Key MS Families
There is no school on Monday, February 15, 2021 due to the President's Day holiday. Enjoy your long weekend and we look forward to getting back to school on Tuesday.
Student Return to Learn Questions
Parents/Guardians – we wanted you to be aware that next week, during advisory, we will ask our students to fill out the linked google form to give us input/feedback as we finalize plans for our Virtual Orientations. We want to make sure that we try to answer as many questions as possible, before the March 2 return of some 8th graders and the March 9 welcome of some 7th graders. Please feel free to discuss this survey with your child and keep us posted if there are things you want to MAKE SURE we teach the kids as we welcome some to the facility in March!
Return to Learning Student Check In: https://forms.gle/JBc44WMQ6XRDQ7b69
Virtual Learning Student Check In: https://forms.gle/ELppL1zNDAVt6vHj6
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New Bell Schedule Begins Tuesday, February 16th
As we prepare for students to return to in person learning in March, it will be necessary to revise the bell schedule to accommodate more bus runs. The number of students allowed on each bus will be reduced substantially to meet social distancing requirements. With fewer students able to ride a bus at the same time, FCPS must adjust the times that buses are transporting students. The school day will be reduced by 15 minutes due to the increased cleaning time required between bus runs.
A revised bell schedule has been developed to improve start times and end times for all levels. Barring any changes to the plan that may be impacted by the pandemic, the following bell schedule will be in place effective Tuesday, February 16th, for both virtual and in-person instruction.
- Middle School - 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- At Key Middle School, we will adopt the following new bell schedule beginning Tuesday, February 16th:
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Applications
The Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology application window is now open until February 26th at 4 pm( with an application start deadline of Feb. 24th at 4pm). If your student is in Algebra 1 or above this year they may qualify to apply. Please refer to the pdf for more information: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/VAEDUFCPS/bulletins/2bd3a3b. You may also go to www.fcps.edu/tjadmissions for updates and watch this video with even more important information: https://youtu.be/bu8LFjHpDZ8 . Do not hesitate to email Ms. Corcoran, Key Middle School’s liaison, at smcorcoran@fcps.edu, with any questions.
In addition, the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Information/Outreach Session is being offered on February 17th @ 6:00pm. You can use these links to register and ask questions in advance: registration and advanced question. Flyers are also attached in both Spanish and English.
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DO YOU WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE?
The College Partnership Program (CPP) is designed to assist students who are traditionally underrepresented in college (i.e. First Generation, African-American, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, English Learners, students with disabilities or economically disadvantaged) in exploring, applying and enrolling in college. All students are open to apply regardless of background and we invite anyone who would like to know more to please come to the interest meeting. In accordance with FCPS’ goal to eliminate gaps in opportunity, access, and achievement for all students, CPP focuses on academic advising, college visits, parent engagement and preparation beyond high school.
The application window is now open! Apply online at: www.tinyurl.com/CPPApp2021. Additional information on the program and the application process can be obtained through the interest meeting that will be done through the Blackboard Collaborate link provided below:
The 1st interest meeting will be held on Thursday February 11th - 3:00PM – 3:30PM with Lewis HS CPP school counselors
https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/395eef2ca5e44af5916afe6cfc1fa036
The 2nd interest meeting will be held on Wednesday February 17th -3:00PM – 3:30PM with Lewis HS CPP school counselors
https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/395eef2ca5e44af5916afe6cfc1fa036
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From Mrs. Joseph, Our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
“I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self-indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.” -Audre Lorde
WARNING – As we continue a new normal, look at some tips for battling isolation, stress, and anxiety. As isolation and stress sometimes lead to unhealthy coping skills. From WebMD, here are some tips.
- Be Social. Think Physical distancing not Social Distancing.
- Spend quality time with family
- Take a break from the News, doomsday scrolling
- Change your mindset. Try meditation, maybe check out the Calm App.
- Go outdoors, exercise, walking or exercise inside.
- Help others, send a “thinking of you text”
- Get help for yourself. If you need additional support seek additional help from a professional.
