Justice HS News & Announcements - 12/15/25

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This Week's Topics


Important Dates

Monday, December 22 - Friday, January 2, 2026 - Winter Break - Justice Offices Closed

Monday, January 5 - Classes resume

Saturday, January 10 - Saturday School

Monday, January 19 - Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday - Division Closed

Saturday, January 24 - Saturday School

Wednesday, January 28 - 2 Hour Early Release and End of 2nd Quarter

Thursday, January 29 - Staff Development Day - Student Holiday

Friday, January 30 - Teacher Workday - Student Holiday

Saturday, February 7 - Saturday School

Saturday, February 7 - International Night (performances at 2pm and 7pm - stay tuned for more information)

Wednesday, February 11 - Q3 Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation

Monday, February 16 - Presidents' Day - Division Closed

Tuesday, February 17 - Teacher Workday - Student Holiday

Wednesday, February 18 - First Full Day of Ramadan (begins at sundown)

Saturday, February 21 - Saturday School

Saturday, February 28 - Justice PTSA's Wolves at the Lodge (more info below)

The entire 2025-2026 FCPS Calendar can be found here.


Big Announcements Coming Later This Week

Prior to Winter Break, we will be sharing our new Justice HS Vision and Mission with the community for review and feedback. We are also unveiling a new alternate logo later this week. Stay tuned for more information!


Winter Break - Justice Offices Closed

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 22, to Friday, January 2. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.

During winter break, Justice Offices will be closed.

Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. See the complete school year calendar.


Justice HS News & Announcements on Hiatus Over Break

Justice HS News & Announcements will be on hiatus for the next two weeks, returning Monday, January 5. We hope you have an amazing winter break!


Shape Your Story: Course Selection for Middle and High School Students 

Beginning in January 2026, students will meet with their counselors to discuss course selection for next year. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to actively participate in this important process. 

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements (high school students.
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success. Families may contact their student’s school counselor with questions.

Graduation Requirements and Planning

FCPS’ Graduation Requirements and Course Planning page provides information that students and families can preview to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond.  For additional support in tracking these requirements, families can now log into ParentVUE to monitor their student's progress toward graduation.

Reviewing the Program of Studies may also be helpful. Be sure to refer to our course catalog and course selection information found on our website here.


Preparing for Tough Conversations With Teens

Are you planning on spending more time with your teen over winter break? Or are they planning to spend time away from you with friends? Now may be a good time to talk to them about fentanyl and overdose. 

Discussing tough topics like fentanyl and other drugs can feel challenging, no matter how close you are with your child. Explain to your teen that it’s important to learn about fentanyl so they know what to do if a friend overdoses. Prepare in advance with the tips below:

  • Set the stage. Choose a casual environment that’s free from distractions. Talk while driving the car, taking a walk, or doing chores together. 
  • Make it a two-way discussion. Ask open-ended questions. 
  • Stay patient, and reserve judgment. 
  • Check in with your child early and often. 

Learn how to start an unskippable conversation, and find resources to share with your teen on how to spot an overdose and how to respond.


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.


Donate New or Gently Used Winter Coats, Hoodies and Outerwear for Students!

It's getting cold out there!  That means it's time to help Justice students bundle up.  If you would like to donate new or gently used winter coats, hoodies and outerwear, please drop off in the front office of Justice High School and mark your donations with "Wolf Shack."  All donations are very much appreciated!

The Wolf Shack is our PTSA-sponsored in-school food and resource pantry available to Justice students. In the Wolf Shack, we provide FREE snacks, food, toiletries, clothing and other essential resources for ALL students. Our Wolf Shack volunteers serve over 1,000 students a month and are open after school from 3-5pm on Wednesdays & Thursdays every week in Room B27 between the Black Box Theater and the Little Theater.  The Wolf Shack can also be accessed anytime through teachers, social workers and counselors.

Email wolfshack@justicehsptsa.org with any questions or ideas! 


2026 Howl Yearbook Senior Ads

We are excited to invite you to our Senior Ad Help Sessions, created to help support families who would like guidance designing a tribute page for their senior in this year's edition of The Howl.

Never done this before? We've got you covered.

Many families are new to yearbook ads, and that's exactly why we created these FREE help sessions. Our yearbook staff will sit with you, answer all your questions, and help you create something beautiful. No experience is needed.

What is a senior ad? 

It's a special page in the yearbook where YOU get to:

  • Share favorite photos of your senior growing up
  • Write a personal message of love and pride
  • Create a permanent tribute they can look back on for years

Your senior will see this page and know: My family celebrated me. They're proud of who I am.

