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In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community.
In This Issue:
Calendar
October 02: National Custodian Appreciation Day
October 06: National Coaches Day
October 07: HHS Choir Car Wash, Reston Sunoco, 10:00 am
October 09: Student Holiday | Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Staff Development Day for Staff)
October 11: PSAT Day (10th/11th Grade); SAT Day (12th Grade - Registration was required); Unscheduled Day (9th Grade; non-testers)
October 12: HHS Choir Fall Music Sampler, 7:00 pm, Auditorium
October 10-14: Homecoming Spirit Week 2023
October 15: The 2023 College Fair, 4:00 - 7:00 pm, George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena
October 26: Disney Show Down, 7:00 pm, Auditorium
November 08: Career Fair, 8:10 - 11:30am
November 09: HHS PTSA Meeting, 7:00 pm, Lecture Hall
FCPS Calendar | HHS Red and Black Calendar
Events
2023 World Languages Credit Exam
The 2023 World Languages Credit Exam will be administered on November 8, 9, and 13, 2023. The exam assesses reading and writing language proficiency in languages other than English. Students who take the exam may earn up to three World Languages credits for levels one, two, and three for the language of the exam. Thirty languages will be included: American Sign Language (ASL), Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Mandarin), Farsi, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Pashto, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Sanskrit, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Telugu, Tigrinya, Turkish, Twi, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Credit exam information can be accessed at: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/high-school-academics-9-12/world-languages/credit-exam-world-languages
Please have your student see their school counselor to register for these exams. You must inform your school counselor by Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 3 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted.
From the Library
The library is a busy place! We welcome students before school, after school, and during the school day with a pass. Students looking for a lunch option other than the cafeteria can often get a pass to spend their lunch block in the library. We provide instruction to students in all disciplines, help students come up with creative ways to share information they’ve learned, and help students find their next favorite book! More details about Herndon High School’s library can be found on your student’s Library course in Schoology. If we can answer any questions for you, please contact us at [email protected].
Does your student still have library books from prior schools? We are happy to get them back to the FCPS school they came from. FCPS does not charge overdue fines for library books, but the schools would love to get these materials back.
VA DMV Permit Test
Throughout this school year, Herndon HS will now offer the Virginia DMV Permit test to all students who meet the criteria, have parent permission and successfully register for the test. Students will need to meet the following criteria and registration tasks:
- Be at least 15 years and 6 months old to register and take the permit test.
- Obtain a signed DTS 41-Parent Consent Form (DTS 41- Parent Permission Form Link)
- Register on ACE Online for Herndon High School (there is a $20 fee due at registration) (ACE Online Registration Link)
- Register for the test on the Virginia DMV Online Knowledge Testing System (Virginia DMV Test Registration Link)
- Students MUST bring their FCPS school issued laptop on the day of the test.
- Students MUST bring a picture ID to verify identity. If the student does not have a picture ID, take a picture, print the picture, write the student’s full legal name under the picture and have a teacher sign it to verify identity.
Test Dates: October 5 & 12, November 30, December 6, January 10, February 1 & 22, March 13, April 18, May 9, May 23, June 5
Test Location: Herndon HS- Room J104
Test Time: 3:15pm (NO NOT BE LATE)
If you have any questions, please email Ms. Quirine ([email protected]).
HHS Needs You!
The PTSA puts on programs and events, invests in our teachers and staff, and enhances each family's experience at HHS. We can only do this with your financial support!
The PTSA is run through your donations - 100% of your tax-deductible donation goes directly to HHS PTSA, supporting our school’s needs, and ultimately our student’s.
Please donate here!
Yearbooks for Sale
Yearbooks are now available for purchase via MySchoolBucks or by going to yearbookordercenter.com and using school code 8967. Books start at $65. Students on free/reduced lunch should go to the main office to pick up an order form.
HHS Choir Car Wash
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. This year, Monday, October 9, is a student holiday and staff development day. Learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day from the National Museum of the American Indian. See the complete school year calendar.
