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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.
Bee Hive
January 6, 2023
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#YouBEElonghere
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Dates to Remember:
January 16: NO SCHOOL, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday
January 18: HES Principal Coffee and PTA Meeting, 6:30pm, Cafeteria
January 25: 2 HOUR EARLY RELEASE, End of 2nd Quarter
January 26 and 27: NO SCHOOL, Staff Development and Teacher Workdays
February 20: NO SCHOOL, President's Day
2022-23 FCPS School Calendar
We welcomed our Bees back after a refreshing winter break and they were happy to see friends, teachers, and jump back into learning!
Herndon Middle School Curriculum Night for Rising 7th Graders
Herndon Middle School Curriculum Night for students and parents of rising 7th graders will be held at Herndon Middle School on Thursday, January 19, 5:30-7:30 in the Auditorium. Snow date is February 2. Click here for more info.
Herndon Middle Noche de Curriculum
Haga clic aquí para más información
Meet our newest Bees 🐝
Week of January 2-6, 2023
Optimism
WHAT DOES Optimism mean? You expect the best from the future and work to achieve it.
We will continue to be a Positivity Project Partner School. Learn more about it here.
Click here for the full explanation of Optimism and what it means in terms of P2 in the classroom.
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PTA News
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PTA Board Volunteers Needed
We're urgently searching for someone to fill the secretary role. We're also hoping one of you lovely, energetic people out there will come join us as President Elect. You will learn the ropes from our current (amazing) president, Sara, before she departs from the board this summer. If it's a position you've been thinking about, it is a great opportunity to get the feel of it now, while Sara prepares to step down.
Contact Sara at herndonptapresident@gmail.com
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FCPS News
 Students at Herndon Elementary School.
Building and Renovation Plan Focuses on High Quality Facilities
Fairfax County Public Schools outlined plans to build three new elementary schools and to acquire land that will be used for a new high school during the School Board meeting on December 15.
Other projects include three new and/or repurposed school facilities, the renovation of 25 schools, and the relocation of modular buildings. Timelines for capital projects will be posted on Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project webpages, where individuals can follow the progress of each approved project.
The proposed CIP will be discussed at the Tuesday, January 10, School Board work session. A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, January 12. The School Board is scheduled to take action on Thursday, February 9. Read more in the CIP news release.
School Improvements Supported by County Bonds
Capital projects reflect a $205 million investment approved by Fairfax County voters in the November 2021 bond referendum.
Funding allocations to FCPS from bond sales have increased in recent years due to positive collaboration and partnerships between the Joint CIP Committee of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the School Board. FCPS appreciates the continued support from Fairfax County leadership.
Voters will have the opportunity to approve additional bond funding for school projects included in the CIP in November 2023, which will support the division’s ability to continue to work through construction and renovation needs.
Strategic Planning Continues in the New Year
We are excited to kick off the new year with a continued effort to mobilize the community and increase knowledge about FCPS’ strategic planning process! Multiple Community Forums will take place around the county starting January 30. Stay tuned for registration information. Planning teams—which include a diverse range of voices from the FCPS community—are continuing to review student achievement, access, and survey data; and crafting a collective vision for the school division. Key communicators will soon receive strategic planning materials to share with their groups and networks. Preparations for divisionwide student focus groups are underway, and there will be opportunities for employees to engage in a survey and “reality check” sessions in the upcoming months. For the latest information, please visit the Strategic Planning webpage and check it often.
Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
SEPTA, the Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association, was created to empower and connect families, students, and educators to ensure students with disabilities develop their full potential as individuals and community members. Visit the SEPTA website to become a member or learn more.
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is a state mandated Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). Parents/guardians, students, teachers, administrators, staff, and others interested in special education at FCPS are welcome and encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and/or public comment related to the unmet needs of students with disabilities.
FCPS’ Office of Special Education Procedural Support provides guidance to staff, families, and students in areas related to the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
Families of students in special education programs can find more resources in the Special Education Handbook for Parents. Translations are available from the Parent Resource Center (PRC).
