Katherine Johnson MS Weekly News - May 3, 2024

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.


KJMS Military Breakfast Event

pic

This week, we extended a heartfelt thank you to the incredible families who serve our country! From our dedicated military parents to the amazing children who navigate the challenges of deployments and relocations.

Scroll down to the Principal's Message to read more about this wonderful event.


in this issue:


Important Dates

Visit the KJMS Facebook and Instagram to see more pictures and videos.

KJMS Event Calendar

  • May 2-4 - KJMS Spring Musical (link to buy tickets)
  • May 6-10 - Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 8 - Math SOL 
  • May 15 - Reading SOL
  • May 16 - Grade 7 Field Trip - The Captains
  • May 16  - PTA Meeting
  • May 20  - Grade 7 Field Trip - The Hokies
  • May 21  - Grade 7 Field Trip - The Spartans
  • May 22 - Grade 7 Field Trip - the Patriots
  • May 27 - Memorial Day Holiday (No School)
  • May 28- June 7 - PALS Begin  (World Language Classes)
  • May 29 & 30 - CPR Event (more details to come)
  • May 29 - NJHS Inductions
    • 5:30 PM - Grade 8
    • 7:15 PM - Grade 7

Principal's Message

Good evening KJMS Families,

Congratulations to Mr. Chris Smith, the newly appointed principal of Katherine Johnson Middle School (effective July 1, 2024)! We had a full staff pep rally yesterday after school to share this news with our staff, who are so excited to welcome him back to KJMS (where he was an assistant principal years ago). We know that Daniels Run Elementary School’s staff is happy for him but sad they are not going to work with him as the principal. Thank you, Dragon family, for sending Mr. Smith our way!

Earlier this week, we thanked our military families with breakfast. We played a game of Have You Ever?, shared experiences, took a tour (they loved the new weight room), and had a picture station. Each table had a display of student-made thank you cards that will now be sent to a local veteran’s hospital to thank them for their service. What a wonderful Purple Star School!

We hope to see you at “Legally Blonde” this weekend. Our talented students are ready to entertain you! 

In closing, thank you for all of the donations for Staff Appreciation Week that is happening this coming week. It is not too late to drop off a gift card donation or coupon for a free service.

PTA is also accepting donation.  If you are donating to the PTA event, please mark your contribution "PTA" so they can be properly directed.

Our staff will feel your love as we shower them with appreciation!

Happy May!

Tammy Silipigni


Imagine Summer Learning Program

Imagine provides 7-8 students the opportunity to strengthen core Mathematics and English Language Arts skills by focusing on essential standards that will prepare students for success at the start of next school year. Students attend the fifteen-day program for four hours each day. Transportation is provided.

Informational Flier

Registration Form Link 

If you have any questions, please contact Weris Jama at wjama@fcps.edu


Food for Others Food Drive

We are excited to announce the "Food for Others Food Drive" happening from May 1st to May 10th! This drive aims to collect donations of shelf-stable food items for families in our community who might need a little extra help.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference! Here's how you and your family can participate:

  • Donate shelf-stable food items such as:
    • Breakfast items: oatmeal packs, cereal packs, granola bars, nutri grain bars
    • Lunch/Dinner Items: chili cups, mac & cheese cups, tuna/chicken salad kits with crackers, ravioli, Chef Boyardee
    • Snack Items: fruit cups, cheese and crackers, granola bars, fruit snacks, dried fruit
    • Drinks: juice boxes, 100% fruit juice, Capri Suns, shelf-stable milk

Donations can be dropped off at your child's science teacher by May 10th.

We encourage you to talk to your children about the importance of helping others in our community. Their participation can make a real impact!

Thank you for your generosity and support. Together, we can ensure that families in need have access to essential food items.


Rising 9th Graders - Save the Date

Rising 9 Parent/ Guardian Night @ FHS on Thursday, May 23rd

Learn more about Fairfax High School, meet school staff, and receive strategies on how to best help support your student’s start to high school. More info to come!


SOL Testing Happening Soon

It is critical that students be in attendance and on-time for their designated test days.  If at all possible, please avoid or reschedule absences/appointments for the morning of your child's test dates.  Also, please make sure that your child brings a fully-charged laptop on test days.  

