Good evening, Holmes Families!

We had a busy week at Holmes!  3rd quarter is in full swing!  We have a full week next week as well:

• WIDA testing beginning for students identified as English Learners.  Students will take 4 parts of the test:
  • 2/14 & 2/16: Reading & Listening
  • 2/15 & 2/17: Writing
  • 2/21-2/28: Speaking
• Valentine's Day on Tuesday, 2/14 (this is always an exciting day in middle school!) 
• School Resource Officer Day is Wednesday, 2/15!  We love our SRO Officer Harvey who goes above and beyond for students every day!!
• Friday, 2/17 is not only our Parent Coffee for the month, but it is also Random Acts of Kindness Day!!  Check out the site with your students to see how they can bring more kindness and caring to Holmes!

Speaking of Kindness...

I reminded students this week that I expect school to be a safe space for all students at all times.  We know that part of the challenge of this time for students developmentally is navigating the social dynamics at school.  Our staff is here to support and help students through that and learn how to manage conflict.  Part of that support and help is also to ensure that we are acting swiftly when we get reports of bullying, harassment, or hate speech of any kind.  Any derogatory language used towards staff or students about race, gender, religion, nationality, appearance, etc. will not be tolerated, should be reported to administration immediately, and will result in serious disciplinary consequences.  

Academic Advising for Rising 9^th Graders Going to Edison Next Year

On Monday, February 13^th, from 7:45 a.m. – 10:35 a.m in the Lecture Hall, Edison Counselors will be coming in to meet with 8^th graders who will be going to Edison next year in order to select their classes. Students received passes this afternoon with their specific advising time and a booklet of the courses they can select from.  Check out the course selection video here for additional information on selecting classes and high school.

Early Identification Program 

WHAT: The Early Identification Program (EIP) is a multiyear (5 year) college preparatory program for students who will be the first in their family to attend a four-year college in the United States.  EIP is a collaborative effort between Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and George Mason University (GMU). The EIP is one of four programs that comprise the College Success Programs in FCPS. EIP goes from 8^th grade through 12^th grade.

HOW:   Nominated students apply to the program at the end of the 7^th grade and enter the program in the 8^th grade. 

Student Participation:

• To remain in good standing, EIP students must: 

1. Maintain a 2.8 GPA
2. Attend specified activities/events on Saturdays at GMU Fairfax or Manassas campus
3. Attend weekly mentoring / tutoring sessions at FCPS school or GMU Fairfax campus
4. Attend the three-week Summer Academy at GMU Fairfax campus every July
5. Participate in the Strengthening the Family Workshop

DEADLINE:  School-based EIP sponsors must submit a list of nominated students to the EIP by February 21, 2022.

INTERESTED /  QUESTIONS?  Please complete the EIP Information Google Form if you are interested:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSds4Y1E4AvEbErCws2UtkQacoQyXosd-lFU69bxasl7QmIEKQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Contact Ms. Amarir, School Counselor and EIP Sponsor at 703-658-5942 or via email at @email with any questions.

February Parent Coffee 

Join our Parent Coffee on Friday, February 17, 2023, 9am-10am. We encourage you to join in-person to connect with other parents and school staff or virtually via Zoom.

Zoom Link:  https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/99249668525 

We will have Amharic, Arabic, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese interpreters.      

Introducing... Eighth Grade Personal Ads

The yearbook staff wants to offer you the opportunity to honor your eighth grader as they move up to

high school. Surprise your student with a personal ad in the yearbook. These special messages can

be from parents, grandparents, siblings or even pets. You may purchase more than one ad; however,

please submit a separate form for each ad. Each ad will be the size shown below. Ads cost $15 each and is due Friday, March 3, 2023.

Here are today's newsletter topics:

Holmes Updates

• Student Services Information
• 2022-23 Blue/White Calendar (UPDATED!!)
• 2022-23 Bell Schedule
• After School Schedule Next Week
• Holmes MS PTA
• From Ms. Oncho, Our Family Liaison
• Testing Information & Quarter 3 Testing Windows 
• Important Upcoming Dates
• How to Stay Connected to Holmes MS

FCPS & Community Updates

• Find Free COVID-19 Testing in Your Community
• Have a Say on Our Future!
• Special Education Enhancement Plan: Feedback Opportunity
• Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible Students 
• Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service! 
• Youth Substance Use Presentations
• Summer Camps & Learning Opportunities
• Stay Connected with FCPS

Please feel free to reach out and let us know what questions you have.  Thank you, and have a wonderful break!

