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In This Issue
A Huge Thank You to Mayor LeBlanc!
Our Cross Country student-athletes had an incredible meet on Saturday at Stone Middle! Looking sharp in their new uniforms (generously sponsored by Herndon Mayor Kevin LeBlanc, thank you!), they ran a fantastic race.
A huge congrats to the team for earning 2nd place overall! Three of our girls even finished in the top 10. We're so proud of all of you!
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🙋 Every Day Is a Stepping Stone to Success
Attendance is an important life skill that will help your child later in life. It’s a good habit to build now to help them graduate from college on time and routinely report to work on time once they have a career.
Please take a look at the FCPS Calendar. Try to schedule any trips or family events on weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students who are absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered “chronically absent.”
When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or appointment, you must report the absence to our school by ParentVUE submission, emailing HerndonMiddle.Attendance@fcps.edu, or calling our attendance line at 703-904-4800.
Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for resources on attendance.
📖 Reading Plans and Your Student
This 1.5-hour webinar, on Wednesday, October 22 from 10-11:30 AM, is designed to help parents and caregivers understand the new reading plans in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). Parents will learn about:
- What a reading plan is: A reading plan is a support system for students who are not meeting literacy benchmarks. It outlines specific, evidence-based instruction and interventions to help them improve their reading skills.
- Who requires a reading plan: All students from kindergarten through eighth grade who are identified as needing additional support based on literacy assessments will receive a reading plan. This is part of a broader effort by FCPS to implement the Virginia Literacy Act.
- How schools will support students: The webinar will explain how FCPS is using a science-based reading approach and will discuss the role of reading specialists, the curriculum used, and the assessments to monitor student progress.
- Resources and tools for parents: Parents will leave with practical resources and tools they can use at home to support their child's literacy development. The webinar aims to empower families to be active partners in their child's reading journey.
Register here
📓 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) believes in supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) for all students. In FCPS, students use a tool called the SEL Screener to think about their own SEL skills and experiences at school. Herndon Middle School students in grades 7 & 8 will be participating in the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener in the Fall and Spring.
After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information about the SEL Screener, visit Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. Students at Herndon Middle School will begin taking the SEL Screener during the window of Tuesday, October 21-Friday, October 31.
To opt your student out of the SEL Screener, please email Susanna Fry at smfry@fcps.edu no later than Wednesday, October 15th.
👂Vision and Hearing
Parent/Guardian, vision and hearing screenings for all 7th graders and students who are new to FCPS will be conducted during Health & P.E. classes on Tuesday, October 28 and Wednesday, October 29. If your student wears glasses or contact lenses, please ensure they bring and wear them on the day of the screening.
Should the screening indicate a need for further evaluation, you will receive a notification letter with additional information.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Health Room at (703) 904-4810, or reach out via email to: Shannon Mansfield, School Public Health Nurse, at shannon.mansfield@fairfaxcounty.gov or Hyein Jung, School Health Aide, at hjung1@fcps.edu.
🎤 Save the Date: Community Conversations 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 are being 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 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all
⏰ Take the School Start Times Survey
FCPS is continuing to explore options for adjusting school start times, with the primary goal of beginning the middle school day at 8 a.m. or later. In order to minimize any costs associated with this change, 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. A new School Start Times Survey is open and includes two options that are designed to support student well-being, align with research, balance transportation logistics, and minimize costs.
Staff, parents and caregivers, students, and community members may provide input on the two options by taking the survey. The survey deadline has been extended to Monday, October 6. Find more information on adjusting school start times on the FCPS website.
📵 When Cell Phones Are Down, Learning and Engagement Are Up: Help Keep Our Schools Phone-Free
Cell phones can significantly impact academic performance — research has shown that it takes students 10 minutes or more to shift their focus back to learning after being interrupted by a single cell phone notification! You can help keep our schools phone-free (and your child focused on learning) by:
- Reminding your child about FCPS’ cell phone policy and telling them why you support it.
- Contacting your school’s front office (rather than your child directly) if there is a family emergency during the school day.
- Contacting your child about non-urgent matters before or after the school day.
- Waiting to respond to non-urgent texts from your child until the school day is over.
Learn more about FCPS’ cell phone and personal device policy. Also, view our Media Balance and Well-Being Toolkit for resources to help your child maintain a healthy and balanced relationship with technology at home.
💻 All Families Opted in to Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report
FCPS provides families with a free service that allows parents and caregivers a way to stay informed about their child's online activity on any FCPS device. Starting Sunday, October 12, all parents and guardians who have access to student records in SIS ParentVUE will be automatically enrolled to receive a weekly Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report.
This report provides a summary of the websites your child visited during the previous week and is delivered every Sunday to your email directly from Lightspeed, our internet content filter.
Each weekly report also includes a link to register for the Lightspeed Parent Portal, which provides more detailed browsing information. This portal also gives you the ability to pause internet access on your child’s FCPS laptop during non-school hours, such as dinner or bedtime.
Visit the Lightspeed Parent Report page for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
⭐ Supporting Military Connected Students
We are thrilled to announce that Herndon Middle School has been recognized with the prestigious Purple Star Award!
