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October: 🎓 College Month
October 07: SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT 2026
October 08: Ombuds Day
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
October 19-24: 🎉Homecoming Spirit Week 2026
Herndon HS Calendar of Events
Student Services is excited to share that October is officially Herndon’s College Month! We have a robust schedule of events and activities planned to guide and support our students as they explore post-secondary opportunities:
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College Application Labs (October & November) – Registration required
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HHS College Fair (October 13) – Mark your calendars for our Herndon High School College Fair on Tuesday, October 13, from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM in the Auxiliary Gym! We are excited to host representatives from 60 colleges and universities who are eager to meet our students, share information, and answer questions about post-secondary pathways. All junior and senior classes will report to the Aux Gym during this time to engage with college representatives and explore their future options.
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Alcanza College Fair Field Trip (October 14 at EagleBank Arena) – Limited spaces available; interested students should contact Mrs. Sotirchos or Mr. Amaya.
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FCPS Look to the Future College Fair (October 18 at EagleBank Arena) – Registration required
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Virginia College Application Week (October 19–23) – Fee waivers available; registration required
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NOVA Application Workshop (October 20) – Register via Naviance under College Visits.
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Financial Aid Workshop (October 28) – Registration required
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Ongoing College Visits (Throughout October) – Register via Naviance under College Visits
Throughout the month of October, staff participate by wearing college gear every Wednesday representing their alma mater, a family member’s college, or their favorite college teams. This is a great opportunity to show our students our support as they navigate the college process, while also highlighting the many diverse colleges and universities represented by our faculty and staff.
For registration links and additional event details, please refer to this week’s College and Career Center Newsletter. Thank you for partnering with us to support our students' future success!
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Disability History and Awareness Month
In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community.
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Walk and Roll to School Day
FCPS will participate in International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 7, in an effort to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools.Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work where safe to do so. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school, and to work with their school and PTA or PTO to assemble bike trains or walking groups for the event. Schools are encouraged to register online with Walk and Bike to School. Get more information about Walk to School Day.
National Ombuds Day
Office of the Ombuds staff engage with families, students, and staff to offer resources, assist in settling conflicts, and raise concerns to improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
The ombuds is available to:
- Share strategies for parents to improve communication with, and between, school and home.
- Help resolve disagreements between parents and schools or disagreements involving employees in the workplace.
- Provide ideas to foster parent participation in Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan meetings.
Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit the Ombuds webpage to submit a question.
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.
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Growing Together: Talking About Social-Emotional Learning at Home
Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps children develop confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and other important skills that support their success in school and throughout life. Join a workshop for parents and caregivers to:
- Understand your child’s Fairfax County SEL Screener results.
- Use the results as a starting point for meaningful conversations at home.
- Support your child’s social and emotional development.
- Build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills together.
Learn practical ways to talk with your child about their social and emotional well-being and support their continued growth at home. Events will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, at Skyview High School and Wednesday, October 21, at Kingstowne Regional Library. View additional dates on the FCPS Family Academy webpage.
Childcare will be available. Interpretation services are available upon request. For more information, contact the Family and School Partnerships office at 703-204-4300 or FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu.
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.
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 a session. Upcoming topics include:
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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.
Safe Routes to School Parent and Caregiver Survey
As part of the Fairfax County School Board’s Annual School-Based Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Assessment, the FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are inviting parents and caregivers to share their experiences traveling to and from school.
The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss and ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns.
Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15.
Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.
Federal Student Aid Form Open
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form allows you to be considered for federal student aid. In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans.
The 2027-28 FAFSA is now open.
Free Financial Aid and Scholarship Information Sessions
College Access Fairfax, in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools, will present virtual information sessions on the financial aid process for post-secondary education and scholarship information.
Sessions include:
Click on a date to participate. Visit College Access Fairfax for more information.
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.
Monday 10/19: Comfy vs Classy Day!
- Rock your comfiest, coziest clothes OR dress to the nines in your finest formal wear
- Rocking either theme? Stop by Miss Grogan or Mrs. Giddens room for a prize!
Tuesday 10/20: Backwards Day!
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Turn your hats and hoodies on backwards!
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If you're repping the theme on Tuesday, Leadership will reward you with treats OR accessories to wear on Wednesday
Wednesday 10/21: Pink Out!
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On Wednesdays, WE WEAR PINK
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Pink clothes, pink shoes, pink accessories!
