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Hornet Happenings

Week of September 23rd

Welcome to the season of Fall Hornet Nation!  When I hear football playing in the background on a Sunday afternoon, advertisements for all things pumpkin spice, and signs directing me to the local Fall festival…everything just seems… right in the world.  Which activities does your family enjoy during this beautiful season of autumn?  Fun activities such as apple picking, hayrides, and corn mazes all come with their own potential for making connections to learning. 

On Tuesday we will have our fall picture day.  Information regarding ordering pictures was sent home in students’ backpacks last week.  “Say cheese!”  Also, it is not too late to volunteer for picture day.  Simply call our front office and ask to speak with Ms. Wynder.

Our exterior walkways are getting upgraded over the next few weeks.  FCPS facilities will be updating a few of our walkways to ensure they are ADA compliant.  This may affect a bit of our kiss and ride traffic flow.  Please adhere to the directions of our Halley staff at all times.

Have a pleasant week Halley families!

Paula Johnson-Tyler: Principal

Dee Hubbard: Assistant Principal

✔️ Parent/Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms?

We understand that the multiple school forms caregivers receive during the first weeks of school can feel overwhelming, but each one helps set your child up for a successful school year! If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, please contact the front office for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage. 

🩹 Immunization Requirements 

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to Halley Elementary’s front office. 

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:  

• A healthcare provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
• A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
• A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with religious tenets or practices.

Advanced Academics Parent Information Night: 

This meeting will take place in two parts; you are welcome to come for one or stay for both!

Part 1: Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Services at Halley Elementary

There will be an Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) parent information night for families on Tuesday, October 8th at 6:00 PM in the Halley Elementary Little Theatre. Fairfax County provides a continuum of services to meet the needs of students at a variety of levels. 

Prior to joining, please feel free to visit the AAP website which outlines the continuum of services available to all students in FCPS. During the first parent information night we will share the specific AAP program supports that are provided at Halley Elementary.

Part 2: Full-Time AAP Services Screening Information 

Parents of students in second through sixth grade, who are interested in having their child screened for the full-time services will learn about the forms, documents, and deadlines for applications. This Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) parent information night will be held on Tuesday, October 8th right after Part 1 in the Halley Elementary Little Theatre.  We provide a brief question and answer session for families as well. 

Note: AAP Full-Time parent referrals are due on December 15, 2024. This is a county deadline, and late entries cannot be accepted.

AAP Full-Time parent referrals for Fall Screening (students new to the county as of January 1, 2024) are due on October 15, 2024. This is a county deadline, and late entries cannot be accepted.

Fall Newsletter- English              Fall Newsletter- Spanish

Fall Newsletter- Korean              Fall Newsletter- Vietnamese

Fall Newsletter- Urdu                  Fall Newsletter- Arabic

Fall Newsletter- Chinese

Deadlines Quickly Approaching: 

Contact Jennifer Buchko - jmbuchko@fcps.edu

• CogAT Request to Retake: Sept. 30

• NNAT Request to Retake: Oct. 15

Contact: Christy Talley - cmtalley@fcps.edu

• Fall Full Time Referrals (New to County as of Jan.1, 2024): Oct.15

• Spring Full Time Referrals: Dec. 15

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

• Monday, September 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Newington Forest Elementary School.
• Monday, September 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School.
• Monday, October 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Fairhill Elementary School.
• Monday, October 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Virginia Run Elementary School.
• Wednesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School.

Events will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Students to Be Surveyed on Social-Emotional Learning

FCPS is committed to supporting the mental wellness of all students. The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener helps our students share their perspectives on how their schools and communities support them and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.

The screener is offered to all students in grades 3 through 12 in the fall and spring. It addresses skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. 

After each screening, results will be available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who don’t have a ParentVUE account. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

Families who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact our front office. 

Please note that the SEL Screener is not the same as the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey, which will take place later this fall.

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health

Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially these warning signs:

• Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
• Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
• Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
• Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
• A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
• Alcohol or drug use.
• Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family. 
• Thoughts of harming themselves or others.

If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. Please contact Alyssa Concino or Jenny Choi, our school counselors at 703-551-5700 to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Find additional ways to support your child’s wellness. 

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.

We All Belong at School

Each one of us is unique, and every student matters. If your student is having a difficult time attending class, please speak with a trusted adult at school. 

Watch this video to see how everyone belongs at school. Visit our Attendance webpage for resources on attendance. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

National Hispanic Heritage Month

 From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana

Del 15 de Septiembre al 15 de Octubre, FCPS reconoce y celebra las historias y culturas de los miembros de nuestra comunidad que tienen herencia de México, el Caribe, Centro y Sur América. Aprenda más sobre los meses de herencia, celebraciones y tradiciones que se celebran en FCPS. Aprenda más sobre el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana. 

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful. For example, making sure they are readers by third grade and taking courses that challenge them throughout their education will help prepare them for lifelong success. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice.

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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