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Back to School Night Hawk Helpers

In This Issue

• This Weeks News
• Events
• Resources
• Calendar
• Helpful Links

Last Weeks News

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan

Goal 4: Equitable Access and Opportunities

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. 

One of the measures of the fourth goal is to provide all students with consistent availability of and accessibility to electives, extracurricular, co-curricular, and enrichment activities. See how Goal 4 is being put into practice.

🔔 Every Day Counts: Setting Your Child Up for Success

September is Attendance Awareness Month. There are many ways parents and caregivers can help their children create healthy routines and make a habit of getting to school on time every day. Some examples include:

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning.
• Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
• When possible, avoid medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.

Visit the FCPS website for more attendance tips and resources. Attend today, achieve tomorrow! 

📰 Back-to-School Edition of Special Education and 504 Newsletter

The Back-to-School issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. The newsletter is sent by FCPS’ Department of Special Services, which provides a network of support to staff, students, and families to break down barriers to learning and help students succeed as individuals.

Topics in this issue include:

• Building a Culture of Belonging - Inclusive Education at FCPS
• Updated and Translated: Special Education and Section 504 Resources
• Personal Electronic Devices for Students with Disabilities
• Ensuring Safety for Students with Disabilities During Emergencies
• Secondary Advisory Period to Support Executive Functions
• Adapted PE: Inclusive Health and Wellness Education
• Adapted Curriculum: Partnering for Progress

Subscribe to the Special Education and 504 Newsletter.

🏈 Recess Donations

Please consider donating any gently used sports equipment to the school to use during recess. Items that are most useful are soccer balls, basketballs, footballs, kickballs, and frisbees. You can drop them off at the main office during school hours.

⚙️ Herndon MS Robotics & Drone Club

Are you ready to design, build, and pilot? Join the Robotics & Drone Club at Back to School Night to learn how you can become part of the team.

What to expect in the club:

• Build Robots
• Design and construct your own robots using VEX IQ kits.
• Learn mechanical and engineering skills in a hands-on environment.
• Program Drones
• Write code to control drone motors, sensors, and flight paths.
• Learn to plan and execute choreographed drone maneuvers.
• Compete and Collaborate
• Work with your fellow Hawks to prepare for thrilling robotics and drone competitions.
• Develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Discover Career Paths
• Explore how these skills are used in exciting, real-world fields like engineering, tech, and filmmaking.

Who can join?

• All Herndon Middle School students are welcome! Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned builder, there is a role for you. We value creativity, teamwork, and curiosity.

How to join

• Speak with Mr. Gralton or our club sponsors at Back to School Night. Additional information about joining the Night Hawk After-School Program will be available.

This Weeks News

✨ 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:

• Monday, September 29, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at McNair Upper Elementary School
• Friday, October 3, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Annandale Terrace Elementary School
• Friday, December 5, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Churchill Road Elementary School
• Tuesday, December 9, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Fairhill Elementary School
• Thursday, December 11, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Bull Run Elementary School

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

🏗️ What Is a Bond?

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.

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.

Participate in an Upcoming Community Boundary Review Meeting

As a reminder, FCPS will hold two sets of community boundary review meetings this fall — one in September and another in October. Each set of meetings will focus on two pyramids per meeting. 

All September meetings will include an overview of where FCPS is in the comprehensive boundary review process, an update and opportunity for feedback on school start times, how community input is informing the process, and next steps in the boundary review process. 

The meeting for our pyramid will be held Wednesday, September 24, 7:00-8:00 PM, at South Lakes High School (In Person or Virtual). Please register by clicking “in person” or “virtual,” depending on how you would like to participate. 

Child care for in-person participants and language interpretation/translation for all participants will be available as needed. 

Visit the FCPS website for a full list of meeting dates and information about the October meetings.

🎉 Attendance Spirit Week

Get ready for a week full of school spirit and fun! We're celebrating Attendance Spirit Week with themed dress-up days and tasty rewards. 

One class per grade with perfect attendance wins popcorn and a chance at movie tickets! 

What to wear:

• Monday: Wear your favorite sports team gear!

• Wednesday: Students dress like teachers, teachers dress like students!

• Thursday: Decades Day – dress from your favorite era!

