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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.
A Note From Mr. Gates
Wow! What an amazing week! We very much enjoyed connecting and reconnecting with our families during our Kindergartent Ice Cream Social, Welcome Walk, and our Open House/School Supply Drop-Off. We hope you all enjoyed this week as much as we did and are ready to start the 2022-2023 School Year!
A few updates/reminders:
- During the first four days of school parents may walk their child to class. Beginning Friday, August 26, all students will walk independently to their class. Staff members will be stationed thourghout the school to welcome students and assist them in finding their class.
- Students who are sick should stay home. Parents, caregivers or guardians, should monitor their children for symptoms of infectious illness every day and not send them to school when not feeling well.
- Please be patient with our arrival and dismissal process the first few weeks of school. (see below for Kiss & Ride guidelines).
Have a great weekend! We can't wait to see everyone Monday morning!
Jon Gates, Principal
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Bell Schedule
Hollin Meadows ES bell schedule: 8:20 am - 3:05 pm
School Doors Open: 8:05 a.m.
Kiss & Ride Drop Off: 8:05 - 8:20 am
Office Hours: 7:30 am. - 4 pm.
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Kiss & Ride Guidelines
Parents/caregivers who choose to drop-off or pick-up their student by car must use the Kiss & Ride line. To reduce traffic, students who have the option to ride the bus, walk or ride a bike to/from school are encouraged to do so.
Kiss & Ride Guidelines
- Follow directions of school staff members.
- Students may be dropped off between 8:05 - 8:20 a.m. (this is when staff are on duty)
- Students should NEVER be dropped off in front of the school along Nordok Place. It's unsafe.
- Although school dismisses at 3:05 p.m., it will be 3:10 p.m. before the first cars are loaded and leaving. Pro tip: planning to arrive at school after 3:05 p.m.will minimize wait time (3:15-3:25 is ideal).
- When departing all vehicles must turn left onto Nordok Place.
- Students should exit/enter the right side of the car independently - staff can assist but parents should remain in car.
- Students should be able to enter the car, be seated, and buckle in unassisted. If necessary, practice having your child exit and enter the car unassisted.
- Please be kind and patient while using Kiss & Ride. It is important that all adults set a good example of cooperation and consideration for our children.
Breakfast and Lunch - NO Charge
Great news! All students at Hollin Meadows Elementary are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school at no charge to your household each day of the 2022-2023 school year. No further action is required of you. Your child(ren) will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit a meal application.
If you have questions or need information, please contact the Office of Food Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800 or foodinfo@fcps.edu .
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It’s important for parents to complete all required school forms. Returning families in grades PreK-6 must complete the following forms yearly:
- Health Information
- Emergency Care Information
- Identification of Military Connected Students
Families can get a jumpstart on the continuing enrollment forms by clicking here. The forms need to be returned to our office assistant, Ms.Castillo at srcastillo@fcps.edu or If you prefer to wait, the forms will be sent home with your child in the first day of school packet for families to complete and return to school.
If your child is starting kindergarten or if you are new to Hollin Meadows, please know that all school registration forms must be completed in order to receive class placement. Electronic forms for new students can be found here. Parents who have questions about registering in Fairfax County Public Schools can visit the FCPS website for additional information.
If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact our registrar, Ms.Melissa Breen at, mabreen@fcps.edu, or 703-718-8300.
School Immunication Requirements
As we begin to look ahead to the 2022-23 school year, we encourage everyone to Be Wise, Immunize! Immunizations are required for public school entry and help keep children protected from many diseases. Many children missed their well check-ups and their recommended childhood immunizations during recent years of disruptions from COVID-19. It is critical to catch up now to keep children healthy and protect them from serious diseases.
We encourage you to check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2022-23 school year as soon as possible. If your child needs a vaccine to complete their records, you can make an appointment with your healthcare provider or visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a schedule of child immunization clinics.
Remember to request documentation of your child’s immunizations and bring that to Hollin Meadows Elementary School as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact us at 703-718-8300.
