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In This Issue
Have a Wonderful Winter Break!
As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 18th to Monday, January 1st. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.
Classes resume on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024. |
Winter Virginia Growth Assessment
Herndon Middle School will begin testing for the Winter Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA) in December. The VGA assessments provide us with important information about your students’ progress, please be sure that your student is attending school on these days. Testing dates for the Winter VGA will be as follows:
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December 11-15 - Make up Math VGA Testing
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Tuesday January 9th - Reading VGA
- Make up testing January 10-17
If you have any questions regarding the Virginia Growth Assessment, please reach out to our Testing Coordinator, Melissa Sobchak, at msobchak@fcps.edu.
Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon
One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices.
The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.
In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.
Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school.
Missing School Over the Holidays
Looking ahead to the holiday season, if missing school is unavoidable, please speak with your child’s teachers in advance to create a plan for making up missed work. However, a homework packet cannot make up for the interaction and learning that happens in the classroom.
Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.
Preparing for Winter Weather
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about 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 for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and plan for childcare if needed.
Staying Healthy This Cold/Flu Season
Cases of RSV, the flu, and other viruses often rise this time of year. It is important for students to wash their hands regularly and cover their coughs and sneezes. Please monitor your child’s health daily and keep them at home if they are sick. Visit FCPS' Health and Safety Guidance webpage for more tips.
Yearbooks Available for Pre-Order
Yearbooks are now available for pre-order through myschoolbucks and yearbookforever.com. They are $15 and will only be on sale until January 26th.
Please Note: If you do not pre-order a yearbook, there will be NO extras ordered so make sure to order now!
Contact: Laura Loy or Josey Arrington
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Be A Yearbook Sponsor
Did you know you can purchase a yearbook for a student who may not be able to purchase one? Go to yearbookforever.com to purchase one. Under student name indicate "yearbook sponsor".
Contact: Laura Loy or Josey Arrington
Snow Days This Winter
For the current school year, FCPS will be returning to its previous procedure for snow days — there will be no virtual learning days when school is closed due to bad weather.
During snow days, students may still access Tutor.com, complete any supplemental learning opportunities recommended by their teachers, and view educational programming (available virtually and on public access television channels):
Eleven snow days are built into the existing FCPS calendar. Eliminating virtual learning days will allow us to maximize students’ in-person learning and provide equitable access to instruction and student services.
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
We often notice more empty seats in our classrooms as winter break approaches. This year, let's work together to nurture a rock-solid attendance habit. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow.
A big thank you to:
- 🌟 Students who show up every day and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
- 👩🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
- 👨💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging place to grow.
- 👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who lend a helping hand to all our learners.
If you or your child need support, please reach out to our school social worker or family liaison. If your child is not feeling well, please refer to the When Should I Keep My Child Home? webpage for guidance.
There will be no school from Monday, December 18th to Monday, January 1st, 2024, for winter break. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 2nd.
Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.
Substance Abuse Prevention
Mental Health, Coping & Addiction
One in four Americans suffer from a mental illness. Almost 3 in 5 people with mental health challenges will not receive treatment or medication. In 2019, an estimated 19% of adults in the United States (47.6 million) dealt with a mental health challenge, but only 43% received any kind of mental health care (Johns Hopkins). People often turn to alternative methods to cope with issues that are uncomfortable topics to speak about. These reasons include turning to drugs, alcohol, food, etc. Coping mechanisms are habits formed over time that serve to help a person manage difficult situations or high stress levels. These mind-altering substances are sometimes used as coping mechanisms for stress, difficult emotions, physical ailments, focusing, and other issues. Drugs and alcohol can provide a temporary moment away from the reality of everyday life. Substances can enhance the feelings of pleasure, decrease feelings of anxiety and restraint. Substance use can be an unhealthy coping mechanism. Not all coping mechanisms are destructive or fail to provide appropriate or adequate adjustment to the environment or situation; however, addiction is both.
Before using drugs as a coping strategy here are some recommendations for a healthier mindset. The main goal is to identify the “void” or issue and work towards healing. In the meantime, experts recommend diet and exercise as great places to start. Schedule a visit to your Primary Care Physician and a Professional Counselor if needed. Quality sleep is also a major factor in the stabilization of a healthy mind. Surround yourself with people who are supportive and good examples. Keep in mind that finding balance in life is an ongoing process. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
Resources:
Substance Use Disorder info
FCPS Social Work
Keep Learning Over Winter Break with Tutor.com
Does your child need help getting up to speed in high school math, science, or English? Tutor.com offers diagnostic quizzes to help students test their knowledge and find areas where they may need help. Quizzes can be taken anytime, and students can connect immediately to a tutor.
