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Important Dates:
- February 17: Holiday - No School
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February:
Let's all be kind to one another.
Campbell's Corner
Greetings Key Families,
Welcome to the spring semester of school year 2024-25! It’s hard to believe that January has already come and gone! Between the weather and the holidays, the month really flew by. Our new semester began on Thursday and students received new schedules.
Please take a moment to review these schedule changes and familiarize yourself with their new classes and teachers. Schoology and ParentVUE are updated with these changes so you will be able to see course information and communicate with these new teachers right away, should the need arise. We also encourage you to ask your Key MS Patriot what they think of their new courses! They’ve been in new classes once and will have some insight as to what to expect in the coming months!
We are looking forward to a great semester of learning ahead. As always, thank you for your partnership in this middle school journey.
Sincerely,
Drew Campbell
Principal, Key MS
SR&R and Cell Phone Survey
All FCPS families and middle and high school students have received an invitation to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available through Monday, February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!
Se Viene Pronto la Encuesta de SR&R y Política de Celulares
Todas las familias de FCPS y estudiantes de escuelas intermedias y secundarias recibirán una invitación por correo electrónico el martes, 21 de enero, para participar en una encuesta acerca de los Derechos y Responsabilidades del Estudiante (SR&R) de FCPS, Política de Teléfonos Celulares, y opciones de almacenamiento de teléfonos celulares. La encuesta estará disponible del 21 de enero al 3 de febrero. Por favor tómese unos minutos para compartir su opinión y ayudar a FCPS a tomar decisiones informadas e inclusivas para todas nuestras escuelas.
Safe and Welcoming Environment for All
FCPS Trust Policy
On April 28, 2022, the School Board voted to adopt the Trust Policy which affirmed our commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students and their families. This policy aligns FCPS policy with Fairfax County Government’s Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy. This policy ensures that students and families can access the division’s benefits and services without fear of information being disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials.
At the following link, you will find a copy of the Trust Policy’s One Pager highlights of the responsibilities for the Trust Policy . Information regarding this policy can be found here: www.fcps.edu/trustpolicy.
Academic Advising for 25-26 School Year!
7th Grade Students & Families:
The 7th graders received the Rising 8th Grade Course Presentations on January 14 and January 15. Students were given course preference sheets during the presentations that are to be kept in their school wide binder. Please be sure to review your student’s course preference sheet with them.
Please also direct your student to visit the Student Services Schoology page. Within the Schoology page is a Rising 8th grade folder that holds a host of Academic Advising resources. Please encourage them to complete the Elective Course Form by 2:30pm on Wednesday, January 29th. The planning tool, along with the course preference form will help the counselors work most effectively with your student when choosing classes for the upcoming school year.
8th Grade Students & Families:
This week 8th grade counselors began meeting with students to choose their 9th grade classes. Our goal is to complete Academic Advising by February 14th, however this may be extended due to the weather delays.
The course selections will be available to view on schoology. Once your student has met with their counselor, we encourage you to go over their selections. Please email your students counselor if you would like to make a change to their selections. If your student has not met with their counselor yet, we encourage them to look on the student services schoology page, in the riding 9th grade folder, for further resources!
Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter
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Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps.
Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.
Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVueLearn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.
Dual Language Immersion
- 🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration
Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2024-25 school year.
Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.
Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting. Meetings are held at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program Registration page for a list of meetings by language offered.
Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and DLI Program Registration webpage.
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SpanishInscripción en el Programa de Inmersión en Dos IdiomasLa inscripción para la lotería en todo el condado para los programas de Inmersión en Dos Idiomas (DLI) se abrirá el lunes 13 de enero. Los estudiantes actuales de pre-kínder pueden aplicar para el programa de inmersión de kínder, y los estudiantes actuales de kínder pueden aplicar para los programas de inmersión de primer grado para el año escolar 2024-25.
Los programas están disponibles en Francés, Alemán, Japonés, Coreano y Español.
Los padres que estén interesados en los programas DLI en FCPS son invitados a asistir a una reunión informativa. Las reuniones se llevan a cabo dentro de la escuela. Visite la página de inscripción de los programas de inmersión en dos idiomas para obtener una lista de las reuniones por idioma ofrecido.
Más información sobre los programas DLI y la inscripción.
- The online application for FCPS’ Dual Language Immersion Program for the 2024-25 school year will begin on January 13. Applications are due based on grade level. Read more: https://bit.ly/3vZDSLP.
Community Boundary Review Meetings
The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received. If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in a virtual meeting:
- Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
Language interpretation will be available.
All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.
📍 Actualizaciones de la Revisión Integral de Límites
El Comité Asesor de Revisión de Límites de la Superintendente tuvo su segunda reunión el 16 de diciembre en el Gatehouse Administration Center. Vea los puntos clave de esa reunión y acceda a la agenda de la reunión, diapositivas y otros materiales que los miembros del comité recibieron.
