Herndon High School PTSA

Herndon High School
September/October 2015
PTSA Newsletter
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Dear Hornet Community,
Welcome back Hornets!
Our faculty and staff are very excited to have you back for another stimulating school year. I hope
you all had a restful and relaxing summer and you are now ready to continue your academic
journey at Herndon High School.
This year we will continue with PBIS and Kids At Hope. In year three of Kids At Hope the HHS
adults will help you to Mental Time Travel. We have a lot of fun and exciting activities planned for you through the Teacher
Advisory period. Additionally, you will learn about the changes we made to our local
grading policy which includes a 50% floor for failing grades. The Herndon staff believes
that through these efforts we will be able to offer each of you even greater levels of
Principal’s Message - - - - - - - - 1 support for your success.
President’s Message - - - - - - - - 2
PTSA This ’n That - - - - - - - - - -2 Whether you’re a freshman or senior, I am counting on you to be an integral member of
Notes from the Clinic—- - - --—-3 the school community. Part of being a community includes your participation in the
Hornet Wellness - - - - - - - - - - -3 various co- and extra-curricular activities we offer, while balancing your class work. I
Art Department News—- - - - - - 4 guarantee that you will find other students and teachers who share your passions. So
French Department News - - - - 4 keep your eyes and ears open to learn about exciting fine arts and athletic opportunities
The Germans Are Coming - - - - 5 available to you!
The Germans Are Coming- - - - -6
Grocery Rewards Program- - - - 7 Education is a partnership that cannot occur without the support of every staff member,
Band Notes—- - - - - - - - - - - - - -8 every parent, and just as important, YOUR commitment to excellence.
Band Notes -—- - - - - - - - - - - - -9
Class of 2016 News—- - - - - - - - 9 Part of your commitment includes studying daily, doing your work and attending school
NJROTC News - - - - - - - - - - - 10 on time each day. Studies show that there is a direct positive correlation between good
Special Education News- - - - - -11 school attendance and high student achievement. Being at school each and every day,
Special Education News - - - - - 12 along with the concerted effort you will put forth in your classes, will help you become a
Class of 2018 News - - - - - - - - 12 superior student.
PTSA Membership- - - - - - - - - 13
PTSA Volunteers - - - - - - - - - - 14 I am extremely proud of the progress we are making in so many areas here at Herndon
Calendar - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -15 High School. Our young Hornets continue to achieve at high levels and have
Northwest Federal Credit Union-15 consistently shown incredible growth in their classrooms, on the athletic fields and the
performance stages. Clearly, when we work as a community and when we all
understand our responsibilities, we will continue to soar even higher this year.
Contents
Thank you for being responsible and accountable for your own choices and actions, and thank you for maintaining the
Hornet Pride we all exemplify.
I look forward to working with all of you as we continue to make
Herndon High School an even better place to learn.
All Hornets Are Capable of Success,
No Exceptions!
Sincerely,
William L. Bates Jr.
Principal & “Treasure Hunter”
Herndon High School
Herndon High School
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Welcome to the 2015-2016
School Year!
Whether this is your first year in the
Herndon High School (HHS) community or
your student is a HHS veteran, the PTSA
extends to you and your family a special
welcome. We hope you will take the opportunity to get
involved with your child’s education at Herndon – these
years do not last long!
As our students grow up to become adults our respective
roles definitely change. But engagement by both students
and parents is an important key to success.
September/October 2015
PTSA Newsletter
The PTSA meets the second Thursday of each month
at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria (ch eck our website for any
changes). Our next meeting will be October 8, at 7 p.m.
Everyone is always welcome to attend all of our monthly
PTSA meetings! It’s a great way to find out about what is
happening at HHS, network with other parents, and hear
from Principal William Bates.
Thank you to all who have volunteered so far, and if you
haven’t but are interested please contact us at
herndonhsptsa@gmail.com or contact our 2nd Vice
President/volunteer coordinator, Yelena Barth, at
yjbarth@cox.net. Also, you m ay con tact m e w ith
questions, suggestions or concerns at walcorn@ce.org.
Go Hornets!
