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March 8: Food for Neighbors - Red Bag Collection Day
March 9: Daylight Saving Time Starts - Spring your clocks forward.
March 10-14: Chick-fil-A Burke Spirit Week- Use code IMS25
March 11: PTA General Membership Meeting- 6:30 pm
March 12: No After School and Late Buses
March 13: Lewis Leadership Program Information Night for Rising 9th graders. At Lewis High School from 6:30-7:30 pm For more information click HERE.
March 19: Integrated Reading and Writing SOL assessment for 8th graders. Please try to avoid scheduling appointments before 10:00 am on this day.
March 24: (during 1st period advisory) Student Track and Field Information Meeting
April 4: PTA BINGO Night- doors open at 6:30 pm, games begin at 7:00pm
Greetings Irving Families,
We had another great week and we were fortunate to have an outside break today. It looks like we are moving into warmer weather and will continue to be able to go outside for our breaks. While the weather is getting warmer, we do go outside for the first break at 10:25 am, so please continue to remind students to bring coats/jackets that are appropriate for the temperature.
With the warmer weather, we are seeing an increase in students riding bikes and walking to school. To ensure a safe arrival for all students, we are asking all parents/guardians to drop off their child at school using the Kiss and Ride Lanes only. We have also seen an increase in students being dropped off on Old Keene Mill Road or drivers driving into the bus lanes in our main loop to drop off students. Please note the second entrance into our parking lot from Old Keene Mill is not a student drop off area. With the time change this weekend, it will be darker again at the start of our day and we must ensure a safe arrival for all students. Thank you in advance for using the Kiss and Ride lanes only for student drop off.
Lastly, thank you to those who were able to attend the Track and Field Information session this week. We will be posting the slides on Monday along with a voice over presentation to the Schoology Parent Group. We will also be sending out a voice-over presentation of the slides next week.
Take Care!
Cindy Conley
Principal
New Irving MS Information
Developing a Strong Academic Foundation, Curiosity, and Joy for Learning
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.
A strong start for every student is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan. Pre-K classrooms are making a difference in our community. In this video, we explore the importance of bringing children under the age of five together, regardless of abilities.
Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date and learn about opportunities to provide feedback to Fairfax County and FCPS.
Rise Against Hunger Donation Drive
Thank you for donating to our Rise Against Hunger Donation Drive! We have a ways to go to meet our goal and any amount counts towards our goal! We continue to look for sponsors and partners to help us meet this goal. If you would like to make a donation or know of someone who would like to partner with us to help us reach our goal, please share this link to the Irving Middle School Rise Against Hunger donation and information page. More information will be shared over the next couple of weeks as we continue to kick off our Rise Against Hunger campaign.
"Rise Against Hunger is growing a global movement to end hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives and responding to emergencies". Most recently, they have been providing significant support to people in the communities destroyed by fires in California. We have a lofty goal of having all 641, eighth grade students participate in packing meals for distribution on our event day, Wednesday, June 4. To meet this goal, we would like to raise $24,100, which pays for the food, supplies, and distribution. If we can reach our fundraising goal, our students would be able to pack more than 60,000 meals throughout the day.
Leadership Opportunity for Rising 9th Graders: Explore the Lewis Leadership Program at John R. Lewis High School
During the 2025-26 school year, the Lewis Leadership Program will welcome a new class of ninth grade students. A limited number of full-time enrollment spaces are available for rising ninth grade FCPS students whose base school is not Lewis High School. Accepted students would transfer to Lewis High School and become full-time students there beginning in fall 2025. Students who participate in the Lewis Leadership Program are also eligible to complete the IB Diploma Programme.
About the Lewis Leadership Program
The John Lewis Leadership Program provides real-world leadership development through field trips, guest speakers, service projects, specialized coursework, internships, and university partnerships. These unique student leadership opportunities are supported by more than 70 organization and university partners, including the family of Congressman Lewis.
The program is flexible and personalized, and each student’s pathway is different. Our organization partners provide unique experiences just for Lewis students, with opportunities to develop essential leadership skills that colleges and employers value. Here are some examples of the unique experiences the Lewis Leadership Program provides:
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Video: Change-Makers Project to build a community farm and address the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger, in partnership with the Workforce Innovation and Skills Hub and Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture.
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Video: John Lewis Legacy Trip to Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia in partnership with the John R. Lewis Legacy Institute and the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation
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Article: George Mason University partners with Lewis Leadership Program students to preserve local history
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Article: Lewis Leadership Program students led a national event in partnership with leading disability rights organizations including ENDependence Center, Inclusion Consultants, The Arc of Northern Virginia, and RevUP.
Attend an Information Session
Interested parents, guardians, and students are encouraged to attend one of our information sessions to learn about the program and transfer process:
- Lewis High School, March 13th, 6:30-7:30 PM
Questions about information sessions? Email dmmarch@fcps.edu
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.
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
Because of the warm and drier weather, students were able to have a break outside of their classrooms this week. We welcome our “usuals” and a few newcomers to the library during the four break session. Students borrow books at this time, sit with friends, play board or card games, work on puzzles and relax. We’re happy that the library is a comfortable spot for students to hangout.
The “Irving Says…” questions of the week continue to give an issue that prompts student thinking, and also expands their vocabulary. This week students were asked, “Would you rather ADJUDICATE in a dispute between two of your friends, or remain IMPARTIAL in a dispute between two of your friends?” Out of the 349 responses, 67% answered that they’d remain impartial if there was a dispute between two of their friends. Wise move! Ask your student what other new vocabulary words they are learning in classes!
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:
- Futsal/Soccer, will meet on Tuesday, March 11, both blocks.
- Ultimate Frisbee, returns Thursday, March 13, 1st block.
- Chess Club, starts Thursday, March 13, 1st block.
- Girls’ Basketball Club, began Thursday, March 6, 1st block, all levels are welcomed.
- Lego Robotics, starts on Thursday, March 13, both blocks, sign-up is required.
- Open Gym, will meet on Thursday, March 13, both blocks.
- 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:
After School Clubs and Late Buses
- 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.**
💬 Share Your Input on the County Budget
The Fairfax County government presented its Fiscal Year 2026 Advertised Budget Plan to the Board of Supervisors on February 18. The community is invited to share feedback through an online survey, email, phone calls, or by attending Budget Town Hall meetings.
Spirit Wear! Get 25% off through March 10, with code SPIRIT626. Check out our new products, fresh logos, and direct shipping to your door.
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.
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.
Spirit Wear! Get 25% off through March 10, with code SPIRIT626. Check out our new products, fresh logos, and direct shipping to your door.
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.
Donate for Staff Appreciation Week May 5-9 - the PTA is planning several special activities to recognize and thank our amazing staff. Your tax deductible donation will help make these events a success. Any amount is welcome and appreciated! To donate, visit: https://irvingms.givebacks.com/store/items/62509.
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
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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