can help you feel more connected and less isolated.
4. Establish Small Rituals Creating small, daily rituals can provide a sense of stability and calm. This could be as simple as having a cup of tea before bed, journaling for a few minutes each morning, or taking a short walk after school. These rituals can act as anchors, helping you to feel grounded even when things get hectic.
5. Build in a Daily Stress-Relieving Activity Find something that helps you unwind and make it a regular part of your day. Whether it’s listening to music, practicing yoga, doodling, or meditating, incorporating stress-relief into your daily routine can help keep anxiety at bay.
6. Find a Physical Activity You Enjoy Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress. The key is to find something you actually enjoy doing—whether it’s dancing, swimming, cycling, or just going for a walk. Moving your body regularly can boost your mood and energy levels.
7. Get Organized Organization can help you feel more in control. Use a planner or an app to keep track of assignments, deadlines, and activities. Breaking tasks down into smaller, manageable steps can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
8. Know Who You Can Go to When You’re Struggling It’s important to know that you don’t have to go through tough times alone. Whether it’s a school counselor, a trusted teacher, or a family member, knowing who you can reach out to when you’re feeling overwhelmed is crucial. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

Remember, it’s okay to feel stressed from time to time, but by taking proactive steps, you can manage that stress and keep it from taking over. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s make this school year one of growth, creativity, and well-being!

Wishing you all a fantastic start to the school year and if you need anything, please reach out!

-Mr. Donald [email protected] 703-219-2384

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.

Welcome to Fairfax Academy!

If you're receiving this email, it's because your student is currently registered for a Fairfax Academy program in World Languages, Career & Technical Education, or Performing Arts.

Read on for important dates, to see our Back to School information packet, and more! 

A few things to call your attention to specifically:

• Open House and Back to School Night are two great opportunities to learn about Academy. We are also here to help! Our contact info is below. Contact us anytime with questions.
• If your student has a medical condition that may impact their school day, please share that information with us as it doesn't always convey from the base school. You can email Sarah at [email protected] or call the Academy office. 
• Any student who plans to drive to Fairfax Academy from another school does need a parking permit at Academy (even if they have one at their base school). See the info packet below for details. 
• Students who carpool with another student also need to have documentation on file at Fairfax Academy. This includes emergency contact information - just in case. See below for more information.

Important Fairfax Academy Dates

ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, August 15, 2024, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Visit your classroom & get ready for the new school year!
Teachers will be in classrooms 2:00-4:00
Enter through Door 1

ACADEMY BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Feeder school families
6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Fairfax HS families
Meet your student's teacher & the Academy team, learn about class curriculum & goals for the year, & ask your questions!
FHS families: Enter through Door 1
Families with base schools other than FHS: Enter through Door 10

Fairfax Academy Info Packet

We've created an information packet to tell you a little about how Academy works. It has information about shuttles, attendance, and other important topics that will help you start the year strong. 

Click here to read the information packet.

Academy Parking Passes & Carpools

Parking Pass Sales
Wednesdays, August 7 & August 14 | 5:00-6:00 p.m.
During Open House (Thursday, August 15)
During the first week of school
In E119 (near Door 10)

Any student who is driving to Academy or carpooling with another student needs to submit a completed Parking/Carpool Form and an FCPS Emergency Contact Form. 

Fairfax Academy Contact Info

Andrea Cook, Academy Administrator: [email protected]
Sarah Tarvid, Academy AA: [email protected]
Luke Donald, Academy Counselor: [email protected]
Amy Hard, Career Experience Specialist: [email protected]

Academy Office: 703-219-2226 (Monday-Friday, 7:30am-3:30pm)

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.

Welcome to Fairfax Academy!

If you're receiving this email, it's because your student is currently registered for a Fairfax Academy program in World Languages, Career & Technical Education, or Performing Arts.

Read on for important dates, to see our Back to School information packet, and more! 

A few things to call your attention to specifically:

• Open House and Back to School Night are two great opportunities to learn about Academy. We are also here to help! Our contact info is below. Contact us anytime with questions.
• If your student has a medical condition that may impact their school day, please share that information with us as it doesn't always convey from the base school. You can email Sarah at [email protected] or call the Academy office. 
• Any student who plans to drive to Fairfax Academy from another school does need a parking permit at Academy (even if they have one at their base school). See the info packet below for details. 
• Students who carpool with another student also need to have documentation on file at Fairfax Academy. This includes emergency contact information - just in case. See below for more information.

Important Fairfax Academy Dates

ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, August 15, 2024, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Visit your classroom & get ready for the new school year!
Teachers will be in classrooms 2:00-4:00
Enter through Door 1

ACADEMY BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Feeder school families
6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Fairfax HS families
Meet your student's teacher & the Academy team, learn about class curriculum & goals for the year, & ask your questions!
FHS families: Enter through Door 1
Families with base schools other than FHS: Enter through Door 10

Fairfax Academy Info Packet

We've created an information packet to tell you a little about how Academy works. It has information about shuttles, attendance, and other important topics that will help you start the year strong. 

Click here to read the information packet.

Academy Parking Passes & Carpools

Parking Pass Sales
Wednesdays, August 7 & August 14 | 5:00-6:00 p.m.
During Open House (Thursday, August 15)
During the first week of school
In E119 (near Door 10)

Any student who is driving to Academy or carpooling with another student needs to submit a completed Parking/Carpool Form and an FCPS Emergency Contact Form. 

Fairfax Academy Contact Info

Andrea Cook, Academy Administrator: [email protected]
Sarah Tarvid, Academy AA: [email protected]
Luke Donald, Academy Counselor: [email protected]
Amy Hard, Career Experience Specialist: [email protected]

Academy Office: 703-219-2226 (Monday-Friday, 7:30am-3:30pm)

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