Johnson MS News | Katherine Johnson Middle School

Katherine Johnson MS Weekly News - March 21, 2025

Johnson MS News1 day 8 hours ago

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Reminder: Charging Laptops Daily

Please remind your child to bring a fully charged laptop/Chromebook to school every day! We have limited loaners and students should use the laptop and charger assigned to them.

Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram to see pictures and videos from our events!

in this issue:

KJMS Upcoming Events
Principal's Message
Order Your 2024-2025 KJMS Yearbook Now!
KJMS Amazon Wishlist
KJMS PTA Information
FHS All Night Grad (ANG) Information
Become Unskippable: Share the Facts
Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid
FCPS Budget — Our Students Deserve the Best
CTE Summer Programs
FCPS News
KJMS Family Liaisons

KJMS Upcoming Events

March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 31 - No School, Eid-al-Fitr
April 1 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday
April 3 - IRW -SOL Testing for 8th Graders
April 4 - KJMS Dance - 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
April 9 - Breakfast for Military Families- 8:00 AM - Library
April 9 - PTA Meeting - 7:00 PM - Virtual
April 14-18 - Spring Break
May 7 - Reading (iReady)
May 14 - Math (MAP)
May 21 - Science (8th grade only)

Principal's Message

Good afternoon, KJMS Families,

A huge congratulations to our office assistant, Kara Payne, for being named the Region 5 Outstanding Support Employee of the Year! Kara will be honored at the FCPS Awards ceremony and hopefully win the award for the entire county!

Additional student and staff recognitions:

Thank you to Ms. Hyun for supporting our MathCounts team and best of luck to our MathCounts team as they compete at Virginia Tech this weekend.
Congratulations to Mrs. Sengstack and the Symphonic and Chamber Orchestras for their performances at Westfield High School for District XI Middle School Orchestra Assessment. Symphonic played a challenging VBODA grade III performance and earned a rating of Excellent for their stage performance while earning a rating of superior for their Sight Reading. Chamber orchestra played a challenging VBODA grade IV performance and earned straight Superiors from every judge with all As in subcategories and even some A+s in some subcategories (rare).
Thank you to Mrs. Galuten and Mr. Knight for supporting “The Quizkateers”. They had a History Bowl and Bee this past weekend and did a great job representing Katherine Johnson Middle School. Bowl Team A came in 5th place overall, qualifying for Nationals!!! Bowl Team B came in first place winning the Middle School History Bowl. Congratulations Quizkateers!

A reminder next Friday is the last day of the third quarter and is a full day of school. Students do not have school on March 31st and April 1st.

Enjoy the weekend,

Chris Smith

Principal - Katherine Johnson MS

Use FCPS Cares to recognize any of our staff members

Order Your 2024-2025 KJMS Yearbook Now!

Time is running out! The yearbook deadline is April 18th, just next month. Secure your copy today and cross one thing off your to-do list.

With limited extra copies available, ordering now guarantees you won't miss out. Don't delay—hardcover yearbooks are $25.

Yearbook Order Form

Attn: Military Families - Form Updated

April is Month of the Military Child (MOMC). We would like to invite you and your KJMS student(s) to a celebration breakfast on April 9th at 8:00 AM in the library. Please fill out this form to RSVP.

Also, if you are currently serving in any of the branches of our military or have served in the past, we would like you to submit a picture of you and your family for our Purple Star wall. You may send a hard copy with your student to drop off at the main office, or for your convenience, submit the picture electronically to either Maria Marris at [email protected] or Andrea Holmes at [email protected].

Every year Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) takes the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. FCPS is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families.

KJMS Amazon Wishlist

Katherine Johnson Families, please consider stocking snacks and drinks for our amazing staff. One way to contribute is by using our KJMS Amazon Wishlist. Our Amazon Wishlist is quick, easy, and set-up for the items to be delivered directly to the school. As a reminder, you are always welcome to bring other items (prepackaged snacks, waters, etc.) to the Main Office as donations. We thank you in advance for your generosity and partnership.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Kara Payne at 703-934-2401.

KJMS PTA Information

Join the PTA

KJMS PTA webpage

Contact KJMS PTA (email)

FHS All Night Grad (ANG) Information

The FHS All Night Grad (ANG) Silent Auction is closed now but you can still donate to support the Fairfax High Class of ‘25 so ALL our seniors can celebrate safely the night of graduation! Since ANG was created more than 35 years ago, no FHS student has been involved in a drug or alcohol related traffic incident the night of graduation.

If you’d prefer to make a tax deductible donation to help keep ticket prices affordable please click here!

Donations & Sponsorships for Class of 2025 ANG Party

Thank you!

Become Unskippable: Share the Facts

Talking with teens about the facts of fentanyl is a conversation you can’t skip. Learning about fentanyl gives teens a better understanding of the risks and effects of the drug.

Share these important facts with your child:

Even half a fentanyl-laced pill can be fatal. Just a few salt-sized grains of fentanyl are enough to cause an overdose.
More than half of local street pills contain a deadly dose of fentanyl. As of 2023, seven in 10 counterfeit pills in the U.S. contain enough fentanyl to cause a fatal overdose.
Fentanyl is usually taken accidentally. Many people have no idea they’ve taken it until they overdose because you can’t see, smell, or taste it in pills and powders.
Overdose can happen in an instant. In as little as four minutes, the lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage and even death.

Learn more about how to have conversations with your child in a way that will make you Become Unskippable.

Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS on one of the dates listed below from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Click on a date to register. Registration is not required but is encouraged for planning purposes.

Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

FCPS Budget — Our Students Deserve the Best

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The next steps in the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process include the School Board presenting the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22. The Board of Supervisors will then conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak.

Visit the county government website to view the Fairfax County FY 2026 Advertised Budget. The community is also invited to complete an online survey to provide feedback on the county’s FY 2026 Advertised Budget.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process.

CTE Summer Programs

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) office is once again planning engaging summer enrichment programs for students!

For our current kindergarten to 5th grade students, we have Tech Adventure Camp.

For our current 6th to 11th grade students, we have CTE Summer Academy.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

- Student Achievements
- Art in our Schools Month
- Celebrating Students Setting Positive Examples

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

Calendar Reminders

Quarter End, Eid al-Fitr, and Student Holiday

Friday, March 28, is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school for students.

All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31, for Eid al-Fitr.

Tuesday, April 1, is a student holiday and teacher workday.

Earth Week - April 21-25

FCPS Get2Green is excited to host our division-wide Earth Week 2025! Earth Week is a fun way to highlight the work happening in your school, foster new learning, and develop students as environmental stewards and ethical and global citizens.

See the complete school year calendar.

KJMS Family Liaisons

If you need to contact one of our parent liaisons, Ana Maxey (Mon.- Fri.) or Jennie Choi (Tues. & Wed.), please call 703-934-2454 and leave a message with your name, your student's name and phone number. You may also contact them via email: Ana Maxey at [email protected] or Jennie Choi at [email protected]

Family Resource Center

The Family Resource Center (PRC) offers free workshops (webinars), consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.

FCPS Cares

Do you want to celebrate a Katherine Johnson employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way, or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson Middle School PTSA website
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar
City of Fairfax Schools Newsletter
FCPS Cares: Share and submit your story about a Katherine Johnson staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year.

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS.

KJMS PTA News - Tomorrow's (3/19) PTA Meeting Cancelled

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PTA Meeting Save the date: April 9th

Mark your calendars! While our March PTA meeting is cancelled, we are excited to see you at our next meeting on April 9th at 7 PM in the library. We look forward to connecting with you then!

Warmly,

Lacey O'Donnell

KJMS PTA President

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson MS PTSA website
2024-25 Standard School Year Calendar
City of Fairfax Schools Newsletter

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

KJMS After-School Updates

Johnson MS News1 week 1 day ago

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In this Issue

KJMS Math Counts
KJMS Quiz Bowl
Appian Board Games Club
KJMS Spring Track & Field Registration
KJMS After-School Clubs-by-Day
KJMS After-School Google Calendar

KJMS MathCounts Team Wins Top Placements at Chapter Competition, Advances to State

KJMS MathCounts team secured impressive results at the Fairfax Chapter Competition on February 1st, with students earning both first and second place individual awards. Nicolaus Maloney, Ameya Rajeev, Garidkhuu Batkhuu, and Lucas Liu placed second overall in the team competition, qualifying them for the upcoming State Tournament.

Congratulations to KJMS MathCounts team members, Mrs. Hyun, Dr. Gosavi and all the KJMS Math families!

KJMS QuizBowl

KJMS Quiz Bowl Team competed in the 2025 Washington DC History Bowl Championships this past Saturday.

Sauren, Josie, Luke, Veer, Lila G., Ameya, Enrico, Elliot and Ehren competed and both teams qualified for Nationals in Orlando, Florida in May!

Sauren, Lila G, Ehren and Elliot came in first place for the middle school history bowl!

Luke won the individual title for the Middle School History Bee and Sauren made the finals for the High School JV History Bee!

Congratulations to the KJMS Quizketeers!!

Appian Board Games Club

KJMS Appian Board Games Club traveled to Langston Hughes for the second Appian Board Games Competition of the Year.

24 students from across the county came together to play the strategic board game, Carcassonne. Declan and Ben both made the tournament finals and shared first place! Congrats to the KJMS Appian Board Games Club!

KJMS Spring Track & Field Registration

Dear KJMS Families,

Exciting News! KJMS is gearing up for the 2025 Track and Field season. All students, whether beginners or experienced, are welcome to join! Explore events like the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m, long jump, and shot put. New this season 4X400m reply. We practice twice a week (2:30pm – 4:20pm) at KJMS with Saturday morning competitions at local high schools. Be part of history and stay tuned for our parent/student interest meeting in February.

Please note that several steps must be completed before students can participate in ANY activities. (Practice and Meets)

Complete the FCPS Middle School Sports Physical Form The exam must be completed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Please note that the form must be dated on or after May 1, 2024, for the 2024-2025 school year. – DUE before a student can participate.
- Fall ‘24 Cross Country runners do not need to submit this again!
Complete the FCPS Middle School Spring Track Registration Form
Complete the Emergency Care Form (Return to KJMS Main Office)

1st Practice

April 2nd 2:30pm - 4:20pm

Practices take place on Mondays and Wednesday after-school

Tentative Meet Schedule (7:30am – 3pm)

April 26 @ Madison HS

May 3rd @ Woodson HS

May 10th @Marshall HS

May 17 @ West Springfield HS

May 31st @Robinson HS Champion Meet

We look forward to another exciting season and hope your student will join us! Please feel free to reach out to Curtiss Barnes, Athletic Coordinator ([email protected]) if you have any questions about the registration process or requirements.

