Good evening, Holmes Families!

I hope that you enjoyed the long weekend and had some opportunity to reflect on the work and words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., even if just for a moment.  I also saw many great examples of people engaging in service today throughout our community.  

Thank you for the great turnout at Curriculum Night last Thursday!  If you missed it, feel free to reach out to your student's counselor to address any questions that you have about course selection for next year.  Ms. Giron, our Director of Student Services, and I are also available to answer questions that you may have.  

End of 2nd quarter

Just one more week of 2nd quarter!  As we did 1st quarter, students will have the opportunity to earn free time during our 2nd quarter Activity Period on Friday, January 24th.  Students who exhibit positive behavior and consistently arrive to class on time will be permitted to participate.  Friday will still be a blue day, but the schedule will be altered slightly to make time for Activity Day at the end of the day.  

Security Cameras Survey Closes Friday 1/24

Just a reminder that this is the last week to let me know your feedback about the plan for the installation of security cameras through this survey, which will be open until the end of the day on Friday, January 24th.  

Students also have access to a survey on each grade level Google Classroom site.  I would encourage you to have a conversation with your student about the plan, and feel free to share the full letter that I sent to parents with your student as well.  

In today's newsletter, scroll down for information about:

• Join the Holmes MS PTA!
• FCPS CARES
• This Week's Schedule
• After-School Program
• VIP Summer Camp Registration Information
• Free School and Sports Physicals and George Mason University Clinics
• FCPS Needs Substitutes!
• 8th Grade Personal Yearbook Ads
• SCA Presents: G-Love
• Super Transition Saturday - February 22nd
• Important Dates
• 2019-20 Family Engagement Events (updated calendar coming soon)
• How to Stay in Touch

Thanks, everyone, and have a wonderful week!  Please feel free to reach out to me or anyone on my team with any questions you have!

Sincerely,

Margaret Barnes

Proud Principal, Holmes MS

[email protected]

#SoarTogether

Have you joined the Holmes MS PTA?

Your membership supports teacher appreciation and grants for teachers to provide unique programs for students!  Join HERE today!

FCPS Cares

Do you know a Holmes Middle School staff member who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to submit your story so we can all acknowledge the good work of Holmes faculty and staff members.

This Week's Schedule of Classes: 1/20-1/24

This week: Mon., 1/20 = NO SCHOOL (Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday) Tues.,1/21 = White Day (2nd, SOAR, ER 4, 4th, 6th) Wed., 1/22 = Blue Day (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th) Thurs., 1/23 = White Day (2nd, SOAR, ER 5, 4th, 6th) Fri., 1/24 = Blue Day (Altered Schedule for Activity Day: 1st, 3rd, 7th, 5th, Activity Period)  *NOTE: Students can always find the blue-white calendar in their agendas or on the school website HERE.

After-School Program - Week of 1/20

During the school year, a weekly schedule of activities that will be held during the After School Program will be posted.  

• Late buses are on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.  Students must be picked up by parents/guardians if they stay on Tuesdays or Fridays.  
• NOTE: There are only 6 late buses, so students' late bus assignments and stops are usually different than their regular bus. 

For any specific questions related to the After School Program or to share new ideas for after school activities, please feel free to contact Ms. Taylor, our After School Program Specialist.

VIP Summer Camp Registration Information

Free School and Sports Physicals at George Mason University Clinics

FCPS Needs Substitutes!

Click HERE for more information if you are interested.

8th Grade Personal Yearbook Ads

Introducing... 8th 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, February 28, 2020.

Edison HS Orientation to Course Selection

Super Transition Saturday - February 22nd

On Saturday, February 22, 2020, Career and Transition Services (CTS), the FCPS Parent Resource Center, and several Fairfax County adult service providers will host “Super Transition Saturday” from 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM at Luther Jackson Middle School. This is a free event for parents/guardians and educators of students of all ages with IEPs. Breakout sessions will cover postsecondary education support, the importance of student self-determination beginning in the elementary years, employment support programs, future planning considerations, such as funding needed for services, and CTS support services that are available to students as they progress through the secondary years toward graduation and beyond. A highlight of the day is a parent/guardian and student panel representing a range of challenges and successes. Members of the panel will convey personal experiences and answer parent/guardian and student questions from their perspectives of having been through the transition process. This event is for ES, MS, and HS students, families, and school personnel.

Important Dates

• Mon., 1/20 - NO SCHOOL (Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday)
• Fri., 1/24 - Last day of 2nd quarter / 2nd Quarter Activity Period 
• Mon., 1/27 & Tues., 1/28 - TEACHER WORKDAYS / STUDENT HOLIDAYS
• Wed., 2/5, 9-10 am - Parent Coffee - Theme: Vaping, Alcohol, & Drugs

2019-20 Family Engagement Events

Updated calendar coming soon.

How to Stay In-Touch

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