Feature Story: PTA & Families SHINE!

We wanted to express our deepest gratitude once again for your incredible organization, generous donations, and tireless efforts during Teacher Appreciation Week. Your dedication truly made a difference, and we're sure every educator at Holmes felt valued and appreciated.

Our art teacher, Jason Hutto, has posted a public thank you on the Holmes Middle School website in a feature story that highlights all the amazing ways the PTA and families contributed. We've also posted our appreciation on Twitter to spread the word even further. Read the story!

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.

Congratulations for our All-VA Chorus Participants!

Huge congratulations to Rachel Bauer, Ruby Connelly and Lucas Miller for participating in the All-VA Chorus in Richmond in April.  These students were selected out of 1100 students who auditioned to participate in this exceptional choral performance.  They worked hard, represented Holmes professionally and enthusiastically and had an amazing time making music and new friends!

2nd Annual Little River Rumble Soccer Tournament - 5/18 --CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER

5k Fun Run - 5/29, 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. 

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.

Rising 9th Grade Night at Annandale HS

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
• Family Life Education Materials Available for Review
• Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong Here!
• Calling All Alumni and Friends!
• Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation All Year
• 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 5/13-5/17

Student(s) of the Week

• The After-School Program Student of the week: Brithany Bu Oliva
• Brithany was nominated by our staff for her contributions and positive attitude within the After-School Program this week.
• Congrats Brithany!

ASP Schedule 5/20-5/24

Final Countdown!

• The last day of the After-School Program is Wednesday May 29^th.
• There will be no late buses after this date.

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

Holmes Closet and Food Pantry

The Holmes Closet and Pantry is an outreach program that aims to gather items for families in need. We will be giving away available items on a first-come, first-served basis. Available items include: non -perishable food, gently used clothes and shoes, cleaning supplies and more. If you have any questions, concerns or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Ms. Alemtsehay Oncho, Holmes Family Liaison at 571-326-8308 or @email.

Important Upcoming Dates

• 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
• Wednesday, 5/29, 2:30 pm - 5k Fun Run
• 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.

Family Life Education Materials Available for Review

The recommended Family Life Education instructional materials are available for community review through Monday, June 10, at 4:30 p.m. View details and a feedback form. 

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong Here!

In FCPS, we all belong. From the first day of school, to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at the school—a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources. 

Calling All Alumni and Friends!

Educate Fairfax is proud to introduce FCPS Alumni & Friends, an online network of alumni, teachers, parents/caregivers, and community members with ties to Fairfax County Public Schools. Whether you are a recent FCPS graduate or you’ve returned to Fairfax to work or raise your own family, this network will celebrate our alumni and friends of FCPS through stories, news and events, reunions, homecoming, and other activities. It’s also a great way to rekindle old friendships and build new ones. Join FCPS Alumni & Friends today!

Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation All Year

All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass. Complete the application and return it to our front office. 

Our students can ride Metrobus for free, in addition to the Fairfax Connector and City of Fairfax CUE. Visit the Fairfax County website for details and approved Metrobus routes. Complete the application and return it to your school office. 

Children 12 and younger ride for free on Fairfax Connector with a paying adult. 

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. 

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!

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