After-School Kiss and Ride

After-School Kiss and Ride

Door 7 (near the cafeteria) is the location for pickup during After-School hours. Feel free to text your student when you arrive so they can meet you outside Door 7.

KJMS After-School Clubs-by-Day

Take a look at the KJMS Fall/Winter Clubs-by-Day Calendar!

Click on the links for descriptions and signup information. This document will be updated as more clubs are added.

KJMS After-School Google Calendar

The KJMS After-School Google Calendar is a live calendar of after-school program dates for the Fall/Winter. View club schedules, cancellation dates and upcoming programming.

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson MS PTSA website
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

Katherine Johnson MS Weekly News - March 14, 2025

Johnson MS News1 week 4 days ago

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Reminder: Charging Laptops Daily

Please remind your child to bring a fully charged laptop/Chromebook to school every day! We have limited loaners and students should use the laptop and charger assigned to them.

Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram to see pictures and videos from our events!

in this issue:

KJMS Upcoming Events
Principal's Message
Order Your 2024-2025 KJMS Yearbook Now!
Spring Picture Day - Pre-Orders Only
KJMS-Science Olympiad
KJMS MATHCOUNTS Team
KJMS PTA Information
Reminder to Sign Up Weekly for Student Fasting Meal Kits
FHS All Night Grad (ANG) Information
FHS - World Language Camp - Summer (free)
Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid
FCPS Budget — Our Students Deserve the Best
CTE Summer Programs
FCPS News
KJMS Family Liaisons

KJMS Upcoming Events

March 18 - Spring Picture Day - (ODD Day)
- Pre-orders only and new enrolled student after 10/25/2024
March 19 - Spring Picture Day - (EVEN Day)
- Pre-orders only and new enrolled student after 10/25/2024
March 19 - PTA Meeting - Virtual - 7:00 PM
March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 31 - No School, Eid-al-Fitr
April 1 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday
April 3 - IRW -SOL Testing for 8th Graders
April 4 - KJMS Dance - 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
April 14-18 - Spring Break
May 7 - Reading (iReady)
May 14 - Math (MAP)
May 21 - Science (8th grade only)

Principal's Message

Good afternoon, KJMS Families,

Happy Pi Day! Thanks for the community support last weekend as we hosted the Food for Neighbors Red Bag Event. The Fairfax Area Team collected 106 Red Bags, totaling 1,578 pounds of food and toiletries! The event benefited students at KJMS, Frost MS and Fairfax HS. Save the date for the next sorting event on April 26th.

Congratulations to 7th grade student Yuliana E. for winning the 2025 Fairfax Rotary Club Essay contest!

Enjoy the weekend,

Chris Smith

Principal - Katherine Johnson MS

Use FCPS Cares to recognize any of our staff members

Order Your 2024-2025 KJMS Yearbook Now!

Time is running out! The yearbook deadline is April 18th, just next month. Secure your copy today and cross one thing off your to-do list.

With limited extra copies available, ordering now guarantees you won't miss out. Don't delay—hardcover yearbooks are $25.

Yearbook Order Form

Attn: Military Families

April is Month of the Military Child (MOMC). We would like to invite you and your KJMS student(s) to a celebration breakfast on April 9th at 8:00 AM in the library. Please fill out this form to RSVP.

Spring Picture Day - Pre-Orders Only

Pre-order at mylifetouch.com using your child's student ID or

Picture day ID: EVT3BTMKG.

Deadline to pre-order pictures will be Monday, March 17 at 2:00 PM

Students who enrolled after October 25, 2024, will have an opportunity on theses days to have their picture taken for the yearbook.

KJMS-Science Olympiad

On February 15th, KJMS Science Olympiad finished first overall at the VASO Centreville Regional. With the win, KJMS Science Olympiad qualified for the VASO State Tournament.

KJMS Science Olympiad Teams won first place in 7 events and won 25 total medals!

Congratulations to KJMS Science Olympiad team members, Mrs. Verma, Dr. Gosavi and all the KJMS SO families!

KJMS MATHCOUNTS Team

KJMS MATHCOUNTS Team Wins Top Placements at

Chapter Competition, Advances to State

KJMS MATHCOUNTS team secured impressive results at the Fairfax Chapter Competition on February 1st, with students earning both first and second place individual awards. The Math team with students Nicolaus Maloney, Ameya Rajeev, Garidkhuu Batkhuu, and Lucas Liu placed second overall in the team competition, qualifying them for the upcoming State Tournament.

Congratulations to KJMS Mathcounts team members, Mrs. Hyun, Dr. Gosavi and all the KJMS Math families!

KJMS PTA Information

Join the PTA

KJMS PTA webpage

Contact KJMS PTA (email)

Reminder to Sign Up Weekly for Student Fasting Meal Kits

February 28 - March 28

Students who are fasting during the school day between now and March 28 can take school meal kits home at the end of the day. Families must fill out a separate request form for each week and for each student in order to receive school meal kits. To receive meal kits for the week of March 24, please fill out this form by March 17.

Please remind your child to pick up their meals each day at our school’s designated location. Visit the Food and Nutrition Services webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

FHS All Night Grad (ANG) Information

The FHS All Night Grad (ANG) Silent Auction is Live at FHS Class of 2025 Auction Page Try your luck at the 50/50 raffle and bid to purchase gift cards, event tickets or one of the 50 other items available from local vendors! From wine tastings to yoga, hockey to movies- there’s something for everyone!

Bid generously to support the Fairfax High Class of ‘25 so ALL our seniors can celebrate safely the night of graduation! Since ANG was created more than 35 years ago, no FHS student has been involved in a drug or alcohol related traffic incident the night of graduation.

If you’d prefer to make a tax deductible donation to help keep ticket prices affordable please click here!

Donations & Sponsorships for Class of 2025 ANG Party

Please share the links with friends, family and neighbors and bid before the auction closes March 17th! Thanks for your support of the FHS Class of ‘25!

FHS - World Language Camp - Summer (free)

Fairfax High School will hold their FREE annual World Language Camp for rising 5-7th grade students in the Fairfax HS pyramid. Students will work with FHS teachers and Language Honor Society students in fun activities and learn the foundations of languages such as French, Latin, German, and Spanish. Lunch will be provided each day. Camp is free, but students must register. Go to www.CityofFairfaxSchools.org for registration and more information.

Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS on the dates listed below from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

Monday, April 7, Greenbriar West Elementary School
Wednesday, April 23, Freedom Hill Elementary School

FCPS Budget — Our Students Deserve the Best

More than $240 million of FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget is dedicated to increasing compensation for our teachers and staff to stay competitive and reduce turnover. Currently, FCPS ranks fifth out of eight neighboring districts in regards to starting salary for teachers with a master’s degree.

Our families expect — and our students deserve — the best teachers.

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The next steps in the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process include the School Board presenting the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22, and then the Board of Supervisors will conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process.

CTE Summer Programs

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) office is once again planning engaging summer enrichment programs for students!

For our current kindergarten to 5th grade students, we have Tech Adventure Camp.

For our current 6th to 11th grade students, we have CTE Summer Academy.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Second Annual Food Show
Cameras on School Bus Stop Arms
Comprehensive Boundary Review Process Explained

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

Calendar Reminders

Nowruz

Nowruz Mobarak to all who celebrate! Nowruz, the Persian New Year, marks the arrival of spring and a fresh start. Families welcome the new season with festive meals, gift-giving, and the beautiful tradition of the Haft-Seen table, filled with symbols of new life and renewal

Quarter End, Eid al-Fitr, and Student Holiday

Friday, March 28, is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school for students.

All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31, for Eid al-Fitr.

Tuesday, April 1, is a student holiday and teacher workday.

Month of the Military Child

April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families.

See the complete school year calendar.

KJMS Family Liaisons

Family Resource Center

FCPS Cares

Do you want to celebrate a Katherine Johnson employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way, or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson Middle School PTSA website
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar
City of Fairfax Schools Newsletter
FCPS Cares: Share and submit your story about a Katherine Johnson staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year.

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS.

Katherine Johnson MS Weekly News - March 7, 2025

Johnson MS News2 weeks 4 days ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Reminder: Charging Laptops Daily

Please remind your child to bring a fully charged laptop to school every day! We have limited loaners and students should use the laptop and charger assigned to them.

Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram to see pictures and videos from our events!

Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward)

Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour!

As a result of the time change, many students will be walking to school or bus stops in the dark. Help your child stay safe by having them wear reflective clothing and bright or light colors, or add reflective items to their backpacks or clothes. Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up and not to run into the street or cross between parked cars.

in this issue:

KJMS Upcoming Events
Principal's Message
Middle School Start Times
Order Your 2024-2025 KJMS Yearbook Now!
Eagulps - KJMS Coffee Service
Spring Picture Day - Pre-Orders Only
KJMS PTA Information
Two More Weeks - Student Fasting Meal Kits
FHS All Night Grad (ANG) Information
2025 Family Summit
Preparing for Tough Conversations With Teens
Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun
Developing a Strong Academic Foundation, Curiosity, and Joy for Learning
Share Your Input on the County Budget
Instructional Job Fair
FCPS News
KJMS Family Liaisons

KJMS Upcoming Events

March 9 - Daylight Saving Begins - 2:00 AM
March 12 - Orchestra Performance - 6:30 PM - KJMS Auditorium
March 18 - Spring Picture Day - Pre-orders only (ODD Day)
March 19 - Spring Picture Day - Pre-orders only (EVEN Day)
March 19 - PTA Meeting - Virtual - 7:00 PM
March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 31 - No School, Eid-al-Fitr
April 1 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday
April 3 - IRW -SOL Testing for 8th Graders
April 4 - KJMS Dance - 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
April 14-18 - Spring Break
May 7 - Reading (iReady)
May 14 - Math (MAP)
May 21 - Science (8th grade only)

Principal's Message

Good afternoon, KJMS Families,

All of our students participated in our Power of Words assembly over the last month. Students continue to use inappropriate language in school and the presentation was a way to help educate students on the impact of the words they choose to use and encourage students to be an upstander instead of a bystander when they hear these words used. I encourage you to ask your student about the presentation and reinforce the expectation of using appropriate language at school.

Congratulations to our front office assistant, Ms. Kara Payne, who won the support employee of the year for the Fairfax Pyramid! The next step for Ms. Payne is the Region level, we wish you the best of luck! Congratulations to our band and chorus students for excellent performances!

Thank you to the Fairfax Rotary and our Civics teachers for organizing an assembly centered around the US Constitution. Each student received a personal copy of the US Constitution thanks to the Rotarians!

