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Region 1 Outstanding Principal
Dr. Liz Noto was named Region 1 Outstanding Principal for 2024-25! She was recognized for earning the respect of Herndon’s staff and students, inspiring excellence and creativity, and providing an innovative vision for the future of our school. She continuously works to foster an environment where diversity in all of its forms is valued and appreciated and demonstrate keeping equity at the center of their work .Congratulations Dr. Noto!
In This Issue:
Calendar
February 10-15: Sweetheart Bash Spirit Week
February 10: Rising Junior and ML Level 1 & 2 Sophomore Academic Advising Presentation and Sophomore Career Unit, 4th Pd
February 10-18: Rising Junior and ML Level 1 & 2 Sophomore Individual Course Selection Meetings and Sophomore Career Unit Follow-up
February 12: Genesys Works Interest Meeting, Stinger 6
February 15: National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day
February 15: Sweetheart Bash, 7:30-9:30 pm, Lecture Hall and Main Street
February 17: Holiday | Washington’s Birthday and Presidents’ Day
February 17: Guitar Program Fundraiser, 2:00-5:30 pm, Twisted Sweet & Savory
February 19 & 20: Discovery Summit, All Day, School-Wide
February 21, 25: Rising Sophomore and ML Level 1 & 2 Freshman Academic Advising Presentation, 4th Pd
February 24-28: Public Schools Week
February 28: Religious and Cultural Observance | Ramadan (begins sundown 2/28 and continues with daily fast and nightly prayer until 3/30)
February 28-March 07: Rising Sophomore and ML Level 1 & 2 Freshman Individual Course Selection
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar for 2024-25
Events
♥️ Sweetheart Bash Spirit Week
Here are the spirit days for this week Hornets! Get excited for the Sweetheart Bash this Saturday. Tickets available through MySchoolbucks or during all lunches this week. Only $10.
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Monday, February 10th: P.J. Day
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Tuesday, February 11th: Duo Day
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Wednesday, February 12th: Cupid's Colors
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Thursday, February 13th: Dress Like Your Type
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Friday, February 14th: Love for Herndon
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Saturday, February 15th: Sweetheart Bash, 7:30-9:30 pm, Lecture Hall and Main Street
February Is Career and Technical Education Month
By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school including Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, Marketing, Technology and Engineering Education, and Trade and Industrial Education. Since this is an elective, course offerings may vary by school. Learn more on the FCPS CTE webpage.
CTE also offers summer programs for students to explore their programs. Enroll now!
📋Academic Advising and Course Selection
Academic advising and course selection begins soon! Starting this month, students will meet individually with their teachers and school counselor to discuss and choose their courses for the 2025-26 school year. It is so important that parents and students are informed of their academic options. Families are encouraged to talk with current teachers for their feedback for next school year. Just like last year, students will choose classes via their SIS Student accounts. After the students choose their courses via their accounts, they will meet with their school counselor to confirm the selections.
It is important for students to choose a course load that will challenge them and help prepare them for their post-secondary endeavors while also allowing for balance with their extracurricular and personal commitments. We take academic advising and course selection seriously and encourage students to base their choices on their strengths and interests and with their plans for life after high school in mind.
All of our academic advising and course selection information is available on the Herndon HS > Student Services > Course Selection webpage and a few are listed below.
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February 10: Rising Junior and ML Level 1 & 2 Sophomore Academic Advising Presentation and Sophomore Career Unit, 4th Pd
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February 10-18: Rising Junior and ML Level 1 & 2 Sophomore Individual Course Selection Meetings and Sophomore Career Unit Follow-up
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February 21, 25: Rising Sophomore and ML Level 1 & 2 Freshman Academic Advising Presentation, 4th Pd
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February 28-March 07: Rising Sophomore and ML Level 1 & 2 Freshman Individual Course Selection
🎓 Graduation Requirements and Planning
Planning which courses to take next year — and in future years — must be given considerable thought. Students and families should review the Graduation Requirements and Course Planning webpage to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond.
The Curriculum webpage may also be helpful. Refer to our course catalog and course selection webpages.
📍 Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings
If you have not been able to attend an FCPS Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:
Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.
