PTA Announcement - November 20

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Join our PTA today! CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!

In This Issue Information Hawk's Got Talent


The HMS Performing Arts department is excited to invite our community to their annual Hawk's Got Talent extravaganza this Thursday, November 21st at 7:00 p.m. We have some extremely talented performers to entertain you with song, dance, comedy, and more! This event is in the auditorium and open to everyone. And it's free! We ask that you please bring a canned food or nonperishable food item as your entry fee. All donations will go to the No Hunger November Food Drive. Please come and support our talented performers!

Pies Needed for Fall Teacher and Staff Appreciation Event

Let's show our teachers and staff how much we appreciate them!

🍂 Join us for our Fall Teacher & Staff Appreciation Pie Event by baking or bringing in a pie, or volunteering to help serve!

📅 When: Monday, November 25 🍰 Drop-off: 7–8 am (send with your student or drop off in the office) 🍽 Serving: 10:45 am–12:45 pm during staff lunch

💻 Sign up here: Click Here

📧 Questions? Email Chrissy at [email protected]

Let’s make it a sweet day for everyone!

Fundraising at Taco Bamba: Wednesday, November 20

Support the HMS PTA by dining at Taco Bamba in Herndon (2415 Centreville Rd) on Wednesday, November 20th! Enjoy their unique take on traditional tacos, plus ceviche, empanadas, quesadillas, tortas, and more.

Mention HMS PTA or use the code GIVE20 for online orders, and 20% of all mobile, dine-in, and drive-thru sales will be donated to Herndon Middle School PTA.

Box Tops is Back … But No More Clipping!

Supporting HMS is a breeze with Box Tops for Education! Download the Box Tops app, shop for eligible products, scan your receipt, and start raising funds for our school. A huge thank you to families who have already signed up and started scanning paper receipts—you’re making a real impact! 

New to Box Tops? Use referral code EWQ72U5U to join us in reaching our $500 goal this school year. Let’s make it happen together!

8th Grade Celebration Volunteers

We're kicking off the planning for next year’s 8th Grade Celebrations, and we’d love your help! Join the committee to make these events unforgettable for our students.

Interested? Email [email protected] to get involved. Let’s make this a celebration they’ll remember!

End of Year Donations

As the year wraps up, consider making a meaningful impact with a tax-deductible donation to the HMS PTA, a 501(c)(3) organization. Your support goes directly to school programs and initiatives that benefit our students and staff.

For more information, please contact [email protected]. Thank you for helping us create a brighter future at HMS!

Connect with Us!

Stay connected with all things HMS! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and our newly updated website to keep up with the latest PTA news, events, and updates. Be the first to know about exciting upcoming events—follow us today!

Instagram: herndonmiddleschoolpta

Facebook: Herndon Middle School PTA 

Website: www.hmspta.com

Email [email protected] if you’d like to volunteer, or consider joining the PTA as a member to help fund our school programs and initiatives. Can’t spare the time? Membership dues are a great way to support our students and staff directly. Every bit of involvement, big or small, makes a difference—click here to join today!

Calling all Corporate Sponsor!

Is your business looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community? Partner with HMS PTA as a corporate sponsor and help make a difference at Herndon Middle School! Your sponsorship directly supports our PTA school programs, extracurricular activities, and events that enrich the educational experience for all students.

In return, your business will enjoy increased visibility through our events, newsletters, and social media channels, reaching a broad audience of engaged families and community members.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities and benefits, please contact us at [email protected] or visit www.hmspta.com.

Together, we can make a lasting impact on our students!

Calendar November 

20 | Taco Bamba - Fundraising Night

21 | HMS Talent Show

25 | Teacher & Staff Appreciation Pie Event

27-29 | Thanksgiving Break

December-January 

18 | Virtual PTA Meeting

23 Dec - 3 Jan | Winter Break

Find the FCPS Standard School Year calendar here.

Thanks for reading! With school spirit and gratitude,
Your PTA

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Week of November 18

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In This Issue Attendance Dashboard

Parents can log into the Student Information System (SIS) Parent Account to view your child's attendance. For additional support with accessing and using the SIS Parent Account visit our SIS Parent Account overview page.

American Education Week

For American Education Week we celebrate ALL who work in our Herndon community: our bus drivers, cafeteria workers, counselors, support staff, teachers, leadership and more! Learn more from the National Education Association. Want to recognize someone from our school who goes above and beyond? Submit a nomination to FCPS Cares

Reminders Thank You, First Quarter Hawk News Crew!

From left to right, bottom row: Richard G., Alexa P. Back row: Nick S., Jack F., Maggie M., Autumn S., Alyssa R., Spencer E., Christian V.

Thank you to our 1st Quarter Hawk News Crew for their hard work and commitment working on the HMS live, bilingual broadcast!

Herndon Turkey Trot 5K Race

Herndon Parks & Recreation Department invites you to join their annual Turkey Trot 5K on Saturday, November 23th at 4:00PM! This exciting event is a fantastic way for families, friends, and teams to come together, get moving, and celebrate the holiday season with our community!

Special Team Promotion! For groups of 15 or more, Herndon Parks & Recreation is offering one free adult registration! This is a great opportunity for students and parents to participate as a team and enjoy some friendly competition or camaraderie.

Visit Turkey Trot 5K Race 2024 for more information!

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 (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

7th Grade Curriculum Night

Parents/Caregivers, we are excited to invite you to our 7th Grade Curriculum Night on Wednesday, December 4th from 5:30-7:30PM, where we will share an overview of the learning opportunities your student will experience this year. This is a great chance to meet teachers, ask questions, and gain insight into our classroom activities and goals.

See you there!

Resources Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

Herndon MS Parent Coffee Series

Herndon Middle School Parents/Guardians, we invite you to join us for our upcoming Student Services Parent Coffees for the 2024-2025 school year. These conversations will take place from 9:30 to 10:15AM in the cafeteria. We look forward to seeing you there!

  • Thursday, January 16th: Academic Advising & Advanced Academics
  • Thursday, February 13th: WIDA Overview
  • Thursday, March 13th: Student Support
  • Thursday, April 10th: SOL Overview
  • Thursday, May 15th: Advisory Council

If you have questions about an upcoming Parent Coffee topic, please contact your student's school counselor or Mrs. Simpkins Church, Director of Student Services, at [email protected].

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Calendar November

19 | Chorus Fall Concert 7:00PM

20 | Talent Show Rehearsal

21 | Talent Show

23 | Turkey Trot 5K

27-29 | Thanksgiving Break

Thanksgiving Break

Schools and offices will be closed from November 27-29. We hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving.

Helpful Links FCPS Cares

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

PTA Announcement - November 13

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Join our PTA today! CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!

In This Issue Information Box Tops is Back … But No More Clipping!

Supporting HMS is a breeze with Box Tops for Education, now in the App Store! Just download the Box Tops app, shop for eligible products, scan your receipt, and start earning funds for our school. New to Box Tops? Use referral code EWQ72U5U to join and help us reach our goal of raising $500 this school year. Let’s make it happen together!

Fall Teacher and Staff Appreciation

Any way you slice it, we’re grateful for our amazing teachers and staff! Join us in saying “thank you” by bringing or baking a pie, or volunteering to help serve.

What: Fall Teacher & Staff Appreciation Pie Event

When: Monday, November 25

  • Drop Off Pies: 7–8 am (send with your student that morning or drop off in the office)
  • Serving Time: 10:45 am–12:45 pm during staff lunches
  • Signup Genius click here  

Questions? Reach out to Chrissy at [email protected]. Let’s make this event sweet!

Taco Bamba Success

Support the HMS PTA by dining at Taco Bamba in Herndon (2415 Centreville Rd) on Wednesday, November 20th! Enjoy their unique take on traditional tacos, plus ceviche, empanadas, quesadillas, tortas, and more.

Mention HMS PTA or use the code GIVE20 for online orders, and 20% of all mobile, dine-in, and drive-thru sales will be donated to Herndon Middle School PTA.

Connect with Us!

Stay connected with all things HMS! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and our newly updated website to keep up with the latest PTA news, events, and updates. Be the first to know about exciting upcoming events—follow us today!

Instagram: herndonmiddleschoolpta

Facebook: Herndon Middle School PTA 

Website: www.hmspta.com

Email [email protected] if you’d like to volunteer, or consider joining the PTA as a member to help fund our school programs and initiatives. Can’t spare the time? Membership dues are a great way to support our students and staff directly. Every bit of involvement, big or small, makes a difference—click here to join today!

Calling all Corporate Sponsor!

Is your business looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community? Partner with HMS PTA as a corporate sponsor and help make a difference at Herndon Middle School! Your sponsorship directly supports our PTA school programs, extracurricular activities, and events that enrich the educational experience for all students.

In return, your business will enjoy increased visibility through our events, newsletters, and social media channels, reaching a broad audience of engaged families and community members.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities and benefits, please contact us at [email protected] or visit www.hmspta.com.

Together, we can make a lasting impact on our students!

Calendar November 

20 | Taco Bamba - Fundraising Night

25 | Teacher & Staff Appreciation Pie Event

27-29 | Thanksgiving Break

December-January 

18 | Virtual PTA Meeting

23 Dec - 3 Jan | Winter Break

Find the FCPS Standard School Year calendar here.

Thanks for reading! With school spirit and gratitude,
Your PTA

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Week of November 11

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In This Issue Thank You Veterans!

Monday, November 11, is a holiday. Veterans Day provides a great reason to pause, reflect, and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices our Veterans and their families have made on our behalf, and we thank them for their service. Learn more about the history of Veterans Day at va.gov.

Last Week's News Talent Show Auditions

Hello Hawks! It’s that time of year to show off your Talents! This year our Talent Show will be on Thursday, November 21th at 7:00PM. Talent show acts may be solo, duet, or small groups and can include: singing, dancing, monologues, scenes, playing an instrument, acrobatics/gymnastics, hula hooping, stand-up comedy, ventriloquists, magicians, martial arts, and more!  Any HMS student can sign up for an audition slot.

