FCPS

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اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

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HMES Students with the West Potomac Area Orchestra

Thirteen Hollin Meadows student musicians performed in a concert on Thursday night as a part of the West Potomac Area Orchestra. The orchestra was comprised of string players from the West Potomac Pyramid elementary schools. The students had the opportunity to meet their future middle school director and fellow musicians. 

Our group of musicians from Hollin Meadows rehearsed after school five times with our strings teacher, Ms. Herrera. They also met with her for extra practice to learn some challenging pieces. 

All of their hard work paid off when they performed on stage at Sandburg Middle School last night. We are so proud of them! 

Young Scholars Field Trip

Our Young Scholars took a fantastic field trip to Washington, D.C today. They visited the Navy Yard to see the United States Navy Band perform at the Sail Loft. The Sail Loft is the rehearsal and performance space for the band. The trip was lead by our AAP teacher, Mrs. Johnson. Mrs. Johnson's husband is a Senior Chief Musician with the Concert and Ceremonial Band, so the students had a special opportunity to meet him and learn more about the Navy Band. Click here to visit the The United States Navy Band website to learn more about what the Navy Band does.

Important Dates

Mar. 4 - Family Science Night

Mar. 6 - Spring Picture Day

Mar. 7 - Spelling Bee 

🌟 VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders 

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 

• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

📐 Breaking Down the Budget: Supporting Academic Growth and Algebra by Eighth Grade

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan. 

Since the 2023-24 school year, FCPS has seen a 9.5% increase in eighth graders taking Algebra I or more advanced math and a 6.8% increase in fifth graders in advanced math.

Studies show that students who complete algebra in middle school have more opportunities to take advanced math and science courses in high school. This can open up new academic paths for students! Watch a video that shows why eighth grade algebra matters. 

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget.

2310 Nordok Place, Alexandria, VA 22306  |  Phone: 703.718.8300

Attendance: 703.718.8383 or [email protected]

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اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

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Hollin Meadows students celebrated the 100th day of school on Feb. 13 and Valentine's Day on Feb. 14. Important Dates

Feb. 17 - No school (President's Day)

Feb. 27 - PTA Meeting (SmartTalk Communications Event)

Mar. 4 - Family Science Night

Mar. 6 - Spring Picture Day

Mar. 7: Spelling Bee 

HMES PTA's SmartTalk Family Conversation

The HMES PTA is hosting a family conversation about digital safety on Thursday, Feb 27. Dinner will be served at 6:00 pm. The Smart Talk program will be from 6:30 - 8:00 pm.

During this event, families will learn how to:

1. Make the best online choices for themselves and their families
2. Have honest conversations about technology use
3. Set technology rules everyone can agree on

Click here to register for this event.

HMES PTA's Family Science Night

The HMES PTA has partnered with the Children's Science Center to host the HMES Family Science Night on Tuesday, March 4th from 6:00 - 7:30pm in HMES Cafeteria. The PTA is looking for 16 volunteers to run science stations. Volunteers need to be ages 16 and older. Sign up to be a volunteer by clicking the following link: HMES PTA Volunteer Opportunities

🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, between January and April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. 

Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

 

💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account.

For additional information, please contact Ms. Melissa Breen, our school registrar.

💜 FCPS Purple Up! T-Shirts and Hoodies

April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to honor and celebrate the resilience, courage, and contributions of FCPS military-connected children. FCPS will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Interested families may purchase the FCPS Purple Up! T-shirt and/or hoodie between now and March 7, 2025. You do not need to purchase a shirt to show your support. Students and families may also show support by wearing other purple clothing items on April 9. 

🤧 Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department. 

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:    

• Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school.

🍎 Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day.Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student.To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

🌟 Learn More About How Your Child Feels at School

The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-12 in March. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop the skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who do not have a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

Breaking Down the Budget: Investing in Our Classrooms

Did you know that more than 85% of FCPS’ budget stays in our classrooms? Currently, 92.5% of FCPS staff are school-based, more than neighboring school districts. We are in the middle of FCPS’ annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. Learn more about the proposed FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget and see the budget timeline.

🏗️ FCPS’ Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

The Fairfax County School Board approved the annual update to FCPS’ FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at their regular board meeting last week. A CIP is a working budget document that shows the timing and costs of improvement to school buildings, such as renovations, additions, and new schools. Learn more about planned improvements.

Fairfax County Public Schools’ updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the CIP. Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.

2310 Nordok Place, Alexandria, VA 22306  |  Phone: 703.718.8300

Attendance: 703.718.8383 or [email protected]

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Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

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اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

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HMES Hornets shared their goals for the Accomplishment Walk.

A Message from Ms. Crews

Dear Hornet Community,

This week was busy! It was nice to see our families at the 5th & 6th Grade Winter Concert on Tuesday. I think we can all agree that our students did a wonderful job playing instruments and singing in chorus. Our teachers worked hard with our oldest Hornets, and it showed. It was also nice to have parents join us for the AVID and AAP Parent Coffee this morning. The presentation lead by the AVID presenter and Ms. Teresa Johnson was thorough and well received. A few parents asked for the presentation to be shared. We will be placing it on Schoology so all our families can access it. Our plan moving forward is to house some of our school presentations on this platform.

I continue to feel extremely lucky to be your principal. Our students are continuing to grow in showing our Hornet Values on a regular basis. Please partner with us and discuss the importance of being respectful, responsible, and safe throughout our school, at home, and on the bus. Take a look at the images above to see how happy and proud the students felt at our Accomplishment Walk this past Monday.

Sincerely,

Jasibi Crews

Parents attended the Principal's Coffee to learn more about the AAP and AVID programs.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the HMES Winter Concert! Calendar Reminders

Feb. 10: Three-Hour Early Release Monday for Hollin Meadows

Feb.17: Student Holiday (President's Day)

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE. 

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Countywide lottery registration for the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program for first graders in the 2025-26 school year is open through Thursday, February 13, at 4 p.m. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program through Thursday, March 6, at 4 p.m.  

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Interested parents/caregivers may attend an informational meeting at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more details on the DLI Program webpage.

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts. 

Registration for the 2025-26 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 4, through Friday, April 4. Learn more about the programs on the Elementary Magnet Schools page and information on the magnet lottery on our Registration page.

📅 Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.   

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community. 

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

🗣️ Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit

The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information. 

At the event, FCPS students are invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities. 

Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions. 

✨ Centering student voice is part of FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. 

 

FCPS Proposed Budget Progress

The Fairfax County School Board discussed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at their work session on February 4. They discussed details regarding student enrollment and investments in students requiring additional support, market comparison data for surrounding school divisions, and an update on progress toward achieving the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence. Baldrige is a framework used to assess and improve organizational performance across various sectors, including education. 

The School Board also held a public hearing on the FY 2026 Proposed Budget on Tuesday, February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the budget.

On Tuesday, February 18, the Fairfax County executive will present the county’s Advertised Budget, and the Fairfax County School Board will hold a work session on the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget. View FCPS’ Budget Development Calendar.

Breaking Down the Budget

More than 85% of the budget is dedicated to instruction and reflects the needs of our community’s young people in response to the changing world around us. Budget priorities include providing competitive compensation for all employees, including a 7% salary increase for all staff. The majority of the budget increase is dedicated to that proposed 7% pay increase.  

Our families want their children in high-quality schools with the best teachers who provide rigorous academic experiences. We must provide competitive compensation to attract and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students. 

The proposed 7% salary increase would likely move FCPS to the highest starting salary for teachers with a master's degree among our neighboring counties and greatly improve our recruitment efforts amidst an ongoing teacher shortage. Visit the Budget webpage for more information.

2310 Nordok Place, Alexandria, VA 22306  |  Phone: 703.718.8300

Attendance: 703.718.8383 or [email protected]

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Hollin Hornet Community,

We have officially ended the second quarter of the 2025-26 school year, and we are officially halfway through the school year. Report cards for our Hornets will go home Thursday, February 6th. If you have concerns or questions for our teachers, please feel free to reach out to them to schedule a conference. Our Kindergarten through 6th grade students will be celebrating their Accomplishment Walk Monday morning and our amazing staff have started working with them to set new goals for 3rd quarter. Ask your students what they are working on and what they accomplished during second quarter.

A huge thank you to ALL parents, students, and staff who participated in our Math and Literacy Night. It was a lot of fun for all of us. Our staff worked hard to come up with fun and engaging math and literacy activities. Join me in sending a humungous thank you to our school staff village! We all love our Hornets and we value what we do!

Thank you,

Principal Crews

Hornets of the Month of January!

