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2026-27 FCPS School Calendar
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August 24: First Day of School for the 2026-27 school year.
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September 04 - September 07: No School | Labor Day Break
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September 08: School resumes at normal time
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September 15 - October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
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September 17: Back to School Night, 6:00–8:00p.m.
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September 21: No School | Yom Kippur
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September 30: 3-Hour Early Release Wednesday, Gr K-6, Dismissal 1:00p.m.
  Good evening, Herndon Elementary Families,
What a wonderful week it has been at the Hive! With the first day of school just around the corner, our building has been filled with the energy of teachers and staff preparing classrooms, learning together, strengthening our systems, and getting ready to welcome our Bees.
This week, our staff came together for our school kickoff and professional learning focused Building Our Year: The Power of One Hive on the work that will matter most for students this year. Teams spent time planning instruction, strengthening supports for our students, preparing for strong behavior and classroom expectations, and continuing our work around intervention and student wellness.
Our leadership and support teams also continued planning the systems that help every child thrive. This included work with our MTSS and mental health teams, Title I family engagement planning, preparation for our new student ID cards and bus navigation system, and continued attention to our school grounds and operational readiness.
One of the highlights of the week was welcoming our families back to campus for our Back-to-School Bash (aka Open House). After weeks of summer preparation, there is nothing quite like seeing our hallways come alive again with students reconnecting with staff, families meeting teachers, and our community coming together.
Our work extends beyond the walls of Herndon Elementary as well. This week, I met with fellow Herndon pyramid leads to plan opportunities for our pyramid schools to work together throughout the year. That collaboration helps us strengthen the experience of our students not only while they are with us at Herndon Elementary, but throughout their journey toward Herndon Middle and Herndon High School.
We closed the week continuing preparations for Monday, including school planning, professional learning, and opportunities to welcome our youngest Bees and families through Kindergarten Popsicles on the Playground.
There has been tremendous work behind the scenes to prepare for this moment, and I am deeply grateful to our teachers, staff, families, and community partners. Now comes the best part: Welcoming our Bees back to the Hive on Monday!
In Your Service,
Gratefully,
Dr. Monika Vereb
Principal
 
 PTA wants you to BEE in the KNOW
Hi everyone,
For the last 3 years I've participated in the Superintendent's Vision Group (more info on what this is below), but as I'm moving into a new role with the school board, I'd like to relinquish this opportunity to another Herndon parent.
The Vision Group is a great way to interact with other engaged parents from across the county, hear directly from the Superintendent Reid on changes impacting our schools, and weigh in on those changes. Our school/ area does not typically have high participation, and I think it's really important for the Superintendent and her staff to hear from schools like ours, particularly those with Title 1 status. Meetings are generally every other month with rotating location. Kickoff meeting is next Monday.
If this sounds like something you'd like to do, please reach out to me for more detail, I'm happy to answer any questions you might have. Ideally I'd love to have a new person in place by next Monday's kickoff if at all possible.
Thanks!
Bethany
Superintendent Vision Groups
Focus is on strengthening the communication between the Superintendent’s Office and our school communities. By sharing your insights, experiences, and ideas, you help ensure that diverse family voices are part of the conversation and that we remain focused on providing an excellent education for every student.
As a Family Vision Group member, your key responsibilities include:
- Supporting the Superintendent’s outreach efforts to engage families and community members
- Actively participating in the exchange of information and perspectives
- Serving as an ambassador to your school community by sharing information and reporting back feedback
- Committing to pursuing the interests of each and every student in FCPS
Through your participation, you serve as an important bridge between your school community and FCPS leadership.
Email Jenn Flora (jhflora@fcps.edu) if you are interested.
The Herndon Elementary School PTA
Want to make it official and become a PTA member? Click here! 😀
Welcome to the 2026–2027 School Year!
The PTA is thrilled to kick off a brand-new year—we've had a wonderful time planning some exciting events for our families this summer. Please save the dates for our upcoming activities:
- First PTA Meeting: September 10 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Outdoor Movie Night: September 18 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Visit our website at herndonespta.givebacks.com to learn more, join the PTA, or make a donation—every contribution makes a difference!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook (Herndon Elementary School PTA) and Instagram (@herndonesPTA) for the latest updates
  PTA: Join our first PTA meeting September 10 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM to hear more from our board members and see how you can be involved!
  Outdoor Movie Night: Our first event of the school year will be September 18 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Enjoy a movie with your friends and family!
 First Day of School
Student ID Cards for Herndon Elementary Bus Riders
We will begin distributing student ID cards to all our students who ride the school bus or use FCPS transportation services.
Teachers will be handing Student ID Cards to student bus riders.
Students who have student ID cards should begin tapping as they board and exit the bus. Only students who use FCPS transportation services will be provided with a student ID card at this time.
We ask for your patience! Bus drivers will begin checking in students next week and may need some extra time at each bus stop while they do this. The transportation team is working hard to minimize any potential delays.
Learn more about the bus navigation and student ID cards.
 Graphic for the FCPS mobile app highlighting links for school calendar, lunch menus, report an absence, ParentVUE, Schoology, and MySchoolBucks. Two phone screens show the app’s link hub in one place, with instructions to search for “FCPS” in the App Store or Google Play.
Get Ready for Day One with the FCPS App! 🎒As we gear up for the first day of school, make sure you have the FCPS mobile app downloaded! It's the quickest way to check the school year calendar, view lunch and breakfast menus, find school contacts, and jump to ParentVUE or Schoology from your phone.
Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
¡Prepárese para el primer día de clases con la aplicación de FCPS! 🎒Mientras nos preparamos para el primer día de clases, asegúrese de tener descargada la aplicación móvil de FCPS. Esta es la manera más rápida de consultar el calendario escolar, ver los menús de desayuno y almuerzo, comunicarse con su escuela y acceder a ParentVUE o Schoology directamente desde su teléfono
Descargue la aplicación desde Apple App Store o Google Play Store.
app.
Stay Connected With Us!
Follow Herndon Elementary School and our PTA on Instagram for school highlights, important updates, upcoming events, and ways to stay involved in our community.
📱Herndon Elementary: @herndonelementaryschool
📱Herndon Elementary PTA: @herndones_pta
We look forward to connecting with you!
 Image encouraging community stakeholders to follow Herndon ES on social media
 Help Your Child Navigate the Lunch Line
Check out some tips to help your child get through the lunch line quickly and have more time to eat:
- Teach your child their student ID number to receive meals at school.
- Sign up for and add money to MySchoolBucks to purchase meals at school.
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Apply for free and reduced-price meals. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price meals last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should submit a new application as soon as possible, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
If your child has any food allergies, learn how to submit accommodations for dietary restrictions and allergens.
Access menus for breakfast, lunch, and other school meals, as well as allergen and nutrition information.
Ayude a su hijo a navegar por la fila del almuerzo
Ayude a su hijo a aprovechar bien el tiempo del almuerzo y a pasar rápido por la fila haciendo lo siguiente:
- Enséñele a su niño su número de ID de estudiante para que pueda recibir las comidas escolares (esto es nuevo para este año). Este número es el mismo que usan para entrar a sus dispositivos escolares y puede encontrarlo en SIS ParentVUE.
- Inscribiéndose y depositando dinero en “MySchoolBucks” para que pueda comprar comidas en la escuela.
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Solicite comidas gratis o a precio reducido. Aquellos estudiantes que fueron aprobados el año pasado para recibir comidas gratis o a precio reducido, son elegibles para continuar recibiéndolas por los primeros 30 días de clases (o hasta que una nueva solicitud sea aprobada). Las familias deben hacer su solicitud lo más pronto posible, para que los estudiantes que sean elegibles continúen recibiendo sus comidas sin costo alguno.
