Katherine Johnson MS - December 9, 2022

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Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

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.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى


in this issue:


Important Dates

  • December 12 - December 16 - Winter Wonderland Spirit Week
  • Office will be closed during Winter Break 
  • December 19 - January 2, 2023 - Winter Break

2023

  • Classes Resume on January 3 (EVEN Day)

Principal's Message

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L to R: Veronica Chavez (Dixer's Wife), Dixer Chavez (The Artist); Valerie Johnson (Katherine Johnson’s Niece); Jeff Platenberg (FX City School’s Superintendent); Dr. Tammy Silipigni (KJMS-Principal); Eric McCann (Region 5 Executive Principal); Dr. Terri Edmunds-Heard (Region 5 Executive Principal); Adam Friedrich (Dixer’s Apprentice); and Rebecca Baenig (Region 5 Assistant Superintendent)


Dear KJMS Families,

Katherine Johnson, our beloved namesake, has several famous quotes that have resonated with our staff and students. This year, one of her more famous quotes is our theme: “I like to learn. That's an art and a science.“ Today, we took time to celebrate an actual work of art that has been created in honor of Katherine Johnson. Our City of Fairfax School Board funded a new mural in our Jermantown stairwell. This mural was painted by a parent and local artist, Emmanuel Chavez Galicia, affectionately known as “Dixer.” He is the owner of Dixer’s Tattoo in Fairfax City and has been inspired by his world travels. He challenged our students to follow their dreams and pursue their passions. We also had Katherine Johnson’s niece, Valerie Johnson, in attendance. She is a teacher at Woodley Hills Elementary School and has just published her first book

Earlier in the week, we welcomed our 6th graders who will be joining us at KJMS next fall as 7th graders! Our student leaders gave great tours, all of our performing arts students shared their talents and love of music, and our counselors ensured all had a great day! Look for opportunities this spring for our rising 7th graders to come and meet families with events like a PTA Bingo Night in 2023!

During Winter Break, the building will be open, but the main office will be closed.  Over the winter break, we want our students to relax with family and friends. Therefore, no teachers are assigning homework or projects that have due dates immediately after we return from the break.

In closing, thank you to all of you who have committed to bringing a dessert for staff to the main office by the end of next week. Our staff loves this annual tradition where you bless them with the gift of time by providing a treat for their families! Enjoy the chilly weekend!

Have a wonderful weekend and stay warm,

Tammy Silipigni


Attendance: When Should I Keep My Child Home?

When students miss too many days of school, they fall behind and struggle to keep up with their classmates. Whether the days missed are due to illness, truancy or for any other reason, the end result for the student is the same — learning time is lost. Children and adolescents will get sick at times and may need to stay at home, but we want to work with you to help minimize the number of days your student misses school. Read more..


Winter Spirit Week...

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We Need Your Feedback

We would like to add our KJMS community feed back to add to the packet that will go to the pyramid level.  If you would like to provide feedback for one or all winners, please take 2-3 minutes to complete google forms (links) provided below.

Please provide your feedback by December 16. 

Outstanding Teacher – Anna Sengstack

Outstanding Professional Employee – Kelsea Owens (SBTS)

Please provide your feedback by January 31. 

Outstanding New Teacher – Andy Phung

Outstanding Leader - John McCaughan (Assistant Principal)

Outstanding Operational Employee - Griselda (Gigi) Mendoza (Instruction Assistant)

If you have any questions, please contact our Award Liaison, Emily Gardiner at eegardiner@fcps.edu

Thank you. 


Favorite Gift Cards

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With holidays approaching, we know you may want to thank your student's teachers.  What better way to do it than gifting them one of their favorite gift cards or any you would like to purchase for them. Here is the link to see the list of favorite gift cards for each of our staff members. To find a staff member, press CTRL + F (Find) and type staff member's name and it will go directly to the staff member's name.   Please send your donations to Kara Payne in the main office.  If you have any questions, please contact her at kipayne@fcps.edu. Thank you in advance for your donations and generosity.


To Order A KJMS Yearbook (22-23)

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Credit card orders through Barksdale website only
No Service Fees:
To pay by credit card, visit www.barksdalephoto.com go to
“What are you looking for?”, click “Order Your Yearbook” and enter
0037625YB as the Access Code.


Families of 7th Graders

If you are interested in applying for the Advanced Academic Program (AAP), click link below:

https://www.fcps.edu/registration/advanced-academics-identification-and-placement/current-fcps-students

The deadline to submit the parent referral form is Dec 15, 2022. Forms should be submitted to your counselor and can be found in the link below:

https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academic-programs-aap/advanced-academic-program-aap-forms

If found eligible, students would receive services at the middle school level in 8th grade. Parents who want to enroll students in Honors class in the 8th grade do not need to complete a form and can simply select Honors classes during course registration in January of 2023.

Thank you


Strategic Planning

Beginning in late January 2023, FCPS will host a series of community forums as part of our strategic planning process. View the schedule on our Strategic Planning website. We will add more details as they become available.


News from our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAP)

Mental Health, Coping & Addiction

One in four Americans suffer from a mental illness. Almost 3 in 5 people with mental illness will receive no treatment or medication. In 2019, an estimated 47.6 million adults (19% of the country) had a mental illness, but only 43% received any kind of mental health care (Johns Hopkins). There are many reasons why a person may turn to drugs or alcohol initially, including using these mind-altering substances as a coping mechanism for stress, difficult emotions, physical ailments, and other issues. Drugs and alcohol can provide a temporary respite from reality and everyday life. They can enhance pleasure and decrease inhibitions and anxiety.  Drug use can be an unhealthy coping mechanism. Coping mechanisms are habits formed over time that serve to help a person manage situations or stress levels. Not all coping mechanisms are maladaptive or destructive; however, addiction is both.

Before using drugs as a coping strategy here are some recommendations for a healthier mindset. The goal is to identify the “void” or issue and work towards healing. In the meantime, experts recommend diet and exercise as great places to start. See your Primary Care Physician and a therapist if needed. Quality sleep is also a major factor in a healthy mind. Surround yourself with good people and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

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

Resources:

Substance Use Disorder info

FCPS Social Work

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For further Information & support:

De’Ja Ruffin (McNeil)

Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

dsmcneil@fcps.edu


Another First Lego Team with KJMS students, "The Levengers" advances to States FLL Tournament 

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Katherine Johnson's 7th grade student, David Hwang and his teammates from Rocky Run MS First Lego League team was invited to the VA-DC FIRST LEGO League regional competition to be held at James Madison University on December 11, 2022. David and his team, the Levengers, received first place in Robot Design and tied first for Robot Performance and qualified to advance to the State tournament from the Alexandria regional tournament on November 19. This is their 2nd consecutive advancement to states from last year.

In last week's edition, The Kraglers, David's other KJMS friends' FLL team also advance to state competition. 

Good luck Kraglers and Levengers! 


COVID Diagnostic Testing in January

Mark your calendars! COVID diagnostic testing will be available for FCPS teachers, staff, and students at five locations across the county January 3-5 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.

 


KJMS Family Liaisons

If you need to contact one of our parent liaisons, Ana Maxey (Mon.,Thur., Fri.) or Jennie Choi (Tues. & Wed.), please call 703-934-2454 and leave a message with your name, your student's name and phone number. You may also contact them via email: Ana Maxey at ajmaxey@fcps.edu  or Jennie Choi at jchoi4@fcps.edu


Counselor Information

Who is your school counselor for SY 22-23?

7th Grade Teams

8th Grade Team

Captains –Tyisha Williamson

Highlanders – Tyisha Williamson

Hokies – Dayle Ranallo

Panthers – Dayle Ranallo

Patriots – Friday Oeur

Nighthawks – Friday Oeur

Spartans – Curtiss Barnes

Cavaliers – Curtiss Barnes


FCPS Weekly News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

    • Outdoor Learning Spaces
    • Job Opportunities for Bus Drivers and Food Services Workers
    • Strategic Planning Community Forums

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.  


Parent Resource Center

The Parent Resource Center (PRC) offers free workshops (webinars), consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.


FCPS Cares
 

FCPS Cares

Do you want to celebrate a Katherine Johnson employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way, or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.


Stay in Touch with Us


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.