Bee Hive: September 18, 2026

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Herndon Elementary - Many Bees One Hive!

2026-27 FCPS School Calendar

September 15 - October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
September 19: iPFIT Saturday
September 21: No School | Yom Kippur
September 30: 3-Hour Early Release Wednesday, Gr K-6, Dismissal 1:05p.m.
October 1: National Arts & Humanities Month
October 1: National School Principals Month
October 8: 3rd Grade Field Trip to Adventure Theatre
October 9: Kindergarten Field Trip to Cox Farms
October 13: Family Science Night, 6:00p.m–7:30p.m.

Good evening, Herndon ES Families,

This week, we were grateful to welcome families to Back-to-School Night and our first Principal Coffee & Chat of the year. These opportunities allowed us to connect, share important information, and begin building strong partnerships to support student success. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the energy of our school community.

As we look ahead, please review this edition of News You Choose for upcoming events, reminders, and ways to stay connected. We appreciate your continued partnership as we work together to make this a successful and joyful school year for every Herndon student.

In Your Service,

Dr. Monika Vereb

Herndon Elementary School Principal

Collage Photos: Herndon Elementary students, families, teachers, and staff participating in Back-to-School Night and presentations throughout the building.

HES Message

Advanced Academic Programs

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K-12 and is designed to match services to each student’s unique academic needs.

Identification for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services occurs throughout the school year. Full-Time AAP services have two identification cycles:

Fall identification: Students in grades 3-7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15, 2026.
Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2-7 may be referred by December 15, 2026.

FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration in the holistic identification process for AAP services.

All students in Grade 2 take the Naglieri General Ability Tests (NGAT).
Students in Grades 3-6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
Students in Grades 3-6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Norah McGregor, School Testing Coordinator, at nmcgregor@fcps.edu by September 30.

Families are invited to attend two AAP information meetings, led by Katie Anderson, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART):

AAP Continuum of Services: September 17 at 5 before Back to School Night. Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students.
Full-Time AAP Identification: Families will learn about the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services. Date TBD

For more information, please contact Katie Anderson, AART, at kanderson2@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website.

Programas Académicos Avanzados

Las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax (FCPS) se comprometen a desafiar a todos los estudiantes mediante el desarrollo de talentos y la instrucción diferenciada. Existe una gama continua de servicios del Programa Académico Avanzado (AAP) para estudiantes de los grados K-12, diseñada para adaptar los servicios a las necesidades académicas únicas de cada estudiante.

El proceso de identificación para los servicios AAP específicos por materia y de tiempo parcial se lleva a cabo durante todo el año escolar. Los servicios AAP de tiempo completo cuentan con dos ciclos de identificación:

Identificación de otoño: Los estudiantes de los grados 3 a 7 que se hayan matriculado en FCPS desde enero pueden ser referidos antes del 15 de octubre de 2026.
Identificación de primavera: Cualquier estudiante de FCPS en los grados 2 a 7 puede ser referido antes del 15 de diciembre de 2026.

FCPS utiliza pruebas de aptitud como uno de los factores dentro del proceso integral de identificación para los servicios AAP.

Todos los estudiantes de segundo grado presentan las Pruebas de Aptitud General Naglieri (NGAT).
Los estudiantes de los grados 3 a 6 que no cuenten con una puntuación de prueba de aptitud multidominio presentan la NGAT.
Los estudiantes de los grados 3 a 6 pueden repetir una prueba de aptitud una vez. Las familias pueden solicitar la repetición de la prueba contactando a Norah McGregor, Coordinadora de Pruebas Escolares, en nmcgregor@fcps.edu antes del 30 de septiembre.

Se invita a las familias a asistir a dos reuniones informativas sobre el AAP, dirigidas por Katie Anderson, nuestra Maestra de Recursos Académicos Avanzados (AART):

Gama continua de servicios AAP: 17 de septiembre a las 5:00 p. m., antes de la Noche de Regreso a Clases. Las familias conocerán la gama continua de servicios académicos avanzados disponibles para los estudiantes de FCPS.
Identificación para el AAP de tiempo completo: Las familias conocerán los procesos de referencia e identificación para los servicios AAP de tiempo completo. Fecha por determinar.

Para más información, por favor contacte a Katie Anderson, AART, en kanderson2@fcps.edu o visite el sitio web de Programas Académicos Avanzados de FCPS.

Vision and Hearing

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Vision and hearing screenings will be conducted throughout the school year, beginning in October, for all kindergarten and third-grade students, as well as those who are new to FCPS. These screenings help identify students who may need further evaluation due to difficulty seeing the eye chart or hearing the screening tones.