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Of course, prizes from Miss Grogan and Mrs. Giddens
Thursday 10/22: Rep Your Roots Day!
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Time to show some PRIDE
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Wear your country's jersey, colors, or flag
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Rep your hometown, where you live now, or where your family is from!
Friday 10/23: Class Color Day!
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Seniors: Black
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Juniors: Red
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Sophomores: Gray
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Freshmen: White
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Staff: CHOOSE!
- Pep Rally on the Field!
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Friday Night Events:
- Powerpuff Game (6–7 PM): Come cheer on the juniors vs. seniors!
- Bonfire (7–9 PM): Join us for some music, games, and s'mores!
Saturday 10/24
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Parade: 9:30 AM in Downtown Herndon
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Football Game: 1:00 PM at Herndon High School against Yorktown (Theme: Hawaiian)
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The DANCE: 7–10 PM in the Cafeteria (Theme: A Night in Hollywood)
Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair
Students with disabilities and their families are invited to attend the Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair, which will be held Thursday, November 19, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the cafeteria at Fairfax High School.
The fair is designed for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities who will need continuing support after leaving FCPS. It is an opportunity to connect with agency and vendor representatives to gather information about services for adults in need of ongoing support.
The exhibitor fair includes information on supported employment options, day support programs, recreation/leisure activities, residential provider options, travel training supports, advocacy, and funding.
Agency representatives will be available to share information on adult service providers, employment and training programs, Medicaid, Social Security, and residential options. Register to attend the resource fair.
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:
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Full-length SAT and PSAT practice tests
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Short instructional videos and skill lessons
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Practice questions aligned with current test formats
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Personalized performance feedback
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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!
Scoliosis Fact Sheet
FCPS provides annual scoliosis information for parents of middle and high school students. Please review the signs, symptoms, and screening guidelines in the FCPS Scoliosis Fact Sheet: https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-academy/school-health-services/scoliosis-fact-sheet
FAFSA Form Open
The free 2027-28 FAFSA opens Oct 1, 2026. For students ineligible for FAFSA, Virginia's VASA application opens in late January; visit SCHEV to see which fits you. College Access Fairfax offers aid programs and virtual 1-on-1 help. Request an appointment at appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org and check college sites for deadlines. Additional details are available on the Herndon website.
Understanding the FCPS Calendar
Help your child prepare for future success by encouraging them to develop positive attendance habits. Regular attendance supports learning and helps students stay on track for college, careers, and other opportunities after graduation.
Take a look at the FCPS calendar. Try your best to schedule any vacations or planned family events on weekends and school holidays. If the appointment needs to be during the school day, when possible, schedule it for the beginning or end of the day to minimize time missed.
If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or appointment, please report the absence to our school as early as possible. Find out how to report an absence on our homepage or call the front office.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please let us know. We are here for you! Visit the FCPS Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Calendar Change: Eid al-Fitr
FCPS will mark the beginning of Eid al-Fitr with an evening-only observance day on Monday, March 8. There will be school on this day, but major school-sponsored events and activities (such as auditions or tryouts) will not take place.
Tuesday, March 9, will be a holiday for students and staff.
Wednesday, March 10, will be an observance day. There will be school on this day, but certain activities that cannot be made up (major tests, field trips, or mandatory events) will not take place on this day.
A new school year calendar has been published, which includes this change. Please note that holidays and observances on the calendar may shift due to anticipated lunar sightings.
The updated Red and Black Calendar is available here.
Office of the Ombuds
The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Office of the Ombuds provides an independent, confidential, impartial, and informal resource for students, families, employees, and community members. Whether you need help understanding FCPS policies and regulations, navigating special education processes, or finding strategies to resolve school-related concerns, the Ombuds team is available to listen, provide information, and foster positive communication. While the office acts neutrally and does not make policy decisions or offer legal advice, it offers guidance to help parents advocate for their child's education and resolve issues affecting student learning. For assistance, contact the Office of the Ombuds by phone at 571-423-4014, text at 571-496-8284, or email at Ombuds@fcps.edu. Brochure with additional details.
Preparing for Life After High School
To help Virginia students get ready for college, job training, or entry-level work, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SHEV) have developed resources and gathered important information to share with Virginia families.
Middle and high school students and families can learn more about preparing for college or a career by visiting the following websites:
Each site contains information on preparing, applying, and paying for college, as well as information on degree options and labor market career projections.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- College Prep Resources
- Life in the Community Fair
- Calendar Update: Eid al-Fitr
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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