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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
Parent Information Phone Lines Available in Eight Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
in this issue:
Visit the KJMS Facebook and Instagram to see more pictures and videos.
KJMS Event Calendar
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September 17 - Fairfax Corner - 2023 AJ 5K Run/Walk
- Fun Run @ 8 AM
- 5K Run @ 8:30 AM
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September 18 - 22 - Spirit Week (see flier below)
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September 25 - Yom Kippur (no school)
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September 25 - Oktoberfest - Mott Community Center
- Free Event - 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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September 27 - VGA testing - Reading
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September 27 - Back to School (in-person) - 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM
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September 28 - VGA testing - Math
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September 29 - Parent Coffee - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Library
- All are welcome; the presentation will be in Arabic. Questions asked in English will be answered.
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September 30 - Instrument Petting Zoo - 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM (Door 10)
Hello KJMS Neighbors,
“It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood, A beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine?” How many of you are singing that song right now in your head with a smile on your face? Do you have fond childhood memories of being in front of your television with Mr. Rogers? At KJMS, we were all humming this tune yesterday afternoon as Mr. Eric Haapapuro, one of our 8th grade physical science teachers, was honored with a national recognition (see pictures above).
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world.” Fred Rogers
The Fred Rogers Institute was started under Mr. Rogers’ guidance to honor his legacy of looking for helpers in the community. Only fourteen people were given this honor across the US this year! See what they had to say about Mr. Haapapuro.
In that same spirit, we are asking for our parents to partner with us and be a “helper” at drop off and pick up times. Please do not drop your child off on the Bevan side of the school. This area is not monitored by the staff, nor is it a sanctioned drop off area. In fact, Bevan is quite busy with over two dozen school buses and is an active, morning City Cue bus route. Dropping off students on Bevan is a hazardous habit. We have a very quick drop-off for parents in front of the school that is usually completed within 10 minutes (begins at 7:10 AM). Let’s plan to greet each other in a neighborly fashion at the drop-off zone in front of KJMS.
On Friday morning, we had almost two dozen of our parents at our Hispanic Parent Coffee. They asked great questions about life at KJMS. In coming weeks, our Arabic Parent Coffee will be an opportunity for parents to hear about KJMS in their native language. English speaking parents are invited to any of these as well if you have questions!
After school programming began this past week. Be sure your child is staying for academic support, club, and sports offerings, and to get to know other Eagles. We have a great, structured program with transportation every day except for Tuesday. Reach out to Mr. Dejo for more information.
In closing, in just two weeks on Sep 27, 2023, we hope to see you at Back to School Night. Parking is limited so be a good neighbor and carpool.
Stay bundled as fall is in the air,
Tammy Silipigni,
Principal
Attending school every day, even during the end of the school year, is critical to students reaching their fullest potential.
Regular attendance helps students engage in learning that builds proficiency in reading and math, which will help them to graduate from high school.
Students who attend school regularly do better academically in middle school. They are also more likely to graduate on time from high school, if they miss less than a week of school each semester.
A Caring Culture that creates a sense of belonging is a key component for students to attend school regularly.
Being in school helps students to get to know peers, teachers, and school staff, and to create trusting relationships that motivate students to participate in learning.
Students and their families should reach out to a trusted adult at the school—a teacher, counselor, school social worker or administrator—if they are having a hard time attending school every day.
Schools help students and families gain access to basic resources such as meals, physical and mental health services, and fun enrichment activities including sports, clubs, music, afterschool, and summer programs.
Daily attendance routines, created at home or in school, can reduce stress for students and families, and create a sense of safety and security, especially after chaotic transitions.
KJMS Attendance Procedures webpage.
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When a Student Should Stay Home From School
Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.
Help your student succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit FCPS’ website for information on when you should keep your child at home.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher, so that assistance can be provided if needed. Please contact us as soon as you know your child will be absent.
Read more about how families can help form good attendance habits.
Students Are Learning Every Day
As you plan upcoming trips and other family events, please remember the importance of sending your child to school every day. Review the FCPS School Year Calendar and try to plan any time away during long breaks from school.
Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent (missing 18 days or more) in kindergarten and first grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of third grade.
Read more about how families can help form good attendance habits.
Waitlist Applications Now Open for Select Affordable Housing Properties in Fairfax County
Individuals interested in applying to affordable housing waitlists have the opportunity to do so September 11, 2023 through Sunday, September 17, 2023, at 11:59 p.m., for select properties in the county: The Arden, Ovation at Arrow brook, Madison Ridge Apartments, and Residences at North Hill. Interested individuals can apply online via Rent Café, from 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 11, 2023 through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, September 17, 2023.
September 27 - Reading VGA (7th and 8th grade)
September 28 - Math VGA (7th grade Math, 8th grade and Pre-Algebra)
October 4 - Make-up tests
Who Takes the VGA?
