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- Tuesday, 9/9 - Special Election Day / NO SCHOOL
- Wednesday, 9/10, 6-8pm – Back to School Night
- Tuesday, 9/23 - Rosh Hashanah / NO SCHOOL
- Thursday, 10/2 - Yom Kippur / NO SCHOOL
Dear Holmes families,
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has set Tuesday, September 9, as the date for a special election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. Because more than half of our schools serve as polling locations, the Fairfax County Office of Elections asked us to consider closing for the day. Therefore, all FCPS schools will be closed on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. See the complete school year calendar. Read Dr. Reid’s message about this change to the 2025-26 school year calendar.
At Holmes MS, our volunteers are a vital part of our school community. We deeply value the time and care they give to our students. Recent updates to our volunteer process focus on one primary goal: keeping students safe.
These updates — such as checks against the sex offender registry and, in some cases, criminal background checks — are safety measures that will help us maintain a secure and supportive learning environment for every student in our care.
We encourage all our parents and community members interested in supporting our students by volunteering at school to visit https://fcps.samaritan.com/custom/501/affiliation_details/3165, then click “Sign Up.” After you create a profile, you will view an orientation video and complete a volunteer application.
Volunteer FCPS ensures a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must be registered in Volunteer FCPS. This includes individuals who volunteer to chaperone on field trips, work at book fairs, and help out regularly in classrooms, libraries, or cafeterias. Volunteers who work unsupervised with students will also be required to undergo a background check.
We understand these changes may seem disruptive, especially for long-time volunteers. Our intent is to ensure that our students feel safe and supported with each and every person they encounter at school.
As a reminder, all volunteers — and visitors to a school — are required to sign in by scanning their ID at our visitor kiosk. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.
Thank you for considering volunteering with us—we look forward to working with you!
Serena Giron
As you know, Holmes Middle School is a Title I school, which means we receive extra support to help all students succeed. We are looking for two parents to serve as our 2025-26 Title I Parent Advisory Committee (TPAC) Representatives.
As a TPAC Representative, you will:
- Learn more about the Title I program in Fairfax County.
- Hear about family engagement activities at other schools.
- Share your ideas to help plan family programs for Title I schools.
If you are interested, please email Ms. Tahmazova, at stahmazova@fcps.edu
We also look forward to the Back-to-School Night which will take place on Wednesday, September 10 at 6:00 PM. This is a great opportunity for families to meet teachers and walk through their student’s schedule. Please send any questions to Jess Tippins jdtippins@fcps.edu. See flyer below.
Students who are new to FCPS as of January 1, 2025 may go through Fall screening for full-time AAP services. Referrals are due no later than October 15, 2025. Please contact Ms. Mary Kean, our school's Advanced Academics Resource Teacher at makeane@fcps.edu for more information.
Girls in Gear is back with a full line-up of fall programming across Alexandria, with bikes and helmets available for anyone in need.
Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Opt your child in or out of a variety of online educational tools and choose how student information is managed.
Please visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage today to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool
Support Your Child’s Success by Checking SIS ParentVUE
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents/caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. Contact the school registrar Wendy Alfaro wyalfaro@fcps.edu if you need a code.
Once you have activated a SIS ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same SIS ParentVUE account. You may also access SIS ParentVUE using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
Need help creating an account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
Update Your Students’ Information Online: FCPS is excited to announce that parents can now update student information online using the Online Verification Update Packet. Parents can conveniently update phone numbers, emergency contacts, health conditions, and immunization dates for students in grades K-12. Accessible through SIS ParentVUE, the online update feature streamlines registration for parents and staff.
Join the PTA: The Holmes PTS is committed to helping our students and community. Please click here for more information.
All Day Absence:
1. Use ParentVUE. Log in and click “Report Absence.” Don’t Have a SIS ParentVUE Account Yet? Contact your school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.
OR
2. Call the attendance line on 703-658-5919 and leave a message with spelling of your student's first and last names, your name and relationship to the student, and reason for absence.
OR
3. Send an email to holmesmiddle.attendance@fcps.edu with your student's first and last names, your name and relationship to the student, and reason for absence.
Partial Absence:
To report late arrivals, early dismissals, or to update already submitted attendance
1. Call the attendance line on 703-658-5919 and leave a message with spelling of your student's first and last names, and reason for late arrival or early dismissal.
OR
2. Send an email to holmesmiddle.attendance@fcps.edu with your student's first and last names, your name and relationship to the student, and reason for late arrival or early dismissal.
To request a bus pass for your student, please email the front office at holmesmiddle.attendance@fcps.edu no later than 1:30 PM. Additionally, ensure front office has consent from the parent of the student to whose house your child will be traveling, as this is required for approval.
