Message from Holmes MS - 06/05/2026

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Important Dates

Holmes Calendar

  • Monday, 6/1 through Wednesday, June 10 - Summer 2026 Scholastic Book Fair
  • Tuesday, 6/9, 6:30PM - Community Meeting regarding New Holmes MS Principal Selection Process
  • 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,

We will be collecting student laptops, chargers, and cases during P.E. classes on Wednesday, June 10th and Thursday, June 11th.

  • Summer School: If your student is in summer school for credit recovery or academics, they can keep their laptop until the end of their program.
  • Lost or Damaged Tech - Fines Due Now: Fines can be paid by check, cash, or MySchoolBucks to Holmes Middle School.
  • Lost Plastic Case: $40
  • Lost Charger: $20
  • Lost Headphones: $15 (if opted to take them)
  • Cracked Screen: $50
  • Cracked Frame: $20
  • Graffiti or Missing Keys: $10
  • Important: Unpaid fines or unreturned items will cause delays in students getting their laptops back next school year (this includes rising 9th graders at their next school).

Thank you for your partnership and continued support as we close out another successful school year at Holmes Middle School.

 

Sincerely,

Serena Giron

Principal


Community Meeting regarding New Holmes MS Principal Selection Process

Dear Holmes Middle School Staff, Parents, and Community Members, 

We are beginning the search for a new principal for Holmes Middle School. An important step in this procedure is to inform parents, staff, and community members about the principal selection process. An important meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. This will be a hybrid meeting, with participants able to attend either in person at Holmes Middle School or virtually via Zoom.

The information to log into the virtual meeting is below:

Join URL:  https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/96523325119?pwd=7RuntBqlc1ztArm3j8ib3Lx3uIHkQd.1&from=addon  

Meeting ID:     965 2332 5119

Passcode:       827016

We will outline the multiple levels of interviews that will take place to select a candidate who is the best fit and match to lead Holmes Middle School. A panel interview will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. The advisory panel will be comprised of three staff representatives, and three parent (or community) representatives. If you are interested in serving as a panelist, please submit your information by close of business on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, using the google form link  Principal Input and Advisory Panel Interest. The Region 6 Leadership Team will review all submissions and select staff and community members to serve as either panelists or alternates for these in-person interviews.  The Department of Human Resources will contact the individuals who are selected to serve in this capacity.

Another critical component to the process is your input. Please provide input detailing the skills, experiences, and leadership characteristics needed at your school. Include challenges and issues that the new principal will need to address. Principal professional skills include instructional leadership, school climate, human resources, organizational management, and communication and community relations. 

Your input is confidential. Please submit your input using the google form link  Principal Input and Advisory Panel Interest by Tuesday, June 16, 2026. 

I look forward to working closely with Holmes Middle School staff, parents, and community members during the principal selection process. 

 

Sincerely, 

 

Rhonda Honoré

Assistant Superintendent, Region 6


End of the Year Medication Pick Up

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.


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


Summer 2026 Scholastic Book Fair

Get ready! The Summer 2026 Scholastic Book Fair is going to be epic! This Book Fair is BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE! Get 2 books for the price of 1! Just in time for SUMMER READING! 6th & 7th Grade students will be coming to the Book Fair with their Social Studies classes, however; ALL students can purchase books before and after school and during lunch! The Book Fair starts on Monday, 6/1 and ends on Wednesday, 6/10! The location is the Holmes MS Library.

Please see below for some important information.

Book Fair Website: All the information you need will be on the website! Create an eWallet for easy payment! 

Donate: Consider donating to the Book Fair. Thank you!  

Book Fair Contact: Jen Blanco (jlblanco1@fcps.edu)


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.


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.


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.


Calendar Survey

FCPS values your input as we plan future school calendars. On Friday, June 5, all caregivers and FCPS staff will receive an email from noreply@fcps.edu containing a unique link to complete the FCPS Calendar Survey.

Your feedback matters. Please take a few minutes to share your priorities and perspectives by Monday, June 22, at 11:59 p.m.

Your individual responses will be kept confidential and will not be shared with school staff or used in any way that identifies you or your student. Only aggregate, summary-level results will be reported to the Fairfax County School Board.

If you do not receive a link to the survey or have technical difficulties completing the survey, please contact the FCPS Office of Research and Program Evaluation


Summer Meals for Students

Starting Monday, June 22, no-cost meals will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis at the sites and times listed on the FCPS Summer Food Service Program webpage. Students must remain on-site while eating their meals.

This year, thanks to generous support from Educate Fairfax, families may also receive one no-cost breakfast and lunch per adult at the following elementary schools: Braddock, Dogwood, Glen Forest, Hutchison, Hybla Valley, and London Towne.

Summer sites will continue to be added, so check the Summer Food webpage regularly for updates.


Summer Immunization Events for All FCPS Students

Inspire Health Alliance, in partnership with FCPS, will be providing school-required immunizations this summer. Immunizations will be provided at no out-of-pocket cost to students or families. Registering families will be required to provide insurance information, if applicable, but students without insurance may still participate.

Visit the FCPS and Inspire Health Alliance Student Immunization Events webpage for dates, times, and locations. Additional event dates will be made available and shared four to five weeks prior to the event on the webpage. Additional immunization resources are also available. 


End of Year/Summer Special Education and Section 504 Newsletter

View the latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and Section 504 Newsletter. Topics in this 2026 End of Year/Summer issue include:

  • Celebrating 50 Years of IDEA
  • A Year of Inclusion in FCPS
  • Advancing Success for Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learners
  • Extended School Year (ESY)
  • Your Guide to a Fun and Inclusive Summer
  • Play, Plan, Grow: Summer Activities for Executive Function
  • Keep SEL Growing all Summer Long
  • New Resources to Support Life after High School
  • Make an Impact as a Special Education Teacher
  • Fairfax County SEPTA News

Subscribe to the Special Education and Section 504 Newsletter


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. 

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.


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

The last day for all After-School Programs was 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 Resources

Summer Resources Help Students Stay Curious, Healthy, and Busy 

The FCPS Summer Resource Guide has activities and tips on a variety of subjects and interests, from camps and activities to health and safety resources. 

Be sure to check back over the summer, as more resources may be added. 

 

Learning Doesn’t Take a Vacation and Neither Does Fun!The FCPS Summer Learning webpage offers ideas and strategies for families to keep students curious until August. Summer is the perfect time to help your student explore new interests, reinforce concepts, and stay engaged!


SoCo Summer Strings

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!


Fine and Performing Arts Summer Camps

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 campselementary camps, and the theatre-specific production camp on the Fine Arts Office website. 


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: