Week of February 9


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In This Issue


Presidents Day (Holiday)

President's Day
All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, for the Presidents' Day holiday. Tuesday, February 17, is a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.

This Week's News

Track & Field Interest Meeting

Herndon MS is excited to have a Track and Field team again this spring! We invite you to join us for our interest meeting on Thursday, February 12 at 6:00 PM in the HMS auditorium to learn all about the season. We’ll go over important details, so don’t miss out!

Have any questions or can't make it? Email Mrs. Ferrence at cmferrence@fcps.edu.

Hope to see you there!


Help Keep Herndon Middle School Phone-Free!

Please remind your student that cell phones and personal devices (AirPods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell). Cell phones are also not permitted to be used as an instructional tool.

FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students stay focused, safe, and engaged at school. Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including consequences for cell phone policy violations and exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans. 

If you need to contact your student during the school day, please call our front office at 703-904-4800.


Meal Kits for Fasting Students

From Wednesday, February 18 to Thursday, March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. The first deadline is Wednesday, February 11, for the week of February 16. Please note other important details below:

  • Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day. 
  • Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
  • Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.

Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800.


Warm Up FCPS – Division Wide Spirit Day

Tired of all the cold weather? Let’s warm up with a little school spirit across the division! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is encouraging all FCPS students, teachers, and staff to shake the wrinkles out of their brightest outfits and tropical wear to help brighten everyone’s moods on Thursday, February 19.


Last Week's News

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 and visit our Course Selection website.


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 month of March.


World Language Credit By Exam (WLCBE) Fall 2025 Score Reporting

During the week of February 2, score reports for the World Languages Credit by Exam results were placed in students’ SIS “Documents” tabs and will be available to parents using SIS ParentVue. The report includes passing status and earned credits. Students’ transcripts reflecting any earned credits will be updated in February as pass (P) credits. These credits will not impact Grade Point Averages (GPA). A list of the credits earned by the current school roster will be placed in the 02-Assessment Support Data Tools folders the week of January 26. 

Schools are responsible for sending an eNotify message to inform parents/guardians that score reports are available in the SIS ParentVUE account. Schools are responsible for printing/distributing reports to families without SIS ParentVue accounts. Student score reports and a list of students without ParentVue accounts can be found the week of February 2 in the 02-Assessment Support Data Tools folders


FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance

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.


Activities

Sign Up for Capital One Coders Creators

Capital One Coders Creators

Students interested in learning to code can unleash their inner coder and create a mobile app with the help of a Capital One Coders mentor. The Spring program starts Wednesday, February 25, and all interested students must sign up by Tuesday, February 10.

Students can sign up here. Please note that the student ID number is required.

For more information, visit the Capital One Coders Creators program.

If you have questions, please email Ms. Shivers at lshivers@fcps.edu.


Track & Field Information Session

Track season is almost here! Is your student interested in joining the track & field team? Great! Join us for an information session on Thursday, February 12, at 6:00 PM in the auditorium to learn more about track and what to do to ensure your student is ready to go by April.

Have any questions? Email Ms. Shivers at lshivers@fcps.edu


Referees for After-School Intramural Sports Needed

Feferees 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.


Resources

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.


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.


Student Accident Insurance Reminder

Families are reminded that our school division does not provide medical insurance for accidents that occur at school. However, voluntary student accident insurance is available through K&K Insurance Group and may be a helpful option for your family.

This optional coverage can support families without medical insurance and may help with out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and co-pays for those who already have coverage. Plans may be purchased at any time during the school year. Please consider whether this coverage is right for your family.


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.


Strategies for Better Sleep

student sleeping

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.


Calendar

Calendar

February

Black History Month

12 | Track and Field Info Session, 6:00 PM

13 | No Night Hawk

15 | School Resource Officer Appreciation Day

16 | Presidents Day (Holiday)

17 | Lunar New Year / Teacher Workday

18 | Ash Wednesday / First Full Day of Ramadan

26 | Band Pre-Assessment Concert, 7:00 PM

27 | Night Hawk Student vs Staff: Volleyball Game


SRO Appreciation Day

School Resource Officer Appreciation Day

February 15 is SRO Appreciation Day! We would like to thank to our very own FCPD and HPD School Resource Officers for their hard work, care, and dedication to keeping our school community safe and supported. We truly can’t appreciate them enough, and we’re grateful for all they do each and every day.

Please visit National Association of School Resource Officers to learn more.


Ash Wednesday / First Full Day of Ramadan

Wednesday, February 18, is Ash Wednesday and the first full day of Ramadan. FCPS has designated this day as a religious and cultural observance day. There is school on these days, however specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days.

See the complete school year calendar.

Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact their child’s principal regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.


Helpful Links


FCPS Cares

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.