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Important Dates

Holmes Calendar

• Wednesday, 3/18 - Friday, 3/27 - Spring Scholastic Book Fair
• Friday, 3/20 - Eid al-Fitr / NO SCHOOL
• Friday, 3/27 - End of 3rd QRT / 2-Hour Early release
• Monday 3/30 - Friday, 4/3 - Spring Break / NO SCHOOL
• Monday, 4/6 - Teacher Workday / NO SCHOOL
• Thursday, 4/9, 5-7PM - Heritage Night
• Friday, 4/10 - School Planning Day / NO SCHOOL
• Monday, 5/25 - Memorial Day / NO SCHOOL
• Tuesday, 5/26 - Teacher Workday / NO SCHOOL
• Wednesday, 5/27 - Eid al-Adha / NO SCHOOL
• Wednesday, 6/17 - Last Day of School / 2-Hour Early Release

Table of Contents

• Principal's Note
• Spring Track & Field Registration is Open!
• Meal Kits For Student Fasting
• Purple Up! Day 2026: Supporting Our Military-Connected Youth
• Reporting Your Student’s Attendance
• Dismissal and Early Pick Ups
• Admin/Counselor Team Information
• Holmes MS 2025-26 Blue/White Calendar
• Holmes MS 2025-26 Bell Schedule
• After-School Program Weekly News
• Holmes MS PTA
• Summer Learning
• Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps
• TV & Radio Summer Camp
• Follow Us on Social Media
• How to Stay In-Touch

Principal's Note

Dear Holmes Families,

As we move into the next stretch of the school year, I want to share a few updates and thank you for your continued partnership. Each day, we see students engaged in learning and staff working tirelessly to support strong instruction and student well-being across our building.

A quick reminder that consistent attendance matters. Being present each day is essential for student learning and success. If your child is experiencing difficulty getting to school regularly, please reach out to us-we are here to support and help problem-solve alongside you.

If your student would benefit from additional support, we strongly encourage them to take advantage of our after-school support opportunities. Our teachers are available to answer questions, provide targeted assistance, and help students stay on track academically.

Our students are currently participating in the WIDA assessment, and we are proud of the focus, effort, and growth they are demonstrating throughout this process.

In honor of “Love the Bus” month, we wanted to go the extra mile for the incredible team that keeps our students moving. Our bus drivers work tirelessly to ensure every child arrives at school and returns home safely, so we decided to surprise them with a special appreciation lunch. It was a joy to see their smiles and share our gratitude. Here at Holmes, we truly love and appreciate our drivers!

Sincerely,

Serena Giron

Principal

Spring Track & Field Registration is Open!

It’s time to lace up! Our Spring Track and Field season is right around the corner. To get started, please review the registration details below:

• Registration: Complete Step One via https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSePOAqHDBQDfgXF-hTSMElJZx3gGq_pzWUa6Gi_a6-94ZD0Ag/viewform 

Note: Fall Cross-Country runners do not need to re-register.

• Requirements: All athletes must submit a completed Participation Packet (Physical Evaluation) and Emergency Care Form.

• Key Dates:
• First Practice: Tuesday, March 24 (before Spring Break).
• Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays | 2:30 PM – 3:35 PM.
• Track Meets: FOUR consecutive Saturdays starting April 25 (8:00 AM – 2:00 PM).
• Championships: Saturday, May 30 (for eligible athletes).

For more information or to pick up forms, please see Mr. Yoon, Ms. Mills, or Ms. Louis. We look forward to a spectacular season with our extraordinary athletes!

Meal Kits For Student Fasting

From February 18 to 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.

Purple Up! Day 2026: Supporting Our Military-Connected Youth

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is gearing up to honor and celebrate its military-connected youth in April, the Month of the Military Child, and on Purple Up! Day! 

This year, Virginia will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Purple Up! Day is a special day for communities to come together and wear purple as a visible gesture of support for our military-connected youth and their families. Purple symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the military. 

FCPS Purple Up! T-shirts and other items are available for purchase now through Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in our Custom Ink online store. These items highlight our gratitude and appreciation for our 14,500 military-connected students and their families. #PurpleUpFCPS! 

For more information and/or to connect with FCPS resources, email us at militaryfamilies@fcps.edu. 

Reporting Your Student’s Attendance

All Day Absence: 

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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. 

Dismissal and Early Pick Ups

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.