2310 Nordok Place, Alexandria, VA 22306  |  Phone: 703.718.8300

Attendance: 703.718.8383 or [email protected]

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Hollin Meadows Hornet Community,

Happy New Year! It is so nice to have all of our students and staff back in the building. I am sure that 2025 will be a great year for all of us! Most of our students are already engaged in writing goals for the rest of the school year. Our Morning Meetings in the classrooms as well as our K-2nd and 3rd-6th Community Meetings this week were all about resetting using Responsive Classroom. Our staff are working hard to teach the Benchmark Reading Curriculum, science, math, and so on.

As a reminder we really need for parents to use the Kiss and Ride drop off and pick up lane at arrival and dismissal. It is very unsafe to park across the school and walk over when we have buses and heavy traffic. We have received a lot of complaints from the neighbors who live on Nordok regarding this issue. Please help us keep everyone safe and refrain from parking on Nordok Place. Everyone should use the Kiss and Ride section. We have HMES staff and patrols who are stationed to assist students. I am attaching an image so everyone can see the gridlock I am referring to when buses are trying to pass and cars are parked on Nordok.

                         

Thank you for your continued partnership. We love our Hornet students, staff, and families and want to keep everyone safe.

Sincerely,

Proud Principal Jasibi Crews

December Hornets of the Month Upcoming Events Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day-Holiday January 20, 2025

"Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education" - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

6th Grade Field Trip to Sandburg MS January 22, 2025

6th Grade Performing Arts at Sandburg Middle School.  Performances from: Chamber Orchestra, Advanced Choir, Advanced Theatre, and Symphonic Band!

Math and Literacy Night January 30, 2025 - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Join us for pizza. Then learn some fun, educational math and literacy games you can play at home. 

Chorus, Band, and Orchestra Winter Concert February 4, 2025 - 6:30 p.m.

Dear Hollin Meadows Families,

Hollin Meadows Chorus, Band, and Orchestra will perform their winter concert on Tuesday February 4 at 6:30 PM in the cafeteria.  All student performers will need to be seated at 6 PM.  Student should wear all black or concert black and white.

Our winter concert will include performances from our 5th & 6th grade Chorus, 6th grade Band, and 5th & 6th grade Orchestra.

Thank you for supporting the Hollin Meadows Music Programs! We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday February4!                                                                   

Sincerely,

Johanna Salas – Band Director

Danielle Herrera – Orchestra Director

Molly Hill & Brian Welfle – Chorus Director

2310 Nordok Place, Alexandria, VA 22306  |  Phone: 703.718.8300

Attendance: 703.718.8383 or [email protected]

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A Message from Ms. Crews

Happy New Year to everyone in our Hollin Meadows community! I hope that you and your family found time to rest as well as connect with loved ones. Our custodial team was busy over the break with deep cleaning and preparing for the return of students this coming Monday.

As I write this, that it seems like snow might be visiting us according to my weather app and the local news. We know that the weather in this area can change rapidly, so please stay tuned for all weather alerts from FCPS. When a 2-hour delayed opening is announced, students may begin arriving no earlier than 10:30am. Please do not drop off students before that as there is no supervision.

As always, thank you for your partnership with us in your child's education at Hollin Meadows. We love our Hornets and cannot wait to see them for the New Year!

Jasibi Crews, Principal

❄️ 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.

2310 Nordok Place, Alexandria, VA 22306  |  Phone: 703.718.8300

Attendance: 703.718.8383 or [email protected]

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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

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☃️ Have a safe and restful Winter Break! ☃️ We are looking forward to seeing everyone back at school on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. Important Dates

Dec. 23 - Jan. 3: Winter Break (Schools are closed)

Jan. 16: Math and Literacy Night (5:30 - 7:30 pm)

🔍 Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity

FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.

Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites their child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.

Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions. 

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 among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform. 

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for FCPS’ Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2024-25 school year. 

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting held at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program Registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and the DLI Program Registration webpage.

🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Overcoming School Refusal and Resistance
• Virtual Meeting for Siblings of Children with Special Needs
• FCPS Math Week
• Supporting Your Child’s Executive Functioning Skills
• Depression in Teens
• Understanding Trauma in Your Child/Comprendiedo el Trauma en su Hijo (presented in Spanish)

Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.

🌟Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.

📣 Sign Up and Speak Out: Fairfax County’s Pre-2025 Session Public Hearing

The Fairfax County delegation to the Virginia General Assembly will hold a public hearing regarding the upcoming 2025 session on Saturday, January 4, at 9 a.m., in the Board Auditorium at the Fairfax County Government Center. 