Walter Alcorn
HHS PTSA President
walcorn@ce.org
The PTSA serves as a booster organization for the school to
support its overall academic mission. It provides a forum for
parents and students to be a positive influence on school life,
and to help everyone keep up with what’s going on in the
school and the larger Fairfax County education community.
Here are a few of the activities supported by the HHS PTSA:
PTSA “THIS ‘n THAT”
On September 19, HHS PTSA successfully completed the
PTSA audit for 2014 – 15 school year. Audit results are
available for all members to view on the website.
 Drug and Alcohol Free Activities (DAFA), most notably,
the All Night Graduation party
 Support for parents, teachers and students
through Teacher Mini-Grants, staff breakfasts, support
at Back-to-School Night, a student/parent directory,
parent and student educational programs, scholarships
and other support activities
 Monthly PTSA meetings to lear n about an d
provide input into key topics regarding school
administration and plans including the upcoming
renovation (be sure to vote for the school bond
referendum this November!), FCPS academ ic
policies and the overall functioning of HHS
We still have a few open positions on the PTSA board. We
are in need of a Parent Education chair and a
Cluster Coordinator. If you ar e inter ested or h ave
questions about these positions, please contact 1st VP
Volunteer Coordinator, Yelena Barth at yjbarth@cox.net.
As many of you know, Picture Day didn't go as smoothly,
as it should. In the future, HHS PTSA will work in closer
cooperation with the school and photographers to ensure
better results.
Please visit HHS PTSA table at Back-to-School
Night on September 29th beginning at 5:30 p.m.!
Meet the Board, sign up for membership, get on the list
for news and announcements, ask questions... Your
interest doesn't automatically assume involvement in the
PTSA, but it can boost your child's high school years in
numerous ways. We'd like to meet you and hear from you!
It’s not too late to join the PTSA and get involved. You can
find our membership and volunteer forms in this newsletter
or at http://herndonptsa.org/. Both sign-ups may be
completed online or on paper. Look for the PTSA table at
Back-to-School Night Tuesday, September 29,
beginning at 5:30 p.m., w her e yo u m ay sign up on
the spot. Thanks to those who have already
joined online or sent in your forms!
Yelena Barth
1st VP Volunteer Coordinator
yjbarth@cox.net
Of course, the PTSA is not the only worthy
organization deserving of your time and
energy. Many booster organizations will be
on hand beginning at 5:30 p.m. at
Back-to-School night to answ er
questions, sign up students and parents in the organizations
and sell spirit wear. Whatever activities your student
engages in, the most important thing is to take advantage
when the opportunity arises.
Submissions for the HHS PTSA
Newsletter may be emailed to:
johnsdjje@verizon.net
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PTSA Newsletter
NOTES FROM THE CLINIC
Dear Parents,
Welcome to the new school year! I’m sure I speak for Mrs. Weinstein as well when I say that we
hope for a healthy and successful school year for all. Our goal in the clinic is to keep your child
(ren) safe, in class, and ready to learn. We will be doing our hearing and vision screening for all
of our 10th graders and new to FCPS students early next month. Th is is a basic
pass/fail screening and you will hear from us only if your student was not able to meet the
minimum guidelines twice—the original screening and a later rescreening, or if they repeatedly
do not have their glasses/contacts with them. Please consider sharing a couple of hours with us
to help us screen some 500+ kiddos.
With flu season almost upon us, some pointers to remember:

Handwashing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection—please reinforce this with your
students and encourage them to wash their hands well and often.

Get your flu shot. The CDC is currently recommending that everyone over 6 months old receive immunizations against
influenza. There are some non-injectable forms of the vaccine available to those over 2 years and under 50 years, who
do not have asthma or other chronic diseases. For more information you can go to the CDC’s web page at
http://www.cdc.gov/features/flu/index.html.

Please keep your student home if he/she is sick. It’s difficult to learn when you have to concentrate on being sick.
A student who is sick shares germs with everyone around him/her.

Students should be fever free (without meds) and not have been vomiting or had diarrhea for 24 hours before returning
to school

If your student will need medications you may check the HHS web page under Student services and “Clinic” for links
to the FCPS med regulation and forms to download. Or, you may call Robin Weinstein in the clinic at 703-810-2210.