Complete the Google form below to sign up for a Talent Show audition slot after school on Wednesday, November 13. Read the form carefully for more detailed information. Audition forms are due by Monday, November 11 at 5PM

Click here to sign-up

Save the Dates:

  • Auditions: Wednesday, November 13 from 2:30-4:45PM in the Auditorium. Student must meet in Cafeteria first.
  • Dress Rehearsals: Wednesday, November 20 from 2:30-4:45PM. ALL ACTS MUST ATTEND!
  • Community Performance: Thursday, November 21 at 7:00PM. ALL ACTS MUST ATTEND!
Picture Day Retakes

Did your student miss picture day? No problem! Picture day retakes will be on Thursday, November 14th, during lunches. This is the last chance to get their photo taken for the yearbook, so make sure they’re ready to smile!

If your student already had their photo taken and you'd like to view or order prints, please visit https://shop.jostenspix.com/login.

Information:

  • Herndon Middle School
  • Event Code: FE215824
  • Parents will need their students ID number.

Questions? Please email Mrs. Cofie Arrington at [email protected].

Applications Close November 15 for TJHSST

Middle school students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2029 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). 

The application will be available on the TJHSST Admissions Office webpage starting Monday, October 21, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, with a deadline to submit the application by Friday, November 15, at 4 p.m. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information.

Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service

Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service will be offered for FCPS secondary students on Saturday, November 16th, from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at Edison High School. Dr. José Luis Zelaya, keynote speaker at the Multilingual Learners’ Summit this past summer, will be returning as the featured guest for this student workshop. Dr. Zelaya will engage and empower students with the strengths of multilingualism, as students explore leadership skills to plan for future success. Reflective service learning practices allow students to impact their communities through advocacy, engagement, and empowerment. All FCPS secondary students who attend will earn service learning credit for participating. Students planning to attend should register and bring their FCPS laptop to the event. Light refreshments and family resources will be available for parents/caregivers during the student workshop.

Herndon Turkey Trot 5K Race

Herndon Parks & Recreation Department invites you to join their annual Turkey Trot 5K on Saturday, November 23th at 4:00PM! This exciting event is a fantastic way for families, friends, and teams to come together, get moving, and celebrate the holiday season with our community!

Special Team Promotion! For groups of 15 or more, Herndon Parks & Recreation is offering one free adult registration! This is a great opportunity for students and parents to participate as a team and enjoy some friendly competition or camaraderie.

Visit Turkey Trot 5K Race 2024 for more information!

This Week's News Parent Townhall: Partnering for Student Success

Join us for an important townhall session for parents/caregivers of students needing academic support. Together, we’ll explore strategies to support student success and help them thrive academically.

When: November 14th (6 pm - 7 pm)

Where: Herndon Middle School Cafeteria (please enter through door 6)

Your participation and input is crucial for your student’s future. We look forward
to seeing you there! 

7th Grade Curriculum Night

Parents/Caregivers, we are excited to invite you to our 7th Grade Curriculum Night on Wednesday, December 4th from 5:30-7:30PM, where we will share an overview of the learning opportunities your student will experience this year. This is a great chance to meet teachers, ask questions, and gain insight into our classroom activities and goals.

See you there!

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 (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair

Parents/caregivers, school staff, and students over the age of 14 are invited to attend an interactive event celebrating the individualized education program (IEP) process. The IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, November 16 from 9-12:30PM at Jackson Middle School. 

The event is sponsored by Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). Activities include simulated IEP meetings, break-out sessions on the various parts of an IEP, and a resource fair to learn more about community supports. Register in advance.

Resources Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

Herndon MS Parent Coffee Series

Herndon Middle School Parents/Guardians, we invite you to join us for our upcoming Student Services Parent Coffees for the 2024-2025 school year. These conversations will take place from 9:30 to 10:15AM in the cafeteria. We look forward to seeing you there!

  • Thursday, November 14th: Parent Vue & Student Support
  • Thursday, January 16th: Academic Advising & Advanced Academics
  • Thursday, February 13th: WIDA Overview
  • Thursday, March 13th: Student Support
  • Thursday, April 10th: SOL Overview
  • Thursday, May 15th: Advisory Council

If you have questions about an upcoming Parent Coffee topic, please contact your student's school counselor or Mrs. Simpkins Church, Director of Student Services, at [email protected].

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Calendar November

11-15 | National School Psychology Week

13 | Talent Show Auditions

14 | Picture Retakes

14 | Parent Coffee 9:30-10:15AM

19 | Chorus Fall Concert 7:00PM

20 | Talent Show Rehearsal

21 | Talent Show

23 | Turkey Trot 5K

27-29 | Thanksgiving Break

National School Psychology Week

This week we celebrate the important work school psychologists do to help all students thrive.

Here at Herndon Middle School we want to express out deep gratitude for all the support and care Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Lancaster provide to our students. Their dedication, patience, and expertise make such a positive difference in their lives and we appreciate them more than words can express. Thank you for everything you do for our students and families!

If you'd like to learn more, please visit the National Association of School Psychologists

Thanksgiving Break

Schools and offices will be closed from November 27-29. We hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving.

Helpful Links FCPS Cares

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Upcoming Events and More

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Attendance Dashboard

Parents can log into the Student Information System (SIS) Parent Account to view your child's attendance. For additional support with accessing and using the SIS Parent Account visit our SIS Parent Account overview page.

In This Issue Veterans Day

Monday, November 11, is a holiday and schools will be closed for students. Veterans Day provides a great reason to pause, reflect, and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices our Veterans and their families have made on our behalf, and we thank them for their service. Learn more about the history of Veterans Day at va.gov.

Last Week's News Picture Day Retakes

Did your student miss picture day? No problem! Picture day retakes will be on Thursday, November 14th, during lunches. This is the last chance to get their photo taken for the yearbook, so make sure they’re ready to smile!

If your student already had their photo taken and you'd like to view or order prints, please visit https://shop.jostenspix.com/login.

Information:

  • Herndon Middle School
  • Event Code: FE215824
  • Parents will need their students ID number.

Questions? Please email Mrs. Cofie Arrington at [email protected].

Applications Close November 15 for TJHSST

Middle school students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2029 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). 

The application will be available on the TJHSST Admissions Office webpage starting Monday, October 21, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, with a deadline to submit the application by Friday, November 15, at 4 p.m. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information.

This Week's News Herndon Homecoming Parade

Our annual Herndon Homecoming Parade is happening this Saturday, November 9th, starting at 9:30 AM in the heart of Herndon! The excitement continues with the Homecoming Football Game against Yorktown at 1:00 PM at Herndon High School. Don’t miss out on this day full of spirit, fun, and community pride! Go Herndon!

Talent Show Auditions

Hello Hawks! It’s that time of year to show off your Talents! This year our Talent Show will be on Thursday, November 21th at 7:00PM. Talent show acts may be solo, duet, or small groups and can include: singing, dancing, monologues, scenes, playing an instrument, acrobatics/gymnastics, hula hooping, stand-up comedy, ventriloquists, magicians, martial arts, and more!  Any HMS student can sign up for an audition slot.

Complete the Google form below to sign up for a Talent Show audition slot after school on Wednesday, November 13. Read the form carefully for more detailed information. Audition forms are due by Monday, November 11 at 5PM

Click here to sign-up

Upcoming Important Dates:

  • Auditions: Wednesday, November 13 from 2:30-4:45PM in the Auditorium. Student must meet in Cafeteria first.
  • Dress Rehearsals: Wednesday, November 20 from 2:30-4:45PM. ALL ACTS MUST ATTEND!
  • Community Performance: Thursday, November 21 at 7:00PM. ALL ACTS MUST ATTEND!
Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service

Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service will be offered for FCPS secondary students on Saturday, November 16th, from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at Edison High School. Dr. José Luis Zelaya, keynote speaker at the Multilingual Learners’ Summit this past summer, will be returning as the featured guest for this student workshop. Dr. Zelaya will engage and empower students with the strengths of multilingualism, as students explore leadership skills to plan for future success. Reflective service learning practices allow students to impact their communities through advocacy, engagement, and empowerment. All FCPS secondary students who attend will earn service learning credit for participating. Students planning to attend should register and bring their FCPS laptop to the event. Light refreshments and family resources will be available for parents/caregivers during the student workshop.

Herndon Turkey Trot 5K Race

Herndon Parks & Recreation Department invites you to join their annual Turkey Trot 5K on Saturday, November 23th at 4:00PM! This exciting event is a fantastic way for families, friends, and teams to come together, get moving, and celebrate the holiday season with our community!

Special Team Promotion! For groups of 15 or more, Herndon Parks & Recreation is offering one free adult registration! This is a great opportunity for students and parents to participate as a team and enjoy some friendly competition or camaraderie.

Visit Turkey Trot 5K Race 2024 for more information!

From Student Services 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 (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Herndon MS Parent Coffee Series

Herndon Middle School Parents/Guardians, we invite you to join us for our upcoming Student Services Parent Coffees for the 2024-2025 school year. These conversations will take place from 9:30 to 10:15AM in the cafeteria. We look forward to seeing you there!

  • Thursday, November 14th: Parent Vue & Student Support
  • Thursday, January 16th: Academic Advising & Advanced Academics
  • Thursday, February 13th: WIDA Overview
  • Thursday, March 13th: Student Support
  • Thursday, April 10th: SOL Overview
  • Thursday, May 15th: Advisory Council

If you have questions about an upcoming Parent Coffee topic, please contact your student's school counselor or Mrs. Simpkins Church, Director of Student Services, at [email protected].

Calendar November

9 | Herndon Homecoming Parade 9:30AM

11 | Veterans Day

11-15 | National School Psychology Week

13 | Talent Show Auditions

14 | Picture Retakes

14 | Parent Coffee 9:30-10:15AM

19 | Chorus Fall Concert 7:00PM

20 | Talent Show Rehearsal

21 | Talent Show

23 | Turkey Trot 5K

27-29 | Thanksgiving Break

National School Psychology Week

This week we celebrate the important work school psychologists do to help all students thrive.

