Principal's Note - May 31, 2024 (2024)

We will have a 2-hour early release on the last day of 2023-24 school year, Wednesday, June 12th. Below is bell schedule for that day.

8th Grade Party/Dance - 6/7 at 7-9 pm

The 8^th grade dance will be taking place on Friday, June 7 from 7-9 PM at Holmes Middle School. This dance is only for 8^th graders and will be free. If you would like to donate, you can do so through the MySchoolBucks portal and select the tab labeled, “8^th grade dance”. We are also informing students that it is important to continue being kind to one another and that discipline incidents can lead to the privilege of attending the dance being taken away.

Volunteers are needed to help celebrate our 8th graders on their special night! You can sign up to help by using the Signup Genius link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DA9A823A2F85-49772007-2024#/

or purchase something off of our Amazon Wish List:https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/G8GELE1R6GNS?ref_=wl_share

8th Grade Award Ceremony - 6/10 at 8 am

On June 10, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. we will be holding the 8^thGrade Award Ceremony. We will be celebrating all 8^thgraders going to high school. Especially, we will be recognizing some students for their achievements as 8thgraders. Our staff has collaboratively nominated and selected students for schoolawards. All families are welcome to attend. Students who will be receiving awards are being contacted along with their families, over the next few days.

Activity Day - 6/11

On Tuesday, June 11th, all students will participate in the Holmes Activity Day. Students will have the opportunity to participate in an activity of their choice and also see a student/faculty basketball game. It will be a fun and engaging day as we wrap up the 2023-2024 school year.

VIP Summer Camp Family Information Night Recording

Thank you to all families who attended last night’s VIP Family Information Night at Holmes Middle School. Holmes was proud to host Jackson MS, Glasgow MS, Kilmer MS, Poe MS, and Thoreau MS as families received information about the summer program hosted by FCPS and Fairfax County Neighborhood & Community Services.

The recording, presentations, and resources shared can be found on our Website. For Holmes MS families with questions, contact Matthew Kruk, After School Program Specialist at 703-658-5906, @email

Laptop & Charger Collection

We will be collecting laptops and chargers onJune 5, 6 in PE classes. If your child has lost their charger, the replacement cost is $20. If they have lost their computer, please notify Mr. Rossen (@email) ASAP. If lost, you will be responsible forreplacing the computer at $375. These items must be collected or paid for in order to prevent delays in receiving a computer next year.

If your child has lost either item, please have a conversation with them about responsible use. Labeling their technology is a best practice and highly encouraged. All students were given laptop labels at the beginning of the year; many students have peeled off their labels. Again, all students are responsible for lost technology, as stated in the Student Rights & Responsibilities document.

Please, contact Mr. Rossen (@email) if you have a concern.

.

End of Year Medication Pick-Up

The school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than the student dismissal time on the last day of school. Medication left in the health room after that time will be destroyed. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian. Medication cannot be sent home with your student. If your student will be enrolled in a summer program sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools, the existing medication authorization form(s) may be used for the summer program, but you will need to pick up the medication on the last day of school and deliver the medication and completed forms to the summer learning site on the first day of the summer program. Please let the health room know if you would like a copy of the form(s).

Medication authorization forms for next school year may be obtained from the school or online at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/school-health-services. A medication authorization form is required for any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, to be kept at school. Please be sure medication orders are clear. All information on the form must be completed. Part I must be signed and dated by the parent or guardian. Part II must be signed and dated by your health care provider. Approved over-the-counter medications given for headaches, muscle aches, orthodontic pain, or menstrual cramps do not need a health care provider’s signature. Antibiotic or antiviral medications for 10 consecutive school days or less do not require a health care provider’s signature either. For all asthma medications, a Virginia Asthma Action Plan must be provided. More detailed information is available on the back of the medication authorization form(s).

Over-the-counter medication must be in the unopened original container and clearly labeled by the parent or guardian. No more than 100 pills/tablets of OTC medication should be brought to school at a time. All prescription medication, including samples, must be labeled by the pharmacist or health care provider. Please make sure that the label clearly states your student’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage of the medication, and the time to be given.

Your cooperation will ensure that we can safely give your student, their medication. If you have any questions, please email our school health room aide Sara Tesfay at [emailprotected] and/or our school public health nurse Julie Frederickson at [emailprotected], or call Holmes clinic at 703-658-5910.

Math Summer Enrichment Opportunities

Summer enrichment opportunities can provide students access to review and support meaningful learning experiences aligned to course objectives.

The purpose of optional summer enrichment might be to:

• Activate students’ background knowledge and skills;
• Provide opportunity to review introductory topics/prerequisites for the course; or
• Create or enhance enthusiasm and interest in a subject or to serve as a springboard for future learning.

