Payton the Parrot welcoming students on Walk / Bike to School Day
From
the Principal's Desk:
We had an awesome turnout for the International Walk / Bike to School Day. Thanks go to Ann Mackenzie and her fabulous team for setting up and distributing water and snack, getting KC the Cougar and our newest mascot, Payton the Positivity Parrot out encouraging students to walk / bike to school and continuing to keep our school spirit charged up.
Kilmer
Enrichment Activities begins 2nd Quarter!
Two years ago, Kilmer Middle School introduced
a new structure to our PAWS period in order to incorporate enrichment
activities twice a week. Beginning second quarter, students will participate in
one enrichment activity of their choice on Mondays and Tuesdays. PAWS, a time
for students to read, make-up assignments, receive additional support from
teachers, work on group projects, study, and visit the library, will continue
on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Enrichment provides students with the
opportunity to select an activity which meets their personal interests,
learning styles, and preferred modes of expression. Research shows that
enrichment activities enhance the classroom learning environment, improve goal
achievement in both current academic courses and in the pursuit of long-term
career goals, as well as provide a time for students to build new relationships
with a teacher and peers who have a common interest.
This coming Monday, October 15, students will
learn about enrichment activities during their PAWS class. A presentation will
inform students about enrichment and the next steps for selecting their top 5
enrichment activities. After viewing Monday’s presentation, students will have
until the following day to submit a Google Form with their ranked top 5
enrichment activities. Students are not guaranteed their top choice, but we
will guarantee one of their top 5! If students do not get their first choice,
they will have an opportunity to select another activity for third quarter.
Below is a link to the Enrichment page on the
Kilmer Middle School website. Students and parents are encouraged to review the
list of activities this weekend and to begin to think about their top 5
activities. Already decided? The student google form is live for students who
would like to submit their activity early!
https://kilmerms.fcps.edu/node/3184
Students will learn their assigned enrichment
activity on Thursday, November 8th. On this date, a 10th period will also
appear on student’s schedules in SIS StudentVUE and SIS ParentVUE. This 10th
period class will be the enrichment activity that students will attend on
Mondays and Tuesdays beginning Monday, November 12th.
Music Fundraiser
The Kilmer MS Music Department Pie Sale Fundraiser is
underway! Students from Band, Choir, and Orchestra will be selling pies from October
10 - October 24. Pies will be delivered on November 7.
This fundraiser is a chance for the music department to
raise much need money for items such as instrument repairs and maintenance,
instrument accessories, sheet music purchases, clinicians, student fees for
honors ensembles, and so much more. These funds are crucial to our continued
success as a music department.
We would greatly appreciate it
if you could spread the word, purchase a pie, or consider a donation to support
Band, Choir, and Orchestra at Kilmer. Our pies make delicious gifts for friends
and family members. Our personal favorite is the French Silk: rich chocolate
pie, topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls. The ready-to-bake pies are
kosher and we also offer a no-sugar-added peach pie that is diet-friendly and
delicious!
Math Counts
Math Counts is a
national program that provides students in grades 6-8 the opportunity to
compete in live, in-person contests against and alongside their
peers. Kilmer will have the first meeting of math Counts on October
18th the first block afterschool. Students should sign up for
the Math Counts club by using their school google account and adding the google
class. (Code: ip4vydh) On this site they will have
announcements and future meeting date information. Student who plan on
trying for the math counts team should take the AMC 8.
American Math Competition
The American Math
Competition (AMC 8) is a 25 question 40 minute multiple choice exam in middle
school mathematics designed to promote the development and enhancement of
problem solving skills. The test will be held on Tuesday November 13th.
Tests will be ordered on October 24th therefore students need to
register with their FCPS google account using the following form. https://goo.gl/forms/GCBjUX7GHb0meplf1
. Questions may be directed to Ms. Bradford (kbradford2@fcps.edu)
National Junior Honor Society
National Junior Honor Society Candidates are off to a great
start. In the first stage of the Service Learning continuum, Investigation, candidates
choose their Service Learning Team and form groups. Identifying personal
strengths and passions, then researching potential Community Partners
(organizations that work to support a cause), are important elements of the
Investigation stage. There are nine dedicated Kilmer teachers who mentor the
Candidates. Kilmer’s NJHS Service Learning Investigation stage aligns perfectly
with Portrait of a Graduate, as candidates are asking themselves this
question: How can I, as an Ethical and Global Citizen, make a positive
impact in my community?
