Week of December 26

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Happy Holidays


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In This Issue:



Calendar

December 18-January 01: Winter Break, Building and Offices Closed

January 02: Classes Resume

January 03, 04: Academic Days of Focus

January 04: Curriculum Night, 6:30 pm, Main Street and Auditorium

January 05: Electives Fair, 4th Period, School Wide

January 05: Senior Meeting and Returning Grad Panel, 4th Period, Auditorium

January 05: Senior Formal Yearbook Portraits ONLY Session

January 06: Three Kings Day/Epiphany

January 07: Orthodox Christmas

January 09 & 11: Rising Senior and ELLs Level 1 & 2 Junior Academic Advising Presentations, 4th Period, Various Locations

January 10: VA DMV Permit Test, 3:15 pm, Herndon HS - Room J104

January 15: Martin Luther King Day (Holiday)

FCPS Calendar | HHS Red and Black Calendar

 

 



Events



Building Closed for Winter Break

All FCPS schools will be closed for winter break from Monday, December 18, to Monday, January 1. Herndon High School (building and offices) will also be closed during this period. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.


Academic Advising and Course Selection for 2024-25

Academic Advising Season has begun! Starting January 2024, students will meet individually with their teachers and school counselor to discuss and choose their courses for the 2024-25 school year. It is so important that parents and students are informed of their academic options. Families are encouraged to talk with current teachers for their feedback for next school year. Just like last year, students will choose classes via their SIS Student accounts. After the students choose their courses via their accounts, they will meet with their counselor to confirm the selections. In January, parents can view the course selections via their SIS Parent account. If you do not have an active account, please contact our Registrar or a Family Liaison in Student Services to obtain a login.

It is important for students to choose a course load that will challenge them and help prepare them for their post-secondary endeavors while also allowing for balance with their extracurricular and personal commitments. We take academic advising and course selection seriously and encourage students to seek input from current teachers, their school counselor, and their parents/guardians as they make course selections. It is important that your student base their choices on their strengths and interests and with their plans for life after high school in mind. 

During the first week in January we will hold events to help students in their  selection of appropriate courses for next school year. They are listed below. 

  • January 3 & 4, 2024: Academic Days of Focus
  • January 4 & 5, 2024: Rising Freshman Academic Advising Meetings with School Counselors, Herndon MS
  • January 4, 2024; Curriculum Night, 6:30pm, Auditorium & Main Street
  • January 5, 2024; Electives Fair, 4th Period, School Wide
  • January 5, 2024; Senior Class Meeting and Returning Grad Panel, 4th period, Auditorium
  • January 9 & 11, 2024; Rising Senior and ELLs Level 1 & 2 Junior Academic Advising Presentations, 4th period, Various Locations
  • January 9, 2024; Rising Freshman Academic Advising Meetings with School Counselors, Rachel Carson MS

Academic Days of Focus 

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On January 3rd and 4th all teachers will meet individually with their students during class to provide feedback on next year’s course options for their subject. As teachers meet with students, discussion topics will include: course options the student will enjoy, the student’s academic interests and abilities,  expectations for that next course and level, and course sequencing.  Students will be assigned to complete a reflection after each teacher feedback conference. Teachers will have students complete an independent assignment while the conferences are being held. 


Curriculum Night 2024

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Families are invited to join us on Thursday, January 4th, 6:30pm to learn more about the courses offered at Herndon High School.  During Curriculum Night, families will have the opportunity to meet with faculty members, network with other parents and students, and learn important details about Herndon HS. There will also be presentations given on Advanced Academics and on Standards Based Learning beginning at 6:00pm in the auditorium. These presentations are optional for attendance. The information available at Curriculum Night will help guide conversations with your students about their course selections. 


Electives Fair 2024

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The Electives Fair will be held Friday, January 5th during 4th period. The Electives Fair is an opportunity for 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students to visit four different advanced placement, honors, dual enrollment and elective elective classes and hear presentations to help them with their course selections for next year. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions of the teachers. This event will give students a chance to explore the entire range of advanced academic and elective courses that will be offered at Herndon next year. 


Senior Formal Yearbook Portraits

Dear Parents and Seniors Class of 2024:

We at Victor O’Neill Studios, your school’s official school photographer, are excited to see you on the following date(s) for your senior portraits at the school:

January 5, for Senior Formal Yearbook Portraits ONLY Session

The attire for the school’s yearbook pose will be in the traditional Tuxedos and Drapes. We will provide the Tuxedo and Drapes. Please follow the link below to choose your session type and appointment time.

https://pickatime.com/vosphoto/HerndonYBO

If you have any questions please email seniors@vosphoto.com


Three Kings Day/Epiphany

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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. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.