Spirit Week 2023
Tuesday, October 10th
Soccer Moms vs BBQ Dads
Wednesday, October 11th
Pajama Day (PSAT day)
Thursday, October 12th
Decades Day (Freshmen 2000s, Sophomores 1990s, Juniors 1980s, Seniors 1970s)
Friday, October 13th
Class Color Day (Freshmen = Gray, Sophomores = White, Juniors = Red, Seniors = Black)
Homecoming Events
Pep Rally: Friday, October 13th, End of the day. We are planning to be outside but will be inside if weather necessitates.
PowerPuff: Friday, October 13th, 6:00 – 7:00 pm, HHS Stadium. Come support the Juniors and Seniors as the battle it out on the gridiron. Rumors promise of an entertaining half-time show. Concessions will be available.
Bonfire: Friday, October 13th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, HHS Sign Field. If you’re craving a s’more – stop by the bonfire. Yard games, music, and the warm glow of the fire is all provided. Concessions will be available.
Parade: Saturday, October 14th, 9:30 am, Downtown Herndon. Family friendly celebration of Reston, Herndon and HHS. Find a spot along Elden or Lynn Street and celebrate Reston/Herndon.
Football Game: Saturday, October 14th, 1:00 pm, HHS Stadium. Come watch the Herndon Hornets kick some McLean Highlander booty.
Homecoming Dance: Saturday, October 14th, 8:00 – 11:00 pm
PSAT/SAT Day – October 11, 2023
On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, PSAT/SAT Day will be held at Herndon High School. Tenth and eleventh grade students will be taking the PSAT while twelfth grade students who registered by September 6, 2023, will be taking the SAT test. FCPS Leadership approved Wednesday, October 11 (A Day) as an “unscheduled day” for grade 9-12 students who are not participating in PSAT/NMSQT or SAT assessments or specific services. In general:
- Students receiving Category B special education services receive a normal instructional program.
- Grade 9 students do not attend school this day.
- Grade 10-11 students take the PSAT/NMSQT, with limited exceptions. Attendance will be taken for 10th and 11th graders.
- Grade 12 students are encouraged to participate in the SAT; those choosing not to take the SAT do not attend school this day.
- October 11 is a 2-hour early release day for high schools and secondary schools.
- PSAT/NMSQT administration begins in the morning, according to regular school start times.
- High school academy courses are not held on October 11; high school academy staff will support base school activities, and all high school shuttles are canceled on this date.
- FCPS transportation is available to all students.
- Breakfast and lunch will be provided for students. Schools may choose to offer these as grab and go options.
If you have further questions about SAT School Day, you can contact our Assessment Coach, Dr. Karl Gussow.
HHS Choir Fall Music Sampler
🎓 College Fair and Postsecondary Virtual Events
High school students and their families are invited to attend the annual FCPS College Fair and the Postsecondary Virtual events. The College Fair will feature admissions representatives from more than 250 colleges and universities from across the United States and abroad. The fair will be held at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena on Sunday, October 15, 4-7 p.m.
The Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 16, and Tuesday, October 17, 5-8 p.m. The virtual event will feature workshops related to the college admissions process, financial aid, and other postsecondary educational opportunities. Flyer is available here (English, Spanish).
Students are highly encouraged to register in advance for these events.
Disney Show Down Sign Up
Do you think you can sing?? Sign up to be part of the Disney Show Down! Win prizes for best song, worst villain, most magical duet, and most enchanting small group. Sign up using the QR code here by Friday, October 13 to be included in the Show Down!
MORE INFO:
- You must audition for Mrs. Waldrop to make sure your song is show ready by Mon, Oct 23.
- Your song must be from a Disney movie/show/musical.
- You must provide your own background music track or piano accompaniment sheet music by Mon, Oct 23.
- You may perform a solo, duet, or small group.
- You must attend rehearsal on Wed, Oct 25 at 6PM.
For more info: [email protected]. The flyer is available here.
Senior Ads for Sale
Families of seniors can now purchase senior ads in the yearbook! Please go to yearbookordercenter.com and use school code 8967 to feature your child in this year’s book!
