Week of May 19


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In This Issue


Memorial Day Holiday

memorial day graphic
In honor of Memorial Day, all schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 26. This day is a time to remember and reflect on the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
We are deeply grateful for their bravery and service.

Last Weeks News

🎉 8th Grade End-of-Year Celebration

As we near the end of the school year, we're thrilled to honor our incredible 8th graders and all they’ve achieved! We’re planning a fun and memorable celebration for them during the school day on Tuesday, June 10th, and we’d love your support to make it special.

We’re seeking volunteers and donations, especially food, drinks, and outdoor yard games. Whether you can bring snacks, help set up or clean up, or assist as a chaperone, your help would mean a lot! Please click here if you are able to assist!

More details about donation drop-offs and volunteer check-in will be shared soon. Thank you for helping us give our 8th graders a fantastic send-off!


🤝 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!


✅ Share Feedback With County Health Department on School Health Services

The Fairfax County Health Department and Fairfax County Public Schools School Health Services invite parents/caregivers of FCPS students to participate in a survey on satisfaction with school health room services. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and will be open until Monday, May 5.

School health rooms (clinics) are managed by public health nurses and school health aides. Those staff provide care for students who become sick or injured during the school day, who require medications during the school day, and/or who have a chronic health condition that requires management during the school day.

Additionally, the school health room staff:

  • Provide health education, communicable disease prevention, and health screenings.
  • Work with schools to help address the root causes of population health disparities so that all students have equitable access to educational and health opportunities.
  • Ensure that students have care for minor injuries and illnesses, and chronic health conditions, thus helping to minimize health barriers to learning. 

Survey results will provide a basis for quality improvement of school health room services as well as inform future planning for schools. 


This Weeks News

📅 Phase 2 Community Boundary Review Meetings

Families, staff, and community members can explore and visualize potential boundary scenarios using a customized Boundary Explorer Tool. The tool will be accessible from the FCPS website. You are also invited to participate in another series of community meetings in order to review and reflect on the initial draft scenarios before the start of summer break:

Each meeting will be hybrid, meaning that you may attend in person or via Zoom. Childcare for in-person participants and language interpretation/translation for all participants will be available as needed. Registration links will be shared soon. Another round of community meetings will be held in the fall.

Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review page for more information.


💪 Let's Finish the School Year Strong!

Student attendance at school is important all year long, up to the last day of school. Attendance has an effect on student performance and on school accreditation. See how to:

  • Check your child’s attendance record.
  • Help your student stay engaged at school.
  • Report future absences.
  • Understand the FCPS school calendar.

Learn more about attendance resources.


🚍 Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation All Year

All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. 

Children 12 and younger ride for free on Fairfax Connector with a paying adult.

Learn more about the Student Pass. Complete the application and return it to Ms. Shivers or the main office.


💊 End of Year Medication Pick Up

All student medications must be picked up from the health room no later than 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 11. Per FCPS and FCHD policy, any medications left after this time will be discarded and cannot be stored over the summer.

We strongly encourage families to pick up medications earlier during the last week of school, during regular health room hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–2:10 PM.

Important: New medication authorization forms are required for each new school year.

General Registration Forms

Medication Authorization Forms

As always, we thank you for your cooperation!


💻 Laptop Collection

As we wrap up the school year, we wanted to remind you that student laptops and chargers will be collected on Wednesday, June 4th and Thursday, June 5th. Please help us by reminding your student to bring both their laptop and charger on one of those days.

If your student is enrolled in a summer program, no worries—we’ll have a separate laptop checkout just for them. Thanks so much for your support!


📖 Library Book Returns

Attention students! As we near the end of the school year, please check your email for any notices about overdue library books. All books must be returned no later than Wednesday, May 28. If you have an overdue item, you can return it to the library with a pass during the day, or before and after school.

If any materials have been lost, please contact dnscott@fpcs.edu. Thank you for helping us wrap up the year smoothly!


