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In This Issue
Eid al-Fitr and Teacher Workday
All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31, for Eid al-Fitr. Tuesday, April 1, is a student holiday and teacher workday.
📢 Save Our Middle School After School Programs
The proposed budget for FY26 could eliminate funding for the Middle School After-School (MSAS) program in all 27 Fairfax County middle schools, as well as all middle school Value In Prevention (VIP) summer camp programs. These vital programs provide a safe, supervised learning environment for our children after the school day ends as well as for five weeks every summer. Their elimination would have a significant negative impact on our community.
The MSAS program, funded by the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and administered by FCPS, offers invaluable support to students. Running five days a week, with late bus transportation provided four days a week, MSAS provides a structured and enriching alternative to unsupervised time. Studies consistently demonstrate that students who participate in after-school programs like the MSAS experience numerous benefits, including:
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Improved Academic Performance: After-school programs include academic support and enrichment opportunities, leading to better grades and test scores.
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Increased School Attendance: Students involved in after-school activities are more likely to attend school regularly.
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Improved Behavior: Structured after-school programs contribute to improved behavior and fewer disciplinary issues.
We understand the need for budget considerations, but cutting such beneficial programs would have far-reaching consequences for our children and our community. We urge you to take action to protect these vital resources immediately.
Please contact your Fairfax County Supervisor and School Board members immediately to express your support for the MSAS program. Let them know how important this program is to your family and the positive impact it has on your child's academic, social, and emotional well-being.
You can find contact information for your representatives on the Fairfax County website: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/myneighborhood/
Time is of the essence. Decisions about the FY2026 budget are being made NOW. Your voice matters. Please act today to ensure that our middle school students continue to have access to the valuable support and opportunities provided by the MSAS program.
Public participation is encouraged by the Board of Supervisors, and residents are invited to provide input through public hearings and community discussions before the final budget adoption in May. Each Magisterial District has scheduled public hearings and County-wide after-school Budget public hearings are scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday, April 22-24, with final budget adoption scheduled for May 13.
Make YOUR voice heard!
📍 The Comprehensive School Boundary Review Process Explained
Want to learn more about the ongoing Comprehensive School Boundary Review process? Watch this video for explanations of terms such as attendance zones, attendance islands, split feeders, and other factors that affect school boundaries. The video will also be available in other languages soon.
Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information and sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter.
🛑 Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms
Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”).
Warnings for drivers will begin on Wednesday, April 9. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.
According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction (unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped). They should remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus is moving.
We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with us to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more information about the stop arm cameras and all of the ways that we work with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.
📊 Next Steps in the Budget Process
The next steps in the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process include the School Board presenting the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22. The Board of Supervisors will then conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak.
Visit the county government website to view the Fairfax County FY 2026 Advertised Budget. The community is also invited to complete an online survey to provide feedback on the county’s FY 2026 Advertised Budget.
Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process.
📅 End of Third Quarter
Friday, March 28, is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school for students.
The Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the quarter from Friday, March 28, at 4 p.m. to Monday, April 7, at 6 a.m.
Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.
🏡 Student Intention for SY 25-26
Are you planning to move either now or during the summer? If so, please complete and return the Student Intention Form at your earliest convenience. This will help us update our records and ensure a smooth transition for your student.
Student Intention Form
🗣️ Become Unskippable: Share the Facts
Talking with teens about the facts of fentanyl is a conversation you can’t skip. Learning about fentanyl gives teens a better understanding of the risks and effects of the drug.
Share these important facts with your child:
- Even half a fentanyl-laced pill can be fatal. Just a few salt-sized grains of fentanyl are enough to cause an overdose.
- More than half of local street pills contain a deadly dose of fentanyl. As of 2023, seven in
10 counterfeit pills in the U.S. contain enough fentanyl to cause a fatal overdose.
- Fentanyl is usually taken accidentally. Many people have no idea they’ve taken it until they overdose because you can’t see, smell, or taste it in pills and powders.
