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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔Click to edit this placeholder text.
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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.
A Note From Mr. Gates
I hope this finds you having a fantastic weekend! In our first 5 day week following the extended Winter Break, Hollin Meadows students, staff, and families are back in the swing of school routines.
Although our chronic absenteeism rate has decrease from this time last year, (24.9% to 21.5%) it remains above our goal of 15%. Chronic absenteeism is defined by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) as missing 10% or more the school year (as of this past Friday, 9 or more days). Good attendance is key for the academic and social/emotional growth of each of our students. As we enter the second half of the school year, it is more important than ever to make sure all students are in school every day ready to learn. Research shows missing even 2 days each month can cause children to fall behind in their education and make it harder to learn to read. This is the time of year when winter weather and illness can negatively impact student attendance. Here are some helpful tips to keep your child healthy and in good attendance standing as the weather gets colder in January:
- Dress children warmly for the cold weather and make sure they’ve got warm jackets, hats, and gloves.
- Encourage children to wash their hands regularly with soap and water at home and at school.
- Have a consistent morning routine to start the day, and a consistent nighttime routine to get plenty of sleep each night.
- Make sure children are eating healthy foods every day to keep up their energy and attention.
If you have questions about attendance or supports available from Hollin Meadows or FCPS, please contact Tieya White, Assistant Principal, or Marsi Beschel, Social Worker, at 703.718.8300.
As always, thank you for your continued support of all things Hollin Meadows. Wishing you a happy and healthy week ahead!
Jon Gates
Winter School Closings & Delays
The best way to know about any school closings or delays is to stay close to your phone or computer. FCPS sends out updates through eNotify emails and texts. You can also find alerts posted on the front page of www.fcps.edu.
If there is a 2-hour delay, Hollin Meadows doors will open at 10:05 a.m. Breakfast will not be served.
Please Welcome our New Region Assistant Superintendent
FCPS and Region 3 welcomes Mr. Ray Lonnett who was named the new Assistant Superintendent for Region 3 effective December 18th, 2023. Ray has served as an Executive Principal in Region 1 and Region 6 and played a pivotal role in supporting schools across multiple pyramids. His experience has provided him with an in-depth understanding of the diverse needs within the region and a track record of fostering improvements among students and schools. His experience as one of the seven Executive Principals for School Improvement demonstrates his ability to provide robust support, coaching, collaboration, and guidance to school leaders in the Division and Region 3.
Mr. Lonnett’s tenure as a principal of Great Falls and Hutchison elementary schools, showcases his adaptability and success in driving positive change. His accomplishments include improving instructional practices, narrowing achievement gaps, and achieving accreditation while nurturing strong employee and family engagement. Ray's commitment and genuine concern for staff, students, and families shine through in their work, making him a dedicated and compassionate leader.
Mr. Lonnett began his educational career as a second grade teacher in Erie, PA and spent five years as a classroom teacher. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education PreK-6 from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. He holds a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from George Mason University. Mr. Lonnett is committed to learning centered relationships, high achievement and enhanced equitable outcomes for students, and providing staff support and appreciation.
Dual Language Immersion Programs
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 updated information. Meetings will begin on Tuesday, January 16.
One 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.
Inscripción para el Programa de Inmersión en Dos Idiomas
La inscripción para la lotería en todo el condado para los programas de Inmersión en Dos Idiomas (DLI) se abrirá el lunes 22 de enero.
Los estudiantes actuales de pre-K pueden aplicar para el programa de inmersión de kindergarten, y los estudiantes actuales de kindergarten pueden aplicar para los programas de inmersión de primer grado para el año escolar 2024-25. Los programas están disponibles en francés, alemán, japonés, coreano y español.
Los padres/cuidadores que estén interesados pueden asistir a una reunión informativa. Las reuniones se llevan a cabo en la escuela. Revise el calendario de eventos de FCPS para información más actualizada. Las reuniones comenzarán el martes, 16 de enero.
Una reunión virtual organizada por la Oficina de Idiomas Mundiales incluirá información general del programa. El acceso a esta reunión virtual estará disponible en el calendario de eventos de FCPS y en el sitio de inscripción de Inmersión en Dos Idiomas el día de la reunión.
Obtenga más información en la página web del programa de inmersión y en la página de inscripción.
Family Resource Center
Upcoming Webinars and Events for Families
The Family Resource Center offers free webinars for adults to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. The following events are currently scheduled for January:
For more information and to register for the webinars, click on the linked titles above.
Multilingual Parent Information Line
Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Ocho Idiomas
Padres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. También pueden obtener apoyo para comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.
Free, On-Demand, Online Tutoring
Does your child need homework help or feedback on their writing? How about a practice quiz to get ready for a test? FCPS students who’ve used Tutor.com have provided positive feedback:
- “This tutor was very helpful! She didn't tell me the answers. When needed, she helped me solve them! She was very kind and she really helped me!” –Elementary Math Student
- “This was an awesome tutor! She explained why I needed to do specific steps, and she gave me practice problems! Best tutor I have had!” –IB Chemistry Student
Unless they’ve been opted out, students can access Tutor.com through Schoology. Every session is personalized to meet students’ needs from remedial to advanced levels. Sessions focus on conceptual learning and critical thinking—not quick answers.
Learn more on FCPS’ Tutor.com webpage.
Tutor.com Puede Ayudar con los Deberes y Mucho Más
¡Tutor.com ofrece más que ayuda con los deberes! Este servicio gratuito de tutoría también ofrece una amplia variedad de recursos que incluyen preparación para los exámenes AP, SAT y ACT sin coste alguno para las familias.
Los estudiantes pueden hacer pruebas de práctica en cualquier momento. Si tienen dificultades en algún área en particular, pueden conectarse inmediatamente con un tutor en vivo para obtener ayuda a través de las opciones de voz o chat. Obtenga más información en la página web FCPS Tutor.com.
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Sandburg Middle School Transition Information
 
FCPS Cares
FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story so we can all acknowledge the good work of our Hollin Meadows staff members.
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Important Dates
Jan. 15: MLK Jr. Holiday - No School
Jan. 18: Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night at Sandburg Middle School: 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 25: 2nd Quarter Ends - 1:05 p.m. Dismissal
Jan. 26: Teacher Work Day - No School
See the complete 2023-2024 school year calendar
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