- All students in grades 3-8 must be assessed in Reading and Math
- Students take VGA based on their current course enrollment (for example, a grade 6 student enrolled in grade 6 advanced math takes the grade 7 math VGA)
- Students enrolled in high school-level Math courses (Algebra I, Geometry, etc.) will not take a Math VGA
For more information on the Virginia Growth Assessment, please visit our FCPS VGA Website.
Some FCPS-approved digital resources require parent/caregiver consent before they can be used by students. Find the list of resources which require consent on the Digital Resources - Parent Consent page. This page also includes directions on how to provide permission.
KJMS has received 76% of these forms from our families. We are almost to 100%. We can do it!!
If you would rather complete this in paper form, please have your student stop by the technology (tech.) office to pick one up. Once completed, please drop it off in the main office or the tech. office. Thank you.
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. In late June, the School Board approved changes to the SR&R for the 2023-24 school year. Updates include a revision of dress code expectations, bystander expectations for students witnessing harmful or unsafe behaviors, bullying, and substance abuse responses. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R.
Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, 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.
Katherine Johnson Families, please consider stocking snacks and drinks for our amazing staff. One way to contribute is by using our KJMS Amazon Wishlist. Our Amazon Wishlist is quick, easy, and set-up for the items to be delivered directly to the school. As a reminder, you are always welcome to bring other items (prepackaged snacks, waters, etc.) to the Main Office as donations. We thank you in advance for your generosity and partnership.
If you have any questions please reach out to Kara Payne at 703-934-2401.
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On November 9, 2023 Katherine Johnson will host the World Language Credit Exam. The exam is designed to assess students’ native language proficiency and enable them to earn one to three credits toward fulfilling the world languages requirement for the Advanced Studies Diploma, see more information on the credit exam website. The registration window opened this week and closes on Thursday, October 5, at 4 p.m. for more information about the exam and the registration process, your student should speak with their school counselor.
Looking for a flexible and part-time position at Katherine Johnson Middle School? FCPS is hiring AVID tutors for the 2023-2024 school year. AVID tutors work with small groups of approximately 5-7 students during the school day in an academic elective class called Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). These groups use questioning strategies to help students develop a variety of college preparatory skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. Tutors earn $18.97 per hour and should either be a college graduate or currently enrolled in college. If interested, please email your resume to Lisa Shields at lbshields@fcps.edu or AVID@fcps.edu.
Don't forget to support the PTA by joining as a member!
Membership is just $15 for an individual and $25 for a family.
Members must join each year.
Your membership helps to support all the programs and events the PTA organizes for our students throughout the year.
Click to learn more and join: Join KJMS PTA KJMS PTA Webpage
This year the PTA meetings will be every 2nd Thursday of the month.
Students are invited to participate in STEM FEST on Saturday, October 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at South County High School. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can participate in robotics demonstrations, coding experiments, and more. High school students are invited to volunteer. Visit the STEAMOLOGY website for more information.
8th grade students interested in applying for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ):
October 2nd during TA – There will be a student interest meeting for any 8th grade students interested in learning about the TJ application process.
There is a video presentation for families available on the TJ admissions website at https://www.fcps.edu/tjadmissions.
There is also detailed information to read on the TJ Freshman admissions page, including the eligibility requirements to apply to TJ, here: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/thomas-jefferson-high-school-science-and-technology-admissions/tjhsst-freshman
A bond referendum to benefit Fairfax County Public Schools will be on the ballot this election season. The building and renovation of schools are not financed through the school system’s operating funds, but through bonds.
Similar to an individual or a family obtaining a mortgage on a residence to spread the cost of home buying over several years, bonds spread the cost of major capital improvements over a number of years. This ensures that current and future residents and users share in the payment. The county’s bonded debt is not likely to be a contributing factor to any increase in local taxes.
Hear from teachers how FCPS prioritizes safety with bond funding.
Read more about the FCPS 2023 Bond Referendum. Learn about registering to vote. Vote on Tuesday, November 7.
Want to make a difference in the life of a child? Fairfax County Public Schools is looking for enthusiastic, engaged, and dedicated substitute teachers.
Substitutes help our students thrive when their teacher must be out of the classroom and are essential members of every school’s team. More information about the application process and requirements is available online.
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Information Session for Substitute Teachers and Instructional Assistants learn more about becoming a substitute teacher or instructional assistant at a virtual information session on Wednesday, September 20, from 2 to 3 p.m. Register for this session.
Visit the Recruitment Events calendar for a list of all FCPS job fairs.
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
Parent Resource Center Is Now the Family Resource Center
FCPS’ Parent Resource Center has changed its name to the Family Resource Center (FRC), as a way to acknowledge and support the broad diversity of families in our community. The FRC continues to offer a wide range of essential resources and education for caregivers and students including:
Families can find printable resource guides and details about the center’s free lending library on FRC’s homepage. They may also sign up to receive the FRC newsletter for updates on webinars, resources, and other information. If you have questions, please contact the FRC via email at frc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-3941.
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Tips to Stay Healthy
- National Merit Semifinalists
- College and Career Fair
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.
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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.
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Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
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