Principal's Note - Nov 4, 2024

By Serena Giron
Principal's Note
November 07, 2024

Table of Contents

Important Dates

Holmes Calendar

  • Tuesday, 11/5 - NO SCHOOL / Teacher Workday
  • Monday, 11/11 - NO SCHOOL / Veterans Day
  • Friday, 11/15, 9:30-10:30 AM - Family Coffee
  • Wednesday 11/27 - Friday 11/29 - NO SCHOOL / Thanksgiving 
  • Monday, 12/23/24 - Friday, 1/3/25 - NO SCHOOL / Winter Break

Message from Principal Giron

Holmes Families,

We hope your students are enjoying their extended weekend!

Don’t forget to get out and vote tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 5! The day will be observed as a holiday for students and a teacher work day.  School offices will be closed tomorrow. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections webpage. See the complete school year calendar.

Our Engineering class led by Rod Harbin has just wrapped up a unit on simple machines by constructing Rube Goldberg devices, which groups presented on Tuesday, October 29th. Mr. Harbin created this video to capture students' squeals of delight throughout the past two weeks. He included successes and failures…because we learn from both. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1agN7Z6SWtldlJQNT9WLmaKm1K6JmB1EV/view?usp=sharing

Last Thursday, it was enjoyable seeing both students and staff dressed in costumes.  See some highlights below.

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Pic 5

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Pic 2
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Pic 4

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Serena Giron

Principal

Reporting Your Student’s Attendance

All Day Absence: 

1. Use ParentVUE. Log in and click “Report Absence.” Don’t Have a SIS ParentVUE Account Yet? Contact your school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.

OR

2. Call the attendance line on 703-658-5919 and leave a message with spelling of your student's first and last names, your name and relationship to the student, and a reason for absence. 

OR

3. Send an email to @email with your student's first and last names, your name and relationship to the student, and a reason for absence. 

Partial Absence: 

To report late arrivals, early dismissals, or to update already submitted attendance

1. Call the attendance line on 703-658-5919 and leave a message with spelling of your student's first and last names, and a reason for late arrival or early dismissal.

OR

2. Send an email to @email with your student's first and last names, your name and relationship to the student, and a reason for late arrival or early dismissal. 

Changes to Dismissal Plan and Early Pick-Ups

Please call the front office at 703-658-5900 no later than 1:30PM to request for unplanned transportation changes. If you have to pick up your student early, we ask that you do so before 1:30PM to avoid interrupting safe dismissal process. Please note that doctor's appointments are not considered emergencies. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

Apply for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology 

Eighth grade students who are interested in applying to the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) may begin their application next week.

Application Timeline:

  • Start Date: Monday, October 21st at 4 PM
  • Begin Application By: Wednesday, November 13th by 4 PM
  • Submit Application By: Friday, November 15th at 4 PM

Students apply directly on the TJ website linked HERE

The requirements can be found on the TJ admissions website linked HERE, which also includes a GPA calculator.

If after reviewing the TJ website, you or your student still have questions about the application process, please contact Kelly Murphy at (703) 658-5911 or @email

Nominate Staff for Outstanding Employee Awards

It’s that time of the year! Nominations for Outstanding Employee Awards are underway. We are seeking two to three community members to be part of the Selection Committee for 2024-2025 school year. If you are interested in being part of this opportunity, please email Ms. Ramirez at @email no later than Tuesday, November 5th. Thank you so much for being part of this committee.

The Federal Impact Aid Survey is now available to complete online 

The Federal Impact Aid program provides money to districts that enroll federally connected students. Help FCPS secure funding from the Impact Aid Program by helping us identify: 

  • Military families.
  • Federally connected families.
  • Families living on a military base.

Please complete one form for each child in your household. Remember that only the enrolling parent can fill out the Impact Aid Survey form. 

For families without access to ParentVUE, a paper copy of the form will be sent home with your student starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Your information will be kept strictly confidential.

Your support will ensure that we receive the resources for which we are eligible.

Impact Aid

Admin/Counselor Team Information

Admin Team

Holmes MS 2024-25 Blue/White Calendar

Calendar

Holmes MS 2024-25 Bell Schedule 

bell

After-School Program Weekly News

Hawks Highlights from After-School from week 10/28-11/1

Cross Country

Cross Country

ASP Upcoming Schedule 11/4-11/8

asp

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 before 4:45.
  • Walkers with parent/guardian permission, may sign themselves out any time after 3:30 when first block ends.
  • Walkers must have written permission (may be emailed) from their parent/guardian to walk.
  • Students must be picked up no later than 5pm.
  • 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 Holmes MS Family Liaisons

10/16  Family Coffee Recording 

Thank you to all families who attended this month’s Family Coffee at Holmes Middle School. The topic was Adjusting to Middle School. Families learned about attendance procedures, academic progress and grades, advanced programming, ways to connect with Holmes, and our Student Services support. The recording, presentation, and resources shared can be found on our Website.

November Family Coffee - 11/15

November Coffee

Holmes MS PTA

10/23 General Membership Meeting Recording

Thank you to all families who attended this meeting. The recording of the meeting can be found on

https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/rec/share/W0GH49SRBpx8me7CuG-a65AODumwWY7WgD8y9Ky_3bJrQho2AbRD3NyiBApHByjO.yT2Fkxc1XYarZQUD

Passcode: R47+0#DQTX 

Join the Holmes MS PTA and attend meetings (4th Wednesday of the month; translation services provided)

Our Voices, Our Future

Multilingual Learners

Support Annandale Boys Basketball - Middle School Night - 12/17

On December 17th, Annandale will host a Middle School Night for Boys basketball.  It will be a triple header game!!!  At 4:30PM the freshmen boys play, JV plays at 5:45PM, and varsity at 7:30PM.   Students will be able to attend any of these games free if they are accompanied by an adult. Go Atoms!

How to Stay In-Touch

Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:

Follow Us on Social Media

Stay connected with Holmes Middle School by following us on social media! It's the best way to keep up with our latest news, celebrate student achievements, and be part of our vibrant community. Whether you're a student, parent, or community member, you'll find exciting updates, important announcements, and inspiring stories that showcase the spirit of Holmes!

Links: Instagram