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in this issue:
Important Upcoming Events
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September 28 - Saturday Cross Country Meet
- at Herndon HS 10:30am-12:30pm
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October 1 - Principal's Coffee - 9:00 AM - 10 AM - KJMS Library
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October 3 - Rosh Hashanah Holiday - School & Offices Closed
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October 4 - Teacher Workday - No School for Students
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October 25 - Fall Pictures Retakes/Make Ups - All Day
Dear KJMS Families,
We had another excellent week of learning at KJMS. As we finish the sixth week of school, I encourage families to regularly check Schoology and ParentVue to monitor your student's progress and ensure they are on track in their courses. Please reach out to a KJMS staff member if you need assistance with any of these resources.
We hosted our military connected families for a coffee for Blue Star Welcome Week. Thank you to all those who have served in the armed forces!
Our afterschool program and athletics are in full swing to complement our academic program. Our girls and boys cross country team had their first meet last weekend and will compete tomorrow at Herndon MS. Our girls and boys basketball teams opened their season last night with wins over Rocky Run MS.
Enjoy the weekend,
Chris Smith
Principal - Katherine Johnson MS
Punctuality Matters: The Impact of Chronic Absenteeism
Currently, KJMS has 111 students who are considered chronically absent. That is 11.2% of the population of the school. Students who have 18 missed days for the entire year are considered chronically absent and are more likely to show signs of learning loss and social hardships with their peer groups.
We understand that there are circumstances why your child might need to stay home. Please know that if a child has a fever, has vomited or has had diarrhea in the last 24 hours, or is showing signs of serious illness that needs to be seen by a medical professional, they need to stay home until they are symptom free for 24 hours. All other medical issues like a stomachache, headache, or seasonal allergies are not a reason to keep your child home. We have adults in the building that can assist your child with these issues and get them back to class for learning.
We want to emphasize the importance of regular school attendance for your child's academic success and future prospects. Chronic absenteeism, even for seemingly small reasons, can have a significant negative impact on a student's education.
Did you know:
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Missed days add up: Even a few days of missed school per month can lead to significant learning gaps.
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Habitual tardiness is harmful: Arriving late disrupts the learning environment and can make it difficult for students to stay focused.
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Absenteeism affects grades: Students who miss school frequently are more likely to have lower grades and struggle with coursework.
Let's work together to ensure your child is in class every day. Please help them develop a consistent routine that allows for plenty of time to rest, get ready, and arrive at school on time. Getting a decent night’s sleep, is critical for our students. You can help them by turning off electronics at least an hour before bedtime. If your child is facing challenges that are preventing them from attending school regularly, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or school counselor.
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Fall Screener Information
- Open to any student (up to and including grade 8) new to Fairfax County Public Schools as of January 1, 2024. Students identified will begin services in Quarter 3.
- Parents must submit an AAP Full-time Referral Form by October 15, 2024. Forms submitted beyond this date are not accepted.
- There is an optional questionnaire that may be completed by parents in order to share more information about their child with the committee.
- Students who do not have a cognitive assessment on file, may contact Jessica Galuten to request their child to be assessed using the CogAT test. Students who do not have cognitive scores are unable to be screened for full-time placement.
Spring Screener Information
- Open to any student in FCPS (up to and including grade 7). Students identified will begin services in SY 2025-26
- Parents must submit an AAP Full-time Referral Form by December 15, 2024. Forms submitted beyond this date are not accepted.
- There is an optional questionnaire that may be completed by parents in order to share more information about their child with the committee.
For both Fall and Spring Referrals: To share information about special education services or an IEP/504 plan, indicate a special learning need on the optional questionnaire and contact Jessica Galuten to provide consent to share with the central screening committee.
For more information and to access forms visit: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/advanced-academic-programs-aap/forms-advanced-academic-program-aap
Questions about the screening process? Please contact: Jessica Galuten, AART; jpgaluten@fcps.edu
Curious about what your student is doing during 4th period?
Teacher Advisory (TA) is a 50 minute course occurring every 4th period on even days. Every student is assigned a TA teacher based on their team. Generally the first TA of the week will begin with an Advisory (a dedicated time that is used to build relationships and community among the students and teacher in TA) and a student check where students make a plan, usually around what assignments they need to complete or an academic goal they would like to accomplish. The second TA of the week will be a lesson/activity and the third TA will have a longer student check and teachers can request students to come to their TA to complete assignments or retake assessments. TA meets several county and school initiatives including recess, social emotional learning, academic and career planning, and SR&R review. All TA lessons are posted to the KJMS Students Schoology course. Below is a description of what we have been working on in TA.
