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2026-27 FCPS School Calendar

• October 22: Advanced Academic Screening Information Night, 6:00p.m
• October 23: Principal Coffee & Chat, 8:00a.m
• October 23: 6th Grade Field Trip to National Gallery of Art
• October 24: Fall Festival | Trunk or Treat
• October 27: 1st Grade Field Trip to Great Country Farms
• October 27: Title I Annual Meeting, 5:30p.m
• October 27: Community Meeting Regarding Renovation Project, 6:30p.m
• October 28: Multilingual Learner Families Engagement Night, 5:15p.m
• October 30:  2 Hour Early Release | End of Quarter 1
• November 2: Student Holiday | School Planning Day
• November 3: Student Holiday | Teacher Workday
• November 3: Election Day
• November 13: Principal Coffee & Chat 
• November 14: iPFIT Saturday
• November 18: 3-Hour Early Release 

Good evening, Herndon Families,

We had a full and meaningful week at Herndon Elementary. On Monday, October 12, School Planning Day gave staff dedicated time to plan for student learning and support. The day’s schedule included collaborative planning, student data review, inclusive practices, schoolwide expectations, and preparation for classroom moves later this month.

We also held our Family Engagement Committee (FEC) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) meetings this week. We welcomed Dr. Diane Leipzig, Principal in Residence for Literacy, who will support our ELA Benchmark implementation and help us launch ECRI in grades 2 and 3. On Friday, we celebrated our Staff of the Week, Students of the Week, and grade-level attendance winners. Congratulations to all!

As we approach the end of the first quarter, teachers will be reaching out to schedule parent-teacher conferences. These conversations help strengthen our partnership and set shared goals for each student. Please look for a message from your child’s teacher and plan to participate. 

Here are some events coming up:

• Thursday, October 22, at 6:00 p.m.: Full-Time AAP Screening Information Meeting in the Herndon ES cafeteria. Questions? Please reach out to our AART, Katie Anderson (kanderson2@fcps.edu), and Assistant Principal, Sudie Vasquez (scvasquez@fcps.edu), as both will be leading and in attendance.
• Friday, October 23, at 8:15 a.m. : Join me for Coffee & Chat in the cafeteria. We’ll focus on MTSS, and I hope to see you there. Our sixth graders will also visit the National Gallery of Art on Friday, October 23. We’re looking forward to a week of learning, connection, and community spirit.
• Saturday, October 24, at 9:30 a.m.: Come cheer on Herndon ES in the Homecoming Parade. Mr. McHenry (mvmchenry@fcps.edu) is leading our school float. The parade begins at Herndon Middle School and ends in downtown Herndon.
• Saturday, October 24, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Join us for the free community Fall Fest in the Herndon ES front parking lot. We look forward to welcoming students and families! My family will have our Shark themed Trunk or Treat and we look forward to seeing our Bees!

Gratefully,

Dr. Monika Vereb

Principal

Collage 1: Cox Farm Field Trip

Herndon Elementary kindergartners, parents, and teachers on a Cox Farm field trip wearing matching red shirts. The collage shows HES kindergartners petting goats, groups sitting on a hayride trailer enjoying a tractor ride, Ms. Naimpally's class posing outside in front of a colorful decorated structure, and students gathering outdoors holding small cups of cider under a bright blue sky.

Collage 2: Family Science Night

Children's Science Center volunteers guiding children and parents participating in interactive learning stations in the HES cafeteria during Family Science Night. The collage depicts students assembling wooden puzzle blocks using instructional reference cards, families interacting with Family Science Night volunteers at various activity tables, and students engaging in hands-on crafts and science demonstrations.

Advanced Academic Screening Information

Herndon Elementary School information meeting about full-time advanced academics screening for students in grades 2–6. The meeting is October 22, 2026, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Spanish translation will be provided.

Reunión informativa de la Herndon Elementary School sobre el proceso de selección para el programa de tiempo completo de estudios académicos avanzados, dirigido a estudiantes de los grados 2 a 6. La reunión tendrá lugar el 22 de octubre de 2026, de 6:00 a 7:00 p. m., en la cafetería de la escuela. Se ofrecerá traducción al español.

Grab a Coffee. Meet Your Leaders. Shape Herndon’s Future. ☕✨

Join Herndon Elementary Principal Dr. Vereb for an informal meet-and-greet over coffee! We’ll focus on MTSS, and share your thoughts, all are welcome.