Genesys Works: An Opportunity for Current Juniors
Would you like to earn up to $15,000 in a paid corporate internship, an industry-recognized certification, and a successful plan for after high school? Genesys Works is an opportunity for a successful future! They provide free business and computer skills training, a paid corporate internship, free access to Google certifications, and college and scholarship application help.
On February 12th during Stinger 6 a Genesys Works representative, and a current HHS Genesys Works student, will conduct a school presentation for interested 11th grade students (only). Then they will have a representative personally available during all four lunches that day (11:20am to 1:20pm) to provide additional details and answer any questions. If you have, or are, a student that may be interested or a good fit, please encourage them to attend the info session or connect with the Genesys Works representative at lunch that day. Additional information available here. Snow date is Friday, February 14th.
Sign up here to learn more!
Presidents Day (Holiday)
All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, for the Presidents Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.
Guitar Program at Twisted Sweets & Savory
Join Herndon High School's Guitar Program at Twisted Sweets & Savory on Monday, February 17th from 2:00 - 5:30 pm to help support the program.
Order online at https://twistedsweetsandsavory.com/order. Visit at 626 Grant Street STE F, Herndon. Call at (703) 987-0009.
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.
Discovery Summit
On February 19 & 20, 2025, we are introducing a powerful new opportunity for all Herndon students to participate in a learning conference called the Discovery Summit. This experience is a groundbreaking schoolwide event that will place students in a work-like environment where they have an opportunity to explore new subjects, dive deeper into their learning, receive targeted academic support, recharge their battery, and develop important career and life skills. We welcome you to watch this short introductory video and then review the Discovery Summit Schedule and Activities for the many sessions that are being offered for students on these days. Registration for these sessions will open for students on Monday, February 10th during TA. We hope you have an opportunity to help guide your student into creating a balanced schedule for these two upcoming conference days. We are so excited to be able to offer such a variety of sessions to help students ignite their passion, improve their performance in school, and discover pathways to future careers!
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.
🏅 Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards
First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education.
Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have a positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.
Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.
📝 Application for the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board
The School Board student representative represents the interests of Fairfax County Public Schools students. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity. Students currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply.
Watch this video to learn about the student representative experience from the current representative, Megan Sawant.
Application Information and Deadlines
To be considered for the election, students are required to provide:
- A written component, which is due Monday, February 24.
- A 30-second candidate video statement, which is due Wednesday, March 26. Candidates will be emailed a link to record their video on Monday, March 17.
Both application components are required to be considered for the election. Read more about the election process.
Public Schools Week
Public Schools Week is an annual celebration that brings together school leaders, educators, parents & community leaders to recognize the importance of our nation’s public schools.
Ramadan
Ramadan begins at sundown on Friday, February 28. This day is an evening-only observance day. There is school on these days, but certain activities that cannot be made up can not take place after school. See the complete school year calendar.Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact their child’s principal regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener
The Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 9-12.during the week of March 17th. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. More information is available about the SEL Screener by accessing this link: https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener. If you have any questions please reach out to our SEL Screener Lead, Samantha Kramer, at [email protected].
NJROTC Annual Military Inspection
The NJROTC Annual Military Inspection (AMI) was held on Wednesday, February 5th. This mandatory event is where a Navy-appointed manager inspects the unit to ensure it meets Navy standards. The inspection includes a review of the cadets' uniforms, personal appearance, knowledge, and the unit's facilities. congratulating these outstanding students and their instructors on a successful inspection!
Information
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!
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.
All Night Grad - February 2025 Newsletter
Dear Herndon Parents,
Let’s give our seniors a night to remember! All Night Grad is a huge party following graduation. It’s a great way for graduates to celebrate together one last time.
We need your support to make this event a success! Click on the picture to access the newsletter for ticket info, fundraising events, sponsorship opportunities and others ways to get involved.
HHS All Night Grad Committee
Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!
Ombuds staff engage with FCPS employees, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Ombuds office staff members are available to help resolve disagreements between parents/caregivers and schools. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.
Hornets on the Hill
On February 5th and 6th, a few US VA Government classes took their seniors to Capitol Hill to attend various hearings. Additional classes will go throughout this month.
Resources
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Proposed Budget Progress
- Apply for Dual Immersion and Magnet Lotteries
- Black History Month Event
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Quick Links
700 Bennett Street, Herndon, VA 20170 | Main Office: 703-810-2200
Attendance: 703-810-2282 | Web | Twitter
