August 30 Family Newsletter
It was great to see so many families at our Back to School Nights on Monday and Tuesday. Thank you to all who took the time to attend to connect with our staff. Thank you to the PTA for providing dinner both nights for our staff who stayed for Back to School Night.
As a reminder, students do not have school on Friday or Monday for Labor Day. We hope everyone has a safe and relaxing weekend.
Sincerely,
Dominic, Jaime and Scott
The UMES Admin Team
#UMESBetterTogether
Upcoming Dates
Thursday, August 31st - Substitute Breakfast
Friday, September 1st - Monday, September 4th - Labor Day Holiday Break no school for students
Friday, September 8th - PTA Back to School Picnic Reschedule
Tuesday, September 12th - Fall Picture Day
Tuesday, September 26th - PTA Membership Meeting
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Friday, September 1, and Monday, September 4, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends.
View the School Year Calendar
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Beginning of Year Events Feedback
It has been an exciting start to the year with Open House, Back to School Night, and our Scavenger Hunt. Please take a moment to provide us with feedback using this form on how we can continue to grow and provide an exciting start to the school year that meets your family's needs.
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Fall Picture Day is coming!
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This year’s Fall Picture Day will be on Tuesday, September 12th. Picture Day forms will be sent home with students in Friday Folders. You will be able to order and pay for pictures online from Barksdale. Our make-up/retake day will be Thursday, October 19th. |
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Here Comes the Bus
If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Contact the Transportation Office at 703-249-7000 with any additional questions. For any concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000.
To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.
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Interested in Volunteering at UMES?
Are you a parent / guardian of a UMES student and looking for an opportunity to volunteer to support our students and staff? We are looking for volunteers who can commit to 1 hour a week to support at recess or in the cafeteria. If you can consistently commit to 1 hour a week, please email Assistant Principal Dominic Williams at dawilliams@fcps.edu
Safety Drills During the School Year
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.
The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.
Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.
Community Flier Distribution
This semester’s nonprofit Community Flier Distribution will take place on Friday, September 15th. To submit a flier for approval, it must be received in the office by Friday, September 8th 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 36 sets of 30 copies each (plus a few extras for front office staff) by no later than NOON on Wednesday, September 13th. Fliers will go home with students on Friday, September 15th.
2023-24 Student Rights and Responsibilities
FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment.
Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Friday, September 29.
UMES PTA
Back to School Picnic
Mark your calendars for our rescheduled Back to School Picnic on September 8th! Join us for fun, food trucks, moon bounces, and more – a perfect opportunity for our school community to come together and celebrate the start of the new academic year!
#UMESBetterTogether
Office Hours
Monday - Friday - 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
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