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🌟 Our Schools, Our Future
🌟 From HMS PTA
🌟 End of Quarter, Early Release, Student Holiday
🌟 From HMS Library
🌟 Federal Impact Aid Survey
🌟 TJHSST Admission
🌟 Immunization Clinics
🌟 From HMS Student Services
🌟 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
...and more!
Portrait of a Graduate Wall of Fame
 Congratulations to these students for being selected for our Portrait of a Graduate (POG) Wall of Fame. Each quarter, staff members nominate students that have exemplified the skills in the following attributes: Communicators, Collaborators, Global and Ethical Citizens, Critical and Creative Thinkers and Resilient and Goal-Directed Individuals.
To read more about Portrait of a Graduate in FCPS click here.
Reminders
Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future: A Community Conversation. Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions on
Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help us plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability.
Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid. Your voice matters!
From HMS PTA
We would like to keep you updated on events sponsored by the PTA. If you are not yet receiving these emails and you would like to, please add your email(s) to this form. You may always request to be removed by sending an email to president@hmspta.com.
End of Quarter, Early Release, Student Holiday
As a reminder, Friday, November 3, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools are closed for students on Monday, November 6, for a school planning day.
Information
From HMS Library
The Herndon Middle School Library hopes to enlist a dedicated pool of parent library volunteers. Library volunteering is flexible, varied, and rewarding. If YOU are interested, please complete this Interest Form by Wednesday, November 1. We will follow up with an email for next steps after that date.
Newsletter for Military-Connected Families
Did you know that the Office of Family and School Partnerships sends a monthly newsletter for military-connected families? Subscribe today.
Federal Impact Aid Survey: Now Online
 FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. To make it easier, the form is now available online in SIS ParentVUE.
Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.
Once logged in to SIS ParentVUE, click “Online Packets” in the top right corner. Then, select “Federal Impact Aid Survey.” Get more information.
Need to Register for ParentVUE?
Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. Find out how to get technical support for ParentVUE.
Applications Open October 23 for TJHSST
Middle school students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2028 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).
The application will be available on the TJHSST Admissions Office webpage starting Monday, October 23 at 4:00p.m. Applications must be started by 4:00p.m. Wednesday, November 15, with a deadline to submit the application by Friday, November 17 at 4:00p.m. Visit TJHSST’s webpage for more information.
Dyslexia Open House
FCPS will host a Dyslexia Open House on Thursday, October 26 from 4:00-6:00p.m., at 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, Virginia. This event is open to families and staff members who would like to learn more about dyslexia and how FCPS supports students with dyslexia.
For the first hour, participants will have the opportunity to visit tables set up with information from a variety of FCPS offices including the Office of the Ombuds, Office of School Psychology, and the Office of Special Education Instruction. During the second hour, speakers will address the importance of dyslexia awareness and how you can support your student with dyslexia. Please register in advance.
Immunization Clinics
Immunization Clinics are now open to all Fairfax County students who need immunizations regardless of if they have had vaccines in the past, new to the country, or those that just need a follow up to be up to date.
Call 703-246-7100 to schedule your appointment!
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Wednesday, October 25: 4:30-8:00pm at Herndon-Reston Location
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Wednesday, November 1: 4:30-8:00pm at Mt. Vernon Location
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Saturday, November 4: 9:00am-2:00pm at Mt. Vernon Location
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Wednesday, November 15: 4:30-8:00pm at Annandale Location
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Friday, November 17: 1:00-6:00pm at Springfield Location
Resources
From HMS Student Services
Student Services would like to know if your student/family has any needs that we can help support, like home internet, clothing, and food. Please take a moment to fill out this Needs Assessment to let us know how we can help.
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Saves Lives
Information was recently posted to the Healthy Minds Blog on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and other resources for suicide prevention.
The Healthy Minds Blog shares information related to youth mental health and wellness. Articles include tips and strategies for increasing wellness and resiliency, as well as fostering success at home, at school, and in the community.
The Healthy Minds Blog is a collaborative project between Fairfax County Public Schools and the Prevention Unit of the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. Subscribe to Healthy Minds and receive a quarterly digest of articles.
Substance Abuse Prevention
Alcohol and Football
As the cooler weather comes in, the leaves begin to change, we exchange our sandals for boots and Pumpkin flavored favorites, and football becomes the topic of many conversations. Families gather one or more times a week, wearing sport paraphernalia to root for “their team”, often enjoying an alcoholic beverage. Adults may have these interactions in the safety and confines of their own home, at a friend's house, or in a noisy establishment with televisions and a bar. When this routine becomes a habit seen by teens regularly, they may begin to associate alcohol with football. So when they attend their school’s football game, it’s now their night out with friends, and the close association between football and alcohol has already been established for them.
Media ads from various companies showcase their ice-cold brew options with stereotypical attractive people at a bar, appearing cool. When adults attend in-person games, tailgating seems mandatory as part of the full experience. When teens meet up before attending football games, pre-game drinking may be something they consider.
Alcohol.org states that people who watch games at viewing parties, average consumption of 7 drinks and those who tailgated averaged 8 drinks. In a country that values football and has connected football to the consumption of alcohol, it’s easy to see how teens may be conditioned to do the same. If a student is old enough to attend football games, they’re old to have conversations about alcohol safety.
Here are some tips to help:
- Establish clear and consistent boundaries “I will not tolerate…”.
- Explain why adults have the privilege to drink and adolescents are not allowed to drink.
- Do not exaggerate.
- Set a desired outcome for the conversation: Think about what you want your teen to understand before you get into the conversation.
Resources
FCPS video on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs https://dl.ebmcdn.net/fcps/courses/ATODParentPresentationRequired103119b/story_html5.html
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
Events
Fall Fest 2023
Grace Covenant Church would love to host you and your family to their free annual Fall Festival on October 25th at Grace Covenant Church located in Chantilly from 5:30 to 8:30pm.
Calendar
October
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26: Bingo & Parent Resource Night
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28: Cross Country
Kilmer MS at 8:30am
November
- Native American Heritage Month
- Military Family Appreciation Month
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3: End of 1st Quarter and 2-Hour Early Release
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5: Daylight Saving Time Ends (Fall Back)
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6: No School
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7: Election Day - No School
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Helpful Links
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