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Holmes Calendar
- Monday, 2/16 - George Washington's Birthday / NO SCHOOL
- Tuesday, 2/17 - Teacher Work Day / NO SCHOOL
Dear HMS Families,
This week’s ice and snowstorm created challenging conditions that kept us out of school for several days. We hope that all of our families are staying warm, safe, and healthy as we prepare to return.
We also want to extend a huge thank you to our custodial team, who have been working throughout the week to clear snow and ice and ensure our grounds are safe for students and staff. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication and hard work - we truly appreciate them!
As a result of the missed instructional days, FCPS has made the following adjustments to the end of the second quarter:
- The final day of Quarter 2 will now be Tuesday, February 3.
- If needed, teachers may continue to give Quarter 2 assessments through February 3. Teachers will communicate any class-specific updates through Schoology.
- Students enrolled in semester courses will continue attending their first-semester classes through Tuesday, February 3. Students and families can see second semester classes in StudentVue/ParentVue on Tuesday at 4PM. New schedules will be available for students Wednesday morning at Holmes.
- The grade posting window has been extended from Wednesday, February 4, to Friday, February 6, to allow teachers adequate time to finalize grades.
Thank you for your flexibility and partnership as we work to ensure a smooth and supportive close to the quarter for all students.
Additionally, with the adjustment to the end of 2nd quarter, we are going to shift WIDA testing by two days to ensure all students will be in class at the start of next week. For students taking the WIDA test, all 8th graders and some 7th graders will be testing on Thursday, 2/5 and Friday, 2/6. The remaining 7th graders and all 6th graders will be testing on Monday, 2/9 and Tuesday 2/10. Students will be receiving their testing date and location early next week. On days of testing, please ensure your students come to school on time with their laptop and charger. If you have any questions, please reach out to our testing coordinator, Sloan Waters at slwaters@fcps.edu.
And lastly, our Cursive Club continues to receive exciting national media attention! Most recently, the club was featured on CNN10 — how exciting! 🎉 You can check out the segment on Apple, Spotify, and CNN – (the feature begins about 3 minutes in) - CNN10 featured the Cursive Club too, ICYMI We’re so proud of our students and staff for showcasing the power of creativity, literacy, and student voice on a national stage.
Thank you,
Serena Giron
Principal
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.
Dear Holmes Middle School Community,
The Holmes Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is excited to announce our Bundt Cake Fundraiser — just in time to treat your sweetheart (or yourself!) for Valentine’s Day!
Flavor Options
Biscoff Cookie Butter
Carrot
Chocolate Chocolate Chip
Classic Vanilla
Confetti
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip
Gluten-Free Lemon Raspberry
Lemon
Oreo Cookies & Cream
Red Velvet
Strawberries & Cream
White Chocolate Raspberry
Pricing
• $7 per bundtlet
• Biscoff Cookie Butter specialty bundtlet: $8
Order & Payment Information
Cash and checks are accepted; Make checks payable to: Holmes MS PTA. Please include with your order: Pick-up contact information and flavor choice(s). In-person orders and payments due: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Order online at the Holmes PTA Givebacks store: https://holmesmiddleschool.givebacks.com/shop Online ordering available through: Sunday, February 9, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Pick-Up Details
📍 Location: Holmes Middle School
🗓 Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
⏰ Time: 2:00 – 5:30 PM
If you need accommodations or assistance with ordering or pickup, please contact us at holmes.fundraising.pta@gmail.com and we will be happy to help.
Thank you for supporting the Holmes PTA and helping make a difference in our school community!
Sweetly, Holmes PTA
WHAT: The Early Identification Program (EIP) is a multiyear (5 year) college preparatory program for students who will be the first in their family to attend a four-year college in the United States. EIP is a collaborative effort between Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and George Mason University (GMU). The EIP is one of four programs that comprise the College Success Programs in FCPS. EIP goes from 8th grade through 12th grade. Please check out the EIP website at https://eip.gmu.edu/ for more information about the program!
HOW: Nominated students apply to the program at the end of the 7th grade and enter the program in the 8th grade.
Student Participation:
To remain in good standing, EIP students must:
- Maintain a 2.8 GPA
- Attend specified activities/events on Saturdays at GMU Fairfax or Manassas campus
- Attend weekly mentoring / tutoring sessions at Holmes
- Attend the three-week Summer Academy at GMU Fairfax campus every July
- Participate in the Strengthening the Family Workshop
DEADLINE: February 10th, 2026
INTERESTED / QUESTIONS? Please complete the EIP Information Google Form by the deadline if you are interested: https://forms.gle/xfZ1jW2icdUDH5Zj9
Contact Ms. Amarir, School Counselor and EIP Sponsor at 703-658-5942 or via email at mamarir@fcps.edu with any questions.
Student artwork to be featured on the glass recycling can at the Mason District Government Center!
