Irving MS Weekly Newsletter

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Dates for 12/20


Reflection Winners

 

Congratulations, to our PTA Reflections participants and winners. We will be displaying the submissions in our building for all to enjoy. We wish our winning students the best as they move on to the next round of the PTA Reflections competition.


A Message from the Principal

Greetings, Irving Families!

I want to thank you for being supportive of our school, staff, and students. We have had an outstanding first half of the school year. We have enjoyed getting to know our students and seeing how much they have grown in these first few months of school. They have worked hard and deserve this upcoming break. A reminder that we encourage all students and staff to truly take a break over the next two weeks. Students do not have homework and there are no assessments or work due January 6 or 7. If you are looking for something for your child to do over break - we recommend reading - a book, article, journal, magazine, or newspaper are all great options. 

When we return from break, students will be preparing to make course selections for the next school year. Our website has information about the course selection process and important dates regarding the process are included above in the calendar. We look forward to working through academic advising with our students in January. 

I wish each of you a safe and wonderful winter break


Take Care!
Cindy Conley


New Irving Information


Course Selection Begins in January

Beginning in January 2025, students will meet with their counselors to discuss course selection for next year. Families are encouraged to actively participate in this important process. 

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements (high school students).
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.


Technology Information

Chromebook Reminders

Yearbooks are on sale! 

Yearbook

Visit yearbookforever.com to order a yearbook for $24.   

If you’ve ordered a yearbook, request a gift certificate here: bit.ly/WIMSGiftCertificate


Irving Stays After


The After School Program runs 5 days a week unless noted. Monday through Thursday, our clubs and activities will run in two activity blocks (2:25 pm to 3:25 pm and 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm) with late buses. Fab FRIDAYS, is from 2:15 pm dismissal to 3:30 pm. The club schedule will vary by day and week, the most up-to-date schedule will be posted in the “After School” section in the student portal.

In order to sign up for a club, students must sign up using the Weekly Signup located in the After School Program folder located in the Schoology All Students Course and the After School section of the student portal. 

Students may participate in as many clubs as they want. We encourage them to try something new as part of the After School Program! Use the following link to register your student. After School Registration Form

ALL athletic activities and clubs require athletic footwear to participate, locker rooms are not accessible during the After School Program.

Coming Soon:

Canceled for next week:

No after school and late buses Monday, January 6 - Friday, January 10

Future Makers and Robotics is postponed until further notice

Ultimate Frisbee will return in the Spring

FAB Fridays ends at 3:30pm. There are no late buses on Fridays and the Weekly Sign-up is required.

View the schedule on our website, the current schedule is available on your student’s Schoology and their Student Portal.

** When picking up students from After School programs, please use the front loop (not the bus lane in front of the main entrance) - students will come out the main entrance.**


Irving MS PTA Information


Reflections - Congratulations to all the talented students who submitted entries in this year’s PTA Reflections program. We’re so proud of you—keep shining! A special thank you to our Reflections Chair, Megan Dross, and our volunteer judges for generously giving their time and expertise to support this program. Your contributions are truly appreciated!

25 By '25 Donor Campaign - Help us reach our goal of 25 new donations to the WIMS PTA in December! Donations are tax-deductible and will support our Irving students, staff, and families this year! Donate by January 1, 2025, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win 6 tickets to Beat the Bomb DC. The winner will be announced at our PTA meeting on January 14! You don’t have to be present to win! To donate, visit: https://irvingms.givebacks.com/store/items/62509. Thank you!

Virginia PTA Capitol Day – January 23 – You’re invited to join us on a day trip to Richmond on January 23 to meet with legislators and advocate for our kids. Interested in learning more? Please email us at irvingmspta@gmail.com.

Papa John's Spirit Day - Every Thursday is Spirit Day at Springfield Papa John's (Rolling Road). Order online using promo code IMS4010 to get 40% off all menu prices, and Papa John’s will donate 10% of all online sales to the PTA. Offer valid every Thursday from 11 AM - 10 PM.

Support WIMS PTA & Local Farmers by Joining Seasonal Roots - Join Seasonal Roots, a local online farmers market! New customers get 50% off the annual membership fee (a $25 savings!), and WIMS PTA receives a $20 donation for each sign-up. To learn more and to sign up, visit www.seasonalroots.com/wims, and use code: WIMS.

Save The Date! January 6 – Teacher & Staff Mini Grant Applications Available January 14 - PTA meeting at 6:30 p.m. January 23 – Virginia PTA Capitol Day in Richmond January 29 – Teacher & Staff Mini Grant Applications Due

We continue to welcome new members. Please visit https://irvingms.memberhub.com/store/ to join us!


 Important FCPS Information:


Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings 

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform.


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.


Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.

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. 


FCPS News

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

  • Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
  • 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.