THANK YOU so much to our Holmes families and PTA for the incredible support during Teacher Appreciation Week.  Our staff felt truly spoiled with breakfast, snacks, gift cards, and heartfelt words of appreciation.  The thoughtfulness behind the planning of Ms. Johnson and Ms. Eddy was truly amazing.  

8th grade students completed their Science SOL this week.  Next Tuesday, students will take the Reading SOL.  As a reminder, the schedule will be 4-6-8.  Please see the full SOL schedule below.

Spring SOL Schedule:

SOL Practice for Math & Reading: MathSpace & Lexia

The Reading SOL for ALL students is Tuesday, May 14th. The Math SOL for ALL students is Tuesday, May 21. The following may help your student practice and prepare. All tools are available through Schoology > Clever.

• Reading- Lexia:

Adaptive reading program with areas of focus in word study, grammar, and comprehension. Available 6-8th grade. Every student's recommended time will be different and  personalized to their progress. This program can be supplemented with reading books from the library. Learn more about it here.

• Math- Mathspace

Students have been assigned a Mathspace task named "SOL Review (Optional)". They can find the task on their student dashboard from the student tasks page. Students can review this resource [accessible to students accounts] for additional practice, choosing to review the standards that you may have missed or would like to review. Watch the video for additional directions:

• SOL Review Task
• Watch  Video

Laptop & Charger Collection

We will be collecting laptops and chargers on June 5, 6  in PE classes. If your child has lost their charger, the replacement cost is $20. If they have lost their computer, please notify Mr. Rossen (@email) ASAP. If lost, you will be responsible for replacing the computer at $375.  These items must be collected or paid for in order to prevent delays in receiving a computer next year.

If your child has lost either item, please have a conversation with them about responsible use. Labeling their technology is a best practice and highly encouraged. All students were given laptop labels at the beginning of the year; many students have peeled off their labels. Again, all students are responsible for lost technology, as stated in the Student Rights & Responsibilities document. 

Please, contact Mr. Rossen (@email) if you have a concern.

2nd Annual Little River Rumble Soccer Tournament - 5/18

Next Saturday, May 18^th, Glasgow Middle School is hosting the second annual Little River Rumble Soccer Tournament accompanied by Poe & Holmes Middle Schools. The tournament includes two teams from each school with students in grades 6-8. The start time is set for 9am. The event is open to the public and we hope to see you there supporting our students. In the event of extreme and unsafe weather conditions, the tournament will be postponed.

5k Fun Run - May 29th 2:30-4:45PM

NJHS students are planning a Fun Run on May 29^th after school from 2:30 – 4:45.  The afternoon will consist of a Fun Run that all students must run and then games & snacks on the blacktop afterwards.  There will be late buses that afternoon.  If students want to participate, they need to sign up up during lunches the week of May 20 – 24. 

Title I Info Session Recording:

Thank you to all families who attended the Title I Info Session at Holmes Middle School.

Families learned more about:

• What is Title I?
• What are the requirements of Title I funding?
• What is the Title I Family Engagement Compact Policy?
• How do funds support Family Engagement?

The recording, presentations, and resources shared can be found on our Website

8th Grade Party/Dance - 6/7 at 7-9 pm 

The 8^th grade dance will be taking place on Friday, June 7^th from 7-9 PM at Holmes Middle School. This dance is only for 8^th graders and will be free. If you would like to donate, you can do so through the MySchoolBucks portal and select the tab labeled, “8^th grade dance”. We are also informing students that it is important to continue being kind to one another and that discipline incidents can lead to the privilege of attending the dance being taken away.

Summer Program for Young Scholars

Families of students currently identified as Young Scholars will be receiving information next week about our Young Scholars summer program that will be hosted by Jackson Middle School.  This program will run Monday through Friday, 7:20 AM – 11:20 AM, from July 8-26, 2024.  In the meantime, you may reach out with inquiries to Mr. Christopher Kamar at @email or Ms. Alexandra Anderson at @email.

Rising 9th Grade Night at Annandale HS

Summer Strings Camp at South County Middle School

Exciting news! SoCo Summer Strings is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School from July 8-19, 8:30am-12:30pm, weekdays only. Camp is open to all rising 5th-9th grade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, an instrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day. You can find more information and registration for camp at www.schsorchestra.org/soco-summer-strings. Early registration is from March 1-June 9, so reserve your student’s spot soon!

HOLMES UPDATES

Here are today's newsletter topics:

Holmes Updates

• Student Services Information
• Admin Team Information
• 2023-24 Blue/White Schedule 
• 2023-24 Bell Schedule
• After-School Program
• From Ms. Oncho, Our Family Liaison
• Important Upcoming Dates
• Holmes MS PTA
• How to Stay Connected to Holmes MS

FCPS & Community Updates

• May Observances
• Techstravaganza 2024 by TJHS
• Enjoy Learning, Fun, and Helpful Information at the Extravaganza! 
• FCPS 2025 Budget — What’s Happening Next
• Share Your Thoughts on Middle School Start Times
• Summer Camps and Learning
• Stay Connected with FCPS

Please feel free to reach out and let us know what questions you have.  Thank you, and we'll see you very soon!

Sincerely,

Serena Giron

Principal

Contact Information

Admin Team Information

2023-24 Blue/White Calendar

From Mr. Kruk, our After-School Specialist

After-School Program Weekly News & Notes from 5/6-5/10

Student(s) of the Week

• The After-School Program Student of the week: Evelyn Wilson
• Evelyn was nominate by ASP staff for going above and beyond to support her peers and staff this week.
• Way to go Evelyn!

ASP Schedule 5/13-5/17

Students Leaving After-School before 4:45 pm

• Any student staying after school must be signed out of the main office by a parent or guardian if leaving before 4:45.
• Walkers with parent/guardian permission, may sign themselves out any time after 3:30 when first block ends.
• Students are not permitted to leave school grounds before checking out in the main office .

Questions/Concerns

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

From Ms. Oncho, Our Family Liaison

5/9 Family Coffee Recording 

Thank you to all families who attended this month’s Family Coffee at Holmes Middle School. The topic was Managing Stress as Parents with guest speaker Saara Amri (Northern Virginia Family Services, Multicultural Center).

Families learned more about:

• What is emotional/mental stress?
• What are the sources of stress?
• How is stress manifested in the body and behaviors?
• What can you do as families to help teens and parents cope with stress?

The recording, presentations, and resources shared can be found on our Website

Important Upcoming Dates

• Wednesday, 5/15, 7 pm - Chorus & Orchestra Concert
• Thursday, 5/16, 5:30 pm - Voices of Now at Arena Stage
• Saturday, 5/18 - Soccer Tournament at Glasgow MS
• Wednesday, 5/22, 5:30 pm - NJHS Induction Ceremony
• Monday, 5/27 - NO SCHOOL / Memorial Day
• Wednesday, 5/29, 6:30 pm - Last PTA Meeting 
• Wednesday, 5/29, 7 pm - Band Spring Concert
• Thursday, 5/30 - VIP Parent Night
• Friday, 6/7, 7-9 pm - 8th Grade Party/Dance
• Monday, 6/10, 8 am - 8th Grade Awards
• Tuesday, 6/11 - Activity Day
• Wednesday, 6/12 - Last Day of School / 2-Hour Early Release

Holmes MS PTA

Don't forget to check out these important links:

• Holmes Attendance Form: https://holmesms.fcps.edu/about/attendance-form 
• Buy SpiritWear: https://bit.ly/HolmesSpiritWear
• Join the PTA: https://bit.ly/SupportHolmesPTA 
• Missed the meeting: watch the recording by clicking here  OR access the slideshow/presentation on our website  OR access audio language interpretation in Spanish, Urdu, and Arabic by clicking the language button in Zoom. 

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

May Observances

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

Jewish American Heritage Month

May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

Mental Health Awareness Month/Wear Green Day

Better Hearing and Speech Month

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

Memorial Day Holiday - 5/27

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, for the Memorial Day holiday. Learn about the history of Memorial Day. See the complete school year calendar.