As Fairfax County residents, you may sign up in advance to speak at the hearing and let the delegation know what matters most to you. To participate, register online using this form or contact the Department of Clerk Services at 703-324-3151 (TTY 711) by noon on Thursday, January 2. Find additional guidelines for speaking at the public forum on the Fairfax County Government website. 

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:

• Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. 

• Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 

• Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 

• Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

2310 Nordok Place, Alexandria, VA 22306  |  Phone: 703.718.8300

Attendance: 703.718.8383 or [email protected]

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Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

 

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

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We are excited to announce our Outstanding Employee Awards winners for 2024-2025!

Outstanding Leader: Assistant Principal Lisa Alderton

Outstanding Teacher: Danielle Lane (Grade 4)

Outstanding Operational Employee: Kitchen/Cafeteria Manager Greg Thomas

Outstanding Professional: Counselor Leslie Fry

Outstanding New Teacher: Haimanot Solomon (Grade 5)

We are so thankful for everything that these staff members do to make our school a great place to learn! These staff members have been selected to move to the pyramid level and compete against the winners from other schools in the West Potomac pyramid. We appreciate the kind words that were shared about all the staff members who were nominated. You can learn more about the Outstanding Employee Awards by visiting the FCPS website.

HMES Student Council’s 5 Days of School Spirit

Monday December 16th: Twin Day or Favorite Color Day

Tuesday December 17th: Crazy Hair or Socks Day

Wednesday December 18th: Hat or Sportswear Day

Thursday December 19th: Pajama Day

Friday December 20th: Holiday Wear Day

❄️ Operation Snowflake PTA Fundraiser

Have you sent your beloved HMES staff members an Operation Snowflake card yet?? There is still time! Open a bit longer, fill out the online form below, or send the paper form back with your child you got in last week’s Thursday folder, and the PTA will deliver a handmade card (like the one pictured) to the staff of your choice! All funds stay directly with the PTA to help with our programming this year! 💙💛

https://hollinmeadowspta.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/7235

Winter Singalong Friday, December 20

Join us as we gather as a school community to sing songs as at our annual Winter Singalong on Friday, December 20 from 1:15 -1:45 p.m. in the cafeteria. Families, please enter the school through the front doors and check in with the main office before going to the cafeteria.

Important Dates

Dec. 15: Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes. Click here for more information.

Dec. 20: Winter Singalong - 1:15-1:45 p.m. 

Dec. 23 - Jan. 3: Winter Break (Schools are closed)

Jan. 6: Schools reopen

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow

We recognize that holidays are an important time for reconnecting with families far away and exposing your children to their heritage and culture, whether you grew up in another part of the United States or a different country. The price of plane tickets often influences when you want to travel. When booking extended travel, please keep in mind the costs to your children’s education if they miss too much school. Visit our website for more attendance resources. 

SIS ParentVue Accounts

Have you set up your SIS ParentVUEaccount yet? It's a great tool for staying connected with your child's school. 

Update Contact Information

Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from our school and FCPS by adding your cell phone number and email to SIS ParentVUE. To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon. 

Complete Permission Forms

Families can now easily give permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account. You can easily opt your child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. You may also change how your student’s information is managed.

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool. 

Submit Absences

Parents/caregivers can submit up to two full-day absences through SIS ParentVUE. Log in and click “Report Absence.” Absences longer than two days, partial day absences, and changes of transportation should still be reported to our front office. 

Don’t Have a SIS ParentVUE Account Yet? Contact our registrar Melissa Breen for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage. 

Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter

The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:

• Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
• Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
• SEL Screener Results
• New Accessibility Resources
• Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
• Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
• VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
• Executive Functioning Webinars
• Early Literacy Resources
• ESY and Assessment Webinar
• COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options

Subscribe to the Special Education and 504 Newsletter.

⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

Community Meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review

If you did not get a chance to attend one of the recent community meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review, please consider attending the final meeting in this first phase of the boundary review process. The Region 1 meeting will take place Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m.,in the Madison High School cafeteria. Register today. If you are unable to participate, stay tuned for details about virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings coming early next year.

View FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.

2310 Nordok Place, Alexandria, VA 22306  |  Phone: 703.718.8300

Attendance: 703.718.8383 or [email protected]

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Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

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The new HMES Admin Team - Ms. Crews, Ms. Gilley, and Ms. Alderton

A Note from Principal Crews

Hollin Meadows Family,

I am beyond excited to announce that our new Assistant Principal is our beloved Francesca Gilley. She has been a dedicated Hollin Meadows Instructional Coach since last year 2023. Before that Ms. Gilley was a teacher for over 9 years in FCPS. She has a wealth of experience working with teachers, families, and students. Ms. Gilley is trained in Responsive Classroom, Mentor Works, Cultural Proficiency, and has led our school’s MTSS team since last year. Francesca was a 3rd grade teacher at Hollin Meadows from 2015-2019, after that she taught 3rd and 4th at Mason Crest Elementary from 2019-2023. Her references were highly favorable and provided compelling evidence of her qualifications and experiences. Ms. Gilley’s dedication to serving our Hollin Meadows school community distinctly stood out as the best fit to meet our school’s needs. Please join me in congratulating her on her new role!

Sincerely Proud Principal,

Principal Jasibi Crews

Reminder:  Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-6 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Teresa Johnson (AART) [email protected] or Jasibi Crews (Principal [email protected] )  no later than December 15, 2024. 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Teresa Johnson [email protected]

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Winter Singalong Friday, December 20

Join us as we gather as a school community to sing songs as at our annual Winter Singalong on Friday, December 20 from 1:15 -1:45 p.m. in the cafeteria. Families, please enter the school through the front doors and check in with the main office before going to the cafeteria.

Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after winter break. Give your child the gift of education and help build a habit of attendance. Visit our website for more attendance resources. 

Lost and Found

Our lost and found is overflowing. Are your children missing a coat, lunch kit, or water bottle?  The lost and found is located outside of the gym. Please stop by to take a look before Friday, December 20th. After December 20th, all unclaimed items left will be donated.

Families, please write your child’s name on the inside of winter coats, lunchboxes, and on reusable water bottles to ensure they can be returned to your child!

Attend a Boundary Review Community Meeting

Boundary Review Community Meetings provide a great opportunity for families, staff, and community members to share their thoughts and questions, and learn more about the boundary review process. The schedule of remaining meetings is below:. 

• Monday, December 9, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Register Mount Vernon High School Cafeteria (Region 3)   
• Thursday, December 12, 6:45 - 8:15 p.m. Register Annandale High School Cafeteria (Region 6)  
• Wednesday, December 18, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Register Madison High School Cafeteria (Region 1)

Family and community members are able to attend one or all of the meetings. You may want to attend a meeting in your region, but are free to attend a meeting in another region if that works better for their schedule. 

Visit the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to register or view other community meeting dates. Also, sign up to receive our School Boundary Review newsletter

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

Winter Resources from Fairfax County Government Agencies

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered. Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!

The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county. 

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.

FCPS Cares

FCPS Cares 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 all acknowledge the good work of our Hollin Meadows staff members

 

 

 

Important Dates

Dec. 10: PTA Meeting - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Dec. 15: Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes

Dec. 20: Winter Singalong - 1:15-1:45 p.m. 

Dec. 23 - Jan. 3: Winter Break (Schools are closed)

2310 Nordok Place, Alexandria, VA 22306  |  Phone: 703.718.8300

Attendance: 703.718.8383 or [email protected]

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A Note from Ms. Crews

It was wonderful to see so many family members at our Thanksgiving Luncheon. Thank you to our cafeteria team, PTA volunteers, and staff members for cooking, decorating, serving food, and coming joining together as a Hornet Family for this special celebration. I am extremely thankful to be the principal of Hollin Meadows and to get the chance to come to work with your children and our amazing staff every day.

We are looking forward to seeing your children at school on Monday and Tuesday. There is no school on Wednesday, Nov. 27 - Friday, Nov. 29. I hope everybody has a wonderful Thanksgiving break with their families. 

Reminder:  Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-6 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Teresa Johnson (AART) [email protected] or Jasibi Crews (Principal [email protected] )  no later than December 15, 2024. 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Teresa Johnson [email protected]

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Plastic Bag Collection for HMES Get To Green Recycling

We are going strong on our plastic bag recycling. We have collected 114 pounds of clean plastic bags so far. Our goal is 1000 pounds!

Please keep bringing your clean:

• grocery bags
• bread bags
• cereal bags
• shrink wrap
• bubble wrap
• plastic mailers

There are collection containers in the front lobby of the school.  