Virginia Wilkinson, MSN, RN, NCSN
School Public Health Nurse
Robin Weinstein
School Health Aide
NEWS FROM HORNET WELLNESS
Please visit the Wellness quick link from the HHS homepage to stay up to date on wellness events and information.
September Wellness Focus:
September is FCPS Breakfast Month. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It “breaks” the night’s “fast” by
replacing the energy reserves used overnight. School-aged children are the biggest breakfast skippers. Research reveals
students who miss breakfast are less attentive in class, and their ability to work and concentrate is limited.
Fruits and Veggies – More Matters Month! Fill half of your plate w ith fr uits an d veggies. For addition al
resources, visit http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/.
Backpack Awareness – Pack it Light, Wear it Right! Fo r addition al r eso ur ces, visit www.aota.org/
backpack.
October Wellness Focus:
October 7th – International Walk to School Day – HHS students who walk and ride their
bikes to school will be recognized for their commitment to wellness!
National Bullying Prevention Month – the HHS bullying and harassment lesson will be
delivered through Teacher Advisory on October 29th.
Healthy Breakfast Month Celebration for teachers and staff – Every Wednesday, a
healthy breakfast snack is provided for teachers and staff.
If you would like to share your talents with the Wellness team this year, please send Laura
Waterman, Lkwaterman@fcps.edu a m essage.
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PTSA Newsletter
The Art Department is excited for another artistic year!
We are welcoming 2 new art teachers this year. Mrs. Jennifer Diglio is our full
time studio arts teacher and Mrs. Benita Klein is our part time studio arts
teacher. We are very excited to have them join our department.
The HHS Art Department is looking for all your old camera gear. Any
cameras, tripods, camera bags, darkroom equipment and more. If you think your
camera equipment is old and has become junk we welcome and can make use of
it. Many students do not have cameras. Your donations allows students to have
access to needed equipment for classes.
We are also looking for: Fabric, yarn, ribbon, string, wallpaper scraps/
samples, wood scraps, Ziploc bags, foil, sponges, plastic containers,
magazines, old computer parts, artificial flowers and plants, animal skulls,
Non-working cameras, old tools and much more!
Please consider donating an item or 2!
Tammy M. Morin
Fine and Performing Art Dept. Chair
FRENCH DEPARTMENT NEWS
We are looking forward to a wonderful year in French again! We are really
excited to have Madame Ancheta as our new French teacher who will be in
charge of the French Club (Cercle Francophone). All students of French or
students who love French are welcome to join; see Madame Ancheta
(QD2D, mbancheta@fcps.edu) or Madame Butts (Room 200,
obutts@fcps.edu) for a m em ber sh ip for m . Dues ar e just $5 fo r a
year’s worth of Francophile fun! Our first meeting will be on Thursday,
October 15!
The French Honor Society (SHF) is available for tutoring and conversation
after school every Monday and Thursday. Students just need to sign up in advance
on the classroom calendar. Please come and take advantage of this opportunity! In
addition, SHF will be celebrating National French week in November so stay tuned for
more information.
Merci !
Michelle Ancheta
French 2 & 4
Cercle francophone, sponsor
703-810-2372
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PTSA Newsletter
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Herndon High School
September/October 2015
PTSA Newsletter
REGISTER YOUR SHOPPING REWARDS CARDS FOR 2015-2016!
Hey Hornet families,
Now is the time to register your shopping rewards cards!
HHS earns lots of money and rewards from these annual programs but you need to register each and every year. Don’t
waste a minute because the money HHS earns adds up quickly from your shopping! Programs that have cards you can link
to HHS are outlined below.
Harris Teeter – Together in Education/TIE: Program runs from 8/ 1/15 – 5/31/16. Please register your VIC card
now at: http://www.harristeeter.com/community/together_in_education/link_to_your_school.aspx.
**Thru September 29, Harris Teeter is running a Re-Link your VIC card sweepstakes**
Additionally, Harris Teeter has a special opportunity for HHS to earn an extra $50 if you: a) Link
your VIC card to HHS; and b) shop in the Express Lane between September 9 and November 3
spending $100 with in a single visit each week for five weeks (out of the eight week time period).
If you are linked to more than one school (5 schools is the maximum), the $50 will be split among the schools to which you
are linked.
