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We hope everyone had a wonderful start to the new year! Students and staff have been reconnecting with one another, engaging in learning, and reviewing routines and procedures. We are excited about 2023 and look forward to amazing things happening at the Hornet Nation!
Blessings and Joy,
Mrs. Peerman, Mrs. Johnson-Tyler, and Mrs. Zamora
The Halley Admin Team
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Important Safety Reminder –
School Arrival
We have noticed an increase in students being dropped off in the morning without a parent or guardian present. This is not an allowable or safe practice.
To ensure the wellbeing and care for our students and community, we ask parents to remember the following:
- Doors will open at 9:10 a.m.
- Students arriving prior to 9:10 a.m. are to remain with their parent.
- WE WILL NOT HAVE SUPERVISION FOR STUDENTS BEFORE 9:10 a.m.
Our 2022-2023 Halley Parent Handbook is a guide to help families navigate the basics of the school year and our school operating procedures.
Our procedures are in place to create a safe, organized, and structured environment that maximizes learning and social interactions throughout the school day. Please be aware of the handbook to help us support all children at Halley Elementary.
We are excited to announce that the following staff members were selected as being outstanding in their categories in the FCPS Awards Program:
Outstanding Teacher- Najma Khan
Outstanding New Teacher- Maddy Jacobs
Outstanding Operational Employee - Praveena Khoobchandani
Outstanding Leader- Lucy Zamora
Outstanding Professional Employee - Jennifer Buchko
Outstanding Principal – Kerry Peerman
Calendar Reminder:
Three Kings Day/Epiphany (“O” Day)
Three Kings Day (Friday, January 6), also known as the Epiphany, is a Christian celebration that commemorates the Biblical story of the three kings who followed the star of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the Christ child. This marks the official 12th day of Christmas. Learn more at National Geographic Kids.
FCPS has designated Three Kings Day/Epiphany as a religious and cultural observance day (O day). There is school on these days, however, the School Board has directed that specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days.
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.
January Positivity Project Trait:
Self-Control / Patience
Halley Families,
This week month our Halley school community will be focusing on the character strengths of Patience/ Self-Control. Self-control means you can control your emotions and behaviors. You think before you act.
Self-control is the act of managing behavior in a way that positively influences goal attainment and living up to standards. Possessing this strength protects people from destabilizing emotional extremes. Those with self-control can limit impulsive behavior. They are able to experience and navigate difficulty while remaining poised. Self-control does not mean a lack of thoughts, feelings, or impulses; it just means you have command over them.
A group’s ability to demonstrate self-control often appears in the form of “self-monitoring.” This means the individuals demonstrate honesty with one another about successful group practices. When things are unsuccessful, group members can adjust roles in the interest of overall group success.
To practice and encourage the character strength of self-control with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.
Interims
Certain students may receive interims towards the middle of the quarter to communicate student progress each quarter. Teachers may send an interim to communicate areas your child is improving as well as where expected growth has not occurred. If your child receives an interim, please take the time to read it and sign and return it to your child’s teacher.
If at any time you are wondering about your child’s progress, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher to set up a time to chat with them either by phone, video conference, or in person. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the administration. Thank you for your continued partnership!
 Family Math Week
ST Math is hosting family math week from January 9-13, 2023. During the week of January 9, 2023, students will be encouraged to log onto the FCPS Family Math website to engage in math activities/stories that include mathematical concepts and a variety of different math games from around the world. All activities are available in English and Spanish.
To learn more about ST Family Math Nights check out this video and help us reach our goal of logging on for one million minutes collectively as an FCPS community!
SEL SCREENER RESULTS
Parents of students in grades 3-6 should be receiving SEL Screener report letters via US mail sometime over the next week. For more information about how to read the report and/or talk to your student about it, you may access the family resources provided on the FCPS website here. Students who were opted out or were absent during the administration window will not receive scores.
Preparing for Winter Weather
Don't let the warm weather trick you! Despite above average temperatures this week, it is still winter! See below for information about navigating potential upcoming colder days.
FCPS’ inclement weather procedures will remain the same as last year. The first five inclement weather days will be traditional “snow days” with no school activities. After those five days, we will use the flexibility provided by the Virginia General Assembly to have unscheduled virtual learning days, whenever possible, to maintain the continuity of learning. Virtual learning on these days will be synchronous/live instruction, following an inclement weather virtual learning day schedule (includes a two-hour delay).
FCPS’ website is generally the first mode of communication during emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan ahead for the winter season. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in weCare@school, bookmark the FCPS website, plan for childcare, if appropriate, and know what items your child may need to take home before a weather event. Please call the Halley Office at 703-551-5700 with any questions.
Keeping Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. The multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and healthcare.
If you have any questions, please contact our either of our school counselors: Mrs. Ascierto maascierto@fcps.edu and/or Ms. Concino alconcino@fcps.edu.
Quick Links
YOUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
We are honored to work with you this year and will work every day to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for your child. We can't do it alone. Please contact us if there is anything we can do to further support your child's learning and experience at Halley. We are here to listen and partner with you to help your child have a successful school year!
Your Halley Administrative Team,
Mrs. Peerman, Principal
Mrs. Johnson-Tyler, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Zamora, Assistant Principal
Mark Your Calendar
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January 16- Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday (No School)
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January 25- End of Second Quarter- 2-hour early release
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January 26 -Student Holiday/Teacher Workday
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January 27-Student Holiday/Teacher Workday
Thank you for supporting the PTO sponsored Paint Night event! We had a lot of fun and can’t wait to host and support upcoming school activities and events.
Stayed Tuned for information on Boosterthon 2023!
We appreciate the support of our Halley Community!
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