Let’s earn a free bench from Trex Decking!

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 us. 

Register for ParentVUELearn 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 Monday, December 9, 6:30-8 p.m., at Mount Vernon High School (Cafeteria). If you are unable to attend on this date, please 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.

Important Dates

Nov. 27- Nov. 29: Thanksgiving Break (School & Office are closed)

Dec. 5: PTA Meeting

Dec. 15: Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes 

2310 Nordok Place, Alexandria, VA 22306  |  Phone: 703.718.8300

Attendance: 703.718.8383 or [email protected]

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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

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Principal's Message

Hornet Family,

Please join me in welcoming Mr. Keith Hirsch who will be our AP Interim at Hollin Meadows while we hire a new Assistant Principal. Mr. Hirsch joined our team starting Monday, Nov. 18th. He comes to us after working 25 years in FCPS. He retired in April and Hollin Meadows will be his second interim Assistant Principal assignment this year. 

During his time in FCPS, Mr. Hirsch has worked as a 3rd, 5th and 6th grade teacher for Freedom Hill ES in Vienna and has worked for the past 14 years as an Assistant Principal at West Springfield ES and Cardinal Forest ES. 

Mr. Hirsch and his wife have three children who are FCPS students. He is an avid sports fan who follows all University of Maryland sports.

You will see Mr. Hirsch around our school so please make sure to welcome him. I have a feeling he will love our school and Hollin Hornets as quickly as I did!

I know many of you are wondering about our new AP hiring process. We are in the process of interviewing candidates. We are fortunate to have a pool of qualified candidates and we are looking forward to finding the best fit for our school.

Thank you for your continued support!

Medication Reminder

Students should NEVER bring any medications into the school building. Parents/guardians must transport all medications to the school health room so the medication can be safely stored and administered. This includes nonprescription/over-the-counter medications such as cold medicine and aspirin. You can find out the procedures for having medications administered at school by visiting the Hollin Meadows Clinic webpage or by speaking with our School Health Aide Heidi Fischer (703-718-8310). Thank you for helping to keep all of our students safe!

Thanksgiving Luncheon

Our Thanksgiving Luncheon is on Thursday, Nov. 21! The luncheon will be free for all Hollin Meadows students. If you would like to join your child for lunch, we will be preselling lunch tickets for $5.00 per guest. Please fill out the RSVP form and return it with the money by Nov. 20.

Would you like to volunteer to help at the Thanksgiving luncheon? Click here to see the PTA's Thanksgiving Luncheon Volunteer Form

Note: Your child's lunch time may have changed for the luncheon. Here is the schedule.

Federal Impact Aid Survey

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is eligible for federal Impact Aid grants due to the federal presence in our area. The grants from these programs will become part of FCPS' general operating budget. They are critical to ensuring that students receive an excellent education. FCPS anticipates receiving approximately $4,000,000 in Impact Aid funds.

FCPS uses the survey for Federal Impact Aid to identify federally connected students. In October, the survey will be made available to FCPS families. The survey is available online through ParentVue. Families without ParentVUE can request a paper copy of the survey from their child's school. FCPS staff will process the information with the utmost confidentiality.

You can visit the FCPS Federal Impact Aid Survey webpage for videos and directions to access the survey in ParentVue.

You can use these translation to complete the pre-filled English Survey:

• Arabic directions
• Chinese directions
• Korean directions
• Spanish directions
• Urdu directions
• Vietnamese directions

Use of Impact Aid Funds

Federal Impact Aid provides revenue to local education agencies to mitigate costs of educating children in areas impacted by federal activity. The Impact Aid policy was designed to compensate local school districts for the local funding share that is reduced or eliminated because of a Federal presence that is not taxable.  School districts with federal lands, military installations, federal low-rent housing or Indian Trust land within their boundaries lose local revenues.  Impact Aid is designed to compensate school districts for this lost revenue. Impact Aid goes into the general fund and is intended to offset the costs (e.g. staff, facilities, and transportation) associated with educating military dependent children and other special groups.

Donate Your Leaves to the HMES Garden

If you are raking up this fall, the HMES Gardens would love some donations! Please put the leaves into paper bags and leave them outside of Door 7 (near the playground). Contact Maura McVeigh at [email protected] if you have any questions.

