Week of April 22

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Autism Acceptance Month



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April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.



In This Issue:



Calendar

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 03: Fiddler on the Roof, 7:00 pm, Auditorium

May 04: Fiddler on the Roof, 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm, Auditorium

May 05: Fiddler on the Roof, 2:00 pm 

May 05: Orthodox Easter

May 06-17: AP Exams

May 08: National School Nurse Day

May 09: VA DMV Permit Test, 3:15 pm, Herndon HS - Room J104

May 18: A Day of Hope, 5:00 pm, HUMC

May 20: Sports Physicals

FCPS Calendar | HHS Red and Black Calendar

 

 



Events



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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.


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$


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.


👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 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 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.


🎓 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.


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 received 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.


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.


🎤 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.


🗳️ Nominate Someone Today for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

Do you know of an outstanding person or group that has worked for equity in an FCPS school?  There’s still time to nominate a candidate for the 2024 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award.

This award recognizes staff, students, 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 may nominate an individual or group for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1. Full details 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.


Fiddler on the Roof

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Herndon HS Performing Arts proudly presents…

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

  • Friday, May 3 at 7:00 pm
  • Saturday, May 4 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
  • Sunday, May 5 at 2:00 pm

Tickets can be purchased at:  https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15643/


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.


National School Nurse Day

National School Nurse Day is Wednesday, May 8. It is a day to recognize the many contributions that school nurses make to student health and learning.  

FCPS appreciates the role of School Public Health Nurses (PHNs) for their contribution to the health and welfare of all our students. Professional school nurses support the needs of students through their delivery of healthcare, contributions to local school communities, and promotion of safety, prevention, and wellness throughout the year. They are advocates who bridge healthcare and education by supporting student health and readiness to learn. School nurses are essential to our community and work tirelessly to make a positive impact in the lives of their students.  

Please join us in thanking the PHNs for their hard work and dedication to FCPS students. 


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: 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).


A Day of Hope

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May 18, 2024 at 701 Bennett Street, Herndon, VA 

  • 5:00 - 7:00 pm FREE Classes & Resilience Fair
  • 7:00 pm Rise Up Concert

Learn more at bit.ly/riseupherndon. 


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



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.


How to Get Help Filling Out the FAFSA

According to recent news reports, as many as 30% fewer graduating seniors have completed and submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many schools rely upon this form to grant students financial aid award letters.

Families who have questions or persistent issues filling out the FAFSA might consider scheduling a free appointment with our partners at College Access Fairfax. Email appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org. All FAFSA help provided by our school or College Access Fairfax is free. 


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.


Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

FCPS students in grades 3-12 took the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener during March, providing updated information on skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. The SEL Screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. 

In late April, individual student SEL Screener results will be available for families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail. 

Get more information about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For support in understanding your individual student’s results or ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or contact Ms. Kramer in Student Services. 


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, 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.


Summer Arts Camp

Don’t miss out on this summer’s most exciting arts enrichment program! The Institute for the Arts camp is for students currently in grade 6-11. Students design their own schedules and select from art, music, theater, and dance classes. Learn more on the IFTA webpage. Email IFTA@fcps.edu with any questions.

 

 

 



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