This award, approved by the Virginia Council on the Educational Opportunity for Military Children, recognizes our school's commitment and support for our military-connected students and families. We are proud to serve those who serve!
📝 Applications for TJHSST
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.
🍂 Tips for Healthy Living and Family Fun!
As we welcome the cozy fall season, it's a great time to emphasize staying active and making healthy choices for our students’ well-being. Here are some autumn tips:
Enjoy Fall's Harvest: Encourage your child to try seasonal fruits and vegetables. Cooking together can be fun; try making cinnamon apple slices or
roasted sweet potatoes!
Get Outdoors: Take advantage of the cooler weather by planning activities like hiking, biking, or visiting a pumpkin patch. Enjoying nature promotes fitness and family bonding.
Stay Hydrated: Keep hydration a priority! Remind your child to drink water regularly.
Practice Mindful Eating: With the holidays coming, help your child eat mindfully by enjoying meals slowly and listening to hunger cues. Cooking together can encourage them to try new foods.
Be a Role Model: Show your children healthy eating habits by making nutritious choices and staying active as a family. Your example will
inspire them to follow suit.
Let’s make this fall fun and healthy! Wishing you all a joyful and active season!
🌡️ When Should Your Child Stay Home?
Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.
Help your student succeed by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. So when should your child stay home? Visit the FCPS website for helpful ideas regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify our school and your child’s teachers so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with our public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and tell school staff why and for how long
🩹 Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Immunization clinics will take place from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Willow Oaks Administrative Center on:
- Thursday, November 6
- Tuesday, November 18
- Wednesday, November 19
- Thursday, November 20
A clinic will also take place at Frost Middle School on Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year.
Participation is voluntary. Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment for their student. Learn more about immunization resources.
💡 How AI Is Shaping Teaching and Learning
Meeting the Moment: FCPS Forward — AI, a conversation with division leadership, which will take place Monday, November 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., at West Springfield High School. Attend to:
- Learn about the opportunities and challenges of AI in education.
- Explore how AI can support FCPS student achievement and workforce readiness.
- Engage in a thought-provoking panel and keynotes.
- Help shape the future of innovation at Fairfax County Public Schools.
Agenda details will be shared with registered participants in the coming weeks. Contact DITEvents@fcps.edu with any questions.
🏗️ Bond Referendums Support Communities
The building and renovation of Fairfax County public schools is not funded through the division’s annual operating budget. Voter-approved bonds allow payment for these projects over time. A $460 million bond referendum is on the November ballot. Read more about the 2025 Bond Referendum. Learn more about registering to vote. Make a plan to vote by Tuesday, November 4.
💭 FCPS Ombuds Office: Your Go-To Guide for the School System
Do you have a question or concern about Fairfax County Public Schools, but you don’t know where to find the answer? Dawn Clements wants you to know you can ask her! Dawn’s mission as the FCPS Ombuds is to make it easier to understand the school system and help build trust within the community. In honor of Ombuds Day, learn more about Dawn Clements and the Ombuds Office.
🚍 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. Learn more about the Student Pass and access the application, which can be returned to the front office.
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.
🎼 Herndon Pyramid Concert
Parents, please join us on Monday, October 27 for our Herndon Pyramid Concert and please be sure to arrive at Herndon HS at 6:00 PM sharp! You may enter through door 8 and follow the signage or students directions towards the auditorium.
The concert will begin at 6:30 PM and will highlight all of our singers from elementary, middle, and high school, ending with a group song.
Students participating should wear a school shirt to represent their school!
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🤝 SCA Interest Meeting
Is your student interested in leadership and school spirit? An Student Council Association Interest Meeting will be held this Wednesday, November 23 from 2:30-3:15 PM in the cafeteria.
Students - come learn how you can get involved and be a leader!
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🗣️ Become Unskippable: Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens
Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. But fentanyl is a threat to young people across the country and in Fairfax County. So it's important to have short, impactful talks with your teen, whether or not you think they’re at risk.
As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to become “unskippable” and talk with your teen in a way they will listen. See our tips for talking with your teen about fentanyl and other difficult subjects. Watch this video to learn more about becoming Unskippable.
☎️ 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.
🍴 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.
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October
21-31 | SEL Screener Window
31 | Quarter End, Early Dismissal
November
2 | Daylight Saving Time Ends (Fall Back)
3 | School Planning, No School
3-7 | National School Psychology Week
4 | Election Day/Teacher Workday, No School
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Daylight Saving Time Ends (Fall Back)
On Sunday, November 2, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time ends. Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour!
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National School Psychology Week
From November 3-7 we'll be celebrating the important work school psychologists do to help all students thrive.
A huge, heartfelt thank you to our incredible school psychologists, Kelley Wells and Erika King! Your dedication, empathy, and expertise create a supportive, welcoming environment where all of our students can thrive. We are so grateful for everything you do!
Learn more from the National Association of School Psychologists.
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Veterans Day
This Veterans Day, we pause to honor the incredible courage and sacrifice of our nation's veterans. Thank you to all who have served—your commitment to our freedom inspires us.
Please remember that school will be closed for students on Tuesday, November 11th, in observance of this important federal holiday. We look forward to seeing everyone back on Wednesday!
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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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