- This entire week we have been establishing our routine of Make A Plan, Work your Plan, and Get Help With your Plan. This is our formal name for what is described in the paragraph above.
- Last week we had a lesson on Positive Role Models and the influences they can have on our lives. In the same lesson we also learned more about the International Day of Peace.
- In the September 17th TA, we celebrated the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month by learning the history behind this month. Every TA since then we have highlighted several individuals and their achievements and contributions in their field. We’ll continue to do this until the middle of October when observance month ends.
Katherine Johnson Middle School (KJMS) will host a School Site Immunization Clinic on November 15, 2024, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD). Only students enrolled at KJMS may participate in the clinic.
The following immunizations will be offered during school hours at the School Immunization Clinic:
- Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine
Find additional information for each vaccine.
If you would like your child to receive immunizations as part of the School Site Immunization Clinic, you must first provide:
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Permission via a signed Adolescent Vaccine Clinic Consent Form, which can be found in the Middle and High School Clinics section on this webpage.
- A copy of their immunization records (if available).
- A copy of the front and back of their insurance card (if applicable). Insurance is not required.
Please bring your signed consent form to our front office by October 31 in order for your child to participate. If your child is insured, please submit a copy of the front and back of your child’s insurance to our front office as well. You may contact our school’s public health nurse, Ms.Gant at cgant@fcps.edu with any immunization questions.
This November, City of Fairfax residents will vote on a referendum to finance the cost of capital improvements to Providence ES, Daniels Run ES, and replace the roof at Fairfax HS.
For more information, go to the City of Fairfax Schools website at www.CityofFairfaxSchools.org or attend a community engagement night on Monday, September 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Providence ES.
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Don't Forget to Order This Year's School Pictures
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Don’t forget to order your FREE Digital SmileSafe card! More about the Smilesafe program here.
Make-ups and retakes on October 25. More details to come.
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The co-authors will be here on Thursday, October 10th during 3rd period to chat with students about their new historical fiction book, The Bletchley Riddle. Students and staff can pre-order a hardcover copy of the book which will be autographed by the authors. The cost is $22 and payment can be made via MySchoolBucks or a check made payable to FCPS. Please complete THIS GOOGLE FORM to pre-order a book. |
In response to the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of our community, students in grades 7-12 are offered the opportunity to take the World Languages Credit By Exam (WLCBE) each fall. The WLCBE assesses language proficiency in languages other than English and recognizes the strengths that our students bring as effective communicators in multiple languages. This assessment may be used to award world language credits towards graduation, determine course placement for language courses offered in FCPS, and fulfill the world languages requirements for the Virginia Seal of Biliteracy
The exam is offered in the fall each school year. A student may participate in the exam two times per language, once per year, between grades 7 and 12. In other words, students have two chances per language to earn credits by taking the exam. Students who wish to take the exam should be able to proficiently understand directions and communicate in the testing language, and will be asked to speak and write/type, and/or sign/interpret for ASL.
For more information on how to prepare for the exam and scoring criteria you may visit the World Language Credit By Exam website.
Please complete and submit the form to your student’s counselor by the fall registration deadline. You may also email your student’s counselor directly to register, and let them know which language your student will take the test in.
Registration opened on Wednesday, September 4, at 8 a.m., and closes on Friday, October 4, at 4 p.m.
NO LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
More information, including the list of languages offered on the exam, and how to register is available online.
Testing will take place at KJMS either on Thursday, November 14th or Friday, November 15th. More information on the exact date of the exam and exam procedures will be provided at a later date.
Students and families joined us on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, for a presentation by the TJHSST Admissions Specialist. Eligible 8th grade students with a strong aptitude and interest in STEM should consider applying to Thomas Jefferson High School. Please see the eligibility requirements below.
- Residency in a participating school division
- Honors Algebra 1 or higher in 8th grade
- Along with Honors Science and One additional Honors course
- 3.5 GPA in core classes (unweighted grades)
Applications will become available on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 4:00pm. Last day to begin an application is Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 4:00pm.
