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Wednesday, 9/16, 6:30pm - PTA meeting
Monday, 9/21 - NO SCHOOL / Yom Kippur
Monday, 10/12 - NO SCHOOL / School Planning Day
Friday, 10/30 - 1st Quarter Ends / 2-Hour Early Release
Hello, Hawk Family!
Thank you to the families who were able to join us for our Back to School Night! Please continue to communicate with our teachers, counselors, and administration regarding any concerns.
We want our Hawks to be present and learning every day! Our teachers design instruction each day to make learning exciting and relevant. Our counselors and clinicians are investing much of their time connecting with students and families to ensure everyone has the resources they need to succeed.
It is important to note that attendance in the Commonwealth of Virginia is a requirement for all students age 5 to 18. You can see more about attendance expectations below.
Please reach out to our staff to communicate specific circumstances that may influence your student's consistent attendance. We are here to support you! You can also send messages to your student's teachers using ParentVue or searching out staff directory.
For other staff, see below.
Go Hawks!
Jess Tippins
Principal, Holmes Middle School
Middle school students are invited to join us at Kilmer Middle School on Saturday, November 7 for a day of hands-on theatre workshops led by theatre professionals. Students will participate in four workshops covering areas such as acting, dance, vocal performance, improv, technical theatre, design, directing, and more.
Students of all experience levels are welcome!
Cost: $25
Location: Kilmer Middle School
Date: November 7, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Students register themselves through the TheatreMania Google Form:
Registration: https://forms.gle/QbvT43xzmfaJEfav8
Registration deadline: October 24th
We hope to see your student there!
Do you have a K-8 grader who is interested in playing field hockey?! Then sign up for our youth clinics and learn more about the game while working on skills and development to become a better field hockey player. Clinics will run Saturday mornings from September 12 to October 17!
K-2 Sign up HERE.
3-8 Sign up HERE
If you have questions, contact Field Hockey Coach Corin Uviedo
Eighth graders who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2031 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).
The application will be available Monday, October 5, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, with a submission deadline of 4 p.m. Friday, October 30. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information, including a schedule of upcoming information sessions at middle schools.
All Day Absence:
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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:
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Stay up to date: Get the latest news from 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.
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.
PRINCIPAL: Jessica Tippins – jdtippins@fcps.edu
CONTENT SUPERVISION: Admin, Coaches, Security, Office Staff
DIRECTOR of STUDENT SERVICES: Vacant
CONTENT SUPERVISION: Counselors
DEAN of STUDENTS: Cassandra Williams – cdwilliams1@fcps.edu
· 6th Grade
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Megan Lister – mmlister@fcps.edu
CONTENT SUPERVISION: English & Reading, Career & Technology, Family Liaisons
COUNSELOR: Erika Davis – emdavis1@fcps.edu
· 7th Grade
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Allen Dickens – ADickens@fcps.edu
CONTENT SUPERVISION: Social Studies, Math, Health & PE, Fine & Performing Arts, World Languages
COUNSELOR: Kelly Murphy – kwmurphy@fcps.edu
· 8th Grade
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Sandra Meador – srmeador@fcps.edu
CONTENT SUPERVISION: Science, ESOL, Special Education
COUNSELOR: Karrah Dane – kdane@fcps.edu
· All Grades ESOL Level 1–3
COUNSELOR: Mariam Amarir – mamarir@fcps.edu
Blue Days
- August | 24, 26, 28
- September | 1, 3, 9, 11, 15, 17, 22, 24, 28, 30
- October | 2, 6, 8, 13, 15, 19, 21, 23, 27, 29
- November | 4, 6, 10, 12, 16, 18, 20, 24
- December | 1, 3, 7, 9, 11, 15, 17
- January | 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 19, 21, 25, 27
- February | 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 17, 19, 23, 25
- March | 1, 3, 5, 9, 12, 16, 18, 29, 31
- April | 2, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, 22, 26, 28, 30
- May | 4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 19, 21, 25, 27
- June | 1, 3, 7, 9, 11, 15
White Days
- August | 25, 27, 31
- September | 2, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18, 23, 25, 29
- October | 1, 5, 7, 9, 14, 16, 20, 22, 26, 28, 30
- November | 5, 9, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 30
- December | 2, 4, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18
- January | 5, 7, 11, 13, 15, 20, 22, 26, 28
- February | 3, 5, 9, 11, 16, 18, 22, 24, 26
- March | 2, 4, 8, 11, 15, 17, 19, 30
- April | 1, 5, 7, 9, 13, 15, 21, 23, 27, 29
- May | 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 18, 20, 24, 26, 28
- June | 2, 4, 8, 10, 14, 16
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 – 10:42
SOAR: 9:51 – 10:22 I 2nd Break: 10:22 – 10:37
· 5th Period & Lunch: 10:47 – 12:46
A Lunch: Lunch: 10:46 - 11:16 | Class: 11:16 - 12:46
B Lunch: Class: 10:46 - 11:16 | Lunch: 11:16 - 11:46 | Class: 11:46 - 12:46
C Lunch: Class: 10:46 - 11:46 | Lunch: 11:46 - 12:16 | Class: 12:16 - 12:46
D Lunch: Class: 10:46 -12:16 | Lunch: 12:16 - 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 – 10:42
SOAR: 9:51 – 10:22 I 2nd Break: 10:22 – 10:37
· 6th Period & Lunch: 10:47 – 12:46
A Lunch: Lunch: 10:46 - 11:16 | Class: 11:16 - 12:46
B Lunch: Class: 10:46 - 11:16 | Lunch: 11:16 - 11:46 | Class: 11:46 - 12:46
C Lunch: Class: 10:46 - 11:46 | Lunch: 11:46 - 12:16 | Class: 12:16 - 12:46
D Lunch: Class: 10:46 -12:16 | Lunch: 12:16 - 12:46
· 8th Period: 12:50 – 12:15
Dear Holmes Families,
We're excited to announce that our After-School Program will be returning for another exciting year, starting THIS Monday, September 14th 2026.
