Bee Hive: October 23, 2026

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2026-27 FCPS School Calendar

  • October 24: Fall Festival | Trunk or Treat, 12:30p.m.
  • 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 14: iPFIT Saturday
  • November 18: 3-Hour Early Release 
  • November 20: Principal Coffee & Chat 
HES Students Holding Park Ranger CardsPrincipal Reflections From the Hive

Good Evening, Herndon Elementary School Families,

Happy Friday, Herndon Bees!

As we close another busy week at Herndon Elementary, I am reminded of what makes our school community so special: our dedicated educators, curious students, and families who partner with us each day. This week offered many opportunities to celebrate student learning, strengthen connections, and continue our shared commitment to ensuring every Bee thrives.

Celebrating Our Students

One of the highlights of the week was seeing our students shine beyond the classroom. Our students had the opportunity to participate in a choral concert at Herndon High School, and our sixth graders had a field trip to the National Gallery of Art. Experiences like these help students discover new interests, build confidence, and connect their learning to the world around them.

We also continued recognizing our Attendance Bees! Every day of learning matters, and we appreciate our families' commitment to helping students arrive at school on time and ready to learn. Consistent attendance builds strong habits and helps students stay connected to their classmates, teachers, and learning. Last week, fifth grade had the best attendance and at the end of this week fourth grade had the strongest attendance.

Learning Across the Hive

This week, I spent time visiting classrooms across grade levels, observing literacy, mathematics, science, and early childhood instruction. It is always a joy to see our students thinking critically, engaging in meaningful conversations, and growing as learners.

Our teachers and instructional teams continue working collaboratively to strengthen instruction and respond to students' individual learning needs. We remain focused on providing high-quality, engaging learning experiences that challenge and support every student.

Strengthening Our Family Partnerships

Thank you to the families who joined us for our Principal Coffee & Chat and our Full-Time Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Screening Information Meeting. These opportunities to connect, share information, and listen to your perspectives are important to our work.

We value your voice and want every family to feel welcomed, informed, and connected to our school community. Your partnership makes a meaningful difference.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for the coming week, we will continue celebrating student success, strengthening classroom instruction, and creating opportunities for families to engage in their children's education.

Please continue encouraging your children to read at home, share something new they learned each day, and arrive at school ready for another great day of learning.

Thank you for the trust you place in our Herndon Elementary team. I am proud of our students, grateful for our staff, and appreciative of the families and community members who make our Hive such a special place.

Wishing all of our Bees and their families a wonderful weekend! We look forward to seeing our Bees at the Homecoming Parade tomorrow and the Fall Festival back at Herndon Elementary School in the afternoon! Please look for my personal family and our Shark themed Trunk or Treat- my husband and three young children look forward to meeting our Bees.

With gratitude,

Dr. Monika Vereb

Principal, Herndon Elementary School

Photo Collage of HES Student winning AwardsCollage of HES Students Reading and Presentations

Collage 1: Classroom Learning and Collaboration

Herndon Elementary students are actively learning, collaborating, and engaging in their classrooms! Students work in small groups, enjoy reading, and participate in hands-on learning activities alongside their teachers. Our fifth graders also proudly pose with Dr. Vereb, their teachers, and with the  Attendance Bee, celebrating the importance of attendance and school community.

Collage 2: Celebrating Achievement and Learning Beyond the Classroom

Herndon Elementary celebrates student achievement and meaningful learning experiences! Our Busy Bee proudly shows off her Outstanding Achievement Award, recognizing her hard work and accomplishments. Additionally, our fourth graders had the exciting opportunity to meet a National Park Ranger and learn more about our nation's national parks, exploring the importance of preserving and protecting these special places.


2026 Herndon High School Homecoming Parade- "Hollywood Through The Years!"🎥

Dear Herndon Elementary Families,

Great news! We are officially marching in the 2026 Herndon Homecoming Parade, and we can’t wait to celebrate with our school community! Our creative students designed a super fun float based on this year's theme: "Minions & Bees: Herndon Bees Save Hollywood!"

