|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
  
October 01: Freshman Transition Program, 4th period
October 01: Town of Herndon 2050 Comprehensive Plan Workshop, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00, and 8:30, Herndon Community Center
October 02: National Custodian Appreciation Day
October 03: Spoke N' Word: Trail Takeover, 10 am - 2 pm, Herndon Fortnightly Library
October 07: SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT 2026
October 12: Student Holiday (School Planning Day for Staff) | Indigenous Peoples’ Day
October 13: HHS College Fair, 9:45-10:45 am, Aux Gym
October 14: Parent Coffee & PTSA Meeting, 6:00-7:30 pm, Library
October 18: FCPS College Fair, 4 to 6 p.m., George Mason University Eagle Bank Arena
Herndon HS Calendar of Events
Freshman Transition Program
Calling all Freshmen! All freshmen will meet with their school counselor on Thursday, October 1st, during Stinger 1. School counselors will share information about graduation requirements, school activities, and resources. Students need to report to their advisory period (4th period), and then, when the bell rings, they will transition to their designated locations:
- Ms. Kramer (A-Br) – Auditorium
- Ms. Anderson (Bu-Di, AVID) – Cafeteria South
- Mrs. Kamenick (Dj – Ha) – Lecture Hall
- Mrs. Fortier (He-Lo) – Library (Stonewall)
- Mrs. Azzara (Lu-Pa) – Cafeteria North
- Mrs. Ginieczki (Pe-Sa) – Library (CS King)
- Mr. Dell’Orso (Sc-Z) – Library (Belpre)
- Ms. Sotirchos (ML level 1&2) – Cafeteria (Courtyard)
Should you have any questions, please contact your student’s school counselor.
Shape the Future of Herndon: Town of Herndon 2050 Comprehensive Plan Workshop
The Town of Herndon is currently writing its new 20-year Comprehensive Plan (Herndon 2050) to guide local policy on development, public services, streets, parks, and community growth. Because this plan will shape the town for the next 20+ years, the Town of Herndon wants to hear directly from Herndon High School students, staff, and families.
Students, teachers, and community members are invited to attend an interactive planning workshop to share their ideas and help chart the course for Herndon's future:
-
Event: Expedition to Herndon's Future: An Interactive Planning Workshop.
- Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026
-
Time: Two drop-in sessions available — 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
-
Location: Herndon Community Center (814 Ferndale Avenue).
-
Perk: The first 100 participants at each session will receive a free, limited-edition commemorative gift.
Your voice matters in deciding what our town will look like over the next 10, 20, or 30 years. Drop by either session to make your voice heard! Linked is a copy of a postcard being sent to residents of Herndon. For more information, visit Herndon2050.org.
|
Events at Herndon Library: October 2026
It's still warm out, but fall is on the way! Here is the October events flyer for everything happening at the Herndon Library.
A reminder about a couple of fun things coming up:
-
Saturday, Oct 3, 10 am - 2 pm
On Oct 7, 2026, FCPS high schools have a 2-hour early release for PSAT/SAT testing (Grades 10–11 and registered Grade 12). Non-testing 9th and 12th graders do not attend. Students can leave after testing (~11:15 AM) if parent permission is submitted to Ms. Meneses by 3 PM on Oct. 6. Families must provide early transportation. Additional details are available on the Herndon website.
|
Latinx College Fair held at George Mason University. We are taking a school bus there. No cost. Lunch is provided. See Mrs. Sotirchos in Student Services for a permission form.
This event was created to get students motivated and excited about their post-secondary plans. The program is open to all students in the DMV metro area to explore their educational opportunities beyond high school. Over 150 colleges from all over the nation will attend Alcanza, and we expect about 2,000 high school students to participate.
College Fair and Postsecondary Virtual Night
Prepare for your child’s future at College Fair and Postsecondary Virtual Night. The annual FCPS College Fair will be held Sunday, October 18, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the George Mason University Eagle Bank Arena. Approximately 200 colleges and universities will be represented, including two- and four-year schools and U.S. Service Academies.
The virtual postsecondary night event will be held on Monday, October 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. Both events will help students prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey. Learn more about the College Fair and postsecondary virtual event.
Annual Special Education Family Conference: Registration Open, Call for Volunteers
Join us for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students on Saturday, November 14, at Hayfield Secondary School.
Families, educators, and community members are invited to this no-cost, in-person event to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided for all participants.
How to Get Involved
Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
September: Attendance Awareness Month
We all Belong
Each one of us is unique. And every student matters and belongs in school. If a student is having a difficult time attending class, please tell a trusted adult at school. There are solutions.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit the FCPS Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Prepare for the SAT & PSAT on October 7
Herndon students taking the PSAT or registered Class of 2027 students taking the free SAT on Wednesday, October 7 can prepare using free online Kaplan prep resources.