Test prep is also available for students preparing for the PSAT, SAT, or ACT.
FCPS students have unlimited access, 24/7, to online tutoring support services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Students can connect online any time, any place, and in most K-12 subjects for however long they need.
Food Insecurity Resources for Families
Food insecurity impacts more than 60,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Find out how to receive or offer support on the Fairfax County website, or view their Human Services Resource Guide for assistance with food, clothing, housing, and other services.
FCHD Speech and Hearing Clinics
Speech and Hearing clinics are now open, offered by the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD). Staff are ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. Complete diagnostic evaluation and treatment are offered to both children and adults. Appointments are required.
Clinic Locations
Herndon-Reston District Office
1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Suite 100
Reston, VA 20190
Joseph Willard Health Center
3750 Blenheim Boulevard
Fairfax, VA 22030
Mt. Vernon District Office
8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 233
Alexandria, VA 22309
Countdown to Winter Break
 We invite everyone to bring their cheer and join us in Countdown to Winter Break!
Monday, December 11th: Winter Wonderland
Wear white to kick off Countdown to Winter Break
Tuesday, December 12th: Top it Off Tuesday
Wear your favorite festive head covering!
Wednesday, December 13th: Candy Cane Day
Wear your favorite striped top
Thursday, December 14th: Ugly Sweater Day
Wear a holiday sweater or favorite festive gear!
Friday, December 15th: Frosty Friday
Wear your favorite winter accessories
Yearbook Sales During Lunches
Yearbook cash and check lunch sales will take place during lunches on December 11th, 12th, and 13th. Price of yearbooks are $15. Yearbooks can ONLY be purchased until January 26th. If you do not order a yearbook by January 26th, you will not receive one.
Contact: Laura Loy or Josey Arrington
Hat and Mitten Collection
Do you want to directly support your Herndon MS community? We are collecting hats and mittens for our coat drive on December 14th. Please bring all size hats and mittens (baby to adult) to the office or drama room.
Contact: Laura Loy or Fanny Salazar
HMS Coat Giveaway
We invite you to our Herndon Middle School Coat Giveaway, on Thursday, December 14th from 5:30-7:00pm in the Cafeteria! Thank you to Northwest Federal Credit Union for donating hundreds of brand new coats and providing pizza! Pizza and light refreshments will be served. Families may enter through Door 6 and may begin lining up at 5pm.
Herndon Middle School Curriculum Night 2024
Families of current 6th and 7th graders are invited to join us on Thursday, January 18th from 5:30-7:30pm in the Auditorium, for our Herndon MIddle School Curriculum Night! Parents/Guardians will have an opportunity to learn more about the courses that will be offered for the 2024-25 school year. Families may enter through Door 2.
5:30-6:00pm - SPED & ESOL Pre-Sessions
6:00-6:30pm - Curriculum Presentation
6:30-7:30 - Curriculum Fair
Herndon High School Curriculum Night 2024
Families of current 8th graders are invited to join us on Thursday, January 4th, 6:30pm to learn more about the courses offered at Herndon High School. There will be tables set up throughout Main Street/Foyer where a teacher representing each department will be able to answer any specific questions that you have regarding a course. There will also be presentations given on taking an honors/AP class and on “standards based learning” beginning at 6:00pm in the auditorium. These presentations are optional for attendance.
Please click on the QR code to learn about the classes that are offered at HHS.
Any questions, please contact either Kie Anderson (keanderson1@fcps.edu) or Kelly Ginieczki (kmginieczki@fcps.edu).
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Chanukah
Christmas
A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday on which Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, and is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world.
Learn more about Christmas.
This year's Christmas artwork was created by Justice High School student Najenyi D. as part of the FCPS Observance Design Challenge for Students.
Three Kings Day/Epiphany
Three Kings Day (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.
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December
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7-15: Chanukah/Hanukkah
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14: Winter Choir Concert
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14: Coat Drive
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18 - January 1: Winter Break
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25: Christmas
January
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2: Class Resumes
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6: Three Kings Day/Epiphany
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7: Orthodox Christmas
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15: Martin Luther King
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Helpful Links
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