Whether you plan to march alongside our float or cheer us on from the sidewalks, here is everything you need to know for the big day:

📅 Event Details & Schedule

  • Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
  • Participant Arrival: 7:30 AM (Lineup)
  • Parade Start Time: 9:30 AM
  • Location & Route:
    • Lineup Location: Locust Street at Herndon Middle School
    • Parade Route: 0.75 miles through town, ending near Lynn & Center Street

📋 Important Information for Families

  • Chaperones & Supervision: Family participation is strongly encouraged! To ensure a safe and organized event, we will maintain a ratio of at least 1 adult chaperone for every 20 students.
  • Restroom Availability: Herndon Middle School facilities will not be open for public use. Please plan a stop at the Herndon Community Center (814 Ferndale Ave) prior to arriving at the lineup area.
  • Candy & Treats Guidelines: Handing candy directly to excited spectators along the route is fully encouraged! However, for safety reasons, throwing or tossing items into the crowd is strictly prohibited.

We look forward to representing Herndon Elementary with pride and seeing our wonderful community out in full force! 🐝✨

✨DO YOU KNOW AN AMAZING EMPLOYEE? ✨

We are now accepting nominations to recognize our outstanding employees at Herndon Elementary School for the 2026 - 2027 school year! If you have worked with an outstanding employee at HES, FCPS wants your help recognizing them. Using  this link, colleagues and families are invited to nominate:

🏆 NOMINATIONS FOR...

  • Outstanding Teacher
  • Outstanding New Teacher
  • Outstanding Principal or New Principal
  • Outstanding Professional Staff Leader
  • Outstanding Educational Services Employee
  • Outstanding Operational Services Employee

🗓️DEADLINE: The deadline to submit a nomination is Tuesday, November 13, 2026.

📝SUBMISSIONS: Submissions can be made by completing the form linked here

Thank you for supporting our outstanding Staff! If you have any questions, please reach out to me!


PTA wants you to "Bee" in the know

PTA wants you to BEE in the Know

🍂Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat! 🎃

Join us TOMORROW in the Herndon Elementary School parking lot for the HES Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat 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! 

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:

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. 

Conversaciones Comunitarias Directamente con la Dra. ReidAcompáñenos 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.

No es necesario inscribirse, pero hacerlo nos ayuda con la planificación. 

Impact Aid

Please Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete it as soon as possible. Schools will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE starting Wednesday, October 28.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is how we ensure we receive all the resources available to us from the federal government. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.  

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE account so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child. 

 

Por favor, complete la Encuesta Federal de Asistencia por Impacto

FCPS solicita a todas las familias que completen la Encuesta Federal de Ayuda por Impacto. El formulario está disponible en SIS ParentVUE, en la sección Online Packets, ubicada en la esquina superior derecha de la pantalla después de iniciar sesión. Por favor, complételo lo antes posible. A partir del miércoles, 28 de octubre, las escuelas proporcionarán formularios impresos a las familias que aún no hayan completado la encuesta en ParentVUE.

¡Cada formulario cuenta! Complete uno por cada niño en edad escolar que viva en su hogar. Así ayudamos a que FCPS reciba todos los recursos disponibles del gobierno federal. Para obtener más información, visite la página de la Encuesta de Ayuda de Impacto Federal. 

Regístrese en ParentVUE

Conozca cómo activar su cuenta de SIS ParentVUE para que pueda enviar fácilmente su encuesta y acceder a otra información útil sobre su estudiante.

Renovation Queue Survey

Share Your Thoughts on Schools and Buildings in the Renovation Queue SurveyWhether you work in an FCPS school, have a child enrolled, or live near an FCPS school, please share your perspective 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 from 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

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 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.

ParentVUE App

Maintain Access to Your Child’s Grades and Assignments: Download the New ParentVUE App

New ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile apps launched in July. Be sure to download the new app before winter break. After that time, you will need to use the new mobile app or a web browser to access ParentVUE or StudentVUE.

