Week of April 8

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 04/08/2024 03:15 PM EDT

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Muslim American Heritage Month

Muslim American Heritage Month graphic

Muslim American Heritage Month is a time for celebrating the history, contributions, culture, and an enhanced understanding of the diverse population of Muslim Americans. View the Fairfax County School Board resolution honoring Muslim American Heritage Month.

In This Issue:

Calendar

April 09: Springfest, TA, School-wide

April 09: Religious and Cultural Observance | Eid al Fitr (begins sundown 4/9 – sundown 4/10)

April 10: Holiday | Eid al Fitr (begins sundown 4/9 – sundown 4/10)

April 11: Post-Secondary Planning Night for Juniors, 7:00 pm, South Lakes HS Theater

April 15: Junior Post-Secondary Program, 4th Period, Various Locations

April 18: VA DMV Permit Test, 3:15 pm, Herndon HS - Room J104

April 22: Religious and Cultural Observance | First evening of Passover (begins sundown 4/22 - sundown 4/30)

April 23: Religious and Cultural Observance | Second evening of Passover

April 24: Religious and Cultural Observance | Theravada New Year

FCPS Calendar | HHS Red and Black Calendar

 

 

Events

AP Testing Volunteers Needed

Herndon High School is looking for volunteers to help proctor AP exams beginning Monday, May 6th through Friday, May 17th.

There are two sessions: The morning session, 7:45am – 11:30/11:45am. The afternoon session, 11:45am – 3:15/3:30pm. Responsibilities include checking ID’s, handing out and collecting tests, monitoring the students and counting tests when finished. Volunteers do not have to sign up for both sessions in the same day unless he/she would like to do so. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. If you are available or know of anyone, a college student perhaps who may be interested in helping, please contact Kie Anderson at keanderson1@fcps.edu.

☀️ Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8 

A solar eclipse is happening on April 8, 2024. It's a rare and exciting astronomical phenomenon and one that requires important safety reminders. Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can permanently damage your eyes. 

Here's what you need to know:

  • Don't look at the sun without approved eyewear. This applies to students and staff, and we encourage you to reinforce this at home.
  • Regular sunglasses are not good enough. The NASA website has more information about eye safety.  
  • Eclipse timing: The eclipse starts around 2:04 p.m., peaks at 3:20 p.m. (which coincides with dismissal for some students), and ends around 4:32 p.m. Please remind your child to be especially vigilant about eye safety during dismissal. If you have concerns about your child walking or riding the bus home, please arrange for alternative transportation.

For more details, visit the FCPS Solar Eclipse webpage.

Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week is the first week of May. Help us celebrate our HHS teachers!

PTSA is catering lunch for all 250 staff and we need your support!

Click here to make a tax-deductible donation now:

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://herndonhighschool.memberhub.com/store/items/6233__;!!Pwvz7ORF!PY_BGkUZBEDWI26ZE7NS7nxl34qn38jlXXfhQAY8RABYSr7dd6BEgGcMLJ3PZFOSz3LLwG2vp7uMzVlqztM$

Springfest

On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, we will celebrate our second annual Springfest event. Tuesday’s bell schedule will be modified as follows:

  • Period 1: 8:10-9:07
  • Period 3: 9:15-10:12
  • Period 7: 10:20-11:17
  • Period 5: 11:25-1:20
    • A Lunch: 11:20-11:45
    • B Lunch: 11:45-12:20
    • C Lunch: 12:20-12:45
    • D Lunch: 12:45-1:20
  • Springfest: 1:45-2:45
  • Dismissal: 2:55

For Springfest, students will leave their belongings in their 5th period classroom and will return to pick up their items prior to dismissal.

Eid al-Fitr (Half-O Day, Holiday)

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In Islam, Eid-al-Fitr is a three day festival to mark the end of Ramadan. Muslims dress in new clothes, give charity, and pray in congregation. Eid is celebrated with the exchange of presents and delicious food with family and friends. Read more at Britannica.com.

Tuesday, April 9, has been designated as a half-O day. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days. Wednesday, April 10, is an FCPS holiday and all schools and offices will be closed. See the complete School Year Calendar.

Post-Secondary Planning Night for Juniors

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Herndon HS, in conjunction with South Lakes HS, will host a Post-Secondary Planning Night for Juniors. The details are below:

  • Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
  • South Lakes HS Theater
  • 11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston

A NOVA representative will offer a session in Spanish in the SLHS Cafeteria (across from the Theater).