If you have to pick up your student early, we ask that you do so before 1:30PM to avoid interrupting safe dismissal process. Please note that doctor's appointments are not considered emergencies.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses.
If your student’s bus is delayed, you may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Please contact the Transportation Office at 703-446-2050 with any additional questions. For concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact the FCPS Office of Safety and Security at 571-423-2000.
Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE to make sure you receive email messages about bus delays.
Kiss & Ride: Student drop off/pick up (aka Kiss & Ride) is conducted at the main entrance (door #1). Parents should drop off their student(s) beginning at 7:10am. Students are dismissed from school at 2:15pm.
 
There will be new secondary grading policies in 2025-26. The goal of these changes is to increase consistency and clarity of grading practices. Learn about middle and high school grading policy updates
After School Program Start Date
-
- Monday, September 15th
- Times (Mon-Fri 2:15-4:45)
- Transportation Monday-Thursday
- For more information about the After-School Program including activities, schedules, and more please visit our website by scanning the QR code below
https://holmesms.fcps.edu/activities
After School Consent Form
- Families must provide consent for their student to stay after school for any activity or club
- Access the After-School consent form by scanning the QR code below and following steps 1 & 2 on the website.
https://digitalconsent.fcps.edu/ispb/is01/r/pdcp/
Questions/Concerns?
We have two family liaisons at Holmes MS. They help families feel connected to the school. They share important information, help with language or cultural needs, and support families in getting the help they need. Their goal is to make sure every student and family feels welcome and supported.
Languages: Spanish and English
The PTA could really use your help! We're collecting donations for teacher snacks to kick off the school year on a sweet note. Our first snack cart will run on September 11th after back-to-school night, and we’d love to surprise our amazing teachers with some treats. If you can, please bring in breakfast snacks like donuts, granola bars, muffins, or any individually wrapped goodies. We also have an Amazon wishlist if you would rather send it directly to the school. Just drop them off at the main office and make sure to label them with "PTA." Please have all donations in or delivered by 9/10. Thanks so much for your support!
Amazon Wishlist- https://a.co/8srlBRH
Signup Genius- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050444A9AA2DA64-58109994-snacks
Join the Holmes MS PTA and attend meetings (4th Wednesday of the month; translation services provided)
PTA Facebook
Join
Purchase Spirit Wear
We’re excited to share that our school will be offering lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Tuesday, September 9.
As a reminder, all FCPS schools will be closed for students and school staff on September 9 due to a special election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. Many FCPS schools serve as election sites. Since our school is not an election site, we will be able to provide student meals.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Lunch and a snack will be served together from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Meals must be eaten on site at participating schools.
- Enrichment activities will be available for children. Participation is encouraged but not required.
- Only children 18 and under may receive meals.
- Each child may receive one lunch and one snack.
We are proud to support our students’ health and well-being, even on days when school is not in session. We hope to see many of our families take advantage of this opportunity! View a list of all school sites that will be providing meals for children on September 9. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800.
The Fall Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3 through 12 in October.
Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit FCPS’ Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.
Starting in September, FCPS elementary schools will use the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Math assessment to assess grade level mathematics skills in grades 1-6. The MAP Math test along with the iReady Reading test fulfill a state requirement to measure academic growth in grades 3-6 throughout the school year.
MAP Math tests are administered in the fall, winter, and spring. They help teachers identify students' strengths and areas where they may need more support.
Families can learn more about MAP Growth assessments by visiting the MAP Test Information webpage.
We know that as a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in your child’s education. The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by the school division to help you support your child’s needs and learning at home.
The Family Academy also includes information about resources to help ensure your child has what they need to succeed. Check out some of the upcoming Family Academy sessions:
- Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (available in English and Spanish)
- Loving Solutions
- Military-Connected Youth Family Advisory Council
- Parent Project
- Family Resource Center Webinars on topics including: How to Prepare for School; Building Collaborative Relationships Between Caregivers and Educators; Worried Parents, Anxious Kids; and What Families Need to Know About Drugs for Their Students with Disabilities.
Visit the Family Academy catalog for more information on these sessions and to register to attend.
Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!
Starting Tuesday, November 18, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. Visit the How To Submit Immunization Documents webpage for step-by-step guidance on how to check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information
Please check with your health care provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2025-26 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!
he school day, please call our main office at 703-658-5900.
Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, there are many different types of weather events that can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. But FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff. What does FCPS do during a flood? What about a severe thunderstorm?
Answers to those questions along with resources you can use to prepare for different weather events are now available on the new FCPS weather safety webpage.
Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:
Stay connected with Holmes Middle School by following us on social media! It's the best way to keep up with our latest news, celebrate student achievements, and be part of our vibrant community. Whether you're a student, parent, or community member, you'll find exciting updates, important announcements, and inspiring stories that showcase the spirit of Holmes!
Links: Instagram
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