Hollin Meadows Buzz Bulletin for August 16, 2026 🐝

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Our new staff members met in the library for an orientation meeting.

A Message from Principal Crews

🐝 The Buzz: Our Hornets Are Getting Ready!

Hollin Meadows School Community,

There’s an exciting buzz in the building as we prepare for another great school year!

This week, we welcomed our new staff members for orientation and gave them an opportunity to learn more about our school, our community, and what makes being a Hornet so special. On Friday, we were thrilled to welcome all of our staff back! Our hallways and classrooms are coming to life as teachers and staff prepare their spaces and get ready to welcome our students.

Next week, our team will participate in professional development, collaboration, and planning as we continue preparing for the year ahead. We are committed to making sure our Hornets have a successful, welcoming, and exciting first week of school.

We can’t wait to see our students and families soon. The countdown is on! 💛🐝

It’s going to be a great year to BEE a Hornet!

Sincerely,

Jasibi Crews

Principal

Hollin Meadows Elementary School

⭐ Back to School Open House 🏫

HMES School Supply Lists

✏️ Are you ready to go shopping for school supplies? You can see the list for each grade level on the HMES School Supply List webpage.

The HMES PTA has some great events planned! Please mark your calendars for the following events: Popsicles on the Playground with the PTA will be on August 23 for all families in grades K-6. More information will be shared soon! Fall Club registration will be from Sept. 7-21, 2026.  The Taste of Hollin Meadows PTA meeting will be on Sept. 23 at 6:00 p.m. ⭐You can learn more about the PTA and join by visiting the HMES PTA website.

Back to School Night Back to School Night is Sept. 15, 2026. There will be a session for all families from 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. with Principal Crews in the cafeteria. The first session with your child's classroom teacher will be from 5:40 - 6:10 p.m. There is a second session that you may attend with a different teacher from 6:15 - 6:45 p.m.

ALX South Block Party 🎉

📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Bryant High School (2709 Popkins Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306)

🎟 FREE Admission 

Register for event for chance to win a free iPad! (Must be present to win)

Get ready for South Alexandria's biggest community celebration! The ALX South Block Party is a free, family-friendly event celebrating the people, businesses, and organizations that make the Richmond Highway corridor and southeast Fairfax County such a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

Spend the afternoon enjoying live entertainment, delicious food from local food trucks, interactive activities for all ages, local vendors, community organizations, giveaways, raffles, and much more.

Hosted by United Community in partnership with local businesses, community organizations, and neighbors, the ALX South Block Party is more than just a celebration—it's an opportunity to strengthen community connections while supporting local families. Proceeds from sponsorships, raffle sales, and donations benefit United Community's programs serving neighbors experiencing food insecurity, financial hardship, and other challenges.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Live Entertainment
• Food Trucks & Local Eats
• Local Vendors & Small Businesses
• Family Fun Zone
• Health & Wellness
• Raffles & Giveaways

This community gathering is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, including Atlantic Union Bank, Spectra Credit Union, Lions Club International, 495 95 395 Express Lanes (operated by Transurban), NVAR Cares, U.S. Dermatology Partners, and Sentara Health Plans 

Contact Cecilia Fix at cecilia.fix@unitedcommunity.org for more information.

Fiesta Comunitaria ALX South 🎉

📅 Sábado, 22 de agosto de 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Escuela Secundaria Bryant (2709 Popkins Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306)

🎟 Entrada GRATUITA

¡Regístrese para el evento y participe para ganar un iPad gratis!

¡Prepárese para la celebración comunitaria más grande del sur de Alexandria! La Fiesta Comunitaria ALX South es un evento gratuito y familiar que celebra a las personas, las empresas y las organizaciones que hacen del corredor de Richmond Highway y el sureste del condado de Fairfax un lugar tan vibrante para vivir, trabajar y divertirse.