For instructions on installing the new apps and learning more about the updated login process, visit ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile app resources. If you need assistance, please submit a Parent Support Request.

 

Mantenga acceso a las calificaciones y tareas de su estudiante: descargue la nueva aplicación ParentVUE

Las nuevas aplicaciones móviles de ParentVUE y StudentVUE se lanzaron en julio. Asegúrese de descargar la nueva aplicación antes de las vacaciones de invierno. Después de esa fecha, deberá utilizar la nueva aplicación móvil o un navegador web para acceder a ParentVUE o StudentVUE.

Para obtener instrucciones sobre cómo instalar las nuevas aplicaciones y conocer más sobre el proceso actualizado para iniciar sesión, consulte los recursos de las aplicaciones móviles de ParentVUE y StudentVUE.

Si necesita ayuda, envíe una Solicitud de Apoyo para Padres.

Immunizations

The Importance of the Flu VaccinationThe annual flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect your child from getting sick and to prevent the spread of illness within our classrooms. 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 be providing flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will be taking 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.

 

La importancia de la vacuna contra la influenza

La vacuna anual contra la influenza es la manera más eficaz de proteger a su estudiante contra esta enfermedad y ayudar a prevenir su propagación en nuestras escuelas. Mantener al día la vacuna contra la influenza de su estudiante ayuda a:

  • Reducir las ausencias escolares: Mantener a los estudiantes saludables significa más tiempo para aprender y compartir con sus compañeros.
  • Proteger a la comunidad: La vacunación ayuda a proteger a familiares, vecinos y otras personas vulnerables contra enfermedades estacionales.
  • Promover el bienestar general: La vacuna anual contra la influenza es una parte importante de un plan preventivo para la salud de los estudiantes.

Próximos eventos de vacunación contra la influenza

FCPS, en colaboración con Inspire Health Alliance, ofrecerá vacunas contra la influenza a todos los estudiantes de FCPS de 18 años o menos, sin costo para las familias. Se llevarán a cabo varios eventos en diferentes instalaciones de FCPS. Se agregarán nuevas fechas a lo largo del año escolar. Los padres y tutores pueden consultar los próximos eventos y programar una cita para su estudiante. La participación es voluntaria.

Attendance

Encouraging Regular Attendance

Regular attendance is a good habit to establish in childhood. It can lead to greater success in high school, college, and careers. Teachers and students miss your child when they can’t make it to school. If you or your family need support, please reach out to your school's front office. We are here for you! 

If students miss too much school, school staff may reach out to the family to partner with them on addressing barriers to regular attendance. Visit the FCPS website for attendance resources.  

 

Fomentar la asistencia regular a la Escuela

Asistir regularmente a la Escuela es un buen hábito que se puede desarrollar desde la infancia y puede contribuir a un mayor éxito en la escuela secundaria, la universidad y la vida profesional. Los maestros y estudiantes extrañan a su estudiante cuando no puede asistir a la escuela. Si usted o su familia necesitan apoyo, comuníquense con la oficina principal de su escuela. ¡Estamos aquí para ayudarles!

Si un estudiante falta demasiado a la escuela, el personal escolar puede comunicarse con la familia para trabajar juntos y ayudar a resolver las dificultades que estén afectando su asistencia regular.

Visite el sitio web de FCPS para consultar recursos sobre asistencia.

Special Education Conference

2026 Special Education Family Conference banner

Annual Special Education Family Conference: Breakout Session Information Available

Join us for the annual Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, taking place on Saturday, November 14, at Hayfield Secondary School. 

More than 20 engaging breakout sessions have been designed to support, inform, and inspire our community. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage to explore the lineup of presenters, titles, and session descriptions. Complete the Special Education Family Conference Registration Form to secure your spot and let us know about any childcare, language interpretation, or accommodation needs. 