Here at Herndon Middle School we want to express out deep gratitude for all the support and care Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Lancaster provide to our students. Their dedication, patience, and expertise make such a positive difference in their lives and we appreciate them more than words can express. Thank you for everything you do for our students and families!

If you'd like to learn more, please visit the National Association of School Psychologists

Thanksgiving Break

Schools and offices will be closed from November 27-29. We hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving.

Helpful Links FCPS Cares

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

PTA Announcement - November 7

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We are currently in need of volunteers! Please email [email protected] to get involved, or join the PTA as a member to support our school!

Can’t volunteer? Consider joining the HMS PTA as a member. Your membership dues directly support our school programs and initiatives. Click here to join today!

In This Issue Reminders Connect with Us!

Stay connected with all the latest HMS PTA events, updates, and news by following us on Instagram, Facebook, and our recently updated website. Follow now and be the first to hear about our upcoming events! 

Instagram: herndonmiddleschoolpta

Facebook: Herndon Middle School PTA 

Website: www.hmspta.com

Did you attend an HMS event and have pictures you would like to share? Please share with us at [email protected] and we will post on our website and social channels.

Box Tops is Back … But No More Clipping!

Earning funds for HMS is easy with Box Tops for Education - now available in the AppStore! Download the Box Tops app, buy Box Tops products in your regular shopping, scan your receipt, and start earning money for your school!  If you are new to Box Tops, use referral code EWQ72U5U to join and support HMS. This special referral code earns 50 Bonus Box Tops and ends on Thursday, October 31. We will be promoting Box Tops for Education all school year and hoping to raise $500!

Calling all Corporate Sponsor!

Is your business looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community? Partner with HMS PTA as a corporate sponsor and help make a difference at Herndon Middle School! Your sponsorship directly supports our PTA school programs, extracurricular activities, and events that enrich the educational experience for all students.

In return, your business will enjoy increased visibility through our events, newsletters, and social media channels, reaching a broad audience of engaged families and community members.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities and benefits, please contact us at [email protected] or visit www.hmspta.com.

Together, we can make a lasting impact on our students!

Taco Bamba Success

Thank you for supporting HMS PTA at Taco Bamba!

A big thank you to all the families who dined at Taco Bamba in Herndon to support our PTA! Your participation helps us fund important programs and initiatives for our school.

Stay tuned—more Dining for Dollars events are coming soon! We can’t wait to see you there.

Calendar November 

9 | HMS Students Walk in Herndon Homecoming Parade

11 | Veterans Day (Student Holiday)

20 | Taco Bamba - Fundraising Night

27-29 | Thanksgiving Break

December-January 

23 Dec - 3 Jan | Winter Break

Find the FCPS Standard School Year calendar here.

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

PTA Announcement - October 30

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In This Issue Calendar October

30 | FCPS Superintendent Visits HMS

31 | Quarter End and Early Release

November 

Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 4 and Tuesday, November 5

9 | HMS students walk in the Homecoming parade

Find the FCPS Standard School Year calendar here.

Join our PTA today! CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!

A Message from the PTA

Join the HMS PTA – We Need You!

Our current board members have stepped down as their students are now in High School. We need new leaders to keep the HMS PTA thriving. Your involvement can help shape the future of our programs and initiatives. Sign up for a board position today!

We also need volunteers for November:🥧 Pies for Teachers – Set up a pie buffet for our wonder teachers and staff to celebrate Thanksgiving.💰 Fundraising for Teacher Grants – Help raise funds for classroom projects and fulfill teacher wish lists.

Email [email protected] to get involved, or join the PTA as a member to support our school!

Can’t volunteer? Consider joining the HMS PTA as a member. Your membership dues directly support our school programs and initiatives. Click here to join today!

This Week's Updates Box Tops is Back … But No More Clipping!

Earning funds for HMS is easy with Box Tops for Education - now available in the AppStore! Download the Box Tops app, buy Box Tops products in your regular shopping, scan your receipt, and start earning money for your school!  If you are new to Box Tops, use referral code EWQ72U5U to join and support HMS. This special referral code earns 50 Bonus Box Tops and ends on Thursday, October 31. We will be promoting Box Tops for Education all school year and hoping to raise $500!

Calling all Corporate Sponsor!

Is your business looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community? Partner with HMS PTA as a corporate sponsor and help make a difference at Herndon Middle School! Your sponsorship directly supports our PTA school programs, extracurricular activities, and events that enrich the educational experience for all students.

In return, your business will enjoy increased visibility through our events, newsletters, and social media channels, reaching a broad audience of engaged families and community members.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities and benefits, please contact us at [email protected] or visit www.hmspta.com.

Together, we can make a lasting impact on our students!

Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Join FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation this fall! Don’t miss the chance to share your thoughts and ask questions at Herndon Middle School on Wednesday, October 30, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

Whether you’re curious about FCPS funding and budgets, the use of technology in classrooms, or how FCPS is working to attract and retain top teachers, this is your opportunity to discuss the topics that matter most to you.

We hope to see you there!

Register now to attend here.

Taco Bamba Success

Thank you for supporting HMS PTA at Taco Bamba!

A big thank you to all the families who dined at Taco Bamba in Herndon to support our PTA! Your participation helps us fund important programs and initiatives for our school.

Stay tuned—more Dining for Dollars events are coming soon! We can’t wait to see you there.

Find us on Social Media

Stay connected with all the latest HMS PTA events, updates, and news by following us on Instagram, Facebook, and our recently updated website. Follow now and be the first to hear about our upcoming events! 

Instagram: herndonmiddleschoolpta

Facebook: Herndon Middle School PTA 

Website: www.hmspta.com

Did you attend an HMS event and have pictures you would like to share? Please share with us at [email protected] and we will post on our website and social channels.

Thanks for reading! With school spirit and gratitude,

Your PTA

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Week of October 29

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Attendance Dashboard

Parents can log into the Student Information System (SIS) Parent Account to view your child's attendance. For additional support with accessing and using the SIS Parent Account visit our SIS Parent Account overview page.

In This Issue MentorWorks: Pumpkin Carving and Painting Last Week's News Hearing and Vision Screening

Hearing and vision screening is scheduled for all 7th graders on Monday, October 28th and Tuesday, October 29th. Students, please remember to bring glasses to school that day!

Library Volunteers Needed

The Herndon Middle School Library hopes to enlist a dedicated pool of parent library volunteers. Library volunteering is flexible, varied, and rewarding. If YOU are interested, please complete this Interest Form by Friday, November 1st. We will follow up with an email for next steps after that date. Please be aware that in order to be a regular school volunteer, one must go through the FCPS onboarding process to ensure the safety and security of students and staff. This will involve a trip to Gatehouse office for a badge. We at HMS will help you with the process.

Stingers Robotics Club

Students, are you interested in coding, designing and making stuff, or community outreach?

Join the HMS Stingers Robotics Club on Wednesdays during B-Block from 3:15- 4:45PM to learn more. Please see Mr. Walsh with any questions!

Applications Open October 21 for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Middle school students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2029 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). 

The application will be available on the TJHSST Admissions Office webpage starting Monday, October 21, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, with a deadline to submit the application by Friday, November 15, at 4 p.m. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information.

This Week's News Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions at the final community conversation this fall. It will be held Wednesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School. Click the date to register. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Outstanding Employee Awards!

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards!

We're excited to announce the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the exceptional work of our Herndon Middle School staff through the FCPS Honors Awards program. This is a beautiful chance to highlight the dedicated individuals who positively impact our school community.

Your nominations are crucial in this process. You may nominate one employee per award category. To nominate, please complete this google form where you can provide a brief paragraph or two describing how the employee demonstrates exceptional work in one or more of the criteria for that award category

Categories include:

🌟Outstanding Teacher

🌟Outstanding New Teacher

🌟Outstanding New Principal

🌟Outstanding Leader

🌟Outstanding Professional Employee

🌟Outstanding Operational Employee

Our nomination window is from Wednesday, October 16th- Wednesday, November 6th

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 (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Battle of the Books

Our Battle of the Books team is forming!

Students: Do you love to read? Do you love to compete? Can you read 3-4 books by March? Do you love working with a team and making new friends? Join the HMS team and prepare to compete against 14 other Middle Schools on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at the Fairfax HS Fieldhouse from 6:30-8:00pm.

Our first meeting is after school on Tuesday, October 29 during Night Hawk Block A. All interested students should sign up now on the Library Schoology Page/Updates.

Picture Day Retakes

Did your student miss picture day last week? No need to worry. Picture day retakes will be on Tuesday, November 12th during lunches. Please be sure students are prepared as this is the last chance to take photos for yearbook!

Student reminder: please avoid wearing green on picture day! Details on how to view and order photos will be shared soon.

From Student Services Herndon MS Parent Coffee Series

Herndon Middle School Parents/Guardians, we invite you to join us for our upcoming Student Services Parent Coffees for the 2024-2025 school year. These conversations will take place from 9:30 to 10:15AM in the cafeteria. We look forward to seeing you there!

  • Thursday, November 14th: Parent Vue & Student Support
  • Thursday, January 16th: Academic Advising & Advanced Academics
  • Thursday, February 13th: WIDA Overview
  • Thursday, March 13th: Student Support
  • Thursday, April 10th: SOL Overview
  • Thursday, May 15th: Advisory Council

If you have questions about an upcoming Parent Coffee topic, please contact your student's school counselor or Mrs. Simpkins Church, Director of Student Services, at [email protected].

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students

Safeway Pharmacy will host immunization clinics for any FCPS student age 18 or younger at Frost Middle School on Monday, October 28, and Tuesday, October 29, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students age 18 or younger to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic

Students age 19 and older may access free immunizations at their middle/high school immunization clinic, the Fairfax County Health Department or through other community resources.

