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In This Issue
Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
Students are meeting with their counselors to discuss course selection for the next school year. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to actively participate in this important process.
As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:
- Current academic strengths and habits.
- Graduation requirements (high school students.
- Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
- Personal well-being.
- Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.
School-life balance is an important consideration for students as they strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.
Reporting Student Absences
We are committed to partnering with families to promote positive attendance habits. Any day that your child is unable to attend school, parents should report the absence. By reporting absences, families are partnering with our staff so that everyone can make sure students are supported and have access to resources.
Full-day absences can be reported in SIS ParentVUE. Parents can also report absences by calling our school attendance line at 703-904-4848 or emailing HerndonMiddle.Attendance@fcps.edu. School staff will call parents if students are absent, and our school has not been notified in advance.
Parents can monitor their child’s attendance records in SIS ParentVUE.
Attendance Codes in SIS ParentVUE Explained
Attendance codes in SIS ParentVUE are assigned by school staff to better identify the reasons behind student absences. This allows us to respond thoughtfully and provide appropriate support. Visit the FCPS Attendance Policy webpage to learn more about the codes.
Superintendent Presents Recommendation for Boundary Changes
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid recommended proposed boundary changes to the School Board at its January 8 board meeting. Meeting materials include:
The School Board will hold a public hearing on the Proposed FY 2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) on Tuesday, January 13, at 6 p.m., in the Jackson Middle School auditorium. Speakers may address the FY 2027 CIP or the proposed school boundary adjustments. If you would like to testify regarding the proposed school boundary adjustments, you may arrive 45 minutes before the hearing begins (5:15 p.m.) to sign up to speak in person. You will be placed at the end of the speaker queue.
The School Board will vote on the superintendent’s recommendation for boundary changes and implementation on Thursday, January 22. Learn more about the comprehensive boundary review.
Follow Our Budget Process
Encourage your neighbors, friends, and community members to follow the FCPS budget process and look for opportunities to share your ideas about funding public education. On Thursday, January 22, Dr. Reid will present the proposed budget to the School Board.
Visit our budget webpage for more information.
Special Education Information Night
Join us on Thursday, January 22 at 6:00 PM in the HMS Library for an informational evening focused on supporting families of students who receive special education services. We’ll review available programs, supports, and resources, and set aside time for questions to help families better understand how we partner to meet each student’s needs.
Rising 8th Grade Advanced Academic Program Curriculum Night
Join us on Thursday, January 22 at 6:00 PM for the AAP Curriculum Night to explore what lies ahead in 8th grade! The evening will include an overview of advanced coursework, academic expectations, and how the 8th grade AAP program supports critical thinking and student growth.
Referees for After-School Intramural Sports Needed
Help referee Herndon Middle School After-School Program intramural games!
We are looking for energetic volunteers* to referee the following sports: Basketball, Futsal**, and Volleyball on Thursdays, 3:15 to 4:50 PM. Choose your preferred sport, and help support our student-athletes while keeping the games fair, positive, safe, and fun!
Interested? Contact Liana Shivers at lshivers@fcps.edu or 703-904-4819.
*Volunteering is open to community members and FCPS students. FCPS staff are eligible for pay at Hourly Band 7.
**Preference for futsal will be given to referees bilingual in Spanish & English.
Join Herndon High School for Youth Night!
Herndon High School is inviting youth to join them for their big basketball game on Friday, January 23. Girls play at 5:45 pm and boys at 7:15 pm. Kids wear a jersey and enter for free, but bring a paying adult. Meet at the Herndon High School gym!
When Should Your Child Stay Home?
Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit the FCPS website for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school to minimize impacts on learning.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to let us know so we can provide assistance, if needed.
Healthy Habits to Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs
Fairfax County is seeing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. Visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings.
Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year.
Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website.
Meal Accommodations Provide Safe, Nutritious Meals
FCPS’s Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to school meals that are safe, nutritious, and meet their individual dietary needs.
FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school. To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.
Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a menu for your child.
Did Your Student Get a New Phone or Device?
For a distraction-free start to the New Year, please remind your student about FCPS' policy for cell phones and personal devices. This policy helps students focus, interact more with their peers and teachers, and build independent problem-solving skills.
Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including:
- Exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.
- Cell phone use on buses and field trips.
- Consequences for cell phone policy violations.
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office.
Enhancing Safety and Security for Staff and Students
School safety and security are being enhanced across FCPS with a new emergency management system. The system includes sensors installed in schools and a wearable emergency response button (ERB) for staff.
The button allows staff to quickly and discreetly request help and, once pressed, they provide location information within the school. The ERB will only work on school grounds and does not rely on cellular service. It is not meant to replace calling 911, but is an additional safety tool that can be used if calling 911 may not be safe or practical.
Learn more about the emergency management system. You may submit questions to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.
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