There is also detailed information to read on the TJ Freshman admissions page, including the eligibility requirements to apply to TJ, here: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/thomas-jefferson-high-school-science-and-technology-admissions/tjhsst-freshman
If you have any questions, please contact Tyisha Williamson at tswilliamson@fcps.edu or Jessica Galuten at jpgaluten@fcps.edu.
Join us on Friday, October 4 for the Fairfax HS Family Festival! This night is held for our future Lions with fun games, bouncy house, petting zoo, ice cream truck, and interact with FHS students with games. Students there by 6:30 will get to run through the spirit tunnel before the game after the football team! Go to our website for more information.
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Don’t Miss Out: Providence Day and Back to School Celebration on Sat., Oct. 5.
Join us for a day of fun, connection, and community spirit! The inaugural Providence Day and Back to School Celebration is on Saturday, October 5, from 11 am to 3 pm at Marshall High School. We will celebrate the vibrant and diverse community we're proud to call home and highlight local organizations and businesses while fostering stronger connections among residents and community leaders. This free, family-friendly event is open to all Fairfax County residents and will feature interactive booths, live performances, food trucks, activities for kids, giveaways and prizes, community spotlights, and more!
RSVP TODAY: https://www.facebook.com/share/b12h6pJutavJcxX3/
Accessibility and Transportation: George Marshall High School is easily accessible by car, bus, or bike. Shuttle services will run from the Jim Scott Community Center (3001 Vaden Drive) and the James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Road).
Questions: Email Providence@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-560-6946.
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In celebration of 2024 Arbor Day on October 26th, 2024, Fairfax City Environmental Sustainability Committee is planning a poetry contest. The focus of the poetry contest is "Protect the Environment Around You". Focus of poetry can be about nature, the importance of trees, climate change, human impact on nature, global warming, decline in various species, or anything else related to environmental awareness and stewardship.
This poetry contest is open to all students of Daniel's Run ES, Providence ES, Johnson MS, and Fairfax HS.
One poetry winner from each city school will receive the award of $50. The winner will also be invited to read their poetry at the Fairfax City Arbor Day Celebration on October 26th, 2024, at Van Dyck Park. (Details will be shared later)
Link to Google form for submissions: Submission Google Form
Poetry Due Date: October 7th, 2024
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:
Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
The fourth goal ensures all students have the same access to opportunities, no matter what school they attend. This includes academics and other programs that inspire and engage students and allow them to explore their passions and talents. See how Goal 4 is being put into practice.
Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.
When planning trips or family events, refer to the FCPS calendar and try to use weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.
When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence.
Watch this video with tips on understanding our school calendar and visit our Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.
In FCPS, lessons on gun safety are built into our curriculum. It is critical that parents and guardians talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in their homes, and in any home they may visit.
The FCPS website has gun safety resources as well as detailed information about safety and security practices at schools. See Dr. Reid’s recent letter to the community for more resources.
Safely Store Firearms and Medications
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has a limited supply of free locking medication boxes and trigger locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. Visit the Lock and Talk website to learn more.
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- FCPS Wants to Further Support Military Families
- Sign and Return SR&R
- Upcoming Immunization Clinics
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Calendar Reminders: Rosh Hashanah/Teacher Workday
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only observance day and important events will not be held after school.
Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed for Rosh Hashanah.
Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students.
See the complete school year calendar.
- Attendance Awareness Month
- Hispanic Heritage Month
- Rosh Hashanah
- National School Principals Month
- Disability History and Awareness Month
- National Custodian Appreciation Day
If you need to contact one of our parent liaisons, Ana Maxey (Mon.- Fri.) or Jennie Choi (Tues. & Wed.), please call 703-934-2454 and leave a message with your name, your student's name and phone number. You may also contact them via email: Ana Maxey at ajmaxey@fcps.edu or Jennie Choi at jchoi4@fcps.edu
Family Resource Center
The Family Resource Center (PRC) offers free workshops (webinars), consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.
In October, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:
- Supporting siblings of children with disabilities.
- Helping students organize their schoolwork.
- Benchmark Advance, the new K-6 language arts curriculum.
- Ways to engage with your children in mathematics.
- Transitions from school to work and adult life for students with disabilities.
Sign up for the FRC newsletter to learn about their latest offerings or visit their webinar webpage.
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FCPS Cares
Do you want to celebrate a Katherine Johnson employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way, or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.
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Stay in Touch with Us
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS.
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