Whether your student wants to join sports, get help with homework, create a club, play video games, learn how to code, or attend special events—there is something for everyone!
Students will sign up to stay for activities during their lunch block. Here is our schedule below for our first week of the After-School Program.
After-School Program Schedule for 9/14-9/18
Monday, September 14th
- Hawk Spot
- Video Games
- Battle of the Books
- Musical Rehearsal
- AALEAD
- Yearbook
- Soccer
Tuesday, September 15th
- Hawk Spot
- Cross Country Interest Meeting
- Musical Rehearsal
- Eco Hawks Recycling
- Basketball
- Gardening
- Dungeons & Dragons Interest Meeting
- Tia’s Craft Club
- 3D Print Lab
- Legos
Wednesday, September 16th
- Hawk Spot
- National Junior Honor Society
- Musical Rehearsal
- Maker Space
- Video Games
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Anime Interest Meeting
Thursday, September 17th
- Hawk Spot
- Cross Country Practice
- Comic Book Club
- Art
- Musical Rehearsal
- Tia’s Craft Club
- Technical Student Association
- Flag Football
Friday, September 18th
For more information about the program and these clubs and activities; please visit our website; https://holmesms.fcps.edu/activities/after-school-program
Contact Matt Kruk, mjkruk@fcps.edu, with any questions or concerns.
Let’s show our support and enthusiasm for the school by joining the PTA. Together, we can make this a year to truly BELIEVE in!
Our first PTA meeting will be on September 16th at 6:30pm, in person (library) or online we hope to see you there.
Join the Holmes MS PTA! We meet on the second Wednesday of every month, either in person or virtually.
PTA Volunteering is Optional: Joining the PTA doesn't require volunteering, but any help is welcome to ensure a fun school year.
Where Funds Go: All proceeds directly support student activities (games, bingo, activity days), classroom/program supplies, and teacher appreciation events.
Membership link-
https://holmesmiddleschool.givebacks.com/shop/items/62412
PAPA JOHNS FUNDRAISER: The PTA is selling Papa Johns B1G1 cards to fundraise money for the schools streaming platform. Please consider buying one for $15. You can redeem a free pizza all year long. Please click the link below
https://holmesmiddleschool.givebacks.com/shop/items/4c68cf9c995486
Teacher Store: This year, we're also launching a Teacher store at the end of each quarter to help provide extra supplies for our teachers. If you're able, please consider donating through our Amazon wishlist—donations are welcomed year-round!
Amazon wishlist-
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/21MK151AIFQJS?ref_=list_d_wl_lfu_nav_6
Volunteering: If you're interested in volunteering, please fill out our volunteer form so we can add you to our list of upcoming events. You’re welcome to choose which events you'd like to help out with—no pressure.
Volunteer form-
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1KdazhJazURub9O4FtKSIkbtwX6KoZHcPrTawLXzRErI/edit
Stay in the loop by following us on
Facebook @Holmesmiddleschoolpta and on
Instagram @holmesptafcps and don't forget to join the PTA @ https://www.holmesmspta.com/
Want to show your school spirit? Check out and purchase our Spirit wear at-
https://www.spiritshop.com/school/virginia/alexandria/holmes-middle-school?mibextid=Zxz2cZ&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term
We look forward to having you be part of our Holmes MS community!
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life.
A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):
- Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
- Monday, September 28, at Riverside Elementary School
- Monday, October 19, at Spring Hill Elementary School
- Monday, October 26, at Beech Tree Elementary School
- Thursday, October 29, at North Springfield Elementary School
- Friday, November 13, at Colin Powell Elementary School
Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible.
The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.
Families, please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.
Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.
Cellphones and Personal Devices
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device. Learn more about the student device requirement.
- September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways parents can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include:
- Setting a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
- Laying out clothes and packing backpacks the night before.
- Talking to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning, if they seem anxious about going to school.
- Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, the health and well-being of our students continues to be one of our priorities. Staying up to date with your child's flu vaccination helps:
- Reduce School Absences: Keeping students healthy means more time spent learning and engaging with peers.
- Protect the Community: Vaccination helps shield vulnerable family members and neighbors from seasonal illness.
- Support Overall Wellness: Routine flu shots are a key component of a proactive student health plan.
Upcoming Flu Shot Events
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will be taking 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.
Even though FCPS has launched a new bus navigation system, some aspects like the new FCPS My Ride mobile app are still in development. Families should still use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to track the location of their child’s bus. This app is still compatible with the new system.
FCPS will notify families and schools when the new app is ready to download and use. In the meantime, everyone should reinforce with students that they need to tap on and off the bus with their student ID cards.
Did you already download the new app? That’s okay! The new app is in the final stage of testing, so some features are not yet fully functional. At this time, you should refer to Here Comes the Bus for the most accurate information.
Register now for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students. The free conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS in collaboration with community partners, the conference highlights the power of partnerships in supporting student success. Families, educators, and community members are invited to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall with local resources, and lunch for all participants.
Register for the conference and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
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.
Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:
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