Sincerely,

Margaret Barnes

Proud Principal, Holmes MS

@email

#TeamHolmes

HOLMES UPDATES

Student Services Information

2022-23 Blue/White Calendar (UPDATED)

Please note the update to the blue/white calendar below for the week of 2/27-3/3.  There was an error on the previous version.  The schedule for that week will be as follows:

• Monday, 2/27 - Blue Day
• Tuesday, 2/28 - White Day
• Wednesday, 3/1 - Blue Day
• Thursday, 3/2 - ACTIVITY DAY (alternative schedule) / 2-hour early release
• Friday, 3/3 - STUDENT HOLIDAY / School Planning Day
• Monday, 3/6 - White Day

From Mr. Kruk, our After School Specialist

After-School Program Weekly News & Notes from 2/6-2/10

News & Notes

Student(s) of the Week

• The After-School Program Student of the week: Jennifer Cruz Cardona
• Jennifer was nominated by our staff because of her commitment to several clubs including Soccer League, Fashion Figures, Fitness, & All About Me.
• “Jennifer arrives each day with a smile on her face and positive attitude. She is awesome!” – ASP Staff
• Great Job Jennifer!

 New Clubs starting this week!

• Lego Rocket Builders (Monday)
• Capital One Coders (Wednesday)

 After-School Action

• Students had a great time during our first Friday Cards & Games club.

After School Schedule 2/13-2/17

Students Leaving After-School before 4:45

• • Any student staying after school must be signed out of the main office by a parent or guardian if leaving prior to 4:45.
  • Walkers may sign themselves out any time after 3:30 when first block ends.

Questions/Concerns

Contact the After-School Specialist, Matt Kruk, @email

Holmes MS PTA

We invite EVERY family at Holmes to participate in the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) because we can do more together! Advocate for your child, and for all the children at Holmes.  Connect with other parents, so that we can build a stronger community for ourselves and our children. This year, the Holmes PTA is planning on holding in-person meetings again, so you can meet face-to-face with other parents and with Ms. Barnes.  We're also planning restaurant nights, Bingo Nights, a Fun Run, Teacher Appreciation Week, and so much more!

• Are you able to volunteer?  Submit this Google form
• Want to order Spiritwear

Donate to our PTA's upcoming raffles and fundraising 

From Ms. Oncho, Our Family Liaison

Healthy Social Connections: Middle & High School Classes

• • Register now for CATCH My Breath and Healthy Relationships Plus classes for middle and high school students.
  • Teens are invited to join in Formed Families Forward's Winter and Spring classes, held Tuesday evenings at Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax City. Classes are led by trained young adult facilitators and use activities and peer connections to encourage healthy choices.
  • Registration is FREE and participants who attend regularly earn gift cards. Dinner is served too!

February Webinars and Events for Parents

FCPS’ Parent Resource Center (PRC) is dedicated to helping adults support the success of all students. The PRC will present the following webinars in February: 

• Wednesday, February 15, at 6:30 p.m., What should I do before my child grows up? 

• Friday, February 17, and Friday, February 24, at 10 a.m., Supporting Mental Health Through Play

Click on the title for more information and to register.

Parent Coffee - 2/17, 9-10 am

Testing Information & Quarter 3 Testing Windows

Important Upcoming Dates

• 2/14-2/28 - WIDA Testing (for students identified as English Learners)
• Friday, 2/17, 9-10 am - Coffee with the Principal & Admin Team
• Monday, 2/20 - NO SCHOOL / George Washington's Birthday
• Wednesday, 2/22, 6:30-7:30 pm - PTA Meeting
• Thursday, 3/2 - 2-Hour Early Release
• Friday, 3/3 - NO SCHOOL / School Planning Day
• 4/3/2023 - 4/7/2023 - NO SCHOOL / Spring Break 
• Thursday, April 13 - 2-Hour Early Release / End of 3rd Quarter
• Friday, April 14 - NO SCHOOL / Orthodox Good Friday /Teacher Workday
• Friday, April 21- NO SCHOOL / Eid al Fitr

How to Stay Connected to Holmes MS

Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:

• keeping your contact information up-to-date throughout the year
• visiting the Holmes MS website
• signing up for News You Choose
• following us on Twitter  
• monitoring your student's progress with SIS Parent Account
• join the Holmes MS PTA and attend meetings
  • PTA Facebook
  • Online PTA Membership Form
  • MemberHub

FCPS & Community Updates

Find Free COVID-19 Testing in Your Community

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a COVID-19 Testing Locator website, which allows consumers to search for free testing sites near them. Testing is available at pharmacies, commercial laboratory sites, community sites, and retail locations. Results are typically provided within 24-48 hours.

Have a Say on Our Future!