Si su niño tiene cualquier alergia a algún alimento, aprenda cómo pedir Acomodaciones para restricciones alimentarias y alergias.
Encuentre los menús de desayuno, almuerzo, y otras comidas escolares, así como información sobre alergénicos y nutricional.
You Can Manage Student Web Access at Home
At Herndon Elementary School, we acknowledge that parents are our students' first and most important teachers. Parents now have greater control over their child’s FCPS-issued device outside of school hours through Lightspeed Parent Portal.
In addition to monitoring weekly internet activity, parents can now also customize web access at home on FCPS devices through Lightspeed using Schedules and Web Rules.
With Schedules, you can set tailored times to automatically pause or restrict internet access. This makes it easier to enforce rules around homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.
In Web Rules, you can create Custom Block Lists to block specific, individual websites they do not want your child accessing at home. This allows parents greater control over what is happening online, under their own roof.
These new custom controls take effect at home, outside of school hours, and when the device is off the FCPS network. They will not override standard district filtering policies during the instructional day.
Customize Your Lightspeed Settings
All parents should be receiving weekly Lightspeed Online Student Activity Report emails. To set up these new features, click the “Log in or Register” button at the bottom of your weekly Lightspeed Online Student Activity Report email.
Visit the FCPS Lightspeed Parent Portal Guide for more information. If you have additional questions, submit a Parent Technology Support Ticket.
Parents are encouraged to discuss internet boundaries with their children so that they can understand the reasoning behind any limits and the differences between access at home and at school. Get tips on talking to your children about technology safety.
¿Sabía que puede administrar el acceso a internet de su estudiante en casa?En Herndon Elementary School sabemos que las familias tienen un papel fundamental en acompañar a sus estudiantes en el uso de la tecnología. Por eso, ahora los padres pueden tener mayor control sobre el acceso a internet desde los dispositivos de FCPS cuando sus hijos lo usan en casa, a través del Portal para padres de Lightspeed.
Además de recibir información sobre la actividad semanal en internet, ahora puede establecer límites de acuerdo con las necesidades y rutinas de su familia utilizando las funciones Schedules (Horarios) y Web Rules (Reglas web).
Con Schedules (Horarios), puede elegir en qué momentos desea pausar o restringir automáticamente el acceso a internet. Por ejemplo, puede establecer límites durante la hora de hacer tarea, las comidas en familia, los fines de semana o antes de dormir.
Con Web Rules (Reglas web), puede bloquear sitios web específicos que no desea que su estudiante visite mientras usa su dispositivo de FCPS en casa. Así, usted puede decidir qué tipo de acceso es apropiado para su familia fuera del horario escolar.
Estas opciones funcionan únicamente fuera del horario escolar y cuando el dispositivo no está conectado a la red de FCPS. Durante la jornada escolar, continuarán aplicándose las reglas y filtros de internet establecidos por FCPS.
Personalice la configuración de Lightspeed
Las familias deberían estar recibiendo cada semana por correo electrónico el Informe de Actividad en Línea del Estudiante en Lightspeed. Para configurar estas nuevas funciones, haga clic en el botón “Log in or Register” (Iniciar sesión o registrarse) que aparece al final de su informe semanal.
Visite la Guía del Portal para padres de Lightspeed de FCPS para obtener más información. Si tiene preguntas adicionales, envíe una solicitud de soporte tecnológico para padres.
También recomendamos hablar con sus hijos sobre los límites que establezca para el uso de internet. Ayudarlos a entender por qué existen estas reglas les permitirá comprender mejor las diferencias entre el acceso a internet en casa y en la escuela. Encuentre consejos para hablar con sus hijos sobre el uso seguro de la tecnología.
 💻 Catch Up on Your Child’s Classwork in Schoology
Teachers use Schoology to post their classroom materials online; to provide a secure forum for students to discuss their ideas and collaborate on projects; and to assign and collect homework electronically. It helps students stay organized, and it keeps the class connected.
