Good afternoon, Holmes Families!

We had a great start to 3rd quarter and 2nd semester!  Many students started new electives classes, and we began our 7-week intervention cycle for students in Math, English, and Science.  Yesterday, we had a visit with the FCPS Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Reid and Mason District School Board Representative Ricardy Anderson!  Check out a few pictures from their visit below.  They met with five students briefly to talk about their experience at Holmes and in FCPS, and then visited recess and a few SOAR Advisory classrooms.  Dr. Reid has skills on the basketball court!  It's been an exciting start to February!

Academic Advising

Counselors have started to visit Science classes to do academic advising with students for the 2023-24 school year.  Again, if you missed Curriculum Night, check out the slide decks HERE to help you with decisions about course selection.  Please also feel free to join us at one of our upcoming parent coffees (in-person and online) to learn more about the course selection process for the 2023-24 school year:

• Wednesday, 2/8, 5-6 pm 

Increase in the number of broken computers

Over the past month we have had a steady upswing in the number of broken computers, especially laptop screens. We ask for your help to remind kids to take better care of their computers. When a computer screen is broken it has to be sent off site to be fixed. This usually takes about one week or more. We try to supply backups while we can. Please remind students of these tips:

1. Keep computers off the floor and away from edge of a desk
2. Suggest that students place soft items in bookbags and try not to drop or throw the bookbags
3. Close the computer lids carefully and make sure no objects are on the keyboard at the time of closing
4. Carry the computer with two hands from the bottom

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 Schedule
• 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
• Deadline Extended for Feedback on Draft School Year Calendars
• Have a Say on Our Future!
• Text-to-Speech Available on FCPS Websites
• 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

From Mr. Kruk, our After School Specialist

After-School Program Weekly News & Notes from 1/30-2/3

News & Notes

Student(s) of the Week

• Student(s) of the Week

  • The After-School Program Student of the week: Alexis Salamanca Vasquez
  • Alexis was nominated by staff members for having a great attitude and always lending a helping hand.
  • Great job Alexis!  

New Clubs starting next week!

• Capital One Coders (Wednesdays)
• Lego Robotics Club (Mondays)

Lego Masters on the Move

• Lego Masters is moving from Mondays to Tuesdays starting Feb. 21^st.

Capital One Coders – Spring 2023 Session

• Does your student have an interest or want to learn more about computer coding?
• Capital One Coders will be providing this opportunity starting on Wednesday February 15^th.
• This 10-week club is open to students of all skill levels from beginner to advanced.
• Applications and Permission forms are available through the All Student Schoology Course.
• Deadline for students to apply is Friday February 10^th.

After-School Action

6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade students practice their skills with coach Davis.

After School Schedule 2/6-2/10

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!

Teens and Young Adults: Time to Get Stronger, Together!

• • Formed Families Forward's FREE peer support groups for youth and youth adults ages 14 - 22 are back! Register now for the 8-week session, held IN PERSON Thursday evenings starting February 9 in Fairfax City.

Our fabulous psychologist facilitators are returning and have great connection activities planned.

Dinner is served each night. REGISTER and join in!

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: 

• Thursday, February 9, at 7 p.m., Meet the Author Series: All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum by Kathy Hoopmann

• Friday, February 10, at 10 a.m., Neurodiversity at Elementary Schools

• 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

• Tuesday, 2/7, 4-8 pm - Spirit Night at Chipotle on Little River Tnpk
• Wednesday, 2/8, 5-6 pm - Academic Advising Parent Coffee
• 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.

Deadline Extended for Feedback on Draft School Year Calendars

Thank you to the approximately 23,000 families, staff, students, and community members who completed FCPS' Calendar Feedback Form!

The School Board discussed the feedback during their January 31 work session. If you haven't had a chance to share your thoughts about the draft school year calendar options, please participate today. The form will close on Monday, February 6, at noon. The School Board is scheduled to vote on a calendar on Thursday, February 9. 

Have a Say on Our Future!

 Remaining Strategic Planning Community Forums will take place:

• Saturday, February 4, 9 to 10:30 a.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School.
• Monday, February 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Edison High School.
• Tuesday, February 7, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at South County High School.

• Wednesday, February 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m., in Spanish, virtual.
• Thursday, February 9, 12 to 1:30 p.m., virtual.
• 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. 

Text-to-Speech Available on FCPS Websites

FCPS is introducing an innovative way to address the diverse needs of the community. A new text-to-speech feature, available on the FCPS website and each school website, will read the words aloud from webpages.  

The feature will help those with accessibility needs, such as visual impairments, dyslexia, or other difficulty reading large amounts of online text. The text-to-speech feature is available for English, Spanish, and Korean. Learn more and try out the new feature.

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