Thoreau Matters Friday, March 14, 2025

Dear Thoreau Families,

Β 

Last week, I announced Thoreau Middle School's exciting journey to become an AVID school, aiming to empower all students for future success. As a reminder, we're hosting an AVID parent information session on Monday, March 17th at 9:00 AM in Eagle Hall to provide detailed insights into the program. If you're unable to attend, the presentation slides will be included in the March 21st edition of Thoreau Matters. We are hosting a student information session on Wednesday, March 19th during Eagle Hall.

Β 

Daily, I witness students' enthusiasm for learning and their strong connections with peers, reinforcing our commitment to both academic and community growth. Thoreau's vibrant atmosphere is truly inspiring.

Β 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Β 

Teresa Khuluki

Principal


πŸ“ Parent Feedback Form πŸ“’

On Monday, March 24, you will receive an email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program for me as a principal and provides an opportunity for you to share anonymous feedback on key aspects of our school, including:

  • Instructional leadership
  • School climate
  • Management (human resources and organizational)
  • Communication and community relations
  • Culturally responsive and equitable leadership
  • Professionalism

The questionnaire will be open March 24 – April 4 and will be collected online. If you add any comments, I will see that anonymous feedback. When you receive an email from FCPSSurvey@fcps.edu, please take a few minutes to complete it. Your feedback is important and helps shape the future of our school. I read the comments, and I act on your suggestions. Thank you for your time and participation!


✨ FCPS Family Academy πŸ“š

We are excited to introduce the new FCPS Family Academyβ€”a one-stop shop for resources, tools, and learning opportunities for families! πŸ‘πŸ’‘

πŸ‘©β€πŸ« What’s Offered?

βœ… In-person & virtual classes πŸŽ“

βœ… Workshops & webinars πŸ–₯️

βœ… Family programs & resources πŸ“–

πŸ“… Explore & Register!

πŸ”Ή Choose from a variety of opportunities πŸ“

πŸ”Ή Find details on dates, times, locations, and registration 🏫⏰

πŸ”Ή See what’s available this month!

Stay connected and keep learning! 🌟


πŸŽ‰ Rising 9th Grade Activity Fairs πŸŽ‰

πŸ“’ Attention 8th Graders! On Thursday, April 10th, our students will visit Madison, Marshall, and Oakton High Schools for their annual Activity Fair! 🏫✨

🚌 Trip Details:

βœ… Departure: Students will be bused to the high schools around 9:45 AM. βœ… Return Times:

  • Madison (375 students) & Oakton (260 students): Back to Thoreau by 11:45 AM, then lunch & 8th period. πŸ½οΈπŸ“š
  • Marshall (33 students): Back by 12:45 PM and will go straight to 8th period since they’ll eat lunch at Marshall.

πŸ“„ Permission Slips: πŸ“ These were handed out in science classes the week of March 10th. πŸ”Ž Parents/Guardiansβ€”please check for these forms! 🚨 Deadline: Signed permission slips are due by Friday, April 4th to your child’s science teacher. ⚠️ No permission slip = No field trip!

❓ Attending a different high school? Reach out to your child’s counselor for next steps!

Let’s get ready for high school! πŸŽ“πŸ’™


Spring Track 2025

πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ SPRING TRACK IS COMING! πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈ

🌟 Students interested in joining Spring Track should attend the Interest Meeting on Wednesday, March 19th during Eagle Time. 


Jazz Night

πŸŽ‰ THOREAU AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM 🎭

πŸ“† Weekly After-School Club Schedule – this is the club schedule for the week of March 17th - March 21st. πŸ“… The weekly club schedule is updated weekly since clubs are always being added as they are created by students and Thoreau staff. If a club is highlighted and crossed out, that means that the club will not be meeting that day. ❌

πŸ“– Club Descriptions – learn a little bit more about what each particular club is and what they will be offering to the students. ✨

🚌 Late Bus Routes/Stops – help your child find their late bus stop. Late buses depart from Thoreau on Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 4:30pm-5pm only! ⏳

⚠️ NO After-School Activities or Late Bus Transportation on: 🚨 Early Release Days πŸŽ† County Holidays ❄️ Possible cancellation due to inclement weather

THOREAU WEEKLY AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS SCHEDULE:

Week of March 17th - March 21st


PALS Exam

πŸ“ PALs Exams – Important Dates & Reminders!πŸ“š

Students who are taking Spanish Level 1 and Part B will be taking the PALs exams.Β 

  • Writing PALs:Β Β Β 
  • May 1st and May 2nd
  • Students need to bring pencils and erasersΒ 
  • Interpretive PALs:
  • May 27th and May 28thΒ 
  • Students need to bring wired headsets and charged laptops
  • Speaking PALs:
  • Throughout the month of May

Β 

7th graders who are taking Part A will NOT be taking them this school year.


πŸ€ Important Ticket Information for 2025 Crosstown Hoops! πŸ€

πŸ“’ The Thoreau 7th and 8th grade Crosstown Hoops basketball teams will take on Kilmer Middle School on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Marshall High School at 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM). ⏰

🎟️ All tickets will be $5 (plus fees).

🎫 General Admission Tickets:

πŸ“… Tickets will be available beginning March 24th.

πŸ“§ Those Thoreau Middle School students and families who wish to attend must purchase tickets through the link that will be emailed to the primary parent email on file at Thoreau.

πŸ“ You will be required to enter your Thoreau student's information, as well as the names of the persons actually using the tickets (tickets are not transferable).

β›” Any tickets purchased by non-Thoreau families will be canceled. πŸ“ All tickets will be scanned at the door.

⚠️ Each person may purchase a maximum of two (2) tickets.


πŸ™‹β€β™‚οΈ Calling all Crosstown Hoops Volunteers! πŸ™‹β€β™€οΈ

We need your help to ensure this awesome community event runs smoothly! 🌟 As the away team, we need volunteers to support:

βœ… Event-day set up πŸ—οΈ βœ… Check-in 🏷️ βœ… Spirit gear distribution πŸŽ‰ βœ… Wristband distribution 🎟️

πŸ™ Please help if you can!

πŸ”— Sign up here: Volunteer Sign-Up

πŸ“© Any questions? Contact Alison McKee at alisonmckee0519@gmail.comΒ