A message from Principal Steven McFarlane
Kilmer Community,
Last Friday we concluded our Interdisciplinary Team Food Drive competition, and in total our community collected over 1,100 food items. Wow! I announced on Monday morning that the interdisciplinary team that brought in the most items was…(drumroll please)....Team Sirius! Congratulations to Team Sirius, but more importantly, I am so proud of all our students for putting time, effort, and money towards supporting our very own Kilmer Food Pantry.
On Saturday, March 1, the Kilmer Science Olympiad teams competed at the Mary Washington National-Ready Regional Tournament. Forty KMS students competed in 23 events in topics ranging from biology to physics. Kilmer students took home 17 medals, including 4 first-place finishes. Overall, Kilmer earned 2nd place in the regional competition and was invited to compete in the State Tournament for Virginia at University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA on March 29th. Congratulations to our Science Olympiad teams!
Finally, some local community members have expressed concerns about drivers blocking access to their driveways on Harithy Drive during Kilmer arrival and dismissal times. Please be mindful of our neighbors and refrain from blocking driveways.
Have a wonderful weekend and as always, reach out with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Steven McFarlane
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Here are just a few of the Positive Referrals received by our Kilmer Cougars from staff members this week!
Nevaya H. - I am so proud of your growth in science! You have been staying positive and respectful every class and I appreciate how hard you work. Keep it up!
Janie P. - I was so impressed with Janie yesterday! She stayed after school and really buckled down, making fantastic progress on her work. It's wonderful to see her advocate for herself and take initiative. Keep up the amazing effort!
Brandon M.B. - Thank you Brandon for showing a positive attitude in class. I wanted to let you know that I noticed how you are trying to stay focused more and to do more work. Thank you!
Yana L. - I am so proud of Yana for stepping up and taking the initiative to help clean our classroom! Her kindness and sense of responsibility truly make a difference. It’s wonderful to see you care about keeping our learning space clean and welcoming for everyone. Keep up the great work!
Ahmed I. - Ahmed has been working very hard to stay on top of his assignments in English, and we really appreciated when he was helping his classmates find their assignments online on Monday. We love to see his effort!
 Upcoming Dates:
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March 10 - Students will take the spring SEL Screener during Advisory
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Integrated Reading and Writing (IRW) and Diagnostic Writing Activity
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March 19 - Student will have a flipped Bell Schedule and start the day in their 9th period class
- 8th grade students participating in the SOL Reading test will complete an integrated reading and writing (IRW) component. The IRW component of the SOL Reading test has one non-fiction reading passage followed by 4-6 of multiple-choice/technology-enhanced items and an “invitation to write” based on the passage.
- 7th grade students will participate in a Diagnostic Writing Activity to prepare for next year’s IRW assessment.
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Fine and Performing Arts Spring Dates:
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Orchestra
- Spring Music Department Trip 5/2 @ Hershey Park
- Spring Orchestra Concert 6/2 7 pm @ Marshall HS
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Band
- Assessment Concert 3/14 and 3/15 @ Madison HS
- Spring Music Department Trip 5/2 @ Hershey Park
- Spring Band Concert 5/28 7 pm @ Marshall HS
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Chorus
- Assessment Concert 3/20 @Kenmore MS
- Honors Choir 4/24 and 4/25 @ Richmond
- Spring Music Department Trip 5/2 @ Hershey Park
- Spring Chorus Concert 5/29 @ Marshall HS
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Theatre
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Spring Musical Performance Addams Family
- March 26th: Addams Family Student Show – 2:30 pm
- March 27th: Addams Family – 7:00 pm
- March 28th: Addams Family – 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
- May 30th: Broadway Desserts – 7:00 pm
- FCPS School Calendar 2024-25
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On Saturday, March 1, the Kilmer Science Olympiad teams competed at the Mary Washington National-Ready Regional Tournament. Forty KMS students competed in 23 events in topics ranging from biology to physics. Kilmer students took home 17 medals, including 4 first-place finishes. Overall, Kilmer earned 2nd place in the regional and was invited to compete in the State Tournament for Virginia at University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA on March 29th.