Techstravaganza at TJHSST

Tomorrow’s Women in Science and Technology (TWIST), a student organization at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), promotes STEM through their annual flagship outreach event, Techstravaganza. Techstravaganza is a free, public, hands-on STEM activity fair for elementary and middle school students in Northern Virginia. In previous years, this event hosted more than 4,500 students and 70 labs presenting STEM activities. Exhibitors range from TJHSST clubs and TWIST volunteers to organizations like NASA SCaN, Art of Problem Solving, George Mason University, American Society of Naval Engineers, and the National Air and Space Museum. This year, TWIST will be holding the 20th annual Techstravaganza on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10 AM to 4 PM at TJHSST. Admission is free, food will be for sale. Here is the registration link: https://tinyurl.com/techstrav24

Enjoy Learning, Fun, and Helpful Information at the Extravaganza!

Stop by Woodson High School on Saturday, June 1, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., for the FCPS Summer Extravaganza! Families are invited to participate in engaging educational activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire growth. In addition to learning activities, enjoy tips and helpful information for families. Enjoy face painting, food, music, a moon bounce, a petting zoo, storytime, and student performances — at no cost!

Visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage for more details and register to attend. Registration is not required, but it's helpful for planning purposes.

FCPS 2025 Budget — What’s Happening Next

The next steps in FCPS’ budget process are:

• Tuesday, May 14: The School Board holds a public hearing on the budget. Register to speak by 6:30 p.m., on Monday, May 13.
• Wednesday, May 15: Second day of School Board public hearings, if needed.
• Tuesday, May 21: School Board budget work session.
• Thursday, May 23: School Board adopts FCPS’ approved budget.

For more details on our budget, view FCPS budget documents.

Share Your Thoughts on Middle School Start Times

Attend a forum to hear about adolescent sleep research from an expert, learn about FCPS’ ongoing middle school start times study, and participate in small group discussions. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Breakout sessions will be held for middle school students to share their voices. Students are encouraged to attend! 

Register by clicking on one of the following dates: 

• Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m., virtual forum. 
• Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School.
• Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., at Frost Middle School. 

While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.

2024 SUMMER CAMPS AND LEARNING

Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a summer camp for your child with special needs?

The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military. 

Co-Ed Basketball Camp for Grades 4-9 at Edison HS

VIP Summer Camp for Rising 7th & 8th Graders

All rising middle schoolers are invited to attend a summer of fun and leisure with VIP Camp. VIP Camp — which takes place Monday, July 1, to Thursday, August 1 — is designed to encourage teens to develop healthy and positive recreation interests and features a wide variety of leisure activities and programs. 

Registration is open. VIP Camp costs $100 to attend. Reach out to your school's after-school specialist for scholarship availability due to financial hardship. This camp is sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools and Fairfax County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. 

• Applications will open on Tuesday 3/12 at 6pm
• Here is the link to the application à https://forms.gle/zQcxhFrKWnn2LPjG6
• Links to the application can also be found on the Holmes website under the Activities Tab à After-School Program à VIP Summer Program
• Any questions or concerns about the VIP summer program, contact Matt Kruk; @email

Sign Up for FCPS Summer Camps and Learning Programs 

Registration is now open for several summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. 

CTE programs are available for grade 6-11 students to explore CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. IFTA allows students to select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9, music, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage to register.

Summer Learning

Programs are also available for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement, earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program, or recover one high school course credit through the Credit Recovery Academy. 

FCPS’ free online class for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provides FCPS middle and high school English Learners the opportunity to continue developing their academic, reading, and writing skills in online discussions with an ESOL teacher. 

Find session dates, registration links, and registration deadlines on FCPS summer programs. 

Institute for the Arts

Students in all FCPS secondary schools can enroll in the Institute for the Arts. IFTA is a two- or three-week summer Arts enrichment program for students in rising 7th through 12th grades. Students create their own schedules in Art, Music, Theatre, and Dance from nearly 60 courses offered. Transportation is provided from around the county. Tuition assistance is available for students who qualify. Check out the Institute for the Arts website for more information or email @email.

CTE Summer Academy

Tech Adventure Camp

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