A Schoology Parent Account gives you access to:
- Your child’s classes.
- Your child’s upcoming assignments.
- School, class, and group announcements.
To access Schoology, parents will need to have an active SIS/ParentVUE account. Get more information on how to login and use Schoology.
💻 esté al Tanto de las Tareas de su Niño en “Schoology”Los profesores usan Schoology para publicar en línea sus materiales del aula; ofrecer un foro seguro para que los alumnos discutan sus ideas y colaboren en los proyectos; y para asignar y recibir tareas electrónicamente. Esta plataforma ayuda a los alumnos a mantenerse organizados y mantiene a la clase conectada.Una cuenta Schoology para padres les da acceso a:
- Las clases de su hijo.
- Los deberes que su hijo debe entregar.
- Anuncios de la escuela, de la clase y de los grupos.
Para poder tener acceso a Schoology, los padres necesitan tener su cuenta SIS/ParentVUE activa. Pueden encontrar más información sobre cómo iniciar sesión y usar Schoology en internet.
SEL Screener Parent/Guardian Notification
The Fall Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3 through 12 in October. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.
Información para padres y tutores sobre la evaluación del aprendizaje social y emocional (SEL)
En octubre, los estudiantes de 3.º a 12.º grado realizarán la evaluación de primavera de aprendizaje social y emocional (SEL). Esta evaluación se realiza dos veces al año y les da a los estudiantes la oportunidad de compartir cómo perciben el apoyo que reciben de su escuela y su comunidad para desarrollar las habilidades que necesitan para tener éxito, sentirse valorados, incluidos y apoyados.
Los resultados estarán disponibles en la pestaña Documents (Documentos) de SIS ParentVUE. Las familias que no tengan una cuenta de ParentVUE los recibirán por correo postal.
Para conocer más, consultar las preguntas o información sobre cómo solicitar que su hijo participe, visite la página de la Evaluación de aprendizaje social y emocional (SEL).
Advanced Academic Programs
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K to 12 and is designed to match services to each student’s unique academic needs.
Identification for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services occurs throughout the school year. Full-Time AAP services have two identification cycles:
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Fall identification: Students in grades 3 to 7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15.
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Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2 to 7 may be referred by December 15.
FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration in the holistic identification process for AAP services:
- All students in Grade 2 take the Naglieri General Ability Test (NGAT).
- Students in Grades 3 to 6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
- Students in Grades 3 to 6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Kathryn Anderson, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) at kanderson2@fcps.edu by September 30.
Family Information Line Available in Nine LanguagesParents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Nueve IdiomasPadres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.
 Graphic promoting FCPS on WhatsApp, with the WhatsApp logo and a smartphone displaying the Fairfax County Public Schools channel and a post about 2026-27 school year updates.
Follow FCPS on WhatsApp
Is WhatsApp one of the ways you stay connected with family, friends, and your community? Now you can use it to stay connected with FCPS, too.
Follow the new FCPS WhatsApp Channel for helpful information and reminders throughout the school year, including important announcements, upcoming dates, tips for families, and more.
¡FCPS ahora en WhatsApp!
¿Usa WhatsApp para mantenerse en contacto con su familia, amigos y comunidad? Ahora también puede usarlo para mantenerse al día con todo lo que sucede en FCPS.
Siga el nuevo canal de FCPS en WhatsApp para recibir información útil y recordatorios durante todo el año escolar, como anuncios importantes, próximas fechas, consejos para las familias ¡y mucho más!
Immunization
Update Your Child’s Immunizations and Records
Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Prior to the start of school on Monday, August 24, please submit your child’s immunization documentation. If your child has an appointment to receive their required immunizations after August 24, please submit an Immunization Action Plan to confirm the appointment.
