Key Middle School Families

Important Dates:

• September 26: Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Technology Family Night

Let's all be kind to one another.

Campbell's Corner

Greetings Key Families,

This week, we conducted our first lockdown drill of the school year. These drills are important exercises for students and staff to practice emergency procedures in the very unlikely event of a situation that would require us to go into lockdown. I’m proud of our students and staff for taking this drill seriously. FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.

Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned. 

Safety and security continue to be of the utmost importance at Key MS, and our staff is committed to ensuring our school is a safe place. We have staff supervising our halls and common spaces throughout the day, and our security team makes regular rounds of the building.  Our team works to ensure all students are where they are supposed to be and behaving in accordance with the SR&R. To support our security measures, please talk to your students about the importance of being in class on time, avoiding negative social media interactions, and staying away from negative behaviors like vaping or cutting class. Feel free to reach out to your student’s counselor or administrator if you would like resources to support these conversations!

If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline.

Sincerely,

Drew Campbell

Principal | Key Middle School

703-313-3900

Follow me on Twitter!

Title I Parent Advisory Committee

Patriot Community-

This is a friendly reminder that we need a Title I Parent Advisory Committee representative for your school ASAP. Please email Debbie Vel (dsvel@fcps.edu) if you are interested in supporting Key MS in this capacity.

The representative should be a parent who is able to attend each meeting and relay important information back to the school. This is also a great opportunity to advocate for any resources our school may need. Meetings will be held in a hybrid format, so our representative can attend either virtually or in person once a month.

Meeting dates are listed below, and they will take place from 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Debbie Vel at dsvel@fcps.edu.

Thank you, Key MS Admin Team

Importance of Strong Attendance Habits

September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways parents can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include: 

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? View this morning checklist, available in English or Spanish.)
• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning.
• Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
• When possible, avoid medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.

Visit our website for more attendance resources. Attend today, Achieve Tomorrow!

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Notification

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) believes in supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) for all students. In FCPS, students use a tool called the SEL Screener to think about their own SEL skills and experiences at school. Key Middle School students in grades 7th and 8th will be participating in the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener in the Fall and Spring; the fall administration date is Wednesday, October 9th.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information about the SEL Screener including information on opting out please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

World Languages Credit by Exam (WLCBE) Registration

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, students can earn 1, 2, and/or 3 passing world language credits. 

The registration deadline is Wednesday, October 2nd; late registrations will not be accepted. To register your student: 

1. Complete the online registration form (preferred method), or
2. Return the paper registration form to Student Services. 

The 2024 World Languages Credit by Exam will be administered at Key Middle School on November 13th. Visit the World Languages Credit By Exam website for more information.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Presentation Key MS Families, Eligible 8th grade students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and interested 7th grade families are encouraged to join us on September 26th at 6pm at Key Middle School for a presentation by the TJHSST admissions staff.  For information on your 8th grade student’s eligibility status, please visit the TJHSST admissions website at www.fcps.edu/tjadmissions.  On this website, you are encouraged to watch the 30 minute video with detailed information before you attend the in person presentation. If you have any questions, please contact Suzanne Corcoran at smcorcoran@fcps.edu or Laura Migdal at lamigdal@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. 

Cell Phones

Cell Phones Off, Learning On

Thank you for helping to support the FCPS cell phone policy by waiting to call or text your child about non-urgent matters until the school day is over. In case of an emergency, it is always best to contact the school’s front office to reach your child during class time. 

Visit the FCPS Cell Phone Policy webpage to read more about usage policies by grade level and to share your feedback on the current cell phone policy. 

• Spanish:

Celulares Apagados, Aprendizaje EncendidoGracias por ayudar a apoyar la política de teléfonos celulares de FCPS al esperar para llamar o enviar mensajes de texto a su hijo sobre asuntos no urgentes hasta que termine el día escolar. En caso de emergencia, siempre es mejor comunicarse con la oficina de la escuela para localizar a su hijo durante el horario de clases. 

Visite la página web de la Política de Teléfonos Celulares de FCPS para leer más sobre las políticas de uso por nivel de grado y para compartir sus comentarios sobre la política actual de teléfonos celulares. 

SR&R 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. Spanish:2024 Derechos y Responsabilidades de los EstudiantesEl folleto de Derechos y Responsabilidades del Estudiante (SR&R) de FCPS explica las expectativas para el comportamiento del estudiante y las respuestas de los adultos para mejorar la seguridad escolar y crear un ambiente escolar justo, equitativo y de apoyo. Lea la carta de la Superintendente Dra. Michelle Reid a las familias sobre el SR&R.  Los padres/cuidadores deben hablar con sus hijos sobre las expectativas para este año escolar. También, por favor ingrese á SIS ParentVUE y firme para confirmar su revisión del SR&R, o firme y devuelva la hoja de firma que se encuentran en la página 3 del folleto de SR&R a la escuela de su hijo antes del Lunes, 30 de Septiembre.

Community Conversations 

🎤 Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns regarding Fairfax County Public Schools. Your voice matters! Community Conversations will be held this Fall 6:30-7:30 p.m. on:

• Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
• Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary 
• Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary 
• Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary 
• Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle 

Click the date above to register. Registration is not required but helps with planning. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s This Week at FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid. 

• Spanish:

🎤 Conversaciones Comunitarias con la Superintendente Dra. Reid

Superintendente Dr. Michelle Reid le invita a compartir sus preguntas o comentarios con respecto a las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax. ¡Su voz es importante! Las Conversaciones Comunitarias se llevarán a cabo este otoño de 6:30 a 7:30 p.m. el 

• lunes, 23 de septiembre, en la Escuela Primaria de Newington Forest
• lunes, 30 de septiembre, en la Escuela Primaria de Mount Vernon Woods 
• lunes, 14 de octubre, en la Escuela Primaria de Fairhill 
• lunes, 21 de octubre, en la Escuela Primaria de Virginia Run 
• miércoles, 30 de octubre, en la Escuela Intermedia de Herndon 

Haga clic en la fecha de arriba para inscribirse. La inscripción no es obligatoria, pero ayuda con la planificación. Los enlaces adicionales de inscripción se compartirán en la próxima semana de "Esta Semana en FCPS". Se ofrecerá cuidado de niños y servicios de interpretación. Los eventos están abiertos a todos. Entérese de otras oportunidades para conectarse con la Dra. Reid.

World Languages Credit

🌍 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. 

• Spanish: 🌍 Recibir Crédito por su Habilidad en Idiomas

Este año el Crédito por Examen de Idiomas Mundiales será administrado en cada escuela intermedia, secundaria y preparatoria de FCPS. 

El Crédito por Examen de Idiomas Mundiales es un examen opcional para estudiantes en los grados 7-12 que pueden hablar y escribir ( teclear) competentemente en un idioma que no sea inglés. En función de los resultados del examen, pueden obtener 1, 2 y/o 3 créditos de lengua mundial aprobados.

La inscripción se abre el miércoles 4 de septiembre a las 8 a.m. y se cierra el viernes 4 de octubre a las 4 p.m. No se aceptarán inscripciones tardías. Póngase en contacto con el orientador escolar de su hijo para inscribirse en el examen. 

Para más información, incluida la lista de lenguas elegibles. 

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. 

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.

Cross Country 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.

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

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.

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:

• Accessing Intervention Plans
• Students to Be Surveyed on Social-Emotional Learning
• Update Immunizations Today! 

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