Week of June 15


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In This Issue


Calendar

Calendar

June

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


This Week's News

Last Day for Backpacks is Monday, June 15

Students will not be permitted to carry backpacks starting Tuesday, June 16.  All computers have been returned and supplies taken home. Students will be able to grab a bagged lunch during our last period of the day on Wednesday and eat in their classroom if they choose. Students are to keep all backpacks at home on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 16 and 17. 


Jump Start: Hawks 101 

We're excited to invite future Herndon Middle School Hawks to HAWKS 101! This is a fun opportunity for all students new to Herndon Middle School to kick off their middle school journey. 

During HAWKS 101, students:

  • Meet Herndon Middle School staff
  • Play fun games and meet new friends
  • Explore their new school
  • Learn important information about Herndon Middle School 

Choose one date to attend: Tuesday, August 11, or Wednesday, August 12. Both sessions are from 9:00 AM to 1:15 PM and contain the same information. Lunch will be provided for all students. Bus transportation will be provided from local elementary schools. 

Register by Friday, July 17.

Questions? Email Liana Shivers at lshivers@fcps.edu


Geometry Summer Boot Camp

The Herndon High School Math Department is excited to offer a free Geometry Summer Boot Camp for students enrolled in Geometry next school year. Held August 10 through 13 from 8:00–11:00 a.m. at Herndon High School, this program will help students strengthen key Algebra skills and build confidence before starting Geometry.

The camp is open to all incoming Geometry students, regardless of grade level. Transportation is being coordinated from Herndon Middle School and Hutchison Elementary School.

Families are encouraged to register by Wednesday, July 1. This is a great opportunity for students who would benefit from extra support as they transition from Algebra to Geometry.


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.


Important Cellphone Update for Rising Ninth Graders: New Bell-to-Bell Policy Starts July 1

Under a new Virginia cellphone law (SB108) and the updated FCPS Cellphone Policy, high school students at FCPS will no longer be able to use cellphones and other smart devices during lunch time, starting July 1. This includes watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other items connected to the internet. 

During the school day, including during lunch time, high school students will have to keep cellphones and other smart devices off and stored in a locker, backpack, pouch, purse, etc. This policy does not apply to school-issued devices. Visit the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage for more information.


Student Testing Results Coming Soon

Through June, you will receive your child’s spring assessment results. If you aren’t sure what assessments your child took this year, you can view a list of tests by grade level on the FCPS website. 

Most scores are available in SIS ParentVUE. Visit FCPS’ website for additional information about how test results are reported to families

Websites for each test provide report translations and help with understanding test results. Please contact our front office with any testing questions or for additional information about how our school and teachers use test results to support student success.


Scroll Smart. Post Smart. Stay Safe.

The Fairfax County Police Department encourages teens and parents to stay informed, have open conversations about digital safety, and practice smart online habits throughout the summer months. Read recommendations to stay safe online this summer. 


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!


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.


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.


Last Week's News

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


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.


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.


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

  • Saturday, June 27: Inova Cares Clinic for Families Manassas, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
  • Saturday, July 25: Inova Cares Clinic for Families Falls Church, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
  • 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.


Activities and Events

Herndon High School Youth Football Camp

Herndon HS Football Camp


Registration for the Herndon High School Youth Football Camp opens up on Saturday, July 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on the Herndon High School Field! Open to ages 9 through 13, this fun-filled camp gives young athletes the opportunity to learn football fundamentals from Herndon varsity players and coaches through skills training, games, and challenges.

$75 per child ($60 for a second child)

Snacks and hydration will be provided. Spots are limited, so register today!


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!


Resources

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.


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.


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.


Helpful Links


FCPS Cares

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.