Orthodox Christmas

Many Orthodox Christians in the United States celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7 in the Gregorian calendar. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the son of God. Learn more facts about Christmas from National Geographic Kids.


VA DMV Permit Test

Throughout this school year, Herndon HS will now offer the Virginia DMV Permit test to all students who meet the criteria, have parent permission and successfully register for the test.  Students will need to meet the following criteria and registration tasks:

  1. Be at least 15 years and 6 months old to register and take the permit test.
  2. Obtain a signed DTS 41-Parent Consent Form (DTS 41- Parent Permission Form Link)
  3. Register on ACE Online for Herndon High School (there is a $20 fee due at registration)  (ACE Online Registration Link)
  4. Register for the test on the Virginia DMV Online Knowledge Testing System (Virginia DMV Test Registration Link)
  5. Students MUST bring their FCPS school issued laptop on the day of the test.
  6. Students MUST bring a picture ID to verify identity.  If the student does not have a picture ID, take a picture, print the picture, write the student’s full legal name under the picture and have a teacher sign it to verify identity.

Test DatesJanuary 10, February 1 & 22, March 13, April 18, May 9, May 23, June 5

Test Location: Herndon HS - Room J104

Test Time: 3:15pm (DO NOT BE LATE)

If you have any questions, please email Ms. Quirine (jquirine@fcps.edu).


🗓️ Save the Date: Academy Open Houses Begin in January!

FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in mid-January.

A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.


Martin Luther King Day (Holiday)

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As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 15, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. See the complete school year calendar.

Volunteer with Give Together 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. The division is excited to collaborate with Volunteer Fairfax for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

Students and families can volunteer on Monday, January 15, at Give Together, Volunteer Fairfax’s family, friendly volunteer event. This event is designed to engage families with children (ages 5-12) in service learning.  Volunteer Fairfax invites families to attend and participate in thoughtful, engaging service projects working alongside local nonprofit partners across a variety of mission areas.  Projects will include a food drive, assembling caring kits for community members who need support, making no-tie fleece blankets for veterans, environmental stewardship, and support for animal welfare. 

Teens are welcome to support this event as Teen Event Volunteers. This event is free and open to the public but registration is required.


✈️ 2024 Gap Year Fair

FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas will co-host the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 30, 6-8:30 p.m., at Marshall High School. This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning more about increasing opportunities for the year following high school graduation. Students should register at USA Gap Year Fairs.

 

 



Information



SIS: Automated Weekly Progress Reports

Parents, you can control how often progress reports are sent to you. These automated progress reports only show the overall grade and not specific assignments. You can log into your ParentVUE account through the mobile app or on the website https://sisparent.fcps.edu/ to view detailed assignment information. Here is how you can view those settings:

  • Log into ParentVUE
  • Click on My Account at the top right corner (web version).
  • Scroll down to the Auto Notify area and choose your options
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  • Scroll to the bottom of the screen and select Update Account.

The latest grade information can always be viewed directly on ParentVUE because teachers are constantly updating grades. For more information on SIS Weekly Progress Report Emails, visit https://www.fcps.edu/resources/technology/student-information-system-sis/sis-parentvue/sis-parent-weekly-progress-report.


SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE Downtime

ParentVUE and StudentVUE Grade Book progress reports will not be emailed to parents/guardians during winter break. Emails will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. 


📸 Underclassmen Picture Makeup/Retake Day

Makeup/Retake Day images are now viewable online. Please visit: vosphoto.com/uc use your student ID when prompted for the online code.

For questions regarding school pictures, please email: underclass@vosphoto.com

Thank you!

Victor O'Neill Studio!

 

 



Resources



⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.


Promoting Mental Wellness During Winter Break 

Although mental health indicators have improved over the past year, Fairfax County Youth Survey (FCYS) data suggest that more than 25% of students in 8th to 12th grade feel sad or hopeless every day for two weeks or more in a row. The holidays can be a time to reduce stress, but they can also contribute to it. Here are some tips for making winter break a positive time for the young people in your life.


School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures. 


💻 No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, parents/caregivers can refer their children for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on how to opt your child in to this service.


🍲 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.


😷 Free COVID-19 Rapid Tests 

Residential households are eligible to receive free at-home COVID-19 test kits. If an order has not been placed for your address since the program reopened on September 25, you may place two orders now.


Quick Links