📅 Date: Friday, October 23

⏰ Time: 8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

📍 Location: Herndon Elementary, Cafeteria

Tómese un café. Conozca a sus líderes. Dé forma al futuro de Herndon. ☕✨

¡Acompañe al Dr. Vereb, director de la Escuela Primaria Herndon, a un encuentro informal con café! Nos centraremos en el sistema MTSS y compartiremos opiniones; ¡todos son bienvenidos!

📅 Fecha: Viernes, 23 de octubre

⏰ Hora: 8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

📍 Lugar: Cafetería de Herndon Elementary 

Title 1 Annual Meeting & Community Renovation Meeting

Herndon Elementary School  invites families to the Title I Annual Meeting on Tuesday, October 27, from 5:30 p.m to 6:15 p.m. in the cafeteria. The meeting will cover the Title I program and its goals, resources for families, and how Title I funding supports student success. Community Renovation Meeting will follow at 6:30 p.m. to share project updates.

Herndon Elementary School invita a las familias a la reunión anual del programa Título I el martes 27 de octubre, de 5:30 p.m a 6:15 p. m. en la cafetería. En la reunión se hablará sobre el programa Título I y sus objetivos, los recursos para las familias y cómo los fondos de Título I apoyan el éxito de los estudiantes. A continuación, a las 6:30 p.m., se llevará a cabo una reunión sobre la Renovación de la Comunidad para compartir actualizaciones del proyecto.

ML Family Night Engagement and Outreach

Join us for ML Family Engagement Night, led by our multilingual learner teachers. Learn about the curriculum, Summit K-12, and explore helpful resources and ideas for supporting your child’s English language development. We look forward to seeing you!

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Time: 5:15–6:30 p.m.

Location: Herndon ES Cafeteria

Título I

Noche de participación para familias de estudiantes multilingües

Acompáñenos en una noche de participación familiar para conectarse con los maestros de programas multilingües y conocer los recursos y apoyos disponibles para los estudiantes.

Fecha: Miércoles, 28 de Octubre de 2026

Hora: 5:15 – 6:30 p. m.

Lugar: Cafetería

TPAC General Meeting

The first General Meeting for parents and caregivers of students attending Title I schools is Tuesday, Oct. 20^th from 7-8:30pm at Lynbrook ES. The meeting will also be accessible online using the Zoom link below.

TPAC Meeting 10/20

PTA wants you to BEE in the Know

🍂Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat! 🎃

Mark your calendars! Join us in the Herndon Elementary School parking lot for the HES Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM! This free family event is packed with fall fun for our whole hive, including:  🚗 Trunk-or-Treating (don't forget to bring a candy bag!) 🍕 Free Pizza & Drinks 🎶 Live DJ spinning beats all afternoon 🎨 Face Painting, Pumpkin Decorating & Balloon Animals 🚲 Exciting Raffles to win–  4 brand-new bikes from Green Lizard Cycling, tickets to Herndon’s Escape Room, an evaluation at the Huntington Learning Center, or art classes at the Monroe Art Studio! You can buy raffle tickets at the Fall Festival for $1 each! Purchase as many tickets as you’d like and place them into the corresponding buckets for the items that you’d like to win!  We need your help to make this event a success! ❤️ 🙋‍♀️ Want to volunteer? Sign up HERE  🚗 Want to decorate your car for Trunk-or-Treat? Sign up HERE

🎃Candy & Treat Donations Needed!

Can’t volunteer at the Fall Festival? You can still help! We’re collecting bags of wrapped candy (or non-candy treats) for our trunk-or-treaters. 🍬🍫 Drop-off location: Bring donations to the Main Office.

👕Last Chance for Spirit Wear! (Deadline: Oct 16)

Final day to grab your spirit wear! 🐝👕Place your order so it can be picked up right here at the school! View Spirit Wear and Order Today!

🐝Before & After-School Clubs

🐝 Game Design Club Intro to Game Design starts 10/19, learn how to create and design your very own game! Interested? Register Today!

Visit herndonespta.givebacks.com to explore upcoming events, join the PTA ($15), or make a donation. Every bit helps us support our students and staff! 💛

📲 Follow us for the latest updates:

• Facebook: Herndon Elementary School PTA
• Instagram: @herndonesPTA

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:

• Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School

Conversaciones Comunitarias Directamente con la Dra. Reid

Acompáñenos en una serie de Conversaciones Comunitarias que se llevarán a cabo en diferentes lugares de la división escolar. Estas reuniones están abiertas a todos, incluyendo familias, estudiantes, y miembros de la comunidad. Puede asistir al evento que le resulte más conveniente, aunque no se lleve a cabo en su escuela o comunidad. Esta es una oportunidad para compartir sus opiniones, conversar directamente con la Dra. Reid y hacerle preguntas sobre temas importantes para nuestra comunidad de FCPS.