Middle and High School Clinics

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

Events Help Needed for Homecoming Parade Float

Help us build a float for the 2024 Herndon Homecoming Parade! This year's theme is Out of This World and we need your help building our Herndon Middle School float. We're collecting donations for the following supplies now through October 31st:

  • B or C flute Cardboard (Thick Cardboard)
  • Chicken Wire
  • Newspaper
  • Steel Wire
  • Paint of all colors (especially black & red)
  • Paint Brushes/Roller
  • Foam Balls

Please drop off at Herndon Middle School's main office before 7:30 am or after 2:30PM. Want to volunteer your time? Reach out to Liana Shivers at [email protected].

If you'd like to learn more about the Herndon Homecoming Parade, visit herndon-va.gov.

Fairfax HS - Robotics Club Virtual Java classes

Students from Fairfax High School will be offering a virtual workshop to middle school students in Basic Java and Advanced Java coding. They will be doing this as their fundraiser for buying supplies to build their robot and pay competition fees. 

If interested, please register by scanning the QR code or by using this link!

INTEGIRLS DC 2024 Winter Math Competition

The D.C. chapter of INTEGIRLS is hosting a beginner-friendly, in-person math competition Saturday, December 14th from 9-4PM at the Bioscience Education Center at Montgomery College Germantown Campus! Our mission at INTEGIRLS is to encourage girls and non-binaries in STEM fields through math competitions and events. This year, we will have math competition rounds (individual and team), an estimathon, a speaker event, awards ceremony, provided lunch, and lots of fun STEM activities. Teams of up to 4 students will be able to connect with and enjoy math with other girls and non-binaries around the DMV. There will be a lot of prizes and fun swag for all participants.

Register here directly or go to the INTEGIRLS D.C. website (dc.integirls.org) to learn more about the competition.

Calendar October

30 | Superintendent Community Conversation at Herndon MS at 6:30PM

31| Quarter 1 Ends/Early Release

November

Native American Heritage Month

1 | Diwali (Holiday)

3 | Daylight Saving Time Ends (Fall Back)

5 | Election Day (Teacher Work Day)

9 | Herndon Homecoming Parade 7-12PM

11 | Veterans Day

11-15 | National School Psychology Week

Quarter End, Early Release, Diwali/Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day, Student Holidays

Thursday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students.

Friday, November 1, is a holiday this year for Diwali and Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day. All schools and offices will be closed.

Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday.

See the complete school year calendar.

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

Daylight Saving Time Ends (Fall Back)

This Sunday, November 3, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time ends. Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour!

Veterans Day

Monday, November 11, is a holiday and schools will be closed for students.

Veterans Day provides a great reason to pause, reflect, and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices our Veterans and their families have made on our behalf, and we thank them for their service.

Learn more about the history of Veterans Day at va.gov.

Helpful Links FCPS Cares

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Grade-level Team Celebration

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Grade-Level Team Celebration

We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has contributed to our grade-level team celebration on Thursday, October 31st. Your ongoing support for our students truly makes a difference and does not go unnoticed!!

Parents/Guardians, if you’d still like to donate candy, snacks, or any other peanut-free treats before Monday, October 28th, please click on one of the Amazon wish lists below or scan the QR Code above.

7th Grade Team Wish List

8th Grade Team Wish List

Thank you so much!

Helpful Links FCPS Cares

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

PTA Announcement - October 23

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In This Issue Calendar October

23 | Fundraiser at Taco Bamba (Herndon location)

30 | FCPS Superintendent Visits HMS

31 | Quarter End and Early Release

November 

9 | HMS students walk in the Homecoming parade

Find the FCPS Standard School Year calendar here.

Join our PTA today! CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!

Restaurant Nights

Today! Wednesday, October 23, 2024. 

Help us raise funds for the PTA by dining at Taco Bamba (2415 Centreville Rd, Herndon). Taco Bamba is a wildly popular chain of taquerias that has developed a cult following for its counter-culture brand. Explore the menu with creative versions of traditional tacos plus ceviches, empanadas, quesadillas, tortas, and more.

Dine with Taco Bamba on Wednesday, October 23 and 20% of all mobile, dine-in, and drive-thru sales will be donated to Herndon Middle School PTA!

Don’t forget to use the online "Coupon" Code: GIVE20 or mention HMS PTA when you order in person.

A Message from the PTA Urgent: Join the HMS PTA Board!

Unfortunately, our current board members have children who have graduated from HMS, and we need to ensure the PTA remains active and engaged. Your involvement is crucial to the success of our school programs and initiatives.

  • Take on a leadership role with a board position – Help shape the direction of our PTA. Find the Board Position Sign-up here.

Calling Volunteers for the month of November!

We’re so grateful to all the families who have generously volunteered their time to support our school. Your efforts have made a tremendous difference!

We are seeking volunteers and leaders for November:

  • Pies for Teachers: Help bake or buy and deliver pies to our amazing teachers as a token of our appreciation. We’re also seeking leaders to coordinate the baking and distribution.
  • Fundraising for Teacher Grants: Assist with fundraising activities to support teacher grants for innovative classroom projects. We need leaders to oversee the fundraising efforts.

Why not grab a friend and sign up together? Volunteering with us is a fantastic way to connect with other families in our community and make a positive impact on HMS. 

Please email [email protected] with with subject line “Pies for Teachers” or “Fundraising for Teacher Grants”

Can’t volunteer? Consider joining the HMS PTA as a member. Your membership dues directly support our school programs and initiatives. Click here to join today!

Let’s work together to make HMS the best it can be!

This Week's Updates Become a Corporate Sponsor!

Is your business looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community? Partner with HMS PTA as a corporate sponsor and help make a difference at Herndon Middle School! Your sponsorship directly supports our PTA school programs, extracurricular activities, and events that enrich the educational experience for all students.

In return, your business will enjoy increased visibility through our events, newsletters, and social media channels, reaching a broad audience of engaged families and community members.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities and benefits, please contact us at [email protected] or visit www.hmspta.com.

Together, we can make a lasting impact on our students!

Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Join FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation this fall! Don’t miss the chance to share your thoughts and ask questions at Herndon Middle School on Wednesday, October 30, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

Whether you’re curious about FCPS funding and budgets, the use of technology in classrooms, or how FCPS is working to attract and retain top teachers, this is your opportunity to discuss the topics that matter most to you.

We hope to see you there!

Register now to attend here.

Box Tops for Education

Earning funds for HMS is easy with Box Tops for Education - now available in the AppStore! Download the Box Tops app, buy Box Tops products in your regular shopping, scan your receipt, and start earning money for your school!  If you are new to Box Tops, use referral code EWQ72U5U to join and support HMS. This special referral code earns 50 Bonus Box Tops and ends on Thursday, October 31.

Find us on Social Media

Stay connected with all the latest HMS PTA events, updates, and news by following us on Instagram, Facebook, and our recently updated website. Follow now and be the first to hear about our upcoming events! 

Instagram: herndonmiddleschoolpta

Facebook: Herndon Middle School PTA 

Website: www.hmspta.com

Did you attend an HMS event and have pictures you would like to share? Please share with us at [email protected] and we will post on our website and social channels.

Thanks for reading! With school spirit and gratitude,

Your PTA

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Week of October 22

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In This Issue Last Week's News Picture Day is Coming

Get ready to smile—School Picture Day is just around the corner! 

Dates: Thursday, October 24th and Friday, October 25th

Location: Student's PE Class

Retakes: Tuesday, November 12th

A quick reminder for students: please avoid wearing green on picture day! More details on how to access and order your photos will be shared soon.

Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

This Week's News Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is hosting a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the date below to register for the following conversation:

Event will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Outstanding Employee Awards!

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards!

We're excited to announce the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the exceptional work of our Herndon Middle School staff through the FCPS Honors Awards program. This is a beautiful chance to highlight the dedicated individuals who positively impact our school community.

Your nominations are crucial in this process. You may nominate one employee per award category. To nominate, please complete this google form where you can provide a brief paragraph or two describing how the employee demonstrates exceptional work in one or more of the criteria for that award category

Categories include:

🌟Outstanding Teacher

🌟Outstanding New Teacher

🌟Outstanding New Principal

🌟Outstanding Leader

🌟Outstanding Professional Employee

🌟Outstanding Operational Employee

Our nomination window is from Wednesday, October 16th- Wednesday, November 6th

Grade-Level Team Celebration

Parents/guardians, we’d love your help with a fun team-building activity for our 7th and 8th grader students on Thursday, October 31st, during Homeroom! If you’re able, please consider donating candy, snacks, or other peanut-free treats. You can find our Amazon wish list for easy shopping, or feel free to drop off items in the main office before Monday, October 28th.

Thank you so much for your ongoing support—we truly appreciate it!

7th Grade Team Wish List

8th Grade Team Wish List

Library Volunteers Needed

The Herndon Middle School Library hopes to enlist a dedicated pool of parent library volunteers. Library volunteering is flexible, varied, and rewarding. If YOU are interested, please complete this Interest Form by Friday, November 1st. We will follow up with an email for next steps after that date. Please be aware that in order to be a regular school volunteer, one must go through the FCPS onboarding process to ensure the safety and security of students and staff. This will involve a trip to Gatehouse office for a badge. We at HMS will help you with the process.

Hearing and Vision Screening

Hearing and vision screening is scheduled for all 7th graders on Monday, October 28th and Tuesday, October 29th. Students, please remember to bring glasses to school that day!

Hard Drive Heist

Students, are you ready to make a difference? Join us for a hands-on learning experience where you can help reduce e-waste and earn service hours!

Why participate?

  • Learn a new skill
  • Help the environment
  • Reduce e-waste and contribute to a greener future
  • Support your community

When: Monday, October 28th during A and B Block
Where: Tech 2 (Mr. Walsh's Room)

Stingers Robotics Club

Students, are you interested in coding, designing and making stuff, or community outreach?

Join the HMS Stingers Robotics Club on Wednesdays during B-Block from 3:15- 4:45PM to learn more. Please see Mr. Walsh with any questions!

Applications Open October 21 for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Middle school students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2029 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). 

The application will be available on the TJHSST Admissions Office webpage starting Monday, October 21, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, with a deadline to submit the application by Friday, November 15, at 4 p.m. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information.

From Student Services Herndon MS Parent Coffee Series

Herndon Middle School Parents/Guardians, we invite you to join us for our upcoming Student Services Parent Coffees for the 2024-2025 school year. These conversations will take place from 9:30 to 10:15AM in the cafeteria. We look forward to seeing you there!

  • Wednesday, October 23rd: Chronic Absenteeism & Edufuturo
  • Thursday, November 14th: Parent Vue & Student Support
  • Thursday, January 16th: Academic Advising & Advanced Academics
  • Thursday, February 13th: WIDA Overview
  • Thursday, March 13th: Student Support
  • Thursday, April 10th: SOL Overview
  • Thursday, May 15th: Advisory Council

If you have questions about an upcoming Parent Coffee topic, please contact your student's school counselor or Mrs. Simpkins Church, Director of Student Services, at [email protected].

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students

Safeway Pharmacy will host immunization clinics for any FCPS student age 18 or younger at Frost Middle School on Monday, October 28, and Tuesday, October 29, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students age 18 or younger to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic

Students age 19 and older may access free immunizations at their middle/high school immunization clinic, the Fairfax County Health Department or through other community resources.

Middle and High School Clinics

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

Events Help Needed for Homecoming Parade Float

Help us build a float for the 2024 Herndon Homecoming Parade! This year's theme is Out of This World and we need your help building our Herndon Middle School float. We're collecting donations for the following supplies now through October 31st:

  • B or C flute Cardboard (Thick Cardboard)
  • Chicken Wire
  • Newspaper
  • Steel Wire
  • Paint of all colors (especially black & red)
  • Paint Brushes/Roller
  • Foam Balls

Please drop off at Herndon Middle School's main office before 7:30 am or after 2:30PM. Want to volunteer your time? Reach out to Liana Shivers at [email protected].

If you'd like to learn more about the Herndon Homecoming Parade, visit herndon-va.gov.

Fairfax HS - Robotics Club Virtual Java classes

Students from Fairfax High School will be offering a virtual workshop to middle school students in Basic Java and Advanced Java coding. They will be doing this as their fundraiser for buying supplies to build their robot and pay competition fees. 

If interested, please register by scanning the QR code or by using this link!

INTEGIRLS DC 2024 Winter Math Competition

The D.C. chapter of INTEGIRLS is hosting a beginner-friendly, in-person math competition Saturday, December 14th from 9-4PM at the Bioscience Education Center at Montgomery College Germantown Campus! Our mission at INTEGIRLS is to encourage girls and non-binaries in STEM fields through math competitions and events. This year, we will have math competition rounds (individual and team), an estimathon, a speaker event, awards ceremony, provided lunch, and lots of fun STEM activities. Teams of up to 4 students will be able to connect with and enjoy math with other girls and non-binaries around the DMV. There will be a lot of prizes and fun swag for all participants.

Register here directly or go to the INTEGIRLS D.C. website (dc.integirls.org) to learn more about the competition.

Calendar October

Disability History and Awareness Month

National Bullying Prevention Month

24 | MentorWorks Pumpkin Carving & Painting Event

24 & 25 | Picture Day

28 | Choral Pyramid Concert at Herndon HS at 7:00PM

30 | Superintendent Community Conversation at Herndon MS at 6:30PM

31| Quarter 1 Ends/Early Release

Quarter End, Early Release, Diwali/Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day, Student Holidays

Thursday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students.

Friday, November 1, is a holiday this year for Diwali and Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day. All schools and offices will be closed.

Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday.

See the complete school year calendar.

Attendance Dashboard Weekly Attendance Update | October 22nd Tips on How Families Can Help Did you know?
  • Regular school attendance in elementary school improves the chances that your child will read on grade level.
  • Chronic absenteeism (missing 18 or more school days per year) is a primary cause of lower academic achievement even when the absences are "excused" or understandable.
  • Students who attend 90% or more of the school year are more likely to graduate from high school on time.
  • Absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school work, dealing with peer conflicts or facing some other potentially serious difficulty, and help is available. 
Helpful Links FCPS Cares

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

PTA Announcement - October 16

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In This Issue Calendar October

Custodian Appreciation

23 | Fundraiser at Taco Bamba (Herndon location)

30 | FCPS Superintendent Visits HMS

31 | Quarter End and Early Release

November 

9 | HMS students walk in the Homecoming parade

Find the FCPS Standard School Year calendar here.

Join our PTA today! CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!

A Message from the PTA

Thanks to all the families who have volunteered with us so far. We still need help in a few ways. Why not check out the vacancies and find a friend who will volunteer with you?

Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Take on a leadership role with a board position – Help shape the direction of our PTA.Find the Board Position Sign-up here.
  • Lend a hand as a committee or event volunteer – Have fun while making a difference behind the scenes! Find the Committee Sign-up here.

Volunteering with us is a rewarding way to connect with other families and make a positive impact on our school. We’re a welcoming, friendly group that loves to collaborate and make HMS the best it can be.

If you can’t volunteer, please join the HMS PTA as a member. Your membership helps our school directly. Click here to join today!

This Week's Updates Become a Corporate Sponsor!

Is your business looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community? Partner with HMS PTA as a corporate sponsor and help make a difference at Herndon Middle School! Your sponsorship directly supports our PTA school programs, extracurricular activities, and events that enrich the educational experience for all students.

In return, your business will enjoy increased visibility through our events, newsletters, and social media channels, reaching a broad audience of engaged families and community members.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities and benefits, please contact us at [email protected] or visit www.hmspta.com.

Together, we can make a lasting impact on our students!

Restaurant Nights

Save the date! Wednesday, October 23, 2024. 

Help us raise funds for the PTA by dining at Taco Bamba (2415 Centreville Rd, Herndon). Taco Bamba is a wildly popular chain of taquerias that has developed a cult following for its counter-culture brand. Explore the menu with creative versions of traditional tacos plus ceviches, empanadas, quesadillas, tortas, and more.

Dine with Taco Bamba on Wednesday, October 23 and 20% of all mobile, dine-in, and drive-thru sales will be donated to Herndon Middle School PTA!

Don’t forget to use the online "Coupon" Code: GIVE20 or mention HMS PTA when you order in person.

Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Join FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation this fall! Don’t miss the chance to share your thoughts and ask questions at Herndon Middle School on Wednesday, October 30, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

Whether you’re curious about FCPS funding and budgets, the use of technology in classrooms, or how FCPS is working to attract and retain top teachers, this is your opportunity to discuss the topics that matter most to you.

We hope to see you there!

Register now to attend here.

Box Tops for Education

Earning funds for HMS is easy with Box Tops for Education - now available in the AppStore! Download the Box Tops app, buy Box Tops products in your regular shopping, scan your receipt, and start earning money for your school!  If you are new to Box Tops, use referral code EWQ72U5U to join and support HMS. This special referral code earns 50 Bonus Box Tops and ends on Thursday, October 31.

Find us on Social Media

Stay connected with all the latest HMS PTA events, updates, and news by following us on Instagram, Facebook, and our recently updated website. Follow now and be the first to hear about our upcoming events! 

Instagram: herndonmiddleschoolpta

Facebook: Herndon Middle School PTA 

Website: www.hmspta.com

Did you attend an HMS event and have pictures you would like to share? Please share with us at [email protected] and we will post on our website and social channels.

Thanks for reading! With school spirit and gratitude,

Your PTA

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Week of October 14

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In This Issue Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Monday, October 14, is a student holiday and staff development day for Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Last Week's News The 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

Picture Day is Coming

Get ready to smile—School Picture Day is just around the corner! 

Dates: Thursday, October 24th and Friday, October 25th

Location: Student's PE Class

Retakes: Tuesday, November 12th

A quick reminder for students: please avoid wearing green on picture day! More details on how to access and order your photos will be shared soon.

Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on: 

  • Monday, October 28th: 3-7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

Middle and High School Clinics

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

This Week's News Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Celebrating the Power of School Lunches

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 School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. Also, new menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback. 

Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? Nutrition Services now has printable menus.

Help Needed for Homecoming Parade Float

Help us build a float for the 2024 Herndon Homecoming Parade! This year's theme is Out of This World and we need your help building our Herndon Middle School float. We're collecting donations for the following supplies now through October 31st:

  • B or C flute Cardboard (Thick Cardboard)
  • Chicken Wire
  • Newspaper
  • Steel Wire
  • Paint of all colors (especially black & red)
  • Paint Brushes/Roller
  • Foam Balls

Please drop off at Herndon Middle School's main office before 7:30 am or after 2:30PM. Want to volunteer your time? Reach out to Liana Shivers at [email protected].

If you'd like to learn more about the Herndon Homecoming Parade, visit herndon-va.gov.

Herndon MS Parent Coffee Series

Herndon Middle School Parents/Guardians, we invite you to join us for our upcoming Student Services Parent Coffees for the 2024-2025 school year. These conversations will take place from 9:30 to 10:15AM in the cafeteria. We look forward to seeing you there!

  • Wednesday, October 23rd: Chronic Absenteeism & Edufuturo
  • Thursday, November 14th: Parent Vue & Student Support
  • Thursday, January 16th: Academic Advising & Advanced Academics
  • Thursday, February 13th: WIDA Overview
  • Thursday, March 13th: Student Support
  • Thursday, April 10th: SOL Overview
  • Thursday, May 15th: Advisory Council

If you have questions about an upcoming Parent Coffee topic, please contact your student's school counselor or Mrs. Simpkins Church, Director of Student Services, at [email protected].

Fairfax HS - Robotics Club Virtual Java classes

Students from Fairfax High School will be offering a virtual workshop to middle school students in Basic Java and Advanced Java coding. They will be doing this as their fundraiser for buying supplies to build their robot and pay competition fees. 

If interested, please register by scanning the QR code or by using this link!

INTEGIRLS DC 2024 Winter Math Competition

The D.C. chapter of INTEGIRLS is hosting a beginner-friendly, in-person math competition Saturday, December 14th from 9-4PM at the Bioscience Education Center at Montgomery College Germantown Campus! Our mission at INTEGIRLS is to encourage girls and non-binaries in STEM fields through math competitions and events. This year, we will have math competition rounds (individual and team), an estimathon, a speaker event, awards ceremony, provided lunch, and lots of fun STEM activities. Teams of up to 4 students will be able to connect with and enjoy math with other girls and non-binaries around the DMV. There will be a lot of prizes and fun swag for all participants.

Register here directly or go to the INTEGIRLS D.C. website (dc.integirls.org) to learn more about the competition.

Calendar October

Disability History and Awareness Month

National Bullying Prevention Month

19 | Cross Country Meet at Franklin at 10:30AM

24 & 25 | Picture Day

28 | Choral Pyramid Concert at Herndon HS at 7:00PM

30 | Superintendent Community Conversation at Herndon MS at 6:30PM

31| Quarter 1 Ends/Early Release

Quarter End, Early Release, Diwali/Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day, Student Holidays

Thursday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students.

Friday, November 1, is a holiday this year for Diwali and Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day. All schools and offices will be closed.

Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday.

See the complete school year calendar.

Attendance Dashboard Weekly Attendance Update | October 14th Tips on How Families Can Help Did you know?
  • Regular school attendance in elementary school improves the chances that your child will read on grade level.
  • Chronic absenteeism (missing 18 or more school days per year) is a primary cause of lower academic achievement even when the absences are "excused" or understandable.
  • Students who attend 90% or more of the school year are more likely to graduate from high school on time.
  • Absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school work, dealing with peer conflicts or facing some other potentially serious difficulty, and help is available. 
Helpful Links FCPS Cares

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

PTA Announcement - October 9

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In This Issue Calendar October

Custodian Appreciation

23 | Fundraiser at Taco Bamba (Herndon location)

30 | FCPS Superintendent visits HMS

November 

9 | HMS students walk in the Homecoming parade

Join our PTA today! CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!

A Message from the PTA

We hope you had a fantastic long weekend, filled with rest and fun! Now, let's gear up for another exciting week at HMS.

First, a big thank you to everyone who contributed to our Custodian Appreciation event! We're looking forward to celebrating our amazing custodians during the week of October 14th. A special shout-out to the volunteers leading this heartwarming event—you're truly making a difference!

But guess what? We still need more awesome volunteers like YOU!The PTA runs on the power of community, and we have so many fun and impactful events planned—but we need more helping hands to bring them to life. Whether you have a little time or a lot, there’s a role for everyone. Join the team and be part of something special!

Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Take on a leadership role with a board position – Help shape the direction of our PTA.Find the Board Position Sign-up here.
  • Lend a hand as a committee or event volunteer – Have fun while making a difference behind the scenes! Find the Committee Sign-up here.

Got ideas? We’d love to hear them! Whether it’s a new activity or ways to improve, we want your feedback. Let’s make our PTA even better, together!  [Give us your feedback here: PTA Activity Feedback Form 2024-2025]

Volunteering with us is a rewarding way to connect with other families and make a positive impact on our school. We’re a welcoming, friendly group that loves to collaborate and make HMS the best it can be. Come join the fun!

This Week's Updates Support Our School – Become a Corporate Sponsor!

Is your business looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community? Partner with HMS PTA as a corporate sponsor and help make a difference at Herndon Middle School! Your sponsorship directly supports our PTA school programs, extracurricular activities, and events that enrich the educational experience for all students.

In return, your business will enjoy increased visibility through our events, newsletters, and social media channels, reaching a broad audience of engaged families and community members.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities and benefits, please contact us at [email protected] or visit www.hmspta.com.

Together, we can make a lasting impact on our students!

Sports

Congratulations to the XC team for another awesome meet on Saturday! A huge shout-out to all the families who came out to cheer. 🏃💨 Got photos? Send them our way at [email protected] and we will share on Instagram, Facebook and our website.

It’s time to get ready for our first evening game of the year! Could it be a slam-dunk basketball match? A kickin' kickball game? Or maybe a middle school vs. staff showdown? Stay tuned for the big reveal—we’re keeping it under wraps for now!

We need your help to make it happen! Whether it’s setting up, running concessions, or cheering louder than the players, we need volunteers to make these games a success. [Volunteer for Sports Games: Click here.]

Restaurant Nights

Save the date and help us raise funds for the PTA by dining at Taco Bamba (2415 Centreville Rd, Herndon). Taco Bamba is a wildly popular chain of taquerias that has developed a cult following for its counter-culture brand. Explore the menu with creative versions of traditional tacos plus ceviches, empanadas, quesadillas, tortas, and more.

Dine on October 23, 2024 and Herndon Middle School will receive a donation of 20% of mobile, dine-in and drive-thru sales.

Don’t forget to use the online "Coupon" Code: GIVE20 or mention HMS PTA when you order in person.

Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Join FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation this fall! Don’t miss the chance to share your thoughts and ask questions at Herndon Middle School on Wednesday, October 30, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

Whether you’re curious about FCPS funding and budgets, the use of technology in classrooms, or how FCPS is working to attract and retain top teachers, this is your opportunity to discuss the topics that matter most to you.

We hope to see you there!

Register now to attend here

Find us on Social Media

Stay connected with all the latest HMS PTA events, updates, and news by following us on Instagram, Facebook, and our recently updated website. Follow now and be the first to hear about our upcoming events! 

Instagram: herndonmiddleschoolpta

Facebook: Herndon Middle School PTA 

Website: www.hmspta.com

Did you attend an HMS event and have pictures you would like to share? Please share with us at [email protected] and we will post on our website and social channels.

Thanks for reading! With school spirit and gratitude,

Your PTA

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Week of October 7

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In This Issue 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.

A Message from Principal Vereb

Hello Herndon Middle School Families,

I hope this message finds you and your family well!

Last week was a busy but rewarding one for our Herndon community. A special Shanah Tovah to our friends, students, colleagues, and community who celebrated Rosh Hashanah last week. We wish you all a happy and healthy new year. Our Hawks proudly represented us on Saturday at the Kilmer Middle School meet. Thank you to Coach Caitlin Ferrence for her continued support of our student-athletes.

We're excited to continue fostering a positive and caring environment this week. Our OneSight Vision Clinic will be here from Tuesday to Thursday, offering free eye exams and eyewear to our students and staff. It's a beautiful opportunity to support our community and ensure everyone has the tools to succeed.

Please see essential reminders and key dates below. Have a wonderful week at the Hawk's Nest!

Signs of Suicide (SOS) Screener

The SOS Screener will be administered to seventh-grade students who will receive the Signs of Suicide (SOS) wellness screening during homeroom on Tuesday, October 8th, and Thursday, October 10th. This screening allows students to assess whether they have symptoms consistent with depression and helps identify students who are at risk of suicide. We will have an adjusted bell schedule on both days.

This school year, FCPS staff are working to teach students about mental health and how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or a friend. We are using a program called Signs of Suicide (SOS). The program teaches students about this challenging topic and encourages them to seek help.

Homeroom, Intervention, and Enrichment Topics this Week
  • RAM: SEL Screener
  • Focus: Check grades, organize binders, and binder checks.
  • Intervention: CLT Directed
  • Enrichment: Student choice board
Important Dates:
  • October 14th - staff development day
  • October 24th and 25th - picture days
  • October 28th - Choral Pyramid concert 
  • October 30th - Dr. Reid will be joining us for Community Conversations in the Cafe
  • October 31st - end of the grading period and a 2-hour early release day.

Thank you once again for your continued support and partnership!

In Your Service,

Principal Monika Vereb

Last Week's News Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

Events will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events

Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.

When planning trips or family events, refer to the FCPS calendar and try to use weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.

When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence. 

Watch this video with tips on understanding our school calendar and visit our Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage

Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.

In FCPS, lessons on gun safety are built into our curriculum. It is critical that parents and guardians talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in their homes, and in any home they may visit. 

The FCPS website has gun safety resources as well as detailed information about safety and security practices at schools. See Dr. Reid’s recent letter to the community for more resources. 

Safely Store Firearms and Medications

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has a limited supply of free locking medication boxes and trigger locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. Visit the Lock and Talk website to learn more.

This Week's News The 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

Signs of Suicide (SOS) Wellness Screening

Herndon Middle School is conducting the Signs of Suicide (SOS) wellness screening onTuesday, October 8th and Thursday, October 10th with all 7th grade students during Homeroom. This free, voluntary, and confidential screening is offered to help students assess whether or not they have symptoms consistent with depression, and to identify students at-risk of suicide. Students may be opted out of this screening at a parent/guardian’s request. The opt-out information was sent via the parent digital consent system. If you would like to opt your 7th grader out of this screening, please email your students counselor.

Picture Day is Coming

Get ready to smile—School Picture Day is just around the corner! 

Dates: Thursday, October 24th and Friday, October 25th

Location: Student's PE Class

Retakes: Tuesday, November 12th

A quick reminder for students: please avoid wearing green on picture day! More details on how to access and order your photos will be shared soon.

Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on: 

  • Tuesday, October 8, 3-7 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

Middle and High School Clinics

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

Calendar October

Disability History and Awareness Month

National Bullying Prevention Month

8-10 | OneSight Eye Clinic

9 | International Walk and Roll to School Day

10 | Senior Night at 7PM at Herndon HS

11 | Yom Kippur - No Night Hawk

14 | Indigenous Peoples' Day - No School

19 | Cross Country Meet at Franklin at 10:30AM

National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition. 

Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”

For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student. 

Walk and Roll to School Day

FCPS will participate in International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 9, 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.

Yom Kippur

Friday, October 11, will be an evening-only observance day for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. There is school that day, but important events will not occur after school.

See the complete school year calendar.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Monday, October 14, is a student holiday and staff development day for Indigenous Peoples' Day.

See the complete school year calendar.

Attendance Dashboard Weekly Attendance Update | October 7th Tips on How Families Can Help Did you know?
  • Regular school attendance in elementary school improves the chances that your child will read on grade level.
  • Chronic absenteeism (missing 18 or more school days per year) is a primary cause of lower academic achievement even when the absences are "excused" or understandable.
  • Students who attend 90% or more of the school year are more likely to graduate from high school on time.
  • Absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school work, dealing with peer conflicts or facing some other potentially serious difficulty, and help is available. 
Helpful Links FCPS Cares

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

PTA Announcement - October 2

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Don’t forget to join your PTA today! CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!

In This Issue Calendar October

Custodian Appreciation

23 | Fundraiser at Taco Bamba (Herndon location)

November 

9 | HMS students walk in the Homecoming parade

This Week's Updates Message from the PTA

Alright, everyone, let's give ourselves a round of applause for surviving our first PTA meeting! Thanks for coming out and sharing your ideas on supporting our school.

We need volunteers! Let's be honest: running a PTA is like trying to herd cats. We could use a few more helping hands. Join the fun; please consider volunteering your time. We promise it won't be quite as crazy as it sounds and you won't be alone in this madness. Together, we can make our school the best it can be.

Board Position Sign-up here: CLICK HERE

Appreciating our Custodians

Help Fund Custodian Appreciation Day: If you can’t volunteer your time, please consider donating financially to fund Custodian Appreciation Day! Can you spare $5, $10, or more to support our event? Your donation will help us provide hot food for our 8 hardworking custodians.

You can send donations via Venmo to PTA President, Tatiana Reyes, @Tatiana-Reyes-9 last four digits: 6614. Every bit helps! Thank you for your support.

Making a Difference

Fill out the PTA Activity Feedback Form 2024-2025 now!  Click here

We are on a mission to find the best ideas and create some magical memories. Share your thoughts and let's work together to make our school the coolest place in town!

Committee Sign-up here: Click here

Calling all volunteers! We're still looking for some superheroes to join our committees. Are you a sports enthusiast? A teacher's pet? A fundraising whiz? Or maybe just someone who wants to make a difference?

We need your help to keep our school running smoothly and our students having fun. Sign up now and become a legend!

Sports

Hey there, sports fans! We had an awesome XC meet last Saturday. Thanks to all the families who came out and cheered on our athletes. They were flying faster than a cheetah on a caffeine buzz! Don't forget to share any pictures you took: [email protected]

Now, get ready for some serious fun! We're working on scheduling our first evening game of the year. Could it be a slam-dunk basketball matchup? A goal-scoring soccer showdown? A kickin' good time with kickball? Or maybe even a middle-school meltdown against the staff?

Stay tuned to find out! We're keeping it a secret until we're ready to spill the beans

OneSight Eye Clinic at Herndon MS

We are thrilled that OneSight will host a FREE vision clinic at Herndon MS. This clinic is a unique opportunity for students to undergo a comprehensive eye exam and, if necessary, receive eyeglasses at no cost. 

When: October 8th, 9th, and 10th 

Who: Students Only

Time: During PE Classes

Please note that there are limited spots available. You may register your student here!

If you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to contact Principal Vereb at [email protected], and Mrs. Furr at [email protected].

Restaurant Nights

Save the date and help us raise funds for the PTA by dining at Taco Bamba (2415 Centreville Rd, Herndon). Taco Bamba is a wildly popular chain of taquerias that has developed a cult following for its counter-culture brand. Explore the menu with creative versions of traditional tacos plus ceviches, empanadas, quesadillas, tortas, and more.

Dine on Wednesday, October 23 and Herndon Middle School will receive a donation of 20% of mobile, dine-in and drive-thru sales.

Don’t forget to use the online "Coupon" Code: GIVE20 or mention HMS PTA when you order in person.

Find us on Social Media

Stay connected with all the latest HMS PTA events, updates, and news by following us on Instagram, Facebook, and our recently updated website. Follow now and be the first to hear about our upcoming events! 

Instagram: herndonmiddleschoolpta

Facebook: Herndon Middle School PTA 

Website: www.hmspta.com

Did you attend an HMS event and have pictures you would like to share? Please share with us at [email protected] and we will post on our website and social channels.

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Week of September 30

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In This Issue Students at MWEE Field Trip Last week, our 7th graders and all Focus Science students participated in the MWEE (Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience) field trip! They applied their science skills to assess the health of the local ecosystem near Lake Fairfax by collecting data, sharing ideas, and analyzing their findings. A big thank you to all the parent volunteers who joined us for this enriching experience! Last Week's News We All Belong at School When a Student Should Stay Home From School

Each one of us is unique, and every student matters. If your student is having a difficult time attending class, please speak with a trusted adult at school. 

Watch this video to see how everyone belongs at school. Visit our Attendance webpage for resources on attendance. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

FCPS Trust Policy Supports Caring Culture

Fairfax County Public Schools is proud of its caring culture and strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all students and families. The FCPS Trust Policy solidifies this commitment and aligns with Fairfax County Goverment's Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy. It ensures that FCPS students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without fear that information will be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials. Please visit FCPS’ Trust Policy webpage to learn more about the policy and regulation in multiple languages.

This Week's News Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

Events will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

The 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 4: Equitable Access to Opportunities

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

The fourth goal ensures all students have the same access to opportunities, no matter what school they attend. This includes academics and other programs that inspire and engage students and allow them to explore their passions and talents. See how Goal 4 is being put into practice.

Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events

Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.

When planning trips or family events, refer to the FCPS calendar and try to use weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.

When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence. 

Watch this video with tips on understanding our school calendar and visit our Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage

Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.

In FCPS, lessons on gun safety are built into our curriculum. It is critical that parents and guardians talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in their homes, and in any home they may visit. 

The FCPS website has gun safety resources as well as detailed information about safety and security practices at schools. See Dr. Reid’s recent letter to the community for more resources. 

Safely Store Firearms and Medications

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has a limited supply of free locking medication boxes and trigger locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. Visit the Lock and Talk website to learn more.

From Student Services Signs of Suicide (SOS) Wellness Screening

Herndon Middle School is conducting the Signs of Suicide (SOS) wellness screening on Tuesday, October 8th and Thursday, 10th with all 7th grade students during Homeroom. This free, voluntary, and confidential screening is offered to help students assess whether or not they have symptoms consistent with depression, and to identify students at-risk of suicide. Students may be opted out of this screening at a parent/guardian’s request. The opt-out information was sent via the parent digital consent system. If you would like to opt your 7th grader out of this screening, please email your students counselor by Wednesday, October 2nd if you have not done so already. Please reach out to your child’s school counselor if you have any questions or concerns at this time.

Receive Credit for Proficiency in Languages

This year's World Languages Credit by Exam will be administered at each FCPS middle, high, and secondary school. 

The World Languages Credit by Exam is an optional test for students in grades 7-12 who can speak and write (type) proficiently in a language other than English. Based on the results of the exam, they can earn 1, 2, and/or 3 passing world language credits. 

Registration opens on Wednesday, September 4, at 8 a.m., and closes on Friday, October 4, at 4 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted. Please contact your student’s school counselor to register for the exam. 

Find more information, including the list of eligible languages.

Calendar October

Disability History and Awareness Month

National Bullying Prevention Month

2 | Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown

3 | Holiday - No School

4 | Teacher Workday - No School

5 | Cross Country Meet at Kilmer at 10:30AM

9 | International Walk and Roll to School Day

11 | Yom Kippur - No Night Hawk

14 | Indigenous Peoples' Day - No School

19 | Cross Country Meet at Franklin at 10:30AM

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.

National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition. 

Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”

For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student. 

Helpful Links FCPS Cares

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

PTA Announcement - September 25

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In This Issue Calendar September

25 | PTA Community Meeting, 7pm, at HMS Cafe

October

23 | Fundraiser at Taco Bamba (Herndon location)

November 

9 | HMS students walk in the Homecoming parade

This Week's Updates Reminder: General PTA Community Meeting

Join us tonight in the cafeteria for our first PTA meeting of the school year! Let's come together to enjoy light refreshments, hear an update from our principal, and learn about exciting upcoming events. Everyone is welcome!

Reminder: You don’t have to be a PTA member to attend our meetings!

If you're unable to join in person, you can participate virtually using the following link: https://meet.google.com/zdt-fdjz-ihh

Message from the PTA

What an amazing start to this school year! Our current active membership has reached 42 members! If you haven’t already, please consider joining the PTA or making a small donation. Starting at just $20 for an individual membership, your contribution will have a lasting impact on the activities and opportunities we can provide for our school community. Together, we can make a difference! 

Join your PTA today! https://herndonms.givebacks.com/

Want to make a difference in our school community? Share your ideas and let's create some magic together! Your feedback on past events and new suggestions will help us prioritize activities that resonate most with our families and ensure a positive experience for all.

Fill out the PTA Activity Feedback Form 2024-2025 now!  Click here

The PTA is cooking up some awesome events and activities this year, but we need your input to make it happen. Check out the Google form below to see all the fun committees you can join—your involvement helps us decide what's possible. Let’s make this the best year yet! 

Volunteer here: https://forms.gle/wfhk8GCjxLCxPzs87

With gratitude,

The HMS PTA

XC Home Meet

After an exciting start to the XC season last weekend it is now the turn of HMS to host the next XC meet. Come out and cheer on your friends on Saturday 28th September starting at 8:30am! The PTA will have a concession stand, serving up refreshments during the event. Don’t miss out on a fun day of racing and support! Please stop by and say hello to our volunteers! 

