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Hornet Happenings
Week of December 16th
That’s the bulletin board from our Halley front office! We mean what we say Hornet Nation…we love our Halley community! As we approach the extended winter break, please use this time to rejuvenate and enjoy time with friends and family.
We look forward to the return of each of our Halley Hornets on Monday, January 6th.
Take a look at this week’s spirit days: Halley Cheer
Paula Johnson-Tyler, Principal
Dee Hubbard- Assistant Principal
Kayleigh Merritt- Assistant Principal
As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.
Student and Family Resources
Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!
FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.
Food Assistance & Resource Guide & Warm Coats for Cold Weather
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
As the weather is starting to get colder, we want to remind all parents to ensure that their child brings a warm coat for recess. Staying warm during outdoor activities is important for your child's comfort and health.
If your child needs a warm coat, please know that assistance is available. Families can reach out to our school social worker, Mrs. Liz DeVoll at [email protected] or contact the front office for support in obtaining a coat for their child.
Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter
The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:
- Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
- Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
- SEL Screener Results
- New Accessibility Resources
- Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
- Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
- VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
- Executive Functioning Webinars
- Early Literacy Resources
- ESY and Assessment Webinar
- COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options
Subscribe to the Special Education and 504 Newsletter.
It's time for Halley's Spelling Bee!
We are so excited for this fantastic opportunity to participate in the 2024- 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee.
- Grade level spelling bee: Thursday, January 23rd during school hours.
- Top 4 finishers in each grade level (1st-6th) will advance to the Halley Elementary School-wide Spelling Bee: Thursday, February 20th from 6:00-8:00 pm.
- The school champion will advance to the Fairfax County Spelling Bee: Sunday, March 23rd at 2:00 PM at Lake Braddock Secondary School.
- The county champion will advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee held in late May, 2025.
- Students have a new way to study by downloading Word Club for free in the App Store or Google Play Store.
See the rules here: Spelling Rules
Return the permission slip that came home in Friday folders to your child’s homeroom teacher by Monday, January 13th
Questions? Contact Tammy Anderson at [email protected] or Christy Talley at [email protected]
All grade levels lists will be posted in Schoology for students to study if they choose to do so.
Bundle Up with Books Over Break
Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered. Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.
Looking for ways to help support your child’s reading and writing at home? Visit the FCPS Literacy Resource page for tips and information about the Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System.
Teacher Appreciation:
The PTO is spreading holiday cheer this month by supporting teacher and staff during the 'Halley Elementary School Seven Days of Cheer'. Thank you for your donations to help make this possible!
Thank you for donating your gently used books during the Halley Elementary School book rescue! Your donations will go towards filling classroom libraries and the school library.
PTO Volunteers:
The Halley Elementary PTO is a great way to give back and support our school community. The PTO has a number of events and fundraisers planned for the New Year , including bingo night, movie night and Boosterthon, and we need parent volunteers to help make them memorable experiences for our community.
Visit the PTO social media sites and websites often for information about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Click here for more information."
Thank you!
Help us reach our goal of 10% or less this year.
Did you know…Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after winter break. Give your child the gift of education and help build a habit of regular attendance.
Halley ES has a chronic absenteeism rate of 16.2%. Let's decrease that number as we head into the winter months. We love our Hornets…and we want to see them at school everyday!
When planning for pre-arranged absences, please reference the FCPS school year calendar. Please plan your trips when there is a long break in the school year calendar (i.e. winter break, spring break, and summer break). There is a “pre-arranged” absence form that must be completed prior to pre-planned absences. Simply call the front office, and they will get the necessary form to you for completion.
When your child is sick, please call our attendance line or school office at 703-551-5700 to report an illness.
Reviewing Family Life Education Materials
We hosted our Family Life Education parent preview night last Friday via Zoom. The session was recorded. If you would like access to the recording, please call the school office and they will direct you to the proper source. If you want to simply browse the FLE curriculum you may do so using the various platforms listed below:
- Schoology – Halley’s All Parents/Guardians Course
- Lessons and media with streaming rights
- Lessons used for students who are opted out of FLE instruction.
- Parents/guardians will need their parent SIS account to access Schoology (not their child’s)
- School libraries
- Lessons and media during regular school hours (please schedule with librarian)
- Fairfax County Regional Library in the City of Fairfax
- Lessons only; media is not available.
Parents can choose to opt their child out of FLE lessons by utilizing the following options:
- Accessing Parent Digital Consent:
- Printed opt-out forms available upon request.
🎄 A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas.
8850 Cross Chase Circle, Fairfax Station 22039 | Phone: 703-551-5700
Attendance: 703-551-5757 or email HalleyES.Attendance
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