Giant – A+ for the students: Program runs from 10/9/15 – 3/17/16. Please register your GIANT card
now at:
https://giantfood.com/aplus/register/?_requestid=1885890.
Target Red Card – Take Charge of Education: Program runs year round. Please register your
TARGET Red card now at: https://www-secure.target.com/redcard/tcoe/enroll.
As of September 7th, HHS PTSA has already accumulated $736.72 towards our next check from Target!
The Number of Target Red Card holders who have designated HHS PTSA is 80. Remember - The more
people that designate HHSPTSA, the more FREE MONEY we can earn!
AMAZON.COM: If you use our link to make purchases at Amazon.com, a portion of each purchase price
can be donated automatically to Herndon PTSA, at no cost to you! This is a FREE way to support the kids!
IT IS EASY! Check it out at: smile.amazon.com and be sure to designate HHS PTSA!
If you have any questions or need help registering your card, please contact Julie Saylor at
jsaylor@verizon.net o r 703-444-5897.
Thank you for your support!
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BAND NOTES
Band Camp
Kathleen Jacoby, the school's ba nd dir ector , h a d her w or k
cut out for her when marching band camp began on August 10. Not
only did she have to teach 150 students how to perform a new marching show in just under four weeks, she also had to give many of them
as well as herself some time to grieve. Sadly, three former members of
The Pride of Herndon marching band, Kyle Mathers, Dale Neibaur,
and Holly Novak, w er e k illed in a ca r a ccident w h ile on a
road trip in Texas on Friday, August 7. All three students held leadership positions when they were in the band, and they were known and
loved by many of today’s band members. Although they all graduated
in 2014, they stayed in the area after graduation and still visited
Ms. Jacoby a nd the ba nd fr equ ently . The new s of their
passing rocked the entire community, and grief counselors were made
available to students during the week of August 10.
Transitioning from this time of grief into a normal band camp routine surely was not easy, but the upper classmen on the
leadership team rallied and spent the first week of camp welcoming this year’s rookies and showing them the ropes. The
camp allows freshman and transfer students some time to get to know their fellow band mates, time to perfect their
marching skills and receive additional instruction by specialized instructors. It allows the whole band and color guard
some time to learn and perfect their new marching show.
When asked about his first Herndon High band camp, Freshman, Kyle Nicgorski, said “It was a very welcoming and fun
experience. It was really cool to be marching with everyone in the band as well as playing with them. I am most excited to
be playing at all the football games.”
By the last day of camp, on September 3, the students were ready
to treat their parents to a special preview of this year’s marching
show. The theme of this year’s show is “Rain or Shine” and it
includes tunes such as “Good Day Sunshine”, “Have You Ever
Seen the Rain”, and “Pocketful of Sunshine”. The show was arranged by Bob Thurston who was previously a Chief Arranger for
the United States Air Force Band and who has written many shows
for Herndon High in prior years, as well as for many other high
school and college bands.
“Band camp was a blast (as always) this year!” said Kayla
Lundberg. “My favorite part of the show is definitely the cyclone.
The band is just sprinting around in circles and the guard is spinning rifles and umbrellas, also running around like maniacs. I'm so
excited to see how the effect turns out because it’s been fun and
hard work trying to make it happen.” Kayla is a Junior this year
and a part of the Color Guard leadership team.
Senior percussionist Tucker Phillips stated “My favorite part of the show is either the percussion storm, or watching Peter
(a drum major) sprint around the band to get to the back podium as we turn around. I’ve always loved band camp, but
being a senior has made the whole experience far more enjoyable, and I feel so into everything.”
Tag Day
On Saturday, September 12, members of the marching band canvassed area neighborhoods asking for donations to help
The Pride of Herndon purchase things like new instruments and new uniforms. This is usually the band’s biggest fundraiser of the year. This year’s Tag Day was very successful and the band was extremely pleased with the generous donations provided to our students.
BAND NOTES is continued on page 9
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BAND NOTES is continued from page 8
Football Games
At every home football game, The Pride of Herndon will perform their “Rain or Shine show” during half time. They also
play the National Anthem at the beginning of each game.
