Hollin Meadows Buzz Bulletin for September 22, 2025

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 09/22/2025 07:57 AM EDT

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A Message from Principal Crews

Dear Hornet Families,

What a wonderful sight it was to see our hallways and classrooms filled with so many of you this past Tuesday for our annual Back to School Night! The energy and enthusiasm were truly inspiring and served as a fantastic reminder of what makes our school community so special: the strong partnership between our families and our dedicated staff.

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedules to join us. Your presence makes a significant difference and sends a powerful message to your children about the value you place on their education. It was a pleasure to see so many new and familiar faces, and I hope you found the evening informative and engaging as you connected with your child's teacher and learned about the exciting year of learning ahead.

The foundation for a successful school year is built on collaboration and open communication between home and school. Back to School Night was a wonderful start, and we are committed to keeping that momentum going. Please never hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions or thoughts you may have.

We are looking forward to a productive and rewarding year together!

Key Reminders & Information

  • Stay Connected: Our primary mode of communication is through the Talking Points, our Thursday Folders, and ParentVUE. Please ensure your contact information is up to date. For classroom-specific questions, your child's teacher is always your best point of contact.
  • Attendance Matters: Every day of learning counts! Please make every effort to have your child at school on time each day. If your child must be absent, please remember to call the attendance line or report the absence through ParentVUE.
Calendar Student Services

Calendar Reminder

No School on Tuesday

School will be closed for all students and staff on Tuesday, September 23 in honor of Rosh Hashanah. The following Thursday, October 2 will also be a student/staff holiday for Yom Kippur.

 

Take the K-12 School Start Times Survey

FCPS is continuing to explore options for adjusting school start times, with the primary goal of starting the middle school day at 8 a.m. or after. In order to minimize any cost for this project, elementary and high school start times would need to shift as well.

Providing feedback opportunities for the community is a critical part of this effort. Since 2024, FCPS’ consultant has hosted five community forums and administered two surveys. That feedback helped in developing two options for adjusting school start times. The options are designed to support student well-being, align with research, and balance transportation logistics.

We invite you to provide input on the two options by taking a short survey. This voluntary survey will close on Tuesday, September 30. Visit the FCPS website for more information on adjusting school start times.

Bond Referendum

Screenshot of a boy playing with a crane

To pay for large-scale construction and renovation work, Fairfax County sells bonds, which allows the county to pay for these projects over time — like a home mortgage. By maintaining its triple-A bond rating, Fairfax County bonds are purchased by institutional investors at very low rates, saving the county considerable amounts of money that might otherwise be paid in interest. The county estimates that the triple-A rating has saved taxpayers at least $1 billion in financing costs. 

FCPS uses bonds to fund all of its capital improvement projects – the projects that are focused on the infrastructure of schools and facilities. From important renovations to new safety features like security vestibules, this work is paid for by bonds. 

FCPS will have a bond referendum on the ballot this election day, Tuesday, November 4. Bonds can make a difference that represents an investment in public education now and in the future.

Read more about the FCPS 2025 Bond Referendum. And learn more about registering to vote and make a voting plan.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Goal 5 focuses on preparing every student for life after graduation with the skills they need to thrive. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice. 

🎤 Join a Community Conversation with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life. 

A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. These events are also a chance for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events are planned for the following dates:

Registration links will be shared soon. Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all.

📚 Discovering Character in Language Arts 📚

Benchmark Unit 2 in Language Arts is about characters who are faced with difficult choices. Sixth grade students will learn about characters who are changed and inspired by others. 

Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:

  • Question: Have you ever disagreed with a friend? How did you see things differently?
  • Activity: Have your child write a diary entry from the perspective of a book character.

At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.