You can check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to a school’s front office. If needed, families may also provide other immunization documentation including a healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption or a notarized Religious Exemption Form. Please visit the FCPS How to Submit Immunization Documentation webpage for step-by-step instructions on how to submit each of these items.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.
Additional immunization resources are also available.
Mantenga al día las vacunas y los registros de su estudiante
Consulte con su proveedor de atención médica lo antes posible para asegurarse de que su estudiante esté al día con las vacunas requeridas por el estado de Virginia.
Antes del inicio de clases, el lunes 24 de agosto, envíe la cartilla de vacunación de su estudiante. Si tiene una cita para recibir alguna vacuna requerida después del 24 de agosto, envíe un Plan de Acción de Vacunación.
Puede revisar el estado de vacunación de su hijo y enviar sus registros en SIS ParentVUE. También puede entregarlos en la oficina principal de la escuela.
Si corresponde, puede presentar otros documentos de vacunación, como una extensión médica o un Formulario de Excepción por Motivos Religiosos notariado. Visite la página de FCPS sobre como enviar la documentación de vacunación para obtener instrucciones al respecto.
Jornadas de vacunación para estudiantes de FCPS
FCPS, en colaboración con Inspire Health Alliance, ofrecerá las vacunas requeridas para asistir a la escuela y vacunas opcionales contra la gripe para estudiantes de FCPS de 18 años o menos, sin costo para las familias.
Habrá varias jornadas en distintas comunidades de FCPS y se agregarán más fechas durante el año escolar. Los padres o tutores pueden consultar las próximas fechas de jornadas y programar una cita. La participación es voluntaria.
También puede consultar estos recursos adicionales sobre vacunación.
Come spend some time with the Herndon High School Dance Team and learn a routine you can perform with them at the Thursday, September 3rd game against Langley. (Performance is optional for clinic participants) T-shirts will be provided for all clinic dancers, and they double as performance wear if you choose to perform. Optional poms available for purchase at the clinic ($27 for a pair). Clinic runs from 8:30-1:00 at Herndon High School, taught by current high school team dancers and coaches. Dance experience not required. Come have fun with us! |
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These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or this school.
 Fairfax County Health Department flyer announcing “Back-to-School Immunization Clinics.” Walk-ins are accepted, and vaccines are provided at no cost. Extended clinic hours are offered July 31 and August 1, 4, 7, 8, 10–12, 14, 15, 18, and 21, 2026. Call 703-246-7100 for appointments. Clinics are located in Annandale, Herndon-Reston, Franconia-Springfield, and Mount Vernon. A QR code links to bit.ly/FFXSchoolVaccines. Updated July 2026.
These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or this school.
 Cub Scouts promoting year-round family activities, outdoor adventures, teamwork, life skills, and community involvement. It announces an upcoming event on Wednesday, September 16, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Herndon, Virginia. The event is open to boys and girls in grades K–5.
These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or this school.
FCPS NewsIn case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
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- Get Ready for Day One With the FCPS App!
- Learn About School Meals
- Managing Technology at Home
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Novedades de FCPSEn caso de que no haya visto el boletín Esta Semana en FCPS, la división escolar compartió novedades sobre los siguientes temas:
- ¡Prepárese para el primer día de clases con la aplicación de FCPS!
- Conozca más sobre las comidas escolares.
- Cómo administrar la tecnología en casa.
Lea “Esta Semana en FCPS” para que conozca más acerca de estos temas. Si aún no recibe este boletín semanal, por favor, suscríbase hoy.
 Follow the Herndon Elementary renovation progress which is located on the FCPS website by clicking here.
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Herndon Elementary Phone Numbers:
- Health Room 703-326-3110
- Cafeteria 703-326-3121
- Attendance 703-326-3131
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Herndon Elementary Email:
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Administration E-mail:
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Do you know a Herndon Elementary staff member who goes above and beyond or turns the ordinary into something extraordinary?
If so, click here to nominate them for FCPS Cares and help us share their story.
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