Enjoy the weekend and Don’t forget about the time change this weekend,

Chris Smith

Principal - Katherine Johnson MS

Use FCPS Cares to recognize any of our staff members.

Providence ES celebrated Read Across America Week by inviting several guest readers, one being Principal Smith of Katherine Johnson MS to read to students, some who may be future KJMS Eagles.

Middle School Start Times

The City of Fairfax School Board wants to hear from you about school start times. FCPS is considering changing middle school start times, which could impact schools at all levels.

Please go to the City of Fairfax Schools website to provide your input.

Tell Us What You Think

Order Your 2024-2025 KJMS Yearbook Now!

Although the deadline is next year in April, why not order it now? One less thing to worry about, and you'll be guaranteed a copy. Plus, only a few extras will be ordered, so the earlier you order, the better your chances of getting one.

Hardcover yearbook cost $25

Deadline: April 18, 2025

Yearbook Order Form

Eagulps - KJMS Coffee Service

Hand-crafted coffee, tea, and hot chocolate by the WAT Eagle Interns

Meet Our Social Worker - Maria Marris

School Social Work Week - March 2-8, 2025

This week, were celebrating our incredible social worker, Maria Marris who has been at KJMS! She is a vital part of our school community, providing invaluable support to students and families. From connecting us with resources to offering a listening ear, Ms. Marris truly makes a difference. Thank you for your dedication and hard work in helping our community thrive!

The School Social Work Association of America is proud to promote National School Social Work Week, held the first full calendar week of March (Sunday - Saturday).

SSWAA collects and shares resources to help you celebrate and promote School Social Work Week. We hope you will make some great plans to celebrate as well as receive much-deserved recognition for the vital role that you provide to students, administrators, teachers, educators, parents, and the community!

Spring Picture Day - Pre-Orders Only

Pre-order at mylifetouch.com using your child's student ID or

Picture day ID: EVT3BTMKG.

Deadline to pre-order pictures will be Monday, March 17 at 2:00 PM

Students who enrolled after October 25, 2024, will have an opportunity on theses days to have their picture taken for the yearbook.

KJMS PTA Information

Join the PTA

KJMS PTA webpage

Contact KJMS PTA (email)

Two More Weeks - Student Fasting Meal Kits

February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day. Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student. To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

FHS All Night Grad (ANG) Information

If you’d prefer to make a tax deductible donation to help keep ticket prices affordable please click here!

Donations & Sponsorships for Class of 2025 ANG Party

Please share the links with friends, family and neighbors and bid before the auction closes March 17th! Thanks for your support of the FHS Class of ‘25!

2025 Family Summit

2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an extension of the Special Education Conference)

Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging, hosted by Fairfax County Public Schools in collaboration with our valued community partners. This free in-person event will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You can sign up for childcare during the registration process.

Learn more about this event and register today! Contact [email protected] for more information.

Preparing for Tough Conversations With Teens

Discussing tough topics like fentanyl and other drugs can feel challenging — no matter how close you are with your child. Explain to your teen that it’s important to learn about fentanyl so they know what to do if a friend overdoses. Prepare in advance with the tips below:

Set the stage. Choose a casual environment that’s free from distractions. Talk while driving, taking a walk, or doing chores together.
Make it a two-way discussion. Ask open-ended questions.
Stay patient and reserve judgment.
Check in with your child early and often.

Visit our website for more information on how to Become Unskippable with your teens.

Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Summer Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps.

IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, Health and Physical Education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater.

Earn Credit Toward Graduation This Summer

Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 6. Mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible middle and high school students.

Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. This is a self-directed course where students work independently. The course is available between Monday, June 23, and Friday, July 25. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, May 23. For more information, visit this Summer Learning page.

Developing a Strong Academic Foundation, Curiosity, and Joy for Learning

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan.

A strong start for every student is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan. Pre-K classrooms are making a difference in our community. In this video, we explore the importance of bringing children under the age of five together, regardless of abilities.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date and learn about opportunities to provide feedback to Fairfax County and FCPS.

Share Your Input on the County Budget

The Fairfax County government presented its Fiscal Year 2026 Advertised Budget Plan to the Board of Supervisors on February 18. The community is invited to share feedback through an online survey, email, phone calls, or by attending Budget Town Hall meetings.

Instructional Job Fair

Fairfax County Public Schools is hosting an instructional job fair on Saturday, March 8, 9 a.m. to noon, at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Registration is required.

Come Work for FCPS!

Check out our other recently posted jobs in finance (payroll and accounting), information technology, or office personnel (office assistant, administrative assistant, executive administrative assistant).

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

A Strong Academic Foundation
70th Annual Regional Science Fair
New Breakfast Option

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

KJMS Family Liaisons

Family Resource Center

FCPS Cares

Do you want to celebrate a Katherine Johnson employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way, or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson Middle School PTSA website
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar
City of Fairfax Schools Newsletter
FCPS Cares: Share and submit your story about a Katherine Johnson staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year.

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS.

Katherine Johnson MS Weekly News - February 28, 2025

Johnson MS News3 weeks 4 days ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Reminder: Charging Laptops Daily

Please remind your child to bring a fully charged laptop to school every day! We have limited loaners and students should use the laptop and charger assigned to them.

Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram to see pictures and videos from our events!

in this issue:

KJMS Upcoming Events
Principal's Message
Digital Detox
Order Your 2024-2025 KJMS Yearbook Now!
Spring Picture Day - Pre-Orders Only
KJMS PTA Information
Student Fasting Meal Kits
Information for Rising 7th Graders
Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun
Supporting Academic Growth and Reading on Level by Third Grade
Middle School Transition Fair - Special Education
2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)
Connect With Your Kids: Simple Steps to Stronger Communication
FCPS News
KJMS Family Liaisons

KJMS Upcoming Events

March 3 - Digital Detox Day (EVEN Day)
March 12 - Orchestra Performance - 6:30 PM - KJMS Auditorium
March 18 - Spring Picture Day - Pre-orders only (ODD Day)
March 19 - Spring Picture Day - Pre-orders only (EVEN Day)
March 19 - PTA Meeting - Virtual - 7:00 PM
March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 31 - No School, Eid-al-Fitr
April 1 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday
April 14-18 - Spring Break

Principal's Message

KJMS Families,

We were able to celebrate 72 students last week at our Student of the Quarter celebration. Thank you to our families who were able to attend and Mr. Burts for organizing the event. In addition, we had 290 students earn the “All A Honor Roll”, 344 students earn the “A/B Honor Roll” and 398 students improved a letter grade in at least one class. Congratulations to our students for all their hard work, as well as our teachers and families for supporting their academic success.

We held a Parent Academy this past Wednesday and the topic was navigating social media. You can view the recording and presentation on our website.

Please limit any absences during the month of May as students will be taking the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests as well end of the year assessments in iReady (reading) and MAP (math). Please mark your calendars for our SOL dates:

May 7 - Reading
May 14 - Math
May 21 - Science (8th grade only)

Enjoy the weekend,

Chris Smith

Principal - Katherine Johnson MS

Use FCPS Cares to recognize any of our staff members

Ramadan

Ramadan begins at sundown on Friday, February 28. This day is an evening-only observance day. There is school on these days, but certain activities that cannot be made up can not take place after school. See the complete school year calendar.Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact KJMS regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.

Digital Detox

Digital Detox days is to promote healthy technology habits and encourage meaningful learning experiences, we will be holding two "Digital Detox Days" on February 28th and March 3rd. On these days, all classroom activities will be conducted without the use of student laptops. Students may still bring their laptops to school if they need to use it for after-school activities, but they will remain in their backpacks during the school day. We recognize that our students spend a significant amount of time interacting with technology. These Digital Detox Days aim to:

Inspire good Digital Citizenship: By stepping away from screens, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the balance between technology and offline activities.
Reinforce offline learning: These days will remind us that technology is a tool, and meaningful learning can still be achieved through traditional methods like discussions, hands-on activities, and creative projects.

We believe these days will be a valuable opportunity for both students and teachers to explore alternative learning approaches and foster a deeper connection with their studies!

Questions – email Kelsea Owens ([email protected])

Order Your 2024-2025 KJMS Yearbook Now!

Hardcover yearbook cost $25

Deadline: April 18, 2025

Yearbook Order Form

Spring Picture Day - Pre-Orders Only

Pre-order at mylifetouch.com using your child's student ID or

Picture day ID: EVT3BTMKG.

Deadline to pre-order pictures will be Monday, March 17 at 2:00 PM

Students who enrolled after October 25, 2024, will have an opportunity on theses days to have their picture taken for the yearbook.

KJMS PTA Information

Join the PTA

KJMS PTA webpage

Contact KJMS PTA (email)

Student Fasting Meal Kits

for February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day.Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student.To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

Information for Rising 7th Graders

Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a healthcare provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements.

Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Summer Camps

Earn Credit Toward Graduation This Summer

Supporting Academic Growth and Reading on Level by Third Grade

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan.

Across FCPS, teachers, staff, parents, and even older students are invested in helping our youngest learners grow their love of reading from a strong foundation.

The goal is for students to move from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” by the end of the third grade. Reading on grade level is connected to other Strategic Plan goals, including completing advanced coursework and graduating on time.

Last fall, FCPS introduced a new reading curriculum that emphasized the science of reading. Between fall and winter, reading screener results show more than a 4% increase in the number of students in kindergarten to third grade approaching or meeting expectations. Similarly, 3.4% more third graders demonstrate strong foundations of reading and 8.4% more third graders are mastering grade-level standards.

Discover how an elementary school employs a science-based approach, including phonics, to supercharge students' reading.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date.

NEA Read Across America

Join the National Education Association (NEA) for an unforgettable afternoon as it celebrates the power of literature, education, and music.

You Are Cordially Invited To a Read Across America Celebration

Honoring Kwame Alexander's "The Crossover": A Jazz-Infused Event!

Featuring Special Guests, Food, Fun, Music, Giveaways, and Books

Date: Sunday, March 2nd

Time: Starts at 2:30 PM

Location: Langston Hughes Middle School,

11401 Ridge Heights Rd., Reston, VA 20191

Middle School Transition Fair - Special Education

Middle School Transition Fair

Future Planning for Elementary and Middle School Students in Special Education

For families, caregivers, and educators of students receiving special education services.

March 12, 2025 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Luther Jackson Middle School 3020 Gallows Road Falls Church, Virginia 22042

Join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school!

This event also includes two speakers who will discuss IEP transition planning, special education services, and postsecondary options for younger students as they navigate FCPS and plan for their future. A questions/answer session will follow.

Click here to register: http://bit.ly/3Cjke4b

2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)

Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners.

