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Yondr Pouch distribution is on Tuesday, September 3 during 1st period Advisory! |
Greetings, Irving Families!
Another great week has flown by and we were busy! Students received their brand new Chromebooks this week - this is the first year students will use Chromebooks instead of Windows devices. Students did a great job navigating and getting used to the differences in the devices. I want to thank our Technology Specialist, Holly Mossburg, for working throughout the summer and leading a team over the last few days to prepare over 1200 devices for our students.
Students also participated in the annual Students Rights and Responsibilities lesson and presentation this week. With close to 1,350 students & staff in our building it is important that we are all mindful of our surroundings as we move throughout the building. If you could help us by encouraging your child to walk throughout the building, that will help us with maintaining a safe environment for all.
Today, I shared information about our Cell Phone Storage Pilot program with students during 1st period. I demonstrated how the Yondr pouch works, explained the arrival and dismissal procedures, and shared the expectations of when and how to use the pouch. All students will receive their issued Yondr pouch on Tuesday, September 3, during 1st period. We appreciate your patience in our Kiss and Ride, as we add unlocking pouches to our dismissal routine over the next few days.
Lastly, I want to remind you that our Back to School Night is on Tuesday, September 10. We will host an Optional Family Life Education Preview and Information session from 5:30-5:55 pm and then our Main Program will run from 6:00 pm - 8:05 pm. We promise to have you out in time to be home for the presidential debate later that evening. On that night you will be able to join the PTA! More information about the PTA can be found below.
Take Care!
Cindy Conley
Receive Credit for Proficiency in Languages
This year's World Languages Credit by Exam will be administered at each FCPS middle, high, and secondary school.
The World Languages Credit by Exam is an optional test for students in grades 7-12 who can speak and write (type) proficiently in a language other than English. Based on the results of the exam, they can earn 1, 2, and/or 3 passing world language credits.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 4, at 8 a.m., and closes on Friday, October 4, at 4 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted. Please contact your student’s school counselor to register for the exam.
Find more information, including the list of eligible languages.
Arriving Late or Leaving Early
- Students arriving after 7:30am must check in in the Main Office to receive a pass from the attendance office assistant. Students who arrive late must have a written excuse from their parent/guardian to receive an excused tardy pass if the parent has not called prior to the student’s arrival. Parents/Guardians do not need to accompany the student if they have called or sent a note explaining the late arrival.
- If a student needs to be dismissed for an appointment before the end of the school day, they must bring in a note from the parent/guardian stating the reason and time of dismissal unless the parent/guardian has made previous arrangements by phone. Students should visit the Main Office before school to receive an early dismissal pass.
- To arrange a same-day early dismissal during school hours, a parent/guardian should call 703-912-4500 and select 0.
- For early check out, parents/guardians/guardians must come into the Main Office, provide their driver’s license or other form of government issued photo ID and sign the student out. If someone other than a parent/guardian is picking up the student, this should be included in the note or message from the parent/guardian even if they are on the emergency care card.
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To avoid being blocked in by buses, students would be picked up no later than 1:45 pm.
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.
Cross Country
Cross Country season will begin in September. If you missed the Cross Country Parent/Guardian Information Meeting, please take a look at the complete slides in the Parent Schoology Group. To learn more about how to log into Schoology click HERE. The updated meet dates, times, and locations are below.
Students are not able to participate until all 3 steps below are completed. Students may NOT practice without following steps 1-3.
- Complete AND turn in the Emergency Care Form to the School-based Athletic Coordinator (Ms. Roz Wilson - Room 154). This MUST be filled in each school year.
- Paper work day is Monday, September 9 from 2:25-3:25 pm - students may ride the late bus home if needed. We will be ensuring everyone has their paperwork turned in and review expectations for the season. Students will not be running on this day.
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Thursday, September 12 - 2:25-3:25 pm First Practice!
- Practices will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:25-3:25 pm for the entire season.
- Students may walk home or be picked up at 3:25 pm or ride the late bus home at 4:30 pm.
- A reminder that students must participate in 3 practices to be eligible to run in a meet.
Meet Dates, Times, & Locations
- Saturday, September 21 - 8:30 am at Twain MS
- Saturday, September 28 - 8:30 am at Key MS
- Saturday, October 5 - 10:30 am at Carson MS
- Saturday, October 19 - 8:30 am at Poe MS
PTA News
Win a VIP Parking Spot for Back to School Night!
Join the PTA for a chance to win one of two VIP parking spots for Back to School Night on Tuesday, September 10! Parents/guardians and staff members who join by Thursday, September 5th, as well as those who have already joined for this school year, are eligible. Membership dues are $10 per parent/guardian, $9 for additional family members, and $5 for staff/faculty.
Signing up is easy—just copy and paste this link into your browser: https://irvingms.memberhub.com/store/
Why Join the PTA?
Research shows that children thrive when parents are involved both at
home and at school. Joining the PTA means you’re contributing to:
- Higher grades and test scores
- Improved self-esteem and school performance
- A stronger connection with teachers and administrators
- Enhancing our school’s programs and events
- Being a role model and showing your child the value of education
- Access to state and national PTA resources
- A network of fellow parents to connect, share, and support
Plus, we are going to have a lot of fun! We’re excited to make this school year amazing for our Washington Irving Middle School Community. We’d love to have you join us!
SPIRIT DAY EVERY THURSDAY at Springfield Papa John's (Rolling Road). Get pizza - support the PTA. Order online using promo code IMS4010. You'll get 40% off all menu prices & Papa John’s will donate 10% of All Online Sales to the PTA. This offer is valid every Thursday from 11am -11pm for delivery or carryout (carryout until 10pm).
Thank you, Papa John’s!
Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights
Fairfax County Public Schools wants all parents and caregivers to understand its policies regarding surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights.
In its Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms (Annual Notice), FCPS provides explanations of the rights listed above as well as forms that may be used to exercise opt-out choices. Two versions of the Annual Notice are available: a grades K-8 version and a grades 9-12 version. Parents/caregivers with children at different grade levels should read each applicable version of the Annual Notice, because the notices and opt-out rights vary depending on the student’s grade level.
Get more information and view the 2024-25 Opt-Out Booklets.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Understanding the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)
- School Safety Reminders
- Community Conversations with Dr. Reid
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today. I
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