On Friday, September 18, Herndon played their first home game of the year against Falls Church High School. This happens to be the school whose band is directed by Ms. Jacoby's husband, Steve Jacoby. So, the Falls Church marching band
joined ours for a special dedication at the beginning of the game to honor the three former students who lost their lives in
August, playing the song “You'll Never Walk Alone.”
19th Annual Showcase of Bands
Everyone in the community is invited to attend the Northern Virginia Regional Showcase of Bands, where you will have the
fantastic opportunity to see 25 local high school marching bands perform! This event will be held on Saturday, September
26, at Herndon High School from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Participating marching bands will compete with other bands of similar size. The highest scoring bands will be recognized with trophies during two different awards ceremonies taking place at
approximately 3:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
Local high school bands participating include Riverside, Tuscarora, Osbourn, Wakefield, Stonewall Jackson, Broad Run,
Loudoun Valley, Falls Church, Woodgrove, Dominion, Washington-Lee, South County, Thomas Jefferson, John Champe,
Hayfield, Fauquier, Annandale, South Lakes, West Potomac, Westfield, and Freedom High School. Bands from Maryland
and West Virginia are also competing.
This event is hosted by the Herndon High School Band Parents Association in partnership with USBands. Tickets are $15 at
the gate for ages 7 and up. Children 6 and under are free.
Upcoming Band Events:
September 26 – Showcase of Bands
September 28 – Senior Regional Orchestra Auditions
October 4 – All-Virginia Jazz Auditions
October 24 – Homecoming
November 6 – Final Home Football Game Performance (Senior Night)
November 11 – Tag Day Concert
November 12-15 – Senior Regional Orchestra Performances
CLASS OF 2016 NEWS
Planning is underway on the Herndon High School
All Night Grad (ANG) celebration for the Class of 2016.
The ANG Committee, led by Chairperson Lisa Alden, will meet monthly to report
progress and plan for the June 16, 2016 event. If you are not familiar with All Night
Grad, this will be the 30th class to host the event. It is an all-night party for the recent
graduates of the high school. It is held on the night of graduation to give the students
an alternative to parties that might allow drinking or drugs. Activities might include
large blow-up games (things like human sling shot, obstacle course), casino games,
caricature artists, massages, photo booth, money machine, to name a few. There is food
and prizes all night long. Think iPad, flat screen TVs, gift cards, and so much more! ANG is sponsored through Drug and
Alcohol Free Activities (DAFA), the Herndon Community Center, parents, and friends of Herndon High School.
Representatives from ANG 2016 will be present at Back-to-School Night to share additional information about upcoming
fundraisers such as Halloween Candygrams, Bartending Nights at Jimmy's Tavern, Priority Seating at Graduation, Parent
Casino Night, and Yard Signs. Forms and information regarding purchasing ANG 2016 Tickets will also be available.
Email Lisa Alden at hhsang2016@gmail.com if you are interested in joining a great group of
volunteers to plan for ANG 2016.
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NJROTC
A Growing Program with Growing Needs
“I’d like to see our program grow to 150 strong,”
announced Herndon High School NJROTC’s Senior Naval Science
Instructor, David B. Adler, Captain, USN (retired). Had he said
this a few years ago, the Herndon High School community would
have considered it a far-fetched dream. Now, with NJROTC
enrollment higher than it has been in several years and with a very
large and enthusiastic freshman class, the goal is “Can you imagine
all of the things NJROTC could do with those numbers?” shared an
excited cadet. “Think of the lessons in leadership and
sportsmanship, especially with our teams having represented
Herndon High School at the national level. And, the community
service! NJROTC could expand its presence in the community!”
Herndon High’s NJROTC does support the school and community
in many seen and unseen ways. In addition to helping with myriad Although undergoing inspection
by highly-motivated US Marines
school events, cadets provide Color Guards for public and
is no easy task, Herndon cadets
retirement events, raise flags at the local cemetery, collect food for
keep their cool under pressure.
LINK, shovel snow for the seniors at H ar bor H ouse, an d
raise money for the American Cancer Society and the Wounded Warrior Project. Most im por tantly, th e
program as a whole produces responsible citizens who value community service as well as personal honor, education,
discipline, and self-reliance.
