Message from Holmes MS - 05/08/2026

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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,

Last Friday’s Turnpike Classic between Holmes and Poe was one for the books! 🏀🔥 We had an incredible turnout from both school communities, and the school spirit all night long was absolutely unmatched. Both our boys and girls teams played their hearts out in nail-biting games that kept everyone on the edge of their seats until the very end. Thank you to our students, staff, families, and supporters for bringing the energy and showing what makes our school communities so special!

Also, as a reminder, the Math SOL will take place next Tuesday for all grade levels. It is important that your student attends school on testing days. Please encourage your student to get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy meal before testing. Students will receive emails from Sloan Waters with their testing location for all three tests.

 

Sincerely,

Serena Giron

Principal


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.


FCPS Caters to Food Allergies

May is Food Allergy Awareness Month. The FCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to safe and nutritious school meals. Since 1 in 13 children in the U.S. has a food allergy, FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school.

 

To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.

 

Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a safe menu for students.


Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th Graders

The following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year. 

All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

  • To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
  • To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
  • To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 to 12 or as early as 9 years old. 
    •  As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.

All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older. 

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and health care providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.

Immunization Events for FCPS StudentsFCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. 

Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents/guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available. 


Stay up to Date With the FCPS Mobile App!

The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep families connected and informed, directly from their smartphones. You can download the Fairfax County Public Schools mobile app by going to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and searching for “FCPS.” 

With the app, you can:

  • Stay up to date: Get the latest news from FCPS.
  • View school calendars: See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
  • Check school menus: See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week.
  • Tap to contact: Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
  • Access key links: Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.

Users can access updates and content without having to sign in, making it easy for everyone to stay informed. 

Learn more about the new mobile app, including feedback from parents.


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 11

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

     

    Tuesday, May 12

    • Hawk Spot
    • Track & Field Practice
    • Mixed Sports
    • Mechanical Makers
    • RC Cars Club
    • Cursive Club
    • Dungeons & Dragons
    • Video Games
    • Gardening Club
    • Comedy Club
    • Fitness

     

    Wednesday, May 13

    • Homework Help
    • Hawk Spot
    • Video Games
    • Open Basketball
    • Theatre Sports
    • Capital One Coders Celebration
    • Maker Space

     

    Thursday, May 14

    • Homework Help
    • Track & Field Practice
    • Cursive Club
    • Bingo Party
    • AALEAD
    • Art
    • Open Basketball
    • Mixed Sports
    • Cursive Club
    • Fitness
    • Atom Tutoring
    • TSA

     

    Friday, May 15

    • No ASP

     

  • The last day for all After-School Programming is Thursday, May 21st.


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.


End of School Year Volleyball Camp at TJ

CTJ Colonial Athletic Boosters proudly present:

End of School Year Volleyball Camp

Grades: 6–8
Dates: June 15 – June 18, 2026
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
(Last week of school: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)

No experience necessary!

Varsity players and coaches at the #1 ranked high school in the United States will instruct participants on passing, setting, hitting, and serving in a fun and action-packed volleyball camp!

Registration Fee: $110
(Includes T-shirt if registered by June 1, 2026)

Register here:
https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/stores/checkout/getproduct?clientKey=ZZI5ZQWBKS04NJ8&buttonID=a5678bdc-9420-4803-a12c-850f195c833d

Contact:
tkao@fcps.edu


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: