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2025-26 FCPS School Calendar
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  Message from Principal Vereb
Principal Reflections from the Hive
This week reminded us of the strength, care, and professionalism that define the Herndon Elementary community—even when circumstances shift our plans.
Following the snow and ice storm over the weekend, I want to begin by sharing my deep gratitude for our Herndon ES custodial team. Their dedication and hard work, often behind the scenes, ensured that our campus was prepared for a safe return for students, staff, and families. Their commitment to safety and care for our community does not go unnoticed, and we are thankful for all they do. As an additional gesture of appreciation, we will be stocking the custodial team lounge once school reopens. Families or staff who wish to contribute items of appreciation may drop them off at the main office. We will collect and share these items with our custodial team as a way to show our gratitude and care.
Despite weather-related adjustments, important work continued across our school. The Admin Team and Mrs. Flora met with Shockey Construction and the Cooper Carry Architecture and Design team during our biweekly modernization meeting to review progress and next steps. It is exciting to see our vision for a modernized Herndon ES continue to take shape—work that will ultimately support student learning, collaboration, and community for years to come.
This week, our administrative team also co-facilitated professional learning focused on Inclusive Education, aligned with FCPS priorities and our 2030 Strategic Plan. Together, we began—or continued—our learning around increasing inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities, deepening our understanding of the what, why, and how of inclusive practices alongside the Inclusive Schooling consultants. Most importantly, we made connections to our own classrooms and reflected on next steps to ensure all students are supported, valued, and successful.
Our instructional focus remained strong as well. I participated in professional learning and planning connected to literacy and Walk to Read through third grade, and I could not be more proud of the student growth reflected in our data. These results are a testament to our students’ hard work, our staff’s expertise, and our shared commitment to using data intentionally to drive instruction.
On Friday, staff engaged in a Teacher Work Day, creating time for planning, reflection, and preparation. At the same time, our newly formed administrative team participated in a half-day retreat. Following the retreat, we spent time selecting furniture for our modernized building, strengthening our team collaboration, and working with our Elementary Math Resource Teachers (EMRTs) to plan for upcoming MAP data dialogue that will take place during our February all-staff community meeting.
Even in a week shaped by winter weather, our collective focus on student growth, inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement remained strong. Thank you for your flexibility, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to our students and one another.
Together, we continue to lead in the light and learn best in community.
With gratitude,
Dr. Monika Vereb
Principal, Herndon Elementary School 🐝
📸Snapshots from Principal Vereb
 
🗓️ Updated End-of-Quarter
Due to the recent loss of instructional days, the final day of the second quarter has been moved to Tuesday, February 3.
Teachers may continue second-quarter assessments through February 3 and will share any specific changes with students and families through Schoology. Students in semester courses will continue attending first-semester classes through February 3. Dr. Reid’s letter to the community about the end-of-quarter adjustments contains more details.
SIS ParentVUE will be unavailable for students and parents during end-of-quarter updates from Tuesday, February 3, at 4 p.m. until Monday, February 9, at 6 a.m. (These dates have been updated with the later end of quarter date.)
PTA Spirit Night at Chuck E. Cheese
Join us for a night of family fun on Friday, February 6, at Chuck E. Cheese in Herndon, and support our school at the same time! Bring the kids for games, pizza, and prizes, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Herndon ES.
Whether you stay for a quick bite or make a whole evening of it, your participation helps support our school community—plus, it’s a guaranteed good time for the kids!
⛄ 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.
Student Fasting Meal Kits
From February 18 to March 19, 2026, a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) waiver allows students fasting during the school day to request take-home meal kits. These kits include a complete school breakfast and lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.
Important Meal Kit Information:
- Kits are charged based on a student’s meal status (Free, Reduced, or Paid).
- Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day.
- Students who eat a meal at school during the day are not eligible for a take-home kit on the same day.
- Kits are distributed at the end of the school day. Students must pick up their own kits; adults are not permitted to collect them.
Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:
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February 11, 2026 for week of February 18, 2026
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February 16, 2026 for the week of February 23, 2026
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February 23, 2026 for the week of March 2, 2026
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March 2, 2026 for the week of March 9, 2026
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March 9, 2026 for the week of March 16, 2026
Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week. Parents/guardians must submit a separate request form for each student, every week, to participate.
K&K Student Accident Insurance
Fairfax County Public Schools does not provide medical insurance for accidents that occur at school. Parents may want to consider if purchasing voluntary student insurance is appropriate for their family.
K & K Insurance Group offers student accident insurance coverage that parents may purchase. For families without other medical insurance, this plan may be a helpful resource. Additionally, for families who already have coverage, this plan may help offset costs such as deductibles and co-pays. Coverage may be purchased at any time during the school year.
It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
Kindergarten helps children learn and practice the social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives.
Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, in the spring. Eligible children can be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps schools prepare and have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school.
After determining which school your child will attend, you should gather necessary documents and complete registration forms as soon as possible. Get the details on the FCPS Registration webpage.
FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the registration webpage.
Questions? Please contact our Herndon Elementary Student Information Assistant/Registrar, Shermin Sirajudin, at 703-326-3108 or ssirajudin@fcps.edu
Family Academy Offers Support to Parents and Guardians
The Family Academy offers resources and in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families. The following webinars and workshops will take place in February:
- Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (in English and Spanish)
- Introduction to Career Pathways for Students
- Lexia Family Information Night
Family Resource Center webinars will also cover topics such as Early Childhood Identification Services, developing flexibility with your child, the social lives of twice-exceptional (2E) students, what to ask when the school calls, and self-care for caregivers.
Visit the Family Academy Catalog to explore these and other resources.
FCPS Ombuds Office
FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential GuidanceThe Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters. Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit the ombuds webpage, where you may submit a question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
🥍Spring Youth Lacrosse and
🏉Rugby Registration Open!
Herndon/Reston Youth Lacrosse
Spring Lacrosse Is Back at HRYL
Registration Is Open — Spots Are Filling Fast!
We’re excited to kick off another season of Herndon Reston Youth Lacrosse, and we’d love to welcome your family back to the field this spring.
Whether your child has played with us before or you’ve been thinking about trying lacrosse for the first time, Spring 2026 registration is officially open — and teams are already starting to fill.
https://www.herndonoptimist.org/lacrosse
Great Falls/McLean Rugby
Looking for a fun, active way to get kids involved in a positive, team-based sport? We welcome players of all ages and experience levels — no previous rugby required.
Build confidence, fitness, teamwork, and leadership in a safe, supportive environment. Our programs are designed to help kids grow on and off the field while making new friends and becoming part of a strong, family-oriented community.
- NON-CONTACT Coed (ages 4–10)
- Tackle Coed (ages 10–14)
- Boys & Girls Tackle (ages 14–18)
Come out, give it a try, and see why so many Northern Virginia families love being part of our rugby community.
Learn more and sign up at www.rugbyVA.com
2026 FCPS Career and Technical Education Summer Camps
Grades K-12
 2026 Tech Adventure Camp: Current Kindergarten - grade 5 students explore Business/Marketing, Family + Consumer Sciences, Health + Medical Sciences, STEAM, and Trades by rotating through daily classes
Visit the Tech Adventure Camp webpage here: bit.ly/FCPS_TAC
 2026 CTE Summer Academy: Current grade 6 - 11 students choose their classes and dive deeper into CTE program areas, skills, and career exploration
Visit the CTE Summer Academy webpage here: bit.ly/FCPS_CS
📚Herndon Fortnightly Library February Events
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.
District News
In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
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FCPS News
- In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget Presented to School Board
- School Board Approves Proposed Boundary Changes
- It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
 Follow the Herndon Elementary renovation progress which is located on the FCPS website by clicking here.
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Herndon Elementary Phone Numbers:
- Health Room 703-326-3110
- Cafeteria 703-326-3121
- Attendance 703-326-3131
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Herndon Elementary Email:
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Administration E-mail:
📸(Left to Right): Mrs. Cosgrove, Dr. Vereb, Mrs. Holliday, and Mrs. Baxter
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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.
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