2025-26 FCPS School Calendar

• January 28: End of 2nd Quarter - 2-hr Early Release at 2:05pm
• January 29: Student Holiday (Staff Development Day for Staff)
• January 30: Student Holiday (Teacher Workday for Staff)
• February 16: No School, President's Day
• February 17: : Student Holiday (Teacher Workday for Staff)

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Message from Principal Vereb 

Reflections from the Hive: Honoring Legacy, Strengthening Systems, and Planning Ahead

This week at Herndon Elementary was grounded in purpose and forward momentum. From honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to strengthening the systems that support our students and planning for the future of our growing school, our hive remained focused on what matters most—students, relationships, and continuous improvement. Below are several highlights from the week.

Honoring Legacy and Values

We began the week reflecting on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Across classrooms, students engaged in age-appropriate learning focused on his leadership, service to others, and the importance of treating one another with respect. These conversations reinforced the values of empathy, responsibility, and community that guide our work each day at Herndon Elementary.

Instructional Focus and Student Support

On Tuesday, I joined our Regional Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Jameile Choice, for classroom visits in the upper grades. These visits provided valuable opportunities to see teaching and learning in action, engage in reflective dialogue, and align our instructional practices with division priorities.

In addition, our MTSS team met to take a deep dive into student data. This work reinforces our commitment to using data intentionally to identify needs early, provide targeted supports, and monitor progress for all learners.

Leadership, Attendance, and Systems Work

Our Guiding Coalition met this week with a focused lens on chronic absenteeism. Together with our grade-level leaders, we examined patterns, discussed root causes, and aligned next steps to ensure students are present, engaged, and connected to school each day.

I also had the opportunity to meet with our School Board Member, Robyn Lady, to discuss markers for success as I begin my tenure as principal of Herndon Elementary. These conversations help ensure alignment, transparency, and shared expectations as we move forward.

Facilities, Growth, and Intentional Design

As we plan for renovation and continued growth, our Leadership Team reviewed School Specialty classroom designs to support thoughtful furniture selection and the creation of intentional learning spaces. These decisions are centered on how physical environments can best support student engagement, collaboration, and well-being.

Connection, Learning, and Looking Ahead

I continued one-on-one meetings with parents and staff—conversations I committed to during the interview process. These meetings remain an important way to listen, learn, and build trust within our community.

At the division level, I attended the all-county principals meeting (ACPM), learning alongside more than 200+ principals and center administrators about how FCPS is positioning itself as a leader in the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) to prepare students for a rapidly changing workforce. I also learned more about the superintendent’s budget presentation to the School Board, which outlines priorities and planning for the year ahead.

Finally, on Friday, I attended the William & Mary Education Recruiting Fair as we actively plan to hire a new teacher in every grade level in preparation for welcoming more than 190+ new students in SY 2026–27.

I am grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and collaboration that define our school community. This week reflected a strong balance of honoring our values, strengthening our systems, and planning thoughtfully for the future.

📸Snapshots from Principal Vereb

🗓️ Calendar Reminder: Quarter End

Wednesday, January 28, is the last day of the quarter and an early release for students. Herndon Elementary will dismiss at 2:05 pm.  Schools are closed for students on Thursday, January 29, for a staff development day, and Friday, January 30, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

SIS ParentVUE will be unavailable for students and parents during end-of-quarter updates from Wednesday, January 28, at 4 p.m. until Thursday, February 5, at 6 a.m.

❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS. 

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.

⛄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities including Recess

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.

Winter Resources for Families

A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter weather. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources page for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue!

We encourage students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during snow or inclement weather days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home.

📱 More News and Updates — on the go — With the FCPS App 

Gone are the days of digging through emails or hunting for bookmarks. The FCPS app provides a custom experience that is both powerful and easy to use. Here is how it makes life easier:

•     Customized for Your Family: Do you have students at two (or more!) different schools? You can "follow" multiple schools to get a feed of news, notices, and events specific to your family.
•     No Sign-In Required: Access essential content like district-wide announcements, live updates, and school calendars instantly — no password to remember, no login required.
•     Real-Time Notifications: Get push notifications for urgent updates — including weather announcements! — ensuring you never miss an important announcement from the district or your school.
•     Everything in One Place: From bell schedules and staff directories to athletic event locations and school menus, the app is a central hub for all things FCPS.

To ensure every family stays informed, the app supports automatic translation for more than 100 languages. Learn more about the app, or download it today in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.  

Connect With Your Kids: Simple Steps to Stronger Communication

Teens skip things that don’t interest them, including lectures from their parents. How do you connect with your children and really know what's going on in their lives? How can you become “unskippable”?

