August 13 Family Newsletter
Our staff have been engaged in preparing for the upcoming year including setting up classrooms, planning for instruction and collaborating with one another. We are excited to kick off the year on Friday, August 16th from 9:00 - 10:20 am.
As a reminder, our first day of school is Monday, August 19th and we will be opening our doors at 8:35 am. We are anticipating a high volume of families at our front entrance on the first day and thank you in advance for your flexibility and patience. Many of our staff members will be present to ask questions and support a safe transition into the building.
In addition, be on the lookout for various photo opportunities prior to our doors opening on the first day to capture those first day memories!
Upcoming Dates
Friday, August 16th - Open House
- Medication Drop off from 9:00 - 12:00 pm
Monday, August 19th - First Day of School
Monday, August 26th – Back to School Night (3rd - 6th)
Tuesday, August 27th – Back to School Night (K - 2nd)
Friday, August 30th - Labor Day Break (Holiday)
Monday, September 2nd - Labor Day Break (Holiday)
2024 - 2025 School Calendar
The 2024 - 2025 FCPS School Year Calendar can be accessed here. We encourage families to review the calendar when considering trips or preplanned absences.
Open House will be held on Friday, August 16th from 9:00 - 10:20 am. This will be an opportunity for students and families to come and meet their teacher, see their classroom and drop off any school supplies. Hang around for snow cones afterwards courtesy of our business partner ML Real Estate.
In order to alleviate some of the crowding for our 900+ students and families, we are encouraging families to use the following entrances for Open House. If you have a child in a lower and upper grade, we encourage you to use the entrance for the lower grade.
Families may come anytime during the 9:00 – 10:20 am time frame. In addition, our business partner, ML Real Estate will be providing snow cones outside the main entrance for anyone who is interested in a cold treat.
 *With our beginning of the year events we anticipate a large volume of traffic and cars. Parking is limited at Union Mill Elementary. When parking in the neighborhood, please do not part in front of fire hydrants or block driveways.
Back to School Night
Back to School Night will be held on August 26th and August 27th. It is an opportunity for families to meet the teacher to learn about expectations, routines, procedures and curriculum for the year.
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Monday, August 26th – Grades 3rd - 6th at 5:30 pm
- 5:20 – 5:30 pm – Doors open to connect with specialists, PTA
- 5:30 – 6:00 pm – Session 1
- 6:10 – 6:40 pm – Session 2
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Tuesday, August 27th – Kindergarten - 2nd Grade at 5:30 pm
- 5:20 – 5:30 pm – Doors open to connect with specialists, PTA
- 5:30 – 6:00 pm – Session 1
- 6:10 – 6:40 pm – Session 2
Walking Students to Class
We are eager to welcome students into the building on the first day of school and ask you say your goodbyes at the entrance of Union Mill, bus stop, or from the car at Kiss & Ride. Many staff members including our counselors and mental health team will be on hand to make sure students get to their classroom safely on the first day. We ask parents refrain from walking their children down to their classrooms. This will help build student independence and reinforce routines during arrival. Families will have the opportunity to see the classroom and connect with the classroom teacher at Open House.
Elementary School Cell Phone Policy
Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Watches that serve a dual purpose (e.g., smart watch) may be worn; however, phone features (e.g., texting, internet, calls, etc.) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency. With the approval of the principal or their designee, teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool; however, one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs. Cell phones may be used on campus before and after school, only.
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School Supplies
The school supply list for the 24-25 school year can be found here.
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Parent Volunteer Opportunity
UMES is looking for parent volunteers who would be willing to donate their time labeling our new language arts curriculum materials. The labels are already printed, so you would just need to stick them on the books. Please email Wendy Hare, one of our reading specialists if you would like to help wrhare@fcps.edu.
Early Release Mondays
The Centreville Pyramid, which includes Union Mill Elementary, will have the following three-hour early release days. On these days, students will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m.
- September 23
- October 28
- November 25
- February 24
- March 17
- April 28
- May 19
This time will be dedicated to teacher planning, supporting students, and completing required professional development related to the new Virginia Literacy Act, updated reading and math standards, and other important initiatives. Please click here for more information regarding early release Mondays.
To help us plan for childcare needs during our early release Mondays, please fill out this form for each of your children enrolled at Union Mill Elementary: . This form will cover the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 23, 2024, and October 28, 2024. If you have multiple children, please submit a separate form for each one. We’ll follow up with you to confirm the after-school supervision plan for your child. Thank you for your help in making these days smooth and enjoyable for everyone!
Additional information can be found on the FCPS Early Release Mondays webpage. If you have immediate questions, please email ESPlanning@fcps.edu.
Office Hours
Monday - Friday - 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
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