A message from Principal Steven McFarlane
Kilmer Community,
Great news! (no pun intended) - FCPS featured a news story about the success of Kilmer’s Positive Referral Program this week. An FCPS Media Outreach Specialist stopped by Kilmer last Monday to learn more about our program. He talked with staff members, Kristen Mattix, Alexia Flynn, and Kristen Reigard, along with three students, Sai Gaddabathini, Mohammed Mansour, and Naomi Rosner. Naomi perfectly summed up the impact of positive referrals on our students: “I feel like when you get a Positive Referral you realize, ‘Hey, I am really good the way I am,’ and you realize that you’re really smart and kind, and you can do lots of great things in this world.” Be sure to check the article out on the FCPS website: FCPS link, or the Kilmer website: Kilmer Middle School link.
Also, thanks to Christine Sciabica for serving as an interim assistant principal for the past few months. I cannot thank her enough for bringing her knowledge and expertise to the Kilmer community. We wish her well as she heads back into retirement…for now 🙂. Ms. Sciabica’s departure means Emily Castro is coming back from maternity leave. We’re excited to welcome Ms. Castro back on Monday!
Have a wonderful weekend and as always, reach out with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Steven McFarlane
Principal
|
Here are just a few of the Positive Referrals received by our Kilmer Cougars from staff members this week!
Elizabeth R. - Elizabeth welcomed a new student to Kilmer. She engaged him in conversation and made him part of our 3rd period HPE class. Well done, Elizabeth.
Zi-Huan T. - Zi-Huan, Thank you for coming into class ready to learn. Thank you also for your wonderful sense of humor with your writing. I enjoy reading your question of the day responses.
Maddy N. - Being a risk taker by joining the competitive side of the gym during the basketball unit.
Josue M.S. - You did a great job handling a difficult situation and advocating for yourself in a responsible, respectful way. You are setting a great example for your classmates and you are making good choices for yourself, way to go!
Ciel L. - I can always count on Ciel for excellence in performance and conscientious hard work.
 Upcoming Dates
-
April 10 - 8th graders travel to Marshall HS or Madison HS for Rising 9th Grade Activities Fair
-
Fine and Performing Arts Spring Dates:
-
Orchestra
- Spring Music Department Trip 5/2 @ Hershey Park
- Spring Orchestra Concert 6/2 7 pm @ Marshall HS
-
Band
- Spring Music Department Trip 5/2 @ Hershey Park
- Spring Band Concert 5/28 7 pm @ Marshall HS
-
Chorus
- Honors Choir 4/24 and 4/25 @ Richmond
- Spring Music Department Trip 5/2 @ Hershey Park
- Spring Chorus Concert 5/29 @ Marshall HS
-
Theatre
-
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
🏀 Cross-Town Hoops is Heating Up! 🏀 Our teams are putting in the work as they gear up for the big showdown against Thoreau! Come out and support them on Thursday, April 3, from 6:00–9:00 PM at Marshall High School.
🕵️♂️ Detectives in Action! 🕵️♀️ Our 7th-grade English classes took over the library this week, putting their critical thinking skills to the test! 🔍 They analyzed informational texts for author's bias and credibility while solving a mystery crime case—navigating witness bias and determining credibility. They also became headline editors, crafting and evaluating news headlines with bias in mind.
⚽ After-School Soccer Fun! ⚽ Kilmer students hit the field for some friendly competition during the after-school program! Great energy, teamwork, and sportsmanship on display. Keep the games going! #KilmerAfterSchool
Course Registration for 25-26
Course registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now closed. You can view your child’s selected courses in SIS ParentVUE under the Course Requests tab. Instructions for accessing course requests are available here: Online Course Requests in ParentVue. The list of course requests is not a final schedule, but a confirmation of courses entered into the student information system.
7th Grade Students: To request a course change, please email a Kilmer counselor by Friday, May 2. Schedule changes cannot be accommodated at the start of the school year.
Please note:
- Elective choices may change due to space limitations and scheduling conflicts.
- Music placements will be updated after spring auditions.
- Special education and ESOL course placements may change based on their English language proficiency or IEP service hours.
8th Grade Students: Kilmer is no longer able to assist with changes to high school courses. If you have questions about 9th grade courses, please contact the Office of Student Services at your child's high school.
Kilmer and Marshall Winterguards Show
The Kilmer Winterguard will be performing with the Marshall Guard on Thursday, March 27th at the annual Friends and Family show! There will be an open rehearsal with the Marshall Guard from 6:00-7:00 pm and the show will start at 7:00 pm.
Spring Break STEM Camp – Hands-On Science & Engineering Activities!
Looking for an exciting and educational way for your child to spend Spring Break? Students from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology are hosting a Spring Break STEM Camp for 4th-7th graders from April 14-18 in McLean, VA. Campers will explore engineering, coding, chemistry, physics, and biology through engaging, hands-on activities designed to make STEM fun and accessible. The camp runs from 9 AM - 3 PM, with optional extended care available.
- Cost: $180 (FREE for students receiving free/reduced lunch)
- Location: 6888 Elms St. Suite 2C, McLean, VA
- Lunch: Students should bring their own
- All proceeds benefit CAPA NoVA and TJHSST clubs
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/N9downzWECuXoYQW9. For more details or questions, please email springstemcamp@gmail.com.
Principal Evaluation Staff Feedback Form
On Monday, March 24, parents and guardians of Kilmer Middle School 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 and provides an opportunity to share anonymous feedback about our school’s leadership and environment.
Topics covered in the survey include:
- 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. Keep an eye out for an email from FCPSSurvey@fcps.edu and take a few minutes to complete it.
Your input is valuable and helps shape the future of our school. Thank you for your time and feedback!
High School Activities Fairs
On April 10, 8th graders will attend either Marshall High School or Madison High School’s Activities Fair for Rising 9th Graders. This is a chance for students to learn more about high school clubs, sports, and activities. Field trip forms are being distributed and collected through students’ science classes. