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2025-26 FCPS School Calendar
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  Message from Principal Vereb
Principal Reflections from the Hive
This week reminded us of the strength, care, and professionalism that define the Herndon Elementary community—even when circumstances shift our plans.
Following the snow and ice storm over the weekend, I want to begin by sharing my deep gratitude for our Herndon ES custodial team. Their dedication and hard work, often behind the scenes, ensured that our campus was prepared for a safe return for students, staff, and families. Their commitment to safety and care for our community does not go unnoticed, and we are thankful for all they do. As an additional gesture of appreciation, we will be stocking the custodial team lounge once school reopens. Families or staff who wish to contribute items of appreciation may drop them off at the main office. We will collect and share these items with our custodial team as a way to show our gratitude and care.
Despite weather-related adjustments, important work continued across our school. The Admin Team and Mrs. Flora met with Shockey Construction and the Cooper Carry Architecture and Design team during our biweekly modernization meeting to review progress and next steps. It is exciting to see our vision for a modernized Herndon ES continue to take shape—work that will ultimately support student learning, collaboration, and community for years to come.
This week, our administrative team also co-facilitated professional learning focused on Inclusive Education, aligned with FCPS priorities and our 2030 Strategic Plan. Together, we began—or continued—our learning around increasing inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities, deepening our understanding of the what, why, and how of inclusive practices alongside the Inclusive Schooling consultants. Most importantly, we made connections to our own classrooms and reflected on next steps to ensure all students are supported, valued, and successful.
Our instructional focus remained strong as well. I participated in professional learning and planning connected to literacy and Walk to Read through third grade, and I could not be more proud of the student growth reflected in our data. These results are a testament to our students’ hard work, our staff’s expertise, and our shared commitment to using data intentionally to drive instruction.
On Friday, staff engaged in a Teacher Work Day, creating time for planning, reflection, and preparation. At the same time, our newly formed administrative team participated in a half-day retreat. Following the retreat, we spent time selecting furniture for our modernized building, strengthening our team collaboration, and working with our Elementary Math Resource Teachers (EMRTs) to plan for upcoming MAP data dialogue that will take place during our February all-staff community meeting.
Even in a week shaped by winter weather, our collective focus on student growth, inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement remained strong. Thank you for your flexibility, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to our students and one another.
Together, we continue to lead in the light and learn best in community.
With gratitude,
Dr. Monika Vereb
Principal, Herndon Elementary School | 
