Week of February 3
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Black History MonthBlack History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month at https://blackhistorymonth.gov/.
In This Issue: CalendarFebruary 03-07: National School Counseling Week
February 04,06: 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 15: National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day
February 17: Holiday | Washington’s Birthday and Presidents’ Day
February 17: Guitar Program Fundraiser, 2:00-5:30 pm, Twisted Sweet & Savory
February 21, 25: Rising Sophomore and ML Level 1 & 2 Freshman Academic Advising Presentation, 4th Pd
February 24-28: Public Schools Week
February 28-March 07: Rising Sophomore and ML Level 1 & 2 Freshman Individual Course Selection
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar for 2024-25
Events National School Counseling WeekFebruary 3-7, 2025 is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career.
School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.
SR&R and Cell Phone Policy SurveyAll FCPS families and middle and high school students have received an invitation to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available through Monday, February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!
📋Academic Advising and Course SelectionAcademic 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 04,06: 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
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.
Gradebook Available Until End-of-QuarterBased on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps.
Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.
Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVueLearn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.
Once Upon a One More Time at Fairfax AcademyHerndon High School students Ethan Hardy, Jane Keifer, and Allie Blanchet will be performing in one of the first high school productions of this dynamic musical at Fairfax Academy. Don’t miss seeing them sing and dance their way to Happy Ever After!
Performances are scheduled for January 31st to February 8th. Visit the MTAS website for tickets and more information at
https://mtasacademy.weebly.com/once-upon-a-one-more-time.html
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.
🏅 Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class AwardsFirst-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 BoardThe 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.
Information 🖐️Volunteers for Science FairThe Herndon High School Science Department is looking for volunteers for Science Fair Judging. A background in science is not necessary. The science fair will take place at Herndon High School on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 3:15 pm to around 6pm. If you would like to volunteer, please fill out the google form below. We appreciate your consideration! Sincerely, Katharine Page https://tinyurl.com/hhsscifair25
Proposed Budget Presented to School Board
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 23. Watch a video of the presentation.
As Dr. Reid noted in her January 24 letter to families, “The budget is fiscally responsible and invests in excellence — not just for FCPS, but for all of us in Fairfax County who want a strong community with successful young people, dedicated educators and support staff, and a thriving economy.”
The proposed budget reflects the needs of and FCPS’ commitments to Fairfax County students, families, and community members. It focuses on competitive compensation, including a 7.0% salary increase for all staff to recruit and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students; investing in students who require additional support; and continuing multiyear initiatives such as inclusive preschool and safety and security updates.
Learn more on the Budget webpage.
All Night Grad - February 2025 Newsletter 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.
Resources FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- FY 2026 Proposed Budget
- Student-Driven Lunch Menus
- Inclusion Awards Nominations
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- FCPS Standard School Year Calendar
- Attendance Procedures and Policies
- FCPS Cares - Share and submit your story about a Herndon HS staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year.
- FCPS Parent Resource Center
- FCPS Safety Tipline
- Herndon HS Athletics
- Herndon HS PTSA
- Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
- Parent and Student IT Support Portal
- Parent Information Phone Lines (Available in 8 languages)
- School Lunch/Menu Information
- Student Technology Support
700 Bennett Street, Herndon, VA 20170 | Main Office: 703-810-2200
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