Learn more about post-secondary options, college applications and next steps to prepare for senior year from a panel of college admission representatives.  FCPS ACE will also provide information on apprenticeships/trades and business/medical/IT certification educational opportunities.  There will be a Q&A session at the end.   

All juniors will meet with their respective counselor on Monday, April 15th for a College Prep/Post-Secondary Planning Session.  

Flyers (English, Spanish) are available. All junior parents and students are welcome.

🌱 Spring Plant Sale

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Get ready to spruce up your space with our blooming plant sale! Order your 10" hanging flower baskets or 12" Boston fern combo, plus 4.5" pots now through April 14th. Pick up at Herndon HS on April 28th or opt for delivery! Contact Laura at 571-438-5107 or email ljmdesign@icloud.com. Don't miss out on adding some green goodness to your life. Proceeds support ANG2024.

Attention Juniors!

On Monday, April 15th during Stinger 7, you will be meeting with your counselor to discuss life after high school. Topics to be covered:

  • Two-Year College or University
  • Four-Year College or University
  • Employment
  • Military
  • Apprenticeships

We look forward to seeing you!

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Continue

Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation. Your voice matters! Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to a conversation on:

Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help FCPS plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. Events are open to all. Learn about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

Purple Up! Day

To show our support for all our military-connected families, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, school employees, and community members to “Purple Up!” on April 17  for military children. Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and Space Force blue.

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 Dates: 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).

Register Today for the FCPS Family Summit

Registration is open for the FCPS Family Summit, which will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families, such as social-emotional resources, along with a specially curated online component to provide supports for students with disabilities and their families.

Some of the topics include raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. The theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

Passover and Half-O Days

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Many Jewish communities in the United States celebrate Passover, a recognition of the deliverance of Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Passover is also known as Pesah, Pesach, or the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Many Jewish families in the United States eat a ceremonial meal known as the Seder, which involves telling the story of the exodus from Egypt as well as eating various symbolic foods, such as meat of the paschal lamb and bitter herbs, recalling the harsh life of slavery. Learn more about Passover in NatGeo Kids. 

Monday, April 22, and Tuesday, April 23, are designated half-O days in recognition of the first two days of Passover. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days. See the complete school year calendar.

Theravada New Year (O Day)

In countries where Theravada Buddhism is the most dominant religion, New Year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon in April. Theravada means “the teachings of the elders.” Celebrations begin with people attending the local temple in the morning for chanting and meditation. In the afternoon they have a water festival in which they meet the Buddha image and pay respect to the elderly by watering their hands together. Building sandcastles is also one of the most popular activities during this day of celebration.

Wednesday, April 24, is designated as an O day for Theravada New Year. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year. There is school on these days, however tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days. See the complete school year calendar.

NOVA Virtual Sessions for Seniors and Their Families 

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is offering virtual information and application sessions. Information sessions will provide an overview of NOVA and the opportunities, services, and resources designed to connect high school seniors to the NOVA Nighthawk Community.

Sessions are open to all FCPS seniors and their families. For questions, email admissions@nvcc.edu or call 703-323-3000.

Updated Spring SOL Test Information

Herndon High School students will be taking one or more Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course (EOC) assessments between April 29, 2024 and May 31, 2024. All students will receive their testing schedule and other important information via school E-Mail in the middle of April 2024. All testing times start at 8:10 AM.

The testing days have been expanded this year due to the AP testing that is also scheduled during the same testing window and student testing must ensure that proper spacing and time is provided for all tests. On certain days, the bell schedule will be rotated to ensure that instructional time is maintained for all students testing. The table below lists the testing days and the schedule run that day:

