Hollin Meadows News and Updates for the week of Aug. 16

For a translated version of this newsletter, please click HERE. Next click on the language icon in the upper left corner to choose your preferred language.

Para obtener una versión traducida de este mensaje, haga clic AQUÍ. Luego, haga clic en el icono IDIOMA en la esquina superior izquierda para elegir su idioma preferido.

Returning Strong

FCPS has been planning for the return to school since spring, and we cannot wait to have students back in classrooms five days a week for in-person instruction! We have a lot to be excited about and to prepare for as the first day of school, August 23rd, approaches.

To ensure a safe start to the school year, layered prevention strategies will be in place in all schools, including wearing a mask while indoors. The two most important things you can do to help us keep each other safe this year is to get vaccinated when you are eligible and wear a mask indoors. Read more about why these measures are important and how we’ll practice safety this fall.

FCPS has been planning for the return to school since spring, and we cannot wait to have students back in classrooms five days a week! You can prepare for a strong start to the school year by visiting the Return to School page, frequently checking the Return to School FAQs, and reading FCPS This Week for the latest information.


A Note from Mr. Gates

We are eagerly looking forward to welcoming students to the first day of the 2021-2022 school year on Monday, August 23! Teachers will be at school this coming week setting up their classrooms, reconnecting with their colleagues, engaging in professional devlelopment and planning great lessons. The only thing missing will be the students. Please see below for important dates and information.  

Enjoy the last week of summer and know how excited we are to welcome everyone back to Hollin Meadows on Monday, August 23!

Jon Gates, Principal


New Student and Kindergarten Registration 

Do you have, or know of a new student or rising kindergartener (turning 5 on or before Sept. 30)?  Please spread the word that registration is underway as we are excited to meet our newest Holln Meadows' Hornets. Registration information for kindergarten and new students can be found on our school website

For additioanl information and questions please contact our registrar, Melissa Breen, at  mabreen@fcps.edu or 703.718.8300.


Head Start

FCPS PreK and Early Head Start are Accepting Applications for 2021-22

¡FCPS PreK y Early Head Start ya está aceptando aplicaciones para el año escolar 2021-22!  Por favor mire este video para ver si su hijo de 3 o 4 años puede calificar para PreK. Para aplicar en línea: www.fcps.edu busque: PreK Correo electrónico: fcpsprekoffice@fcps.edu. Para más información llame a la línea de español: 703-208-7901


Upcoming Events

Kindergarten Ice Cream Social

Wednesday, August 18, 6:30 – 7:30 pm.

Additional information on this exciting event will be sent to parents of incoming kindergartners.

Welcome Walk (grades 1 - 6)

Thursday, August 19, 5 – 8 pm.

The Welcome Walk is an informal time for you to meet your child's teacher (grades 1 - 6). Your child's teacher and a HMES staff buddy will come to your home for a brief 3-5 minute doorstep visit. This year's welcome walk will be held on Thursday, August 19 from 5 - 8 p.m. To participate you will need to be home during this time frame.

Opting out:  If you will be away or prefer not to participate please complete this form (student’s name, grade and phone number) by  4 p.m on Monday, August 16.  

Open House/Drop-Off Supplies

Friday, August 20

  • 9:30 - 10 a.m. (Last Names A - L)
  • 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. (Last Names M - Z)

Students are invited to find their new classroom and drop-off their school supplies before school starts on Monday, August 23.


First Day of School and Bell Schedule 

The first day of school for the 2021-22 school year is Monday, August 23. The last day of school is June 10, 2022. 

Hollin Meadows ES bell schedule for 2021-22 will be 8:20 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.  School doors will open at 8:05 a.m. with our school day beginning promptly at 8:20 a.m. Dismissal for all students will be at 3:05 p.m. 


Class Placements

All Hollin Meadows parents will receive a message via email by Wednesday, Aug. 18 that will tell you your child’s teacher’s name and contact information.

If you don’t receive an email or other message with this information by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 18, please contact the school office at (703) 718-8300.


Free School Meals for All Students 

FCPS’ Food and Nutrition Services staff are ready to serve healthy meals to students and staff. This year, all students receive FREE breakfast and lunch.

