Key MS - News You Choose - 10/04/24

Key Middle School Families


Important Dates:

  • October 11: PM Observance: Yom Kippur (regular school day for students)
  • October 14: No School- Indigenous Peoples' Day (Staff Development)

  • October 16-17: Fall Pictures (students attend during their PE class)

  • October 31: End of 1st Quarter, 2 Hour Early Release

  • November 1: No School (Holiday- Diwali)

Let's all be kind to one another.


Free Immunizations for All FCPS Students

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations for all FCPS students at no cost! Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment and provide consent for their student(s). The immunization clinics are being held at Frost Middle School on:  

  • Tuesday, October 8, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Students under the age of 19, with a scheduled appointment and parental consent, must be accompanied by their parent, guardian, or another adult over the age of 19. 

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 in order to provide consent.  

Transportation services are also available. Please visit our Immunization Resources webpage for details. 

Parents may learn more about this Safeway Pharmacy and other immunization resources and FCPS school-required immunizations


Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students 

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on: 

  • Tuesday, October 8, 3-7 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

Elementary School Clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.

Middle and High School Clinics

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.


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.

You may also complete this google form if you would like to sign up.

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

  • October 22, 2024
  • December 3, 2024
  • February 11, 2025
  • March 18, 2025
  • April 22, 2025
  • May 20, 2025

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

Thank you, Key MS Admin Team


📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors

 


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 resourcesAttend 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.


AFTD

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.  


Happy

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.

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, 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

🎤 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, 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.


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


Family

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.


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.


Bus

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:
  • All FCPS Schools Accredited
  • How FCPS Is Teaching Reading and Writing
  • Become a Special Education Teacher

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

  • SPANISH:En caso de que se lo haya perdido en FCPS This Week, la división escolar compartió actualizaciones sobre los siguientes temas y otros:
    • Todas las escuelas FCPS acreditadas
    • Cómo Enseñamos Lectura y Escritura
    • Conviértete en un Maestro de Educación Especial

Lea FCPS Esta Semana para aprender más sobre estos temas. Si aún no recibe este boletín semanal, suscríbase hoy mismo.  


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