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Hello Halley Families,
As we embark on the journey of 2024, the Halley staff extends our heartfelt gratitude for your continued collaboration. This year, we will continue to provide students with rich academic experiences and the necessary social emotional skills to be successful in school and life. Additionally, we consider our students' well-being and support them with developing healthy peer relationships both within and beyond the school walls.
In today's interconnected world, the influence of social media on our children's peer relationships and mental health is undeniable. As part of our commitment to their well-being, we are dedicated to providing students with the tools to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. Children between the ages of 11 and 15 are actively engaging with social platforms, spending over two hours daily on average. As parents and caregivers, we all play a role in guiding our young hornets towards making positive choices for meaningful connections, both online and offline.
The social skills students bring to the digital world mirror those in real life and require support for students as they are learning to navigate relationships in all settings. As children engage in social media experiences, they may encounter positive and negative experiences on social media and it’s important that students find supportive communities both online and offline. And it is important that we (Halley Staff and families) help students establish boundaries and limits on tech use to ensure a healthy balance.
To support this learning, It’s important to:
- Supervise students online activities just like we do play dates
- Talk about responsible online behavior
- Teach your children the basics of online safety, discussing the benefits, limits, and responsible usage
- Walk through apps together, setting examples of safe practices and emphasizing what's not acceptable
- Remind them that kindness matters—what they wouldn't say face-to-face, they shouldn't say online
- Encourage them to think before they post, as everything they share can be seen by a broad, invisible audience.
- Create a safe space for them to share their feelings and experiences, ensuring they know they can turn to you or a trusted adult if they ever feel uncomfortable or worried
Additionally, empower your children to report any misbehavior they may encounter. Be open to discussions about challenges they might face on social media, such as cyberbullying, unwanted contact, exposure to inappropriate dialogue, or social pressure. Thank you for your continued partnership in fostering a positive and supportive online environment for our young hornets.
Here’s to a fantastic second half of the school year, filled with love, learning, camaraderie, and the unwavering spirit of the Halley Hornets!
Blessings and Joy,
Mrs. Peerman, Mrs. Hubbard, and Mrs. Johnson-Tyler
LightSpeed at Home
Free Access for Families
Lightspeed is also available for FCPS families at home. Interested families may also access the free Lightspeed service and receive a weekly report about your child’s internet activity on their FCPS device. Families can log in at any time to view details on their child’s internet activity and pause the internet on their FCPS device during hours outside of the school day.
To take advantage of this online tool, see the Lightspeed page on the FCPS website for more details and a link to sign up.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 15
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 FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar.
Picture Retake Day
Wednesday, January 17th
Dressing for Cold Weather
The temperature is dropping! We want all of our students to be comfortable and warm at recess. Please be sure to send students with the appropriate winter gear.
If your family is in need of a warm, winter coat, please contact Halley’s Student Services Team at 703-551-5700.
News for Parents of Halley 6th Grade Students:
South County Middle School
Curriculum Night
JANUARY 23th - 6:00pm
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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.
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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.
We often notice more empty seats in our classrooms during the winter months. 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. Please ensure that your child comes to school every day unless an absence is necessary.
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.
Spanish:🙋♂️ ¡Asiste Hoy, Para Tener Éxito Mañana!Cuando se acercan las vacaciones de invierno, notamos que hay más asientos vacíos en los salones de clase. Este año, trabajemos juntos para fomentar un hábito de asistencia sólido como una roca. Cada hora de cada día escolar es una oportunidad única para que los estudiantes aprendan, se conecten y crezcan.
Si usted o su hijo necesita apoyo, por favor, póngase en contacto con nuestra trabajadora social de la escuela o el enlace de la familia. Si su hijo no se siente bien, consulte la página web ¿Cuándo Debo Dejar a Mi Hijo en Casa? para obtener orientación.
Dual Language Immersion
Program Registration
Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs will open on Monday, January 22. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion programs for the 2024-25 school year. Programs are available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.
Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting. Meetings are held at the school site. Check the FCPS events calendar for the most current information. Meetings will begin on Tuesday, January 16.
A virtual meeting hosted by the World Languages Office will include general program information. Access to this virtual meeting will be made available on the FCPS events calendar and the Dual Language Immersion registration site on the day of the meeting.
Get more information on the immersion program webpage and registration page.
Safe Students, Safe Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools believes that academic success is built on the foundation of a safe learning environment. This includes physical safety, and mental health and wellness.
FCPS has a comprehensive approach to safety that involves physical security measures, online monitoring by security staff, and crisis intervention support. The division has created the Safe Students, Safe Schools Brochure (PDF) to enhance your awareness of potential hazards and to equip you with practical tips for how you can help. Visit the FCPS website for more information.
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.
 Two Announcements:
1. The PTO is sponsoring a Halley Chess Club!!! We are gearing up for an exciting season starting January 31st! See flier below and Register now at the link: https://chessacademy.com/products/halley-elementary-chess-club Let the games begin!
2. Join us for the COIN WARS!! This is a wonderful opportunity to collect ALL your spare and loose change and bring it to school!!!
Each classroom has their own personal coin jug, and each class has a chance to win an ice cream party! Proceeds support field trips, and 10% goes to the 6th grade for their coin-counting efforts.
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