Linked below are options that students can access over the summer:

Mathspace

Current middle school students and high school students through PreCalculus will continue to have access to Mathspace through Schoology. Students are encouraged to practice their mathematics through utilizing the Mathspace Skills Check-Ins.

Family Resource Center

Family webinars that may be worth sharing are posted on the FCPS Family Resource Center site with specific mathematics webinars posted under academics.

VDOE

The following resources have been curated from the Virginia Department of Education:

VDOE Mathematics Resources for Families

ST Math

All middle school students and high school students enrolled in ESOL Math support classes have access to ST Math over the summer that they can access through Schoology. This video shows students and families how to access: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQR_drzeR9E

• Get the most out of ST Math over the summer by implementing effective strategies for continued learning.
• JiJi's Summer Math Club encourages students to learn and practice math in a fun and interactive way throughout the summer.
• Don't miss out on our ST Math summer activities that will keep students sharp and prepared for the upcoming academic year.

Additional resources

The following resources are free and available for anyone to use. Please note that FCPS does not have a paid subscription to either service.

Zearn online summer math

Khan academy summer site

Edison High School Jumpstart Program 2024

Registration is now open!

Your student's transition to high school is very important to us! This year we will be offering an optional Jumpstart program to our rising 9th grade students. Students will be able to register to attend one of the two-day sessions.

1. August 7 from 9:00AM - 1:00 PM
2. August 9 from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Students will have an opportunity to meet staff members (administrators, counselors, and some teachers), tour the building, get a couple high school tips for success, hear about our many sports/club programs offered and more.Please click here for the registration link. Lunch is included in the program. Transportation will be provided at limited locations.

If registering multiple children, a separate registration form must be completed for each student.

Registration Deadline: In order to be efficient in our staffing and assignments, we are requesting that all applications be returned by Friday, July 26. Students will be placed and accepted on a rolling admission basis. Please contactplease contact Greg Dombrowski: @email for further information.

Here are today's newsletter topics:

Holmes Updates

• Student Services Information
• Admin Team Information
• 2023-24 Blue/White Schedule
• 2023-24 Bell Schedule
• After-School Program
• From Ms. Oncho, Our Family Liaison
• Important Upcoming Dates
• Holmes MS PTA
• How to Stay Connected to Holmes MS

FCPS & Community Updates

• School Board Votes to Adopt Fiscal Year 2025 Approved Budget
• Online Campus Summer Registration Closing Soon!
• Family Information Phone Lines Available in Eight Languages
• Let's Finish the School Year Strong!
• Summer Camps and Learning
• Stay Connected with FCPS

Please feel free to reach out and let us know what questions you have. Thank you, and we'll see you very soon!

Sincerely,

Serena Giron

Principal

The end of ASP for 2023-24

The end of the After-School Program and all late buses was on Wednesday, May 29.

Questions/Concerns

Contact the After-School Specialist, Matt Kruk, @email

Holmes Closet and Food Pantry

The Holmes Closet and Pantry is an outreach program that aims to gather items for families in need. We will be giving away available items on a first-come, first-served basis. Available items include: non -perishable food, gently used clothes and shoes, cleaning supplies and more. If you have any questions, concerns or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Ms. Alemtsehay Oncho, Holmes Family Liaison at 571-326-8308 or @email.

Pediatric Health Fairs

Do You Need Health Coverage?

Summer 2024 In Person Class Schedule

• Friday, 6/7, 7-9 pm - 8th Grade Party/Dance
• Monday, 6/10, 8 am - 8th Grade Awards
• Tuesday, 6/11 - Activity Day
• Wednesday, 6/12 - Last Day of School / 2-Hour Early Release

Don't forget to check out these important links:

• Holmes Attendance Form: https://holmesms.fcps.edu/about/attendance-form
• Buy SpiritWear: https://bit.ly/HolmesSpiritWear
• Join the PTA: https://bit.ly/SupportHolmesPTA
• Missed the meeting: watch the recording by clicking hereOR access the slideshow/presentation onour website OR access audio language interpretation in Spanish, Urdu, and Arabic by clicking the language button in Zoom.

Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:

• keeping your contact information up-to-date throughout the year
• visiting the Holmes MS website
• signing up for News You Choose
• following us on Twitter
• monitoring your student's progress with SIS Parent Account
• join the Holmes MS PTA and attend meetings
  • PTA Facebook
  • Online PTA Membership Form
  • MemberHub

School Board Votes to Adopt Fiscal Year 2025 Approved Budget

The Fairfax County School Board voted to adopt Fairfax County Public Schools’ (FCPS) Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Approved Budget at their last board meeting. The FY 2025 Approved Budget totals $3.7 billion — a net increase of $233.2 million or 6.6% over the previous year.

