Good morning, Holmes Families!

My apologies for not getting this update out to you yesterday!  This will be my last update for 2020!!  My next update will arrive on Sunday, January 3rd.  Here is some key information as we finish up 2020 and head into the new year:

• This Thursday and Friday, December 17th and 18th, will be catchup days for students at Holmes.  All students should log into all classes as usual; no instruction of new content will be taught and no new assignments will be given.  No homework will be assigned over winter break.  
• If you are a Holmes family in need or know of a family who is in need for the holidays or throughout the year, please let us know by reaching out to our social worker, Ms. O'Sullivan at @email.  We are here to help!
• Congratulations to our staff members who were selected as the outstanding employees in the following categories for 2020-21:
  • Outstanding Teacher: James Cho
  • Outstanding New Teacher: Kate Motsko
  • Outstanding Professional Employee: Gary Rossen
  • Outstanding Leader: Justin Simmons
  • Outstanding Operational Employee: Berta Stamp
• Thanks to all who came to the PTA meeting last week!  My intention was to share the recording of my presentation about returning to school, but I saved it incorrectly.  I'm so sorry!  I will record it this week, include the updates from last Thursday's School Board meeting, and send it.  We will also have a meeting in Spanish about returning to school on Wednesday, December 16th, at 6:00 pm, which can be accessed using this link. I will send out both recordings after that. 
• Support our PTA by getting dinner from Haute Dogs & Fries in Alexandria tomorrow night (Tuesday, December 15th...scroll down for flyer)!  Be sure to mention Holmes!  You can order online too!
• Students in Group 3 (ESOL students attending on Mondays and Cat B students attending Tuesday-Friday) are back to virtual this week due to health metrics.  The earliest that Group 3 could return will be the week of January 11th, but everything will be determined by health metrics.
• January 4th-8th will be VIRTUAL for ALL STUDENTS. 
• The School Board will vote on the new proposed phase-in timeline (pictured below) on Tuesday, January 5th.  
• Once we are closer to finalizing a return to school date for in-person students, we will share information with parents of 6th graders about a special orientation that will be done for them to get comfortable in the building.
• If the new timeline is approved, a new bell schedule will begin on January 12th with middle schools starting at 7:15 am and ending at 2:00 pm for in-person and virtual students.

Here are today's newsletter topics:

Holmes Updates

• Student Services - Important Information
• 2020-21 Virtual Bell Schedule
• After School Program Schedule - December
• PTA Restaurant Spirit Night - 12/15/20
• Important Dates
• Reporting Student Absences
• How to Stay Connected to Holmes MS

FCPS Updates

• Heads Up & Talk It Out
• Important Updates on Grab & Go Meals
• FCPS CARES Program
• FCPS Seeking Individuals to Serve as Substitute Teachers
• Back2Fairfax Virtual Event on December 15 for FCPS Graduates and Students Who Want to Teach in FCPS
• Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools' Project Cornucopia

I want to say a special thank you to all of my teachers and staff who have been going above and beyond to support students and families since the pandemic hit back in March!!  I am so grateful to work with such an amazing team and such supportive families.  Thank you, and have a wonderful winter break!!!  Happy Holidays!!!

Sincerely,

Margaret Barnes

Proud Principal, Holmes MS

@email

HOLMES UPDATES

After School Program Schedule - December

Virtual after-school activities will be a blend of school clubs, community service, arts and crafts, leadership, recreation and sports, and other activities. 

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.

HMS Students Selected to Virtual District Chorus

PTA Restaurant Spirit Night - 12/15/20

Important Dates

• Wednesday, December 16th, 6 pm - Meeting for Spanish-speaking families about return to school.  Link HERE. 
• Monday, December 21^st - Friday, January 1^st - NO SCHOOL/WINTER BREAK
• January 4th-8th - VIRTUAL CLASSES FOR ALL STUDENTS
• Monday, January 18th - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day / NO SCHOOL
• Wednesday, January 20th - Inauguration Day / NO SCHOOL
• Friday, January 22nd - Last day of 2nd quarter / 2-hour early release / No in-person instruction
• Monday, January 25th - Teacher Workday / STUDENT HOLIDAY
• Tuesday, January 26th - Start date (subject to change based on health metrics) for 6th graders receiving in-person instruction to come to building (2 days a week)
• Tuesday, February 2nd - Start date (subject to change based on health metrics) for 7th and 8th graders receiving in-person instruction to come to building (2 days a week)

Reporting Student Absences

Do I need to report my student's absence during the virtual classes?

• Yes, please call our attendance line at 703-658-5919 or submit an attendance form.

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

FCPS UPDATES

Heads Up & Talk It Out

Important Updates on Grab and Go Meals

Fairfax County Public Schools is offering no-cost nutritious meals to ALL students through June 30, 2021. Meals are available at school sites and along bus routes.

As of November 9, grab and go bus delivery times and some bus stop locations have changed. The updated bus schedule is now available online. Bus delivery times were changed to accommodate the need for more buses to transport students returning to school buildings for in-person learning.

Breakfast and lunch meals are offered Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). Breakfast and lunch are served at the same time. Breakfast and lunch are also offered at no-cost to any student who attends in-person instruction at a school Monday-Friday. Meals for Saturday and Sunday are offered at sites and on bus routes every Friday.

More information is available online, or by calling the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800

FCPS Cares Program

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story so we can acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

Watch this video to learn more. 

FCPS Is Seeking Individuals to Serve as Substitute Teachers

Are you or somebody you know interested in substitute teaching with FCPS? Apply online or attend one of our Friday information sessions to learn more. To sign up for a session, visit the FCPS substitute teacher information page.

Back2Fairfax Virtual Event on December 15 for FCPS Graduates and Students Who Want to Teach in FCPS

Do you know an FCPS graduate or student who is interested in being a teacher in FCPS? FCPS graduates and current FCPS juniors or seniors are invited to join us for a virtual event on Tuesday, December 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. for the third annual Back2Fairfax Teacher Seminar. Learn how to navigate the hiring process, employee resources, and tips to being a successful educator.

Join us for an evening filled with networking opportunities, breakout sessions, and FCPS employment information. We invite current students and FCPS graduates to Say Yes to FCPS!

Registration for the event is available online. 

Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools' Project Cornucopia

The Foundation for FCPS is working to ensure that the neediest students in FCPS can enjoy a special meal for the holidays. Donations to Project Cornucopia will be used to purchase gift cards that can be redeemed for grocery items so that families can enjoy their favorite flavorful traditions–or create new ones. Donations can be made online.