Third Mandatory Candidate Meeting on October 23, First
Block, in Team Mentors’ Classrooms. Parents of candidates are encouraged to
stay current with the NJHS Google Classroom announcements and assignments.
Supporting our Candidates is a whole school/family/community effort.
Spelling Bee
Students
interested in participating in this year’s Kilmer Spelling Bee may stop by E112
at any time to get a copy of the study words. Questions? Please contact Mrs.
VanOrden at kwvanorden@fcps.edu.
Kilmer Medical Center
The PE department is looking for Volunteers to be patients
for our annual Kilmer Medical Center on November 12th, 13th,
and 15th. The PE department has developed a program in the health unit to help students understand symptoms and diagnoses of illnesses. Volunteers will assume the role of a patient, and will be given
a card with their symptoms. The students will then act as residents and
will try and diagnose what the patient has. You are more than welcome to
sign up for more for multiple periods, or days. The Kilmer Medical
Center relies on the help of our volunteers in order to be successful. Here
is a quick link if you are curious to see what it’s all about and how it
benefits our students.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=gpqk2bOa5Bg
If you are interested
we would love to have you sign up at the link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0b4ea5af22a46-kilmer
Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout
In conjunction with the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative, the Fairfax County government is working with local police stations to be a drop off station for safe disposal of unused or expired medication. See further information at this link.
Health Room Volunteers Needed
Looking to volunteer at Kilmer Middle? The health room needs
volunteers for our annual hearing and vision screening on October 9, 10th
and 11th. No prior medical experience is necessary, training will be
provided the day of the screening. Please email Cindy Blalock at CCBlalock@fcps.edu if you are able to
assist.
Attention 8th grade parents:
Dear 8th Grade Parent or Guardian:
The Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board
of Supervisors are working together to administer the Fairfax County Youth
Survey. The results of this survey are published each year on https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health-humanservices/fairfax-county-youth-survey
and are used by school officials, youth leadership classes, youth serving
county agencies, and local non-profits to determine the effectiveness of
prevention and intervention programs offered in schools and communities. It is
also used to identify changing trends and areas of need. The survey is
anonymous and no individual information is reported. The survey will be given
to 8th grade middle school students during Social Studies. Click here for the entire letter
Greetings
from After School:
After
school activities are
underway. Transportation will be available to students
staying after school Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays- departing at 4:45PM. Late Bus routes are posted
in the cafeteria. Please be aware that
after school late bus numbers and routes may differ from your child's normal school day
bus routes. There are two blocks
after school, 2:15-3:30pm and 3:45-4:45pm. Students do not have to stay
for the second block and may walk or be picked up at 3:30pm. Students may
not leave and return for afterschool activities; they must stay. Students should bring a snack from home, they may also
purchase snack from the vending machine or during lunch.
Students interested in participating in this year’s Kilmer
Spelling Bee are invited to stay after school (in E112) for first block
every other Tuesday. Mrs. VanOrden will distribute study lists and offer tips
on how to prepare for the Bee. This is NOT mandatory. Students interested in
participating in the Bee may also stop by E112 at any time to get a copy of the
study words. Questions? Please contact Mrs. VanOrden at kwvanorden@fcps.edu.
MathCounts Interest Meeting- Thursday 10/19
in GIR 2:15-3:30pm
EliteGamingLive- Tuesday 10/23 in the GIR
2:15-4:45pm (Competitive
gaming while learning coding and game design) Please use the EG LIVE Registration Form to sign up ($40 payable to
Kilmer PTA)
National Geographic Bee info session 10/23 in D111 2:15-3:30pm.
See Mrs. Tichoc if you have questions.
NO INTRAMURAL SPORTS 10/22-10/26
NO COUGARS’ DEN or COOKING 10/26
NO AFTERSCHOOL/ NO LATE BUS TRANSPORTATION
11/19 and 11/20
Parents/Guardians
must complete the required Afterschool Registration Form before their student stays after. Questions?
Please contact the After School Program Specialist Ms. Kardelis at kckardelis@fcps.edu or 703.846.8820
Upcoming Dates
Monday / Tuesday, November 5 / 6 - Student Holidays
The 2018-19 FCPS School Calendar can be found HERE.
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