American Education Week

For American Education Week we celebrate ALL who work in our school community: our bus drivers, cafeteria workers, counselors, support staff, teachers, leadership and more! Learn more from the National Education Association.

Want to recognize someone from Hollin Meadows who goes above and beyond? Submit a nomination to FCPS Cares.

FCHD November 21 and 22 Immunization Clinics

In collaboration with Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD), FCPS will host immunization clinics for all FCPS students on November 21 and 22 at its Willow Oaks Administrative Center. All school-required immunizations will be available free of charge.

• Parents/Guardians must accompany students under the age of 18 and provide consent for your student to receive immunizations. Students ages 18 years and older may provide their own consent. 

• Although appointments are not needed, parents are asked to complete the sign-up form below to choose a preferred time slot.

• Please bring an insurance card (if applicable). Insurance is not required to participate.

• Language interpreters will be present. 

• Students should bring printed immunization records, if available.

Clinic Location: 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031

Dates and Times: 

• Thursday, November 21,  1 - 7 p.m.
• Friday, November 22, 8 a.m  - 2 p.m.

Click here to go to the Immunization Clinic Time Signup Form

 

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 Monday, December 9, 6:30-8 p.m., at Mount Vernon High School Cafeteria. 

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

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

Important Dates

Nov. 20: School Picture Retake Day

Nov. 21: HMES Thanksgiving Luncheon

Nov. 27- Nov. 29: Thanksgiving Break (School & Office are closed)

Dec. 5: PTA Meeting

FCPS News

• In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
• Veterans Day Recognitions
• Resources on IEPs, Financial Aid, Literacy, and Community Leadership
• Teacher Hiring Event

2310 Nordok Place, Alexandria, VA 22306  |  Phone: 703.718.8300

Attendance: 703.718.8383 or [email protected]

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Veterans Day Celebration at Hollin Meadows

Today we had our annual Veterans Day program at Hollin Meadows to honor the sacrifices made by all of the service members in our community as well as our country. We loved seeing so many families on the audience!

We are so thankful for the staff, families, and community members who helped to make this a memorable event. Mr. Welfle and Mrs. Hill put together the beautiful music selections and worked with our chorus to learn the music that we heard today. We appreciate our local Girl Scout troop leaders, who worked with Girl Scouts from our school to create and train a student color guard. Thank you to Ms. Steele, our guest speaker for sharing your experiences with the Coast Guard. We heard a moving performance of Taps by a talented local Boy Scout bugler. We are especially grateful to Erin Anderson of the HMES PTA who spent so much time organizing this wonderful event and writing speeches for our SCA members to share. Our fabulous PTA also hosted a reception with refreshments for our military families and guests. It was a fantastic program!

Hollin Meadows is a Purple Star School

Hollin Meadows Elementary School is a new recipient of the 2024-2025 Purple Star Award for our commitment to support to our military connected students and their families. Thank you to our school counselor, Leslie Fry, for being our point of contact our military families and for all of her efforts to help our school community to be a welcoming and supportive place for our military connected students. You can learn more about the Purple Star Designation Program on the FCPS website. 

Nominate an Outstanding HMES Staff Member by Nov. 13!

Nominations are now open for the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Hollin Meadows Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through the Google form links for each award below. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

Click on a link to find out more about this category and make a nomination.

Outstanding Teacher  

Eligibility: Has more than three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding Principal

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

Outstanding Leader  

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a School-Based Administrator (that is not the building principal) at their current location. Common position in this category: Assistant Principals

Outstanding Professional Employee  

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a non-instructional employee at a school and at their current location

Common positions in this category:  School Counselor, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school, Special Education Department Chair, Reading Specialists that do not have a regular course load/do not give grades

Outstanding Operational Employee

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as a Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee at their current location

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons, Classroom Monitors who work more than 20 hours/week

The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, November 13, 2024

If you have any questions, please contact Molly Hill at [email protected]

Important Dates

Nov. 14: Report cards go home. Parents can also see report cards in their ParentVue account.

Nov. 15: West Po Fun Friday (Students must have already returned their parent permission slip in order to participate.)

Nov. 18: Early dismissal at 12:05 p.m.

Nov. 20: School Picture Retake Day

Nov. 21: HMES Thanksgiving Luncheon

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair

Parents/caregivers, school staff, and students over the age of 14 are invited to attend an interactive event celebrating the individualized education program (IEP) process. The IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. 