The summit will be held:

Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

This event will feature:

Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.

Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process.

Learn more about this event and register today! Contact [email protected] for more information.

Connect With Your Kids: Simple Steps to Stronger Communication

Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. How do you connect with your children and really know what's going on in their lives? How can you become “unskippable”?

Effective communication can build trust and understanding, but it takes thought, planning, and effort.

The latest Healthy Minds Blog offers practical strategies to improve communication and build strong, lasting relationships:

Ditch distractions and create a safe space where your child feels comfortable opening up.
Listen actively and validate their feelings, even if you don't agree.
Ask "how" questions instead of "what" questions to get them talking about their experiences.

For more tips and techniques, read the full article on the Healthy Minds Blog, which shares information related to youth mental health and wellness.

For support on talking with your teen about difficult subjects like fentanyl, discover how to Become Unskippable.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Summer Camps and Learning Opportunities
Supporting Academic Growth
Preparing for Tough Conversations With Your Child

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

KJMS Family Liaisons

Family Resource Center

FCPS Cares

Do you want to celebrate a Katherine Johnson employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way, or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson Middle School PTSA website
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar
City of Fairfax Schools Newsletter
FCPS Cares: Share and submit your story about a Katherine Johnson staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year.

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS.

Katherine Johnson MS Reminder-Parent Academy Tonight - February 26, 2025

Johnson MS News3 weeks 6 days ago

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Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram to see pictures and videos from our events!

Reminder: Tonight Parent Academy

Parent Academy: Social Media

February 26 at 7:00 PM on Zoom

Is your family navigating the ever-changing world of social media? Join Katherine Johnson Middle School for a virtual family workshop focused on social media awareness. We'll explore the popular platforms kids are using today, discuss the potential challenges and benefits, and provide practical tips for fostering healthy online habits. Learn how to have meaningful conversations with your children about their digital lives and how to collaboratively set effective boundaries. This workshop is designed to empower families to navigate the digital landscape together.

For more information and the Zoom link – https://johnsonms.fcps.edu/event/parent-academy-social-media

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson Middle School PTSA website
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar
City of Fairfax Schools Newsletter
FCPS Cares: Share and submit your story about a Katherine Johnson staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year.

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS.

KJMS After-School Updates

Johnson MS News1 month ago

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In this Issue

KJMS Science Olympiad
KJMS Futsal Update
K-Pop Dance Club
March Madness Basketball vs Glasgow MS
Paper Quilling - Session 2
KJMS Spring Track & Field Registration
KJMS After-School Clubs-by-Day
KJMS After-School Google Calendar

KJMS Science Olympiad

KJMS Science Olympiad wins Regional Championship

On February 15th, KJMS Science Olympiad finished first overall at the VASO Centreville Regional. With the win, KJMS Science Olympiad qualified for the VASO State Tournament.

KJMS Science Olympiad Teams won first place in 7 events and won 25 total medals!

Congratulations to KJMS Science Olympiad team members, Mrs. Verma, Dr. Gosavi and all the KJMS SO families!

KJMS Futsal

The Western Fairfax Futsal League came to a conclusion last week. KJMS Girls Futsal finished runner-up to Rocky Run. KJMS Boys Futsal beat Hughes MS to be crowned Champions. Congratulations to both teams for a successful season and to Daniela and Adriano for being named Western Fairfax Futsal League Players of the Year!

K-Pop Dance Club

K-Pop Dance Club starts this week!

Any student who is interested in K-pop and enjoys dancing is welcome to join! Our club is a place where students can dance together and experience Korean culture. A Professional K-pop dance instructor, who was a former trainee at a major Korean entertainment agency, will be guiding our practice sessions.

Meeting Schedule: Thursdays from 2:30 to 4:00 PM
First Meeting this week on 2/27
Our goal is to perform at Hanbowl on April 5th - we may practice more days as needed

Signup for K-Pop Dance Club

March Madness Basketball vs Glasgow MS

On Friday, March 7th, KJMS Basketball will host East Fairfax Basketball Champions, Glasgow MS!

All KJMS students and families are invited to come and support the Eagles as they face the Glasgow Middle School Panthers!

March Madness Basketball

KJMS vs Glasgow MS

Friday, March 7th at KJMS

6pm - Girls Game

7pm - Boys Game

$5 admission at the door (cash only)

Paper Quilling - Session 2

KJMS Paper Quilling Club will begin a new session on Thursday, February 6th!

In this club, students will delve into the fascinating world of paper quilling, a traditional craft that transforms simple strips of paper into intricate and stunning designs. Guided by an experienced mentor, participants will learn various quilling techniques, from basic coils and scrolls to advanced shapes and designs. Each session will introduce new skills and projects (bookmarks, magnets, cards, ornaments, 3d figures, candle holders, etc) allowing members to progressively build their expertise and confidence in this unique art form.

Meetings will take place from 2:30-4:00 on Thursdays:

2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, and 3/13

Signup for Paper Quilling Club goes live on Monday, 1/27 @ 3pm

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4AAAA722A4F49-54504653-paper

KJMS Spring Track & Field Registration

Dear KJMS Families,

Please note that several steps must be completed before students can participate in ANY activities. (Practice and Meets)

Attend the Spring Track and Field Parent Zoom Meeting on Thursday, March 6th at 5:45pm
Complete the FCPS Middle School Sports Physical Form The exam must be completed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Please note that the form must be dated on or after May 1, 2024, for the 2024-2025 school year. – DUE before a student can participate.

Fall ‘24 Cross Country runners do not need to submit this again!

Complete the FCPS Middle School Spring Track Registration Form
Complete the Emergency Care Form (Return to KJMS Main Office)

1st Practice

April 2nd 2:30pm - 4:20pm

Practices take place on Mondays and Wednesday after-school

Tentative Meet Schedule (7:30am – 1:30pm)

April 26 @ Madison HS

May 3rd @ Woodson HS

May 10th @Marshall HS

May 17 @ West Springfield HS

May 31st @Robinson HS Champion Meet

After-School Kiss and Ride

After-School Kiss and Ride

Door 7 (near the cafeteria) is the location for pickup during After-School hours. Feel free to text your student when you arrive so they can meet you outside Door 7.

KJMS After-School Clubs-by-Day

Take a look at the KJMS Fall/Winter Clubs-by-Day Calendar!

Click on the links for descriptions and signup information. This document will be updated as more clubs are added.

KJMS After-School Google Calendar

The KJMS After-School Google Calendar is a live calendar of after-school program dates for the Fall/Winter. View club schedules, cancellation dates and upcoming programming.

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson MS PTSA website
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar

Katherine Johnson MS Weekly News - February 21, 2025

Johnson MS News1 month ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Reminder: Charging Laptops Daily

Please remind your child to bring a fully charged laptop to school every day! We have limited loaners and students should use the laptop and charger assigned to them.

Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram to see pictures and videos from our events!

in this issue:

KJMS Upcoming Events
Principal's Message
KJMS Drama Fundraiser
Digital Detox Days
Order Your 2024-2025 KJMS Yearbook Now!
Spring Picture Day - Pre-Orders Only
KJMS PTA Information
Student Fasting Meal Kits
Breaking Down the Budget
Varsity Tutors Information
NEA Read Across America
Middle School Transition Fair - Special Education
FCPS News
KJMS Family Liaisons

KJMS Upcoming Events

February 26 - Parent Academy (see more details below)
February 27 - AVID Students Field Trip (7th & 8th)
February 28 - Digital Detox Day (ODD Day)
March 3 - Digital Detox Day (EVEN Day)
March 7 - KJMS Dance (After School) - 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
March 12 - Orchestra Performance - 6:30 PM - KJMS Auditorium
March 18 - Spring Picture Day - Pre-orders only (ODD Day)
March 19 - Spring Picture Day - Pre-orders only (EVEN Day)
March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 31 - No School, Eid-al-Fitr
April 1 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday
April 14-18 - Spring Break

Principal's Message

Good afternoon, KJMS Families,

I hope you can join us for our Parent Academy virtual meeting on Wednesday, February 26. Our topic will be safe use of social media. We have our Digital Detox spirit week next week, we look forward to seeing the creativity of our students. Congratulations to the following groups of students:

Congratulations to our Science Olympiad team for winning the regional championship and qualifying for the state tournament!
Congratulations to our boys futsal team for winning the Western Fairfax Futsal League championship!
Congratulations to our girls futsal team for finishing second in the Western Fairfax Futsal League!

Enjoy the weekend,

Chris Smith

Principal - Katherine Johnson MS

Use FCPS Cares to recognize any of our staff members

KJMS Drama Fundraiser

Date: February 13 - February 23

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00AM

Location: Fairfax Location

11963 Fair Oaks Shopping Center or

online: lazydogrestaurants.com

Coupon Code: 01Fairfax

15% of total bill will be donated back to KJMS

Going in person? Print this flyer, give it to your server.

Ordering takeout? Just visit lazydogrestaurants.com, select the participating location noted below, and enter the coupon code - 01Fairfax

Digital Detox Days

Monday

Social Media Day - Dress as your favorite app.

Tuesday

Dress Like Steve Jobs - wear jeans & a black shirt like the co-found of Apple

Wednesday

Party Like It's 1998 - Wear your 90s gear to remember the year Google was invented

Thursday

Gamer Day - Dress like a video game character

Friday

The Digital Divide: iPhone vs. Android - Team iPhone wear blue AND Team Android wear green.

Inspire good Digital Citizenship: By stepping away from screens, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the balance between technology and offline activities.
Reinforce offline learning: These days will remind us that technology is a tool, and meaningful learning can still be achieved through traditional methods like discussions, hands-on activities, and creative projects.

We believe these days will be a valuable opportunity for both students and teachers to explore alternative learning approaches and foster a deeper connection with their studies!

Questions – email Kelsea Owens ([email protected])

Order Your 2024-2025 KJMS Yearbook Now!

Hardcover yearbook cost $25

Deadline: April 18, 2025

Yearbook Order Form

Spring Picture Day - Pre-Orders Only

Pre-order at mylifetouch.com using your child's student ID or

Picture day ID: EVT3BTMKG.

Deadline to pre-order pictures will be Monday, March 17 at 2:00 PM

Students who enrolled after October 25, 2024, will have an opportunity on theses days to have their picture taken for the yearbook.

KJMS PTA Information

Join the PTA

KJMS PTA webpage

Contact KJMS PTA (email)

Become Unskippable: Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens About Fentanyl

Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. But young people die from fentanyl overdoses in Fairfax County each year — so it's important to have short, impactful talks with your teen, whether or not you think they’re at risk.

As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to become “unskippable” and talk with your teen in a way they will listen.

See our tips for talking with your teen about fentanyl and other difficult subjects. Watch this video to learn more about becoming unskippable.

Student Fasting Meal Kits

for February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day.Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student.To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

Breaking Down the Budget Supporting Academic Growth and Algebra by Eighth Grade

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan.

Since the 2023-24 school year, FCPS has seen a 9.5% increase in eighth graders taking Algebra I or more advanced math and a 6.8% increase in fifth graders in advanced math.

Studies show that students who complete algebra in middle school have more opportunities to take advanced math and science courses in high school. This can open up new academic paths for students! Watch a video that shows why eighth grade algebra matters.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget.

Varsity Tutors Information Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

NEA Read Across America

Join the National Education Association (NEA) for an unforgettable afternoon as it celebrates the power of literature, education, and music.

You Are Cordially Invited To a Read Across America Celebration

Honoring Kwame Alexander's "The Crossover": A Jazz-Infused Event!

Featuring Special Guests, Food, Fun, Music, Giveaways, and Books

Date: Sunday, March 2nd

Time: Starts at 2:30 PM

Location: Langston Hughes Middle School,

11401 Ridge Heights Rd., Reston, VA 20191

Middle School Transition Fair - Special Education

Each winter, Career and Transition Services (CTS) sponsors a transition-focused community event geared towards elementary/middle school students and their families. This event focuses on planning for high school options for special education students, as well as supports available for these students after they exit the school system. Below are event details:

Middle School Transition Fair

Future Planning for Elementary and Middle School Students in Special Education

For families, caregivers, and educators of students receiving special education services.

March 12, 2025 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Luther Jackson Middle School 3020 Gallows Road Falls Church, Virginia 22042

Join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school!

It’s never too early or too late to start preparing for your future. We want to help you start planning for a successful transition from school to life as a young adult. Ensuring postsecondary success of our students with disabilities is dependent on what is known as transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for an evening focused on planning for the future.

You will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions of representatives from CTS programs and services for students with disabilities, as well as learn about short and long-term postsecondary supports, employment, postsecondary education considerations, Supported Decision Making, and student self-determination as an evidence-based predictor of post school success.

Click here to register: http://bit.ly/3Cjke4b

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Middle School Start Times
New Lunch Items
Talking to Teens About Tough Topics

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

KJMS Family Liaisons

Family Resource Center

FCPS Cares

Do you want to celebrate a Katherine Johnson employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way, or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson Middle School PTSA website
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar
City of Fairfax Schools Newsletter
FCPS Cares: Share and submit your story about a Katherine Johnson staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year.

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS.

KJMS PTA News - UPDATE: February 19 - PTA Meeting Reminder (Virtual)

Johnson MS News1 month 1 week ago

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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

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.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

UPDATE: The PTA meeting for tomorrow, Wednesday, February 19th, will be held virtually, not in person as previously announced. Meeting will begin at 7:00 PM

You can access the meeting with the link below:

https://meet.google.com/mkg-ebea-dgi

Thank you,

KJMS PTA

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson MS PTSA website
2024-25 Standard School Year Calendar
City of Fairfax Schools Newsletter

Katherine Johnson MS Weekly News - February 14, 2025

Johnson MS News1 month 1 week ago

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Reminder: Charging Laptops Daily

Please remind your child to bring a fully charged laptop to school every day! We have limited loaners and students should use the laptop and charger assigned to them.

Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram to see pictures and videos from our events!

in this issue:

KJMS Upcoming Events
KJMS Administration Team Message
Community Connection Night at KJMS
Free KJMS Thinkabit Summer Camp
Young Scholars Field Trip
Free Fairfax Wind Symphony Concert
Parent Academy
Digital Detox Days
Order Your 2024-2025 KJMS Yearbook Now!
News from KJMS PTA
Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu
Breaking Down the Budget: Investing in Our Classrooms
Learn More About How Your Child Feels at School
Student Fasting Meal Kits
Families Invited to Review Potential Math Resources
Calendar Reminders
FCPS News
From Public Service to Public Education
KJMS Family Liaisons

KJMS Upcoming Events

February 15 - National School Resource Office (SRO) Appreciation Day
- National Association of School Resource Officers
February 17 - School Holiday - Presidents Day (No School)
February 19 - PTA In-Person Meeting (snow date) - 7:00 PM - Library
February 20 - Community Connection Night - 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Location: KJMS (See flier below) (location correction)
February 22 - School bus driver appreciation day
February 26 - Parent Academy (see more details below)
February 27 - AVID Students Field Trip (7th & 8th)
February 28 - Digital Detox Day (ODD Day)
March 3 - Digital Detox Day (EVEN Day)
March 12 - Orchestra Performance - 6:30 PM - KJMS Auditorium
March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 31 - No School, Eid-al-Fitr
April 1 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday
April 14-18 - Spring Break

KJMS Administration Team Message

Dear KJMS Families,

January and February have thrown us a few curve balls, but staff and students have been managing quite well. Even when there is an early release or early closing, attendance is still very important. Teachers do an amazing job of adjusting plans so that they can make the most of a short day. Please send your student every day, even if there is a reduced schedule. With snow in the past, present, and possibly the future, we want to thank our amazing custodial staff (picture below) for all the work they do regularly and during inclement weather.

Now that we are past the semester mark, it is wise to check in with your student to see if they need support meeting their academic goals. In the gradebook, if you see assignments or assessment in the “Summative” category that are missing or a retake is offered, make a plan with your student to get the work turned in. At KJMS, teacher and leadership teams meet regularly to support student growth and achievement. You may have received an email from one or more teachers if there are important assignments or assessment that need to be completed. Please support your student in completing the work at home or encourage them to stay after school with a teacher. A list of each teacher’s after school schedule can be found here. We look forward to partnering with you to help your student find success!

Enjoy the long weekend,

KJMS Administration Team

Use FCPS Cares to recognize any of our staff members

Community Connection Night at KJMS

Location correction: It will be held at KJMS and NOT Providence ES.

RSVP Here

Visit the website

Free KJMS Thinkabit Summer Camp

Have you ever thought about how new technologies are invented? Do you want to build robotic crafts?

This FREE camp will run from July 8-11, 2025 – 9AM-1PM at Katherine Johnson Middle School
Rising 7th and 8th graders are invited to apply
All supplies are provided, they just need to bring a lunch
Students must have their own transportation to and from camp

Google Form to Apply: https://forms.gle/d3vbtVQXo4Vc9aeK6

If you have any questions, please email Kelsea Owens at [email protected].

Young Scholars Field Trip

On Thursday some of the 8th grade Young Scholars participated in a field trip to the National Building Museum where they learned about the design principles. They worked in teams to create towers meant to withstand and earth quake.

Free Fairfax Wind Symphony Concert

The Fairfax Wind Symphony will perform a free concert at KJMS on Sunday afternoon.

This is a band made up largely of band directors, including our own band director, Mr. Burts.

No tickets are necessary- Free

Location: KJMS Auditorium

Date: Sunday, February 16

Time: 3:00 PM

Parent Academy

Parent Academy: Social Media

February 26 at 7PM on Zoom

For more information and the Zoom link – https://johnsonms.fcps.edu/event/parent-academy-social-media

Digital Detox Days

Monday

Social Media Day - Dress as your favorite app.

Tuesday

Dress Like Steve Jobs - wear jeans & a black shirt like the co-found of Apple

Wednesday

Party Like It's 1998 - Wear your 90s gear to remember the year Google was invented

Thursday

Gamer Day - Dress like a video game character

Friday

The Digital Divide: iPhone vs. Android - Team iPhone wear blue AND Team Android wear green.

Inspire good Digital Citizenship: By stepping away from screens, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the balance between technology and offline activities.
Reinforce offline learning: These days will remind us that technology is a tool, and meaningful learning can still be achieved through traditional methods like discussions, hands-on activities, and creative projects.

We believe these days will be a valuable opportunity for both students and teachers to explore alternative learning approaches and foster a deeper connection with their studies!

Questions – email Kelsea Owens ([email protected])

Order Your 2024-2025 KJMS Yearbook Now!

Hardcover yearbook cost $25

Deadline: April 18, 2025

Yearbook Order Form

News from KJMS PTA

Join the PTA

PTA Meeting Schedule

KJMS PTA webpage

Contact KJMS PTA (email)

February 19th meeting will feature a report from our principal Mr. Smith, the Fairfax High School 9th grade transition team & KJMS PTA business.

Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department.

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:

Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school.

Breaking Down the Budget: Investing in Our Classrooms

Did you know that more than 85% of FCPS’ budget stays in our classrooms? Currently, 92.5% of FCPS staff are school-based, more than neighboring school districts. We are in the middle of FCPS’ annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. Learn more about the proposed FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget and see the budget timeline.

Learn More About How Your Child Feels at School

The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-12 in March. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop the skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who do not have a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

Student Fasting Meal Kits

for February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day.Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student.To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

Families Invited to Review Potential Math Resources

FCPS will begin using new mathematics instructional resources for the 2025-26 (secondary) and 2026-27 (elementary) school years. A committee of community members, administrators, and teachers will meet to review materials submitted by vendors through a competitive request for proposals process. The community is also invited to review materials and provide comments.

Resources may be accessed on the FCPS Mathematics webpage starting Friday, February 14.

Hard copies of instructional materials will be accessible in person beginning Friday, February 14, as well. Members of the public can view them Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Dr., Suite 100. In-person public review will not be available on Tuesday, February 25; Thursday, February 27; Tuesday, March 11; and Wednesday, March 12.

Feedback can be submitted through a digital form. All community feedback will be shared with the review committee and with the Fairfax County School Board members before the board votes in spring 2025.

Calendar Reminders

National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day
Presidents Day (Holiday)

Public Schools Week

Ramadan

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Flu Prevention
Students Spread Joy
Investing in our Classrooms

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

From Public Service to Public Education

Looking for job opportunities or a career path supporting education? Join us on Wednesday, February 19, from 6-7:30 p.m., for a job and career information fair.

FCPS offers a wealth of opportunities for professionals transitioning from federal and state government roles into the public education sector. A dedication to public service could make you a strong candidate for both educational and operational positions. By joining FCPS, you can continue making a meaningful impact while embarking on a new career in public education.

If you hold a bachelor’s degree, you can become provisionally licensed to teach in just a few weeks. Beyond teaching, FCPS offers a variety of operational roles in departments such as finance, human resources, safety and security, food service, transportation, and facilities.

FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will open the information session. Chief Human Resources Officer William Solomon and other FCPS HR leaders will talk about all the exciting opportunities available at the school division. Attendees can visit tables where they can learn more about open positions, as well as salary, benefits, and retirement plans.

