Message from Holmes MS - 05/01/2026

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو


Important Dates

Holmes Calendar

  • Monday, 5/25 - Memorial Day / NO SCHOOL
  • Tuesday, 5/26 - Teacher Workday / NO SCHOOL
  • Wednesday, 5/27 - Eid al-Adha / NO SCHOOL
  • Tuesday, 6/2, 7-8:30PM - Chorus and Orchestra Spring Concert
  • Wednesday, 6/3, 7PM - End-of-Year Theatre Showcase
  • Thursday, 6/4, 7-8PM - Band Spring Concert
  • Friday, 6/5, 5-7PM - 8th Grade Dance
  • Monday, 6/15, 8-9AM - End-of-Year Awards Ceremony
  • Wednesday, 6/17 - Last Day of School / 2-Hour Early Release

Table of Contents


Principal's Note

Dear Holmes Families,

A huge thank you to everyone! Your amazing donations of snacks, food, gifts, and drinks made this week truly special. We couldn’t have done it without your kindness and support, and our teachers and staff felt it deeply. We really appreciate your generosity and the time you took to make this happen.

TAW

 

Sincerely,

Serena Giron

Principal


Bike & Roll to School Day!

Love riding your bike? Celebrate Bike & Roll to School Day and join students, families, and teachers across the country in biking to school together! This national event promotes healthy habits, encourages walking and biking, and helps reduce car traffic.

While it’s a one-day event, Bike to School Day inspires long-term change by showing communities the benefits of safer, active school commutes. Mark your calendars: May 6, 2026! Registration is open at www.walkbiketoschool.org/registration/ , and the FCPS Safe Routes to School team offers incentives for participating schools. Ride together, make a difference, and show your community the power of active travel!


8th Grade Dance - June 5th, 5-7PM

  • We’re looking for parent volunteers to help make the event a success!
  • Volunteer opportunities include:
    • Decorating
    • Food support
    • Supervision
  • Interested in helping? Please contact 8th Grade Administrator Megan Lister at MMLister@fcps.edu for more information. Sign-up coming soon!

Thank you for supporting our 8th graders!


Spring 2026 Testing Schedule

As we approach upcoming state assessments, we wanted to share a few updates and reminders with you all.  The following is our testing schedule for SOLs:

  • Tuesday, May 5th - Grade 8 Science (only 8th graders will test)
  • Tuesday, May 12th - Math (all students will test)
  • Tuesday, May 19th - Reading (all students will test)

It is important that your student attends school on these days.  Please also encourage your student to get a good night’s sleep and to eat a healthy meal before testing days.  Students will receive emails from Sloan Waters regarding their testing location for all three tests.  

This year if your student doesn’t pass a spring SOL test, they get a second chance to show what they know before school ends.  If you haven’t yet given SOL retest permission, please visit the website: https://digitalconsent.fcps.edu/ispb/is01/r/pdcp/.  You can also reach out to our testing coordinator, Sloan Waters (slwaters@fcps.edu), or our School Based Technology Specialist, Jess Klein (jbklein@fcps.edu), to give consent.  

Thank you for your continued support at home.  We look forward to seeing all students succeed on this year’s SOL!  If you have any questions or would like additional information, please reach out to our testing coordinator, Sloan Waters.


Holmes–GMU Scholarship Opportunity for 8th Grade Students

Holmes and George Mason University have teamed together to offer a four-year instate tuition scholarship to GMU to an eighth-grade student who has demonstrated the potential to be successful in a four-year college program (a cumulative middle school GPA of 3.5 or higher). You and your child should have received an email last week if your child qualifies. The (online) application packet and teacher recommendations are due by 3pm on Friday, May 22nd, 2026. Please reach out to Ms. Dane (kdane@fcps.edu) if you have any questions.


Edison High School Freshman Orientation – Class of 2030

We are excited to support your student’s transition to high school! For the third year, Edison High School is offering an optional Jump Start program for rising 9th-grade students.

 

Program Details:

Date: Tuesday, July 28th

Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Edison High School

 

During this session, students will:

✔️ Meet staff members, including administrators, counselors, and teachers

✔️ Tour the school building

✔️ Receive tips for high school success

✔️ Learn about our wide range of sports and club opportunities

✔️ Receive lunch and Edison Eagle Pride T-shirt

 

Please note: Transportation will not be provided.

 

We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2030!

 

Save the Date: Registration will open on May 27th and a link will be located on the Edison website for those interested in our Jumpstart program. Please contact Greg Dombrowski: GSDombrowski@fcps.edu or Ellen Hagan: EMHaganBower@fcps.edu for further information.


Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong Here!

In FCPS, we all belong. From the first day of school, to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at our school — a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources


Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas

Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School

 

Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family. 

 

For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.


Family Information Phone Lines

FCPS family information phone lines are available in nine different languages. An FCPS employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. 

 

Call the phone line with questions about your child’s education or FCPS, and someone will help connect you to resources or arrange for you to speak to the appropriate school employee. Learn more about family information phone lines.


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

  • 1st Period: 7:30 – 8:55

  • 3rd Period: 8:59 – 9:44

  • 4th Period: 9:51 – 10:43

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

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

  • 5th 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

  • 7th Period: 12:50 – 12:15

 

White Day

  • 2nd Period: 7:30 – 8:55

  • 3rd Period: 8:59 – 9:44

  • 4th Period: 9:51 – 10:43

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

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

  • 6th 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

  • 8th Period: 12:50 – 12:15


After-School Program Weekly News

  • After-School Program Schedule

     

    Monday, May 4

    • Hawk Spot
    • Homework Help
    • SOL Prep
    • Open Basketball
    • Yearbook Club
    • Tia's Craft Club
    • Open Volleyball
    • Future Business Leaders of America
    • Debate 

     

    Tuesday, May 5

    • Hawk Spot
    • Track & Field Practice
    • Basketball Team Practice
    • Comic Creations
    • Fitness

     

    Wednesday, May 6

    • Homework Help
    • Hawk Spot
    • Video Games
    • Basketball Team Practice
    • Theatre Sports
    • Cooking Club
    • Capital One Coders
    • Maker Space

     

    Thursday, May 7

    • Homework Help
    • Track & Field Practice
    • AALEAD
    • Cursive Club
    • Fitness
    • Atom Tutoring
    • TSA

           

         Friday, May 8

  • Gym Activities
  • Yoon Fit Club

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: