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SJ 402

Commending Halley Elementary School.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Surovell and 1 co-sponsor

SJ402ER commends Halley Elementary School (Fairfax County) for 30 years of service, recognizing its programs, achievements, and community impact in the Commonwealth.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ402ER)
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Bill Summary · SJ 402

Summary of SJ402ER: Commending Halley Elementary School

Overview

  • Bill Type: Senate Joint Resolution (SJ402) commemorating Halley Elementary School
  • Purpose: To commend Halley Elementary School on the occasion of its 30th anniversary and recognize its contributions to the Fairfax County community and the Commonwealth.
  • Status: Enrolled as SJ402ER (the version passed by both the Senate and the House)
  • Introduced: February 17, 2025
  • Patrons/Delegates: Patron Sen. Surovell; Delegate Tran
  • Key Dates in Action:
    • Feb 17, 2025: Presented (25104875D)
    • Feb 19, 2025: Engrossed by Senate; Agreed to by Senate (voice vote)
    • Feb 20, 2025: Agreed to by House of Delegates (voice vote)
    • Feb 19–20, 2025: Enrolled status established; SJ402ER finalized

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution formally recognizes Halley Elementary School, a Fairfax County Public Schools institution, for 30 years of service to students and the community.
  • It highlights the school’s history, programs, achievements, and a spirit of community involvement, presenting the school as a model of educational commitment within the Commonwealth.

Key Provisions (Substantive Content)

  • The resolution states that Halley Elementary School has:
    • Prepared students for lifelong learning and positive relationships
    • Opened on September 5, 1995, and is named after William Francis Halley
    • Had notable leadership, including its first principal Janet Funk, who was widely recognized in 1998
    • Implemented diverse programs to meet student needs, such as:
    • Young Scholars and Advanced Academics Program
    • Fine and performing arts programs
    • Award-winning Early Childhood Inclusion Program
    • Hosted unique educational activities (e.g., Halley Morning News Show, Global Classroom Project)
    • Supported faculty and staff development
    • Applied the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) model to address academic, social, and emotional needs
    • Won a 2001 bullying-prevention contest organized by Patricia Polacco
  • The resolution directs the Clerk of the Senate to prepare a copy for presentation to Halley Elementary School, expressing the General Assembly’s admiration for the school’s history and contributions.

Who Is Affected

  • Halley Elementary School
  • Fairfax County Public Schools
  • The Halley Elementary School community (students, families, PTO, staff)
  • The Commonwealth, as the resolution publicly recognizes local educational impact

Procedural/Timelines

  • This is a ceremonial/recognition measure, not a policy change or appropriation.
  • No fiscal impact or regulatory changes are anticipated.
  • Enactment reflects a formal expression of commendation from the General Assembly, with presentation to the school.

Background on Halley Elementary School (as cited in the bill)

  • Opened: Sept. 5, 1995; named for William Francis Halley
  • Notable leadership: Janet Funk (first principal; 1998 Fairfax County Principal of the Year)
  • Programs: MTSS framework, Young Scholars, Advanced Academics, arts programs, Early Childhood Inclusion
  • Community and student initiatives: Halley Morning News Show; Global Classroom Project
  • Recognized for anti-bullying efforts (2001 Polacco contest)

Enrolled Version

  • SJ402ER contains the same commendatory language as SJ402, reflecting final, enrolled text agreed to by both chambers in February 2025.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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