Pase la tarde disfrutando de entretenimiento en vivo, deliciosa comida de camiones de comida locales, actividades interactivas para todas las edades, vendedores locales, organizaciones comunitarias, obsequios, rifas y mucho más.

Organizada por United Community en asociación con empresas locales, organizaciones comunitarias y vecinos, la Fiesta Comunitaria ALX South es más que una simple celebración: es una oportunidad para fortalecer las conexiones comunitarias mientras se apoya a las familias locales. Los ingresos de patrocinios, ventas de rifas y donaciones benefician a los programas de United Community que sirven a los vecinos que experimentan inseguridad alimentaria, dificultades financieras y otros desafíos.

QUÉ ESPERAR:

• Entretenimiento en Vivo
• Camiones de Comida y Comidas Locales
• Vendedores Locales y Pequeñas Empresas
• Zona de Diversión Familiar
• Salud y Bienestar
• Rifas y Obsequios

Esta reunión comunitaria es posible gracias al generoso apoyo de nuestros patrocinadores, incluidos Atlantic Union Bank, Spectra Credit Union, Lions Club International, 495 95 395 Express Lanes (operado por Transurban), NVAR Cares, U.S. Dermatology Partners y Sentara Health Plans.

Para más información, comuníquese con Cecilia Fix en cecilia.fix@unitedcommunity.org.

Starting Strong and Organized - Brain First Strategies for the New School Year

Wednesday, September 2, 2026 10 - 11:30 AM

Children and youth with neurodiversity and who experience other hurdles to learning are more likely to struggle with back-to-school transitions and the essential executive functions that schools expect of them. Join Formed Families Forward as they explore why our kids' brains sometimes seem to work against logic and organization. They will offer solid strategies and tools for improving organization and strengthening routines that help kids feel safer and more ready to tackle the new school year stronger than ever.

Register here

Be First-Day Ready

The first day of school, Monday, August 24, is just around the corner! Check out these back-to-school tips to make sure your child gets off to a great start. 

Also find out what will be new this school year. 

Prepárese para el Regreso a Clase

¡El primer día de clases está a la vuelta de la esquina! Nos vemos este lunes 24 de agosto. Revise estos consejos para el regreso a clase y asegúrese de que su estudiante tenga un fantástico inicio. 

Entérese de qué habrá de nuevo en este año escolar.

Study Help and Support Available to Students in Schoology

A new Schoology Study and Support Hub is available for students in Schoology. This space was developed by the FCPS Educational Technology Team with input from students. It is designed to provide essential study tools and academic support resources directly to our learners.

Students can log in to Schoology and read their Schoology announcements or watch this video on the support hub for more information. 

Asistencia y Apoyo para el Estudio disponible para Estudiantes en Schoology

Una nueva sección de Ayuda y Apoyo para el Estudio está disponible para los estudiantes en Schoology. Esta página fue desarrollada por el equipo de Tecnología Educacional usando ideas de los propios estudiantes. Está diseñada para ofrecer herramientas esenciales para el estudio y recursos de apoyo académico directamente a nuestros estudiantes.

Los estudiantes pueden entrar en Schoology y leer las notificaciones o mirar este video de apoyo, para que encuentre más información.

All Your FCPS Links in One Spot

There are a lot of school and FCPS webpages to bookmark, but the FCPS mobile app serves as your central hub! 

Check daily meal menus and calendars with no login required, or use one-tap quick links to launch SIS ParentVUE, Schoology, and MySchoolBucks.

Download the FCPS mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Todos la información de FCPS, en un solo lugar

Entre las páginas de su escuela y los diferentes recursos de FCPS, puede ser difícil recordar dónde encontrar cada cosa. La aplicación móvil de FCPS le facilita el acceso a la información que necesita de manera fácil y rápida en un solo lugar.

Desde la aplicación diariamente podrá consultar los menús de comidas y los calendarios escolares sin necesidad de iniciar sesión. También encontrará accesos directos a SIS ParentVUE, Schoology y MySchoolBucks.

