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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, Hawks Family!
Hard to believe that we have finished another week of the 26-27 school year. Our 1st quarter grading period will end on Friday, October 30th. Please be sure to check Parent Vue and talk with your students about finishing the quarter strong.
You are invited to come out and support our Cross-Country team tomorrow, October 17, at 8:00 AM at Robinson Secondary School!
We have nearly 25 athletes running who have trained hard all season and are excited to display their hard work. Let’s bring a great crowd to cheer them on!
Go Hawks!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Jess Tippins
Principal
Sunday, November 15, 2026
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location:
Annandale High School
4700 Medford Drive
Annandale, VA 22003
🎁 Free Admission!
- Over 60 vendors!
- Shop for holiday gifts, crafts, and more.
- Kids’ Corner with free crafts and activities!
Event Information and Details:
Visit bit.ly/AHSHolidayMarket
Please consider bringing a donation of a personal hygiene item for the AHS PTSA Pantry.
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,
Another wonderful week of After-School Programming is in the books! We have some exciting new clubs starting 2nd Qtr. These clubs include Cooking, T-shirt Making, & Strategic Board Games. Students interested in joining these activities can sign up during lunch. Below is our After-School Program schedule for next week.
After-School Program Schedule for 10/19-10/23
Monday, October 19
- Hawk Spot
- Musical Rehearsal
- AALEAD
- Soccer
- Video Games
- Battle of the Books
- Yearbook
Tuesday, October 20
- Hawk Spot
- Academic Support
- Atom Tutors
- Science Myth Busters
- RC Cars Club
- Cross Country
- Basketball
- Gardening
- Dungeons & Dragons
- Tia’s Craft Club
- 3D Print Lab
- Legos
- Bling it on
Wednesday, October 21
- Hawk Spot
- Capital One Coders
- National Junior Honor Society
- Musical Rehearsal
- Maker Space
- Chess Club
- Dungeons & Dragons
- Video Games
- Soccer
- Super Teens
Thursday, October 22
- Hawk Spot
- Academic Support
- Cross Country
- EIP (Early Identification Program)
- Comic Book Club
- Bling it on
- Art
- Girls in STEM
- Anime
- Musical Rehearsal
- Tia’s Craft Club
- Flag Football
Friday, October 23
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- Hawk Spot
- Odyssey of the Mind
- Musical Rehearsal
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 Office of the Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Programs is seeking input from community members, families, and employees about school facility needs and how FCPS prioritizes facility improvements.
Whether you work in an FCPS school, have a child enrolled, or live near an FCPS school, please share your perspective. The survey asks about building conditions, how facilities affect teaching and learning, renovation priorities, and what information would help you better understand this process.
Look for the survey in your email on Friday, October 16. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential. The survey will remain open until Saturday, October 31.
Did You Know? Bond Referendums Fund Facility Renovations
FCPS does not pay for facility renovations out of its general operating budget. Instead, Fairfax County voters decide on how much money FCPS can spend on capital improvement projects through bond referendums. Bonds are issued by the county to the school division and allow FCPS to renovate buildings without increasing taxes.
Learn more about bond referendums and how they support our schools on the Bond Referendum webpage.
Register now to attend the annual Special Education Family Conference, Connected Communities, Thriving Students, on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School.
Educators, families, and community members are invited to this in-person event at no cost. Participants can connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Register to attend the conference.
Volunteers Are Needed to Make This Event a Success!
Find out how to volunteer:
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Adult Volunteers: Sign up through Volunteer FCPS.
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Student Volunteers: Sign up through the Student Volunteer Interest Form. Students will receive service hours for their time.
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Student Showcase Opportunities: Students can complete the Student Participation Form to lead a performance or share information about a club or research project. Service hours will be awarded to students serving in these roles.
Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email questions to SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu.
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 now available. 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.
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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