With a growing program and all of its possibilities, however, come growing
needs. The two most pressing needs are for translators and funding. An
organization that appeals to students representative of the school and
community as a whole, NJROTC has many English as a Second Language
(ESL) students, including some who currently speak no English at all. Having
a volunteer Spanish translator available during key instructional classes
would make a huge difference in the unit’s ability to educate and inspire its
students. Equally as important is the need for funding. Growing numbers
simply means more programming costs. NJROTC invites the Herndon High
community to help the unit continue to grow.
The color guard represents the
unit and Herndon High School
at many public events.
Volunteers are needed to translate during the school day. Contact
Captain Adler at (703) 755-5710 or dbadler@fcps.edu.
Cadets put a "sting" to cancer as they raise money
for the American Cancer Society.
Donations are needed to provide fiscal support. Checks may be
made out to “Herndon High School NJROTC,” and mailed to
Herndon High School, Attention: Captain Adler, 700 Bennett
Street, Herndon, VA 20170.
“Respect is a two-way street!” This was just one of the many lessons that new cadets entering
Herndon High’s Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) recently learned
during their New Cadet Introductory Course (NCIC). The week-long course included academic
instruction, drill, physical fitness training games, service, leadership opportunities, and, most
of all, teamwork – teamwork within squads competing against other squads and teamwork
among the more senior cadets who planned
and executed the entire course.
Who says physical training
can’t be fun? Here, cadets
compete in an NJROTC favorite
– volleycross!
Herndon High’s NJROTC is for anyone
interested in real leadership experiences,
teamwork, and/or high-level competition.
There is no military commitment. To learn
more about this outstanding program,
please contact David B. Adler, Captain,
USN (retired) at 703-755-5710 or
dbadler@fcps.edu.
NJROTC cadets celebrate their successful highway cleanup.
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PARENT INFORMATION RELATING TO SPECIAL EDUCATION
All these opportunities are free unless noted.
The FCPS Parent Resource Center (PRC) helps parents of students with disabilities. It sponsors workshops, has a lending
library, and has Parent Liaisons to help solve problems. They also post (on their website) the 2e Twice-Exceptional Newsletter, w hich pr o vid es infor m atio n o n suppor ting gifted stu dents w ith disabilities.
www.fcps.edu/dss/osp/prc/index.shtml English: 703-204-3941; Español: 703-204-3955.
Save the Date! Future Quest 2015
Sat. Nov. 14, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. George Mason Univ. in the Johnson Center (Fairfax campus). This College and Career
Conference for high school students with disabilities and their parents will include inspiring speakers, a resource fair, and
many worships about options after high school, employment, assistive technology and college and career planning.
http://futurequest.gmu.edu.
Understanding the Special Education Process: Protecting Your Child’s Rights at School
Mon. Oct. 5, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. McLean Bible Church, Tysons Campus, Community Room B. Understand the protections provided under the law and how to navigate the special education process including eligibility, IEPs, due process, transition services and least restrictive environments. RSVP appreciated but not required: erin.roundtree@mcleanbible.org
or 703-770-2938.
Youth and Young Adults: Stronger Together
Alternate Tuesdays starting Oct 6, until May 2016, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in Fairfax. Sponsored by Formed Families Forward, this
peer-to-peer support group for youth ages 14 - 22 meets twice a month through May. Parents, caregivers and guardians have
their own meeting at the same time in the same building. Light dinner of pizza and salad will be served. Register:
www.formedfamiliesforward.org/youth-together-peer-group/ or (703) 539-2904.
Back to School: Practical Tips for Dealing with Caregiver Stress and Avoiding Burnout
Wed. Oct. 7, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Formed Families Forward 4031 University Drive, Fairfax, VA. Join other adoptive and foster parents, grandparents and other kin caring for children for an evening of information and support. Register:
www.formedfamiliesforward.org/back-to-school-burnout/
A Sense of Control: Why It’s Such a Big Deal for Kids with LD and ADHD
Oct 14, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Lab School 4759 Reservoir Road, NW Wash., DC 20007. This lecture will focus on how to support
the development of a healthy sense of control in students with LD and ADHD while maximizing kids’ willingness to work
hard and to use the help offered them. Register: www.labschool.org/lectureseries.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Other Neurobehavioral Conditions:
Understanding a Brain Based Approach
Four Thursdays, October 15 - November 5, 6:00- 8:00 p.m. 4031 University Dr., Fairfax VA 22030. This 8-hour workshop
includes current information on FA/NB and provides a brain based approach for living with, caring for, and teaching individuals and their families. CEUs are available. Register: www.formedfamiliesforward.org/4-sessionfasd/ $15 per person,
collected first night.