What is the ONE promise our school division should make and keep regarding learning, growth, and success for every student? Tell us and help shape FCPS’ future.

Remaining Strategic Planning Community Forums will take place:

• Saturday, February 11, 9 to 10:30 a.m., virtual.
• Wednesday, February 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at West Springfield High School.
• Thursday, February 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Hunters Woods Elementary School.

Click the date above to register for that forum, or check out the full schedule of Community Forums and register for one that is convenient for you. Childcare will be provided at in-person forums. Language interpretation will be provided, as available, at all events. Please register today. 

Special Education Enhancement Plan: Feedback Opportunity

Fairfax County Public Schools is developing a Special Education Enhancement Plan to help ensure an excellent educational experience for all students with disabilities. As part of this effort, FCPS is seeking feedback from employees, families, and community members on Part 1 of the Draft Special Education Enhancement Plan. Please complete this form by Friday, February 17, to provide input on FCPS’ priorities regarding special education including vision, mission, core values, goals, and objectives. 

Thank you in advance for lending your voice to this important work. Visit the Special Education Enhancement Plan webpage for more information.

Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible Students 

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to lower internet costs for families with children who have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals within the last 12 months. A qualifying household will receive $30 per month toward internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Families can check their eligibility and register at AffordableConnectivity.gov or by calling 877-384-2575.

Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service! 

Do you have questions or concerns about Fairfax County Public Schools? The Office of the Ombuds is an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource for employees, parents/caregivers, students, and/or community members. Staff in the office are eager to listen and assist with navigating the school division. They will also offer options and/or resources to help resolve challenges.

Contact the Office of the Ombuds at 571-423-4014, @email, or via the “Submit a Question” button at www.fcps.edu/ombuds. The team looks forward to serving you!

Youth Substance Use Presentations

• FCPS is dedicated to providing parents and community members with the most accurate and up-to-date information on youth substance use, prevention, addiction, interventions and available supports. Please join us and our partners from the Fairfax County Police Department and Community Services Board as we discuss these topics as well as the ongoing opioid crisis. Attendees will walk away with an understanding of:

• Alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioid.
• List what you can do as a caregiver.
• How to identify and connect with community resources.

Please see below for more information about presentations in Annandale HS and Edison HS. 

Summer Camps & Learning Opportunities

Tech Adventure Camp and CTE Summer Academy

We are excited to provide the following information about our 2023 CTE summer enrichment camps! The FCPS Career and Technical Education (CTE) office is once again offering two enrichment programs this year - Tech Adventure Camp and CTE Summer Academy.

What is CTE Summer Enrichment

• Hands-on, exploratory enrichment programs
• Teaches students engaging and exciting content in Career and Technical Education (CTE)
• Helps students make connections to careers and develop new skills

2023 Programs

• Tech Adventure Camp: Students in Kindergarten - grade 6 explore STEAM, culinary, health, trades, and computer science by rotating through daily classes
• NEW TO 2023: Tech Adventure Camp is now open to current kindergarten and 1st grade students!!
• CTE Summer Academy: Students in grades 7 - 11 choose their classes and dive deeper into CTE program areas, skills, and career exploration

Details

• Cost - $275 per week
• *Fee waived for a select number of Free and Reduced Meal students
• Dates - July 10 - 14; July 17 - 21; and July 24 - 28
• Time - 8:30 am to 2:00 pm
• *Early drop off begins at 7:30 am
• Different weekly offerings
• Transportation from select FPCS schools is provided!

Additional Information can be found on our websites!

• Tech Adventure Camp -ly/FCPS_TAC
• CTE Summer Academy -ly/FCPS_CSA

Registration for both camps will begin February 1st. Our websites are updated regularly with more information. Feel free to contact Beth Mehr, CTE Summer Programs Educational Specialists, for more information. We look forward to creating, exploring, and learning with your students this summer!

Institute for the Arts Camps (IFTA)

IFTA is a two- or four-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9, music, self-directed economics and personal finance, and theater. Visit the IFTA website for more information and registration. 

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four classes every day related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create classes that are fun and engaging. Visit the E-IFTA website for more information and registration. 

Stay Connected with FCPS

Being connected to your school and division is important every year, and even more so now as we navigate our return to school. The best way to stay informed is to sign up for newsletters through News You Chose. 

Your school and FCPS have a variety of topics you can choose from, including:

• School Newsletters- featuring everything you need to know about your child’s school
• FCPS This Week- a weekly newsletter featuring news and happenings from across the division, published Wednesday mornings
• School Board Meeting Update- a recap of important news coming out of school board meetings, published the Friday morning after the meeting
• FCPS Employee News- weekly updates just for staff, published Tuesday mornings