Thank you to the PTA for sponsoring the Staff Luncheon from Anita’s on Thursday!
Our 7th grade science students are busy preparing for March Mammal Madness, an annual tournament hosted by scientists at Arizona State University in which 65 different animals compete in simulated combat competitions to be the ultimate champion. May the best mammal win! Happy bracketing! 🦁🐻🐘
The countdown begins—just 20 days until showtime! 🎭 Our amazing costume crew is hard at work, showcasing the striking black-and-white outfits that bring The Addams Family to life. We can’t wait to see them on stage! 🖤🤍 Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15622/kilmer-middle-school-theatre.
This past Tuesday students participated in a bus evacuation drill to practice safe emergency procedures. These drills help ensure everyone knows how to stay safe in case of an emergency. 🚍🦺 #SafetyFirst
A huge thank you to everyone who donated to our Food Drive Competition! Your generosity helps support the Kilmer Food Pantry, which provides food and supplies to Kilmer families. Congratulations to Team Sirius for winning the competition! 🎉 🥫
Students were engaged in modeling the process of mitosis, bringing cell division to life through hands-on activities. Using materials like pipe cleaners, beads, and yarn. They illustrated each stage: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase and cytokinesis-deepening their understanding of how cells replicate. Through collaborative discussions and creative representation, they gained insight into the importance of mitosis in growth, repair, and development. Their work showcases not only scientific knowledge, but also critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Congratulations to our February Student of the Month award recipients given out for being “Goal Directed and Resilient”! Students enjoyed snacks, games, and a movie to celebrate their achievement during their Learning Seminar period.
Students pictured: Megan Dean, Nicolas Gamboa, Ella Jiang, Mia Guatemala-Hernandez, Rishan Desai, Brithany Tapia Bravo, Alan Geckle, Samantha Singmaster, Juwon Kim, Declan Ryan, Malah Khadka, Athena Saltzburg, Esa Chatriwala, Reese Staadeker, Angelina Song-Ye, Fernando Flores Ramos, and Erin Martonik
Reminder - Track & Field Sign Ups
Attention Families Interested in Track & Field! In the next few days, there are two opportunities to learn about Track and get help with registration:
- Sat, March 8: 9:00 AM - 12 PM - Form and Registration Check, Kilmer Library
- Tues, March 11: 4:45 - 5:15 PM, Kilmer Library - Parent Info session #1, or 5:30 - 6:00 PM Parent Info session #2
These are optional sessions where coaches will be available to answer questions, help with forms, and check registration status. Please join us at one to ensure your runners are properly registered so they may attend our first practice on Wednesday, April 2nd!
Kilmer Track & Field Registration is open with a deadline of March 14th. Please see the Kilmer Athletics webpage for registration requirements!
Student Pickup
A few reminders from Kilmer’s main office about procedures for picking up students early or checking them in late:
- A driver’s license or similar photo ID is required to check out a student during the day. Only parents, legal guardians, and people on the student’s emergency contact list may check out a student. If someone else is picking up your student, please send an email from your email address we have on file, to KilmerMiddle.Attendance@fcps.edu that includes the full name of the person, the full name of your student, the reason for check-out, and the date of the early dismissal.
- When you arrive at the school, please ring the front entrance doorbell and let the front office know that you are checking your student in for late arrival or picking your student up for early dismissal. After entering the building, please sign your child out using the computer in the office.
- Students are not to contact their parents via cell phone/text messaging during school hours. If they need to contact you during the school day, they can use the phone in the main office.
Enabling Talking Points Notifications
Stay in the loop with your child's learning! Teachers and staff at Kilmer are using TalkingPoints to send class announcements and messages directly to you. You'll receive these via text message, or even better, through the TalkingPoints for Families app. We highly recommend downloading the app for a smoother experience and easier access to messages. Just search 'TalkingPoints for Families' in your app store. Don't forget to enable notifications so you never miss a beat!
