Principal Meet & Greet


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A message from Principal Steven McFarlane

What a great week! From the day I stepped foot at Kilmer it has felt like home, and the Kilmer community could not have been more welcoming. Before I started, I had a 7th grader email me and say, “Kilmer is a very welcoming school and hopefully all the students are kind to you. Kilmer will give you lots of support and I would like to thank you for being our principal.” This email encapsulates everything that I’ve experienced in my first week. I look forward to continuing to meet students, families, and staff.

Throughout the coming weeks I will be hosting a few parent/guardian meet & greets. This is a chance for me to get to meet and talk with families. There will be some structure to the meet & greets, but there’s not a set program. Feel free to come for all, or part, of the time. In order to help with planning please fill out the Google Form if you’re planning to attend. Dates include:

  • November 1, 9:00 - 10:00 AM
  • November 7, 5:00 - 6:00 PM
  • November 14, 9:00 - 10:00 AM
  • November 29, 5:00 - 6:00 PM

A reminder that Monday, 10/31 there will be no school for students because of a teacher work day, and on Tuesday we begin the 2nd quarter. I hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend. As always, reach out if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Steven McFarlane

Principal


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7th grade

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Impact Aid Survey Reminder - Please Return

All Impact Aid Student-Parent Surveys were due on Friday, October 21. If your students has not returned their signed survey, please have your student return the form to the office of student services on Tuesday, Nov. 1. Additional copies of the survey can also be requested in student services. More information about the survey and its purpose is available here. All results are confidential.If you have any questions or concerns please contact jrosasdiego@fcps.edu .


SIS ParentVue and StudentVue 

Today is the end of the 1st quarter. SIS ParentVue and SIS StudentVue Gradebook and Report Card Modules will be unavailable from Friday, October 28 at 4pm until Tuesday, November 9 at 6 am in order for teachers to finalize first quarter grades. After Nov 9, 1st Quarter Report cards will be visible in SIS StudentVue and ParentVue. A copy of your child’s report card will also be mailed home in mid November.


Thomas Jefferson High School Application Opens Monday, October 24th at 4pm:

8th grade students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). The application will be available on the TJHSST Admissions Office webpage. Students must initiate the process before parents can create their own account. Applications must be started by 4 pm. Wednesday, November 16, with a deadline to submit the application by Friday, November 18, at 4 pm. Please contact your student’s counselor if you have any questions.


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Conversing with Your Teen about Drug Use

For some reason, as a culture we avoid talking about things that can be both lifesaving and life changing, such as finances, drugs, and other topics that make us uncomfortable. What do you wish you knew when you were younger that can be shared with your teenager now? Here’s a few tips for talking about drugs with your teenager. 

What to Avoid

  • Overgeneralizations/horror stories

Ex: “People who use drugs go to jail and end up homeless.” -That’s not true for most people.

  • Sharing about how you used to do drugs

Ex: “I smoked in high school, so I understand wanting to experiment.” -THC content is much higher than when you may have used marijuana. 

  • Having loose boundaries

Ex: “It’s okay if you do it at home, but not anywhere else.” -Too much room for grey area. 

What to Do

  • Have a united front

Both parents need to communicate the same message. No good cop, bad cop.

  • Recognize addiction in your family

Speak the unspoken. Share information that could help your teen make an informed decision about “playing with fire” since they’re genetically predisposed. 

  • Set a desired outcome for the conversation

What do you want your teen to understand before you get into the heavy convo?

  • Focus on health, not behavior

Avoid finger pointing, literally and figuratively.

  • Set firm expectations & boundaries

Clearly explain what is and isn’t acceptable for your household and the associated consequences. 

  • Keep a “cool head”
  • Withhold judgment
  • Be direct
  • Be prepared for your teen’s reaction.

 Resources:

Helpful Info to Quit Vaping: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/free-e-cigarette-quit-program

FCPS video on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs: https://dl.ebmcdn.net/fcps/courses/ATODParentPresentationRequired103119b/story_html5.html 

Knowing the signs of Substance Abuse:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VWGxTZrpCU  

 For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.

For further Information & support:

Ally Jacobi, MSW

Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

Ajacobi1@fcps.edu


Strategic Plan Student Survey Coming Soon!

Students will soon be shown a short informational video at school and be asked to complete a survey providing feedback on their experience at school. This feedback will be used to help inform FCPS leadership as they work on planning for the future of the school system. Parents are invited to view the survey questions and get more information.

Disponible Próximamente: Encuesta Sobre el Plan Estratégico para los Estudiantes

Pronto se les mostrará a los estudiantes este breve video informativo en la escuela y se les pedirá que completen una encuesta con sus comentarios sobre su experiencia en la escuela. Estos comentarios se utilizarán para ayudar a informar a los líderes de FCPS mientras trabajan en la planificación del futuro del sistema escolar. Los padres están invitados a que vean las preguntas de la encuesta en línea.


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