Hornet Happenings

Week of September 3^rd

I hope your four-day weekend was a breath of fresh air Hornet Nation!  After a busy first two weeks ago the extended weekend was definitely a welcomed respite for both staff and students.

What activities did you enjoy as a family?  Did this time give you the opportunity to connect with loved ones?  At Halley, we are always encouraging our teachers to make daily connections with their students to ensure positive relationships throughout the school year.  We recognize that students who feel connected to their school community also feel a sense of safety and belonging.  This in turn reduces absenteeism and raises engagement.

As we move into a new month let us be purposeful to build strong connections within our Halley community.

Paula Johnson-Tyler: Principal

Dee Hubbard: Assistant Principal

September is Attendance Awareness Month

Regular attendance is crucial for the academic success of all students. Studies have repeatedly proven that students with better attendance records perform better in school and are more likely to graduate high school on time.

Did you know?

• Starting in kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
• Missing 10% (or about 2 days per month) can make it harder to learn to read.
• Attending school even if your student arrives late is valuable for their academic success. 

Halley Elementary will host its annual Back to School Night on September 10th from 5:30-7:30. This event is for all students in grades K-6.  

Many families have multiple students who attend Halley ES.  Therefore, teachers will conduct their Back to School presentations in two sessions

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

✨ 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. 

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.

🎤 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:

• Monday, September 9, at Holmes Middle School 
• Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
• Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary 
• Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary 
• Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary 
• Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle 

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. 

 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. 

PTO Membership Drive

The PTO is also excited to kick off our annual PTO membership drive, and we need your support to make a

difference in your child's education!

Special Offer: For every parent membership that includes a $20 membership donation,

your child's teacher will receive a $10 gift card for school supplies! This is a fantastic way

to directly support your child’s classroom.

Grade-Level Challenge: The classroom with the most parent memberships will receive

an extra gift card for school supplies, funded by the membership drive. The more parents that

join, the bigger the reward for your child's class!

Why Join the PTO?

*Support classroom activities and supplies.

* Help fund school events and enrichment programs.

*Build a strong school community.

How to Join:

Click here!

*Simply donate $20 per membership to the PTO.

*Your donation will not only help our school but also provide direct support to your child's teacher and classroom.

Visit our website or social media pages to follow us to stay up to date on PTO activities this school year.

Let's work together to make this school year the best yet!

8850 Cross Chase Circle, Fairfax Station 22039  |  Phone: 703-551-5700

Attendance: 703-551-5757 or email HalleyES.Attendance

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