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In This Issue
National School Social Work Week
March 4-8 is National School Social Work Week. Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential. This week we would like to take a moment to say thank you to our amazing School Social Workers, Ashley Van Gelder and Toni Tupper! We appreciate all the hard work you do for our HMS Community!
Ramadan Space for Students and Adults
We want to remind student and parents that we have designated a prayer space located in the main office for students who may need it during the school day. We understand the importance of providing a quiet and respectful environment for students to meet their personal or religious obligations or take a moment for personal reflection. Therefore, we have set up this space to accommodate those needs.
If your student has any questions, please have them reach out to their administrator.
Family Engagement Survey Now Open
Check out our Family Engagement Survey Toolkit for flyers, slideshows, a phone script, and other resources. Please share information with families during principal coffees, PTA meetings, and other school events. Please have paper surveys and computer access available for parents/caregivers who wish to complete the survey on site. Or, they can fill it out on paper at home and return it before March 22.
Share Your Thoughts on Schoology
FCPS will be conducting voluntary, anonymous surveys on the use of Schoology from Monday, March 11, to Friday, March 22. Surveys will be delivered to:
- Elementary students (grades 3-6) through the Schoology App Center.
- Secondary students via email from Naviance.
Student feedback will inform the school division’s use of Schoology and help improve its processes, communication, and professional learning for staff. FCPS’ Instructional Services Department will also be reaching out to families through focus groups.
Please contact Schoology@fcps.edu if you have questions.
Career and Technical Education Courses
Prepare Students for the Future
February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. Hear from students how CTE courses and Academies are helping them explore and prepare for careers while still in high school. One student has earned more than 20 industry certifications in two years!
Watch this video to learn more about opportunities in Fairfax County Public Schools’ CTE and Academy programs.
Fairfax County Science and Engineering Fair Open House
Members of the general public are invited to attend the science fair open house at Robinson Secondary School on Sunday, March 17 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Do You Know Where FCPS Funding Comes From?
The majority of FCPS funding is requested from the Fairfax County government, which generates its revenue from real estate and personal property taxes. The Commonwealth of Virginia provides the next largest source of revenue to FCPS through state aid and sales tax. The rest of the funding comes from a variety of sources, including federal aid and tuition for non-county residents. (The numbers above represent the FY 2025 proposed school operating fund in millions.)
FCPS does not have the authority to impose taxes and may only charge fees where the Commonwealth of Virginia has granted specific authority. Learn more about FCPS’ FY 2025 Advertised Budget.
Opioid Conversation
Join a Community Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs
A community conversation addressing the opioid crisis within Northern Virginia and Fairfax County Public Schools will be held Monday, March 18 from 6:30-8:00pm, in the auditorium at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Please enter through Door #14.
All attendees will receive a free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County.
This discussion will provide families, staff, and students with valuable knowledge about the dangers of drugs and deadly fentanyl. The material discussed is suitable for students in grades 6-12. Together as a community, we aim to explore collaborative strategies to minimize the impact of these harmful and too-often fatal substances.
Language interpretation services are available as well as American Sign Language accommodation. Childcare and transportation will also be provided, as needed. Learn more about the event and register online.
FCPS Principal Evaluation Staff Feedback Form
On Monday, March 18, Herndon Middle School parents/guardians will be sent an email containing a link to complete the online FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the VDOE-mandated Performance Evaluation Program for principals and offers parents/guardians an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various topics related to our school. These topics include how the principal demonstrates/impacts instructional leadership, school climate, management, communication and community relations, culturally responsive and equitable leadership, and professionalism within the school.
The questionnaire will be administered between March 18 and April 5. When you receive an email from FCPS Surveys, please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. Your feedback matters!
Purple Up! Support Military Families on April 17
Join our community and turn FCPS purple on Purple Up! Day, Wednesday, April 17. Wear purple in recognition of FCPS’ 14,000 enrolled military-connected students.
