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In This Issue
Enjoy Your Spring Break!
Monday, April 14, to Friday, April 18, is Spring Break. Schools and school offices will be closed. Wishing all our amazing students and teachers a happy, relaxing, and well-earned Spring Break!
👩🏫 Donations for Staff Appreciation
Herndon MS is looking for parent volunteers to help with breakfast during Staff Appreciation Week which will be held April 28-May 2! If you're interested, please contact Tatiana Reyes at president@hmspta.com.
Want to show your appreciation in another way? You can also donate a sweet treat for our amazing Herndon MS staff using this link. Thank you for your continued support! 😊
🏡 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
💗 Volunteers Needed for Gwyneth's Gift
We're excited to welcome Gwyneth's Gift on April 23rd and 24th! They will be teaching our 8th graders hands-only CPR, an invaluable skill for life. To make this visit a success, we need volunteers for each class period (except for Homeroom or Learning Seminar). Volunteers would need to arrive just before the start of 1st period. It's a great opportunity to get involved and help support this important learning experience for our students!
If you're available, please email Mr. Fowle at ktfowle@fcps.edu. We’d love to have your help.
🤝 Herndon MS Needs Your Leadership
We currently have openings for all HMS PTA board positions and are looking for passionate parents and guardians to fill these roles! These positions are key to the success of our PTA and the support we provide to our school community. Some ways you can get involved include:
- Lead a committee
- Help out at events
- Tackle small tasks from home
We understand that time is precious, so co-parenting is encouraged for all positions to make volunteering more manageable.
Current and past board members are here to ensure a smooth transition and offer ongoing support. We’re with you every step of the way!
The PTA supports:
- Staff appreciation and wish lists
- Building renovation and beautification
- Student events (like dances, 8th grade end-of-the-year celebration, and more)
- Student incentives
- Concessions at sports
- Spirit wear
- Community engagement
If you're interested in taking on a leadership role, please reach out to us at president@hmspta.com today!
🗣️ Teach Teens to Be Prepared
Are you planning on spending time with your teen during spring break? Or are they planning to spend time away from you with friends?
Now may be a good time to talk with them about fentanyl, other drugs, and overdoses. Learn how to start an Unskippable conversation, and find resources to share with your teen on how to spot an overdose and how to respond.
✨ Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families
Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:
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School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
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FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family engagement.
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FCPS Family Academy – We know that as a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in your child's education. The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources to help you ensure your child has what they need to succeed.
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Family Liaisons – Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. You may reach our wonderful family liaison, Fanny Salazar-Laske, at fmsalazarlas@fcps.edu.
There’s an easy to follow five-step process outlined for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Be sure to register your child as soon as possible!
🎼 Herndon Summer Grand
Herndon Summer Grand is a music theater camp experience open to students entering 7th grade up to recent 2025 graduates. The camp will meet daily from 10-4 from June 30-July 25 at Herndon High School and we will be performing “Anastasia”! Shows will be July 25 at 7pm and July 26 at 2pm and 7pm. We will not meet on July 4.
You can register HERE.
Details can be found HERE.
Email jbwaldrop@fcps.edu for more information!
🛣️ Excellence is at a Crossroads
Excellent teachers are the heart of FCPS! They inspire our kids, go the extra mile, and make a real difference. But the current Fairfax County Board of Supervisors advertised budget underfunds FCPS by $150 million for next year.
Being fully funded helps keep class sizes down and the number of highly-qualified teachers up at FCPS. Keeping the best teachers includes compensation that allows them to live and work in Fairfax County. The Fairfax County budget priorities survey is open until Thursday, April 24. Take a moment to share your thoughts. Now is the time. Learn more about how excellence is at a Crossroads.
🛑 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”).
Drivers have begun to receive warnings. 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 FCPS to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more about the stop arm cameras and other ways FCPS works with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.
☀️ Save the Date for the FCPS Summer Extravaganza
Discover summer learning and activities available in Fairfax County!
Attend the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10 from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM, at Woodson High School and get a jump on summer learning. At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth.
Activities will include student performances, story time, a moon bounce, and face painting. For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.
🏀 Herndon HS Lady Hornets Basketball Summer Camps
The Herndon High School Girls Basketball Team is excited to announce two summer basketball skills camps for students ages 8 - 14 (up to rising 9th grade). Both camps will take place at Herndon High School and will be led by the girls' team coaching staff and the Lady Hornets basketball players.
Monday, July 7- Friday, July 11 | 8:00am - 3:00pm
Who: Girls and Boys Ages 8-13 (Beginners & Advanced Players)
Cost: $200 (10% Sibling Discount)
Camp Description: All levels welcome! Our basketball academy is designed to teach the fundamentals of the game individually and as a team. We focus on building confidence in our campers. Players will receive a camp T- Shirt, Evaluation and Medals of achievement. Campers need to bring a snack, water bottle, t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers.
Monday, July 21- Friday, July 25 | 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Who: Girls Rising 6th-9th grade (Advanced & Skilled Players Only)
Cost: $150 (10% Sibling Discount)
Camp Description: "Not Just Your Ordinary Basketball Camp" Lady Hornets Elite Summer Basketball Academy is designed to teach more than just basic basketball skills. It's designed to teach campers the ins & outs of the game that will develop her into a solid player. Understanding the rules of the game and how to think on the fly. Fundamental sessions and scrimmages will be videotaped, so the coaching staff can review film with campers. Campers will practice, train and condition like high school players.
In both camps, players will receive a camp T- Shirt, Evaluation and Medals of achievement. Campers need to bring a snack, water bottle, t-shirt, shorts, and basketball shoes/sneakers.
Click link for Registration: https://herndonhs.jumbula.com/girls-basketball
Questions? Email Camp Director/Head Coach Jack Brown jvbrown@fcps.edu
📡 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.
🎻 SoCo Summer Strings
Exciting news! SoCo Summer Strings is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School from Monday, July 7- Friday, July 18 from 8:30 AM-12:30 PM (weekdays only). Camp is open to all rising 5th-9th grade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, an instrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day.
You can find more information and register for camp at www.schsorchestra.org/soco-summer-strings. Register early to save money and reserve your student’s spot!
April
National Arab American Heritage Month
Autism Acceptance Month
14-18 | Spring Break
18 | Good Friday
20 | Easter
21 | AVID Field Trip to GMU
25 | Track Team Dinner at 6:00 PM
26 | Track Meet at Madison HS
26 | Food for Neighbors Event from 8:00-11:00 AM
28-May 2 | Staff Appreciation Week
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Month of the Military Child
April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience.
Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families.
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Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.
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National Arab American Heritage Month
FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage.
Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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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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