Learn more about the job and career fair and employment opportunities with FCPS. A registration link and information on the location are coming soon.

KJMS Family Liaisons

Family Resource Center

FCPS Cares

Do you want to celebrate a Katherine Johnson employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way, or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson Middle School PTSA website
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar
City of Fairfax Schools Newsletter
FCPS Cares: Share and submit your story about a Katherine Johnson staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year.

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS.

KJMS PTA News - Tonight's PTA Meeting Cancelled - February 12, 2025

Johnson MS News1 month 1 week ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

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.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

PTA Meeting

Due to the school closing today, the PTA meeting scheduled for this evening has been canceled.

It has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, February 19th, at 7 PM in the library.

Thank you,

Lacey O'Donnell

KJMS PTA President

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson MS PTSA website
2024-25 Standard School Year Calendar
City of Fairfax Schools Newsletter

Katherine Johnson MS Weekly News - February 7, 2025

Johnson MS News1 month 2 weeks ago

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Reminder: Charging Laptops Daily

Please remind your child to bring a fully charged laptop to school every day! We have limited loaners and students should use the laptop and charger assigned to them.

Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram to see pictures and videos from our events!

in this issue:

KJMS Upcoming Events
Our Wonder Security Resources Office (SRO)
Parent Academy
Digital Detox Days
Order Your 2024-2025 KJMS Yearbook Now!
News from KJMS PTA
Immunizations
FCPS Proposed Budget Progress
Student Voices at Family Summit
Black History Month Celebration – Date Change
FCPS News
KJMS Family Liaisons

KJMS Upcoming Events

February 12 - 7th Grade Young Scholar Field Trip
February 12 - In-Person PTA Meeting- 7:00 PM - Library
February 13 - 7th Grade Young Scholar Field Trip
February 15 - National School Resource Office (SRO) Appreciation Day
- National Association of School Resource Officers
February 17 - School Holiday - Presidents Day (No School)
February 20 - Community Connection Night - 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Location: Providence ES (See flier below)
February 26 - Parent Academy (see more details below)
February 27 - AVID Students Field Trip (7th & 8th)
February 28 - Digital Detox Day (ODD Day)
March 3 - Digital Detox Day (EVEN Day)

Principal's Message

Dear KJMS Families,

A great week of learning and celebration this past week at KJMS! This past week was National School Counseling Week and we recognize the invaluable contributions of our school counselors who help our students thrive. Please join us in honoring our outstanding counseling team - Ms. Teague, Ms. Ranallo, Mr. Barnes, Ms. Williamson and Ms. Oeur and Ms. Kaniewski - for their dedication and commitment to our students' success.

A couple updates/reminders:

PTA meeting - Join us Wednesday, February 12th in the KJMS library. We will have a representative from FHS here to talk about the transition to 9th grade.
Parent Academy - save the date for Wednesday, February 26th for a presentation on social media use, more details below.

Congratulations to our students:

13 students participated in the District Honor Band last weekend!
Our MathCounts team earned second place in their competition last weekend and will be moving on to the state competition!
Our girls and boys futsal teams earned victories over Herndon MS last night!

Enjoy the weekend,

Chris Smith

Principal - Katherine Johnson MS

Use FCPS Cares to recognize any of our staff members

Our Wonder Security Resources Office (SRO)

Officer Johns isn't just a badge in the hallway at Katherine Johnson Middle School (KJMS), she is also a track & field assistant coach. On Saturday, February, 15 will be Security Resources Officer (SRO) Day, and we celebrate Officer Johns for her unwavering commitment to our school community- thank you for making KJMS a safer, stronger place. for all!

Parent Academy

Parent Academy: Social Media

February 26 at 7PM on Zoom

For more information and the Zoom link – https://johnsonms.fcps.edu/event/parent-academy-social-media

Digital Detox Days

Monday

Social Media Day - Dress as your favorite app.

Tuesday

Dress Like Steve Jobs - wear jeans & a black shirt like the co-found of Apple

Wednesday

Party Like It's 1998 - Wear your 90s gear to remember the year Google was invented

Thursday

Gamer Day - Dress like a video game character

Friday

The Digital Divide: iPhone vs. Android - Team iPhone wear blue AND Team Android wear green.

Inspire good Digital Citizenship: By stepping away from screens, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the balance between technology and offline activities.
Reinforce offline learning: These days will remind us that technology is a tool, and meaningful learning can still be achieved through traditional methods like discussions, hands-on activities, and creative projects.

We believe these days will be a valuable opportunity for both students and teachers to explore alternative learning approaches and foster a deeper connection with their studies!

Questions – email Kelsea Owens ([email protected])

Order Your 2024-2025 KJMS Yearbook Now!

Hardcover yearbook cost $25

Deadline: April 18, 2025

Yearbook Order Form

News from KJMS PTA

Join the PTA

PTA Meeting Schedule

KJMS PTA webpage

Contact KJMS PTA (email)

KJMS next PTA Meeting is Wednesday, February 12 in the library at 7:00 PM.

The meeting will feature a report from our principal Mr. Smith, the Fairfax High School 9th grade transition team & KJMS PTA business.

Save the Date: Community Connection Night

RSVP Here

Visit the website

We are planning on running a free raffle. If you are able and willing, we would be incredibly grateful for any donation you might consider. Gift cards, vouchers, or any item from your favorite store or restaurant would be wonderful and truly appreciated. There's no amount too small – every contribution will help make our raffle a fun and engaging event. Send donations to the main office and address it to "Community Connection Night" event. Thank you.

Family Literacy Fair - Free Books

Family Literacy Fair with 30,000 free books

Saturday, February 8 - 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Lorton Community Center

9520 Richmond Hwy. Lorton, VA 22079

Spanish Flyer/English Flyer

Immunizations

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations. Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE.

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

FCPS Proposed Budget Progress

The Fairfax County School Board discussed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at their work session on February 4. They discussed details regarding student enrollment and investments in students requiring additional support, market comparison data for surrounding school divisions, and an update on progress toward achieving the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence. Baldrige is a framework used to assess and improve organizational performance across various sectors, including education.

The School Board also held a public hearing on the FY 2026 Proposed Budget on Tuesday, February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the budget.

On Tuesday, February 18, the Fairfax County executive will present the county’s Advertised Budget, and the Fairfax County School Board will hold a work session on the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget. View FCPS’ Budget Development Calendar.

Breaking Down the Budget

More than 85% of the budget is dedicated to instruction and reflects the needs of our community’s young people in response to the changing world around us. Budget priorities include providing competitive compensation for all employees, including a 7% salary increase for all staff. The majority of the budget increase is dedicated to that proposed 7% pay increase.

Our families want their children in high-quality schools with the best teachers who provide rigorous academic experiences. We must provide competitive compensation to attract and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students.

The proposed 7% salary increase would likely move FCPS to the highest starting salary for teachers with a master's degree among our neighboring counties and greatly improve our recruitment efforts amidst an ongoing teacher shortage. Visit the Budget webpage for more information.

Student Voices at Family Summit

The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information.

At the event, FCPS students are invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities.

Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions.

✨ Centering student voice is part of FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

Black History Month Celebration – Date Change

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community.

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Proposed Budget Progress
Apply for Dual Immersion and Magnet Lotteries
Black History Month Event

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

KJMS Family Liaisons

Family Resource Center

FCPS Cares

Do you want to celebrate a Katherine Johnson employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way, or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson Middle School PTSA website
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar
City of Fairfax Schools Newsletter
FCPS Cares: Share and submit your story about a Katherine Johnson staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year.

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS.

KJMS After-School Updates

Johnson MS News1 month 3 weeks ago

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In this Issue

KJMS Futsal Update
FHS Golf Interest Meeting
Appian Board Games - Session 2
Paper Quilling - Session 2
Pickleball - Session 2
KJMS Spring Track & Field Registration
KJMS After-School Clubs-by-Day
KJMS After-School Google Calendar

KJMS Futsal

The Western Fairfax Futsal Season is underway. Both KJMS Boys and Girls Futsal teams are positioned to play in the Western Fairfax Futsal Championship!

Game this Thursday night against Herndon MS @Herndon, 6-8pm

Go Eagles!

FHS Golf Interest Meeting

FHS Golf Interest Meeting - After-School, Thursday, February 6th

FHS Golf has a history of success including state championships, regional qualifiers and collegiate player placement. FHS Golf strikes the perfect balance between competition and academics and are proud winners of the 2023 Team GPA Award. The FHS Golf season runs from August - October, with tryouts kicking off on July 30th.

Interested KJMS 8th Graders should come to the after-school meeting this Thursday to meet Coach Latimer and learn how you can get involved this Spring!

Questions? Contact Coach Latimer - [email protected]

Appian Board Games - Session 2

Appian - Session 2 begins on Wednesday, February 5th!

The Appian Board Games League is a free after-school program designed to help students in grades 7 and 8 develop important critical-thinking and social skills while engaged in a fun and challenging activity.

In the Winter/Spring Session of Appian Board Games League, students will learn how to play Carcassonne.

Meetings will take place from 2:30-3:30 on Wednesdays:

2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12 - students will learn to play Carcassonne and will perfect their strategy

3/15 - Players will compete against other FCPS Middle School students in a Carcassonne Tournament at LHMS - There will be food and prizes!!

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

Signup for Appian Games: Carcassonne goes live on Monday, 1/27 @ 3pm

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4AAAA722A4F49-54504449-appian

Paper Quilling - Session 2

KJMS Paper Quilling Club will begin a new session on Thursday, February 6th!

Meetings will take place from 2:30-4:00 on Thursdays:

2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, and 3/13

Signup for Paper Quilling Club goes live on Monday, 1/27 @ 3pm

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4AAAA722A4F49-54504653-paper

Pickleball - Session 2

Pickleball - Session 2 will begin on Monday, April 7th!

Meetings will take place on Mondays from 2:30-4:00pm

We will have open play as well as tournament play.

We will play in the main gym or outside (weather permitting).

Meeting Dates: 4/7, 4/21, 4/28, 5/12, 5/19

The second session of Pickleball is open to students who were waitlisted for Session 1. Please see the signup to see your student’s status:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4AAAA722A4F49-53062427-pickleball

KJMS Spring Track & Field Registration

Dear KJMS Families,

Please note that several steps must be completed before students can participate in ANY activities. (Practice and Meets)

Complete the FCPS Middle School Sports Physical Form The exam must be completed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Please note that the form must be dated on or after May 1, 2024, for the 2024-2025 school year. – DUE before a student can participate.

