HORNET HAPPENINGS
February 25, 2022
Our Halley Preschoolers are Superhero Learners!
Dear Halley Families,
Happy Friday!! As Dr. Brabrand shared Friday, you may choose for your child to opt out of the division’s mask requirement starting March 1. There will be no formal process to let us know your choice– no notes or documentation will be needed.
We strongly recommend that students continue to participate in universal masking to help protect their classmates, teachers, and staff who have health concerns. The ability to not participate in universal masking only applies to students. We will continue to follow our roll back plan, shared earlier this month, which will be implemented when we reach moderate transmission, and remain there for seven days. This week, we saw our community transmission level drop into the substantial category, and we anticipate we could be at or very close to moderate community transmission as early as next week. FCPS will formally announce when we are ready to make this transition.
Please talk with your child before March 1 about your family’s decision about wearing masks in schools.
Families of special needs children who may need additional consideration for health reasons should work with their IEP or 504 teams.
We assure all students and families that Halley Elementary will remain a caring and supportive place to learn. As always, please reach out to our admin team if you have any questions or concerns.
Blessings and Joy,
Mrs. Peerman, Mrs. Johnson-Tyler, and Mrs. Zamora
Calendar Reminder: Two-Hour Early Release on March 3, Student Holiday on March 4
As a reminder, students will be released two hours early on Thursday, March 3, and Friday, March 4, is a staff development day and a student holiday.
Classes will resume on Monday, March 7. See the complete 2021-22 school year calendar.
Digital Citizenship Tips and Advice for Families
Parenting in the Digital Age
Parents and caregivers are looking for resources and advice on all things media and technology. This playlist includes four videos addressing many frequently asked questions.
- What are ways I can set boundaries and support my kids in their tech lives?
- How can we ensure our kids are having high quality experiences?
- I don’t know anything about social media or the apps my kid is on. What do I need to know to keep them safe?
- I’m worried that my kids will use social media inappropriately. And what are these “challenges”?
In addition, these Parent’s Ultimate Guides (guides to TikTok, Fortnite, Instagram, and more) are also helpful.
Internet Safety
With so many social networks out there today, it is hard to keep track of them and whether they are safe for children. We have included a link for parents to better understand Tik Tok and why it is trending amongst children.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/parents-ultimate-guide-to-tiktok
If you have other questions about Tik Tok or how to support your child at home with social networks, please feel free to reach out to our school based technology specialist, Jennifer Buchko, at JMBuchko@fcps.edu.
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Halley Elementary is creating and celebrating a nation of diverse readers. Help us celebrate Read Across America Week February 28th-March 4th by participating in a fun spirit week to show our love for reading. See the week’s lineup below.
We have also created a READ board (similar to BINGO) in Schoology. The students are encouraged to get a READ by covering 4 spaces with the blue marker. Students get to decide which genre of books to read. The object is to get 4 in a row or diagonally. One class per grade level with the highest participation, will receive a popsicle treat.
We have other fun and exciting activities happening at school to celebrate Read Across America Week. Ask your child about what they are reading!
Please contact our Reading Specialist, Tammy Anderson and/or our Librarian, Christie Hall, for any questions.
“Read Across America” is the nation’s largest celebration of reading, sponsored by the National Education Association. The theme this year is “celebrating a nation of diverse readers” highlighting books “that students can see themselves reflected in, as well as books that allow readers to see a world or character that might be different than them.”
Kindergarten Registration for SY2022-23
We are starting to make preparations for the 2022-23 academic year. Children who will be five (5) years old on or before September 30, 2022 are eligible to attend kindergarten next fall. If you have a child who will attend kindergarten at Halley Elementary next school year, and you have not already been in contact with our registrar Nicole Kendall, please complete this survey and return it to the school via email to: nbkendall@fcps.edu
Please spread the word to your neighbors who don’t already have a child at Halley. Feel free to pass this form along, or have neighbors with rising kindergarteners call the office at 703-551-5700 to be added to our kindergarten mailing list. Registration information will be provided to all families who complete and return this survey. If preferred, you may request a mailed packet of registration forms by calling the office or emailing our registrar.
A child’s record of immunization, physical examination (within 12 months prior to entering kindergarten), proof of residency, and original birth certificate must be submitted when registering the child. For more information regarding kindergarten registration, you may visit the Fairfax County Public Schools’ website at https://www.fcps.edu/registration/general-registration-requirements
The information on this survey will help the school plan for adequate facilities and personnel for the 2022-2023 school year. We thank you in advance for returning the form no later than March 31, 2022.
Stay tuned! We’ll be sharing details regarding our kindergarten orientation very soon!
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Thursday, 03/03: Two Hour Early Dismissal for Students
Friday, 03/04: Student Holiday/Professional Development Day
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IMPORTANT - Please vote!
We are very excited to share that we've had wonderful Halley parent step forward who is willing to serve the remainder of the year on the 2021-22 PTO board as our Vice President! Please click the link below! We appreciate Mrs. Viescas willingness to serve our school community!! That shared, we still need to go through the formality of electing our new board member.
If you are a current PTO member, you are eligible to vote. We need a quorum in order to make the election results official! Please click HERE to complete a short google form to serve as your electronic ballot. We value everyone’s input!
All ballots are due on Friday, March 4th by 5:00pm. Thank you!!!
THANK YOU to our Amazing PTO and school community for supporting Boosterthon!!!!
Halley students had so much fun! We are very excited to fund Playworks so that recess can be safe and enjoyable for all students!
Boosterthon Dance-Fit Fun!
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