Reuniones virtuales de la Comunidad para la Revisión Integral de Límites se llevarán a cabo:
- lunes, 10 de febrero de 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
La inscripción estará disponible próximamente en la página web de Revisión Integral de Límites, donde también podrá informarse sobre el proceso de revisión de límites. Inscríbase también en nuestro boletín de Revisión de Límites Escolares.
Family Engagement Policy and Compact
For the News You Choose, we have to share our Family Engagement Compact and provide parents with an opportunity for feedback. Here is the preamble to the document that you can adapt for the blurb:
Key Middle School is a Title I school within Fairfax County Public Schools’ (FCPS) and utilizes the Title I grant to improve student achievement and help all students meet the objectives of the FCPS Program of Studies and the Virginia Standards of Learning. A partnership with families is essential to meeting this goal.
Under Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, schools that receive Title I funds are expected to collaborate with families to develop and maintain a parent and family engagement policy that describes the school’s approach to involve families in students’ learning and includes a compact expressing the partnerships among staff, caregivers, and students to reach high academic goals for every student.
Key Middle School jointly developed this policy and compact with members of the school community and adopted it for the 2024-2025 school year. Several of the provisions specifically address state or federal expectations for the policy and compact.
This policy and compact is distributed to all caregivers in a language that families can understand. Caregivers have opportunities to provide comments and feedback on the policy and compact through regular communication with the school and participation in family events. Comments are submitted with the school’s policy and compact to FCPS central offices and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). This policy and compact are made available to the broader school community through the school website.
Here is the link to the Family Engagement Compact on our website.
Here are the links to the surveys:
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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.
🗓️ Reserve la Fecha: ¡Las Academias tendrán Casas Abiertas en Enero!
Las academias de FCPS tendrán casas abiertas para estudiantes que estén interesados empezando a enero.
Una academia de escuela secundaria es un centro dentro de una escuela secundaria que ofrece cursos técnicos avanzados y especializados para preparar a los estudiantes para educación postsecundaria y/o campos de carreras. Los estudiantes que se matriculen en los cursos optativos de la academia tendrán la oportunidad de participar en una serie de experiencias profesionales que incluyen el seguimiento, la tutoría y/o las prácticas en empresas locales.
Obtenga más información y consulte el calendario de las Jornadas de Puertas Abiertas de la Academia.
- 📢 Calling all high schoolers! Interested in nursing, fashion, construction, criminal justice, and other technical and specialized courses? Our FCPS Academies are where you can explore your career interests and get hands-on training. Find out more at our upcoming open house events:
🗓️ACADEMY & SPECIALIZED PROGRAM OPEN HOUSES🗓️
Edison Academy: February 1
Fairfax Academy: February 4
Marshall Academy: January 30
West Potomac Academy: February 20
Fairfax County School of Practical Nursing: TBD
Fairfax County Firefighting Program: TBD
Spring Village Construction: TBD
Learn more: https://bit.ly/41vtnk1 or visit fcps.edu and search for “Academies and Specialized Programs.”
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Middle School Start Time Study
⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times
Staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.
The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.
Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.
⏰ Actualización de Cambios Potenciales a los Horarios de Comienzo de las Escuelas IntermediasEn la sesión de trabajo de la Junta Escolar del martes, personal de Prismatic Services, Inc. presentó opciones para ajustar las horas de comienzo en las escuelas intermedias de FCPS. Como recordatorio, Prismatic está encargado de desarrollar un plan de acción para ayudar a la Junta Escolar a alcanzar su meta de empezar las escuelas intermedias a las 8 a.m. o después.La presentación incluye cinco opciones para ajustar las horas de comienzo de las escuelas intermedias basado en el análisis del consultor de los foros de la comunidad, encuestas, y entrevistas con el personal, padres, asociaciones, y otros grupos. El Consejo Escolar proporcionará los próximos pasos al superintendente.Vea un video de la sesión de trabajo. Visite la página web sobre el Horario de Inicio de las Escuelas Intermedias para obtener más información sobre el proyecto.
Federal Impact Aid Survey
Federal Impact Aid Survey
The Federal Impact Aid Survey is now available in electronic format via ParentVUE. All families should complete the survey whether you are military affiliated or not.
Please complete this survey online in ParentVUE. Click HERE to log into ParentVue to complete the survey or to create and set up a ParentVUE account. Please remember, only the enrolling parent may complete and submit the survey.
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.
Order Your School Pictures
Order school pictures at shop.jostenspix.com. Be sure to include the Key MS event code FE172724.
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.
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.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Debbie Vel at dsvel@fcps.edu.
Thank you, Key MS Admin Team
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.
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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
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District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- FY 2026 Proposed Budget
- Student-Driven Lunch Menus
- Inclusion Awards Nominations
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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
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