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Dear Thoreau Families,
This week, our school community reinforced the importance of our shared values. The administrative team and teachers worked together to review the Student Rights and Responsibilities with all students, emphasizing our school's RISE values: Respect, Integrity, Service, and Engagement. We challenge students to reflect on how they can actively demonstrate these values throughout the remainder of the school year. Remember, RISE isn't just a poster on the wall – it's the guiding principle for a positive and productive learning environment for everyone.
We also had the pleasure of celebrating our RISE Student of the Quarter Award recipients from each team! These Eagles consistently exemplify our core values and make us incredibly proud. Congratulations to all!
Adding to our celebrations, please join me in extending heartfelt congratulations to ESOL teacher Emily Borkowski, who was awarded the Madison Pyramid Outstanding New Secondary Teacher! Ms. Borkowski's dedication, hard work, and significant contributions to Thoreau are well-known and deeply appreciated. We are thrilled that her excellence has been recognized. She will now advance to the Region 1 round, and we wish her the very best of luck! Thank you, Ms. Borkowski, for all you do for our students and our school.
We look forward to a strong finish to the second half of the year, guided by our RISE values.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Teresa Khuluki
📅 When: Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 from 9:45 AM - 10:30 AM
📍 Where: Eagle Hall 🦅
Students who are new to Thoreau since December 2024 or missed the fall picture days 📅 have another chance to get their school picture taken 📷 during Eagle Time (9:45 AM - 10:30 AM) on March 5th. If students wish to participate, please stop by the main office 🏫 to pick up a picture day order form 📝. Don't miss this opportunity! 😊✨
This week, we took a group of students to the 2025 FCPS Food Show 🎉, where they had the exciting opportunity to sample 🍕🥗🍔 potential new menu items for future school years. The kids shared their honest feedback 👍👎—both positive and negative—giving them a real voice 🗣️ in shaping the meals served in their schools. It was a fun and engaging 🎊 experience that highlighted how FCPS values student input and reminded the kids that their voices matter and deserve to be heard! 💬✨
Attention Thoreau Middle School Students! Your voice matters! The Student Experience Survey is your chance to share how you feel about your school, engagement, opportunities, and overall experience.
📢 Why take the survey?
- Your feedback helps shape decisions that improve your school’s culture and environment.
- The more responses we receive, the better we can represent your experiences and needs.
📅 Deadline Approaching!As of Wednesday, February 26, 2025, we’ve received responses from many students, but we need more to ensure everyone’s voice is heard.
✅ How to participate:The survey is optional, but we encourage every student to take a few minutes to complete it before the deadline. Check with your teachers or school administrators for access details.
Let’s make sure Thoreau Middle School is fully represented! Take the survey today!
Secondary Student Experience Survey
Adapted Student Experience Survey
Parents can now request Weekly Parent Reports from Lightspeed! 📨 These reports provide an overview of the websites visited by students using an FCPS device over the weekend.
🔹 Key Features:
✔️ Weekly reports sent directly to an authorized parent email
✔️ Option to register for the Parent Relay Portal, which provides detailed browsing information
✔️ No IT submission or intervention required—sign-up is embedded within the Lightspeed report
💡 Additional Parent Controls:
Parents can pause internet access on their child’s FCPS laptop during non-school hours (e.g., dinner or bedtime). However, internet access cannot be paused during the school day.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2023), eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all backgrounds.
📌 Did you know?
🔹 28.8 million Americans will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime.
🔹 Causes are complex, involving biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.
📢 In partnership with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a resource page to provide parents and guardians with detailed information. Visit: Eating Disorders.
📅 Date: March 11th
🕕 Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Warhawk Lecture Hall, James Madison HS (Door #15 near tennis courts)
Are you a rising 9th grader interested in freshman football? 🏈 Madison High School’s Athletic Department invites all players and parents to an informational session!
📢 Topics Covered:
✅ Off-season lifting program
✅ Eligibility requirements
✅ Season expectations
🏋️♂️ Off-season workouts will begin the following week! Be sure to fill out the interest form and sign up for the communication app to stay up to date.
🔗 Interest Form
📅 Date: March 12th
🕡 Time: 6:30-8:30 PM
📍 Location: Jackson Middle School
Join Career and Transition Services (CTS) for an informative session on planning for students with disabilities both during and after high school.
📝 Topics Include:
✔️ Postsecondary supports & employment options
✔️ Self-determination & decision-making
✔️ IEP transition planning & special education services
This event is a great opportunity for parents and students to ask questions and explore future opportunities. Register in advance!
After-School is an amazing opportunity for our staff & students to connect outside of normal school hours! 🏫✨ Students & staff are creating exciting new clubs 🎨🎭🎮 to kick off the school year. After-school clubs & late buses 🚌 will continue on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 2:25 PM - 4:45 PM throughout the school year!
📌 Check out all the after-school info linked below!
🔗 Students must access these links using their FCPS Google account!
📅Weekly After-School Club Schedule – View the March 3rd - March 7th club schedule. This list is updated weekly 📆 as new clubs are created by students & staff. If a club is highlighted & crossed out, it will not meet that day.
📖 Club Descriptions – Learn more about each club and what they offer to students! 🎭📚
🚌 Late Bus Routes/Stops – Find your child's late bus stop! Late buses depart from Thoreau on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays between 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM.
🚨 No After-School Activities or Late Bus Transportation on:
❌ Early Release Days
❌ County Holidays
❌ Possible cancellations due to inclement weather 🌨️
Get involved & make the most of your after-school time! 😊🙌
After-school PDF Link
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