Key MS - News You Choose - 11/08/24

Key Middle School Families


Important Dates:

  • November 11: No School (Holiday - Veterans Day)

  • November 11 - 15: National School Psychology Week

  • November 13: Deadline to begin TJHSST application at 4pm 
  • November 15: Deadline to submit the TJHSST application at 4pm
  • November 27-29: No School (Holiday - Thanksgiving)
  • November:
    • Family Engagement Month

    • Native American Heritage Month

Let's all be kind to one another.


Federal Impact Aid Survey

Attention FCPS Families!

The Federal Impact Aid Survey is now available to complete online. 

The Federal Impact Aid program provides money to districts that enroll federally connected students. Help FCPS secure funding from the Impact Aid Program by helping us identify: 

  • Military families.
  • Federally connected families.
  • Families living on a military base.

Please complete one form for each child in your household. Remember that only the enrolling parent can fill out the Impact Aid Survey form. 

For families without access to ParentVUE, a paper copy of the form will be sent home with your student starting November 12. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.

Your support will ensure that we receive the resources for which we are eligible.

Step 1: CLICK HERE to be taken to SIS ParentVUE. If you don’t have a SIS ParentVUE account, contact your child’s school for an activation letter. 

Step 2: After you’ve logged into your ParentVue Account, look for the ‘Online Packets’ link at the top of the page. Click ‘Online Packets’.

Step 3: Next, click the ‘Federal Impact Aid Survey’ button on the bottom of the page. This will take you to the Impact Aid Survey for you to complete.

If you have multiple children in Fairfax County Public Schools, please fill out a form for each child. You will know you have completed all of the forms when you get to the final page, and see a green check next to each of their names.


Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service: Our Voices, Our Future

FCPS is thrilled to welcome back Dr. José Luis Zelaya—keynote speaker from this summer’s Multilingual Learners’ Summit—who will inspire secondary students to embrace the strengths of multilingualism. Dr. Zelaya will lead students through hands-on activities to build leadership skills and set a path for future success. This impactful service-learning experience will take place on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Edison High School.

Event Highlights:

  • Service-learning credit awarded to all attending students
  • Interactive student activities focused on leadership and community impact
  • Resources for Families

You can register for this event on the FCPS event page.

Event Flyers:  English  I  Spanish  I Arabic  I  Chinese  I  Korean  I  Urdu  I  Vietnamese


TJ Applications 

📝 Applications Open October 21 for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Eligible 8th grade students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.  Eligibility status can be found at www.fcps.edu/tjadmissions.  The window to apply opens on October 21st at 4 pm and the application can be found on the TJHSST admissions website above.  The final day to begin the application is November 13th and the deadline to complete the application is on November 15th.  

If you have any questions, please contact Laura Migdal at lamigdal@fcps.edu or Suzanne Corcoran at smcorcoran@fcps.edu.

Spanish:📝 El lunes 21 de octubre se abren las solicitudes para la Escuela Secundaria de Thomas Jefferson para la Ciencia y la Tecnología

Se anima a los estudiantes de secundaria que tienen una aptitud y pasión por STEM (ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas) a solicitar la admisión en la Clase de 2029 en Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). 

La solicitud estará disponible en la página web de la Oficina de Admisiones de TJHSST a partir del lunes, 21 de octubre, a las 4 p.m. Las solicitudes deberán estar iniciadas antes de las 4 p.m. del miércoles, 13 de noviembre, y la fecha límite para presentar la solicitud será el viernes, 15 de noviembre, a las 4 p.m. Visite la página de inscripción de TJHSST para obtener más información.


Key Middle School Picture Days

In case you missed it.

Key MS picture retake day will be Thursday, November 21. Remind students to wear their best outfit for this year's picture days.

See the image below for picture purchase information.

Order school pictures at shop.jostenspix.com. Be sure to include the Key MS event code FE172724.


Pix

Boundary

Boundary Review

📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

 

📍 Reuniones Comunitarias sobre la Revisión de Límites Empiezan Este MesComo recordatorio, FCPS ha comenzado el proceso de revisar los límites escolares en toda la división. Este importante trabajo ayudará al distrito a apoyar mejor a nuestra creciente población estudiantil, las capacidades cambiantes de las escuelas, y la evolución de las necesidades de la comunidad. La opinión de la comunidad es vital para este proceso. Con eso en mente, FCPS, en asociación con la Consultoría Thru, será el anfitrión de una serie de reuniones de la comunidad en cada una de nuestras seis regiones. Animamos a los participantes a compartir sus pensamientos, hacer preguntas y aprender más sobre la revisión de límites.

Por favor visite el sitio web de FCPS para las fechas de las reuniones, lugares, y otra información. Suscríbase a nuestro boletín de noticias de la Revisión de Límites Escolares para actualizaciones.


IEP Palooza

IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair Parents/caregivers, school staff, and students over the age of 14 are invited to attend an interactive event celebrating the individualized education program (IEP) process. The IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. 

The event is sponsored by Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). Activities include simulated IEP meetings, break-out sessions on the various parts of an IEP, and a resource fair to learn more about community supports. Register in advance

IEP Palooza y Feria de Recursos Comunitarios

Los padres / cuidadores, personal de la escuela, y los estudiantes mayores de 14 años están invitados a asistir a un evento interactivo que celebra el programa de educación individualizada (IEP) el proceso el sábado, 16 de noviembre, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., en la Escuela Intermedia de Jackson Luther.  

Patrocinado por el Condado de Fairfax Educación Especial Asociación de Padres y Maestros (SEPTA), el evento contará con reuniones simuladas IEP, sesiones de trabajo sobre las diversas partes de un IEP, y una feria de recursos para aprender más acerca de los apoyos de la comunidad. Inscríbase con antelación. 


Fall Immunization Clinic at Key MS

Key MS will host a School Site Immunization Clinic on December 11, 2024, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD). Only students enrolled at Key MS 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: 

  • 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 December 2, 2024, 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, Nylah Beaugard at nbeaugard@fcps.edu with any immunization questions. 


Immunizations

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.


Sensory Disabilities

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

El Departamento de Educación de Virginia (VDOE) también proporciona información sobre Recursos para apoyar a los estudiantes con discapacidades sensoriales.


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.

 
  • 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

 


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.


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.  


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:
  • Fall Testing Results
  • Boundary Review Community Meetings
  • Resources for Families 

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

  • En caso de que se lo haya perdido en FCPS This Week, la división escolar compartió actualizaciones sobre los siguientes temas y otros:
  • Resultados de las pruebas de otoño
  • Revisión de límites Reuniones Comunitarias
  • Recursos para las familias

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