The event is sponsored by Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). Activities include simulated IEP meetings, break-out sessions on the various parts of an IEP, and a resource fair to learn more about community supports. Register in advance. Click to edit this placeholder text.

Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

2310 Nordok Place, Alexandria, VA 22306  |  Phone: 703.718.8300

Attendance: 703.718.8383 or [email protected]

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Ms. Crews presented at our Attendance and Title 1 Parent and Principal Coffee.

A Message from Principal Crews

Dear Hornet Community,

We were super excited to acknowledge our Hollin Hornet Students of the Month for September and October. The students who were selected by their classroom teachers were examples for all of our Hornets. They showed RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, and SAFETY! The pictures of the students are included in this newsletter, and we cannot wait to see which students are selected for the month of November.

Thank you to all of the families who came to our Attendance and Title 1 Parent and Principal Coffee. Please stay tuned for our next one. We plan to have a Parent Coffee quarterly.

I have some important news to share with all of you regarding our Assistant Principal Tieya White. She has been offered a phenomenal opportunity, so she is moving to be the AP at Fort Belvoir Primary Elementary School. Ms. White has a deep connection to the military since her husband has served our country for 30 years. We are sad to see her go and wish her the very best on her new journey! Ms. Tieya White has worked at Hollin Meadows for 17 years, with 7 of those years being our Assistant Principal. Her last day with us will be on Friday, November 15th. Please make sure to bid her farewell and thank her for her service to our school community.

In the following weeks, the AP position will be posted and we will start looking at candidates. Please stay tuned for more updates. In the interim, there will be someone sent to support our administration team. Once I have more information, I will share.

Thank you for your continued support.

Please join us for our Veteran's Day program on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 8:45 a.m. We will honor those who have served or are currently serving our country as members of the armed forces.  Former, reserve and active duty service members are invited to attend and wear their uniform. Students and other guests are encouraged to wear Red, White & Blue. We will have special performances from our school chorus. The program will be in the cafeteria this year. We hope to see you there!

How to Recognize Our Outstanding Staff at Hollin Meadows

Nominations are now open for the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Hollin Meadows Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through the Google form links for each award below. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

Click on a link to find out more about this category and make a nomination.

Outstanding Teacher  

Eligibility: Has more than three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding Principal

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

Outstanding Leader  

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a School-Based Administrator (that is not the building principal) at their current location. Common position in this category: Assistant Principals

Outstanding Professional Employee  

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a non-instructional employee at a school and at their current location

Common positions in this category:  School Counselor, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school, Special Education Department Chair, Reading Specialists that do not have a regular course load/do not give grades

Outstanding Operational Employee

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as a Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee at their current location

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons, Classroom Monitors who work more than 20 hours/week

The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, November 13, 2024

If you have any questions, please contact Molly Hill at [email protected]

Lost and Found

Is your child missing an item of clothing, water bottle, or lunch box? Please stop by and look for it in our lost and found. Our lost and found racks and tables are overflowing with clothing items that are waiting to be reunited with your children. Families may stop by at arrival and dismissal time to check the lost and found.

Important Dates

Nov. 12: Veteran's Day Program at 8:45 a.m.

Nov. 15: West Po Fun Friday (Students must have already returned their parent permission slip in order to participate.)

Nov. 18: Early dismissal at 12:05 p.m.

Nov. 20: School Picture Retake Day

Nov. 21: Thanksgiving Luncheon

Please Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Elementary School Language Arts Grading Updates

Our teachers have been hard at work teaching with the new Language Arts curriculum, and we are excited to help all of our students become strong readers and writers! This year we also have new assessments, which is how we check if your student needs extra help with reading and writing, and new Standards of Learning (SOLs).

Because of these changes, we are now teaching all of the Language Arts skills your child needs to know (and checking if they need extra help) throughout the whole school year, instead of different skills each quarter. While these skills will be new to your child in the beginning of the year, the goal is for your child to grow stronger in all of their new skills by the end of the year.

This means that when you get your child’s progress report next month, it might look different. Your child’s teacher will give you more information on the new progress reporting and how we’re making sure your child is getting any extra help they might need. You can find more information on FCPS’ Grading and Reporting webpage.

We will also have new ways for you to help your child practice their reading and writing skills at home. These resources are coming soon!

2310 Nordok Place, Alexandria, VA 22306  |  Phone: 703.718.8300

Attendance: 703.718.8383 or [email protected]

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