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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
in this issue:
- Wednesday, November 23-25 - Thanksgiving Break (No School)
- Wednesday, November 30 - KJMS Band Concert
- 7:00 PM in KJMS Auditorium
- Thursday, December 1 - Orchestra Concert
- 7:00 PM at Fairfax High School
- Saturday, December 3 - KJMS Festival of Lights & Carols (FX City)
- Thursday, December 8 - PTA Meeting
- Friday, December 9 - Drama Field Trip to Synetic Theater’s
- Monday, December 19 through Monday, January 2nd - Winter Break
2023
- Classes Resume on January 3 (EVEN Day)
Happy Cool Friday,
In our season of thankfulness, we thanked some staff members who have risen to the top as our annual award winners. Yesterday, we announced the following individuals as winners, representing KJMS for the Fairfax County Public Schools Outstanding Employees this year.
KJMS Outstanding New Teacher: Andy Phung
KJMS Outstanding Teacher: Ana Sengstack
KJMS Outstanding Professional Employee: Kelsea Owens
KJMS Outstanding Leader : John McCaughan
KJMS Outstanding Operational Employee: Gigi Mendoza
Left to Right: Andy Phung; Ana Sengstack, Kelsea Owens, John McCaughan, Gigi Mendoza
In closing, we wanted to share the morning announcement that I shared yesterday with our students:
“As we start a short week with a Thanksgiving holiday, we wanted to take a moment to share some of the many reasons why we are thankful that we, as a staff, get tto work and learn at Katheirne Johnson Middle School with our Eagles each day.
We are thankful that the vast majority of students follow the SOAR traits each and every day and are socially responsible, accountable, open-minded and respectful. We are also thankful that when students see room for improvement in the culture and climate of our school, they speak up and want to help the situation to make it better.The admin team was thankful to work with a group of students who are hopeful that we can improve our social responsibility and respect to make sure our halls are a safe and welcoming place for everyone, free of offensive and hurtful comments. We appreciate those willing to understand that there are some words and actions that can not be considered “friendly” banter. All words have an impact, they can make us and those around us feel better - or not.
Recently, the administrators have been meeting with small groups of students to discuss student perceptions about life and culture at KJMS. We are thankful to collaborate with these students, and we will continue to communicate and plan with them after break. Then, we will share those ideas with all students.
In addition, we’ve been working with staff and students to make sure all classrooms have a positive learning environment where everyone has the ability to learn and get ready for what is next. It is nice to see students and staff holding one another accountable and having an open mind about new ways of working together.
We are also thankful for the empathy that we see students and staff members showing one another in times of need. Whether it’s a new student who needs assistance in the cafeteria or a staff member going through a difficult time, we see Eagles rise to the occasion on a daily basis, helping one another. Sometimes we want to show our empathy and support for people who are farther away in other parts of the state of Virginia, such as our friends in Charlottesville at the University of Virginia. We know our hearts will be with the families of UVA this holiday season. We also know of people we need to support across the nation and know it can be hard to know what to do. In cases like this, we urge you to connect with those closest to you, both your immediate family, and your Eagle family. Consider connecting to an adult in the building that you know cares about you, one of your classroom teachers, your TA teacher, your counselor, and administrator or any other adult that you know.
Our week this week might be short, but we are hopeful that all students and staff in the building will consider what they are thankful for. If that is hard to do, consider letting an adult in the building know that you would like to connect, now or when you get back from this holiday break. Ask yourself, what do I need and who can help me with it? Or ask yourself who do I see in need and what can I do about it?
Remember that there is an easy and private way to connect with your counselor through the Student Schoology. The more we connect as members of the Eagle community and act in ways that are
Socially Responsible, Open-Minded, Accountable, and Respectful, the more we will SOAR.
Stay warm,
Tammy Silipigni
COVID diagnostic testing will be available for FCPS teachers, staff, and students at five locations across the county November 28-30 from 5 to 8 p.m. This testing is for those who are either experiencing COVID symptoms or have been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID. Appointments are not required, but registration must be completed before testing. Visit the COVID Testing webpage for more information
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.
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