Descargue la aplicación móvil de FCPS desde el Apple App Store o Google Play Site.

New Student ID Cards and Bus Navigation System

FCPS is launching a new bus navigation system, which includes student ID cards for students who ride the bus. Students will use the cards to tap on and off the bus, helping FCPS and families know exactly which students are riding which buses.

Learn more about the new system and how it will improve route efficiency, safety, and transparency with families. Check out the frequently asked questions for families. 

Nuevas credenciales de identificación para estudiantes y sistema de navegación de autobuses

FCPS está implementando un nuevo sistema de navegación para los autobuses escolares. Como parte de este sistema, los estudiantes que utilizan el autobús recibirán una credencial de identificación. Al subir y bajar del autobús, los estudiantes deberán acercar su credencial al lector. Esto permitirá que FCPS y las familias sepan con mayor precisión que estudiantes viajan en cada autobús.

Conozca más sobre el nuevo sistema y cómo ayudará a mejorar la eficiencia de las rutas, la seguridad  y la información que reciben las familias. No olvide consultar las preguntas frecuentes para mayor entendimiento.

Building a Brighter Future, Together: FCPS Family Academy

The FCPS Family Academy is where families can learn and get support for their child’s school journey. 

We know that parents and caregivers are critically important in their child’s education. The Family Academy lists classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources available to help every family ensure their child has what they need to succeed. 

Visit the Family Academy webpage. Check out its catalog for upcoming classes, workshops, and webinars to help families learn about FCPS, parenting, early literacy, and how to partner with schools. 

Construyendo juntos un futuro más brillante: Academia Familiar de FCPS

La Academia Familiar de FCPS ofrece información y apoyo a las familias para acompañar a sus estudiantes durante su educación.

Sabemos que madres, padres y tutores tienen un papel muy importante en la educación de sus estudiantes. En la Academia Familiar pueden encontrar las clases, seminarios en línea, talleres y programas que ofrece FCPS para ayudarle a apoyar las necesidades y el aprendizaje de sus estudiantes en casa. En este espacio también encontrará información sobre los recursos disponibles para ayudar a las familiar a asegurarse de que sus estudiantes cuenten con los necesario para tener éxito.

Visite la página web de la Academia Familiar. Asimismo puede consultar el catálogo para conocer las próximas clases, talleres y seminarios en línea sobre FCPS, crianza, educación temprana, y cómo colaborar con la escuela de su hija o hijo.

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!

The Hollin Meadows Leadership Team 

The Hollin Meadows team is dedicated to making our school a safe and supportive place to learn for your child. We know that the best results come from families and our school team working together. Since you often hear about your child’s day-to-day experiences before we do, please reach out with questions or concerns that you may have.

• Principal Jasibi Crews is our school leader. She is available for questions and concerns by email at jcrews1@fcps.edu. 
• Assistant Principal Francesca Gilley (flgilley@fcps.edu) is the team leader for Pre-kindergarten, Grade 2, Grade 4, and Grade 6.
• Assistant Principal Daniel Seidenberg (dpseidenberg@fcps.edu) is the team leader for Grade 1, Grade 3, and Grade 5.

AP Gilley and AP Seidenberg both work with the Kindergarten team.

Hollin Meadows Important Times Arrive on campus: 8:00 am Doors Open: 8:05 am Tardy Bell: 8:20 am Dismissal Bell: 3:05 pm Main Office Hours: 7:45 am to 4:00 pm

FCPS Cares FCPS Cares 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 our Hollin Meadows staff members.

Quick Links

Hollin Meadows Attendance Information

FCPS Breakfast and Lunch Menus

FCPS Calendars

FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC)

2310 Nordok Place, Alexandria, VA 22306  |  Phone: 703.718.8300

Attendance: 703.718.8383 or HollinMeadowsESAttendance@fcps.edu

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