Hollin Meadows Buzz Bulletin for Nov. 22, 2024

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | Français | Русский


Thanksgiving luncheon at HMES 2024

A Note from Ms. Crews

It was wonderful to see so many family members at our Thanksgiving Luncheon. Thank you to our cafeteria team, PTA volunteers, and staff members for cooking, decorating, serving food, and coming joining together as a Hornet Family for this special celebration. I am extremely thankful to be the principal of Hollin Meadows and to get the chance to come to work with your children and our amazing staff every day.

We are looking forward to seeing your children at school on Monday and Tuesday. There is no school on Wednesday, Nov. 27 - Friday, Nov. 29. I hope everybody has a wonderful Thanksgiving break with their families. 


Reminder:  Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-6 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Teresa Johnson (AART) ttjohnson1@fcps.edu or Jasibi Crews (Principal jcrews1@fcps.edu )  no later than December 15, 2024

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Teresa Johnson ttjohnson1@fcps.edu

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.


Plastic Bag Collection for HMES Get To Green Recycling

We are going strong on our plastic bag recycling. We have collected 114 pounds of clean plastic bags so far. Our goal is 1000 pounds!

Please keep bringing your clean:

  • grocery bags
  • bread bags
  • cereal bags
  • shrink wrap
  • bubble wrap
  • plastic mailers

There are collection containers in the front lobby of the school.  

Let’s earn a free bench from Trex Decking!

Plastic collection bins at HMES

Student Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R

FCPS is working with K12 Insight to host a community forum for families, staff members, and students to provide feedback on the school division’s cell phone policies and practices, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. FCPS is looking for more student participants (grades 3-12) to help ensure diverse perspectives from our community.

The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center. If your student is interested in providing feedback, please visit the Cell Phone Policy Forum registration page to learn more. Families must register their child by Monday, November 25.


Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact us. 

Register for ParentVUELearn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.


Winter Weather

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.


Boundary graphic for newsletters

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, December 9, 6:30-8 p.m., at Mount Vernon High School (Cafeteria). If you are unable to attend on this date, please view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available.


Important Dates

Nov. 27- Nov. 29: Thanksgiving Break (School & Office are closed)

Dec. 5: PTA Meeting

Dec. 15: Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes