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In This Issue
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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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.
Conversation to Raise Awareness of Fentanyl
 Please join Dr. Reid on Wednesday, January 10, at 6:30 p.m., at Edison High School for a community conversation about opioid awareness. You may register to attend. However, registration is not required; it is simply for space considerations.
The evening’s program is appropriate for parents/caregivers and students in grades 6-12. All attendees will receive free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County. To learn more about the event or to view the video, please visit the website.
FCPS’ website also has resources to help you to start the conversation and additional support for families struggling with substance misuse.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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 25th, you may place two orders now.
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.
Save the Date: Virtual Math Week
Get ready for Virtual Math Week from Monday, January 8th, through Friday, January 12th. Save the date for a week filled with stories, games, and math activities, in English and Spanish, for families with students in kindergarten through eighth grade. This is a free experience designed to make math fun for the whole family.
Learn more about FCPS Math Week.
Save the Date: Academy Open Houses
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
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January
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9: VGA Testing
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10: Conversation to Raise Awareness @Edison HS
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15: Martin Luther King (Holiday)
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18: Herndon MS Curriculum Night: (For Current 6th and 7th Grade Parents)
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Helpful Links
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