Contact Mr. Smith with any questions at rasmith@fcps.edu.  Thank you.

pic


Staff Appreciation Week

pic

Our Staff Appreciation Week is May 6- May 10, and we are looking for your help!  Our staff has worked really hard this year and we want them to feel appreciated. We are asking for donations of gift cards.  While we typically see denominations of $15-$25, we appreciate anything we get.  We need to collect a total of 160 gift cards, to cover our entire staff.  We plan to raffle off any items that we acquire. Donations can be dropped off in the main office with Kara Payne. This is not the same event that PTA is hosting on May 9 for our teachers and staff members.

Thank you all who have already donated. It is greatly appreciated!


pic

You can also contribute by making a purchase off of our Amazon Wishlist.  These goodies will be put out for our staff on SOLs days, to give them an extra boost.  Thank you in advance for your donations and generosity and thank you for helping make our Staff Appreciation Week a memorable one.



KJMS Library News

pic

Let's Finish the School Year Strong!

Student attendance at school is important all year long, up to the last day of school. Attendance has an effect on student performance and on school accreditation. See how to:

  • Check your child’s attendance record.
  • Help your student stay engaged at school.
  • Report future absences.
  • Understand the FCPS school calendar.

Learn more about attendance resources.


Summer Arts Camp

Don’t miss out on this summer’s most exciting arts enrichment program! The Institute for the Arts camp is for students currently in grade 6-11. Students design their own schedules and select from art, music, theater, and dance classes. Learn more on the IFTA webpage. Email IFTA@fcps.edu with any questions.


Save the Date for FCPS’ Summer Extravaganza

Don’t miss a day of family fun and learning at the FCPS Summer Extravaganza! 

Stop by Woodson High School on Saturday, June 1, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., where students will be able to take part in engaging educational activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire growth. 

Representatives from local businesses, Fairfax County Public Library, and the Fairfax County Park Authority are participating in the Summer Extravaganza. Community organizations, such as Neighborhood Community Services, will be at the event as well. All will have learning activities, tips, and helpful information for families. Enjoy face painting, food, music, a moon bounce, a petting zoo, storytime, and student performances — all at no cost!

Visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage for more details and register to attend. Registration is not required, but it's helpful for planning purposes.


Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders

Immunizations are required for all students entering 7th and 12th grades this fall. Visit the FCPS immunization webpage to learn about the required vaccines.  Caregivers should ask their private healthcare provider or the health department to review their student's immunization record to ensure that their student has received these required immunizations. 

It is important to schedule immunizations early in the summer, as seventh-grade students must submit documentation of the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines before they begin school in August. Twelfth-grade students must submit documentation of the Meningococcal vaccine. Get more information on all student immunization requirements.


Community Forums on Middle School Start Times

FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Register for an in-person forum by clicking on one of the following dates: 

A virtual forum will be held on Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m. That registration link will be available soon.

While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.  


Calendar Reminders

  • Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
  • Mental Health Awareness Month
  • Jewish American Heritage Month
  • Orthodox Good Friday (teacher work day)
  • School Lunch Hero Day
  • National Fentanyl Awareness Day
  • Bike to School Day 
  • Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week
  • National School Nurse Day
  • School Communicators Day

Substitute Teaching Opportunities

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.

Visit the Recruitment Events calendar for a list of all FCPS job fairs. 


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


Free Family Resource Center

Resources for Newly Registered Families

  • Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:
  • School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
  • FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family involvement.
  • Family Engagement Resources – FCPS works to connect, strengthen, and support our families, schools, and communities. 
  • Do You Know About Family Liaisons? Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. You may contact [family liaison’s name], our family liaison, at [email and phone number].  

There’s an easy to follow five-step process outlined for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Be sure to register your child as soon as possible! 

Register Your Children Online

Online registration is available for new and returning (re-enrolling) FCPS families! Apply today to help us plan for the 2024-25 school year.

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.

Learn more about FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC).

 

May Webinars and Events for Families

The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars for adults to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Upcoming events include:

Click the linked titles above to register. Learn more about FRC webinars and events

Be the first to learn about new workshops by signing up for the FRC newsletter.


Stay in Touch with Us

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.