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 We are excited to announce the launch of Hive Time, Halley Elementary’s monthly school-wide morning meeting! During Hive Time, students and staff from across our school will come together to celebrate accomplishments, build community, learn about our character trait of the month, and explore what it means to be a responsible and caring citizen. This special time will also include opportunities for students to have fun, connect with one another, and celebrate what makes our Halley Hive so special.
Hive Time reflects our commitment to creating a welcoming, caring, and connected school community where every student feels valued and included. We look forward to gathering each month to recognize the many ways our Hornets are learning, growing, and making a positive difference. Together, we will strengthen our school community and continue to make Halley Elementary a place where every student can thrive! Our 1st Hive time is October 2nd, 2026.
Paula Johnson-Tyler, Principal
Kayleigh Merritt, Assistant Principal
 Halley ES 3-Hour Early Release Wednesdays Survey
2026-2027 Due by Friday, October 2, 2026
We need your response by Friday, October 2nd. So far, 20% of our K-6 families have responded, We need get to 100%. Your input helps us greatly, and we appreciate your time and partnership.
School will end 3 hours early, at 1:05 PM, on the following Wednesdays throughout the 2026-2027 school year. Please complete this attendance form to let Halley ES staff know if your student(s) will be leaving at 1:05 PM or 4:05 PM and how they will be getting home on these dates.
Dates:
- October 21, 2026
- December 2, 2026
- February 10, 2027
- May 5, 2027
Reminders of dismissal selections will be emailed to families prior to each early release Wednesday. Please contact Halley Elementary School if there are any changes: 703-551-5700.attendance form
Advanced Academic Programs
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K-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 3-7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15, 2026.
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Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2-7 may be referred by December 15, 2026.
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 Tests (NGAT).
- Students in Grades 3-6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
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Students in Grades 3-6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Jen Buchko, School Testing Coordinator, at JMBuchko@fcps.edu by September 30.
Families are invited to attend an AAP information meeting, led by Christy Talley, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) on October 7th at 6-7 PM in the Little Theatre (at the bottom of the main stairs). Please enter the building through Door 1. The meeting will take place in 2 parts with an opportunity for questions in between:
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AAP Continuum of Services: Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students.
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Full-Time AAP Identification: Families will learn about the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services.
For more information or to request an interpreter for the meeting, please contact Christy Talley, AART, at cmtalley@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website.
Advanced Academics Programs Part 2
Fall Full-Time AAP Referral Window for Students New to FCPS Closes on October 15
The fall referral window is only for students in Grades 3-8 who are new to FCPS since January 1, 2026.
Parents and guardians who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services must submit the Full-Time AAP Referral Form to Christy Talley, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at cmtalley@fcps.edu by October 15, 2026. Late referrals will not be accepted.
For students who are not new to FCPS and have been enrolled, the spring Full-Time AAP identification window is open to students in Grades 2-7. Families interested in referring their student for consideration during the spring window must submit a referral by December 15, 2026.
Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time AAP services.
Other Advanced Academic Services
At the elementary level, all students are screened each spring for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services. Families may also refer their student for consideration for Subject-Specific or Part-Time AAP at any time during the school year. Eligibility decisions are made at the school level, and families are notified of the decision within 30 school days of the referral. The Full-Time AAP referral deadlines do not apply.
For more information, please contact Christy Talley, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at cmtalley@fcps.edu or visit the Advanced Academic Programs website Advanced Academic Programs website.
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Learn About Applied Behavior Analysis and Teaching New Skills at Home
All family members and caregivers are invited to attend monthly Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Family Training to learn how to support and teach students with autism and related disorders. No registration is needed.
Virtual trainings take place at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Join the session. Upcoming topics include:
- Autism and ABA Overview on Wednesday, October 14. (It is highly recommended that you attend this session before any future sessions.)
- Prioritizing Skills to Teach at Home on Wednesday, November 18.
- Toilet Training on Wednesday, December 9.
- Managing Challenging Behaviors at Home on Wednesday, January 13.