Fall ‘24 Cross Country runners do not need to submit this again!

Complete the FCPS Middle School Spring Track Registration Form
Complete the Emergency Care Form (Return to KJMS Main Office)

1st Practice

April 2nd 2:30pm - 4:20pm

Practices take place on Mondays and Wednesday after-school

Tentative Meet Schedule (7:30am – 1:30pm)

April 26 @ Madison HS

May 3rd @ Woodson HS

May 10th @Marshall HS

May 17 @ West Springfield HS

May 31st @Robinson HS Champion Meet

After-School Kiss and Ride

After-School Kiss and Ride

Door 7 (near the cafeteria) is the location for pickup during After-School hours. Feel free to text your student when you arrive so they can meet you outside Door 7.

KJMS After-School Clubs-by-Day

Take a look at the KJMS Fall/Winter Clubs-by-Day Calendar!

Click on the links for descriptions and signup information. This document will be updated as more clubs are added.

KJMS After-School Google Calendar

The KJMS After-School Google Calendar is a live calendar of after-school program dates for the Fall/Winter. View club schedules, cancellation dates and upcoming programming.

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson MS PTSA website
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar

Katherine Johnson MS Weekly News - January 31, 2025

Johnson MS News1 month 3 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Pep Rally Fun

Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram to see pictures and videos from our events!

in this issue:

KJMS Upcoming Events
Principal's Message
National School Counseling Week - 2/3-2/7
Friendly Reminder: Outside Food
Digital Detox Days
Save the Date: Community Connection Night
Family Literacy Fair - Free Books
SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey
Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!
Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings
Proposed Budget Presented to School Board
Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards
FCPS News
School Delays/Closings
News from KJMS PTA
KJMS Family Liaisons
FCPS Cares

KJMS Upcoming Events

February 3 - 4 - 8th Grade Field Trip
February 15 - National School Resource Office (SRO) Appreciation Day
- National Association of School Resource Officers
February 17 - School Holiday - Presidents Day (No School)
February 20 - Community Connection Night - 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Location: Providence ES (See flier below)
February 28 - Digital Detox Day (ODD Day)
March 3 - Digital Detox Day (EVEN Day)

Principal's Message

Dear KJMS Families,

The KJMS school community extends our deepest condolences to all those impacted by the American Airlines accident earlier this week. We dedicated our moment of silence today to the victims which includes FCPS students, families and staff. Feel free to contact one of our school counselors if your child needs additional support during this time.

Eighth grade students on the Panthers and Highlanders teams participated in our Power of Words assembly today. If you have a student on one of those teams please take a few minutes to have your student explain intent vs.impact and what it means to be an upstander.

Have a good weekend,

Chris Smith

Principal - Katherine Johnson MS

Use FCPS Cares to recognize any of our staff members

National School Counseling Week - 2/3-2/7 Give A Shout Out to Your School Counselor

L to Right: Ms. Holmes, Ms. Oeur, Mr. Barnes, Ms. Ranallo & Ms. Williamson

Thank you for all you do for our students, parents, staff and the entire KJMS school community!

February 3-7 is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career. School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.

Friendly Reminder: Outside Food

Just a friendly reminder about our school's policy regarding outside food. To ensure the safety of all our students, we kindly ask that you please refrain from sending outside food to school with your child.

If outside food is brought to school, your child will be asked to eat it in the main office. This helps us manage potential allergens and maintain a safe environment for everyone.

We understand that sharing food is a kind gesture, but unfortunately, due to varying and sometimes unknown allergies, we cannot allow students to share food brought from home. This is a crucial step in protecting all our children.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our school a safe and healthy place for all!

Digital Detox Days

To promote healthy technology habits and encourage meaningful learning experiences, we will be holding two "Digital Detox Days" on February 28th and March 3rd. On these days, all classroom activities will be conducted without the use of student laptops. Students may still bring their laptops to school if they need to use it for after-school activities, but they will remain in their backpacks during the school day.

We recognize that our students spend a significant amount of time interacting with technology. These Digital Detox Days aim to:

Inspire good Digital Citizenship: By stepping away from screens, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the balance between technology and offline activities.
Reinforce offline learning: These days will remind us that technology is a tool, and meaningful learning can still be achieved through traditional methods like discussions, hands-on activities, and creative projects.

We believe these days will be a valuable opportunity for both students and teachers to explore alternative learning approaches and foster a deeper connection with their studies!

Questions – email Kelsea Owens ([email protected])

Save the Date: Community Connection Night

RSVP Here

Visit the website

Community Connection Night Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: Katherine Johnson Middle School

Order Your 2024-2025 KJMS Yearbook Now!

Hardcover yearbook cost $25

Deadline: April 18, 2025

Yearbook Order Form

Family Literacy Fair - Free Books

Family Literacy Fair with 30,000 free books

Saturday, February 8 - 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Lorton Community Center

9520 Richmond Hwy. Lorton, VA 22079

SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey

All FCPS families and middle and high school students have received an invitation to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available through Monday, February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!

Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!

Ombuds staff engage with FCPS employees, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.

Ombuds office staff members are available to help resolve disagreements between parents/caregivers and schools. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.

Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

If you have not been able to attend a Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! There is one more virtual meeting. It will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:

Monday, February 10, 6:30-8 p.m.

Click one the above link to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Please note that each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

Proposed Budget Presented to School Board

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 23. Watch a video of the presentation.

As Dr. Reid noted in her January 24 letter to families, “The budget is fiscally responsible and invests in excellence — not just for FCPS, but for all of us in Fairfax County who want a strong community with successful young people, dedicated educators and support staff, and a thriving economy.”

The proposed budget reflects the needs of and FCPS’ commitments to Fairfax County students, families, and community members. It focuses on competitive compensation, including a 7.0% salary increase for all staff to recruit and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students; investing in students who require additional support; and continuing multiyear initiatives such as inclusive preschool and safety and security updates.

Learn more on the Budget webpage.

Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards

First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education.

Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have a positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.

Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

FY 2026 Proposed Budget
Student-Driven Lunch Menus
Inclusion Awards Nominations

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

School Delays/Closings

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform.

News from KJMS PTA

Join the PTA

PTA Meeting Schedule

KJMS PTA webpage

Contact KJMS PTA (email)

KJMS Family Liaisons

Family Resource Center

FCPS Cares

The FCPS CARES Program allows parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees who go above and beyond to help others and show they care about their students, colleagues, and the community. We invite you to submit a story below to acknowledge the great work of an FCPS employee or group of employees who should receive FCPS CARES recognition.

Do you want to celebrate a Katherine Johnson employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way, or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson Middle School PTSA website
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar
City of Fairfax Schools Newsletter
FCPS Cares: Share and submit your story about a Katherine Johnson staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year.

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS.

Katherine Johnson MS Weekly News - January 24, 2025

Johnson MS News2 months ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

in this issue:

Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram to see pictures and videos from our events!

KJMS Upcoming Events
Principal's Message
News From Food For Neighbors
Digital Detox Days
Save the Date: Community Connection Night
News from KJMS PTA
Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings
Virginia’s Student Assessment Summary for Families
February is Black History Month
What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse
FCPS News
School Delays/Closings
KJMS Family Liaisons
FCPS Cares

KJMS Upcoming Events

January 28 - End of 2nd quarter/1st Semester - Full School Day
January 29 - Teacher Workday (No School for Students)

Principal's Message

KJMS Families,

Thank you for patience this week as we worked through the issues with our building. The students and staff did an excellent job following our safety protocols!

The first semester ends on Tuesday (1/28) and students do not have school on Wednesday (1/29). Second semester schedules will be visible in SIS starting at 4:00pm on Wednesday (1/29).

Enjoy the weekend and Go Commanders!

Chris Smith

Principal - Katherine Johnson MS

Use FCPS Cares to recognize any of our staff members

News From Food For Neighbors

Food For Neighbors held their first RED bag event at KJMS to benefit KJMS and FHS families this past Saturday. Without all of your support, we could not have reached the level of success we had at our very first Red Bag Day at KJMS. Thank you to all the volunteers and donors for the Red Bag Event.

The Fairfax Area Team collected 120 Red Bags, totaling 1,669 pounds of food and toiletries! What an amazing way to kick off our 10th sorting site! As a whole, FFN collected 2138 Bags, totaling 27,110 pounds. WOW!! 🤩

The next RED BAG EVENT is March 8th. Feel free to reach out for a Red Bag, or join us at KJMS to volunteer. https://www.foodforneighbors.org/get-involved/request-a-bag/

Digital Detox Days

We recognize that our students spend a significant amount of time interacting with technology. These Digital Detox Days aim to:

Inspire good Digital Citizenship: By stepping away from screens, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the balance between technology and offline activities.
Reinforce offline learning: These days will remind us that technology is a tool, and meaningful learning can still be achieved through traditional methods like discussions, hands-on activities, and creative projects.

We believe these days will be a valuable opportunity for both students and teachers to explore alternative learning approaches and foster a deeper connection with their studies!

Questions – email Kelsea Owens ([email protected])

Save the Date: Community Connection Night

RSVP Here

Visit the website

Community Connection Night Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: Katherine Johnson Middle School

Order Your 2024-2025 KJMS Yearbook Now!

Hardcover yearbook cost $25

Deadline: April 19, 2025

News from KJMS PTA

Contact KJMS PTA (email)

Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

If you have not been able to attend a Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:

Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Please note that each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

Virginia’s Student Assessment Summary for Families

This month, families of students who took any Standards of Learning (SOL) test between school years 2015-16 and 2023-24 will receive a Student Assessment Summary Report. The report shows a student’s state percentile ranking for each test. This allows families to see how their child ranked compared to all Virginia students who took the same test that year.

Reports are available now in SIS ParentVUE Documents. They will be distributed by schools this month to students whose families do not have ParentVUE access. Learn how to access ParentVUE.

The report is intended to help families reflect on how their child performed across all tested subjects over the years. Our schools and staff are committed to working with families to support every student to succeed at their highest potential. Learn more about student assessments in FCPS.

February is Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.

At KJMS we are looking for artifacts to display in our Equity Showcase. Please bring any items you may have to the KJMS front office, and it will be returned in March. Showcase is locked so the items will be safe and secure. Please contact Faiza Alam at [email protected] for any question.

Thanks in advance for sharing the valuable items.

What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse

FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.

What can families do?

Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink.
Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success.
Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage.
Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors.
Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”

Get more information on opioid awareness.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

SOL Score Reports
Upcoming Budget Presentation
Science Fair Judges Needed

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

School Delays/Closings

KJMS Family Liaisons

Family Resource Center

FCPS Cares

Do you want to celebrate a Katherine Johnson employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way, or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson Middle School PTSA website
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar
City of Fairfax Schools Newsletter
FCPS Cares: Share and submit your story about a Katherine Johnson staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year.