FREE Help Sessions - Drop in anytime

  • Thursday, January 15th — right after school, Room D69

We will help you:

  • Pick the right photos (bring them on your phone — we'll help!)
  • Choose a layout that fits your budget
  • Write your message (or translate if needed)
  • Submit everything on the spot

What to bring: ✔️ Photos from your phone ✔️ Payment method (cash or check)

Can't make these dates? Email us — we'll find another time to help you.

This is your moment to tell your child how much they mean to you, in a way they'll keep forever. Let us make it easy.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP 

Questions? Contact our yearbook adviser, Mr. Denlinger, at sldenlinger@fcps.edu


Other Happenings at Justice

Inaugural Howl of Honor Recognition Ceremony

howl of honor

Congratulations to our inaugural group of Howl of Honor nominees! The Howl of Honor recognition program is an opportunity for staff members to nominate a student for going above and beyond in a variety of ways, including: building on strengths and overcoming challenges, practicing successful time management skills, reflecting on their opinion or attitude and advocating for what they need in a positive way, showing kindness or gratitude to others, demonstrating The Wolf Way consistently, and/or demonstrating competencies through the IB Learner Profile. We look forward to our next Howl of Honor ceremony in January!


The Wolf Way - Our New Positive Behavior System

the wolf way

As part of our new Positive Behavior Intervention and Support program, The Wolf Way, Ms. Fukiau and Mr. De Jesus visited classrooms to reinforce our cell phone policy and keep learning on track. Should out to Ms. Mejia's and Mr. Gillespie's class on being of the classes rewarded for following the cell phone policy.


Winter Concert Season!

tri m

December saw the music performances kickoff with an amazing compilation of performances by both the guitar classes as well as students in Tri-M, the Music Honor Society. Guitar had eleven students perform ranging in experience from 3 months to 3 years of experience. Tri-M students put together their own performances, combining talents from vocals, strings, brass, and wind instruments.

winter band

The Glasgow MS and Justice HS Bands performed an exciting collection of pieces for the Winter Concert. 


Learning By Doing

ceramics

Students in Ms. Nast's Ceramics class learn to make bowls using coils of clay.

eads

Students in Mr. Eads’ biology class dove into hands-on science this week as they extracted DNA from bananas and strawberries. Through this fun and interactive lab, they practiced real-world scientific techniques. Things such as measuring, mixing, observing chemical reactions and got to see DNA with their own eyes. These photos capture their curiosity, teamwork, and excitement as they explored the “building blocks of life”.

martinez rock lab

Students in Ms. Martinez Earth Science completed a Rock Identification Lab, exploring the minerals and properties that make each rock unique. Hands-on science at its best!


Guest Speaker for Theory of Knowledge

tok panel

Students in Ms. Gunther’s 4th period Theory of Knowledge (TOK) class had a robust discussion around the impact of Foreign Aid and other global topics with a dynamic guest speaker and former USAID employee.


Parent University Engages Families with Academic Planning

Q2 Parent U

The second Justice High School Parent University session of the school year was held on December 10 and engaged families in the academic planning process. Counselors and administrators engaged in discussion with families about the paths for different diploma types available and examples of course loads for the IB Diploma. Parents also received information about the upcoming language assessment in February (WIDA for English language learners) and how success on that assessment can positively impact their child while in high school, gain honor recognition at graduation, and support their coursework in college. As course selection will start after the winter break, options for both core classes (to include IB, AP, and Dual Enrollment courses) and electives were also reviewed.


Art Field Trip to the National Gallery of Art in DC

art field trip

The Art Field Trip to the National Gallery of Art in DC was a success!  Students got to see a special exhibit on Australian Indigenous Art as well as works by Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Monet, Vermeer, and more. 


Public Health Ambassador Program Projects & Vital Signs Device Training

pha

The Fall cohort of the Public Health Youth Ambassador Program is coming to a close. Students will present their Health Community Projects, highlighting what they have learned and the impact of their work.

As part of the culminating experience, health professionals will demonstrate how to properly use vital signs devices provided through the program, including blood pressure monitors, scales, and measuring tapes. Students will gain hands-on practice and practical skills they can apply to promote health and wellness in their communities.


Justice HS PTSA

Wolves at the Lodge

Mark Your Calendars!  February 28 is Justice PTSA’s fourth annual fundraiser, WOLVES AT THE LODGE. Tickets will go on sale soon. The PTSA is looking for families to serve as host committee sponsors, corporate sponsors and food and prize donations. Please email watljusticeptsa@gmail.com if you are interested or have contacts that may help. 


Join the Justice High School PTSA Today!

Get Involved in the JHS PTSA

The Justice HS PTSA actively supports our students, parents and staff with events, programs and activities. But we need members and volunteers to make it all happen.  So how can you get involved? 

PTSA Membership

Join the PTSA and invest in our school community. Parents, guardians, students, community members, business leaders faculty and staff may join for just $10. We need everyone to be a part of planning and funding our programs. JOIN US!  Visit