Do you have the TalkingPoints app but feel like you are missing messages? Make sure you have enabled notifications on your device so that you are notified when a message from a teacher or staff member comes through. Directions for both iOS and Android can be found here.
SEL Screener Participation Social and Emotional Learning Screening
Students in grades 3-12 use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. These skills include achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported.
Students will participate in the Spring SEL screener during Advisory on Monday, March 10. You can opt-out your child from participating in the SEL Screener. The opt-out applies to the current school year and must be completed annually. For more information about the SEL Screener, access to its content, and the opt-out form, please click on the following link: Social Emotional Learning Screener (SEL).
Meditation & Silent Reflection Space
FCPS has developed Regulation 1502 to ensure all students and staff have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school division. The regulation provides guidance for schools on how to manage requests for silent reflection during instructional and non-instructional time, and for students to leave school for religious activities. At Kilmer MIddle School, we offer the following accommodations:
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Meditation and Silent Reflection Space – A designated space for students to engage in prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, inclusive of religious and non-religious beliefs. Parental permission is required, and students will receive a pass once approved. To request access, please contact your child’s school counselor.
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Alternative Space during Lunch – Students who are fasting and prefer an alternative lunch space may go to the library. To participate, students must complete this form. Once submitted, they will receive a daily pass from Ms. Rosas Diego.
For more details, please View Regulation 1502 and visit the FCPS' Guidelines for Religious Activities webpage. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jessica Rosas Diego, Student Services Assistant at jrosasdiego@fcps.edu .
Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28, 2025
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has issued a new, first-time waiver allowing students fasting during the school day from February 28 to March 28, 2025, to request take-home breakfast and lunch meal kits. The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will provide meal kits reflecting the school menu. Meals will be kept cold and must be heated at home. Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day. If a student purchases breakfast or lunch at school, they cannot pick up a kit that day. Meal kits must be picked up by students at the end of the school day—adults cannot collect them.Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:
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March 10, 2025, for the week of March 17, 2025
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March 17, 2025, for the week of March 24, 2025
Tickets on Sale Now for The Addams Family: School Edition
Get ready for a night of laughter, music, and spooky fun as our students bring The Addams Family: School Edition to life on stage! This hilarious musical follows the delightfully creepy Addams family as they navigate an unexpected visit from a "normal" family, leading to plenty of chaos and surprises.
Showtimes:
- Thursday, March 28 at 7:00 PM
- Friday, March 29 at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Tickets: $10 per person
Students also have the opportunity to attend a special student matinee on Tuesday, March 26 at 2:30 PM. Those attending can take the late bus home after the show. Tickets for the student performance are just $5. Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15622/kilmer-middle-school-theatre. Don’t miss the chance to see this fantastic production!
After School Activities News/Updates
Each week Ms. Kardelis will post a detailed overview of our After School Program to our website. Please visit Kilmer’s website at https://kilmerms.fcps.edu/afterschool_newsletter to find the weekly After School newsletter. If you have any questions regarding our After School Program please reach out to Kim Kardelis, After School Specialist, at kckardelis@fcps.edu.
Executive Board Contact Information
Attendance Reminder
Please read the tips below to support regular school attendance and foster a positive attitude regarding school and education:
- Scheduling: Schedule family vacations, trips, appointments, and other out-of-school activities during school holidays. See the FCPS calendar.
- Engagement: Help your student stay engaged by asking open ended questions about what is going on in school. Encourage those conversations, daily!
- Monitor Attendance: Monitor your student's attendance in ParentVue. By the end of the school year, if a student misses just two days each month, they may be considered chronically absent.
- Social-Emotional Health: If your student expresses anxiety about school, contact your student’s counselor.
Missing even a few days can negatively impact a child's academic achievement and we want to partner with you to work toward your child's success. If you have additional questions, please contact your child’s school counselor, we would be happy to speak with you further about how we can support your child’s attendance for the rest of the school year.
Lightspeed Parent Report
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