A message from Principal Steven McFarlane
Kilmer Community,
Another fun week at Kilmer! On Thursday, students received a printed copy of their 1st quarter report card, and in addition, students who earned All As or A/Bs received an Honor Roll Certificate to acknowledge their academic excellence during the 1st quarter.
We’re also excited for Emily Castro (assistant principal) and her husband who welcomed their baby boy, born last week. While Ms. Castro is on maternity leave, Christine Sciabica will be stepping in to fulfill her roles and responsibilities. We’re lucky to have Ms. Sciabica’s experience (please see her biography below).
Finally, we’ve got a lot going on in the next month. I’ll be sure to communicate important events, dates, and information through this weekly newsletter.
Have a wonderful weekend and as always, reach out with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Steven McFarlane
Principal
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Here are just a few of the Positive Referrals received by our Kilmer Cougars from staff members this week!
Mei I. - Mei, you always come to class with a positive attitude and ready to work hard. It's a pleasure to have you in class.
Kareem H. - Thank you for volunteering to read aloud in class and being so helpful to our new student! Appreciate your leadership skills today, Kareem! Keep it up!
Maziyar T. - You diligently work to make sure you're learning in science class, help other students when they have questions, and make sure that class is a positive environment through your great participation. Thank you for answering questions, being a leader, and even pushing in other students' chairs after they leave!
Andrea R.G. - We are so glad you have come to Kilmer and joined our Civics class! You are a hard worker and ask for help when you need it. Keep it up!
 Upcoming Dates:
The 8th grade KIlmer Young Scholars Cohort visited Marshall Academy last week. Students learned about multiple course offerings, including Culinary Arts, Engineering, Criminal Justice and Cosmetology.
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Welcome Christine Sciabica!
Christine Sciabica, a retired AP, will be supporting Kilmer while Emily Castro is out on maternity leave. Christine Sciabica worked in FCPS for 33 years before retiring in June of 2023. She began her career as a Social Studies teacher at Chantilly High School then spent 20 years as an Assistant Principal first at Stone Middle School then Rocky Run. In her spare time, Christine likes to spend time with her two adult sons, cooking, and spending time outside hiking and biking.
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Mental Health Screening - 7th Grade Students only
This school year, school staff are working to teach students about mental health and how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or a friend. FCPS uses a program called Signs of Suicide (SOS). The SOS program will take place during your child’s US History class on either November 19 or 20. During this time, students will watch age-appropriate video clips and participate in a guided discussion about depression, suicide, and what to do if they are concerned about a friend. Following the video, students will complete a brief depression screening tool. We encourage parents to visit www.sossignsofsuicide.org/parent for information on warning signs for youth suicide, useful resources, and some of the key messages students will learn. You can also view this parent video and the e-Notify sent to parents on October 21 to learn more about the program.
On Tuesday, November 19 there will be a change to our bell schedule to accommodate the program’s needs and follow up with students. 7th period and 3rd period will flip flop.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s participation in this program or if you would like to opt your child out of this program, please contact your child’s school counselor as soon as possible.
Impact Aid Survey - Paper Copies Available
FCPS uses the survey for Federal Impact Aid to identify federally connected students. On Thursday, students whose parents had not completed their Impact Aid Survey in ParentVue were provided a paper copy to bring home. If you received a paper copy, please complete and return the form as soon as possible. Students can return the form to the cafeteria during their lunch time. If you prefer to complete the form online, the survey is still available to FCPS families through ParentVue, in the “Online Packets” section. Click here for directions on how to access the survey.
Additional information about the Federal Impact Aid Survey can be found on the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/oese/impact-aid-program/impact-aid-program-overview or on the FCPS website at https://www.fcps.edu/impact . For questions, contact Jessica Rosas-Diego jrosasdiego@fcps.edu.
Fall Student Testing Results - Available in SIS ParentVUE
Each fall, FCPS students take part in screening assessments for reading and mathematics to identify strengths and areas for support. Score reports for families are posted in ParentVUE in the “Documents” section, generally about one month after testing has been completed.
- iReady reports in grades 1-8 are available in ParentVUE now.
- Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth reports for grades 6-12 will be available by Friday, December 13, following an extension to the fall testing window.
Visit FCPS’ website for additional information about student tests at each grade level, including what each test is for and when each test takes place. Caregivers may follow up with their children’s teachers for more information about how they use test results to support student success.
Youth Survey (8th grade only):
The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people. We will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on Wednesday, November 20th during Learning Seminar.
While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey, please contact your child's school counselor no later than November 15, 2024. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to the school counselor.
Boundary Review Community Meeting
Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, December 2, 6:30-8 p.m., at Westfield High School Cafeteria.
Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available.
If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Resources on IEPs, Financial Aid, Literacy, Community Leadership
- Teacher Hiring Event
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
After School Activities News/Updates:
Each week Ms. Perry will post a detailed overview of our After School Program to our website. Please visit Kilmer’s website at https://kilmerms.fcps.edu/afterschool_newsletter to find the weekly After School newsletter. If you have any questions regarding our After School Program please reach out to Saundra Perry (Acting After School Specialist) at slperry@fcps.edu.
Executive Board Contact Information
Reflections Art Contest
Deadline extended until November 22nd!
Calling all creatives! Are you into art, photography, music, dance, film, or writing? Enter the Reflections Art Contest! This year's theme is "Accepting Imperfection"! You can enter one submission each in any (or all!) of the six categories! Deadline for entries is November 15.
- For ARTWORK file: name, category and division - e.g., JaneSmith.VisualArts.Middleschool.Entry
- For ENTRY FORM file: Similar naming convention: JaneSmith.VisualArts.Middleschool.Form
- Upload these files to the contest DROPBOX.
- Questions: Reflections@kilmerpta.org (use non-school email)
Upcoming Student Experience Survey at Kilmer Middle School
Our school has been selected to participate in a pilot program for FCPS’ Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.
A limited number of classes in grades 6-12 were selected to participate and those families were notified separately. However, all students in participating grades, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email. We will administer the survey in selected classes during the school day between Monday, December 2, and Friday, December 13. Any student may take the survey at home(again, this is optional).
We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the five equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.
Reminder to Order School Pictures
School Photos are now online! Families should have received an E-proof via email. Please remember to check your spam. For any questions about your student's school pictures please contact: underclass@vosphoto.com
Lightspeed Parent Report
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