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Disability History and Awareness Month
 In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community.
October 01: Freshman Transition Program, 4th Period, Various Locations
October 03: Holiday | Rosh Hashanah (begins sundown 10/2 - sundown 10/4)
October 04: Student Holiday | Teacher Workday
October 09: PSAT/NMSQT/SAT School Day
October 11: Religious and Cultural Observance | Yom Kippur (begins sundown 10/11 - sundown 10/12)
October 14: Student Holiday | Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Staff Development Day)
October 20: FCPS College Fair, 4 to 6:30 pm. GMU Eagle Bank Arena
October 21-25: Virginia College Application Week
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar for 2024-25
🎤 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:
Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.
Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)
The SR&R document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when logging in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage. This form should be signed and returned by Monday, September 30.
Freshman Transition Program
On Tuesday, October 1st, the school counselors will meet with their freshmen during 4th period. This is program designed to help freshmen learn about the resources available to them and to help them navigate through some of the challenges that may arise in high school.
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only O day, and important events will not be held after school.
Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed.
Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar
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🌍 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.
PSAT/NMSQT/SAT School Day
On Wednesday, October 9, tenth and eleventh grade students will be taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) exam, and all registered twelfth grade students will be participating in SAT School Day. Grade 12 students who signed up prior to September 4, 2024 will be taking the SAT Test.
School Day Schedule
All FCPS high schools will operate on a two-hour early release schedule. High school academy courses and all high school shuttles will be canceled on this day.
Grade 9 and Grade 12 Students
During the PSAT/SAT School Day, most ninth grade students will have an unscheduled school day and not attend school. On this day, ninth grade students are encouraged to complete any missing work or assignments that need to be completed prior to the end of the first quarter.
Please note that ninth grade students with disabilities taught on an adapted curriculum (students receiving low incidence special education services) will continue to receive in-person instruction with a 2-hour early release on October 9.
Grade 12 students who did not sign up to take the SAT will have an unscheduled school day and not attend school. On this day, twelfth grade students are encouraged to complete any missing work or assignments that need to be completed prior to the end of the first quarter.
Transportation
FCPS transportation is available for all students participating in the PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day. Regular bus routes will be provided in the morning and after the early release. Families of students requiring alternate transportation arrangements due to accommodate testing will be contacted directly by the PSAT Coordinator or SAT School Day Coordinator.
Leaving After the Testing Window is Completed
Students will have the opportunity to leave the building upon the conclusion of the testing window (scheduled for 11:15 AM). However, parent/guardian permission must be granted through the completion of the PSAT/SAT Attendance Form. The completed form must be turned into Mrs. Barr in the Student Services Office by Tuesday, October 8, 2024. No handwritten notes or phone calls will be accepted in lieu of the form.
Pre-Survey
Prior to test day, students will complete a digital readiness check during an advisory lesson at school. During the digital readiness check, students will see a voluntary pre-survey that asks questions about a variety of topics. You may opt out of this pre-survey for your student. Additional information about the content of the pre-survey and how to opt out can be found on the SAT and PSAT Pre-Survey Opt-Out Policy webpage at https://www.fcps.edu/node/36639. Please be sure to talk to your student about your opt out choice so your student knows they should not answer the survey questions during the digital readiness check.
If you have questions about the PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day administration, please contact Dr. Gussow.
Free Immunizations for All FCPS Students
Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations for all FCPS students at no cost! Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment and provide consent for their student(s). The immunization clinics are being held at Frost Middle School, 4101 Pickett Rd. Fairfax, VA 22032, on:
- Tuesday, October 8, 3 to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Students under the age of 19, with a scheduled appointment and parental consent, must be accompanied by their parent, guardian, or another adult over the age of 19.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 in order to provide consent.
Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.
Walk and Roll to School Day
FCPS will participate in International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 9, in an effort to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools.Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work where safe to do so. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school, and to work with their school and PTA or PTO to assemble bike trains or walking groups for the event. Schools are encouraged to register online with Walk and Bike to School. Get more information about Walk to School Day.
Yom Kippur
Friday, October 11, will be an evening-only observance day for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. There is school that day, but important events will not occur after school. See the complete school year calendar.
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Ombuds Day
Office of the Ombuds staff engage with families, students, and staff to offer resources, assist in settling conflicts, and raise concerns to 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, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
The ombuds is available to:
- Share strategies for parents to improve communication with, and between, school and home.
- Help resolve disagreements between parents and schools or disagreements involving employees in the workplace.
- Provide ideas to foster parent participation in Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan meetings.
Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. Monday, October 14, is a student holiday and staff development day. See the complete school year calendar.
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College App Lab
Need help with College Applications? Planning to submit for FREE during Virginia College App Week? Register Now and Visit the College App Lab
College/Career Center in the Lecture Hall during week of Virginia College Application Week, October 21st - 25th
Your school counselors and Ms. Peirce are available to help.
Seniors can get the free waiver codes when applying to participating Virginia colleges and universities during the week of October 21st - 25th.
https://tinyurl.com/HHSAppLab
🎓 Help Your Student Prepare for the Future at College Fair and Postsecondary Nights
The annual FCPS College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 20, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Approximately 220 colleges and universities will be represented, including two- and four-year schools and U.S. Service Academies.
Following the fair, a two-night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. Both events will help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey. Learn more about the college fair and postsecondary virtual event.
Virginia College Application Week
Herndon High School is happy to announce that we are participating in Virginia Department of Education’s Virginia College Application Week (VCAW). During the week of October 21-25, all Herndon High School seniors are eligible to receive a fee waiver code for the participating Virginia Colleges and Universities (both public and private). Seniors must attend a Herndon College App Lab between October 21-25 to receive the fee waiver code, and they must submit their application by October 25th. Seniors are encouraged to see their counselor or HHS College/Career Specialist if they have questions. College App Labs are widely offered before, during and after school. Students may sign-up for a College App Lab at HHS at https://tinyurl.com/HHSAppLab.
🗓️ Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events
Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.
When planning trips or family events, refer to the FCPS calendar and try to use weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.
When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence.
Watch this video with tips on understanding the FCPS school year calendar and visit the Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 4: Equitable Access to Opportunities
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.
The fourth goal ensures all students have the same access to opportunities, no matter what school they attend. This includes academics and other programs that inspire and engage students and allow them to explore their passions and talents. See how Goal 4 is being put into practice.
Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage
Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.
In FCPS, lessons on gun safety are built into our curriculum. It is critical that parents and guardians talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in their homes, and in any home they may visit.
The FCPS website has gun safety resources as well as information about safety and security practices at schools. See Dr. Reid’s recent letter to the community for more resources.
Safely Store Firearms and Medications
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has a limited supply of free locking medication boxes and trigger locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. Visit the Lock and Talk website to learn more.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- FCPS Strives to Become Purple Star School Division
- Sign and Return SR&R
- Upcoming Immunization Clinics
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Yearbooks For Sale!
Yearbooks are now available for purchase on yearbookordercenter.com! Our school code is 8967. Books start at $65. Students receiving free/reduced lunch can pick up an order form in the main office to purchase a yearbook at a reduced cost.
Senior ads for sale! Families of seniors can now purchase senior ads for the yearbook! Please go to yearbookordercenter.com and use school code 8967 to feature your child in this year’s book!
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