February 1 Family Newsletter
There was lots of excitement today with it being the first day of February, snow and kicking off Black History Month. During our Staff Development and Teacher Workdays last week our staff engaged in learning around Rich Math Tasks and conversations involving Portrait of a Graduate. Staff also had the opportunity to engage in county wide professional learning and complete quarter two progress reports.
We were also excited to hold a Blood Drive thanks to the organization of UMES staff member Don Dillon. Thank you to all UMES staff and community members who donated.
Looking ahead, we will be kicking off our Kids Heart Challenge tomorrow and next week is National School Counseling Week!
As a reminder, this evening is PTA Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A in Fair Lakes from 4:00 - 8:00 pm.
Sincerely,
Ashleigh, Jennie and Scott
The UMES Admin Team
#UMESBetterTogether
Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, February 1 - PTA Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A from 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Friday, February 3rd - UMES Sub Breakfast
- PTA Online auction begins
Wednesday, February 8th - PTA Meeting
Friday, February 10th - Principal Coffee with Family Support Focus
Thursday, February 16th - Kids Heart Challenge
Monday, February 20th - President's Day (no school)
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.
National School Counseling Week
Next week is National School Counseling Week! We are grateful for our wonderful counselors Jenna Schmidt and Wendy Kourajian. We are grateful for the support they provide to our students, families and staff. Jenna and Wendy also support with the wellness component of our School Improvement and Innovation Plan. Below are daily themes for the week. Jenna and Wendy will also both be available at our Principal Coffee on Friday, February 10th.
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who donated hats (pictured below) for the SCA Sponsored hat drive for Ellie’s Hats! https://ellieshats.org/
Thank you to all who donated snacks for our staff for our planning and screening days. Your generosity was greatly appreciated!
Lunch with Your Child
As a reminder, parents are welcome to come in for lunch with their child in the cafeteria. We began this earlier in the year and wanted to remind families they are welcome.
- Prior to going to the cafeteria, parents will need to check in the office with a valid drivers license.
- At this time, we cannot accommodate more than two family members per child and ask visitors are limited to adults
- We ask that if you are joining your child for lunch, outside fast food is not brought in as it can be a distraction for other students.
Order Your Yearbook Now!
It’s time to order your 2022-2023 yearbook! Place your online order at www.barksdalephoto.com, go to “What are you looking for?”, click “Order Your Yearbook” and enter access code 0038702YB. Yearbooks are $17.48 for softcover or $22.48 for hardcover.
The deadline to order is April 1, 2023.
Don't miss your chance to order this year’s yearbook. No additional yearbooks will be available after the deadline and there will not be extras for sale at the end of the school year.
Kids Heart Challenge
We are so excited that The Kids Heart Challenge will be an in-person celebration this year! Mark your calendars for the main event on Thursday, February 16. Stations will be open from 6:00-7:30 pm. For the event there will be activities in the cafeteria, gym, and lobby. Families will move from place to place at their own pace. There is no fee or donation needed to participate.
To get our students excited and informed about the event, we will have KHC Kick-Off assemblies during school hours on February 2. Click here to see the KHC Kick-Off flier.
This year we have decided to offer ALL of the possible prizes from the American Heart Association to students who gather online donations. That means students can earn the Heart Hero charms, as well as the jump rope, t-shirt, playground ball, socks, and watch. Prizes will be delivered to students at the end of February. You can download the Kids Heart Challenge app or visit www.heart.org/KHC to register. We have a goal of getting 500 students registered from Union Mill! Our site is open now and will close on February 17.
Join the Heart Heroes and “Be The Torch”!
Please contact Jenny Murray at jbmurray@fcps.edu, if you have any questions.
Nonprofit Community Flier Distribution
This semester’s nonprofit Community Flier Distribution will take place on Friday, February 10th. To submit a flier for approval, it must be received in the office by Wednesday, February 1st and include the following disclaimer – “This event [or activity] is sponsored by [name of the organization] and is operated independently of the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, and Union Mill Elementary School.”
Once the flier is approved, please deliver 35 sets of 30 copies each (plus a few extras for front office staff) by no later than NOON on Thursday, February 9th. Fliers will go home with students on Friday, February 10th.
Substitute Breakfast
We will be hosting our next Substitute Teacher Breakfast on Friday, February 3rd. Current substitute teachers along with anyone considering substitute teaching is encouraged to attend. During this time, substitutes will have the opportunity to connect with school staff, fellow substitutes and learn how to support students with technology. If you are interested in joining, please reach out to Traci Turkekul at tmturkekul@fcps.edu or 703-322-8500.
Principal Coffee
Our next Principal Coffee will be on Friday, February 10th at 9:15 in the cafeteria, hosted by our school counselors, Mrs. Kourajian and Mrs. Schmidt, and our special education teacher, Mrs. Gross. We will be offering support to families navigating the social-emotional and academic needs of our students in the form of a monthly parent group. Our time will be spent discussing research-based strategies for success while sharing your own tips and tricks. We envision this group to be discussion and activity based in order for us to learn strategies from one another. Please complete this survey to help us identify topics we will cover.
Union Mill PTA
Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A is tonight! 4:00 - 8:00 pm in Fair Lakes. Go to www.unionmillpta.org/spirit-nights to download the flyer. Be sure to mention Union Mill so that 20% of your purchase is donated to the school!
Bingo is POSTPONED until spring due to a lack of volunteers. The PTA needs help with the events and fundraising committee, so please reach out to them using the "Contact Us" form found at www.unionmillpta.org/contactus. They can't do it without you!
Online Auction
The Online Auction Opens Friday, February 3 at 5pm! Running until Saturday, February 11 at 10 pm, all items will be available for bidding.
* Six Flags tickets for 4 * Gymnastics classes * Swimming lessons
* House painting * Amazing art * Princess photos
* Packages to local breweries & wineries
* Better seats to school events, like the Three Piggy Opera
And so, so, so much more!
Preview current items now! https://www.32auctions.com/UMESPTA2023
We are still accepting donations so please consider donating items, skills, or services! Contact us about your donation, and we'll get it listed on the auction site ASAP!
All proceeds will go to the UMES PTA to help us fund the Spring portion of the approved budget.
Color Run
The Color Run T-shirt Contest applications are due February 10. Your child should submit their design to the main office, attn: Color Run. Designs will be judged by staff and volunteers, and the winner will get a free Color Run T-shirt registration!
#UMESBetterTogether
Office Hours
Monday - Friday - 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
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