The PRC offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Their YouTube channel includes videos of workshops and webinars for families and educators. Sign up for the PRC's newsletter to receive information on upcoming webinars and other resources. Please contact the PRC with questions at prc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-2941.
Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to parents/caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Staff in the Office of the Ombuds believe that by being transparent and connecting families with available supports and services, children with special needs can equitably access public education.
Contact the ombuds by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
Upcoming School Bus Driver Job Fairs
Join one of our school bus driver job fairs and learn how to become part of the FCPS team! The job fairs will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on:
In addition to a $3,000 signing bonus for all new drivers, FCPS also offers competitive pay, excellent retirement plans, health and dental plans, paid training, and other benefits.
Learn more about upcoming school bus driver job fairs. If you have questions, please call 571-423-3000 or email driveforfcps@fcps.edu.
Hiring Now! Food and Nutrition Services
From Food Services van drivers to managers-in-training, FCPS has many job opportunities related to food and nutrition. Benefits include paid training and school holidays off, and some positions offer full-time benefits for part-time work. See Food and Nutrition Services job opportunities to apply. Call 703-813-4800 with any questions.
View all current job openings.
Academic Matters: COVID Relief Spending
At the December 15 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented on how ESSER III funds are being used to support students and address learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, approximately $102.8 million of ESSER III funding has been allocated for student academic and wellness support. In the summer of 2021, FCPS served 34,000 students with robust, tuition-free summer programming. In 2022, we served 32,000 students.
The rate of FCPS academic recovery is outpacing Virginia as a whole. Reading performance is almost back to pre-pandemic levels after just one year. Math performance is progressing toward the pre-pandemic baseline. Watch the full presentation on YouTube.
ESSER III plans for each individual school can be found on each school’s website. For more information on FCPS ESSER III funding allocations, visit the ESSER III webpage.
Webinars in January for Parents/Caregivers
The Parent Resource Center will present the following webinars in January:
Click on the links above for more information or to register.
FCPS Family Math Week
The Parent Resource Center will host Family Math Week January 9-13. Families can log in from home for stories, games, and math activities in English and Spanish. Math week offers families an opportunity to experience math, literacy, history, and geography in a positive way.
COVID Diagnostic Testing in January
COVID diagnostic testing will be available for FCPS students and employees at five locations across the county January 4 and 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. This testing is for those who are either experiencing COVID symptoms or have been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID. Appointments are not required, but registration must be completed before testing. Visit the COVID Testing webpage for more information.
Vaccines for Children 6 Months to 5 Years
The Fairfax County Health Department has updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines available now for children as young as 6 months. This follows recommendations from the CDC and authorization from the FDA. Fairfax County District Offices will be open for vaccine appointments for children aged 6 months to 5 years by calling the Health Department's Call Center at 703-324-7404. Find more information on vaccines for children on their website.
January Is Mentor Month
Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor.
All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.
FCPS’ MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Please contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at mmacdonald@fcps.edu.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service Opportunities
FCPS students continue to find incredible ways to serve their community while building Portrait of a Graduate skills such as becoming an ethical and global citizen. FCPS is excited to collaborate again with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service, Saturday, January 14, to Monday, January 16. This service opportunity helps empower individuals and strengthens communities while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Volunteer Fairfax will host several ways for the community to get involved including volunteer activities for students and adults of all ages. To learn more about the MLK Jr. Weekend of Service and the specific service activities, visit Volunteer Fairfax’s website.
Calendar Reminder: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. See the complete 2022-23 School Year Calendar.
