Key Middle School Families

Important Dates:

• September 11: Back to School Night
• September 26: Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Technology Family Night

August: 

• Black Business Month
• International Peace Month
• National Wellness Month
• National Sandwich Month

Let's all be kind to one another.

Key Middle School Families

Campbell's Corner

Greetings Key Families!

We had an outstanding opening week of school. Our students arrived full of excitement for the new school year, and we got to work right away making sure they felt connected to their new teachers and classmates. We also took many steps to ensure our students feel confident about the coming school year. This included going over school procedures and expectations, practicing using lockers, and developing classroom routines. At each step, our students have met our expectations; you should be proud of their effort!

I hope that they share with you that they have experienced a week just as positive as what our staff experienced. I encourage you to talk with your student this weekend to ask them about classes they are enjoying, teachers they connect with, new friends they’ve made, and what extracurricular experiences may be exciting to them this year. I also encourage you to ask if they have any worries or uncertainties. Remember that our student services department, security team, and administration is available to support your students, answer questions, and help them with any challenges they are facing. If anything is shared that we can support here at school, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Drew Campbell

Principal | Key Middle School

703-313-3900

Follow me on Twitter!

1st PTA Meeting! Please consider joining the Key MS PTA! We will have our first meeting of the school year at 5:00 on Wednesday, September 11th in the Key MS Lecture Hall. At this meeting, we will share some information about the PTA and hold elections for the open positions on our executive board. Conveniently, this is the same night at Back to School Night, so many parents will be coming to the building anyway. I hope you’ll consider coming an hour early to join the PTA and learn how you can support Key MS!

Thanks to our SCA for this great visual reminder to be kind to each other.

Student Testing

The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) require schools to provide reading and mathematics screening tests for all students in grades 6-8. These assessments also fulfill a requirement for reading and mathematics growth assessments under the Virginia Assessment Program (VAP). Test results help families and teachers know how to support each student’s learning and development. The Academic Screening, Growth, and Diagnostic Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests) provides more information on these tests. 

• iReady Reading - all students scheduled to take the spring reading SOL
• MAP Growth MAP – all students scheduled to take a spring math SOL 

Middle school teachers assess all grade 6-8 middle school students with iReady Reading and MAP Growth MAP in fall, winter, and spring. Tests are delivered within the classroom instructional block. Teachers set specific testing dates for each class. General timing for required screening and growth is available on the Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academics/student-tests-assessments/grade-level-tests).  

Based on academic screening results, some students may require a reading plan or math intervention plan. Some students may require additional diagnostic tests to help teachers determine specific areas for support. If you have questions about academic screening, growth, or diagnostic tests, please contact your student’s teacher or Danielle Danz, dcdanz@fcps.edu, the school's test coordinator

Danielle Danz

IBMYP Coordinator

School Test Coordinator

Key Middle School

SIS ParentVUE

Everything You Can Do Through SIS ParentVUE

Want to easily access back-to-school forms and checklists? Log in to your SIS ParentVUE account to find forms and make updates.

Update Contact Information

Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from our school and FCPS by adding your cell phone number and email to SIS ParentVUE. To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon. 

Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form (PDF) and submit it to our front office

Complete Permission Forms

Families can now easily give permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account. You can easily opt your child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. You may also change how your student’s information is managed.

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool. 

Submit Absences

Parents/caregivers can submit up to two full-day absences through SIS ParentVUE. Log in and click “Report Absence.” Absences longer than two days, partial day absences, and changes of transportation should still be reported to our front office. 

Don’t Have a SIS ParentVUE Account Yet?Contact our front office for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage. 

Region 6 Parent Representative - Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD)

Region 6 is seeking a parent representative for the Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD). ACSD has a vital role in advocating for students with disabilities, partnering with division leaders and community providers, and advising the School Board to foster strong programs for students with disabilities in FCPS.

Region 6 schools are asked to nominate a parent of a child with a disability to be considered for participation on the ACSD as the Region 6 representative. Please submit the parent name to Sharon Gunn (sygunn@fcps.edu) by Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

Buses and Delays

Transportation Patience and Safety

Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses. 

If your student’s bus is delayed, you 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. Please contact the Transportation Office at (703) 446-2150 with any additional questions. For concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000. 

Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE to make sure you receive email messages about bus delays. 

• Spanish:Paciencia y Seguridad en el TransporteMuchas gracias por su paciencia mientras todos nos acostumbramos a las nuevas rutinas de este año escolar. Apreciamos que nuestras familias sigan los procedimientos de Kiss and Ride, y que sean pacientes cuando esperan a los autobuses de sus hijos. Si el autobús de su hijo está retrasado, los padres pueden acceder el sistema de notificaciones de retrasos de autobuses o usar la aplicación móvil Here Comes the Bus para recibir el reporte de retraso de autobuses. Para reportar retrasos considerables de autobuses se enviará un correo electrónico. Contáctese con la Oficina de Transporte llamando al (703) 446-2150 si tienen preguntas adicionales. Para cualquier preocupación después de horas (después de las 5:30 p.m.), comuníquese con la Oficina de Seguridad llamando al 571-423-2000. 

