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We are thrilled to have been able to spend time learning and hearing from National Book Award winning author, Neal Shusterman on Wednesday, February 26. Mr. Shusterman spent an hour with students and staff over Zoom answering students and staff members’ questions about his books.
Greetings Irving Families,
There is so much to share about what an amazing week it has been. First, I want to congratulate the cast and crew of Frozen Jr. for their outstanding performances last weekend. The productions were so enjoyable and the dress up and sing-along matinee’ on Sunday was a hit for all the children in attendance. Our students are so talented and their hard work and dedication to the musical was fantastic to watch and hear!
I also want to congratulate our Orchestra students and Ms. Pfiester on a beautiful concert Wednesday evening. The pre-assessment concert is not just for entertainment purposes - students were also being assessed and will use that feedback as they rehearse over the next few days leading up to the District Assessment on Saturday, March 8. We wish them all the best - based on the concert performance this week, we know they are going to do an excellent job!
Pictured above is an image of National Book Award winner, author Neal Shusterman. We were so fortunate to be able to have students and staff spend time with Mr. Shusterman this week. He spent an hour answering student and staff member’s questions via Zoom. Mr. Shusterman is one of my favorite Young Adult authors, his Unwind series is one of my favorites. Mr. Shusterman was gracious enough to answer questions about where he gets ideas for his characters, what his writing process is like, what he is working on and so much more. His new book, also pictured above, has been highly rated by our students.
Lastly, I would like to remind parents/guardians of students who would like to participate in Track and Field that our information session is on Tuesday, March 4 at 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm via Zoom. Please use this link to access the meeting. I look forward to seeing families on Tuesday!
Take Care!
Cindy Conley
Principal
New Irving MS Information
Supporting Academic Growth and Reading on Level by Third Grade
The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan.
Across FCPS, teachers, staff, parents, and even older students are invested in helping our youngest learners grow their love of reading from a strong foundation.
The goal is for students to move from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” by the end of the third grade. Reading on grade level is connected to other Strategic Plan goals, including completing advanced coursework and graduating on time.
Last fall, FCPS introduced a new reading curriculum that aligns with evidence-based literacy instruction. Between fall and winter, reading screener results show more than a 4% increase in the number of students in kindergarten to third grade approaching or meeting expectations. Similarly, 3.4% more third graders demonstrate strong foundations of reading and 8.4% more third graders are mastering grade-level standards.
Discover how an elementary school employs a science-based approach, including phonics, to supercharge students' reading.
Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date.
Eating Disorder Parent/Guardian Information
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 genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. In the United States, 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives. There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Rather, it is a complex combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that converge and set off an individual’s predisposed genetic vulnerability.
In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a web page with detailed information and resources to be provided to parents and guardians of Fairfax County Public Schools. This information may be found at Eating Disorders.
Irving MS Meditation and Silent Reflection Space Practices and Procedures
In alignment with FCPS Regulation 1502, Irving MS ensures that students and staff of all religious backgrounds have reasonable accommodations and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school building. The following are our guidelines, in accordance with updated Regulation 1502.
- Our meditation and silent reflection spaces are located in the Principal’s Conference Room in the Main Office and in Barker Hall should a larger space be needed.
- Meditation and silent reflection space may change as needed, but we will make our effort to keep students and staff informed of the location changes as they occur.
- Supervision, as available, will be provided in the meditation and silent reflection space. Due to safety or supervision issues, a school may not be able to provide a meditation and silent reflection space on a temporary basis but shall work with individual students on other possible ways to accommodate their prayer, meditation, and silent reflection needs.
Prayer, Meditation, and Silent Reflection during Instructional Time
- Students are only permitted to use Meditation and Silent Reflection rooms during instructional time when there is a request that cannot be accommodated in any other way that does not impact instruction. Without an approved accommodation to address a need that warrants missing class, students are not permitted to use the rooms during instruction.
- Parents/caregivers must provide written permission for students to miss instructional time on a regular basis. Please use this Google Form to give permission for their child to utilize the meditation and silent reflection space during instructional times.
Use of Meditation and Silent Reflection Spaces
- Individuals using the space shall abide by the following rules and guidelines
- Intended for personal use
- Respect the rights and beliefs of others
- The meditation and silent reflection space may be used for individual or group prayer, meditation, or silent reflection.
- The use of the meditation and silent reflection space shall be voluntary, and no student or staff member will be compelled to use or participate in activities within the space.
- The Students Rights and Responsibilities applies to all students who use the space.
- The reflection space is available during regular hours: 7:30 am - 2:15 pm.
- Students should report to the Main Office to check in.
Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28
Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day. Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student. To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.