- Communication: a Foundation for Independence on Wednesday, February 10.
Visit the ABA webpage for a full list of classes. Need an interpreter? Contact Stephanie Watkins two weeks before the training at 571-423-4110 or sawatkins@fcps.edu.
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.
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.
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:
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Responsible Communication and Conduct: Communicating respectfully and using technology appropriately.
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Digital Footprint Awareness: Understanding online actions can have lasting effects on a student’s reputation, future opportunities and relationships, career prospects, and safety.
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Data Privacy and Security: Learning how online safety can protect their digital work and personal information, and guard against cybersecurity risks.
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Self-Regulation: Learning to manage digital distractions to stay focused when needed.
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Accountability: Understanding that they are responsible for how they use FCPS technology and digital resources.
Learn more about digital citizenship at FCPS.
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:
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Schedules: Pause or restrict internet access during specific times, such as during homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.
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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.
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.
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.
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 before 9:10 am and families who pick up their students need to be here at 4:05 pm for dismissal. 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.
 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.
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.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
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- Traffic Safety Near Our Schools
- Sign and Return the SR&R
- Check Out New Menu Options
 Saturday October 10 - Fall Beautification Day!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 10th at 11:00 AM!
Come spend a few hours with your Halley Hive helping us transform this area into an amazing outdoor learning space for our students. Many hands make light work! 🐝💛
📅 Saturday, October 10⏰ 11:00 AM📍 Halley Elementary School
🌯 10/12 DINE OUT FOR HALLEY AT CHIPOTELE! 🌯
Mark your calendar for our next William Halley PTO Dine Out Fundraiser at Chipotle!
📅 Monday, October 12⏰ 4:00–8:00 PM📍 Chipotle Mexican Grill 9447 Lorton Market St, Lorton
Grab dinner, skip the cooking, and help support William Halley PTO! Every meal helps our PTO continue supporting our students and school.
💻 Ordering online? Use promo code TFTTHKZ on the Chipotle app or website and select pickup during the fundraiser time.
👋 Dining in? Just let the cashier know you’re supporting the William Halley PTO fundraiser at checkout.
Save the date and bring the family! 🐝🌯
🐝 Spirit Wear Sale — Still Time to Shop!
Missed us at Back to School Night? You can still order your Halley spirit wear online! Show off your Hornet pride with your favorite Halley gear.
- 🛍️ Shop Online: The BeeGraphix store is still open! Browse available styles and place your order online with FREE shipping to Halley Elementary School: Shop the Halley Spirit Wear Store
- 🐝 Get Your Gear: Orders are shipped to the school, so you can stock up on Halley spirit wear and show your school pride all year long! Free Shipping to Halley September 17 – October 4
Thank you for supporting the Halley PTO and helping us build our Halley Hive! 💛🐝
Fill the Hive to Refresh the Playground
We need your help to meet our goal!
The Halley PTO needs our entire Halley Hive to help us reach the final $10,000 needed to refresh the Halley Playground! Our 2026–2027 PTO membership drive is dedicated to helping us close that gap.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Sign up for the PTO – Every Halley family is invited to visit our PTOBoard website to join or renew their PTO membership with a donation of your choice.
Minimum donation – Simply give what works best for your family. Every dollar brings us closer to our goal, and every donation counts.
Every donation made through this membership drive will go directly toward our Playground Refresh Fund. When we have reached our $10,000 goal, we’ll have the funding needed to create an updated space for Halley students to make memories for years to come.
FILL THE HIVE
Every family that joins the PTO will be represented by a piece of honeycomb to make up the school-wide honeycomb.
Watch the hive grow! As more families join and donate, the stronger our hive will become. Let’s work together to meet our goal!
Scan Me!
https://halleyes.ptboard.com
GRADE LEVEL CHALLENGE
Each family’s honeycomb will be color-coded by grade level so students can watch the participation grow!
Two ways to win:
HIGHEST PARTICIPATION Which grade level can get the greatest percentage of families involved?
HIGHEST AVERAGE DONATION Which grade can generate the strongest average contribution?
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