Find out more about school meals go to: www.fcps.edu/news/free-meals


Face Mask

Mask Up!

Masks are an essential tool in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting those unable to be vaccinated.

To ensure a safe start to the school year, masks will be required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, inside FCPS buildings.

We will all wear masks indoors, unless we are alone in an office or room. Outdoor masking is recommended for those who are unvaccinated in crowded settings. 

There are some situations in school when students and staff are permitted to remove their masks, including:

  • When actively eating or drinking (if eating indoors, individuals are required to put their masks back on when not actually eating or drinking)
  • When outside (e.g. outdoor recess, outdoor physical education, outdoor instructional groups; anyone not fully vaccinated is recommended, but not required, to wear a mask in crowded settings)

While FCPS is unable to implement full physical distancing in our schools with the return of 99.5% of our students, we will implement it to the best of our ability when space permits.


Superintendent Brabrand's Return to School Town Halls

Superintendent Scott Brabrand will be hosting two community Town Halls:

Monday, August 16, from 6 - 7 p.m. (In English) The superintendent will be joined by Dr. Benjamin Schwartz, director of Epidemiology and Population Health at the Fairfax County Health Department, Jeffrey Platenberg, assistant superintendent of FCPS Department of Facilities and Transportation, and Michelle Boyd, assistant superintendent of FCPS Department of Special Services. The Town Hall will focus on returning to five full days of in-person instruction for the new school year and layered prevention strategies that will be implemented to help keep students and staff safe. Watch the Town Hall on FCPS’ website or on Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11). Please send your questions in advance to returntoschool@fcps.edu or ask your question live during the event by calling 1-800-231-6359.

Tuesday, August 17, from 6 - 7 p.m. (In Spanish) The superintendent, joined by two school principals, will answer questions about returning to five full days of in-person learning and measures to help keep everyone safe for a strong return to school. The Town Hall will be streamed live on FCPS Facebook en Español. Please email your questions to returntoSchool@fcps.edu. You may also send us a message on our Facebook page or leave it in the “Comment” section during the Town Hall.



Activate Your Parent SIS Account

Please activate your Student Information System (SIS) Parent Account today!

Your SIS Parent account will provide you with online access to update emergency contact information, connect with the school and teachers through Schoology, and review grades. If you do not yet have your SIS Parent account, request your activation key here: https://itweb.fcps.edu/ParentView/index.cfm

Only one request needed per family needed as your account will allow you access to all of your children’s information. If you are not sure if you have activated your account or have forgotten your password, click the Forgot Password link here and enter your email address to reset your password: https://sisparent.fcps.edu/

Transportation Updates

Parents/guardians should review their ParentVue account in Student Information System (SIS) for updated bus route assignment information after August 10, 2021.


From the PTA

Popsicles on the Playground

Popsicles on the Playground will be held on Sunday, Aug. 22 from 3-4. Incoming HMES families are welcome to come and meet friends before school starts and enjoy a sweet treat on the playground.  Representatives from the PTA will be on hand to answer any questions as well.

Food Truck Night

Back to School Food Truck Night Friday, Aug. 27, 5:00-7:30 pm in the HMES parking lot.  After a busy and exciting first week of school, take a break from making dinner and join our school community for a fun food truck night!  More information and preordering links to come!

Please visit our PTA website https://hollinmeadowspta.membershiptoolkit.com to join our PTA, purchase Spirit Wear, and find more information on PTA and school happenings!  


Important Dates

August

18 Kindergarten Ice Cream Social, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

19 Welcome Walk, 5:30 - 8 p.m. 

20 Supply Drop-Off  (Last Name A - L, 9:30 - 10; Last Name M - Z, 10:15 - 10:45)

22 PTA Popsicles on the Playground, 3 - 4 p.m. 

23 First Day of School

27 PTA Food Truck Night, 5 - 7:30 p.m. 

September

3 Labor Day Holiday

6 Labor Day Holiday

14 Back-to-School Night, 6:30 p.m. 

October

11 Student Holiday

See the complete 2021-22 school year calendar