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in this issue:
KJMS Calendar Events
Important Upcoming Events
- August 30 - September 2 - Labor Day Break (No school)
- September 4 - First day of Late buses
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September 5 - Picture Day (during PE classes) (EVEN Day)
- Hearing and Vision Screening
- Picture Order forms were passed out during PE classes
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September 6 - Picture Day (during PE classes) (ODD Day)
- Hearing and Vision Screening
- Picture Order forms were passed out during PE classes
- September 10 - Back to School Night - 6pm-8pm - (in-person)
- September 11 - iReady Testing
Principal's Message
Dear KJMS Families,
I have spent time this past week visiting many of our classrooms and it was great to see the variety of ways our staff builds relationships with students and begins to introduce students to their content areas. I have seen students practicing many of our Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes such as collaborator and communicator. A few reminders:
Enjoy the long weekend,
Chris Smith
Principal - Katherine Johnson MS
Cell Phones Off, Learning On
Thank you for helping to support the FCPS cell phone policy by waiting to call or text your child about non-urgent matters until the school day is over. In case of an emergency, it is always best to contact the school’s front office to reach your child during class time.
Visit the FCPS Cell Phone Policy webpage to read more about usage policies by grade level and to share your feedback on the current cell phone policy.
2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities
FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R.
Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30.
You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.
Safety Drills During the School Year
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.
The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.
Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.
Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.
If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Learning Seminar (LS)
At KJMS, Learning Seminar (LS) is 50 minutes long and meets during 5th Period on Odd Days. LS rotations last for 4-6 weeks. All staff work with students to enrich new or existing skills, or strengthen school skills. Math, English, and Science teachers take turns to request groups of students to build skills in the content. Students who are not requested can sign up to participate in enrichment sessions listed in Schoology. The first rotation is “exploration” for all; it begins Sept 16. The timeline and Student Choice Options are posted on KJMS All Students Schoology page before each rotation. All students can preview the current LS options and the sign up will occur on September 6, in TA for the first LS rotation.
Poetry Contest - 2024 Arbor Day
In celebration of 2024 Arbor Day on October 26th, 2024, Fairfax City Environmental Sustainability Committee is planning a poetry contest. The focus of the poetry contest is "Protect the Environment Around You". Focus of poetry can be about nature, the importance of trees, climate change, human impact on nature, global warming, decline in various species, or anything else related to environmental awareness and stewardship.
This poetry contest is open to all students of Daniel's Run ES, Providence ES, Johnson MS, and Fairfax HS.
One poetry winner from each city school will receive the award of $50. The winner will also be invited to read their poetry at the Fairfax City Arbor Day Celebration on October 26th, 2024, at Van Dyck Park. (Details will be shared later)
Link to Google form for submissions: Submission Google Form
Poetry Due Date: October 7th, 2024
Receive Credit for Proficiency in Languages
This year's World Languages Credit by Exam will be administered at each FCPS middle, high, and secondary school.
The World Languages Credit by Exam is an optional test for students in grades 7-12 who can speak and write (type) proficiently in a language other than English. Based on the results of the exam, they can earn 1, 2, and/or 3 passing world language credits.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 4, at 8 a.m., and closes on Friday, October 4, at 4 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted. Please contact your student’s school counselor to register for the exam.
Find more information, including the list of eligible languages.
TJHSST Freshman Admissions Information
Eligible 8th grade students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to join us on September 17, 2024, at 9:50am in the KJMS auditorium for a presentation by the TJHSST admissions staff. Families are also welcome and should enter the building through door 11 if they chose to attend.
For information on your 8th grade student’s eligibility status, please visit the TJHSST admissions website at www.fcps.edu/tjadmissions. On this website, you are encouraged to watch the 30-minute video with detailed information.
For eligible 8th grade students that are interested in applying for admission, applications become available on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 4:00pm. Last day to begin an application is Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 4:00pm.
There is also detailed information to read on the TJ Freshman admissions page, including the eligibility requirements to apply to TJ, here: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/thomas-jefferson-high-school-science-and-technology-admissions/tjhsst-freshman
If you have any questions, please contact Tyisha Williamson at [email protected] or Jessica Galuten at [email protected].
Who Is Your School Counselor for SY 24-25?
7th Grade:
Captains – Tyisha Williamson
Hokies – Dayle Ranallo
Patriots – Friday Oeur
Spartans – Curtiss Barnes
8th Grade:
Highlanders – Tyisha Williamson
Panthers – Dayle Ranallo
Nighthawks – Friday Oeur
Cavaliers – Curtiss Barnes
Picture Day & Hearing and Vision Screening
September 5 & 6
We will be holding Picture Day and the Vision and Hearing Screening during PE class.
Students who have PE class on EVEN (2,4,6,8) days will have their picture taken on Thursday, 9/5.
Students who have PE on ODD (1,3,5,7, 9) days will have their picture taken on Friday, 9/6.
Students will take pictures first, then proceed to the hearing and vision screening room.
