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Message from the Herndon MS Administrative Team
August 2008 Newsletter

Welcome to a new year at HMS!  We are going to have a great year.  We are excited to include our new students, welcome our new parents, include our new teachers, embrace our new goals, and learn with our new principal.  With all that is new, we are fortunate to work in the same beautiful school, reunite with our returning 8th grade students and parents, and most importantly continue our tradition of high expectations for academic achievement with our excellent teachers who care about you.  The teachers, counselors, and support staff will dedicate their time, expertise and passion to educate every student to their greatest potential.  We hope you will take advantage of the opportunities at Herndon to learn, prepare for a rigorous high school curriculum, and have fun along the way. 

This year at Herndon Middle School we are emphasizing teamwork.  It is so important for parents, students, teachers, counselors and administrators to work together. When we work together we are better prepared to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals. 

The following information is to assist you in preparing for the new school year at Herndon Middle School.

Prior to the Beginning of School:

• On Wednesday, August 27, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., Herndon will hold an orientation for all seventh grade students and those eighth grade students new to the school.  See attached flyer. 
• On Wednesday, August 27, from 4:00 – 6:00 we will hold an open house for new students and their parents.  Students can show their parents around the school, identify their classrooms, and practice using the hallway lockers. 

First Day Folders:
This year students will receive important information about school procedures and requirements when they meet their activity teacher during the orientation on 8/27 or on 9/2 for returning students.  Please be sure to look over all the information in the First Day Folder.  Save informational items and return required documents to the TA teacher. 

Important Safety Measures:
We are dedicated to student safety and we will insist on adherence to measures that promote a safe and secure campus and school.  To that end, the following procedures regarding student arrival and dismissal are in place at HMS:

• “Kiss and Ride” drop-off and pick-up remains in the rear of the school.  This location can only be reached by driving down 5th street and following the signs through the parking lot to the drop-off point opposite the school. 
• We encourage students to ride the bus to school if one is provided from you neighborhood.  Students are assigned seats on the bus by their bus drivers usually during the first week of school. 
• The gates leading to the back of the McDonalds on Elden Street and Alabama Avenue will be locked due to our concern for student safety on our campus and when they are coming and going to school.  Our Chief of Police in Herndon, Officer Summers has emphasized the importance of students using established walkways or bus transportation to get to and from school. 

Communication:
We will be better able to help each student succeed when parents are informed and have excellent communication with the school.  The following are some of the efforts we make to keep you informed:
HMS and PTA Newsletter:  This newsletter will keep you informed about what is happening at school and with our Parent Teacher Association. 
Keep in Touch:  We also strongly encourage you to sign up for Keep in Touch on the FCPS website so that you can receive information via email about Herndon Middle School.  (http://www.fcps.edu/kit/)
Herndon Daily Announcements:  Parents can sign up for the Herndon Daily Announcements and read what the students hear on the PA daily. 
It is also very important for parents to be able to ask questions and express concerns.  Please feel free to contact teachers, counselors, or administrators if you are concerned about your child’s school performance and/or adjustments to middle school.

Justine Klena                 Mike Lester                   Kelly Barr                      Dean Cicciarelli              Vanessa Jackson
Principal                        Director of Student         Assistant Principal         Assistant Principal         Assistant Principal
                                    Services                        7th Grade                       Special Education          8th Grade

For the FCPS Profile for Herndon Middle, please click on the Hawk