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Library News
Young writers were inspired. Reluctant readers became less reluctant. Fans became more enamored. All of these things happened when best-selling author Neal Shusterman Zoomed in to meet with Irving staff and students on Wednesday, February 26th. While Mr. Shusterman’s presentation promoted and discussed his new book, All Better Now, the conversation meandered in the direction of our students’ questions, covering everything from how to deal with writer’s block, to what sort of music inspires Shusterman’s writing, to when is there going to be a Scythe movie? (Answer to the last one is: “No movie, but a Peacock series is in the works!) Snacks, free swag from the publishers, Kahoots and prizes rounded out the afternoon. A great day at Irving!
This week we have new news to share from “Irving Says…” Would you rather always be STOIC regardless of the situation, or occasionally be CHOLERIC? Sixty-three percent of students reported that they’d prefer to remain stoic. Ask your student what other new vocabulary words they are learning in classes! Keep reading!
Ms. Monk and Mr. Brizek, Librarians
After School Information
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:
- Humanity Club, returns Monday, March 3, 1st block.
- Ultimate Frisbee, returns Thursday, March 6, 1st block.
- Chess Club, will start Thursday, March 13, 1st block.
- Percy Jackson Club, began Wednesday, February 19, 1st block.
- Heritage Night Planning Committee, began Thursday, February 6, 1st block.
- Boys Volleyball Clinic, began Monday, February 10, 2nd block, all levels are welcomed.
- FAB Fridays, ends at 3:30pm. There are no late buses on Fridays and the Weekly Sign-up is required.
Canceled for next week:
- TV Studio, on Monday March 3 and Wednesday, March 5
- Core Conditioning for Athletes will return in the Spring
- Future Makers and Robotics is postponed until further notice
- Gardening Club will return in the Spring
- Vendor provided programming: Magnus Chess Academy, Community & Leadership Workshop and Super Sleuths, will return after Spring Break
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.**
PTA NEWS
PTA Meeting – March 11 at 6:30 p.m. - Join us in the school library as we discuss the county’s advertised FY26 budget plan, which would eliminate funding for middle school after-school programs countywide, and how we can advocate for them. We’ll also vote on the nominating committee, review survey results, and discuss next year’s membership dues. This hybrid meeting will include a Zoom option—link to come next week.
Spirit Wear! We heard your feedback and are offering new products, fresh logos, and direct shipping to your door! Check out our new online store today. https://1stplacespiritwear.com/collection/97260. Get 25% off during our Grand Opening Sale, February 25–March 10, with code SPIRIT626.
Please Take Our Healthy Minds Survey / Encuesta Healthy Minds The WIMS PTA received a National PTA Healthy Minds Grant to provide resources for parents and caregivers to support student well-being. Please take this short anonymous survey to share what would be most helpful for your family. https://forms.gle/4Lp4gEnP96cUU3P26
La PTA de WIMS recibió una subvención de Healthy Minds para ayudar a proporcionar recursos a los padres y tutores para apoyar el bienestar estudiantil. Complete esta breve encuesta anónima para compartir qué sería más útil para su familia. https://forms.gle/qkCo9fyRfqujRS2b7
Chick-fil-A Spirit Week – March 10-14 - Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Chick-fil-A Burke Centre and support Irving Middle School PTA! Mention us when you order or use mobile code IMS25, and 15% of sales will be donated.
Bingo Night is April 4th! If you or someone you know might be interested in donating a prize basket, gift card, or prize for our prize table, we’d appreciate your support. To sign up copy and paste this link into your browser: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A4AAFAF29ABFB6-55104986-wims#/ Thank you!
Papa John's Spirit Day – Every Thursday is Spirit Day at Springfield Papa John's (Rolling Road). Order online using promo code IMS4010 to enjoy 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 with Seasonal Roots! – Support local farmers and our school by joining 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.
Connect with the WIMS PTA: Email: irvingmspta@gmail.com Website: irvingms.givebacks.com Facebook: @WIMSPTA Instagram: @irvingmiddleschoolpta
West Springfield High School Staff vs. Students Basketball Game
The West Springfield High School Staff vs. Students Basketball Game is on Tuesday, March 4, at 7:00 pm!
Admission is free and everyone is invited to bring your family and friends to watch the game and enjoy a thrilling halftime entertainment show. A reminder all middle school students must be accompanied by an adult.
🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Summer Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps.
IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, Health and Physical Education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater.
Earn Credit Toward Graduation This Summer
Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 6. Mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible middle and high school students.
Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. This is a self-directed course where students work independently. The course is available between Monday, June 23, and Friday, July 25. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, May 23. For more information, visit this Summer Learning page.
2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)
Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.
This event will feature:
- Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
- Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.
- Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
- Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.
Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process.
Learn more about this event and register today! Contact FamilySummit@fcps.edu for more information.
📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
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:
- Middle School Start Times
- New Lunch Items
- Talking to Teens About Tough Topics
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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