Good News – Today is always a good day to start a new healthy habit.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACTS learn about Famous Black Mental Health Pioneers
https://www.mhanational.org/black-pioneers-mental-health
New Program-Free E-cigarette quit program-
Truth Initiative This is Quitting is a partnership between the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS, and Fairfax-Falls Church CSB to provide a new free texting quit vaping program to adolescents and young adults in Fairfax County.
For more information, please check out this recent press release: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/free-e-cigarette-quit-program
Remember, substance abuse doesn’t stop for a pandemic. If you need support with your child please feel free to reach out to me at KTJoseph@fcps.edu and we can discuss options that may be of help to you and your family. Additionally, the Community Services Board (CSB) is still providing general mental health and substance abuse services. Their information can be found by clicking here.
John R. Lewis High School & Lewis Pyramid
KTJoseph@fcps.edu
804-596-0198
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness: (571) 423-4270.
Click the image below to access the Google Form for yearbook picture submission.
Connect with the After School Specialist
Want to learn more about the after school program at Key? Join me, Ms. Spencer on the following Wednesday's in the Patriot Pride After School Virtual Office from 3:00pm-4:30pm.
Wednesday February 17th
Wednesday February 24th
Office hours will be via FCPS Google Meet. Click the link here to enter.
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Click the flyer below to access the website and financial aid information.
High School Information (Lewis HS & Edison HS)
Gap Year Fair (February 9th)
Our students and parents are invited to hear about the Gap Year opportunity by attending the USA Gap Year Fair for the Fairfax & DC Area on February 9, 2021 from 6:00-8:00pm at the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fairfax-dc-area-usa-gap-year-fair-2021-registration-131822357219?aff=2021GYFEventonGO
19th Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Festival (February 20th)
Alfred Street Baptist Church is hosting the 19th Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Festival on Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 08:00am to 4:00 pm. In response to COVID-19 concerns, this event will be VIRTUAL. Registration is now open for high school seniors only. Registration for all others will open on January 25, 2021 at 12:00 noon (EST) at www.AlfredStreet.org
Edison High School’s 11th Annual HBCU Fair (February 22nd)
Edison HS is hosting its 11th Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities fair virtually on Monday, February 22, 2021 from 9:00-3:30pm. Our students are welcome to attend and should be logged in to their FCPS Google Accounts to access the fair: https://sites.google.com/fcpsschools.net/ehshbcu2021/home
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Windows License Expiring Soon - Laptop Update
Students will need to go to the nearest FCPS school and connect to the network. They will need to restart their computer and then log back on. They do not need to go inside the building. They should be able to connect to Wi-Fi in the parking lot from the comfort of their cars. Our external Wi -Fi Access point is above the Main Office window next to entrance #1.
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Mask Recommendations - Let's Keep Our Community Safe.
Meal Kit Information
Hello Parents and Caretakers,
The Office of Food and Nutrition Services will also be distributing fresh, local fruits and vegetables at the bulk meal kit sites throughout January and February. Families that pick up no-cost meals from these sites will also be provided a whole, fresh fruit or vegetable sourced from a local farm for each child, along with an activity sheet and recipe for that item. This item will vary each week, and will be available on the following dates:
For a full list of bulk sites where these fresh fruits and vegetables will be served, please visit https://www.fcps.edu/return-school/food.
Monday Advisory Update
ADVISORY IS NOW ASYNCHRONOUS.
Students will need to complete a short Google Form by 2:15pm each Monday to verify their attendance, otherwise they will be marked absent for the day.
Advisory teachers will be reviewing the attendance form with their students.
It will be posted in the Advisory Google Classroom for students to access.
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Calendar 2021
February
15- President's Day Holiday
16- New Bell Schedule effective today
19- 8th gr Registrations thru PE
22- Art and Sewing Supplies Distribution @ 1-3pm
22- Family Engagement Series @ 2:30pm
22- Transition Meeting Parent Q&A @2:30pm
23- PTA Meeting - Parent Q&A-Academic Advising @10am
23- Transition Meetings Parent Q& A @1pm
23 to 26- 7th gr Registrations through HPE
24- Transition Meeting Parent Q& A @ 5pm
26- Thomas Jefferson Applications closes @4pm
27- Lewis HS’s College and Career Specialist visit Key’s College and Career Club @
2:30pm
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