• Friday: Wear Red, Black, or Herndon gear to show your school pride!

Let’s show up, stand out, and pop off with perfect attendance! 

📝 TJHSST Applications Open Monday, October 20

Eighth graders who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2030 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). 

The application will be available Monday, October 20, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, with a submission deadline of 4 p.m. Friday, November 14. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information, including a schedule of upcoming information sessions at middle schools

Events

🎺 Virginia Showcase of Bands

Join us on Saturday, September 27, at the Herndon High School Stadium for the 28th Annual Virginia Showcase of Bands, hosted by the Herndon High School Pride of Herndon Marching Band. This all-day event is one of Virginia’s largest and most exciting band competitions, showcasing incredible performances from across the region. Students Get In Free! All students wearing a Herndon Pyramid T-shirt receive free admission when accompanied by an adult. Tickets and event details: herndonband.org/events-1/showcase-of-bands-1 Don't miss this celebration of music, talent, and community spirit!

🌙 Herndon Homecoming Parade

The Herndon High School Homecoming Parade is on Saturday, October 11, 2025. This year’s theme is “Enchanted Forest,” and we need YOUR help. We’re calling on builders, artists, crafters, tinkerers, performers, or any other parent/family volunteers who wish to help us build our Herndon Middle School float and create a magical show at this year’s parade.

Float building starts on Wednesday, September 10 after-school and occurs daily, leading up to Saturday, October 11. If you would like to donate supplies, volunteer, march with us, or have a trailer we can borrow, please fill out this form here: https://forms.gle/2ZnchyRhL3WV7bCZ7. 

We are also holding a Student Design Competition open to all Herndon Middle School students. Please encourage your student to submit their design! Competition rules can be found on the link above.

Questions? Contact Ms. Shivers at lshivers@fcpsschools.net.

🎡 Fall Carnival Fun

Get ready for some fall fun at Frying Pan Farm Park! Frying Pan is hosting several family-friendly events this October - be sure to stop by!

Big Truck Night | Friday, October 17, from 5:00-7:00 PM, you can see a variety of large vehicles, from huge tractors to giant fire engines. Admission is free, but there is a $10 parking fee.

Farm Harvest Days | Saturday and Sunday, October 18-19, from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM to see the cider press in action, milk a cow, meet farm animals, play games, and watch farm demonstrations. This event also has free admission with a $10 parking fee.

Fall Carnival | Friday, October 17, through Sunday, October 19. Enjoy games, rides, and tasty fair food. You can purchase an unlimited rides wristband for $20 if you buy it online before 5:00 PM on Friday, October 17. The price is $25 at the door. The carnival hours are:

• Friday: 5:00-9:00 PM
• Saturday: 11:00 AM-10:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM-6:00 PM

Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon, VA. You can find more information at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/frying-pan-park. 

Resources

🗣️ Family Information Line Available in Nine 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

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.

🌱 Sign Up for 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 Ms. Fry, our school registrar 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.

✔️ Checklist of Important Forms

The multiple school forms parents and caregivers receive during the first weeks of school can feel overwhelming, but each one helps set your child up for a successful school year. 

If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, please contact our front office for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage. 

🩹 Immunization Requirements

Please check with your health care provider as soon as possible to make sure that your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Tuesday, November 18, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school.

You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to our front office. Find more information on immunizations.

📋 Permission Forms

Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Parents can opt their child in or out of resources, including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch a video to see how to use the tool.

📓 Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)

The SR&R document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when logging in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage. This form should be signed and returned to our front office by Tuesday, September 30.

🚍 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.

🍴 Apply Today for Free and Reduced Price Meals!

According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals receive breakfast and lunch at school at no cost. 

Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. Access the application and view criteria on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage

Students who were approved for free and reduced-price meals last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Calendar

September 22-26 | Attendance Spirit Week 23 | Rosh Hashanah (begins sundown 9/22-sundown 9/24) 26 | Talent Show at 7:00 PM 27-Oct 5 | Blue Star Welcome Week October 1-2 | Yom Kippur 10 | No Night Hawk 11 | Herndon HS Homecoming Parade 13 | Indigenous Peoples’ Day 20 | Diwali

Helpful Links

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.

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
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