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS.

KJMS PTA News - Tonight's PTA Meeting Reminder - January 22, 2025

Johnson MS News2 months ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

Please Join Us At Our KJMS Virtual PTA Meeting Tonight at 7:00 PM

You can access the meeting with this link:

https://meet.google.com/mkg-ebea-dgi

Thank you,

Lacey O'Donnell

KJMS PTA President

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson MS PTSA website
2024-25 Standard School Year Calendar
City of Fairfax Schools Newsletter

KJMS After-School Updates

Johnson MS News2 months ago

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In this Issue

VEX Robotics - Session 2
Appian Board Games - Session 2
Paper Quilling - Session 2
Pickleball - Session 2
KJMS Spring Track & Field Registration
FHS Rising 9th Grade Football Information Meeting
KJMS After-School Clubs-by-Day
KJMS After-School Google Calendar

VEX Robotics - Session 2

VEX Robotics - Session 2 begins Thursday, January 30th!

Build and code Vex robotics creations with your friends!

Compete against your classmates in robotics challenges!

KJMS VEX Robotics will meet on Thursdays beginning January 30th through April 3rd.

Meetings will take place from 2:30-4:00 on Thursdays:

1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27 and 4/3

The second session of VEX Robotics is open to students who were waitlisted for Session 1. Please see the signup to see your student’s status:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4AAAA722A4F49-51722646-kjms#/

Appian Board Games - Session 2

Appian - Session 2 begins on Wednesday, February 5th!

In the Winter/Spring Session of Appian Board Games League, students will learn how to play Carcassonne.

Meetings will take place from 2:30-3:30 on Wednesdays:

2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12 - students will learn to play Carcassonne and will perfect their strategy

3/15 - Players will compete against other FCPS Middle School students in a Carcassonne Tournament at LHMS - There will be food and prizes!!

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

Signup for Appian Games: Carcassonne goes live on Monday, 1/27 @ 3pm

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4AAAA722A4F49-54504449-appian

Paper Quilling - Session 2

KJMS Paper Quilling Club will begin a new session on Thursday, February 6th!

Meetings will take place from 2:30-4:00 on Thursdays:

2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, and 3/13

Signup for Paper Quilling Club goes live on Monday, 1/27 @ 3pm

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4AAAA722A4F49-54504653-paper

Pickleball - Session 2

Pickleball - Session 2 will begin on Monday, April 7th!

Meetings will take place on Mondays from 2:30-4:00pm

We will have open play as well as tournament play.

We will play in the main gym or outside (weather permitting).

Meeting Dates: 4/7, 4/21, 4/28, 5/12, 5/19

The second session of Pickleball is open to students who were waitlisted for Session 1. Please see the signup to see your student’s status:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4AAAA722A4F49-53062427-pickleball

KJMS Spring Track & Field Registration

Dear KJMS Families,

Please note that several steps must be completed before students can participate in ANY activities. (Practice and Meets)

Complete the FCPS Middle School Sports Physical Form The exam must be completed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Please note that the form must be dated on or after May 1, 2024, for the 2024-2025 school year. – DUE before a student can participate.

Fall ‘24 Cross Country runners do not need to submit this again!

Complete the FCPS Middle School Spring Track Registration Form
Complete the Emergency Care Form (Return to KJMS Main Office)

1st Practice

April 2nd 2:30pm - 4:20pm

Practices take place on Mondays and Wednesday after-school

Tentative Meet Schedule (7:30am – 1:30pm)

April 26 @ Madison HS

May 3rd @ Woodson HS

May 10th @Marshall HS

May 17 @ West Springfield HS

May 31st @Robinson HS Champion Meet

FHS Rising 9th Grade Football Information Meeting

Fairfax High School Football will hold a Rising 9th Grade Football Interest Meeting Thursday, January 23rd during after-school at KJMS.

Coach Taylor will be there to discuss:

Off season workouts this Spring
Summer and Fall schedules
Required paperwork
Any questions the future lions may have

Any student who is interested in attending should plan on going to the cafeteria after-school on Thursday, January 23rd.

Please see Mr. Dejo or email Coach Taylor at [email protected] with any questions

After-School Kiss and Ride

After-School Kiss and Ride

Door 7 (near the cafeteria) is the location for pickup during After-School hours. Feel free to text your student when you arrive so they can meet you outside Door 7.

KJMS After-School Clubs-by-Day

Take a look at the KJMS Fall/Winter Clubs-by-Day Calendar!

Click on the links for descriptions and signup information. This document will be updated as more clubs are added.

KJMS After-School Google Calendar

The KJMS After-School Google Calendar is a live calendar of after-school program dates for the Fall/Winter. View club schedules, cancellation dates and upcoming programming.

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson MS PTSA website
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar

Katherine Johnson MS Weekly News - January 17, 2025

Johnson MS News2 months 1 week ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

in this issue:

Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram to see pictures and videos from our events!

KJMS Upcoming Events
Principal's Message
Digital Detox Days
Save the Date: Community Connection Night
Keeping Kids Warm
SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon
Community Boundary Review Meetings
February is Black History Month
FCPS News
School Delays/Closings
KJMS Family Liaisons
Join the KJMS PTA
FCPS Cares

KJMS Upcoming Events

January 20 - Martin Luther King Jr's Day/Inauguration Day - No School
January 21-24 - MAP Math Assessment During Math Class
January 28 - End of Q2 - Full School Day
January 29 - Teacher Workday (No School for Students)

Principal's Message

Dear KJMS Families,

Congratulations to our girls and boys futsal teams who won their season opening matches against Franklin MS! Come support our Eagles next Thursday at 6:00 PM when they play Hughes MS. Congratulations to our Wind Ensemble students and our band director, Mr. Burts, for performing an excellent rendition of the National Anthem at the Washington Wizards game last Sunday.

Temperatures are forecasted to be very cold next week, encourage your child to dress appropriately for the weather.

We are in the course selection season, feel free to contact your child’s school counselor with any questions you may have.

Enjoy the long weekend and Go Commanders!

Chris Smith

Principal - Katherine Johnson MS

Use FCPS Cares to recognize any of our staff members

Digital Detox Days

We recognize that our students spend a significant amount of time interacting with technology. These Digital Detox Days aim to:

Inspire good Digital Citizenship: By stepping away from screens, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the balance between technology and offline activities.
Reinforce offline learning: These days will remind us that technology is a tool, and meaningful learning can still be achieved through traditional methods like discussions, hands-on activities, and creative projects.

We believe these days will be a valuable opportunity for both students and teachers to explore alternative learning approaches and foster a deeper connection with their studies!

Questions – email Kelsea Owens ([email protected])

Save the Date: Community Connection Night

RSVP Here

Visit the website

Community Connection Night Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: Katherine Johnson Middle School

Order Your 2024-2025 KJMS Yearbook Now!

Hardcover yearbook cost $25

Deadline: April 19, 2025

Yearbook Order Form

Keeping Kids Warm

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Winter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. Schools monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.

View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact one of our family liaisons, Ana Maxey (Mon.- Fri.) at [email protected] or Jennie Choi (Tues. & Wed.) at [email protected]. You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon

All FCPS families and middle and high school students will be receiving an email invitation on Tuesday, January 21, to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available from January 21 to February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!

Community Boundary Review Meetings

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received. If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in a virtual meeting:

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.

Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

. Language interpretation will be available.

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

February is Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.

Thanks in advance for sharing the valuable items.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Dress Children Warmly
Proposed Construction Projects
Dual Language Immersion Lottery

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

School Delays/Closings

KJMS Family Liaisons

Family Resource Center

Join the KJMS PTA

Help us keep the KJMS PTA active. Become a member today and vote for the new PTA Board by clicking on the link below:

Join the KJMS PTA Today

FCPS Cares

Do you want to celebrate a Katherine Johnson employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way, or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson Middle School PTSA website
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar
City of Fairfax Schools Newsletter
FCPS Cares: Share and submit your story about a Katherine Johnson staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year.

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS.

KJMS After-School Updates

Johnson MS News2 months 1 week ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

In this Issue

KJMS Spring Track & Field Registration
FHS Rising 9th Grade Football Information Meeting
KJMS After-School Clubs-by-Day
KJMS After-School Google Calendar

KJMS Spring Track & Field Registration

Dear KJMS Families,

Please note that several steps must be completed before students can participate in ANY activities. (Practice and Meets)

Complete the FCPS Middle School Sports Physical Form The exam must be completed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Please note that the form must be dated on or after May 1, 2024, for the 2024-2025 school year. – DUE before a student can participate.

Fall ‘24 Cross Country runners do not need to submit this again!

Complete the FCPS Middle School Spring Track Registration Form
Complete the Emergency Care Form (Return to KJMS Main Office)

1st Practice

April 2nd 2:30pm - 4:20pm

Practices take place on Mondays and Wednesday after-school

Tentative Meet Schedule (7:30am – 1:30pm)

April 26 @ Madison HS

May 3rd @ Woodson HS

May 10th @Marshall HS

May 17 @ West Springfield HS

May 31st @Robinson HS Champion Meet

FHS Rising 9th Grade Football Information Meeting

Fairfax High School Football will hold a Rising 9th Grade Football Interest Meeting Thursday, January 23rd during after-school at KJMS.

Coach Taylor will be there to discuss:

Off season workouts this Spring
Summer and Fall schedules
Required paperwork
Any questions the future lions may have

Any student who is interested in attending should plan on going to the cafeteria after-school on Thursday, January 23rd.

Please see Mr. Dejo or email Coach Taylor at [email protected] with any questions

After-School Kiss and Ride

After-School Kiss and Ride

Door 7 (near the cafeteria) is the location for pickup during After-School hours. Feel free to text your student when you arrive so they can meet you outside Door 7.

KJMS After-School Clubs-by-Day

Take a look at the KJMS Fall/Winter Clubs-by-Day Calendar!

Click on the links for descriptions and signup information. This document will be updated as more clubs are added.

KJMS After-School Google Calendar

The KJMS After-School Google Calendar is a live calendar of after-school program dates for the Fall/Winter. View club schedules, cancellation dates and upcoming programming.

Stay in Touch with Us

Katherine Johnson Middle School website
Sign up or change preferences for News You Choose
Katherine Johnson MS PTSA website
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar

1 hour 39 minutes ago

Katherine Johnson Middle School News and announcements

http://www.fcps.edu/index.shtml Subscribe to Johnson MS News feed