Para asegurarse de que recibirán mensajes de correo electrónico cuando haya un retraso de autobuses, actualicen su información de contacto en SIS ParentVUE.

• Korean:교통 관련 안전 및 양해 사항

새 학기 새로운 루틴에 적응할 수 있도록 기다려 주셔서 감사합니다. Kiss and Ride와 더불어 자녀의 버스를 대기하면서 기다려주신 가족 여러분께 감사드립니다. 

학생의 버스가 지연되는 경우 학부모는 버스 지연 알림 시스템에 연결하시거나 Here Comes the Bus 모바일 앱을 사용하여 버스 지연 보고를 받으실 수 있습니다. 심각한 버스 지연을 알리는 이메일 메시지가 전송됩니다. 추가 질문이 있는 경우 교통 사무소에 (703) 446-2150 로 문의하세요. 근무 시간 이후(오후 5시 30분 이후) 우려 사항이 있는 경우 안전 및 보안팀(571-423-2000)으로 문의하세요. 

버스 지연에 대한 이메일 메시지를 받으려면 학생 정보 시스템 ParentVUE에서 연락처 정보를 업데이트하세요.

Lightspeed

🔍 Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity

FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.

Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites their child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.

Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.

• Spanish:🔍 Lightspeed Reporte de los Padres sobre la Actividad de los Dispositivos de sus HijosFCPS tiene herramientas para ayudar a los padres a saber más sobre la actividad de sus hijos en cualquier dispositivo de FCPS. Estas herramientas son proporcionadas sin costo a las familias por Lightspeed, el servicio de filtrado de contenido de Internet de la división escolar.Los padres pueden inscribirse para recibir un Informe Semanal para Padres, que les proporcionará una lista de los sitios más visitados por sus hijos. El informe también ofrece a los padres la posibilidad de inscribirse para obtener acceso gratuito al Portal para Padres sobre el Uso de Internet. A través del portal, los padres pueden pausar el acceso de su hijo a Internet en su dispositivo FCPS durante las horas no escola

Aprenda más sobre los Informes para Padres de "Lightspeed."

• Korean: 🔍Lightspeed를 통해 자녀의 디지털 기기 활동 기록 열람 가능

FCPS는 학부모/보호자가 자녀의 모든 FCPS의 디지털 기기 활동에 대해 자세히 알 수 있도록 도와주는 도구를 제공합니다. 이러한 도구는 인터넷 콘텐츠 필터링 서비스인 Lightspeed에서 가족에게 무료로 제공합니다.

주간 학부모 보고서를 신청한 학부모/보호자는 자녀가 가장 많이 방문한 사이트 목록을 확인해 보실 수 있습니다. 

더 자세한 정보를 원하는 경우 주간 학부모 보고서를 통해 무료 인터넷 사용 학부모 포털에 직접 가입할 수 있습니다. 이 포털은 또한 학생이 학교 수업 외 시간에 FCPS 디지털 기기를 사용할 경우 학부모가 자녀의 인터넷 접속을 "일시 중지"할 수 있는 기능이 추가되어 있습니다.   

Lightspeed 학부모 보고서에 대해 자세히 알아보기.

Cross Country Coach Wanted: Key Middle School is looking for coaches for our Cross Country team. A coach's manual will be available if you do not have prior experience. There will also be a couple training sessions through zoom to make you more aware of your responsibilities. Coaches will be responsible for running practice 2 times a week (any day expect Friday) from 2:40 - 4:30. Meets will occur on Saturdays either from 7:30 - 10 am or 9:30am - 12pm. The meet dates are 9/21, 9/28, 10/05, 10/12, 10/19 and possibly 10/28. This is a paid position. You will be badged by FCPS which you will receive when hired. If you are interested, please email Alexis Delosrios adelosrios@fcps.edu or Drew Campbell amcampbell1@fcps.edu.

Away for the Day Update Students will be required to store all electronics in their locker during the school day from 7:30am - 2:15pm. Students will not be allowed to have electronic devices with them during the school day.  Devices will be confiscated and held for parent pick-up for students who do not comply with the Away for the Day procedure. Unclaimed devices will be returned to students on the last day of each week during dismissal at 2:15pm.

Cell Phone Policy

• 📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions!
• If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call the Key MS main office at (703) 313-3900. 

