🐝Principal Vereb's Weekly Reflections from the Hive
Good evening, Herndon ES Families,
This week was another full and meaningful week at Herndon Elementary as we continued our focus on strong instruction, thoughtful planning, and preparing for a successful finish to the school year.
On Monday, I began the morning alongside our ESOL leads, Mrs. Roque and Ms. Orman, at Willow Oaks as we engaged in planning conversations around Multilingual Learner programming and supports for next school year. These opportunities for collaboration help ensure we continue strengthening systems and supports for multilingual learners across our building. Back at Herndon, the day continued with counselor interviews and teacher observations as we continue building strong teams and supporting high-quality instruction in every classroom.
This week also marked another important stretch of SOL testing for our students. On May 12, students in Grades 3 and 6 participated in the Reading SOL, followed by the Grade 5 Science SOL on May 14. I continue to be incredibly proud of our students for their effort, perseverance, and focus throughout the testing process. At the same time, staff continue working diligently to provide targeted remediation and instructional support for students preparing for retake opportunities. Our teams remain focused on responding to student needs with care, urgency, and intentional support.
Tuesday, we welcomed Executive Principal Jamie Lane and Region leadership to Herndon Elementary. It is always valuable to showcase the strong work happening across our school while engaging in reflective conversations around instruction, systems, and student support. The day concluded with our Faculty Staff Advisory Committee meeting, where we continued collaborative conversations centered on staff voice, school improvement, and planning ahead.
Throughout the week, I also had the opportunity to host lunch bunches with our second grade and fourth grade students. These moments continue to be some of the highlights of my week as they provide opportunities to hear directly from students, celebrate their successes, and continue strengthening relationships across our school community.
Wednesday marked our final Early Release Wednesday of the school year. Staff spent the afternoon engaged in collaborative learning team work focused on student support, instructional planning, AAP screening conversations, SOL celebrations, and remediation planning as we continue responding to student needs in intentional ways.
On Thursday morning, I attended our final All County Principals Meeting at Willow Oaks. Across the county, principals engaged in important conversations connected to transportation updates, accreditation, school improvement planning for 2026–27, and advanced mathematics pathways for students. These conversations help ensure schools remain aligned and prepared as we continue strengthening opportunities and supports for all learners.
Additionally, Thursday was an important day for future planning at Herndon as we conducted School-Based Technology Specialist (SBTS) interviews in preparation for next year. We are incredibly grateful to Ms. Day for her years of service and leadership and look forward to welcoming a new SBTS to continue supporting innovation and instructional technology across our school community.
Thursday evening, our PTA met and officially voted in the new Executive Board leadership team. We are thankful for the continued partnership and support of our PTA and appreciate the many ways they continue to strengthen experiences for students, staff, and families.
On Friday, our construction team reached another exciting milestone in the renovation process near the SACC and music areas. It continues to be exciting watching progress unfold each week as we move closer toward expanded learning spaces that will support students for years to come.
These improvements represent more than just construction. They reflect our continued investment in creating modern, engaging, and student-centered learning environments that will support Herndon Elementary students for many years to come.
As we continue through the final stretch of the school year, our focus remains clear: strong instruction, targeted student support, and creating positive, engaging learning experiences for every Bee. Thank you for your continued partnership, encouragement, and support throughout this busy and exciting season at Herndon Elementary.
Celebrating Mrs. Holliday’s Next Chapter
Today, Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) formally announced Mrs. Daphne Holliday’s appointment as an Assistant Principal for the 2026–2027 school year at one of the division’s elementary schools.
While we will certainly miss Mrs. Holliday’s leadership, care, and partnership at Herndon ES, we are also incredibly proud of her and excited for this next chapter in her professional journey. This opportunity allows her to serve close to home while continuing her commitment to students and families in the same school division that helped shape her as both a student and educator.
Throughout her time at Herndon ES, Mrs. Holliday has led with compassion, high expectations, and a deep commitment to supporting every child. She has built strong relationships with students, staff, and families and has been a consistent advocate for multilingual learners and inclusive family partnerships. Her belief in the promise and potential of every student has always been evident in her work and leadership.
Transitions like this naturally bring mixed emotions. While we are saddened to see Mrs. Holliday leave our school community beginning July 1, 2026, we are deeply grateful for the many ways she has supported our students, staff, and families throughout her time at Herndon ES. Her impact on our school community has been lasting, and we know she will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families in her new role.
Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Holliday and wishing her continued success as she begins this exciting new opportunity.
With appreciation,
Dr. Monika Vereb
Herndon Elementary School
📸Snapshots from Principal Vereb
Congratulations HES Music Teacher Cara Chaapel
Celebrating Our Special Education Champions
FCPS is known for excellence in special education, and the Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) recently celebrated this commitment at its 2026 Awards Ceremony.
The annual event honors the outstanding students, educators, staff, and community members who go above and beyond to support and uplift our students with disabilities. Read about the SEPTA Award winners.
HES SOL (Standards of Learning) Schedule for Grades 3-6 May 7-June 2
Parents, please mark these dates on your calendar. Students in grades 3-6 will be taking their SOL (Standards of Learning) tests beginning May 7. A good night's sleep, breakfast, and being to school on time will help the students relax. Also, please try not to schedule appointments the day of testing.
Did you miss the chance to order your child’s class picture? We have some extra class pictures for sale in the office, while supplies last. The cost is $14, and you can pay with cash or check (payable to Herndon Elementary).
Paying by cash? Exact amount required. The office cannot make change.
Questions? Please call Ms. Perez at 703-326-3101.
Order your Herndon Elementary School yearbook NOW! The deadline has been EXTENDED to June 17 or while supplies last.
The cost is $15 each. Order forms for cash or checks (payable to Herndon Elementary) went home in students' Thursday folders.
FCPS Fine and Performing Arts Summer Enrichment Program Registration Ending Soon!
We want to make sure families are aware of this incredible opportunity before enrollment ends on June 5 .
E-IFTA is a welcoming, supportive arts enrichment program where students experience Art, Music, Theatre, and Dance each day in a fun and engaging environment. One thing that makes our program especially unique is that we are intentionally staffed with Instructional Assistants (IAs), Public Health Training Assistants (PHTAs), and Special Education Resource Teachers. Because of this, E-IFTA can be an excellent fit for families who may not feel comfortable enrolling their child in a more traditional summer camp setting.
Exciting updates are coming to our kitchen! While renovations are underway starting May 28th, we’ll be serving a modified menu. You can find the revised meal schedules below.
Monday - Friday: Bagel w/ Cream Cheese, Assorted Cereal, Assorted whole fruit and/or fruit juice.
• Whole fruit options: Apple, Orange, Banana, Pear • 100% Juice options: Orange Tangerine, Apple • Condiments: Cream Cheese, Natural Grape Jam
Scan QR Code for more information.
HES Renovation Lunch Menu 5/28 - 6/17 2026
Monday: Cheeseburger or Chickenless Bites w/ Roll Tuesday: Crispy Chicken Sandwich or Vegan Burger Wednesday: Chicken Tenders w/ Roll or Chickenless Bites Thursday: Cheeseburger or Vegan Burger Friday: Chicken Tenders w/ Roll or Chickenless Bites w/ Roll
Monday - Friday:
PB&J Power Pack, Yogurt Power Pack, Baby Carrots, Assorted Vegetable, Assorted Fruit, Apple Crisps
Daily Milk Options: Unflavored Fat-Free, Unflavored Low-Fat or Flavored Fat-Free
A fun and unique event, the Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta hosted by the Reston Museum has quickly become a community favorite growing in size each year. The Regatta brings together residents, businesses, and visitors from across the Greater Washington, D.C. metro area. In this festive environment, Lake Anne Plaza swells with thousands of spectators who cheer on their favorite boats.
Participating teams of all ages will construct and decorate their own life-size cardboard boats. These boats will then take to the water in timed heats with team members rowing out to a designated buoy and back to the docks at Lake Anne Plaza.
Pre-registration and registration are nonrefundable
Event is rain or shine
All crew members must be 10 years or older
*Registration Closes July 27th!
These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or this school.
Herndon Elementary School
Thank you to those who have already donated! Please keep checking for new updates and consider sharing the link with your families and school community.
We are grateful for your partnership in supporting our school community.
🐝Herndon ES Kindergarten Registration Open 2026-27 School Year
A child may enter kindergarten for this coming school year if he or she turns five on or before September 30, 2026.
If you have not registered your child, we are scheduling appointments for all rising kindergartners. We have Spanish translators in the office and can arrange for other languages as well. Please contact Shermin Sirajudin, our Student Information Assistant, by email at ssirajudin@fcps.edu or by phone at 703-326-3100.