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Students Rights and Responsibilities
2022 Student Rights & Responsibilities Includes Cell Phone Usage Update The Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read the Letter from the Superintendent on the 2022-23 Student Rights and Responsibilities: A Guide for Families. Key changes to the document for the 2022-23 school year include:
- Adding rights to protect citizenship and immigration status from unauthorized sharing.
- Changes to FCPS’ Acceptable Use Policy Regulation for Technology.
- A new section on cell phones.
Parents should talk to their child(ren) before the start of the school year about these expectations for this upcoming school year. Families may also review the parental controls available for all iPhone and Android users. More information about the SR&R is available online.
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Paperless Opt-Outs Available
As a part of our ongoing efforts to streamline paper processes, parents can now select a number of opt-out’s electronically via ParentVUE. Once you have signed into your ParentVUE account, simply select the “Student Info” tab and click on “Edit Information.” You will find opt-out’s listed there. Parents that do not yet have a ParentVUE account will still be able to use paper forms for notification. If you need to set up your ParentVUE account, you can create one online via the FCPS ParentVUE Registration page.
We Need Your Consent!
At Hollin Meadows, we will use a variety of FCPS-approved digital tools to support in-person learning this year! We need you to give consent for your child to use them as soon as possible so we can start using them for learning right away! Click here to fill out the online permission form and read more details. Thanks for helping so we can use digital tools to communicate and collaborate right from the first day of school!
 Communicating with Us
On the first day of school, all students will receive a Take Home Folder with critical back to school information. We ask that parents complete the forms if they haven’t done so electronically and return those forms in the same folder to the classroom teacher.
News You Choose
Hollin Meadows uses News You Choose to distribute our weekly parent newsletter. News You Choose is an electronic communication platform that allows community members the ability to select what information they want to receive and how often from individual schools, the School Board office and members, departments, programs, and PTA/PTO and booster organizations. Subscribers can change their settings or unsubscribe at any time.
Make sure we have your current email so that we can send you updates. Or, you can click here to subscribe!
eNotify
Parents of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students are automatically enrolled to receive e-Notify Communications. FCPS central offices and schools use this system to communicate emergency, delayed opening and school closing information, attendance, and other essential communications. Contact information from the student information system are uploaded to the eNotify system. It is important that parents keep their child’s emergency contact information up-to-date. To update, email Melissa Breen at mabreen@fcps.edu, fill out an emergency care card, or update through your SIS ParentVUE account.
Talking Points
Teachers use the Talking Points messenger app, which allows teachers and staff to connect and communicate with families via text messaging directly to their phones and in their native languages. Teachers will share information on how to sign up for Talking Points.
SIS ParentVUE
Parents can access information about their child’s attendance, class performance, and manage emergency communication and FCPS forms via a SIS ParentVue account. Click here for more information. If you need an activation code, please call the school at 703.718.8300.
Schoology /SKOO-luh-jee/
Schoology is FCPS' Learning Management System. In Schoology, parents will find teacher schedules, information about the curriculum and other important information. It’s also a great platform for teachers to communicate with families. Parents will receive information about accessing classroom sites from the classroom teacher. To learn more, click here.
Communicating with the Teacher
Parents may contact the classroom teacher by leaving a message with the office staff or by emailing the staff member directly. It is best to always start with the classroom teacher if you have a question or a concern, as they are often the person with the most knowledge regarding your child. Staff email addresses can be found on the school website here.
Follow Us!
Don’t forget to take a look at us on Twitter! Follow us @hollinmeadowses
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Important Dates
Popsciles on the Playgroud: Sunday, August 21, 3-4 p.m.
First Day of School: Monday, August 22
Back to School NIght: Wednesday, August 31, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Holidays: Friday, Sept 2 & Monday, Sept 5
See the complete 2022-2023 school year calendar
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FCPS Cares
FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story so we can all acknowledge the good work of our Hollin Meadows staff members.
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From the PTA
Popsicles on the Playground
Popsicles on the Playground will be held on Sunday, Aug. 21 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.
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