Superintendent's Family Connection Group Invitation to Apply The FCPS Family Vision Group (FVG) is preparing for its second year of the FCPS Family Connection Group (FCG) initiative. We are looking for at least two parents to represent Key MS on the Family Vision Group. This program aims to foster a collaborative environment where families can engage directly with Dr. Michelle Reid, the Superintendent of FCPS, on issues that impact student success. The FCPS FVG aims to bring diverse communities together to discuss how to achieve the goals of the 2023-2030 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes excellence, equity, and opportunity for all students. The FCPS FVG also seeks to recognize and strengthen the positive impact of community engagement on student achievement. Bi-monthly meetings from August 2024 - May 2025 will ensure consistent school representation and encourage open communication through Q&A sessions and feedback opportunities to help participants inform other families at their schools. Key responsibilities of the FCPS FCG Include: Actively participate in the exchange of information and perspectives. Commit to pursuing the interest of every student in FCPS.  Regularly attend FCPS FVG meetings. Serve as an ambassador to your school community by sharing information between families and the superintendent. Support the superintendent's outreach efforts to engage families and community members. The FVG seeks committed family members/caregivers who reflect the diverse FCPS student community, from Pre-K through post-secondary education. If you would like to be part of this effort, please submit your application using the following link: https://forms.gle/qQybjhykWHMUMQ1T7.  If approved, you will receive further information on the meetings' dates, times, and locations. Thank you for your continued support of our mission to improve the educational experience for each FCPS student! By working together, we can cultivate a welcoming school community where every family feels empowered and has a voice.

Secondary Grading Policy Changes

Several changes have been announced for secondary grading, in the areas of: Gradebook type, category weighting, reassessment, minimum number of assignments per quarter, use of letter grades as a means of entering individual assignments, and the use of the zero.

• Secondary Grading Policy Changes - Talking Points

• Secondary Grading & Reporting Handbook

Laptop Returns Dear Families, We hope you had a wonderful summer! This is a reminder for students who need to return laptops. Students who have not returned their laptop from the 2023-2024 school year will not be assigned a new laptop until the old laptop has been returned. Laptops should be returned to the main office. Thanks, Brent Litherland IT Support Services TSS Cell: 571-419-9948 IT Service Desk:  703-503-1600  Key Middle School Rm140: 703-313-3970

Vaccinations Dear Key MS Families, As we look ahead to the new school year, I would like to remind caregivers that immunizations are required for all students in order to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of protecting them from certain diseases and keeping them healthy. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization compliance by accessing SIS ParentVUE.  Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations as soon as possible. If your child needs a vaccine to complete their records, you may make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or access other local services.  Remember to request your child’s immunization record and bring that to your school’s front office or submit the record via SIS ParentVUE as soon as possible.  If you have any questions, please contact Vickie Beruete at vberuete@fcps.edu. Be wise and immunize! Sincerely, Drew Campbell Arabic  |  Chinese  |  Korean  |  Spanish | Urdu  |  Vietnamese

Webinars for Families

Free Workshops for Families

Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC).

In September, the FRC will host webinars for families on supporting siblings of children with disabilities, helping students organize their school work, working with children who like to push boundaries, and teen development and well-being. Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar website.

Family Academy

The FCPS Family Academy promotes connections and collaborations between families, educators, and the community. Our goal is to strengthen partnerships in support of each and every student’s success. Explore our wide range of resources; tools; and virtual and in-person webinars, workshops, and programs. The FCPS Family Academy helps families become a key part of their child’s education.

Learn more about the FCPS Family Academy.

FCPS Cell Phone Policy and Implementation

• At the May 9 School Board meeting, the School Board adopted the SY 2024-25 SR&R (Regulation 2601.38). They also passed a follow-on motion directing the superintendent to develop and implement a strategic communications plan to inform stakeholders of the expectations contained in the SR&R with respect to cell phone usage.
• Cell phone use expectations in schools remain unchanged from the 2022-23 SR&R. The division will be communicating expectations to families more regularly this year. Schools should also support this effort.
• Information on cell phone expectations by grade 
• Cell phone policy talking points

Parent Digital Consent System

The Parent Digital Consent System (PDC) is live with major consent forms that families need to sign each year.

Families can log in to the Parent Digital Consent System (PDC) using their ParentVUE credentials to complete consent forms assigned to their child.

Forms available in the PDC starting in the 2024-2025 school year include:

• School Counseling Opt-Out
• Digital Resources Consent
• SEL Screener Opt-Out
• Consent for Release of Student Records in Support of Postsecondary Applications
• Denial of Access to Military Recruiters 
• Family Life Education Opt-Out
• SOL Retest Permission
• Hazel Health
• BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Opt-Out
• SOS Screener Opt-Out
• Objection to Release of Information to Outside Organizations
• Objection to Release of Directory Information to the Public

As FCPS updates the PDC, more district-wide forms will be added.

Drivers Wanted Fairfax County Public Schools Needs School Bus Drivers to Meet Our Growing Requirements. School Bus Drivers earn $25.04/hour plus excellent benefits. $2,000 signing bonus! For more information call 571-423-3023

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Everything You Can Do Through SIS ParentVUE
• Updating Immunizations and Records
• Transportation Patience and Safety
• Superintendent Reid Welcomes Everyone Back to School

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today. 

Key MS Administrative Team

Principal: Drew Campbell  |  amcampbell1@fcps.edu

Assistant Principal: Shawn D. Brown |  sdbrown@fcps.edu

Assistant Principal: Shari Peters |  sapeters@fcps.edu

Director of Student Services: Jane Flegal |  jcflegal@fcps.edu

6402 Franconia Road, Springfield, VA 22150  |  Main Phone: 703.313.3900
 Attendance: 703.313.3939 | Website | Twitter | Instagram