Keene Mill News & Notes

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I am a proud Kanga

Back to School Night

September 5 - Back to School Night

Please join us for Back to School Night on Thursday, September 5. This event offers an excellent opportunity to meet your child's teacher, familiarize yourself with their classroom environment, and gain insights into the curriculum and expectations for the year.

Back To School Night Schedule  (6:30-8:05 pm)

Session 1- 6:30 – 7:15 pm

Session 2- 7:20 - 8:05 pm


survey

 

Early Release Monday Survey

To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/8r671LQaWwxLJxgG8 for each of your children who are enrolled at Keene Mill Elementary. The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 16, 2024, and October 21, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms. Staff will confirm the after-school supervision plan for each student.

Thank you to all the parents who have already filled out the survey.


NOTIFICATION OF TESTING 

Elementary Academic Screening and Growth Tests, Grades 3-6

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 3-6. 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 Math - all students scheduled to take the spring Standards of Learning (SOL)
  • iReady Reading - all students scheduled to take the spring SOL
  • Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) - only select grade 3 students 

Elementary teachers assess all grade 3-6 students with iReady Math and iReady Reading 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 tests 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 the school's test coordinator. 


Advanced Academics Parent Information Night 

Please join Keene Mill’s Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Mrs. Julia Brandt, to get more information about the levels of service, explain the screening process, better understand Fairfax County Public Schools’ philosophy on Advanced Academic Programs, and learn how an elementary school student’s needs for advanced learning are met through a variety of services in the continuum.

Hosted By: Julia Brandt- JBrandt@fcps.edu

Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 - 6:30pm

 Zoom Meeting Link:  https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/95928831010


2024 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. 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 Monday, September 30

You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.


School Board Welcome Videos

Sandy Anderson-Springfield District

Rachna Sizemore Heizer-Braddock District


Classroom Monitors Needed

Keene Mill is actively seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as classroom monitors for the 2024-2025 school year. Your role will be crucial in providing additional support to our students and staff.

If you are interested in this job opportunity, please get in touch with Maggie Gawen, Assistant Principal, at magawen@fcps.edu for more information.

The duties of a classroom monitor are:  supervise students throughout the school day, including, but not limited to, classrooms, lunch, recess, and specials. Classroom Monitors assist with managing behavior, operating technology, and performing some administrative and non-instructional duties. The individual can have a combination of experiences equivalent to graduation from high school. The person must be comfortable managing groups of students.


PTA News

Join the PTA

JOIN THE KEENE MILL PTA TODAY!

The PTA’s mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. All parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to become members at keenemillpta.ptboard.com

Your membership includes a vote on PTA activities as well as access to the student directory through our PT Board website. The funds we raise through memberships and other activities help with classroom improvements, student assemblies, field trips and much more. It’s a great way to become involved with the Kanga community! 


FALL SPIRIT WEAR NOW AVAILABLE 

Join the team by ordering your fall Keene Mill t-shirts today! It is a soft gray cotton short-sleeved t-shirt featuring “I’m proud to be a KANGA” around an Olympic ring pattern. Limited sizes remain available through the KMES PTA website: keenemillpta.ptboard.com. Orders will be distributed to students in their classrooms.


Run Fit Kids

SECOND SESSION ADDED FOR RUNFIT KIDZ!

Because of an enthusiastic response, the Keene Mill PTA is excited to offer a second session of RunFit Kidz this fall. Instruction will be on running mechanics, strength training, nutrition, pacing, and goal setting. Participants build self-esteem, confidence, and determination.

The additional session will be WEDNESDAY MORNINGS, Sept. 25-Nov. 13, from 7:45-9:00 AM. For more information about Keene Mill’s RunFit Kidz fall sessions or to register, please visit runfitkidz.com.


Mark Your Calendar

Friday, August 30-Labor Day Holiday-No School for All

Monday, September 2-Labor Day Holiday-No School for All

Thursday, September 5-Back to School Night

Tuesday, September 10-Panera Spirit Night

Thursday, September 12-PTA General Meeting, library @ 6:30 pm

Monday, September 16-3-hour Early Release

Tuesday, September 17-School Picture Day