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In This Issue
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June
4 | School Dance, 6:00 PM
10 | NJHS Ceremony, 5:30 PM
15 | 7th Grade End of Year Awards
16 | 8th Grade End of Year Awards
16 | 8th Grade Picnic
17 | Last Day of School
18 | Teacher Work Day
19 | Juneteenth
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Herndon MS End-of-Year Dance: A Night on the Town
Students are invited to the End-of-Year Dance on Thursday, June 4, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Hosted by the HMS SCA/PTA, this year’s theme is “A Night on the Town.” The evening will feature a DJ, photo booth, and NYC-themed food. Students are encouraged to wear semi-formal attire. Tickets are $5 each which will cover one food option, one drink, one dessert, and one candy for each student.
For more information please contact Mrs. Buchholz, SCA Advisor.
Laptop and Charger Collection Information
Student laptops and chargers will be collected on Thursday, June 11 and Friday, June 12. Laptops and chargers will be collected during your child’s regular PE class. In preparation for laptop return please make sure any stickers on the laptop are removed. Please also clean off any pencil drawings or graffiti from the laptop. Please do not remove the barcode from the laptop
Students who are enrolled in a summer program or need a laptop for summer learning are still asked to turn their laptop in on Thursday, June 11 and Friday, June 12, during their regular PE class. On Monday, June 15 rising 8th grade students who need a laptop for summer learning are asked to come to room 119 to pick up their summer laptop.
Rising 9th grade students that need a laptop for summer learning will be asked to communicate with the high school they will be attending to schedule when their laptop can be picked up.
Summer Online Campus Registration Closes June 5
Registration for summer classes with FCPS’ Online Campus will close on Friday, June 5. Email OnlineCampus@fcps.edu or call 703-503-7781 with any questions.
Please Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance
It’s a busy time of year, and we know many priorities are on your plate. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to check your student’s MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.
Free and Reduced-Price Meals
Families who earn less than 185% of the poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals (FRM). However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2026-27 school year will be available this summer.
If you have a current balance and think you may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2025-26 school year.
School Board Adopts Fiscal Year 2027 Approved Budget
On May 21, the Fairfax County School Board unanimously adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Approved Budget, continuing FCPS’ commitment to sustaining excellence by prioritizing competitive compensation and strategic investments that support student success.
The adopted budget reflects the division’s ongoing efforts to navigate a challenging fiscal environment shaped in part by chronic state underfunding and economic uncertainty. Despite these challenges, the budget maintains key investments and restores several reductions made during the prior fiscal year. Read about the FY 2027 Budget.
Back-to-School Pediatric Health Fairs – Free School Physicals & Immunizations
Families with children ages 5 and older are invited to attend the upcoming pediatric health fairs hosted by Inova Cares. Free school physicals and immunizations for the 2026–2027 school year will be provided for children who are uninsured or enrolled in Medicaid.
Appointments are required and walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Families should bring their child's vaccination records to the appointment.
Health Fair Dates & Locations
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Saturday, June 27: Inova Cares Clinic for Families Manassas, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
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Saturday, July 25: Inova Cares Clinic for Families Falls Church, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
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Saturday, August 8: Inova Cares Clinic for Families Herndon, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
To schedule an appointment, call 703-698-2550.
Help your child start the school year healthy and ready to learn by securing their required physical and immunizations today.
Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services
Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services.
Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Additional Mental Health Resources
FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional support can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number.
Recent reports have shared an 11% drop in suicides among young people since the rollout of 988. Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts.
And as always, if your concern is an emergency, you should call 911.
Third Annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt Encourages Active Family Fun
The Solving Fun Puzzle Pals have been busy getting ready for the 3rd Annual Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt, and it kicks off in only three weeks!
This free event is open to solvers of all ages and is a great way to keep students and families engaged in fun, creative problem-solving over the summer. It also teaches bike and pedestrian safety and encourages active transportation.
New this year: The school with the most solvers will win a special visit from Sue Doku! Sign up for the Puzzle Hunt!
Finish the School Year With Strong Attendance!
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.
New Cellphone Policy Starts July 1
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.
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.
Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students
Registration is open for FCPS summer camps and learning opportunities.
Career and Technical Education camps, and Fine and Performing 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 schools.
Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.
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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.
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Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theatre. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well.
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Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive camp 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. Read about last year’s camp.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation
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.
Visit the Fairfax County website for details and approved Metrobus routes and to access the application.
Children 12 and younger ride for free on the Fairfax Connector with a paying adult.
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:
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Stay up to date: Get the latest news from our school and 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.
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.
Our Office of the Ombuds Is at Your Service!
Ombuds staff engage with FCPS staff, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Ombuds staff do not make or change decisions, policies, or regulations. They do not take sides, and they do not provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may submit a question.
FCPS Cares
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.
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