The FY 2025 Approved Budget focuses on providing educational excellence for all students and ensuring that employees’ hard work and dedication are acknowledged through competitive compensation. Both of these efforts fully align with the FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

Nearly 86% of the Approved Budget is targeted at instruction. Key budget highlights include funding for a 4% compensation increase for all employees; maintaining existing class size formulas and providing necessary support to all students; and expanding athletics offerings, additional athletic trainers, and enhanced stipends for fine and performing arts.

Read the news release.

Online Campus Summer Registration Closing Soon!

Registration for summer classes with FCPS' Online Campus will close on Friday, June 7. Online campus courses are for students in grades 7-12. Email @email or call 703-503-7781 with any questions.

Family Information Phone Lines Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

Let's Finish the School Year Strong!

Student attendance is important all year, up to the last day of school. Attendance affects student performance and school accreditation. See how to:

• Check your child’s attendance record.
• Help your student stay engaged at school.
• Report future absences.
• Understand the FCPS school calendar.

Learn more about attendance resources.

Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a summer camp for your child with special needs?

The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.

Summer Strings Camp at South County Middle School

Exciting news! SoCo Summer Strings is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School from July8-19,8:30am-12:30pm,weekdays only.Camp is open to all rising 5th-9thgrade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola,cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, aninstrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day.You can find more informationand registration for camp atwww.schsorchestra.org/soco-summer-strings. Early registration is from March 1-June 9, soreserve your student’s spot soon!

Co-Ed Basketball Camp for Grades 4-9 at Edison HS

Co-Ed Tennis Camp for Grades 3-12 at Edison HS

VIP Summer Camp for Rising 7th & 8th Graders

All rising middle schoolers are invited to attend a summer of fun and leisure with VIP Camp. VIP Camp — which takes place Monday, July 1, to Thursday, August 1 — is designed to encourage teens to develop healthy and positive recreation interests and features a wide variety of leisure activities and programs.

Registration is open. VIP Camp costs $100 to attend. Reach out to your school's after-school specialist for scholarship availability due to financial hardship. This camp is sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools and Fairfax County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.

• Applications will open on Tuesday 3/12 at 6pm
• Here is the link to the application à https://forms.gle/zQcxhFrKWnn2LPjG6
• Links to the application can also be found on the Holmes website under the Activities Tab à After-School Program à VIP Summer Program
• Any questions or concerns about the VIP summer program, contact Matt Kruk; @email

Sign Up for FCPS Summer Camps and Learning Programs

Registration is now open for several summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools.

CTE programs are available for grade 6-11 students to explore CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. IFTA allows students to select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9, music, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage to register.

Summer Learning

Programs are also available for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement, earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program, or recover one high school course credit through the Credit Recovery Academy.

FCPS’ free online class for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provides FCPS middle and high school English Learners the opportunity to continue developing their academic, reading, and writing skills in online discussions with an ESOL teacher.

Find session dates, registration links, and registration deadlines on FCPS summer programs.

Institute for the Arts

Students in all FCPS secondary schools can enroll in the Institute for the Arts. IFTA is a two- or three-week summer Arts enrichment program for students in rising 7th through 12th grades. Students create their own schedules in Art, Music, Theatre, and Dance from nearly 60 courses offered. Transportation is provided from around the county. Tuition assistance is available for students who qualify. Check out theInstitute for the Arts websitefor more information or email@email.

Chantilly Academy will host an AFA CyberCamp from Monday, June 24, to Friday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. This camp would be a great fit for rising fifth through eighth graders of all skill levels interested in learning more about the importance of cybersecurity and gaining skills to protect themselves and others from cyber threats. Discounts are available for students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Visit the camp website for more information.

Registration is also still available for the Institute for the Arts (IFTA) and Elementary-IFTA (E-IFTA) arts camps, and Credit Recovery Academy.

CTE Summer Academy

Tech Adventure Camp

Stay Connected with FCPS

Being connected to your school and division is important every year, and even more so now as we navigate our return to school. The best way to stay informed is to sign up for newsletters through News You Chose.

Your school and FCPS have a variety of topics you can choose from, including:

• School Newsletters- featuring everything you need to know about your child’s school
• FCPS This Week- a weekly newsletter featuring news and happenings from across the division, published Wednesday mornings
• School Board Meeting Update- a recap of important news coming out of school board meetings, published the Friday morning after the meeting
• FCPS Employee News- weekly updates just for staff, published Tuesday mornings