  • Monday, April 29, 2024 - Science and Math SOL Tests (Seniors) – Regular Black Day Bell Schedule
  • Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - Reading SOL Test (Seniors) – Regular Red Day Bell Schedule
  • Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - Reading SOL Test - Regular Black Day Bell Schedule
  • Thursday, May 2, 2024 - Reading SOL Test - Periods 7, 3, 5, 1
  • Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - Biology SOL Test - Periods 3, 1, 5, 7
  • Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - Biology SOL Test - Periods 8, 2, 6, ST5, ST6
  • Thursday, May 9, 2024 - Geosystems SOL Test - Periods 1, 7, 5, 3
  • Friday, May 10, 2024 - Geosystems SOL Test - Periods ST7, ST8, 2, 6, 8
  • Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - Chemistry SOL Test – Regular Black Bell Schedule
  • Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - Chemistry SOL Test - Periods 7, 3, 5, 1
  • Thursday, May 16, 2024 - Geometry SOL Test - Periods 8, 2, 6, ST2, ST3
  • Friday, May 17, 2024 - Geometry SOL Test - Periods 3, 1, 5, 7
  • Monday, May 20, 2024 - Algebra 1 SOL Test - Periods TA, ST5, 8, 6, 2
  • Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - Algebra 1 SOL Test - Periods 1, 7, 5, 3
  • Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - Algebra 2 SOL Test - Regular Black Day Bell Schedule
  • Thursday, May 23, 2024 - Algebra 2 SOL Test - Regular Red Day Bell Schedule
  • Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Reading SOL Test Expedited Retake and Make-Up Tests - Regular Red Day Bell Schedule
  • Wednesday, May 29, 2024 - All Science SOL Expedited Retake and Make-up Tests - Regular Black Day Bell Schedule
  • Thursday, May 30, 2024 - All Math SOL Expedited Retake and Make-Up Tests - Regular Red Day Bell Schedule
  • Friday, May 31, 2024 - All SOL Expedited Retake and Make-up Tests (as needed) - Regular Black Day Bell Schedule

All students will receive their SOL testing schedules through their school E-Mail accounts on April 16, 2024.

While further information on testing can be found on the Herndon High School Website, all SOL assessments are taken in-person at school. If you become aware of an unavoidable conflict that could result in your student missing a testing day, or have further questions about SOL testing, please notify your student’s school counselor or our Assessment Coach, Dr. Karl Gussow.

🗳️ Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families. Read more about Dr. Bussey. 

This award recognizes staff or community members who have demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any FCPS employee, student, or community member can nominate an individual or group for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1.  The winner will be recognized at the FCPS Equity Symposium on Tuesday, June 18.

Full details and the nomination information form are available on the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage.

 

 

 

Information

From the Library

April is one of our favorite months as we celebrate National Poetry Month and National School Library Month. We are pleased to recognize National Arab American Heritage Month by highlighting fantastic Arab American authors and their books.

As we encourage wide reading for pleasure, we also work with classes on developing research skills, and are available to meet individually with students. We are currently working with all English 10 students. The library’s Schoology course has a variety of resources to help students find reliable information that they can use to create new learning.

The Herndon HS library welcomes students before school, after school, and during the school day with a pass. Students looking for a lunch option other than the cafeteria can often get a pass to spend their lunch block in the library. If we can answer any questions for you, please contact us at hhs_library@fcps.edu.

All Night Grad Tickets

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Calling all Seniors! Don't break the bank for your All Night Grad ticket. Snag yours today for just $75, before prices jump to $85 on April 5th. Secure your space and safe.

🏫 Advertised Budget Focuses on Schools and Instruction

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Investing in excellence means putting our dollars where it matters most — schools and instruction. Nearly 93% of FCPS full-time staff work directly in our schools. And nearly 86% of FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Advertised Budget is dedicated to instructional programs across all grade levels, including special education. 

Only 5% of the advertised budget is for general support and central administration. Central office administrators represent only 0.8% of total full-time positions.

For more details on FCPS’ advertised budget, view budget documents, including the FY 2025 Budget Book. 

Check out the Budget Calendar for important dates in the budget process as well as opportunities for the community to provide feedback. 

New Regulation on Meditation and Silent Reflection Spaces

FCPS has developed Regulation 1502 to ensure all students and staff have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school division. The regulation provides guidance for schools on how to manage requests for silent reflection during instructional and non-instructional time, and for students to leave school for religious activities.

These spaces are for individuals to engage in prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, inclusive of their religious or non-religious beliefs. Parents/caregivers must provide written permission for students requesting to miss instructional time on a regular basis. Families are encouraged to contact their student's assistant principal or school counselor regarding accommodations. View Regulation 1502. Visit FCPS' Religious Accommodations in Schools for Students webpage for more information.

 

 

 

Resources

👗 Prom Dress Shop Opens With Hundreds of Dresses

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The annual Prom Dress Shop opens for the season on Friday, April 5, at Centreville High School. Any area student — not just those from Fairfax County Public Schools — who do not have the funds to purchase a prom dress may choose from hundreds of new dresses donated by Macy’s. Learn more and see shop hours.

Quick Links