• Lunes 19 de octubre, a las 6:30 p.m., en la Escuela Primaria Spring Hill

FCPS Is Participating in Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5) 

Virginia Quality Birth to Five is Virginia’s system for measuring and supporting quality in early childhood programs so children enter kindergarten ready to learn. VQB5 builds on health and safety standards by measuring the quality of teacher-child interactions and the use of the curriculum. Visit the Virginia Quality Birth to Five website for more information.

FCPS participa en Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5)

Virginia Quality Birth to 5 es el sistema de Virginia para medir y apoyar la calidad de los programas de educación para la primera infancia, con el objetivo de que los niños lleguen al kindergarten preparados para aprender. VQB5 se basa en los estándares de salud y seguridad y también mide la calidad de las interacciones entre maestros y estudiantes, así como el uso del currículo. Para obtener más información, consulte el folleto VQB5 para Familias en inglés o español.

Renovation Queue Survey

Share Your Thoughts on Schools and Buildings in the Renovation Queue SurveyThe 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.

Comparta su opinión sobre las escuelas y edificios en la lista de renovación

La Oficina del Director de Servicios de Instalaciones y Programas de Capital solicita la opinión de miembros de la comunidad, familias y empleados sobre las necesidades de las instalaciones escolares y la manera en que FCPS establece prioridades para las mejoras de sus edificios.

Ya sea que trabaje en una escuela de FCPS, tenga un estudiante inscrito o viva cerca de una escuela de FCPS, le invitamos a compartir su perspectiva. La encuesta incluye preguntas sobre las condiciones de los edificios, cómo las instalaciones afectan la enseñanza y el aprendizaje, las prioridades de renovación y qué información le ayudaría a comprender mejor este proceso.

Busque la encuesta en su correo electrónico el viernes, 16 de octubre. Completarla toma aproximadamente 15 minutos. La participación es voluntaria y todas las respuestas se mantendrán confidenciales. La encuesta estará disponible hasta el sábado, 31 de octubre.

¿Sabía que los referéndums de bonos financian las renovaciones de instalaciones?

FCPS no paga las renovaciones de sus instalaciones con su presupuesto general de funcionamiento. En cambio, los votantes del condado de Fairfax deciden cuánto dinero puede usar FCPS para proyectos de mejoras importantes mediante referendos sobre bonos. El condado emite estos bonos para la división escolar, lo que permite que FCPS renueve sus instalaciones sin aumentar los impuestos. Conozca más sobre los referéndums de bonos y cómo apoyan a nuestras escuelas en la página sobre el Referéndum de Bonos.

Special Education Conference

Annual Special Education Family Conference: We Need You!

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:

• Adult Volunteers: Sign up through Volunteer FCPS. 
• Student Volunteers: Sign up through the Student Volunteer Interest Form. Students will receive service hours for their time. 
• 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. 

Conferencia Anual de Educación Especial para Familias: ¡Únanse a nosotros!

Inscríbase ahora para asistir a la Conferencia Anual de Educación Especial para Familias, Comunidades conectadas, estudiantes que prosperan, el sábado, 14 de noviembre, de 8:30 a.m. a 3 p.m., en Hayfield Secondary School.

Educadores, familias y miembros de la comunidad están invitados a este evento presencial y gratuito. Los participantes podrán conectarse, aprender y conocer los servicios, apoyos y recursos de educación especial disponibles. Se ofrecerá almuerzo a todos los participantes. Inscríbase para asistir a la conferencia.

¡Necesitamos voluntarios para que este evento sea un éxito!

Conozca cómo puede participar como voluntario:

• Voluntarios adultos: Inscríbase a través de Volunteer FCPS.
• Estudiantes voluntarios: Inscríbase utilizando el Formulario de Interés para Estudiantes Voluntarios. Los estudiantes recibirán horas de servicio por su participación.
• Oportunidades para presentaciones estudiantiles: Los estudiantes pueden completar el Formulario de Participación Estudiantil para realizar una presentación o compartir información sobre un club o proyecto de investigación. Los estudiantes que participen en estas actividades recibirán horas de servicio.

Visite la página de la Conferencia de Educación Especial para Familias para obtener más información. Envíe sus preguntas a SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu.

Literacy and Lexia Webinars

Help Your Child Become a Stronger Reader: Upcoming Family Learning Opportunities

Want to better understand how your child learns to read and how you can support them at home? FCPS is offering several free virtual sessions to help families learn about reading instruction, literacy resources, and strategies to build strong reading skills. Explore the opportunities below and register for the sessions that interest you.Lexia Family Information Sessions

Want to learn more about Lexia® Core5 and Lexia® PowerUp? These virtual sessions share how FCPS is using both programs in classrooms across the division this school year to support students’ literacy growth and give families a chance to ask questions.

Every one-hour session covers the same content. Choose the option that works best for your family:

• Wednesday, October 21, at 5 and 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m.

Join a Lexia Family Information Night Session.Literacy Webinar SeriesJoin us for a series of family-friendly webinars designed to help you understand reading assessments, reading plans, and ways to support your child at home. Learn what assessment results mean, how reading plans guide instruction, and practical strategies to strengthen decoding, language, comprehension, and literacy skills, including support for multilingual learners.

• October 20, 2026: Understanding Reading Assessments and Your Child
• December 15, 2026: What Is a Reading Plan?
• February 19, 2027: How Do I Support My Child With a Reading Plan at Home?
• May 14, 2027: Continuing Reading Success Through the Summer

Register for the Literacy Webinar Series.

Introduction to Dyslexia Webinar – What Is It and What Does It Mean for My Student?Participants will look at the definition of dyslexia and its impact on students, including the different types of dyslexia and what support students with dyslexia require. Participants will also leave with activities and tips to support their students at home.Join us on Friday, October 23, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Register for the Introduction to Dyslexia webinar.

District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

• • Facilities Survey
  • Transportation Survey
  • Health Department Letter on Preventing the Spread of Illness

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

Novedades de FCPS

En caso de que no haya visto el boletín Esta Semana en FCPS, la división escolar compartió novedades sobre los siguientes temas:

• Encuesta sobre instalaciones
• Encuesta sobre transporte
• Carta del Departamento de Salud sobre cómo prevenir la propagación de enfermedades

Lea “Esta Semana  en FCPS” para que conozca más acerca de estos temas. Si aún no recibe este boletín semanal, por favor, suscríbase hoy.

Community Flyers

You’re invited to a free and fun

FALL FESTIVAL!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25^TH AT 11:30 AM

BACK PARKING LOT OF

TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

A PROUD PARTNER OF HERNDON ELEMENTARY

651 DRANESVILLE ROAD

(LOCATED ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE SCHOOL) 

Mark your calendar now for

Trinity Presbyterian Church’s Fall Festival,

a lively afternoon held in the back parking lot of the church.

trunk-or-treating

music  *  s’mores  *  games  *  crafts

and more!

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Questions?

 Contact office@trinityherndon.org or (703) 437-5500.

These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the

Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or this school.

Están invitados a un divertido y gratuito

¡FESTIVAL de OTOÑO!

DOMINGO, 25 de OCTUBRE a las 11:30AM

EN PARQUEO ATRAS DE  

TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

UN ORGULLOSO SOCIO DE HERNDON ES 

651 DRANESVILLE ROAD

(LOCALIZADO AL FRENTE DE LA ESCUELA)

Anote en su calendario ahora sobre el

Festival de Otoño de Trinity Presbyterian Church,

pase una tarde animada en el parqueo detrás de la iglesia.

¡trunk-or-treating

música  *  s’mores  *  juegos  *  manualidades

y más!

Todos los niños deben estar acompañados por un adulto.

¿Preguntas?

 Contacte office@trinityherndon.org o (703) 437-5500.

Estos materiales no son patrocinados o endorsados por la  

Junta Escolar del Condado de Fairfax, el Superintendente, o esta escuela.

Stay Connected With Us!

Follow Herndon Elementary School and our PTA on Instagram for school highlights, important updates, upcoming events, and ways to stay involved in our community.

📱Herndon Elementary: @herndonelementaryschool
📱Herndon Elementary PTA: @herndones_pta

We look forward to connecting with you!

Stay Connected: Encouraging community stakeholders to follow Herndon ES on social media

Renovation Information

Follow the Herndon Elementary renovation progress which is located on the FCPS website by clicking here.

Administration E-mail:

• Principal, Dr. Monika Vereb mgvereb1@fcps.edu 
• Assistant Principal, Dr. Lawrence Randolph lwrandolph@fcps.edu
• Assistant Principal, Kelly Cosgrove kmcosgrove@fcps.edu
• Assistant Principal, Sudie Vasquez scvasquez@fcps.edu

Do you know a Herndon Elementary staff member who goes above and beyond or turns the ordinary into something extraordinary? If so, click here to nominate them for FCPS Cares and help us share their story.

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630 Dranesville Rd. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-326-3100
Attendance: 703-326-3131 | Web | Twitter | Facebook