Career Fair
Join us at Herndon High School's Career Fair on November 8th at 8:10 - 11:30 am. Help provide students with an opportunity to explore careers and develop viable plans for their future by: Staffing an Employer Table and /or Assisting in a Workshop.
Additional ways to support our students include the following:
- Informational Interviews
- Job Shadowing
- Mentoring
- Industry Panels
- Internships
- Employment (part- or full-time)
For more information contact: Stephanie Stewart at [email protected] or
Steve Parker at [email protected]. Flyer is available here.
Information
School Supply Drive
Our students need school supplies - please donate!
We are collecting gift cards and school supplies for HHS students to help them reach their full potential.
Click here for the items to be delivered directly to the PTSA.
Senior Dues
Class of 2024! Senior dues pay for senior shirts, caps and gowns, diploma covers and more!
- $50
- $35 (Reduced)
- $25 (Free)
Dues can be paid in MySchoolBucks, check made out to ‘Herndon High School’ or by cash. Please see Mrs. Beatriz Wiseman in the main office to pay by check or cash.
🗓️ Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events
Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.
When scheduling trips or family events, try to use weekends and school holidays, and refer to the FCPS Calendar when planning. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students who are absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.
When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence to their school. Most schools have links to their attendance email or notification systems on their homepages. If you are unsure how to report an absence, please call your school’s front office.
Watch this video with tips on understanding our school calendar and visit our Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Kick Off
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future: A Community Conversation. Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to:
Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help us plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability.
Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid. Your voice matters!
Social and Emotional Learning Screener Offered in October
One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is the SEL Screener.
The screener is offered to all students in grades 3-12 in October and again in February or March. It addresses skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions.
The SEL Screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create the learning, experiences, and environments students need to be successful. Key updates to the screener this year include:
- Different versions for students in grades 3-5 and 6-12.
- Fewer topics with more questions to provide schools and families with more data to support planning.
- Additional questions aligned with FCPS’ commitment to educational equity.
SEL Screener results are sent to families via postal mail. Families who wish to opt their child out should complete the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or in SIS ParentVUE.
For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact your child’s school.
Please note that the SEL Screener differs from the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey.
🏗️ Projects Funded by Recent School Bonds
Thanks to the support of Fairfax County citizens who approved the 2019 and 2021 bond referendums, projects have been funded at Armstrong, Bonnie Brae, Braddock, Bren Mar Park, Brookfield, Crossfield, Dranesville, Fox Mill, Herndon, Hybla Valley, Lees Corner, Louise Archer, Mosaic, Oak Hill, Wakefield Forest, Washington Mill, and Willow Springs, elementary schools; Cooper and Frost middle schools; and Centreville, Falls Church, Justice, Madison, and West Potomac high schools.
Not only do our facilities wear out over time, but they also become outdated, from both a technological and instructional standpoint. FCPS renovates its schools to ensure that students across the division have high quality, effective learning environments.
Watch some of the ribbon-cutting celebrations. Follow the status of FCPS capital projects for updates on renovation projects.
The 2023 Bond Referendum will be on the ballot in November. Vote on Tuesday, November 7. Learn about registering to vote.
Resources
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health
Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially these warning signs:
- Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
- Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
- Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
- Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
- A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
- Alcohol or drug use.
- Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family.
- Thoughts of harming themselves or others.
If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. All Fairfax County public schools have at least one school counselor, school psychologist, and school social worker.
Please reach out to one of these staff members to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Call your school or visit their website for staff members’ contact information. Find additional information to support your child’s wellness.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.
No Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Hazel Health therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges.
Students can be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect the family with long-term mental health services in the community if needed.
Learn how to opt your students into this service.
Free COVID-19 Tests
Every U.S. household can place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home.
Review health and safety guidance for schools to stay up to date on the best ways to prevent the spread of disease, and for information on when students should stay home from school.
Quick Links
700 Bennett Street, Herndon, VA 20170 | Main Office: 703-810-2200
Attendance: 703-810-2282 | Web | Twitter
