Principal's Note - Nov 22, 2024

By Serena Giron
Principal's Note
November 26, 2024

Table of Contents

Important Dates

Holmes Calendar

  • Wednesday, 11/27 - Friday, 11/29 - NO SCHOOL / Thanksgiving
  • Tuesday, 12/4 - PTA Meeting with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Boyd and School Board Member Dr. Ricardy Anderson
  • Friday, 12/6, 7PM-9PM - Musical
  • Saturday, 12/7. 4PM and 7PM - Musical
  • Tuesday, 12/10, 7PM - Winter Orchestra Concert
  • Wednesday, 12/11 - Winter Chorus Concert
  • Thursday, 12/12, 6:45PM-8PM - Comprehensive School Boundary Review at Annandale HS
  • Tuesday, 12/17, 7PM-8PM - Winter Band Concert
  • Monday, 12/23/24 - Friday, 1/3/25 - NO SCHOOL / Winter Break

Message from Principal Giron

Holmes Families,

It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is just around the corner! This year has brought so much to be thankful for, and I’m especially grateful for the incredible students, staff, and families that make up our Holmes community.

Last week, we had a few students who attended the Multi-Lingual day of service at Edison HS on Saturday. The event was a celebration of multi-lingualism and a chance to learn and share. It was led by the amazing Dr. Jose Zelaya. Students from many schools in Fairfax County attended as well as Dr. Reid and School Board member Marcia St. John – Cunning.

As a reminder, next week is a short school week. Classes will be in session only on Monday and Tuesday.

Wishing you all a joyful and restful Thanksgiving holiday filled with family, friends, and gratitude.

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Serena Giron

Principal

Lifetouch Discounts

As a token of appreciation, Lifetouch is offering discounts on school photography!

  • 50% off a purchase of $50+ with code USNOV50
  • 40% off a purchase of $40+ with code USNOV40
  • 30% off a purchase of $30+ with code USNOV30

Valid through 12/1/24

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an online account. Don't forget to order your FREE Digital SmileSafe card! More about the Smilesafe program here.

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 and Early Pick-Ups

To request a bus pass for your student, please email the front office at [email protected] no later than 1:30 PM. Additionally, ensure front office has consent from the parent of the student to whose house your child will be traveling, as this is required for approval.

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. 

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 11/18-11/22

Cursive Club

ASP

Flag Football

ASP

ASP Upcoming Schedule 11/25-11/29

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

Family Coffee 11/15 Recording & Resources:

Thank you to all families who attended this month’s Family Coffee at Holmes Middle School. The topic was Advanced Academic. Families learned:

  • Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) aim to develop student talents and differentiate instruction to meet the needs of learners.
  • There are pathways available in middle school for advanced academics, including Honors and math options in 7th and 8th grade.
  • High school AAP opportunities include Honors, AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment courses, with additional options like FCPS Academies and Thomas Jefferson High School.

 The recording, presentation, and resources shared can be found on our Website.

Closet

November is National Family Engagement Month!

This month reminds us that families are children’s first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Over 35 years of research shows that the most effective way to increase student achievement is for families to be actively involved in their children's education.

Resources for New FCPS Families

Are you new to the area and need help understanding school registration or connecting with your local school? The following resources are available for all families:

  • Family liaisonswork in the schools and community to help families get the information and assistance they need to support their children and to ensure their academic success. Family liaisons represent a variety of cultures, languages, and races.
  • Family information phone linesare available in nine languages to assist families. A school system employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.

Visit the FCPS Family Academy webpage to learn how FCPS works to support the continued success and well-being of each and every student. 

✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships, reminds us to empower families through trusting partnerships that sustain a safe, inclusive culture for learning.

The FCPS Family Academy is where families like yours can learn and get support for their child's school journey.

Academy

Engagement

Holmes MS PTA

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

Student Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R

FCPS is working with K12 Insight to host a community forum for families, staff members, and students to provide feedback on the school division’s cell phone policies and practices, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. FCPS is looking for more student participants (grades 3-12) to help ensure diverse perspectives from our community.

The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center. If your student is interested in providing feedback, please visit the Cell Phone Policy Forum registration page to learn more. Families must register their child by Monday, November 25.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school. 

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. 

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Thursday, December 12, 6:45-8:15 p.m., at Annandale High School (Cafeteria). 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

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