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 Kindergarten students collected data around who they predict will win the Super Bowl this weekend!
A Message from Ms. Kirkland
Even though temperatures are dropping again, it's been warm inside Mount Eagle with all the busy students learning and working. Across our teams, we are reviewing the data collected during our midyear assessments and using this information to adjust instruction and support our students' growth.
Next week, we have two grade levels who will be taking their learning out into the community! Kindergarten will be going to the Postal Museum to learn all about how our mail gets from one place to another and to learn about important jobs in our communities. Grade 5 students will be going to the National Air and Space Museum and will get a unique view of our universe at the planetarium. Both of these trips are made possible through the fundraising our PTO leads every year. Our PTO is committed to ensuring that every grade level has a funded field trip every year, so that every student has access to the amazing learning opportunities in our community.
We are excited to continue another great week of learning next week. As always, thank you for your partnership with us in your child's education at Mount Eagle.
Kate
Kate Kirkland, Principal
kekirkland@fcps.edu
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Reminder!
Monday, February 10 is an Early Release Monday
We will have another 3-hour early dismissal day so that teachers can complete the state-mandated literacy trainings. Students will dismiss at 12:30pm unless they are staying for intervention or supervision.
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Valentine's Day
Students are welcome to exchange Valentine's cards for classmates on Friday, February 14th. Please make sure that there is a card for every child in the class. Contact your child's teacher to get a list of student names so you can be sure to include everyone. We do not have Valentine's Day parties, so please refrain from sending in cupcakes and other large treats. If you have questions, please reach out to your child's teacher for more information.
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FCPS Budget
The Budge Breakdown
More than 85% of the budget is dedicated to instruction and reflects the needs of our community’s young people in response to the changing world around us. Budget priorities include providing competitive compensation for all employees, including a 7% salary increase for all staff. The majority of the budget increase is dedicated to that proposed 7% pay increase.
Our families want their children in high-quality schools with the best teachers who provide rigorous academic experiences. We must provide competitive compensation to attract and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students.
The proposed 7% salary increase would likely move FCPS to the highest starting salary for teachers with a master's degree among our neighboring counties and greatly improve our recruitment efforts amidst an ongoing teacher shortage. Visit the Budget webpage for more information.
The Budget Process
The Fairfax County School Board discussed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at their work session on February 4. They discussed details regarding student enrollment and investments in students requiring additional support, market comparison data for surrounding school divisions, and an update on progress toward achieving the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence. Baldrige is a framework used to assess and improve organizational performance across various sectors, including education.
The School Board also held a public hearing on the FY 2026 Proposed Budget on Tuesday, February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the budget.
On Tuesday, February 18, the Fairfax County executive will present the county’s Advertised Budget, and the Fairfax County School Board will hold a work session on the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget. View FCPS’ Budget Development Calendar.
🍎 Make Every Day Count! The Importance of Attendance
As you plan upcoming trips and other family events, please remember the importance of sending your child to school every day. Review the FCPS School Year Calendar and try to plan any time away during breaks from school.
Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent (missing 18 days or more) in kindergarten and first grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of third grade.
Learn how families can help form good attendance habits.
Important Times
Kiss & Ride: 8:20-8:40am
Doors Open: 8:25am Tardy Bell: 8:45am
Dismissal Bell: 3:300pm
Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
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Important Dates
Monday, February 10 | Early Release Monday - Students dismiss at 12:30pm.
Tuesday, February 11 | PTO Meeting, 8:40-9:30am in the Library
Monday, February 17 | President's Day Holiday - No school
Access the full 2024-2025 calendar here.
Get Involved in Your PTO
At Mount Eagle, every parent is a member of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). It's a great way to connect with other parents, learn about how to support your child, and have fun! There are many ways you can share your voice, talents, and time. Check out the PTO Website for more information. It's available in multiple languages.
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Parent/Guardian Handbook
Do you have questions about attendance or food/drink at school or what students can wear? If so, please check out our Parent/Guardian Handbook on our Mount Eagle website. It's available with translations. Click here to access it. Of course, if you have a question about a situation that is not listed, reach out to your child's teacher or an administrator. Their contact information is at the bottom of this newsletter.
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Your Partners in Education
We are honored to start the school year with your family, and will work everyday to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for your child. We can't do it alone. Please contact us when there is a question or concern, especially related to bullying. As a parent, you will often hear about something before staff might. Thank you for all of your support.
Kate Kirkland, Principal
kekirkland@fcps.edu
Leeanne Pinski, Assistant Principal
lnpinski@fcps.edu
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