HORNET HAPPENINGS 05/22/2026
HORNET HAPPENINGS 05/22/2026

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Mark Your Calendar!

calendar FCPS1

 

Monday May 25th: Memorial Day (Schools & Offices Closed)

Tuesday May 26th: Teacher Workday / No School for Students

Wednesday May 27th:  Holiday - Eid al-Adha (Schools & Offices Closed)

Friday May 29th: World Wonders at Halley ES (6:00 - 8:00 pm)

Wednesday June 3rd: Last Day to Return Library Books

Tuesday, June 17: Last Day of School - 2-Hour Early Release 2:05 pm

 

World Wonders

world wonders

 

It is a vibrant, joy-filled event to celebrate and bring together our families, cultures, and traditions from across our school community.

Register: Here

 

Library Books Due by June 3rd

Library Books

 

New Cellphone Policy Starts July 1

cel phone smart watch

 

On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.

This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell. 

High school students will no longer be able to use cellphones and personal devices during lunchtime. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage

Other SR&R Changes for the 2026-27 School Year

Visit the FCPS website or the School Board agenda to learn about additional updates, including:

  • Added guidance and procedures for in-school and out-of-school suspensions and discipline investigations, including supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners. 
  • Expanded guidance and standardized disciplinary procedures (“Universal Grade Matrices”) related to harassment, hate speech, discriminatory behavior, and Title IX reporting requirements.
  • Responses to incidents involving intimate images, fighting, physical aggression, object throwing, and drug policy violations.

 

Please Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance

lunch

 

It’s a busy time of year, and we know many priorities are on your plate. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to check your student’s MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals

Families who earn less than 185% of the federal poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals (FRM). However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit.  

If you have a current balance and think you may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2025-26 school year. The application for the 2026-27 school year will be available this summer.

 

Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas at Summer Extravaganza!

summer extr

 

Join FCPS for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza is Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School

Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the petting zoo, student engagement zone, and activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family. Register to attend the Extravaganza

Students (eighth grade and up) and adults are invited to support the event by helping with registration, refreshments, and some of our fun activities! Register today to volunteer and build community together. 

For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.

 

Register Today for Summer Camps and Enrichment Programs

Summer Learning

 

Registration closes Friday, June 6, for summer camps and learning opportunities offered to all students by FCPS.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) 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.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps.

IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and Physical Education 9 (which fulfills a graduation requirement), music, and theater. E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades two to five who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes.

 

Third Annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt Encourages Active Family Fun

puzzle hunt2

 

The Solving Fun Puzzle Pals have been busy getting ready for the third annual Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt, and it kicks off in only three weeks!

This free event is open to solvers of all ages and is a great way to keep students and families engaged in fun, creative problem-solving during the summer. It also teaches bike and pedestrian safety and encourages active transportation.

New this year: The school with the most solvers will win a special visit from Sue Doku, pictured at left. Sign up for the Puzzle Hunt!

 

PTO Board Openings/ Volunteer Opportunities

PTO2

 

The PTO is recruiting volunteers for our next school year! We have openings for positions on the PTO board positions as well as other volunteer opportunities. 

  • PTO president for the 2026-27 school year -  The Halley Elementary School PTO President serves as a vital link between the PTO, Halley Administrative Team, and the teachers, helping to foster communication, collaboration, and support across the Halley Community.  ➡️   Click here for more information about the role and express your interest!
  • Committee Chair or Officer! Lead fun events like the Welcome Back Teacher Breakfast, Bingo Night or Teacher & Staff appreciation week and support our Hornet community. Roles are shared, flexible, and inclusive for all parents/guardians. Sign up to make a difference today!  ➡️  Officer/Chair Form
  • Micro-volunteer-  Help with quick, flexible tasks (30–60 minutes, in-person or remote) or for fun events like the Welcome Teacher Breakfast or Bingo Night. Sign up now to show interest and support our Hornet community.  ➡️Micro-Volunteer Form

 

Garden Clean Up Day Sat 5/30

garden clean up1

 

Join us on Saturday 5/30 at 11:00 to clean up the front garden! Our goal is to repair and refinish the benches.