Week of May 6


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In This Issue


Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week

TAW
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.

Reminders: Last Week's News

Community Forums on Middle School Start Times

FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Register for an in-person forum by clicking on one of the following dates:

  • Monday, May 20 from 6-8 p.m. at Hughes Middle School
  • Wednesday, May 22 from 6-8 p.m. at Frost Middle School.

A virtual forum will be held on Monday, May 13 from 6:30-8 p.m. That registration link will be available soon.

While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.


SOL Schedule

This is a reminder that SOL testing will begin this week for our students. Please take note of the following testing dates:

  • Wednesday, May 8 | Science 8
  • Wednesday, May 22 | Math (All Levels)

Thank you for your continued support in preparing our students for these assessments. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out.


In This Weeks News

8th Grade End of the Year Activities

EOY Activities

There are fun and exciting activities planned ahead for the end of the year for 8th graders!

  • Student v. Staff Night Hawk Events | Thursday, May 16, 23, 30
  • HMS v. Hughes Sports Events
    • Basketball | Thursday, May 9
    • Soccer | Saturday, May 18 and Friday, June 7
  • 8th Grade End of Year Dance | Friday, June 7
  • 8th Grade Picnic | Monday, June 10 (during school)

Please note: The end of the year activities are privileges for students to earn and enjoy. In order to earn these privileges, students are expected to meet expectations regarding attendance, being on time for classes, and behavior. Students who do not meet these expectations risk losing the privilege of attending these events.


Let's Finish the School Year Strong!

Student attendance at school is important all year long, up to the last day of school. Attendance has an effect on student performance and on school accreditation. See how to:

  • Check your child’s attendance record.
  • Help your student stay engaged at school.
  • Report future absences.
  • Understand the FCPS school calendar.

Learn more about attendance resources.


Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders

Immunizations are required for all students entering 7th and 12th grades this fall. Visit the FCPS immunization webpage to learn about the required vaccines.  Caregivers should ask their private healthcare provider or the health department to review their student's immunization record to ensure that their student has received these required immunizations. 

It is important to schedule immunizations early in the summer, as seventh-grade students must submit documentation of the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines before they begin school in August. Twelfth-grade students must submit documentation of the Meningococcal vaccine. Get more information on all student immunization requirements.


Resources

FCPS Ombuds Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, offer options to resolve concerns and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, visit their webpage, or submit a question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.


No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as:

  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
  • Anxiety, worry, fears
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
  • Academic stress

In order for students to participate, caregivers must give permission for FCPS to share basic demographic information with Hazel Health in ParentVUE and provide consent. Students can then be referred to therapy by a guardian or school staff member.

You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Find our contact information on this webpage.

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.


Parent Information Phone Lines 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.


Athletics and Activities

Football Parent Interest Meeting

There will be a Parent Interest Meeting on Wednesday, May 15 for any 8th graders interested in playing football at Herndon High School next year. Please join us in the Auxiliary Gym (just inside Door 4), the meeting will begin at 6:30pm. If you have any questions, please see Mr. Fowle.


Herndon High School Sports Physicals

HHS Physical

Herndon High School will be hosting their Sports Physicals on Monday, May 20 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Take advantage and cross this off your to do list for next year now while supporting the Athletic Training program! Students participating in sports need a new physical for every school year. Students will not be permitted to participate in any team related activities until a physical form has been submitted, this includes middle school cross country and track & field. 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.

Register Here!

Questions? Contact Lisa Petruzzi at ltpetruzzi@fcps.edu.


Save the Date for FCPS’ Summer Extravaganza

Don’t miss a day of family fun and learning at the FCPS Summer Extravaganza! 

Stop by Woodson High School on Saturday, June 1, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., where students will be able to take part in engaging educational activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire growth. 

Representatives from local businesses, Fairfax County Public Library, and the Fairfax County Park Authority are participating in the Summer Extravaganza. Community organizations, such as Neighborhood Community Services, will be at the event as well. All will have learning activities, tips, and helpful information for families. Enjoy face painting, food, music, a moon bounce, a petting zoo, storytime, and student performances — all at no cost!

Visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage for more details and register to attend. Registration is not required, but it's helpful for planning purposes.


SoCo Summer Strings

SoCo

Exciting news! SoCo Summer Strings is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School from July 8 to 19 from 8:30am-12:30pm, weekdays only. Camp is open to all rising 5th-9th grade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, an instrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day. 

You can find more information and registration for camp at www.schsorchestra.org/soco-summer-strings. Early registration is from March to June 9, so reserve your student’s spot soon!


Calendar

Asian American and Pacific Islander HM

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


Jewish HM

Jewish American Heritage Month

May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S.

Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


memorial day graphic

Memorial Day

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, for the Memorial Day holiday.

Learn about the history of Memorial Day.


Calendar

May

7 | National Fentanyl Awareness Day

8 | Bike to School Day

8 | National School Nurse Day

9 | Herndon v Hughes Basketball Game at 6pm

6-10 | Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week

27 | Memorial Day (Holiday)


Helpful Links


FCPS Cares

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.