A message from Principal Steven McFarlane
Kilmer Community,
Happy December! This month is a busy, but fun time of year. I had the pleasure of attending the band concert last night, and I look forward to attending other performances and concerts in the coming weeks.
Our students have so many opportunities to get involved at Kilmer, and this week was a perfect example of that. On Monday, our 7th graders presented their biomes research project for science, the Pegasus team spearheaded a community service project to support Homeless Hope, the aforementioned fine arts performances, and after school clubs (just to name a few). I’ve mentioned this before, but middle school is short, but vital. We work hard to ensure all students can explore various interests, and most importantly feel connected to Kilmer.
I hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend, and as always, reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Steven McFarlane
Principal
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Kilmer at a Glance
 Winter break is Dec 17th through January 2, 2023. School resumes January 3, 2023.
Pictures of the Week
Pegasus Team Community Service Project
Mrs. Jones’ Learning Seminar class spearheaded a Pegasus Team Community Service Project this Fall. They repurposed used t-shirts to make reusable bags and then filled the bags with essential toiletry items donated by the Kilmer Community. The bags were collected by the Homeless Hope organization to be distributed to homeless individuals living in Washington, D.C. Homeless Hope founder, Tucker Jones, came to Mrs. Jones’ Learning Seminar and spoke to the students about homelessness and how they can and already have made an impact in fighting its effects.
 Making the reusable bags from donated t-shirts.
 Filling the bags in an assembly line.
 Mrs. Jones’ students with some completed toiletry bags ready to be given to Homeless Hope.
Science 7’s Zoo Project
Working in teams of 3-4 students, our seventh grade scientists researched the climate, characteristics, plants and animals of their assigned biome and designed a zoo enclosure that could be built in Virginia to meet the needs of an animal from their biome. On Monday and Tuesday, students presented their projects to their peers, teaching them about the biome and the adaptations of the animals and plants in their zoo exhibits and sharing their creative solutions to make zoo enclosures better for both the animals that live there and the people who visit.
  
Kiss and Ride Reminders:
If you drive your student to school, please take a few minutes to note the following:
1) Students must get out on the sidewalk, not in the parking lot,this is to ensure their safety.
2) Be courteous of others and use all available doors to keep the line moving.
3) If you drop your student on Wolftrap road do not make u-turns across the double lines; you may be ticketed.
4) Take your time; safety is everyone's concern.
Marshall HS IB Information Nights
Marshall HS will host two IB information nights in January. The first one will be held at Marshall High School on Tuesday, January 10 at 7:30 pm in the auditorium. The second IB information Night will be held at Kilmer Middle School on Wednesday, January 18 at 5:00 pm in the cafeteria. Presentations will include an overview of the IB program and the prerequisite courses required for an IB diploma. Seventh and eighth grade families are encouraged to attend. For additional questions, contact the IB coordinators at marshallibcoordinators@fcps.edu.
Preparing for Winter Weather
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made. FCPS’ inclement weather procedures will remain the same as last year. The first five inclement weather days will be traditional “snow days” with no school activities. After those five days, we will use the flexibility provided by the Virginia General Assembly to have unscheduled virtual learning days, whenever possible, to maintain the continuity of learning. Virtual learning on these days will be synchronous/live instruction, following the inclement weather virtual learning day schedule (includes a two-hour delay).
FCPS’ website is generally the first mode of communication during emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Outdoor Recess
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent our students from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. Please note, all students have an indoor option for recess everyday.
Kilmer Spirit Week
Our fantastic Student Council Association has come up with some really fun Spirit Day ideas for our last week prior to winter break. We look forward to lots of spirit!
The Giving Tree
The PTA is grateful for the ongoing support of donations of food and money provided by our generous Kilmer community for our food pantry AND we are endlessly thankful for the generous donations that have come in for our "Giving Tree"
Our goal is to raise $3,500 in grocery gift cards.We are still about $3000 away from our goal and we request our KMS community to help us achieve this goal.
These donations support about 70 Kilmer students and their families continually throughout the year.
The PTA would like to extend its support of these students and their families this holiday season by sponsoring a "Giving Tree" and we're asking you to open your hearts to help.
Please consider supporting our Giving Tree by dropping off your gift cards ($50, $20, $5, or any amount you can donate) at the school office in an envelope marked "PTA Giving Tree" or by giving a cash donation on MemberHub under 'Giving Tree Donations'
and we will purchase the gift cards for you.
Please send in your donations by Friday, December 9th. Thank you for supporting our Giving Tree!
 
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