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in this issue:
Important Upcoming Events
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October 14 - Indigenous People’s Day - No School
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October 23 - Orchestra Concert - 7:00 PM - KJMS Auditorium
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October 25 - Fall Pictures Retakes/Make Ups
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October 29 - Pyramid Concert - 7:00 PM - Fairfax HS
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October 31 - Last Day of the First Quarter - Early Release - 12:15 PM
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November 1 - Holiday - All Schools & Offices Closed
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November 4 - School Planning /Teacher Workday - No School
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November 5 - Election Day & Teacher Work Day for Staff - No School
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November 11 - Veterans Day - No School
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November 12 - Career Day
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November 27- 29 - Thanksgiving Break (no early release on 11/26)
Dear KJMS Families,
We had a busy week at KJMS! Our engineering students did an excellent job launching their rockets and most of them returned safely to the ground. We had a couple authors, Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin (see picture below), visit this week. It was great for students to hear how research and collaboration are used on a daily basis to create a book.
We have posted our school improvement and innovation plan (SIIP) on our website. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
With the fall weather arriving, please remember that we take a daily 15-minute outdoor recess. Be sure your student is dressed appropriately for the changing temperatures.
A reminder that students do not have school Monday in recognition of Indigenous People’s Day.
Enjoy the weekend,
Chris Smith
Principal - Katherine Johnson MS
Punctuality Matters: The Impact of Chronic Absenteeism
Currently, KJMS has 124 students who are considered chronically absent. That is 10.6% 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 the are symptom free for 24 hours. All other medical issues like a stomachache, head ache, 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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We are excited to announce that this year’s Career Day will take place on November 12th from 8:15 AM to 10:40 AM, and we are looking for enthusiastic presenters to share their careers with our students! If you are interested in participating as a presenter, please complete the registration form using the link below. The deadline to register is Oct 23. Please see the FAQs and reach out to School Counselor Curtiss Barnes at crbarnes@fcps.edu if you have questions. Your experiences and insights can have a lasting impact on our students as they explore various career paths. Thank you for your support in making this event a success. We look forward to showcasing the amazing careers within our KJMS community!
KJMS Career Day Presenter Registration
Join the City of Fairfax on Tuesday, October 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Daniels Run ES for an informational night about the school bond referendum on the November ballot. City residents can ask questions and learn more about the school facility needs.
For more information, please go to the City of Fairfax Schools website https://www.cityoffairfaxschools.org/.
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Our library had a wonderful Author Visit with Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin this week! They left behind several autographed copies of their new historical fiction adventure, The Bletchley Riddle. These books are available for $22 while supplies last. Please use this Google form to order your copy.
Speaking of buying books, the Scholastic Book Fair is coming back to KJMS! Mark your calendars for December 2-6. It’s the perfect time to shop for holiday presents!
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.
Safeway Immunization Clinics
Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on:
- Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.
Transportation options are available.
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.
Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.
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Make-ups and retakes are scheduled for Friday, 10/25.
The following students are eligible for retakes:
- Any student or staff member who was absent for the original sessions (9/5 & 9/6)
- Any new/transfer students or staff who joined after the original sessions. as of 9/9.
- Students who have purchased pictures and have the originals to return to the photographers on retake day.
Absentee and Re-take Picture Day Form
If neither of the above applies to your student, please disregard this email.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Emily Gardiner at eegardiner@fcps.edu.
Thank you.
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National School Lunch Week (NSLW) — October 14 to October 18, 2024 — celebrates the federal National School Lunch Program (NSLP). This program provides millions of children a nutritious meal each school day.
President John F. Kennedy created National School Lunch Week in 1962 to promote the importance of a healthy school lunch in a student’s life and the impact it has made inside and outside of the classroom.
New Printable Menus
Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? Nutrition Services now has printable menus available.
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X Marks the Tray
Students can participate in X Marks the Tray on Wednesday, October 16. Lucky students at each school will find a sticker on a hot entree container. They can redeem it for a whole grain sweet treat with their meal!
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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.
Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.
Other Ways to Support Your Child’s Learning Needs
You are important in your child’s education. The Family Academy keeps a list of classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by Fairfax County Public Schools to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.
✨ Helping students read on level by the end of third grade is part of the FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence. One of the strategic plan pillars is vibrant home and school partnerships.
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Learn About Lexia for Literacy
- Schools Win Exemplar Awards
- Upcoming Community Conversations
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
See the complete school year calendar.
- Hispanic Heritage Month
- National School Principals Month
- Disability History and Awareness Month
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In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community.
- National School Lunch Week
- Yom Kippur
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Friday, October 11, will be an evening-only observance day for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. There is school that day, but important events will not occur after school.
- Indigenous Peoples Day
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Monday, October 14, is a student holiday and staff development day for Indigenous Peoples' 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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