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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
Dear Holmes Families,
May is an important month for student testing, and we are happy to share that our early test results are showing growth compared to last year. Student achievement is improving, and we are encouraged by the progress we are seeing across our school.
We are so proud of our students for their hard work and effort. We also appreciate the continued support from our families and staff. We are hopeful that this positive progress will continue as more test results come in.
Thank you for your partnership and support in helping our students be successful.
Sincerely,
Serena Giron
Principal
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 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.
The school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than the student dismissal time on the last day of school. Medication left in the health room after that time will be destroyed. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian. Medication cannot be sent home with your student. However, with parent or guardian permission, a high school student may transport over-the-counter medications to and from the school health room. If your student will be enrolled in a summer program sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools, the existing medication authorization form(s) may be used for the summer program, but you will need to pick up the medication on the last day of school and deliver the medication and completed forms to the summer learning site on the first day of the summer program. Please let the health room know if you would like a copy of the form(s).
Medication authorization forms for next school year may be obtained from the school or online at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/school-health-services. A medication authorization form is required for any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, to be kept at school. Please be sure medication orders are clear. All information on the form must be completed. Part I must be signed and dated by the parent or guardian. Part II must be signed and dated by your health care provider. Approved over-the-counter medications given for headaches, muscle aches, orthodontic pain, or menstrual cramps do not need a health care provider’s signature. Antibiotic or antiviral medications for 10 consecutive school days or less do not require a health care provider’s signature either. For all asthma medications, a Virginia Asthma Action Plan must be provided. More detailed information is available on the back of the medication authorization form(s).
Over-the-counter medication must be in the unopened original container and clearly labeled by the parent or guardian. No more than 100 pills/tablets of OTC medication should be brought to school at a time. All prescription medication, including samples, must be labeled by the pharmacist or health care provider. Please make sure that the label clearly states your student’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage of the medication, and the time to be given.
Your cooperation will ensure that we can safely give your students their medication. If you have any questions, please contact your Licensed Practical Nurse, Lindsay Quigley at 703-658-5910, or your school Public Health Nurse, Nohelia Yanes, at 703-658-5918.
8th Graders attending Annandale High School next year will be going to the Activities, Athletics and Clubs Fair at Annandale High School on Thursday, May 28th during the school day. Students will have the opportunity to learn all about the amazing extracurriculars opportunities offered at Annandale as well as hear from current students on a student panel. Permission slips were due back to SOAR teachers by May 20th.
Thank you for supporting our 8th graders!
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.
Conversations with parents and families about substance use
Date & Time:
Thursday, May 28, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location:
John R. Lewis High School – Cafeteria
6540 Franconia Road
Springfield, VA 22150
Join us to learn about vaping devices, current trends, and how to talk with your teen.
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.
As we enter the final weeks of the school year, Fairfax County Public Schools appreciates your continued partnership in supporting your child’s success. Regular attendance plays an important role in helping students stay engaged in learning, maintain connections with their teachers and peers, and finish the school year strong.
Attending school consistently also helps students build valuable habits such as responsibility, perseverance, and daily routines that support success both in and out of the classroom.
If your child needs to miss school, please remember to report the absence. Full-day absences can be reported in ParentVUE. Families may also report absences by calling the school attendance line or emailing the school-designated attendance address.
If your child is experiencing challenges that are affecting attendance, we are here to help. Please contact your child’s school so staff can partner with you to provide support and resources. Learn more about attendance resources.
On Friday, May 8, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid provided an update on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget. FCPS receives the majority of its funding from the Fairfax County Government and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Fairfax County Government recently adopted its FY 2027 Budget, and at the funding levels provided, there is currently a $28 million budget gap. In addition, the state budget has not been finalized. At last Thursday's School Board meeting, the superintendent proposed adjustments that would balance the FCPS budget.
Read Dr. Reid’s message to the community for more information on the budget process and budget priorities.
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.
On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.
This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell.
High school students will no longer be able to use cellphones and personal devices during lunchtime. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.
Other SR&R Changes for the 2026-27 School Year
Visit the FCPS website or the School Board agenda to learn about additional updates, including:
- Added guidance and procedures for in-school and out-of-school suspensions and discipline investigations, including supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners.
- Expanded guidance and standardized disciplinary procedures (“Universal Grade Matrices”) related to harassment, hate speech, discriminatory behavior, and Title IX reporting requirements.
- Responses to incidents involving intimate images, fighting, physical aggression, object throwing, and drug policy violations.
All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass and access the application, which can be returned to the front office.
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.
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:
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Stay up to date: Get the latest news from FCPS.
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View school calendars: See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
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Check school menus: See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week.
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Tap to contact: Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
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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.
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.
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
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Nick Hartman – ndhartman@fcps.edu
CONTENT SUPERVISION: Social Studies, Health & PE, World Languages
COUNSELOR: Kelly Murphy – kwmurphy@fcps.edu
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Sandra Meador – srmeador@fcps.edu
CONTENT SUPERVISION: Science, ESOL, Fine & Performing Arts
COUNSELOR: Karrah Dane – kdane@fcps.edu
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Megan Lister – mmlister@fcps.edu
CONTENT SUPERVISION: English & Reading, Career & Technology, Family Liaisons
COUNSELOR: Erika Davis – emdavis1@fcps.edu
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All Grades ESOL Level 1–2
COUNSELOR: Mariam Amarir – mamarir@fcps.edu
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
Blue Day
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1st Period: 7:30 – 8:55
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3rd Period: 8:59 – 9:44
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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
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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
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7th Period: 12:50 – 12:15
White Day
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2nd Period: 7:30 – 8:55
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3rd Period: 8:59 – 9:44
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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
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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
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8th Period: 12:50 – 12:15
After-School Program Schedule
Monday, May 18
- Hawk Spot
- SOL Prep
- Open Basketball
- Tia's Craft Club
- Open Volleyball
- Future Business Leaders of America
Tuesday, May 19
- Hawk Spot
- Track & Field Practice
- Activity Day Basketball Meeting
- Mechanical Makers
- RC Cars Club
- Dungeons & Dragons
- Video Games
- Gardening Club
- Comedy Club
- Theatre Sports
- Fitness
Wednesday, May 20 – NJHS Carnival
- Gym Activities
- Outdoor Sports
- Arts & Crafts
- Movies
- Karaoke
Thursday, May 21 - FINAL DAY OF PROGRAMMING & LATE BUSES
- Track & Field Practice
- AALEAD
- TSA
The last day for all After-School Programming is Thursday May 21st.
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=
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Exciting news! SoCo Summer Strings is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School from July 6-17, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM (weekdays only). Camp is open to all rising 5th-9th grade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, an instrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day.
You can find more information and register for camp at www.schsorchestra.org/soco-summer-strings. Register early to save money and reserve your student’s spot!
The Fine Arts Office is excited to offer three engaging full-day summer camps for students currently in grades K–11. These camps provide students with enriching opportunities to explore the arts throughout the summer at a competitive and accessible price. Free transportation and tuition assistance are available. Families can find additional information about all programs, including secondary camps, elementary camps, and the theatre-specific production camp on the Fine Arts Office website.
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 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.
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.
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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