Get Involved Today! Volunteer and Student Participation Opportunities

  • Adult Volunteers: Sign up through Volunteer FCPS using the Volunteer Registration Form by Wednesday, October 28. FCPS staff volunteers will receive MyPDE credit.
  • Student Volunteers: Complete the Student Volunteer Interest Form by Wednesday, October 28. Students who volunteer will receive volunteer hours.
  • Student Showcase Opportunities: Students can complete the Student Participation Form to lead a performance or share information about a club or research project. Students serving in these roles will receive service hours. Sign up by Friday, October 30.

Email questions to SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu. 

 

Conferencia Anual de Educación Especial para Familias: ya está disponible la información sobre las sesiones

Acompáñenos en la Conferencia Anual de Educación Especial para Familias, Unidos somos más fuertes: conectando a las familias y las escuelas, que se llevará a cabo el sábado, 14 de noviembre, en Hayfield Secondary School.

Se han preparado más de 20 interesantes sesiones para apoyar, informar e inspirar a nuestra comunidad. Visite la página de la Conferencia de Educación Especial para Familias para conocer a los presentadores y consultar los títulos y descripciones de las sesiones. Complete el Formulario de Inscripción para la Conferencia de Educación Especial para Familias para reservar su lugar e informarnos si necesita cuidado infantil, servicios de interpretación de idiomas o alguna acomodación.

¡Participe hoy! Oportunidades para voluntarios y estudiantes

  • Voluntarios adultos: Inscríbase a través de Volunteer FCPS utilizando el Formulario de Inscripción para Voluntarios a más tardar el miércoles, 28 de octubre. Los empleados de FCPS que participen como voluntarios recibirán crédito de MyPDE.
  • Estudiantes voluntarios: Complete el Formulario de Interés para Estudiantes Voluntarios a más tardar el miércoles, 28 de octubre. Los estudiantes que participen como voluntarios recibirán horas de voluntariado.
  • 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. Inscríbase a más tardar el viernes, 30 de octubre.

Envíe sus preguntas a SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu.

Digital Device Policy

Help Your Student Stay Focused and Engaged Without Digital Distractions

Please remind your student that personal electronic communication or computing devices should be off and personally stored (i.e., in backpacks) for the duration of the school day: bell to bell.

This includes personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, and similar devices. Students can only use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the instructional day. There are exceptions for students with disabilities and those enrolled in specific courses.  

If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call the school’s front office. Learn more about the FCPS cellphone policy and device policy. 

 

Ayude a su estudiante a mantenerse concentrado y participar en clase sin distracciones digitales

Por favor, recuerde a su estudiante que los dispositivos electrónicos personales de comunicación o computación deben permanecer apagados y guardados entre sus pertenencias personales, como en la mochila, durante toda la jornada escolar, desde que suena el primer timbre hasta el último.

Esto incluye computadoras portátiles, tabletas, relojes inteligentes, teléfonos celulares y otros dispositivos similares. Durante el día escolar, los estudiantes solo deben usar los dispositivos proporcionados por FCPS para las actividades digitales relacionadas con la escuela. Hay excepciones para los estudiantes con discapacidades y para quienes toman ciertos cursos. 

Si necesita comunicarse con su estudiante durante el día escolar, llame a la oficina principal de la escuela. Conozca más sobre la política de FCPS para teléfonos celulares y la política sobre dispositivos.

District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

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

    • Literacy Resources
    • Return Your Impact Aid Survey
    • Download the New ParentVUE App

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

  • Recursos de alfabetización
  • Complete su Encuesta Federal de Ayuda por Impacto
  • Descargue la nueva aplicación ParentVUE

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


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

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

Renovation Information

HES New School

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

Herndon Elementary Phone Numbers:

  • Health Room 703-326-3110
  • Cafeteria 703-326-3121
  • Attendance 703-326-3131

Herndon Elementary Email:

Administration E-mail:

Outstanding Employee

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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