January 9, 2026 Newsletter
to see previous newsletter entries, please click here
Greetings Eagle family!
Happy New Year! We hope Winter Break offered time to rest, recharge, and reconnect. We’re excited to welcome everyone back as we begin the 2026 chapter of the school year.
What’s New This Week 1/5-1/9
We’ve expanded our after-school support to give students more flexibility in when and how they get help.
General academic support/coaching is now available on Mondays and Thursdays, which is a great option for students who need help organizing work, catching up, or planning ahead.
Tutoring on Tuesdays for Social Studies and Wednesdays for Math will continue as usual
To register for Eagle Hour, families should simply email Kyle.DeJan@pgcps.org with: the day(s) your scholar plans to stay after, and what they would like to work on during that session.
There are also some expanded online Math tutoring options for students who may prefer or need virtual support.
Families can explore those options here: https://sites.google.com/pgcps.org/fdhsnga/academic-resources/outside-tutoring-services
A reminder: The 100 Day Streak Sprint Duolingo Challenge Continues!
Our 100 Day Streak Sprint Duolingo Challenge kicks off on December 17 and runs through March 27.
This challenge is a great way for students to build consistency in language learning while working toward rewards and recognition.
More information on incentives and prizes can be found here: Duolingo Streak Challenge Reward Matrix
Ongoing Supports for Students
1:1 Academic Advising: All 9th grade students are encouraged to take advantage of one-on-one academic advising sessions. These meetings are designed to be student-centered and flexible—whether a student wants to review grades, set goals for the remainder of the quarter, adjust study habits, or talk through challenges they’re facing.
Appointments can be requested here: https://calendar.app.google/QmJQXWF628iEWnDq9
Looking Ahead
As we near the completion of students' first semester of high school now might be a helpful time for reflection on the things that went well and areas that need improvement. Here's a few helpful conversation starters to guide that conversation:
Looking back at the semester, what is one habit or routine that helped you succeed and one that got in your way?
When things got challenging this semester, how did you usually respond?
What are you most proud of from your first semester of high school?
Think about a moment when you didn’t meet your own expectations. What contributed to that outcome and what might you try differently if facing a similar situation again?
Next 9th Grade Parent Night: January 20, 2026 at 6pm via Zoom!
Zoom Link: https://pgcps-org.zoom.us/j/81571898895?pwd=8cnCYV14DzhzoVNOgEvJk1sMC3Qwan.1
Meeting ID: 815 7189 8895
Passcode: 048397
Click here to see a full schedule of 9th Grade Parent Nights for the rest of the school year.T
NEW NEWSLETTER FEATURE #1:
Researcher's Resource: Students taking ownership over their academic progress
Here are a few research-based articles and studies families can read to better understand how to support high school students in taking ownership of their academic progress.
From K12 Tutoring on Student independence: Fostering student independence through time ownership routines
From Healthychildren.org on Teaching Time Management: Teaching Time Management to Teens: Less Stress, More Balance
NEW NEWSLETTER FEATURE #2:
Extracurricular Activities Highlight
This month, we’re introducing a new feature that celebrates the many opportunities students have to get involved. We’re starting with What's Next? Career Readiness Club led by Dr. Hartigan and Ms. Terry, which helps students prepare for college, careers, and beyond. What's Next Club meets on Wednesdays from 2:30-3:30 in Room 103. This month they are focusing on the trades including how students can access those professions.
Please contact neil.hartigan@pgcps.org or amani.terry@pgcps.org for more details about What's Next? Career Readiness Club. Click here to see club flyer.
Warm regards,
Kyle De Jan, 9th Grade Academy Coordinator
What's going on at Doug 1/12-1/16?
Upcoming Assessments
No major, school-wide assessments are scheduled this week but benchmarks are coming soon!
Athletics
1/13 - Boys Basketball @ Potomac HS, 5:30pm, 1/15 Boys Basketball vs CMIT South @ FDHS, 5:30pm
1/13 - Girls Basketball vs Potomac HS @ FDHS, 6pm, 1/15 Girls Basketball vs CMIT South @ CMIT North, 5:30pm
1/14- Boys Wrestling vs St. James HS @ FDHS, 5:30pm
1/15- Girls Wrestling vs La Plata HS @ La Plata HS, 5:00pm
12/18- FDHS Indoor Track competes at the PG Relays @ Sports and Learning Complex, 4pm
Schoolwide Observances/Events
End of Quarter 2 is coming up on 1/26!