Principal's Note - February 26, 2018

By Margaret Barnes
Principal's Note
March 02, 2018

Dear Holmes Families: 

 

Good evening!  My apologies for the delay in getting the parent update out to you last week and this week.  I am recuperating from a bad fall that I had last week and will be home through the end of this week.  I'll return on Monday, March 5th.  

In the meantime, life at Holmes goes on, of course!! I am so thankful for an incredible staff and administrative team, especially right now.  

Spring Testing Update

  • WIDA Testing for English Language Learners has concluded; we are just wrapping up the makeups.  Scores will arrive in June.
  • 8th graders take the Writing SOL next week (March 6th-8th); more information later in the newsletter.
  • All students in all grades will take a districtwide assessment in English and Math between the dates of March 12th-21st.  The results of this assessment will help to inform teachers about students' needs prior to the Spring SOLs.
  • Our May/June SOL schedule is ready to publish!  Scroll all the way down for the dates in May and June that students will test for different SOLs.  

PTA Meeting Rescheduled 

Our PTA meeting for March has been moved to Thursday, March 8th, at 6:00 PM in the cafeteria.  This is the same night as the chorus concert, so for parents who are dropping their students off early for the concert, come by the cafeteria for a little dinner and a quick PTA meeting.  In addition to PTA business, we'll have information about summer opportunities for students in our area.

NJHS Induction Update - Save the Date

Students who applied for NJHS will receive their notification letters this week.  Students accepted into our first chapter of NJHS will be invited to attend an Induction Ceremony on Thursday, March 15th, at 6:30 PM in the Lecture Hall!  

In our newsletter this week:

  • This Week's Schedule of Classes
  • This Week's After School Program Schedule 
  • Next Week's Writing SOL Schedule - 8th Graders
  • 7th Grade Newseum Field Trip - March 5th & 6th
  • STEMTastics 2018 - March 10th
  • Just World Festival - March 16th
  • Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge & Wellness Expo - March 17th
  • Important Dates
  • May/June SOL Schedule
  • How To Stay In Touch

Thank you, and have a wonderful week!  

Sincerely,

Margaret Barnes, Principal

[[email protected]][email protected]                      

This Week's Schedule of Classes*: 2/26-3/2

   

This week:

Mon., 2/26 = Blue Day

Tues., 2/27 = White Day w/ ER 3 & 4

Wed., 2/28 = Blue Day 

Thurs., 3/1 =  White Day w/ ER 5 & 6 

Fri., 3/2 = Blue Day

 *NOTE: Students can always find the blue-white calendar in their agendas or on the website HERE.  

After School Program (ASP) - Week of 2/26

This week's After School Program schedule is below.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mr. German Cabezas at [[email protected]][email protected].

8th Grade Writing SOL Schedule

Next week, the vast majority of 8th graders will take both parts of the Writing SOL (students who are exempt will be notified).  The Writing SOL has two parts: 

  • Part 1: Multiple Choice - All 8th graders taking the test will take it in the morning or afternoon on Tuesday, March 6th.  
  • Part 2: Short Paper - Students will be split up by teacher over two days to do the short paper (essay) portion of the exam.  

We typically receive results in early May for the Writing SOL.  For more information on the Virginia Writing SOL, you can visit this site.  

7th Grade Newseum Field Trip - March 5th & 6th

7th grade parents interested in joining the Newseum field trip on Monday March 5 or Tuesday March 6 please email Sarah Wiltshire at @email

STEMtastics 2018 - Saturday, March 10th

To the Parents of FCPS Middle School Students:

We extend a special invitation to middle school girls (boys are also welcome) to participate in STEMtastics 2018 to be held on Saturday, March 10 (8:00 AM - 12:15 PM) at NOVA - Annandale Campus. This event is presented by the American Association of University Women (Fairfax City, McLean Area, Springfield-Annandale, and Vienna Area Branches) in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools and NOVA Systemic.

