Dulles High School

Dear Viking Parents, 

It is my pleasure to welcome everyone back for another great year! We are excited to have students back in our classrooms and hallways filling them with energy and enthusiasm for learning as we begin the 65th year of the Tradition of Excellence at Dulles! 

Our partnership with you and the community is important, and we understand that the education of our students entails all of us working together.  As both a parent and an educator, I envision a place where everyone is valued, engaged in the learning process, safe, and enjoying their school environment.  We welcome your ideas throughout the year, so if you have any praises and/or concerns or would like to volunteer, please feel free to contact myself, Ms. Nancy Thomas, Associate Principal, or Mrs. Beth Sanchez, Executive Assistant.  

As we near the start of the school year, we will continue our expectations regarding student cell phone use during instructional time. Over the past several years, we have seen a dramatic increase in the use of mobile devices throughout the school day. At Dulles High School, we are fortunate to have a variety of technology options which allow us to address the educational needs of our students, such as access to devices including laptops and iPads.  While we recognize that cell phones are a part of our everyday lives, they are not a necessary requirement to meet our curricular outcomes. In order to support student learning, the cell phone expectation is that all students will silence their cell phones and put them away during all instructional time. Students will continue to be allowed to use their devices before and after school, during lunch as well as between classes. Last year we saw this change increase the amount of time students were engaged with their classroom activities. Should a situation arise where you need to get in touch of your student during class time, we ask that you call the front office. Please see our DHS student handbook for more details regarding our updated cell phone procedure. 

This year, we are implementing a new procedure for ear buds/headphones. In order to support student learning, the ear bud/headphone expectation in class is that all students will take them out/off during all instructional time. Students will be allowed to have one in/on their ear before and after school, during lunch, and between classes. The one ear rule will help us keep our students safe during the day as they will be able to hear adult directives and be more aware of their surroundings. More details regarding this procedure can also be found in our DHS student handbook. 

High school is a special time in our students’ lives in which they form relationships and memories that will last a lifetime.  We ask that you encourage your student to get involved in extra-curricular activities, or one of the many clubs and organizations that Dulles has to offer. Please visit our website to learn more. We know a strong partnership with you will make a great difference in your child’s education.  As partners, we share the responsibility for our student’s success and want you to know we will do our very best to carry out our responsibilities.  

Some key points to take note of:  

Become a Viking Volunteer 

DHS’s Volunteer in Public Schools (VIPS) is always looking for help.  Your support is greatly appreciated either through making donations, assisting with school events, helping with communication, or all of the above! If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please email elizabethewoods@gmail.com.  

To close, I would like to thank you for all that you do for students and our school community. Together, we will work diligently towards maximizing the potential of every student academically, emotionally, socially, and physically.  

Sincerely,  

Mr. Corey Stewart 

Principal, John Foster Dulles High School