Bully Busters
Fri. Oct 16, 10:00 a.m. - noon FCPS PRC 2334 Gallows Rd., Entr. 1, Dunn Loring. Learn how to increase your own "bullying
IQ", empower your child to effectively cope if bullying occurs and help lower your child's chances of being bullied and becoming a bully. Register: www.surveymonkey.com/r/BullyBuster.
Strategies to Support Secondary Students with Dyslexia
Tue. Oct 20, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. FCPS PRC 2334 Gallows Rd., Entr. 1, Dunn Loring. Workshop will include strategies to support reading, writing and math at home; ways to promote effective study skills; and strategies to promote self-advocacy
skills. Register: www.surveymonkey.com/r/Dyslexia-Secondary.
Fidgety, Forgetful & Unfocused!
Fri. Oct. 23, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. FCPS PRC 2334 Gallows Rd., Entr. 1, Dunn Loring. This workshop will focus on the importance of executive functioning skills, how to set up an effective homework space, and how you can promote peaceful, ontask behavior during homework time. Register: www.surveymonkey.com/r/FFandUnF.
Parent Information Related to Special Education continued on page 12
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September/October 2015
PTSA Newsletter
Parent Information Related to Special Education continued from page 11
Trauma Awareness Training for Families and Professional Partners
Tue. October 27, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Formed Families Forward, 4031 University Dr., Fairfax. Presented by the Trauma Informed Care Team of the Partnership for A Healthier Fairfax. Family/professional pairs who attend together will each be
given a $10 gift card! Register: www.formedfamiliesforward.org/trauma-awareness-training/.
CHADD: Childr en and Adults w ith Atten tio n Deficit/H yper activity Disor der . Support Group for Parents
of Teens and Young Adults with ADHD. Meets the 1st Thu r sday of each m o nth (Oct 1, Nov. 5) at 7:30 p .m .
at Fairfax Circle Church 3110 Chichester Lane, Fairfax, VA 22031 Contact: phone/text 703-489-4626 or
ocgreulich@aol.com.
NAMI: Nation al Alliance on Mental Illness builds better lives for those affected by m ental illness.
Oakton Family Support Group m eets on th e 1st Thur s. of each m onth, 7:30 -9:00 p.m. Rm 9 of the Unitarian
Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Rd. Contact: Joanna Walker at 703 620-2633 or
Joanna.naminova@gmail.com. For other Family Support Groups visit
www.nami-northernvirginia.org/families-and-friends.html.
CLASS OF 2018 NEWS
As we begin the year, our class administrator, Mr. Barr, and class sponsors, Mr. Carvajal, Mr. Headen and Ms. Klein, will be
meeting with the SGA Council of 2018 to make plans for the year. Expect to see more information shortly regarding the
following events.
Class of 2018 events that need community support are:
Supply Donations for Homecoming Float 2015
 Need: wood, paint, cardboard, paintbrushes, spray paint, glue gun, tape
 Where: Information will be provided once a host house has been identified
 Who: contact Herndon2018@gmail.com for more information concerning supply donations
T-shirt Fundraiser
 What: sell sophomore class T-shirts (all white, short sleeve t-shirts)
 How: pay with cash or check (make checks payable to “Herndon High School”)
 Where: turn in orders to the Red Office, Room 248
 When: pre-order prices are available until Homecoming
Class Community-Building Activities
 In addition to the homecoming float build weekends, the 2018 Student Council and administrative support team
hope to schedule more events through the year to engage students in positive, class community-building activities.
Some ideas that have been suggested include class dinners, bowling nights, ice skating, community service
opportunities, etc. Look for more information on these events as they develop.
Please consider participating in these great activities; we appreciate it! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact
me at Herndon2018@gmail.com.
