Upcoming Events

February 20: Academy Dance Benefit, 7pm

Saturday, February 21: VHSL One Acts, Academy auditions and World Language placement exams (Feb. 28 snow date)

February 23: Spring Sports Tryouts

February 24: Band Concert, 7pm, Auditorium

February 26: Orchestra Concert, 7pm, Auditorium

March 10: Sophomore College Night

March 8: Daylight Savings Time Begins (Spring Forward)

March 20: Nowruz and Eid al-Fitr, No School

March 27: End of 3rd quarter, 2HR Early Release

March 30 - April 3: Spring Break, No School

February 20, 2026

Greetings, Fairfax Families,

While the weather outside has been a bit dreary, the spirit inside our hallways has been PAWSome. This week, we found plenty of reasons to celebrate, proving that a little recognition of excellence can make even the gloomiest day feel bright.

Celebrating Excellence: National Merit & Fairfax Pyramid Winners

We are incredibly proud to officially recognize our National Merit Finalists. This distinction is a testament to years of academic discipline and intellectual curiosity. Please join me in congratulating these students for reaching national academic achievement recognition.

Excellence, however, isn't limited to our students. We are also thrilled to announce our Faculty Pyramid Winners! These educators represent the very best of Fairfax High—professionals who go above and beyond every day to support, inspire, and challenge our Lions. A school is only as strong as its team, and we have the best in town.

The "Sprint" of Third Quarter

We have officially "locked in" to the third quarter. Because this is historically a shorter window of time, classes spent some time this week focusing on action plans.

Students in specialized work group sessions took time to reflect on their Q2 results and set concrete goals for the spring. Whether it’s attending more "Lion Time" sessions, refining study habits, or simply staying ahead of deadlines, we are encouraging every student to finish the year with the same energy they started with.

Have a great weekend and may it be relaxing and SNOW free.

In partnership,

Included in this issue:

Student Spotlight

National Merit Finalists

Staff Spotlight

Fairfax Pyramid Outstanding New Teacher Award Winner
Fairfax Pyramid Outstanding Leader Award Winner

Calendar Reminders

Public Schools Week, Feb. 23-27
Saturday School Dates

Fairfax Lions Need to Know:

Student Report Cards
Black History Month Celebration
Ramadan & Meditation Space Information
Meal Kits for Fasting Students
SR&R Survey
Student Summit
New Visitor Management System

Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:

Fairfax Academy Dance Benefit Concert: Grounded, Feb. 20, 7pm
Gap Year Fair, February 24
Kaplan PSAT/SAT Prep
Fairfax City Arbor Day Contest
Prepare for Summer Learning
District News / In Case You Missed It
Quick Links

Student Spotlight

National Merit Finalists

Congratulations to our National Merit Finalists!

Top Left, Rohan Desai

Top Right, Henry Mann

Bottom Left, Nathan Yoon and Michael Stechl

Not Pictured: Elias Falke

Staff Spotlight

Fairfax Pyramid Outstanding New Teacher

Congratulations to ESOL Teacher, Joaquin Perez, for being named the Outstanding New Teacher of the Year (Secondary schools) for the Fairfax Pyramid!! Mr. Perez now gets to compete at the Region Level. Congratulations!!!

Fairfax Pyramid Outstanding Leader

Congratulations to Ashley Anderson, Director of Student Services, for being named the Outstanding School-Based Leader for the Fairfax Pyramid!! Ms. Anderson now gets to compete at the Region Level. Congratulations!!!