- Overdose can happen in an instant. In as little as four minutes, the lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage and even death.
Learn more about how to have conversations with your child in a way that will make you Become Unskippable.
🔬 Spring Break STEM Camp
Hands-On Science & Engineering Activities! (Free for Eligible Students)
Looking for an exciting and educational way for your child to spend spring break? Students from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology are hosting a Spring Break STEM Camp for 4th-7th graders from April 14-18 in McLean, VA. Campers will explore engineering, coding, chemistry, physics, and biology through engaging, hands-on activities designed to make STEM fun and accessible. The camp runs from 9 AM - 3 PM, with optional extended care available.
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Cost: $180 (FREE for students receiving free/reduced lunch)
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Location: 6888 Elms St. Suite 2C, McLean, VA
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Lunch: Students should bring their own
- All proceeds benefit CAPA NoVA and TJHSST clubs
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/N9downzWECuXoYQW9. For more details or questions, please email springstemcamp@gmail.com.
✨ Matilda Jr. Spirit Week
Get ready for a fun week as we celebrate all things Matilda Jr. The Musical! Show your theatre spirit by dressing up each day and getting into the magical, mischievous, and marvelous world of Matilda!
Spirit Week Schedule:
Monday 24 | Book Character Day
Tuesday 25 | Circus Day
Wednesday 26 | Wacky Hair Day
Thursday 27 | Bright Colors
Friday 28 | Opening Night! Wear Black
We hope to see everyone at one of our three performances — don’t miss the magic on stage! ✨Grab your tickets and support our incredible cast and crew!
🎭 Matilda, Jr. Tickets Now on Sale!
After weeks of hard work and determination, the Matilda, Jr. Cast and Crew are thrilled to announce that tickets to our performances are now on sale through Etix using this link: https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15663/herndon-middle-school-theatre.
We hope to see you at one of our three performances:
Friday, March 28 | 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 29 | 7:00 PM
Sunday, March 30 | 1:00 PM
Tickets are $12 General Admission and $5 with Student ID. Bring your whole family to this all ages production!
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🏃♂️ Volunteers Needed for Healthy Kids Running Series!
Healthy Kids Running Series is a national, community-based nonprofit that inspires kids (ages 2-14) to stay active and build healthy habits through a fun, five-week running program.
We need volunteers to help on race days! This is a great opportunity for students to earn volunteer hours while making a meaningful impact in our community.
If you're interested in helping out, please reach out to herndonva@healthykidsrs.org! Your support can make a big difference for our young runners!
🏀 The Goods Basketball Camp
The Goods Basketball is a premiere basketball training and development brand in Northern Virginia, committed to enhancing players' skills, mindset, and techniques on the court!
We offer programs for all ages, starting at 4 years old and extending through high school, as well as college and pro levels. With expert coaching and training, we’ll help your player(s) elevate their game and reach the next level in every aspect!
If you are interested in signing up your child for the Spring Break Basketball Camp, please register here!
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🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
📡 Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Summer Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps.
IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, Health and Physical Education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater.
👷♂️ Rosendin Foundation Summer Camp
The Rosendin Foundation is hosting a summer camp for students in grades 6-8, offering a hands-on introduction to skilled trades. Each day will focus on a different trade, with exciting activities such as building a lamp, constructing and painting dog houses to donate to a local charity, and operating heavy equipment. We are currently accepting applications for 8 boys and 8 girls. The camp will be held at our office, and the best part—it's completely free!
For more information, please visit The Rosendin Foundation.
The deadline to apply is Monday, March 31.
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March
National Women's History Month
28 | End of 3rd Quarter - Full School Day
28-29 | Matilda Jr. Spring Show at 7:00 PM
30 | Matilda Jr. Spring Show at 1:00 PM
April
National Arab American Heritage Month
Autism Acceptance Month
9 | Purple Up! Day (Month of the Military Child)
12 | Passover (Falls over the weekend)
14-18 | Spring Break
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FCPS Cares
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.
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