2018 Communications
 Remember that you and your student should check out all available forms of communication to keep up-to-date on
all of the many HHS happenings! Daily Announcements are broadcast on the cafeteria TV. The HHS website has
lots of important information and it contains links to the Class of 2018 website. Our Class of 2018 email updates
are sent out periodically for class-specific news. If you haven’t signed up, please do so by sending an e-mail to
Herndon2018@gmail.com.

We are exploring adding texts to our parent communication platform. Watch for updates (via the HHS Class of
2018 emails & webpage) for instructions regarding how to sign up for these expanded communications
opportunities.
Sincerely,
Melanie Mulcahy
Class of 2018 Liaison
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Herndon High School
September/October 2015
PTSA Newsletter
Join PTSA online right now!
http://herndonptsa.org/membership/
http://herndonptsa.org/membership/
Herndon High School PTSA - 2015-2016
Name(s)_______________________________________________________________
E-mail Address_________________________________________________________
Phone Number_________________________________________________________
Item
Amount
PTSA Membership
Your membership supports parent/student educational programs, teacher appreciation programs
and professional development, scholarships, the All-Night Graduation party, and more.
Individual Member
Quantity ____ @ $10
$____
Staff Member
Quantity ____ @ $5
$____
PTSA Donation - 100% tax deductible; our PTSA keeps 100% for our programs.
This is an easy way to further support our PTSA programs. Nothing to sell! No other fundraisers!
Gold - $40
$____
Silver - $30
$____
Bronze - $20
$____
Other
$____
Building Fund Donation - 100% tax deductible; 100% spent on building resources.
The Building Fund allows the school to purchase items above and beyond the FCPS budget:
clinic equipment, patio tables/chairs, SmartBoards, Media Center computer stations, etc.
Platinum - $100
$____
Gold - $75
$____
Hornet - $50
$____
Red & Black - $25
$____
Other
$____
Mailed Newsletter Subscription - $5
$____
The PTSA newsletter is published bi-monthly and is available on-line. If you prefer to read a
hard copy of the newsletter, it can be mailed to your house for $5 per year (5 issues).
Mailing Address: _______________________________________________________________
Total amount
$____
Please make check(s) payable to HHS PTSA
Mail to HHS PTSA, 700 Bennett Street, Herndon, VA 20170 or drop off at HHS main office.
13
Herndon High School
14
September/October 2015
PTSA Newsletter
Herndon High School
HERNDON HIGH SCHOOL
CALENDAR
NORTHWEST FEDERAL
CREDIT UNION
Business Partner
(Events subject to change, please consult
HHS PTSA website for latest upd ates.)
PTSA Member Benefit
September 2015
29
Back-to-School Night
October 2015
9
Student Holiday
12
Columbus Day – Student Holiday
23
HHS Bonfire
24
Homecoming (Parade, Football, Dance)
30
Student Holiday
September/October 2015
PTSA Newsletter
Northwest Federal Credit Union, a Herndon High School
business partner since 2008, offers student services such as
certified education loans, free First Checking, FirstCard Visa
Platinum, 33,000+ free ATMs and 5,100+ locations nationwide.
Members of the Herndon High School PTSA and their families
may join Northwest Federal by opening a savings account with
$5 or more. Join online at www.nwfcu.org and select
“Herndon High School PTSA” as your qualifying organization.
Call 844-709-8900 with questions or visit Northwest Federal’s
Herndon Branch at 200 Spring Street.
Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation
NWFCU and the NWFCU Foundation are proud to partner with
HHS. The NWFCU Foundation supports the teachers, staff and
students at HHS with an annual grant to fund staff professional
development and technological upgrades. Since the partnership
was formed, the NWFCU Foundation has awarded over $30,000
in grants to HHS.
The NWFCU Foundation also provides volunteers for test
proctoring and supports numerous other events throughout the
school year.
Scholarships
All Hornets Are Capable of Success,
No Exceptions!
The NWFCU Foundation awards scholarships to deserving
students who demonstrate leadership, dedication and
commitment in school, at home and in the community.
Since 2006, 13 HHS graduates have received $60,500 in
Ben DeFelice Scholarships a w a r ded by NW FCU
Foundation. For scholarship information, please visit
www.nwfcufoundation.org.
NWFCU Foundation
200 Spring Street
Suite 130
Herndon, VA 20170
844-709-8900
15