Katherine Johnson MS Weekly News - December 13, 2024

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in this issue:


KJMS Upcoming Events

Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram to see pictures and videos from our events!

2025

  • January 6 - School Resumes - It will be an ODD Day (Blue)
  • January 16 - Curriculum Night (Rising 7th Graders) - 6:30 PM
    • Course Selection webpage is in the process of being updated.

Principal's Message

Good afternoon, KJMS Families,

We had the last of our winter performances last night as our chorus held an excellent concert. Mrs. Harbison and the students have worked hard and delivered a wonderful performance!     

We have a spirit week next week to celebrate our last week prior to winter break and encourage our students to participate.  There is always an elevated level of excitement and energy the week prior to a long break.  Please remind your student(s) of appropriate school behavior at school and on the bus.  We will continue to plan engaging lessons and maintain our routines and procedures to limit any behavior challenges.   

Have a great weekend, 

Chris Smith

Principal - Katherine Johnson MS 

Use FCPS Cares to recognize any of our staff members


Homemade Gingerbread House at KJMS

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Serving happiness and spreading joy at Ms. Payne's homemade gingerbread house featured at KJMS. 


Order Your 2024-2025 KJMS Yearbook Now!

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Although the deadline is next year in April, why not order it now? One less thing to worry about, and you'll be guaranteed a copy. Plus, only a few extras will be ordered, so the earlier you order, the better your chances of getting one. 

Hardcover yearbook cost $25

Deadline: April 19, 2025

Yearbook Order Form

 


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Community Meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review

Boundary graphic for newsletters

If you did not get a chance to attend one of the recent community meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review, please consider attending the final meeting in this first phase of the boundary review process. The Region 1 meeting will take place Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m.,in the Madison High School cafeteria. Register today. If you are unable to participate, stay tuned for details about virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings coming early next year.

View FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.


Calendar Reminders 

  • Bodhi Day
  • Winter Break (Student Holiday)
    • As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.

      Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. 

  • Christmas
    • A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas.
  • Chanukah (falls during winter break)
    • Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25.

See the complete school year calendar.


Academy Open Houses

🗓️ Save the Date: Academy Open Houses Begin in January!

FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in January.

A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.


Special Education Resources

Department of Special Services (DSS) publishes a quarterly electronic newsletter to provide you with updated special education and 504 information, tips, and ideas to support you and your family. Notification of the latest publication of this newsletter is sent through the GovDelivery (News You Choose) and eNotify email platforms

The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online.

Subscribe to the Special Education and 504 Newsletter


Winter Resources from Fairfax County Government Agencies

⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures. 

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered.

Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!

The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.

 


FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

  • Join Our Teacher Team!
  • Comprehensive Boundary Review Updates

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


KJMS Family Liaisons

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.


Join the KJMS PTA

Help us keep the KJMS PTA active.  Become a member today and vote for the new PTA Board by clicking on the link below:

Join the KJMS PTA Today


FCPS Cares
 

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.


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.