Quarter 3 Honor Roll Celebration - 5/1

On Wednesday, May 1, we hosted the Quarter 3 Honor Roll Celebration during SOAR in order to acknowledge the hard work and academic achievement of our students who earned all A’s or A’s & B’s on their 3^rd quarter report card. Congratulations and keep up the great work 😊 !

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.

Your Voice is Needed:

At Wednesday’s PTA meeting, we gathered input from families around core values to help draft our new Holmes Mission and Vision statement.  Please fill out this form to share your thoughts.  Thank you!

Holmes Middle School Title I Status

Please refer back to an email that was sent out last week titled "Holmes MS Identified as a Title I School."  In the email, you will find information on our new Title I status.  Please use this form to capture any questions or wonderings that you may have so that I can best prepare for our upcoming May information session.  Stay tuned for details on that informational night.

PTA-sponsored Teacher Appreciation Week - 5/6-5/10

May Family Coffee - 5/9 at 9:30-10:30 am

Please join our May Parent Coffee on Thursday, May 9th, at 9:30am-10:30am.

Topic: Stress Management for Parents

We will be learning about mental and emotional health, impact of stress on overall health, ways to manage stress, how to talk to teens about stress management and identify coping skills, and so much more. 

We encourage you to attend in person to make connections with school staff and other families. Zoom link to join virtually is

https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/99573223549

We will have interpreters available to assist families. 

8th Grade Dance - 6/7 at 7-9 pm 

The 8th grade dance will be taking place on Friday, June 7 from 7-9 PM at Holmes Middle School. This dance is only for 8th graders and will be free. If you would like to donate, you can do so through the MySchoolBucks portal and select the tab labeled, “8th 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.

Sport Physicals for Next Year

Rising 9th Grade Night at Annandale HS

Spring SOL Schedule:

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
• Save the Date for FCPS’ Summer Extravaganza
• Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders 
• Let's Finish the School Year Strong! 
• FCPS Ombuds Provides Confidential Guidance
• 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 4/29-5/3

Student(s) of the Week

• The After-School Program Student of the week: Kylie Johnson
• Kylie was nominated for her contributions to several clubs throughout the year including cursive club, maker space, and fashion figures.
• Congrats Kylie!

ASP Schedule 5/6-5/10

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

May Family Coffee - 5/9 at 9:30-10:30 am

Zoom link: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/99573223549

Important Upcoming Dates

• 5/6-5/10 - Teacher Appreciation Week by PTA
• Wednesday, 5/8, 6:30pm - Title I Community Meeting
• Thursday, 5/9, 9:30-10:30 am - May Family Coffee
• 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, 6 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 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. 

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK - 5/6-5/10

Givebacks: 

Buy a teacher breakfast or donate to their snack cart:

Givebacks (memberhub.com)

SIGNUPGENIUS:

Donate snacks or your time for teacher appreciation week: 

2023/2024: Teacher Appreciation Snack, Dessert and Drink Donations (signupgenius.com)

Amazon wishlist:

Buy something off of our wishlist for the teachers and staff to snack on, sent directly to the school.

Amazon.com

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

Orthodox Easter - 5/5

Many Orthodox Christians in the United States celebrate Easter according to the Julian calendar. It is a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the son of God. Learn more about Easter in NatGeo Kids. 

National Fentanyl Awareness Day - 5/7

May 7 is National Fentanyl Awareness Day. Talk to your children about their mental health and the risks of encountering illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Learn more at fentanylawarenessday.org/watch-and-talk #JustSayKNOW

Fentanyl is 50X stronger than heroin and present in many illegal drugs (pills and powders) teens might come across. Most kids don’t understand the dangers of fentanyl. Spread the word and find more resources at fentanylawarenessday.org. #JustSayKNOW

Bike to School Day - 5/8

Bike Month has been celebrated since 1956 to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and encourage more people to give biking a try. Fairfax County has an extensive network of both paved and natural surface bike trails. You can access a map to all the trails in Fairfax county online.

Wednesday, May 8, is the official Bike to School Day. You can register as a family or neighborhood. Plan your ride whether you ride to school, to a park, or just within your neighborhood. Register for Bike to School Day.

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week - 5/6-5/10

Since 1984, National PTA has designated one week in May as Teacher Appreciation Week. National Teacher Day began in 1953 when former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt proposed that Congress set aside a day to acknowledge the work of educators. Since 1985, NEA has celebrated National Teacher Day on the Tuesday of the first full week of May. FCPS follows the NEA and National PTA dates of scheduling Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week the first full week of May.

National School Nurse Day - 5/8

National School Nurse Day is Wednesday, May 8. It is a day to recognize the many contributions that school nurses make to student health and learning.  

FCPS appreciates the role of School Public Health Nurses (PHNs) for their contribution to the health and welfare of all our students. Professional school nurses support the needs of students through their delivery of healthcare, contributions to local school communities, and promotion of safety, prevention, and wellness throughout the year. They are advocates who bridge healthcare and education by supporting student health and readiness to learn. School nurses are essential to our community and work tirelessly to make a positive impact in the lives of their students.  

Please join us in thanking the PHNs for their hard work and dedication to FCPS students.  

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

Save the Date for FCPS’ Summer Extravaganza

Don’t miss a day of family fun and learning at the FCPS Summer Extravaganza! 

Stop by Woodson High School on Saturday, June 1, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., where students will be able to take part in engaging educational activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire growth. 

Representatives from local businesses, Fairfax County Public Library, and the Fairfax County Park Authority are participating in the Summer Extravaganza. Community organizations, such as Neighborhood Community Services, will be at the event as well. All will have learning activities, tips, and helpful information for families. Enjoy face painting, food, music, a moon bounce, a petting zoo, storytime, and student performances — all 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.

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders

Immunizations are required for all students entering 7th and 12th grades this fall. Visit the FCPS immunization webpage to learn about the required vaccines.  Caregivers should ask their private healthcare provider or the health department to review their student's immunization record to ensure that their student has received these required immunizations. 

It is important to schedule immunizations early in the summer, as seventh-grade students must submit documentation of the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines before they begin school in August. Twelfth-grade students must submit documentation of the Meningococcal vaccine. Get more information on all student immunization requirements.

Let's Finish the School Year Strong!

Student attendance at school is important all year long, up to the last day of school. Attendance has an effect on student performance and on school accreditation. See how to:

• Check your child’s attendance record.
• Help your student stay engaged at school.
• Report future absences.
• Understand the FCPS school calendar.

Learn more about attendance resources. 

FCPS Ombuds Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, offer options to resolve concerns and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email @email, visit their webpage, or submit a question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

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