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In This Issue
Hello Herndon Middle School Families,
I hope this message finds you well. As we settle into the rhythm of the school year, I am sharing a quick update on what's happening this week.
Building Strong Relationships: This week, our students will focus on developing essential relationship skills in homeroom. These skills are crucial for creating a positive and supportive learning environment.
Organization Day: On Wednesday, we'll facilitate an organizational lesson to help students organize their binders, folders, and backpacks. We'll discuss tips and tricks for binder organization and routines that can support their academic success.
Back-to-School Night: Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 5th, from 5-7 PM for our Back-to-School Night! This is a great opportunity to meet your child's teachers, learn about our curriculum, and ask questions. We'll also host sessions on attendance support, student services, special education, multilingual learners, and advanced academics.
Pyramid Night: Join us on Friday for our annual Pyramid Night at Herndon High School. Enjoy food and games, and cheer on our Hornets (former Hawks) as they take on the Saxons. Remember to arrive early for the tailgate and grab one of the first 100 free Pyramid student tickets!
After-School Programming: Please complete the Google Form permission slip sent out by Ms. Liana Shivers to enroll your Hawk in our after-school programming. We're offering a variety of exciting activities this month. Learn more at Back-to-School Night!
PTA Updates: If you missed last week's PTA meeting, we are looking for parents to volunteer their time on the following committees.
- 8th Grade Activities Committee
- Merchandise Committee
- Sports & After School Support Committee
- Teacher & Staff Appreciation Committee
- Fundraising Committee
- Advocacy Committee
Looking Ahead, I'm excited to see you all at Back-to-School Night and Pyramid Night. Have a wonderful week!
Stay informed by watching Principal Vereb's weekly video updates, which include the latest news, events, and student highlights.
Watch Video Here
In Your Service,
Principal Monika Vereb
Back to School Night
Back to School Night will take place on Thursday, September 5 from 5-7PM. BTSN provides an opportunity for parents and guardians to meet with teachers and learn important detailed information about academic outcomes for each subject, curriculum changes, expectations for the school year, student support, communication methods for parents, and more! We look forward to hosting our Hawk students and families!
Back to School Night Schedule (English)
Back to School Night Schedule (Spanish)
New Chromebooks for Students
Your student has a brand-new Chromebook checked out to them. Students have been asked to take care of the laptop, because each child and family is responsible for their assigned Chromebook and charger. A replacement Chromebook is $444 and a replacement Charger is $23.
The Chromebooks have all-day battery life. We ask that parents/guardians remind their students to charge their Chromebook each night before bed.
We also ask for parents/guardians to remind their students to bring their Chromebooks with them to school each day.
Everything You Can Do Through SIS ParentVUE
Want to easily access back-to-school forms and checklists? Log in to your SIS ParentVUE account to find forms and make updates.
Update Contact Information
Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon.
Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form (PDF) and submit it to their child’s school.
Complete Permission Forms
Families can now easily give permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.
Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.
Don’t Have a SIS ParentVUE Account Yet?
Contact your school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.
Transportation Patience and Safety
Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses.
If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Contact the Transportation Office at 703-249-7100 with any additional questions. For any concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000.
To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.
Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity
FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.
Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.
Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
Herndon Pyramid Night
Join Us for an Exciting Night at the Herndon Pyramid Football Game!
Date: Friday, September 6
Events Begin: 5:30 PM
Tunnel Run: 6:40 PM
Varsity Football Game: 7:00 PM
Bring your family and friends for a fantastic evening filled with fun, community spirit!
Capital One Coders
Ready to level up your skills? Sign up for the Capital Coders After School Program starting Thursday, September 19 during B-block 3:15-4:45.
If you love math, science, or video games, this 10-week program is perfect for you. Learn to code, solve puzzles, and even build your own website. It’s time to unleash your inner tech wizard! Contact Mr. Walsh for more information!
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Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns regarding Fairfax County Public Schools. Your voice matters! Community Conversations will be held this Fall 6:30-7:30 p.m. on:
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Monday, September 9, at Holmes Middle School
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Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
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Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary
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Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary
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Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary
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Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle School
Click the date above to register. Registration is not required but helps with planning. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s This Week at FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
2023-30 Strategic Plan: Foundation of Four Pillars
While the five goals of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan focus on student success, the four pillars describe what FCPS must do well to reach our goals for all students:
- The first focus of the pillars is on teaching and learning. We want to make sure each and every student has access to excellent and inclusive learning environments, and that instruction meets students’ individual needs.
- The second pillar focuses on our connection with families and our communities. We cannot do this work alone. Strong partnerships are key to our students’ success.
- The third pillar is centered on our hiring and maintaining a world class, diverse workforce. We want to make sure our incredible employees have what they need to help our students thrive.
- The fourth and final pillar centers on how we bring this all together. We remain focused on creating a culture of equity, excellence, and accountability where data guides our decisions.
Visit our Strategic Plan webpage for more information.
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities
FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R.
Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30.
You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.
Safety Drills During the School Year
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.
The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.
Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.
Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.
If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Cell Phones Off, Learning On
Thank you for helping to support the FCPS cell phone policy by waiting to call or text your child about non-urgent matters until the school day is over. In case of an emergency, it is always best to contact the school’s front office to reach your child during class time.
Visit the FCPS Cell Phone Policy webpage to read more about usage policies by grade level and to share your feedback on the current cell phone policy.
Solve the Puzzle Before It’s Gone!
Fairfax County's Puzzle Hunt will end on Sunday, September 15. Families have been solving puzzles and finding clues all summer in this unique community event that takes solvers on a journey to the wonderful parks in Fairfax County. There is still time to join before it ends!
Puzzles are filled with creative thinking, logic, and wordplay. They are designed to be completed with friends and family and are challenging and accessible for all skill levels. Solve the puzzles, then find clues at the parks for a final meta-puzzle. Visit our wonderful local parks with friends and family.
Receive Credit for Proficiency in Languages
This year's World Languages Credit by Exam will be administered at each FCPS middle, high, and secondary school.
The World Languages Credit by Exam is an optional test for students in grades 7-12 who can speak and write (type) proficiently in a language other than English. Based on the results of the exam, they can earn 1, 2, and/or 3 passing world language credits.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 4, at 8 a.m., and closes on Friday, October 4, at 4 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted. Please contact your student’s school counselor to register for the exam.
Find more information, including the list of eligible languages.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) believes in supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) for all students. In FCPS, students use a tool called the SEL Screener to think about their own SEL skills and experiences at school. Herndon Middle School students in grades 7 & 8 will be participating in the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener in the Fall and Spring.
After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information about the SEL Screener including information on opting out please see the attached Parent Notification. You can also learn more on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.
September
Attendance Awareness Month
5 | Back to School Night from 5-7 PM
6 | Herndon Pyramid Night at HHS at 5:30 PM
11 | Commemoration/Patriot Day
15 | National Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
21-29 | Blue Star Welcome Week
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September 11 - National Day of Service
With the upcoming 23rd anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.
All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL.
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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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