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In This Issue
Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
Students are meeting with their counselors to discuss course selection for the next school year. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to actively participate in this important process.
As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:
- Current academic strengths and habits.
- Graduation requirements (high school students.
- Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
- Personal well-being.
- Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.
School-life balance is an important consideration for students as they strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.
Reporting Student Absences
We are committed to partnering with families to promote positive attendance habits. Any day that your child is unable to attend school, parents should report the absence. By reporting absences, families are partnering with our staff so that everyone can make sure students are supported and have access to resources.
Full-day absences can be reported in SIS ParentVUE. Parents can also report absences by calling our school attendance line at 703-904-4848 or emailing HerndonMiddle.Attendance@fcps.edu. School staff will call parents if students are absent, and our school has not been notified in advance.
Parents can monitor their child’s attendance records in SIS ParentVUE.
Attendance Codes in SIS ParentVUE Explained
Attendance codes in SIS ParentVUE are assigned by school staff to better identify the reasons behind student absences. This allows us to respond thoughtfully and provide appropriate support. Visit the FCPS Attendance Policy webpage to learn more about the codes.
Superintendent Presents Recommendation for Boundary Changes
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid recommended proposed boundary changes to the School Board at its January 8 board meeting. Meeting materials include:
The School Board will hold a public hearing on the Proposed FY 2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) on Tuesday, January 13, at 6 p.m., in the Jackson Middle School auditorium. Speakers may address the FY 2027 CIP or the proposed school boundary adjustments. If you would like to testify regarding the proposed school boundary adjustments, you may arrive 45 minutes before the hearing begins (5:15 p.m.) to sign up to speak in person. You will be placed at the end of the speaker queue.
The School Board will vote on the superintendent’s recommendation for boundary changes and implementation on Thursday, January 22. Learn more about the comprehensive boundary review.
Follow Our Budget Process
Encourage your neighbors, friends, and community members to follow the FCPS budget process and look for opportunities to share your ideas about funding public education. On Thursday, January 22, Dr. Reid will present the proposed budget to the School Board.
Visit our budget webpage for more information.
Special Education Information Night
Join us on Thursday, January 22 at 6:00 PM in the HMS Library for an informational evening focused on supporting families of students who receive special education services. We’ll review available programs, supports, and resources, and set aside time for questions to help families better understand how we partner to meet each student’s needs.
Rising 8th Grade Advanced Academic Program Curriculum Night
Join us on Thursday, January 22 at 6:00 PM for the AAP Curriculum Night to explore what lies ahead in 8th grade! The evening will include an overview of advanced coursework, academic expectations, and how the 8th grade AAP program supports critical thinking and student growth.
Referees for After-School Intramural Sports Needed
Help referee Herndon Middle School After-School Program intramural games!
We are looking for energetic volunteers* to referee the following sports: Basketball, Futsal**, and Volleyball on Thursdays, 3:15 to 4:50 PM. Choose your preferred sport, and help support our student-athletes while keeping the games fair, positive, safe, and fun!
Interested? Contact Liana Shivers at lshivers@fcps.edu or 703-904-4819.
*Volunteering is open to community members and FCPS students. FCPS staff are eligible for pay at Hourly Band 7.
**Preference for futsal will be given to referees bilingual in Spanish & English.
Join Herndon High School for Youth Night!
Herndon High School is inviting youth to join them for their big basketball game on Friday, January 23. Girls play at 5:45 pm and boys at 7:15 pm. Kids wear a jersey and enter for free, but bring a paying adult. Meet at the Herndon High School gym!
When Should Your Child Stay Home?
Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit the FCPS website for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school to minimize impacts on learning.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to let us know so we can provide assistance, if needed.
Healthy Habits to Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs
Fairfax County is seeing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. Visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings.
Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year.
Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website.
Meal Accommodations Provide Safe, Nutritious Meals
FCPS’s Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to school meals that are safe, nutritious, and meet their individual dietary needs.
FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school. To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.
Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a menu for your child.
Did Your Student Get a New Phone or Device?
For a distraction-free start to the New Year, please remind your student about FCPS' policy for cell phones and personal devices. This policy helps students focus, interact more with their peers and teachers, and build independent problem-solving skills.
Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including:
- Exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.
- Cell phone use on buses and field trips.
- Consequences for cell phone policy violations.
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office.
Enhancing Safety and Security for Staff and Students
School safety and security are being enhanced across FCPS with a new emergency management system. The system includes sensors installed in schools and a wearable emergency response button (ERB) for staff.
The button allows staff to quickly and discreetly request help and, once pressed, they provide location information within the school. The ERB will only work on school grounds and does not rely on cellular service. It is not meant to replace calling 911, but is an additional safety tool that can be used if calling 911 may not be safe or practical.
Learn more about the emergency management system. You may submit questions to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.
📘 Yearbooks for Sale!
Pre-order your HMS 2025-2026 Yearbook now!
Yearbooks are $15
Online Order: Through www.yearbookforever.com or www.myschoolbucks.com
In school: Exact cash amount or checks (payable to "Herndon Middle School") will be accepted Monday- Friday 8:15-8:15 AM (during 1st period) in the Orchestra room.
Yearbook sales will end Friday, January 30, 2026. There will be no sales after this date.
Contact: Josephine Cofie Arrington
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Herndon HS Cabaret 2026 - Broadway Baddies
Come and join us for a night of fun Broadway songs! The choir’s annual Cabaret night featuring students in grades 4-12 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, January 23 at 7:00 PM, Saturday, January 24 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or at the door. See www.herndonhschoir.com for more information!
Strategies for Better Sleep
Sleep is essential to good health, and getting enough sleep has big benefits to your physical and mental health and well-being. Sleep is restorative, allowing your body time to recover and repair.
This is true for your child, too. In fact, adequate sleep in children supports healthy brain development, learning, and memory consolidation, as well as their mood. And it is important for a strong immune system and the prevention of infections. Read about how much sleep a person needs and get some sleep strategies you can use with your family.
Access Schoology to Support Your Child
Schoology is the learning management system used in FCPS. Parents and students can use Schoology to view assignments and messages from teachers. Learn more about how to access and navigate Schoology.
Visit the Schoology Snippets YouTube playlist to watch short tutorials that walk you through how to use Schoology.
Need help logging in or accessing Tech Support? Visit the Schoology for Parents page.
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 break. 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.
Food Assistance and Resource Guide
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter.
View the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
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.
January
22 | Special Education Information Night
22 | Rising 8 Grade AAP Night
23 | Cabaret - Broadway Baddies at Herndon HS, 7:00 PM
24 | Cabaret - Broadway Baddies at Herndon HS, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
28 | End of 2nd Quarter and Early Release
28 | No Night Hawk
30 | Teacher Workday
End of Quarter
Wednesday, January 28, is the last day of the quarter and an early release for students.
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.
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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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