Order forms were given last week during PE class.
In case it was misplaced or your student did not receive one, please go to mylifetouch.com to access the picture order form. Enter Picture Day ID: EVTJB2427.
Please contact Emily Gardiner at [email protected], if you have any questions regarding picture day.
Thank you.
Volunteers for Vision & Hearing Screening still need
Here’s the link for the Hearing and Vision sign up:
Volunteer for Hearing and Vision Screening
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your School Health Aide, Sandy Johnson, at 703-934-2410.
Thank you.
Join the KJMS Book Approval Committee
We are KJMS parents and teachers who meet quarterly to discuss books for use in our classes. Each parent volunteer usually is asked to read about two books per quarter and attend a short virtual meeting. To become part of our group, please email our reading specialist Abigail Quinn at [email protected].
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Community Conversations
with Superintendent Dr. Reid
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns regarding Fairfax County Public Schools. Your voice matters! Community Conversations will be held this Fall 6:30-7:30 p.m. on:
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Monday, September 9, at Holmes Middle School
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Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
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Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary
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Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary
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Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary
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Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle
Click the date above to register. Registration is not required but helps with planning. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s This Week at FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
School Readiness Opportunity for
Fairfax Pyramid Families!
The Office of Family and School Partnerships is thrilled to share that Fairfax High School has offered to host the HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) Program for all families in the Fairfax pyramid this year. HIPPY is a school readiness program for families with 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds. This evidence-based curriculum provides parents/caregivers with an opportunity to learn skills and receive materials to work with their child at home on the topics of literacy, math, science, language development, and motor skills. Participating parents/caregivers work with their instructor for one hour each week for 30 weeks, October through May, in either English or Spanish.
For more information, please click the links below.
FCPS Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) Program
HIPPY US Webpage
HIPPY International Website
The are excited to work with the Fairfax pyramid to promote school readiness and build strong family partnerships!
Please contact, Laura Cook, Family Partnerships Specialist at (703) 204-4300, if you have any questions.
What Is a School Board?
The Fairfax County School Board is responsible for running the public schools in Fairfax County. Twelve School Board members are elected by county voters every four years.
A student representative serves on the board as a non-voting member. They are chosen by their peers each year.
The School Board makes general rules and sets guidelines to ensure Fairfax County Public Schools runs properly. They follow the laws of Virginia and the rules set by the Virginia Board of Education.
Learning about your local School Board is important. Understanding their policies and initiatives can help you advocate for positive changes and ensure that the educational needs of all students are met. There are many ways to get involved.
Learn more about the School Board, how to participate in their meetings, and where to watch their meetings.
2023-30 Strategic Plan: Foundation of Four Pillars
- While the five goals of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan focus on student success, the four pillars describe what FCPS must do well to reach our goals for all students:
- The first focus of the pillars is on teaching and learning. We want to make sure each and every student has access to excellent and inclusive learning environments, and that instruction meets students’ individual needs.
- The second pillar focuses on our connection with families and our communities. We cannot do this work alone. Strong partnerships are key to our students’ success.
- The third pillar is centered on our hiring and maintaining a world class, diverse workforce. We want to make sure our incredible employees have what they need to help our students thrive.
- The fourth and final pillar centers on how we bring this all together. We remain focused on creating a culture of equity, excellence, and accountability where data guides our decisions.
Visit our Strategic Plan webpage for more information.
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Solve the Puzzle Before It’s Gone!
Fairfax County's Puzzle Hunt will end on Sunday, September 15. Families have been solving puzzles and finding clues all summer in this unique community event that takes solvers on a journey to the wonderful parks in Fairfax County. There is still time to join before it ends!
Puzzles are filled with creative thinking, logic, and wordplay. They are designed to be completed with friends and family and are challenging and accessible for all skill levels. Solve the puzzles, then find clues at the parks for a final meta-puzzle. Visit our wonderful local parks with friends and family.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Understanding the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)
- School Safety Reminders
- Community Conversations with Dr. Reid
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
- Labor Day weekend
- International Overdose Awareness Day
- Attendance Awareness Month
- Patriot Day/September 11
Family Resource Center
Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC).
In September, the FRC will host webinars for families on:
- Supporting siblings of children with disabilities.
- Helping students organize their school work.
- The new Virginia Alternate Assessment Program Participation Decision-Making Tool.
- Setting limits for children who like to push boundaries.
- Teen development and well-being.
Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar webpage.
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]
Substitute Teaching Opportunities
Want to make a difference in the life of a child? Fairfax County Public Schools is looking for enthusiastic, engaged, and dedicated substitute teachers.
Substitutes help our students thrive when their teacher must be out of the classroom and are essential members of every school’s team. More information about the application process and requirements is available online.
Visit the Recruitment Events calendar for a list of all FCPS job fairs.
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
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.
3801 Jermantown Road Fairfax, VA 22030 | Main Office: 703-934-2400
Attendance: 703-934-2424 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