👟 HHS Cross Country Team Interest Meeting

HHS Cross Country Team Interest Meeting

There will be a Herndon High School Cross Country Team interest meeting for rising 9th graders on Wednesday, May 28th at 6:30pm in the Herndon Middle School auditorium. Students can improve their fitness while making friends before high school even begins! HHS is building a cross country team with the goal of a district championship and need all the runners they can get! Attend the interest meeting to hear how you can be a part!


🏀 Boys Basketball Summer Opportunities

Join the Herndon High School Hornets for their Boys Basketball Summer Camp from June 16 through June 20 on Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Camp is open to boys in rising 4th through 9th grades.

Register Here

Join Coach Hamilton's Boys Basketball Elite Camp from July 7 to July 11, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at Herndon High School. Open to boys in rising 6th through 9th grades.

Register Here

Questions? Contact Coach Hamilton at ahamilton@fcps.edu.


🚩 Girls Flag Football Opportunity

HS GIrls Flag Football Clinic

Fairfax County Public Schools and The Washington Commanders invite girls ages 13 through 18 to learn to play flag football on Saturday, June 7th at Woodson High School from 9:30 to 11:30 am. Space is limited so register now!

Questions? Email Ms. Shivers at lshivers@fcps.edu.


Resources

🏡 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


🩹 Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders

Additional immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grades. 

  • All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 
    • To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
    • To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
    • As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
  • All students entering 12th grade are to receive one dose of Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school.
    • To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 16 or older. 

Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time. Additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and the Fairfax County Health Department.


💉 Protect Your Child from Measles: What You Need to Know

Measles cases continue to rise in the U.S. About 1 in 5 people who get measles end up in the hospital. Measles can cause severe complications like a lung infection (pneumonia), brain inflammation (encephalitis), and possibly death, even with medical care. Symptoms of measles typically include:

  • High fever (may spike up to 104°F)
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes
  • A rash that appears around 3-5 days after other symptoms begin. The rash typically starts on the face and spreads down the body.

The best way to protect a child from measles is by getting two doses of the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. 

If you are unsure of your child's vaccination status or your personal vaccination status, talk to your health care provider. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your health care provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources.


🌱 Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports to include medication assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and more. 

Contact CSB Entry and Referral by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.


📞 FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters. Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.


🗣️ Parent Information Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.


✨ 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:

  • 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.
  • FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family engagement.
  • 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. 
  • 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! 


Activities and Athletics

📡 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.


🎼 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 Monday, June 30 through Friday, July 25 at Herndon High School and we will be performing “Anastasia”!  Shows will take place on the following dates:

  • Friday, July 25 at 7:00 pm
  • Saturday, July 26 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

There will be no camp on Friday, July 4. If interested, you may register here!

Details can be found here.

Email jbwaldrop@fcps.edu for more information!


🎻 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!


🏀 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


Calendar

Calendar

May

Mental Health Awareness Month

Jewish American Heritage Month

22 | Student vs Staff Track Meet, 2:30 PM

22 | Band Spring Concert at 7:00PM

23 | No Night Hawk

23 | Theatre Improv Competition, 6:00-8:00 PM

26 | Memorial Day (Holiday)

28 | HS Cross Country Interest Meeting, 6:30-7:30 PM in the Auditorium

29 | School Dance

30 | Performing Arts Hershey Park Field Trip

30 | Last Day of Night Hawk

31 | Track Meet at Robinson SS

June

3 | Herndon High School Graduation, 7:00 PM

6 | Eid al-Adha

10 | 8th Grade Celebration

11 | Last Day of School (Early Dismissal)

19 | Juneteenth (Holiday)


EidalAdha

Eid al-Adha: Evening-Only Observance Day

Eid al-Adha begins at sundown on Friday, June 6. This day is an evening-only observance day. There is school on these days, but certain activities that cannot be made up can not take place after school. See the complete school year calendar.


Last Day of School (Early Dismissal)

The last day of the school year is Wednesday, June 11, and students will be dismissed early. Check with your child's school for its individual dismissal time.


Helpful Links


FCPS Cares

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.