Log in to FCPS Kaplan using your FCPS username and password to access:
-
Full-length SAT and PSAT practice tests
-
Short instructional videos and skill lessons
-
Practice questions aligned with current test formats
-
Personalized performance feedback
-
Time management and test-taking strategies
For step-by-step directions on using these resources, review the Kaplan SAT Course Guide or the Kaplan PSAT Course Guide. Focused practice each week will help you get comfortable with the format and feel confident on test day!
Review and Sign SR&R by September 30
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. We encourage families to discuss these expectations with their child(ren).
Families should review the SR&R and sign the acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or by signing and returning the Signature Sheet.
Cellphones and Personal Devices
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the student’s 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 on the FCPS website.
Understanding the Acceptable Use PolicyFCPS provides students with digital tools and devices to support their learning, encourage easy collaboration, and help students learn how to interact with technology safely. The FCPS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) guides how these technologies are used both inside the classroom and at home. By following the AUP, students learn how to become not just users of technology, but responsible and ethical digital citizens with critical real-world skills such as:
-
Responsible Communication and Conduct: Communicating respectfully and using technology appropriately.
-
Digital Footprint Awareness: Understanding online actions can have lasting effects on a student’s reputation, future opportunities and relationships, career prospects, and safety.
-
Data Privacy and Security: Learning how online safety can protect their digital work and personal information, and guard against cybersecurity risks.
-
Self-Regulation: Learning to manage digital distractions to stay focused when needed.
-
Accountability: Understanding that they are responsible for how they use FCPS technology and digital resources.
Learn more about digital citizenship at FCPS.
Fall into Flavor With FCPS’ New Breakfast and Lunch Menu
FCPS’ new September and October menu items are packed with classic favorites and fresh global inspiration. Check our new online menu system to see when you can try new recipes based on student feedback, and developed by FCPS’ executive chef and team of food and nutrition experts.
Menu items include:
- Breakfast items such as honey chicken biscuits, guava pastelitos (whole-grain pastries filled with tropical guava fruit), and roasted apple parfaits, made with vanilla yogurt and homemade granola.
- Lunch items such as crunchy beef or fiesta tacos, ramen bowl with diced chicken or hard-boiled egg, beef or vegan banh mi burger, and southwest fiesta soup with corn chips.
Stay up to date on FCPS menus and nutrition news by subscribing to the Food and Nutrition Services newsletter.
Tap On and Tap Off, It’s Easy!
Please help all our bus riders remember to tap on and tap off the school bus each day. We currently have about 70% of students on buses following this process correctly, which is a great start! Learn more about student IDs and bus navigation.
Families wishing to see where their child’s bus is should continue to use the Here Comes the Bus app.
Traffic Safety Near Our School
We understand that families may need to drive their children to school from time to time. If you need to, please familiarize yourself with our school’s kiss-and-ride procedures for the safety of all children and staff.
Please drop off or pick up your students in the designated areas. Students should not be dropped off or picked up on Bennett Street, in the Herndon United Methodist Church parking lot, or in nearby neighborhoods. Please also avoid parking in neighborhoods or double parking in front of our school if you intend to walk your child to school. This can increase the number of students walking through busy intersections and create traffic hazards for other drivers and families trying to get to school.
Please follow all signs and directions posted at our school, on public roads, or provided by school staff or crossing guards, and avoid making U-turns. Most of all, always — ALWAYS — drive slowly near our school. The safety of all our students is one of our top priorities!!
The Fairfax County Police Department has additional safety tips for families, including ways to keep walkers safe and what to do about scooters, bicycles, and e-scooters.
The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
This week, we’re highlighting Goal 5, which focuses on preparing every student for life after graduation with the skills they need to thrive. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.
The Importance of the Flu Vaccine
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 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.
Set Screen Time Limits and Monitor Online Activity With Lightspeed
The free Lightspeed Parent Portal makes it easy for you to see and manage how your child uses their FCPS-issued device outside of school hours. New Lightspeed Parent Portal features for this school year include:
-
Schedules: Pause or restrict internet access during specific times, such as during homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.
-
Web Rules: Block specific websites you don’t want your child accessing at home.
Be sure to check your email (subject line: “Filter Portal Weekly Report”) each Sunday for the Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report, a weekly summary of the websites your child has visited. Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
New ParentVUE Mobile App Is Here
The new ParentVUE mobile app is available in the Apple and Google App stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their ParentVUE account. The previous app will be deactivated at the end of 2026.
In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature. Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.
Digital Literacy Resources for Families
As part of FCPS’ continued support for digital literacy, families can access lesson materials that introduce the concepts students will explore throughout the school year. These resources include student lessons and supporting materials organized by grade level. Resources will be shared on a quarterly basis through Schoology.
The All Parent/Guardian Course is available in Schoology through a parent or guardian account. Schoology and ParentVUE use the same login credentials. Families who need assistance can review How Do I Log in to and Access Schoology? or watch the brief walkthrough on the Schoology Snippets page.
Families can also learn more about FCPS guidance and practices on the Educational Technology in FCPS webpage.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Traffic Safety Near Our Schools
- Sign and Return the SR&R
- Check Out New Menu Options
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Quick Links
|