If your child wears glasses, please ensure they bring them to school for their screening. Families will be notified by letter if the screening results suggest a need for further evaluation. We strongly recommend timely follow-up with your health care provider, as vision and hearing issues can impact a child’s learning and development. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school health room at 703-326-3110 or the Public Health Nurse at cagyenimboat@fcps.edu. Thank you!

Estimados padres y tutores:

A lo largo del año escolar, comenzando en octubre, se realizarán pruebas de detección de la vista y la audición a todos los estudiantes de kínder y tercer grado, así como a los alumnos nuevos en FCPS. Estas pruebas ayudan a identificar a los estudiantes que podrían necesitar una evaluación más detallada debido a dificultades para ver la tabla optométrica o para escuchar los tonos de la prueba auditiva.

Si su hijo usa gafas, por favor asegúrese de que las lleve a la escuela el día de la prueba. Se notificará a las familias por carta si los resultados sugieren la necesidad de una evaluación adicional. Recomendamos encarecidamente realizar un seguimiento oportuno con su proveedor de atención médica, ya que los problemas de visión y audición pueden afectar el aprendizaje y el desarrollo del niño. Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud, por favor comuníquese con la enfermería de la escuela al 703-326-3110 o con la enfermera de salud pública en cagyenimboat@fcps.edu. ¡Gracias!

Volunteers Needed for Family Science Night!

Herndon Elementary is excited to host Family Science Night on Tuesday, October 13, and we need your help to make the evening a success! We are looking for 20–30 volunteers who are at least 16 years old and can remain for the entire event, including setup and cleanup, from 5:15–7:45 p.m. Volunteers will help facilitate hands-on science activities for our students and families. No science experience is necessary! The Children’s Science Center will provide volunteers with the materials, resources, and activity-specific information needed to support the evening. Volunteer opportunities are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you are interested in volunteering, please click on Click Here to Volunteer

HES PTA Message

PTA wants you to "BEE" in the know

Superintendent Community Conversations

Superintendent Community Conversations

Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:

Conversaciones Comunitarias Directamente con la Dra. ReidAcompáñenos en una serie de Conversaciones Comunitarias que se llevarán a cabo en diferentes lugares de la división escolar. Estas reuniones están abiertas a todos, incluyendo familias, estudiantes, y miembros de la comunidad. Puede asistir al evento que le resulte más conveniente, aunque no se lleve a cabo en su escuela o comunidad. Esta es una oportunidad para compartir sus opiniones, conversar directamente con la Dra. Reid y hacerle preguntas sobre temas importantes para nuestra comunidad de FCPS.

No es necesario inscribirse, pero hacerlo nos ayuda con la planificación.

Strategic Plan

Our Focus on Academic Growth and ExcellenceThe FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.

The third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful, including reading on level by third grade. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice.

Attendance

Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School

School is better when your child is here! But we do understand that some days, they may feel unwell. Learn more about which symptoms are ok at school (like sneezing or sniffles), and when your child should stay home (if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, for example).

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify the school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let them know how long you think they will be out.

If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.

Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.

Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.

District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

FCPS NewsIn case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

Military Families Find a Community in FCPS
Receive FCPS This Week in Other Languages
Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

Community Flyers

Traveling Players: 1 of 25 "Summer Schools in the Arts" (National Endowment for the Arts).

Acting Classes & Plays: Grades 1-12 (Acting & Improv, Slapstick Comedies, Tech Crew, Advanced Acting).

Take a FREE class! Open Houses: September 15 and 19.

Small by Design; Big on Impact.

travelingplayers.org (703)987-1718

Classes, Day Camps, & Plays - Tysons, Virginia

Sleepaway Camps & Conservatories - Saluda, Virginia

These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or this school.

Herndon Parks and Recreation

Herndon Parks & Recreation is looking for student volunteers to join us for the 2026 Turkey Trot 5K on Saturday, November 21, 2026! We still have several volunteer positions available and would love to have Herndon students participate and earn community service hours while supporting a fun community event.

We would greatly appreciate your help sharing this opportunity with your students and families.

Students can assist with course support, event-day activities, refreshments, packet pickup, signage, and other race-day needs. We also have a Packet Packers opportunity on Wednesday, November 18 for students who would prefer to help before race day.

Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. All student volunteers are required to complete the Town’s Individual Volunteer Application Form, including the parent/guardian waiver, prior to the event. No walk-up or day-of volunteers will be accepted.

Saturday, November 21: 1:30–6:45 PM Packet Packers, Wednesday, November 18: 5:30–9:30 PM