The Lewis Lancer - 9/18/26

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Table of Contents


Principal's Note

Dear Lewis Families,

It is hard to believe we have already completed four weeks of school! Hopefully, your student is settling into their routines, building relationships, and finding their rhythm for the school year. As we move further into the quarter, please continue to support your student by regularly checking StudentVUE/ParentVUE together to monitor grades, missing assignments, and overall progress. Establishing these habits early and reaching out to teachers when questions arise are important ways we can work together to keep students on track.

IB Evaluation Visit & Parent Voice

As part of our ongoing commitment to educational excellence, Lewis and Key are hosting an Evaluation Team from the International Baccalaureate (IB) next week. This five-year review is a standard, collaborative part of our growth as IB World Schools and provides an opportunity to reflect on our progress and explore the strengths, needs, diversity, and partnership within our Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).

An important part of this process is hearing directly from our families. Your experiences and perspectives help provide the evaluation team with an authentic picture of how our IB programs support students and our broader community.

We invite interested parents and caregivers to participate in a focus group on Thursday, September 24:

  • Lewis DP families (Grades 11–12 or recent graduates): 8:15–9:00 AM, in person at Lewis or virtually via Zoom
  • Key/Lewis MYP families (Grades 7–10): 1:45–2:15 PM, in person at Key or virtually via Zoom

If you are willing and able to participate, please contact Allison Patterson at alpatterson1@fcps.edu by September 21 and indicate whether you plan to attend in person or virtually.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students. We appreciate all you do at home to help our Lancers have a successful school year.

Have a wonderful weekend, Lancers!

Serena Giron  | Principal | John R. Lewis High School


Important Dates

11/26 - Holiday | Thanksgiving Day

12/25 - Holiday | Christmas Day


Superintendent Community Conversations

Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. 


2e Resources


We’re excited to share information about Twice-Exceptional (2e) Programming available throughout our school system. Twice-exceptional students demonstrate advanced abilities while also experiencing learning, attention, or other challenges that may require additional support. 

Please view the attached flyer to learn more about 2e programming, available resources, and opportunities to support the unique strengths and needs of twice-exceptional learners. You can also visit the FCPS 2e webpage for additional information and resources.

Families can also learn more about 2e learners, ways to support them, and how to partner with schools.  The webpage also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Lewis IB Diploma Coordinator and 2e Representative, Allison Patterson at alpatterson1@fcps.edu.


Image of a teacher and three children engaged in a hands-on learning activity with colorful blocks in a classroom setting.

Imagen de una maestra y tres niños participando en una actividad de aprendizaje práctico con bloques de colores en un salón de clases.

College Fair and Postsecondary Virtual Night

Prepare for your child’s future at College Fair and Postsecondary Night. The annual FCPS College Fair will be held Sunday, October 18, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the George Mason University Eagle Bank Arena. Approximately 200 colleges and universities will be represented, including two- and four-year schools and U.S. Service Academies. 

The virtual postsecondary night event will be held on Monday, October 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. Both events will help students prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey. Learn more about the College Fair and postsecondary virtual event.

Click to edit this placeholder text.


Teletherapy

Since 2023, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to FCPS high school students. These services became available to students enrolled in all FCPS middle schools on July 1

Parents are encouraged to contact Hazel Health directly if they are seeking mental health support for their child, have noticed changes in their child’s mood or behavior, or are having difficulty connecting with a therapist in the community. 

To make it easier for families to access services, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to streamline the referral process. Parents can visit the Hazel Health in FCPS website to enroll their child in services or visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.


Sports Week at a Glance

9/19 No Events Scheduled!

9/21 - No Events Scheduled!

9/22 - 

  • Field Hockey V. Rock Ridge 6:30
  • JV/V Boys Volleyball V. Justice 5:00/6:30
  • F/JV/V Girls Volleyball @ Justice 430/545/730

9/23 -

  • XC @ Grove Point 5:00
  • Golf @ Ft. Belvoir 4:20
  • JV Cheer @ Park View Competition

9/24 -

  • JV Football V. Mt. Vernon 6:00 PM
  • F/JV/V Girls Volleyball V. Hayfield 430/530/700
  • Field Hockey @ Mt. Vernon 7:15
  • Varsity Boys Volleyball @ Hayfield 6:30

9/25 - Varsity Football @ Mt. Vernon 7:00 PM

9/25 - Cross Country @ Pole Green Invitational


Performing Arts Dates

9/19 – Marching Band Competition at Colgan Classic

10/3 – Marching Band Competition at Woodbridge Viking Invitational

10/8 – 7:00pm – Fall Chorus Concert

10/17 – Marching Band Competition at Stafford Invitational

10/22 –  7:00pm – Fall Orchestra Concert

10/24 – VBODA State Marching Assessment at Patriot High School

10/28 – 7:00pm – Fall Band Concert



Reporting Discrimination or Harassment

FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible. 


PSAT School Day - 10/7/26

FCPS high schools are administering the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day on    October 7, 2026.

Most Grade 10-11 students will be participating in PSAT/NMSQT testing. Grade 12 students who registered by the deadline will be participating in SAT testing.  Grade 9 students, along with grade 12 students who did not register for the SAT, should not be attending school on October 7. 

High school academy courses will not be held on October 7 and shuttles are canceled. Note that students with disabilities taught on an adapted curriculum (students receiving low incidence special education services) will receive in-person instruction with a 2-hour early release.

If you have questions about the SAT School Day administration or alternative activities, please contact us at sldawley@fcps.edu.


Lewis High School PTSA

Class of 2027, don’t wait!

Get your All Night Grad Party ticket now before the price increases. Future-you will be very glad present-you handled this. 

Grab your ticket and get ready to celebrate graduation with your classmates!

https://lancernationptsa.givebacks.com/shop


Strategic Plan

The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12

The FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

The first goal of the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they’re joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success.See how Goal 1 is being put into practice


Weather Safety

Weather Happens, FCPS Is Ready

Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, many different types of weather events can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff. What does FCPS do during a flood? What about a severe thunderstorm?

Learn how FCPS prepares for and responds to weather events, and find resources to help your family prepare, on the FCPS Weather Safety webpage.


Safety Drills

Safety Drills During the School Year

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and extreme weather. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. 

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. 

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your child before and after school lockdown drills.

⚠️ Know Our Security Terms

FCPS uses specific ter