Effective communication can build trust and understanding, but it takes thought, planning, and effort.

• Ditch distractions and create a safe space where your child feels comfortable opening up.
• Listen actively and validate their feelings, even if you don’t agree.
• Ask “how” questions instead of "what" questions to get them talking about their experiences.

Find more tips on talking with your teen about difficult subjects like fentanyl and learn how you can Become Unskippable.

🧸 Kindergarten Registration:
It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process. For more information, call our student information assistant/registrar Shermin Sirajudin at 703-326-3108. 

💻 Try Online Registration

Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account.

FCPS Food and Nutrition News

As the temperatures drop, it can be challenging to keep children active and healthy. Here are some simple tips to help your kids thrive during the winter months:

Create an Indoor Workout Routine: Set aside time each day for fun, active games or simple exercises indoors. Dancing, jumping jacks, or yoga can keep
energy levels high and bodies strong.
Limit Screen Time: Encourage kids to take breaks from phones, tablets, and TVs. Replace screen time with creative activities like drawing, puzzles, or family board games.
Choose Healthy Snacks: Remind children to make healthy choices when snacking. Fresh fruits and vegetables are great options!
Enjoy Unlimited Fresh Produce at School: All students in the lunch program have unlimited access to fresh fruits and vegetables in the school cafeteria. Encourage your child to take advantage of these nutritious choices every
day.
By making small changes at home and school, you can help your child stay healthy, active, and happy all winter long!

Religious or Cultural Observance

Ramadan begins February 18 through March 19, 2026. A new waiver from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) allows students who are fasting to pick up meals from the cafeteria at dismissal. Each student may claim only one meal per day. Contact your school cafeteria for more details.

Join Our Cafeteria Team — Where School Pride Meets Part-Time Work!

Looking for a rewarding part-time job that fits your family’s schedule? Our school cafeteria is hiring! Join a friendly team, enjoy school-day hours, and make a difference in students’ daily lives — one meal at a time. No nights,
weekends, or holidays required. Apply at FCPS.edu.

School Meals Check out our full menu! New options are being introduced weekly during for JANUARY, FEBRUARY, AND MARCH! Food and Nutrition at FCPS

Herndon ES 2026 Yearbooks

2026 Yearbooks are now available for preorder at $15 each. You may purchase online at www.myschoolbucks.com. Alternatively, please contact Mrs. Perez at 703-326-3101.

Tonight!
January 23 at Herndon High
Broadway Baddies: Cabaret 2026!

Come and join us for a night of fun Broadway songs! The Herndon Choir’s annual Cabaret night featuring students in grades 4-12 (including 3 Herndon ES students!!) is upon us! Performing songs from some of Broadway’s biggest bad guys and divas, you will be inspired (and maybe a little scared!) by the end of the evening. Enjoy songs from “Lion King,” “Hamilton,” “Hadestown”, “The Addams Family”, “Six!” and more! Shows are Friday, Jan 23 at 7PM, Saturday Jan 24 at 2PM and 7PM. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or at the door. See www.herndonhschoir.com for more information!

Herndon Community Center
Open House
Saturday, January 24, 2pm-4pm

When: Saturday, January 24th

Time: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Location: Herndon Community Center
               814 Ferndale Ave
               Herndon, VA 20170
Details: Families will be able to explore programs, connect with community resources, and participate in interactive activities throughout the facility.

District News

In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

• FCPS News In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
•  More News and Updates — on the Go — With the FCPS App 

• Calendar Reminder: Quarter End

• Connect With Your Kids: Simple Steps to Stronger Communication

• Special Education Family Conference: Registration Open, Volunteers Needed

Follow the Herndon Elementary renovation progress which is located on the FCPS website by clicking here.

Administration E-mail:

• Principal, Monika Vereb mgvereb1@fcps.edu 
• Assistant Principal, Elizabeth Baxter eabaxter@fcps.edu 
• Assistant Principal, Daphne Holliday daholliday@fcps.edu
• Assistant Principal, Kelly Cosgrove kmcosgrove@fcps.edu

📸(Left to Right): Mrs. Cosgrove, Dr. Vereb, Mrs. Holliday, and Mrs. Baxter

Do you know a Herndon Elementary staff member who goes above and beyond or turns the ordinary into something extraordinary? If so, click here to nominate them for FCPS Cares and help us share their story.

Click here to follow us on X (Twitter).

Click here to like our Facebook page.

Click here to follow us on LinkedIN.

Click here to access our website.

630 Dranesville Rd. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-326-3100
Attendance: 703-326-3131 | Web | Twitter | Facebook