Week of April 15

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School Library Month



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See American Association of School Librarians. Every April school librarians are encouraged to host activities to help their school and local community celebrate the essential role that strong school libraries play in transforming learning.



In This Issue:



Calendar

April 16: Herndon Pyramid Concert 2024, 7:00 pm, Herndon MS

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

April 18: PTSA Meeting, 7:00 pm, Zoom

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

April 29-May 31: SOL Testing, School-Wide

May 03: Student Holiday | Teacher Workday

May 05: Orthodox Easter

May 06-17: AP Exams

May 20: Sports Physicals

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.


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Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week

Since 1984, National PTA has designated one week in May as Teacher Appreciation Week. National Teacher Day began in 1953 when former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt proposed that Congress set aside a day to acknowledge the work of educators. Since 1985, NEA has celebrated National Teacher Day on the Tuesday of the first full week of May. FCPS follows the NEA and National PTA dates of scheduling Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week the first full week of May.

 

Help the PTSA 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$


🎤 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.


Give Your Feedback on the Budget

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We are now in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback:

  • Tuesday, April 16, through Thursday, April 18: The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors conducts public hearings on the county budget. Sign up to speak.  
  • Tuesday, May 7: The County Board of Supervisors adopts its budget, tax rates, and transfer amount to FCPS. 
  • Tuesday, May 14: The School Board holds a public hearing on the FCPS budget.
  • Thursday, May 23: The School Board adopts FCPS’ approved budget.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget and see the full Budget Development Calendar.


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).


PTSA Meeting - April 18

Join us for the next PTSA Meeting on Thursday, April 18th at 7:00 pm via Zoom:

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://zoom.us/j/94471282970__;!!Pwvz7ORF!KDRzTICsMQolM6IasAQLysyQxc-kCqI4RCWSL3bly7e5Vcoa8gjXk8SbJxgCVJJOhyumhbvUiVPoOH5FlQY$


Family Summit Designed to Enhance Safety, Security, and Inclusion

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The FCPS Family Summit 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 raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. Participants may also join online sessions, which will provide supports for students with disabilities and their families. 

Visit the Family Summit webpage to learn about the guest speakers and to register for the event. The theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.


👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Immigrant Family Reunification Class

A class will be held online in Spanish for immigrant families looking to reunite during challenging transitions. Saturday classes will be available April 20, or 27, from 9-11:30 a.m. Register online. For more information, please contact [family liaison’s name and email] or Sussy Tomer at setomer@fcps.edu.


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.


🎓 Postsecondary Education and Employment Options

FCPS’ Career and Transition Services will host Flash Forward, to provide students with disabilities seeking a standard or advanced diploma and their families an introduction to options available after high school. 

Flash Forward will be held Thursday, April 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Annandale High School, in the cafeteria. Register online. Representatives from adult education, employment, and community programs (college, military, apprenticeship, trade school, gap year, and employment) will be on site to share information about their services.


✅ School Health Services Satisfaction Survey

The Fairfax County Health Department and FCPS School Health Services invite parents/caregivers to participate in a survey on the level of satisfaction with support provided to your school community by School Health Services. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and is open until Friday, April 26. Your feedback can help to improve school health services.


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.


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.


Orthodox Good Friday/Teacher Work Day

Friday, May 3, is Orthodox Good Friday, and a teacher work day. Millions of Orthodox Christians commemorate Good Friday, also known as “Great Friday” to remember the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. There will be no school for students that day. See the complete school year calendar.


Bike to School Day

Bike Month has been celebrated since 1956 to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and encourage more people to give biking a try. Fairfax County has an extensive network of both paved and natural surface bike trails. You can access a map to all the trails in Fairfax county online. Wednesday, May 8, is the official Bike to School Day. You can register as a school, family, or neighborhood. Plan your ride whether you ride to school, to a park, or just within your neighborhood. Register for Bike to School Day.


Sports Physicals

Herndon High School will be hosting their Sports Physicals on Monday, May 20th. Take advantage and cross this off your to do list for next year now while supporting the Athletic Training program! The physicals currently on file expire on June 30th, a new physical is needed for next year. After June 30th, students will not be permitted to participate in any team related activities (other than interest meetings) until a new VHSL physical form has been submitted. You are always welcome to get a sports physical through your family physician or an urgent care center, but this event is our Athletic Training Program’s only fundraiser.

Did you know? This is an incredibly important night for us because FCPS only provides the athletic training personnel, not the supplies we need to help your kids. The money earned is used to purchase the supplies that allow us to help our student-athletes stay healthy and play to their highest potential. Every piece of gauze, glove, roll of tape, ice bag, bandage, nose plug, brace, crutch…everything you see us use is purchased through the funds earned at this annual event. Without your support we would not be able to provide the services we do for our student-athletes. Just for reference- 1 physical does not even cover the cost of 1 case of tape (we go through 80-100 cases per year).

Physicals are $50- payable by cash or check on site or pre-paid through MySchoolBucks prior to the event. All details will be provided in a confirmation email when appointments are made. Additional donations or ‘sponsorships’ for student-athletes who may not be able to afford this opportunity are always welcome. We ensure forms are complete and there are no issues (unless a doctor notices something that warrants further medical attention). All forms will be put on file so kids are ready to go- you’ll just need to complete online registration for whatever activity they choose.

Click here to make an appointment: 2024 Athletic Physical RegistrationYou will receive a confirmation email within 48 business hours of scheduling.

Any questions, comments, or concerns? Please contact Lisa Petruzzi (LTPetruzzi@fcps.edu)

 

 

 



Information



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.


VIP Seats at Graduation

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Want the best seats at graduation? Enter the Herndon ANG VIP Seats raffle now! Tickets are $8 each or get for $35. Two lucky winners will be chosen on Sunday, April 21, 2024. Don't miss out - grab your tickets today for a chance to win.


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.

 

 

 



Resources



💻 No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, parents/caregivers can refer their children for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on how to opt your child into this service.


Quick Links