Substance Abuse Prevention: New Year's Resolutions
Many people headed to their local Target or Michaels to find a new planner. The crisp, fresh feeling of new paper to write new and improved goals gets some of us excited. When thinking of your goals consider making them SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound), this method breaks your goals down into specific objectives and makes it easier for you to track your progress. What goals would you like to share with your child, to show them examples of healthy adult introspection? Introspection, looking within, is necessary to learn how to manage stress in a healthy manner. What regular coping skills can be implemented into your daily/ weekly routine? Some goals may be physical, spiritual, financial, or emotional. Would it be easier to have serious conversations over a family dinner? Or maybe regular family dinners, spark joy and connection that’s often missing.
Research has shown that family therapy is the best treatment option for young people who misuse drugs and alcohol (SAMHSA). Many people use drugs to manage life’s hardships when they feel disconnected from themselves or others. The opposite of addiction is connection, and young people benefit from connection with their families. Families who have a common mission based on autonomy and openness instead of secrecy and silence thrive. Families teach young people how to manage stress when they communicate honestly and openly with one another. Learning how to manage stress early in life could be a major factor in whether or not a young person decides to use drugs.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
Sources & Resources
Why Small Conversations Make a Big Difference
SMART Goals Quick Overview
Knowing the Signs: Substance Abuse & Today’s Youth
Herndon High School Presentation
Tuesday, January 17, 2023, 6-8pm in the Herndon HS Lecture Hall E120.
Preparing Families for Difficult Conversations about Alcohol & Drugs
The Office of Student Safety & Wellness has scheduled in-person Drug Education Nights for parents, guardians, and youth caregivers across the division. This is a pyramid level Tier 1 intervention designed to inform the audience of substance use trends, the opioid epidemic, and how to connect with resources. This not a school, pyramid, or division specific concern, but a national concern. It is helpful for all caregivers to be informed.
FCPS Preparing Families for Difficult Conversations about Alcohol & Drugs, Tuesday, 1/17, 6-8pm, Herndon High School English Flyer
FCPS Cómo preparar a las familias para las conversaciones difíciles sobre el alcohol y las drogas, martes, 1/17, 6-8pm Herndon High School Spanish
Herndon High School will host one of these nights on Tuesday, January 17, 6-8pm at Herndon High school. It will consist of a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist sharing information about drugs and how parents can support their children. School SROs/police detectives and Fairfax-Falls Church CSB managers will be present (at times a video may be shown in lieu of in-person CSB representation) to present relevant information and to answer questions. For those who are unable to attend in-person, a virtual option is scheduled through the Parent Resource Center for 3/21/2023 where more language options will be made available for live attendees.
FCPS Parent Resource Center
The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a welcoming and engaging environment for families, educators, and community members. It provides access to information and resources to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.
To join the PRC email list and receive notices of upcoming webinars, sign up for their News You Choose newsletter.
Community News
Community news is neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or this school.
Message from the Town of Herndon to Town Residents
The Town of Herndon is pursuing the development of a "Small Area Plan" for the portion of the Town referred to as the Transit-Related Growth Area (TRG). The town is master planning the commercial areas around the Herndon Metrorail Station, known as the TRG (transit-related growth) in the area and would like your input. Click here for more information and to access the survey.
Herndon Optimist Youth Sports Registration is Open
Herndon Reston Youth Lacrosse Registration is Open
Click here for the flyer in English
Click here for the flyer in Spanish
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FCPS Cares
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Do you know a Herndon Elementary employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.
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The vision of Herndon Elementary School is to provide students with a safe, nurturing learning environment where all students will work to their full potential.
The mission of Herndon Elementary is to develop children to their full potential by ensuring a high level of success for all students. Teachers will work to differentiate instruction, provide a safe environment, and develop goals with students. Parents and teachers will work together as a community to prepare students to become productive citizens.
Our vision for the 2022-2023 school year is…
- Strong relationships with each other and our bees will drive all that we do.
- We will know our bees as scholars.
- Every student will know #YouBeelonghere
Important Contact Information
Herndon Elementary Phone Numbers:
- Health Room 703-326-3110
- Cafeteria 703-326-3121
Administration e-mail addresses:
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