Purple Up! T-shirts are available for purchase through Friday, March 8.
Italy Tour: Summer 2025
Hawk families, we are excited to announce that we have partnered with EF Tours and your student is officially invited to join us for an incredible travel experience to Italy in Summer 2025!
When students go beyond the classroom it brings education to life, unlocks new potential, and opens a world of possibilities. Student's itinerary will be hands-on, student-centered, and—above all else—fun.
Please join us for an informational meeting on Tuesday, March 19 from 6:30-7:30pm to learn everything from how this opportunity will benefit your student, what's included in the experience, how we'll keep the trip safe and affordable, and much more!
Register here, by Monday, March 18, to confirm your status. Limited spots are available for this tour, so we would love for you to join us to learn more about this exciting opportunity!
This is a non-FCPS sponsored tour.
High School Musical Jr. Tickets
Tickets for the Herndon Middle School production of High School Musical are now on sale! You can purchase them on etix!
Get your ticket fast - last year we sold out and you don't want to miss this production!!
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Healthy Kids Running Series
Registration is now open for the Spring 2024 Healthy Kids Running Series (HKRS) in Herndon. HKRS is a non-profit 5-week running program held on Sundays that gives kids the opportunities to race against their peers
- 50 meter dash for preschoolers aged 2 or 3 years
- 75 meter dash for preschoolers aged 4 or 5 years
- 1/4 mile for Kindergarteners or 1st graders
- 1/2 mile for 2nd or 3rd graders
- A full mile with two divisions:
- 4th and 5th graders
- 6th, 7th, and 8th graders
Points accumulate each week and the runners with the most points after the final races on week 5 receive a trophy for their age and gender division. All children receive a medal for their participation.
Please join us at Stratton Woods Park, located at 2441 Fox Mill Road, Herndon, VA 22070 on April 21 and 28, May 5, 12, and 19, at 4:30pm for a fun and healthy event! Warm-ups begin at 4:15pm.
Get Your Child’s Immunizations Up-to-Date
Immunization Clinic now open to all Fairfax County students who need immunizations regardless of if they have had vaccines in the past, new to the country, or those that just need a follow up to be up to date.
Appointments are recommended for faster service, but not required. A limited number of walk-ins will be accepted. Call 703-246-7100.
Food For Neighbors
Make a Powerful, Lasting Impact: Sponsor a School
Join our "Spring Into Action" campaign and transform a teenager's life this Spring Break. In Northern Virginia, some teens worry about their next meal during this time, but by sponsoring a local middle or high school, you can change this.
With a $1,000 sponsorship, you can provide twenty $50 grocery gift cards to one of our partnering schools, becoming a beacon of hope for food-insecure teens. This is a chance to make a powerful, lasting impact. Your support for our Grocery Gift Card Program will serve as a lifeline to our most vulnerable students, enabling them to secure nutritious meals during their break.
Email Renee at renee@foodforneighbors.org to get started!
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Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward)
Sunday, March 10, at 2:00am, daylight saving time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour!
As a result of the time change, many students will be walking to school or to bus stops in the dark. Help your child stay safe by having them wear reflective clothing and bright or light colors, or add reflective items to their backpacks or clothes. Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up and not to run into the street or cross between parked cars.
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Ramadan
This year, the first full day of Ramadan is Monday, March 11. In Islam, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this month Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset each day while striving to increase their spirituality, through prayers, charity and good deeds. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids.
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Spring Break
March 25-29 is Spring Break. Schools and school offices will be closed. We wish our students and teachers a happy and restful Spring Break! See the complete school year calendar.
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March
- National Women's History Month
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3-9 | National School Social Work Week
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5 | Student Holiday
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10 | Daylight Saving Begins
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22 | 3rd Quarter Ends
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25-29 | Spring Break
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29 | Good Friday
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FCPS Cares
The FCPS CARES Program 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 FCPS employees.
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