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Monday, 10/12 - NO SCHOOL / School Planning Day
Friday, 10/30 - 1st Quarter Ends / 2-Hour Early Release
Friday, 11/6 - Picture Makeup Day for students who missed Sept 10-11 Picture Days
Wednesday, 11/11, 6:30PM - PTA Meeting
Thursday, 11/19, 2-5PM - Fall Festival
Hello, Hawk Family!
As a reminder, Monday, October 12, is a student holiday and school planning day for Indigenous Peoples' Day. See the complete school year calendar.
The Holmes’ Cross-Country team invites all staff and students to our second meet of the season this Saturday, 11:00 AM at Twain Middle School! It’s our only late start of the season, so come out, cheer us on, and show your HMS pride!
On Thursday, October 15th at 6 pm, the Advanced Academics Office will host a Community meeting for families of Holmes students regarding the proposed middle school Advanced Academic Expansion. This meeting will be held in person at Holmes with the opportunity for virtual participation, as well. Please use the following zoom link if you plan to access virtually. https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/s/93473720275
Have a wonderful weekend!
Jess Tippins
Principal
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 is 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: Danna Hailfinger
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,
This week in After-School was super exciting. We got great feedback from our students regarding Science Myth Busters & Capital One Coders club, and we saw more students join our Atom Tutors group on Tuesday which was a major success. Next week we will be adding our general Academic Support to Tuesday and Thursday during first block for any students that may require a little extra support with their classwork. We also have Chess club starting this Wednesday, October 7th and students may sign up during lunch on Wednesday if they’re interested in participating. Below is our schedule for next week.
After-School Program Schedule for 10/12-10/16
Monday, October 12
Tuesday, October 13
- Hawk Spot
- Academic Support
- Atom Tutors
- Science Myth Busters
- RC Cars Club
- Eco Recycling Hawks
- Cross Country
- Basketball
- Gardening
- Dungeons & Dragons
- Tia’s Craft Club
- 3D Print Lab
- Legos
- Bling it on
Wednesday, October 14
- Hawk Spot
- Capital One Coders
- National Junior Honor Society
- Musical Rehearsal
- Maker Space
- Chess Club
- Dungeons & Dragons
- Video Games
- Soccer
- Dungeons & Dragons
- Super Teens
Thursday, October 15
- Hawk Spot
- Academic Support
- 6th Grade Essay Support
- Cross Country
- EIP (Early Identification Program)
- Comic Book Club
- Bling it on
- Art
- Girls in STEM
- Anime
- Musical Rehearsal
- Tia’s Craft Club
- Technical Student Association
- Flag Football
Friday, October 16
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.
Join the Holmes MS PTA! We meet on the second Wednesday of every month. Our next meeting will be virtual only on November 11th at 6:30pm. This link will always be the same for every meeting all year long -
https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/99069470599
2 weeks left for our Papa Johns Fundraiser Cards
PAPA JOHNS FUNDRAISER: The PTA is selling Papa Johns B1G1 cards. Please consider buying one for $15. You can redeem a free pizza all year long in over 100 locations. We can deliver cards to your students. We will also sell them during snack stand after school. Please click the link below
https://holmesmiddleschool.givebacks.com/shop/items/4c68cf9c995486
Fuel the Faculty is on 11/2/26 from 12-2pm. We’re looking for hot dishes to serve 6-8 people. Drop off in the lecture hall anytime between 9am-11:45am. Pick up is anytime after 2pm. The teachers are always so grateful for this special day! Signup below-
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050444A9AA2DA64-65621941-2ndannual#/
Fall Festival is on 11/19/26 from 2-5pm. We need LOTS of volunteers for this event to help run craft tables, outdoor games, activities, and chaperone the dance. Your support truly makes these events memorable!
Fall Festival Wishlist and Signup Genius-
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3R05DE1YNRPO5?ref_=wl_share
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050444A9AA2DA64-66486356-fall
Teacher Store:Please consider donating through our Amazon wishlist. All supplies are used by all students—donations are welcomed year-round!
Amazon wishlist-
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/21MK151AIFQJS?ref_=list_d_wl_lfu_nav_6
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 are grateful that you are a part of our Holmes MS community!
Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
The FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are asking families to share their experiences traveling to and from their child’s school. The feedback will help inform the Fairfax County School Board’s annual assessment of traffic and pedestrian safety near schools.
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.
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. 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. Additional immunization resources are available.
Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers.
This National School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) reminds families that they are dedicated to providing delicious, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.
Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? View the Nutrition Services menus.
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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