Restaurant Nights

Save the date and help us raise funds for the PTA by dining at Taco Bamba (2415 Centreville Rd, Herndon). Taco Bamba is a wildly popular chain of taquerias that has developed a cult following for its counter-culture brand. Explore the menu with creative versions of traditional tacos plus ceviches, empanadas, quesadillas, tortas, and more.

Dine on Wednesday, October 23 and Herndon Middle School will receive a donation of 20% of mobile, dine-in and drive-thru sales.

Don’t forget to use the online "Coupon" Code: GIVE20 or mention HMS PTA when you order in person.

Find us on Social Media

Stay connected with all the latest HMS PTA events, updates, and news by following us on Instagram, Facebook, and our recently updated website. Follow now and be the first to hear about our upcoming events! 

Instagram: herndonmiddleschoolpta

Facebook: Herndon Middle School PTA 

Website: www.hmspta.com

Did you attend an HMS event and have pictures you would like to share? Please share with us at [email protected] and we will post on our website and social channels.

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Announcements

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In This Issue Information EF Tours Info Session

Exciting News, Hawk Families! Herndon MS is heading to Italy Summer of 2025, and you're invited to join us! Mrs. Andrews will be hosting an informational meeting for parents, tonight from 6:30-7:30PM, where you can get all the details. Click here to register for the meeting.

Please note, this is a non-school sponsored trip.

OneSight Clinic at Herndon MS

We are thrilled that OneSight will host a FREE vision clinic at Herndon MS. This clinic is a unique opportunity for students to undergo a comprehensive eye exam and, if necessary, receive eyeglasses at no cost. 

When: October 8th, 9th, and 10th 

Who: Students Only

Time: During PE Classes

Please note that there are limited spots available. To register, please use the QR Code. If you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to contact Principal Vereb at [email protected], and Mrs. Furr at [email protected]

Corrected: Immunization Requirements

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia

You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office. 

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to your school’s front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:  

  • A healthcare provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
  • A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
  • A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with religious tenets or practices.

Find more information on immunizations

Scoliosis Information and Methods for Early Detection

In compliance with the Code of Virginia 22.1-273.1 and FCPS Regulation 2103, we are committed to providing essential educational information to our families. As part of this initiative, all FCPS schools will distribute a scoliosis fact sheet to the parents or guardians of students in grades 5 through 10.

We encourage all families to review this important information to support the health and well-being of our students.

Scoliosis Fact Sheet

Calendar September

Attendance Awareness Month

21-29 | Blue Star Welcome Week

23-27 | MWEE Field Trip

28 | Cross Country Meet at Herndon MS at 8:30 AM

Helpful Links FCPS Cares

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Week of September 23

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In This Issue Yoga with New Trail Cycling We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to New Trail Cycling for hosting a rejuvenating yoga session for our HMS faculty and staff this past Friday. Your calming presence brought a wonderful sense of serenity to our school, and everyone truly enjoyed the experience. Thank you for fostering wellness in our community! A Message from Principal Vereb

September 23, 2024

Hello Herndon Middle School Families,

I hope this message finds you well. I am sincerely grateful for another wonderful week at Herndon Middle School.

This week, we hosted our Think Big for Kids premier partners, who shared their invaluable insights with our students through AVID classes. Additionally, we kicked off our Capital One Coders programming premier partnership, providing students the opportunity to receive mentoring and coaching on coding for the future. Our students were also excited to receive special tech gear to enhance their learning experience.

On Thursday, we welcomed division leaders who engaged in exciting learning walks to witness the excellent work happening in our classrooms. On Friday, Dr. G.H. unveiled the exciting announcement of our Spring Musical, Matilda Jr.! Our 7th-grade grade-level teams celebrated with fun team-bonding activities and popsicles on the blacktop during homeroom.

This Tuesday evening, we’ll host parents, students, and teachers interested in the Italy Field Trip Meeting in the auditorium from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Wednesday evening, we’ll host our annual Thomas Jefferson Night in the auditorium from 6:00-7:00 PM for parents and students interested in hearing more about admissions. Thursday afternoon, we’ll host our National Junior Honors Society Meeting from 2:30-3:15 PM; see Ms. Ready with questions. We’ll host our Fresh Foods Frontier in the cafeteria from 5:00-6:30 PM on Friday. 

We eagerly anticipate our second cross-country meet this coming Saturday! Please mark your calendars for our upcoming home cross-country meet on Saturday, September 28th.

Our 7th graders will embark on a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience at Lake Fairfax from Monday to Friday. We are keeping our fingers crossed for beautiful weather! We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parents volunteering to support our school community.

Free Eye Clinic

ONESIGHT will be hosting a vision clinic at Herndon Middle School. Students will be able to receive a comprehensive eye exam and, if needed, eyeglasses at NO COST.

The clinic will take place on October 8th, 9th, and 10th, with appointments during the school day. This event is for STUDENTS ONLY and will take place during PE classes.

Limited spots are available. Please use the QR code below to register.

As we look towards October, please remember the following important dates: 

  • October 3rd is a holiday for Rosh Hashanah
  • October 4th is a teacher workday
  • October 14th is a staff development day
  • October 24th and 25th are picture days.
  • October 28th- Choral Pyramid concert 
  • October 30th- Dr. Reid will be joining us for Community Conversations in the Cafeteria.
  • October 31st marks the end of the grading period and a 2-hour early release day.

Thank you once again for your continued support and partnership.

In Your Service,

Principal Monika Vereb

Last Week's News The 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, Empowered

The Office of Food and Nutrition Services' updates to lunch menus align with FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal #2 - Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. The new menu options reflect the many voices and cultures represented around every FCPS lunch table!

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

As part of the second goal, we want each and every student to feel like they belong and have the support they need to thrive. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice.

Fueling Student Success: New Food Options Cooked up at FCPS

Students will have more than a dozen new options for lunch and breakfast in school cafeterias  starting this week. New menu items were either favorites at last year’s food show — including Korean BBQ wings, sweet Thai chili wings, chicken tikka masala, and barbacoa street tacos — or were tested with student focus groups and tastings. 

View school menus to see all the new options and when they will become available.

When a Student Should Stay Home From School

Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.

Help your child succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your child stays home if they are sick. Visit our website for information on when to keep your child at home.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school's public health staff.

Read about how families can help form good attendance habits. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

Thomas Jefferson HS Information Night

Join us on Wednesday, September 25th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the HMS Auditorium for an informative evening designed for 8th grade parents. Discover details about the admissions process and explore the exciting fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics!

Herndon MS Technology Update

When a student comes to the tech office with a cracked screen or a physically broken laptop and it’s their 1st offense, we will issue a warning & email home along with the student’s Admin and Grade Level Dean.

If it’s their 2nd offense cracking the screen or breaking the laptop, an email will be sent home, and we will present the $50 technology fee to the family.

Lastly, if a student forgets to bring their laptop with them to school, we will ask for their cell phone as collateral to ensure we get the borrowed laptop back.

For more information, please visit Student Device Responsible Use Guidelines

This Week's News Blue Star Welcome Week

Every year, approximately 600,000 military-connected families relocate. Most of these families move to new duty stations, while some transition out of the military and others transition in. Most of these moves take place over the summer, and Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring our military families feel welcomed and a sense of belonging to their local community.

Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity for our community to welcome our military-connected families and show them our appreciation for their service and sacrifices. Throughout the week, FCPS will help ease their transition through events, messages, actions of welcome, and opportunities to make meaningful connections. Please help us welcome our military families during Blue Star Welcome Week, September 21 - September 29, 2024, and throughout the year! #BlueStarWelcomeWeekFCPS

The 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful. For example, making sure they are readers by third grade and taking courses that challenge them throughout their education will help prepare them for lifelong success. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice

Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

Events will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

We All Belong at School

Each one of us is unique, and every student matters. If your student is having a difficult time attending class, please speak with a trusted adult at school. 

Watch this video to see how everyone belongs at school. Visit our Attendance webpage for resources on attendance. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

FCPS Trust Policy Supports Caring Culture

Fairfax County Public Schools is proud of its caring culture and strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all students and families. The FCPS Trust Policy solidifies this commitment and aligns with Fairfax County Goverment's Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy. It ensures that FCPS students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without fear that information will be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials. Please visit FCPS’ Trust Policy webpage to learn more about the policy and regulation in multiple languages.

Join Herndon MS in Italy

Exciting News, Hawk Families! Herndon MS is heading to Italy Summer of 2025, and you're invited to join us! Mrs. Andrews will be hosting an informational meeting for parents, tomorrow, September 24th from 6:30-7:30PM, where you can get all the details. Click here to register for the meeting.

Please note, this is a non-school sponsored trip.

From Student Services Parent/Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms?

We understand that the multiple school forms caregivers receive during the first weeks of school can feel overwhelming, but each one helps set your child up for a successful school year! If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, please contact your child’s school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.

Immunization Requirements 

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office. 

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to your school’s front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:  

  • A healthcare provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
  • A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
  • A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with religious tenets or practices.

Find more information on immunizations

Permission Forms

Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Parents can opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool

Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)

The SR&R document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when logging in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage. This form should be signed and returned by Friday, September 30.

Receive Credit for Proficiency in Languages

This year's World Languages Credit by Exam will be administered at each FCPS middle, high, and secondary school. 

The World Languages Credit by Exam is an optional test for students in grades 7-12 who can speak and write (type) proficiently in a language other than English. Based on the results of the exam, they can earn 1, 2, and/or 3 passing world language credits. 

Registration opens on Wednesday, September 4, at 8 a.m., and closes on Friday, October 4, at 4 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted. Please contact your student’s school counselor to register for the exam. 

Find more information, including the list of eligible languages.

Calendar September

Attendance Awareness Month

21-29 | Blue Star Welcome Week

23-27 | MWEE Field Trip

28 | Cross Country Meet at Herndon MS at 8:30 AM

Helpful Links FCPS Cares

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

901 Locust St. Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-904-4800
Attendance: 703-904-4848 | Web | Twitter | Facebook