Admin/Counselor Team Information

PRINCIPAL: Serena Giron – sagiron@fcps.edu

CONTENT SUPERVISION: Admin, Coaches, Security, Office Staff

DIRECTOR of STUDENT SERVICES: Jess Tippins – jdtippins@fcps.edu

CONTENT SUPERVISION: Counselors, Math, Special Education

DEAN of STUDENTS: Cassandra Williams – cdwilliams1@fcps.edu

• 6th Grade

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Nick Hartman – ndhartman@fcps.edu

CONTENT SUPERVISION: Social Studies, Health & PE, World Languages

COUNSELOR: Kelly Murphy – kwmurphy@fcps.edu

• 7th Grade

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Sandra Meador – srmeador@fcps.edu

CONTENT SUPERVISION: Science, ESOL, Fine & Performing Arts

COUNSELOR: Karrah Dane – kdane@fcps.edu

• 8th Grade

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Megan Lister – mmlister@fcps.edu

CONTENT SUPERVISION: English & Reading, Career & Technology, Family Liaisons

COUNSELOR: Erika Davis – emdavis1@fcps.edu

• All Grades ESOL Level 1–2

COUNSELOR: Mariam Amarir – mamarir@fcps.edu

Holmes MS 2025-26 Blue/White Calendar

Blue Days

• August | 18, 20, 22, 26, 28
• September | 3, 5, 11, 15, 17, 19, 24, 26, 30
• October | 3, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 27, 29, 31
• November | 6, 10, 13, 17, 19, 21, 25
• December | 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 16, 18
• January | 5, 7, 9, 13, 15, 20, 22, 26, 28
• February | 3, 5, 9, 11, 13, 19, 23, 25, 27
• March | 3, 5, 9, 11, 13, 17, 19, 24, 26
• April | 7, 9, 14, 16, 20, 22, 24, 28, 30
• May | 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 18, 20, 22, 29
• June | 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 16

White Days

• August | 19, 21, 25, 27
• September | 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 16, 18, 22, 25, 29
• October | 1, 6, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 28, 30
• November | 5, 7, 12, 14, 18, 20, 24
• December | 1, 3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 17, 19
• January | 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, 21, 23, 27
• February | 2, 4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 18, 20, 24, 26
• March | 2, 4, 6, 10, 12, 16, 18, 23, 25, 27
• April | 8, 13, 15, 17, 21, 23, 27, 29
• May | 1, 5, 7, 11, 13, 15, 19, 21, 28
• June | 1, 3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 17

Holmes MS 2025-26 Bell Schedule

Blue Day

• 1^st Period: 7:30 – 8:55

• 3^rd Period: 8:59 – 9:44

• 4^th Period: 9:51 – 10:43

1^st Break: 9:53 – 10:08 I SOAR: 10:11 – 10:43

SOAR: 9:51 – 10:25 I 2^nd Break: 10:25 – 10:40

• 5^th Period & Lunch: 10:47 – 12:46

A Lunch: Lunch: 10:47 - 11:17 | Class: 11:17 - 12:46 

B Lunch: Class: 10:47 - 11:17 | Lunch: 11:17 - 11:47 | Class: 11:47 - 12:46 

C Lunch: Class: 10:47 - 11:47 | Lunch: 11:47 - 12:17 | Class: 12:17 - 12:46  

D Lunch: Class: 10:47 -12:17 | Lunch: 12:17 - 12:46

• 7^th Period: 12:50 – 12:15

White Day

• ^2nd Period: 7:30 – 8:55

• 3^rd Period: 8:59 – 9:44

• 4^th Period: 9:51 – 10:43

1^st Break: 9:53 – 10:08 I SOAR: 10:11 – 10:43

SOAR: 9:51 – 10:25 I 2^nd Break: 10:25 – 10:40

• 6^th Period & Lunch: 10:47 – 12:46

A Lunch: Lunch: 10:47 - 11:17 | Class: 11:17 - 12:46 

B Lunch: Class: 10:47 - 11:17 | Lunch: 11:17 - 11:47 | Class: 11:47 - 12:46 

C Lunch: Class: 10:47 - 11:47 | Lunch: 11:47 - 12:17 | Class: 12:17 - 12:46  

D Lunch: Class: 10:47 -12:17 | Lunch: 12:17 - 12:46

• 8^th Period: 12:50 – 12:15

After-School Program Weekly News

Want to learn more about the After-School Program and the activities & clubs that we offer?

• Visit our website -  https://holmesms.fcps.edu/activities/after-school-program

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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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?

• Contact the After-School Specialist, Matt Kruk, mjkruk@fcps.edu

Holmes MS PTA

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=

Summer Learning

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.

Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a two-week camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theater. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well!

Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp.

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.

TV & Radio Summer Camp

Fairfax Public Access (FPA) is offering summer media camps for teens interested in television and radio production. These hands-on programs are in Fairfax, VA, and are designed for youth ages 12 to 18. Membership registrations can be completed by mail, by calling the Training Department or in person. Space is limited. Register early. For a printed copy of the summer camp catalog call our Family Liaisons at 703-658-5926 or go to www.fcac.org for more information.

Follow Us on Social Media

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 

How to Stay In-Touch

Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:

• keeping your contact information up-to-date throughout the year
• visiting the Holmes MS website
• signing up for News You Choose
• monitoring your student's progress with SIS Parent Account
• join the Holmes MS PTA and attend meetings

6525 Montrose St., Alexandria, VA 22312  | Main: 703.658.5900
Attendance: 703.658.5919  |  Web | Instagram