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Theme: “The benefits and importance of glass recycling for our community”
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Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8 and 9-12 attending a Justice HS, Annandale HS, or Falls Church HS pyramid school
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Prizes: Two winning designs (one from each grade group) will be painted and prominently displayed on the sides of the glass recycling container located in the Mason District.
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Deadline: February 27, 2026
For more information about the contest, including how to submit your artwork, submission guidelines and entry requirements, visit the Fairfax County Glass Recycling webpage.
All Day Absence:
- Use ParentVUE.Log in and click “Report Absence.” Don’t Have a SIS ParentVUE Account Yet? Contact your school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.
OR
- Call the attendance line on 703-658-5919 and leave a message with spelling of your student's first and last names, your name and relationship to the student, and reason for absence.
OR
- Send an email to holmesmiddle.attendance@fcps.edu with your student's first and last names, your name and relationship to the student, and reason for absence.
Partial Absence:
To report late arrivals, early dismissals, or to update already submitted attendance
- Call the attendance line on 703-658-5919 and leave a message with spelling of your student's first and last names, and reason for late arrival or early dismissal.
OR
- Send an email to holmesmiddle.attendance@fcps.edu with your student's first and last names, your name and relationship to the student, and reason for late arrival or early dismissal.
Please be mindful when requesting for your child to ride the bus with another student. For safety and verification purposes, the school requires written permission from both students’ parents before such arrangements can be approved. Permission emails should be sent to HolmesMiddle.Attendance@fcps.edu first thing in the morning on the day of the request.
Handwritten notes that are dated and signed by both students' parents will also be accepted.
Please note that students will not be issued bus passes without the required written permissions from both students' parents.
If you need to pick up your student early, please do so before 1:30 p.m. to avoid interrupting the safe dismissal process. Please note that doctor’s appointments are not considered emergencies.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us ensure a smooth and safe dismissal for all students.
This schedule is effective as of 11/5/25
NEW opportunities coming to our After-School Program 2nd Semester
Starting in February, our program will be offering some new clubs and activities for our students including the following;
- RC Cars Club
- Comic Book Club
- Capital One “Launch” (previously Capital One Coders)
- Book Club
- Cooking Club
- Math Tutors
- Engineering Maker Spacer
***Students or families may reach out to Mr. Kruk directly if interested in participating in either of these new clubs for 2nd semester.
ASP Upcoming Schedule 2/2-2/6
Want to learn more about the After-School Program and the activities & clubs that we offer?
Daily Student Sign-ups
- Students will sign-up in the cafeteria with Mr. Kruk on the day(s) in which they plan to stay after-school for any reason (activities, clubs, tutoring, auditions, sports, etc). Please be sure to communicate with your student ahead of time, as we do not provide families with notifications when your student completes the sign-up form and stays after school.
Transportation & Parent/Guardian Pickup.
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Bus Transportation (4:45 ONLY) - Students who regularly take a bus to and from school will be provided with an after-school late bus that will depart Holmes between 4:45-5:00pm. We ask for your patience the first few days of the program as the buses get comfortable with their routes and you may notice that your student is home a little later than anticipated. If you have any questions or concerns regarding transportation, feel free to reach out to the Transportation Office; 703-446-2000.
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Kiss & Ride - Students may be picked up anytime during the program. We prioritize SAFETY during our program thus, parent/guardian must come inside the building and sign out their student if being picked up before 4:45. Students must be picked up from the main office no later than 5:00pm. Students who are picked up after 5:00pm on more than one occasion are subject to losing their After-School Program privileges.
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Walkers . If you would like to have your student walk or bike home from the After-School Program, we require a one-time communication (email) stating that you give permission for your student to walk/bike home from the program this year.
Questions/Concerns?
Join the Holmes MS PTA and attend meetings (4th Wednesday of the month; translation services provided)
PTA Facebook
Join the PTA https://www.holmesmspta.com/
Purchase spirit wear https://www.spiritshop.com/school/virginia/alexandria/holmes-middle-school?mibextid=Zxz2cZ&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=
In February, we are sending love and appreciation to our amazing teachers and staff with a Sweets Snack Cart! As we kick off the third quarter, we're putting together a snack cart filled with delicious desserts and snacks on February 13th. Snack carts provide a wellness boost to our teachers and staff. Please consider donating.
Signup-
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050444A9AA2DA64-61889759-sweets
Givebacks-
https://holmesmiddleschool.givebacks.com/shop/items/4893014e488e
Amazon wishlist-
https://a.co/8srlBRH
Thank you all for your continuous support and generous donations.
Sincerely,
The Holmes PTA
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.
The 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.
❄️ 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
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.
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.
Stay connected with Holmes Middle School by following us on social media! It's the best way to keep up with our latest news, celebrate student achievements, and be part of our vibrant community. Whether you're a student, parent, or community member, you'll find exciting updates, important announcements, and inspiring stories that showcase the spirit of Holmes!
Links: Instagram
Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:
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