|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Hornet Happenings
Week of October 21st
Special Announcement
We are proud to announce Halley’s next assistant principal, Mrs. Kayleigh Merritt!
 Mrs. Merritt is eager to become part of the Halley community…and we are super excited to have her join our family of Hornets!
Mrs. Kayleigh Merritt is thrilled to be part of the Halley Elementary Family! Mrs. Merritt was born and raised in Virginia. Mrs. Merritt always knew she wanted to be a teacher. She attended Longwood University where she received her undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies. While teaching, she continued her own love of learning earning a master’s degree in PK-6 elementary mathematics. Recently, she completed her leadership certification through Fairfax County Public School’s (FCPS) partnership with the University of Virginia’s Accelerated Certificate Cohort for Leadership (ACC) program.
Mrs. Merritt started her career in education over 15 years ago. She began teaching in Colonial Beach, Virginia as a fourth and fifth grade math teacher and high school cheerleading coach at Colonial Beach Elementary School. In 2012, Ms. Merritt’s career in FCPS began at Riverside Elementary and continued at Mount Eagle Elementary where she served as a second, third, and fourth grade teacher. In 2018, she joined the Cameron Elementary community as the Elementary Math Resource Teacher (EMRT). In this role, Mrs. Merritt has been part of many leadership initiatives including the Instructional Leadership Team, MTSS Core Team, Behavior Committee, Testing Coordinator and Lead Mentor.
Mrs. Merritt enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and golden retriever. They love spending time outdoors, exploring new local places, and going for walks to their neighborhood bakery. They love cheering on the local sports teams (Go Commanders) and attending the Capitals hockey games #ALLCAPS.
Let’s get ready to welcome Mrs. Merritt to our Halley community on Tuesday, October 22nd.
Many sincere thanks to Mr. Keith Hirsch for his unwavering support as interim assistant principal at Halley since the first week of school. Mr. Hirsch came out of retirement to support the needs of our staff, parents and students until a permanent assistant principal was chosen. Mr. Hirsch built strong and positive relationships with our Halley community, and he will be truly missed. We hope he visits Hornet Nation when his schedule allows.
“Once a hornet, always a hornet Mr. Hirsch!”
Paula Johnson-Tyler: Principal
Dee Hubbard: Assistant Principal
***Important Reminder***
Monday, October 21st is a 3 Hour Early Release Day @ 1:05 PM
The Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development. Students will be dismissed 3 hours early seven times throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route. However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays for many of our families. To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it.
A Google survey was sent in August and early September asking parents to submit any childcare needs for the 3 Hour Early Release Days in September and October. We will follow the responses you submitted in the Google survey for Monday’s October 21st 3 hour early release. If you need to make a change, please call our school office as soon as possible.
Veteran’s Day Celebration: Honoring those who have Served
On Friday, November 8th Halley ES will celebrate and honor those who are currently serving or have served in our armed forces!
This year’s celebration will look a bit different (see below):
-
Military Parade
- We invite all family members who have served in our armed forces to participate in the: “We Love our Military Family Members Parade.” If you would like to be honored by walking through the hallways of Halley Elementary wearing your uniform or attire which represents your branch of the military, please arrive at Halley by 9:30 to participate. Our Halley students will be cheering you on as you walk past their classrooms! This is sure to be an unforgettable moment for our students and families! Please join us!
-
All About You: Military Classroom Panel Discussion
- Would you like to share why you joined the military and your experiences with your child’s classroom? If so, please sign up to attend the All About You Military Classroom Panel Discussion.
5th and 6th Grade 1:00-1:30
Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade 3:00-3:30
3rd and 4th Grade 2:00-2:30
Due to time constraints, we will not be able to host all families who sign up to participate in the discussion panel. It is on a first come, first serve basis. Please use the link below to sign up for a slot with your child’s teacher.
All About You!: Military Discussion Panel Sign-Up Form
-
Military Photos Showcase
- Please submit the photo of a loved one who is currently serving or has served in a branch of the military by using this link below. A slideshow will be shared during our Halley Morning News Program to our students, the community Newsletter: Hornet Happenings, and our Halley School Website.
- Use this link to submit your photo by November 6th.
Celebrate the Educators Who Inspire Your Child!
Is there a teacher or staff member at Halley who has gone above and beyond to support your child's learning and growth? Now's your opportunity to show your appreciation. We're accepting nominations for Outstanding Employee from October 14th to 31st. Nominate teachers and staff using this Google Form, https://forms.gle/akaitUJsQJ1zvGAT9 . You can submit a nomination for each category, you will just need to submit a new form for each nomination .
Whether it's a teacher who has fostered a love of learning, a school counselor who has provided invaluable guidance, or a support staff member who has always gone the extra mile, we want to hear about them.
Not sure which category would be the best fit? Don't hesitate to reach out to Nicole Kendall, Carol Poblete, or Jennifer Buchko for assistance. Let's come together to celebrate the incredible individuals who make our school community a special place.
Disability History and Awareness Month
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.
National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition.
Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”
For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student
Health Information and Emergency Care Forms
The Health Information Form and the Emergency Care Information form provide valuable information regarding student health conditions. These forms are critical in the early identification of students who may need healthcare support in the educational environment. Along with the development of Healthcare Plans (HCP) and Action Plans, the Public Health Nurses (PHNs) utilize the information contained in the HIF to develop teaching strategies for FCPS staff in order to meet the requirements of Regulation 2104 Health Services-School Health-Related Needs.
These forms are required for all students. Enrolling parents/guardians who have a SIS ParentVUE account may submit them electronically by using the Online Verification/Update packet.
For families without SIS ParentVue accounts, forms can be located on the General Registration Forms page.
Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students
Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on:
-Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.
Elementary School Clinics
The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.
| 