The following flyer provides additional information. Online registration is open as of February 1 at mclean-va.aauw.net/stemtastics until March 4 (or earlier if capacity is reached). We suggest you register early for the best selection of workshops, as choices are “first come, first served.”

If you have questions, please look at our Frequently Asked Questions page at mclean-va.aauw.net/stemtastics/faq/. All participants who have registered and paid will receive a final confirmation email approximately 4 days before the event. Any questions can be sent to @email.

Just World Festival - Friday, March 16th

Sent on behalf of the Just World Interact Club of Annandale HS

Your school is invited to participate in the Just World Festival!

The Just World Interact Club of Annandale High School is holding its 11th Annual Just World Festival on March 16th, 2018 from 4-7 pm at Annandale High School. The festival, which is sponsored by Rotary International, aims to teach youth that they are not only a part of their local community, but a global one. Through our goal, we want to educate both youth and community leaders alike about global issues, environmental issues, fair trade, human rights, and most importantly social action.

You can participate in one of the following ways:

1)      Just come to enjoy the festival which includes food, an interactive exhibition hall, fair trade marketplace, workshops, and cultural events.

2)     Donate to our festival raffle or general fund to host the event.

Annandale, which is one of the largest schools in Fairfax County, is also one of the most diverse, with students representing 150 nations and speaking 90 different languages. The Just World Festival capitalizes on these strengths, creating a fun and educational environment in which to explore international-mindedness. The festival is focused around an extensive list of exhibits by students, nonprofit organizations, community leaders and national figures. It also includes a Fair Trade Marketplace; dance, music; and a world café provided by the Annandale Bistro.

I hope you will decide to take advantage of this meaningful opportunity. Together, we can make a positive difference in our communities. For more information about the Just World Festival, please visit https://justworldinteract.wixsite.com/justworld or email the student organization at @email

If possible or willing, we hope that you can help advertise this event at your school by making announcements or distributing copies of the flyer (via e-mail or hard-copy) that is attached to this e-mail!

We hope to see you in March!

The Just World Interact Club

#unityindiversity

Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge & Wellness Expo

The 2018 Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge and Wellness Expo will be held on March 17 at Hayfield Secondary School from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Doors and exhibits open at 10 a.m. The event will feature a public tasting of dishes created by students to be considered for school menus along with a plenary session with speakers, panelists, and special guests sharing insights on food, nutrition, and health. Admission is $15 per person and includes the public tasting, plenary, and exhibits.

Get more information and register to attend.

Important Dates

  • Tuesday, 2/27, 7:00 PM - Pre-Assessment Orchestra Concert
  • Thursday, 3/1, 7:00 PM - Pre-Assessment Band Concert
  • Week of 3/5 - Writing SOL for 8th Graders
  • Monday, 3/5 & Tuesday, 3/6 - 7th Grade Newseum Field Trip
  • Thursday, 3/8, 6:00 PM - PTA Meeting (Topic: Summer Opportunities)
  • Thursday, 3/8, 7:00 PM - Pre-Assessment Chorus Concert
  • Thursday, 3/15, 6:30 PM - NJHS Induction Ceremony
  • Monday, 3/26 - Friday 3/30 - NO SCHOOL / SPRING BREAK
  • Monday, 4/2 - NO SCHOOL / STUDENT HOLIDAY
  • Tuesday, 4/3 - Thursday, 4/5 - MWEE - 7th Grade Field Trip (Hidden Oaks Nature Center)
  • Thursday, 4/5, 6:00 PM - Faculty Basketball Game 
  • Friday, 4/6 - Beginning Theatre Arts Field Trip (Hayfield SS)
  • Friday, 4/13 - Advanced Theater Trip to NYC
  • Friday, 4/13 - 3rd Quarter Grading Period Ends / 2-hour early release

May/June SOL Schedule

Interested in learning more about the SOL exams your child will take?  Here are links from the Virginia Department of Education for:

How To Stay In Touch

Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by: