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Hornet Happenings

Week of November 25th

It’s Thanksgiving week Hornet Nation!

What are you thankful for right now?  I’m grateful to have such a talented group of educators who go the distance for each of our Halley kiddos every single day always giving their best to ensure Halley is a place where excellence thrives!  I’m thankful for amazing Halley students who bring their best efforts to school every day!  Finally, I’m thankful for a community of Halley parents who work collaboratively with our Halley staff to ensure our students thrive in a learning environment of love, acceptance, and teamwork to be the best Hornets they can be.    

I feel so blessed to be your principal!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving break Hornet Nation and be safe!

Paula Johnson-Tyler, Principal

Dee Hubbard- Assistant Principal

Kayleigh Merritt- Assistant Principal

Thanksgiving

Schools and offices will be closed November 27-29. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!  Classes will resume on Monday, December 2^nd beginning at 9:20 AM.

. See the complete school year calendar

Fall Book Fair

The Fall Halley Book Fair is almost here!  This year’s dates will be Monday, Dec. 2 – Friday, Dec. 6.  

You can preview the Book Fair flyer, set up a digital e-wallet and shop online here.  Students will preview the Book Fair earlier in the week and may make purchases in school on Thursday 12/5 and Friday 12/6.  Family Night will be Wednesday evening, Dec. 4th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  If you’d like to volunteer to help with this event, you can sign up here or contact Ms. Hall – cghall@fcps.edu.  We hope to see you there!

Yearbook Cover Contest

Do you have an artistic eye and school spirit? Do you want your artwork to be featured in the yearbook for this school year? If so, consider entering the Halley ES Yearbook Cover Design Contest!

Your cover must:

• Include the school name: Halley Elementary
• Include the year: 2024-2025
• Have a hand-drawn illustration that somehow represents the theme: What makes Halley great?
• Be submitted on a standard piece of 8.5 x 11 white copier/computer paper. Please make it vertical. It must cover the entire page.
• Please do not use crayons – markers or colored pencils are suggested.
• Please DO NOT write your name on the front! Use a sticky note and place it on the BACK of your cover.

Any covers that include the following can NOT be considered:

•  Student name or signature on the artwork
•  Anything except 8.5 x 11 white paper

All entries must be submitted by Tuesday, December 3 2024. You can drop off the original artwork at the school – please place a sticky note or paper clip with your child’s name, grade, and teacher. 

Questions?  Please contact or email Mrs. Buchko

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

❄️ 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 Review Community Meetings Start This Month

 As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information.

Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

Tuesday, December 3, 6:30-8 p.m., at Lake Braddock Secondary School (Cafeteria).

As of Friday, November 22nd, Halley had a chronic absenteeism rate of 14.6%.

Attendance Impacts Learning: Research Shows Startling Statistics

• Only 17% of students who were chronically absent in both kindergarten and first grade were reading proficiently in third grade, compared to 64% of those with good attendance. 
• Students who fail to read at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely than students who achieve proficiency to drop out of high school. 
• By sixth grade, chronic absenteeism becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.

This month, we are starting a new attendance initiative. Students who miss 0 days of school this month will receive a star to place on their backpacks on November 26th. Students who attend all days of school for the week will be entered into a weekly drawing for a prize. 

We appreciate your partnership with getting your children to school so that we can thrive in the hive.

When planning for pre-arranged absences, please reference the FCPS school year calendar.  Please plan your trips when there is a long break in the school year calendar (i.e. winter break, spring break, and summer break).  There is a “pre-arranged” absence form that must be completed prior to pre-planned absences.  Simply call the front office, and they will get the necessary form to you for completion.

When your child is sick, please call our attendance line or school office at 703-551-5700 to report an illness

Spirit Wear:

Halley Elementary spirit wear is here!  Shop for Halley Elementary School spirit wear now through November 27th.  Orders will be delivered to Halley Elementary for distribution or pick up before winter break.  Whether you are shining in the classroom or cheering on the sidelines, we have the perfect styles to show your Hornet Pride.  Click the link below to visit the PTO's online store:  

Home | Halley Elementary Spirit Sale

Book Drive:

Do you have gently used books that you are looking to donate?  In early December, the Halley Elementary School PTO will host a book drive to collect gently used books to donate to our school library.  More details will be posted soon!

PTO Volunteers:

The Halley Elementary PTO is a great way to give back and support our school community.  The PTO has several events and fundraisers planned for the New Year and we need parent volunteers to help make them memorable.  Visit the PTO social media sites and website often for information about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.  Click here for more information.

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

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

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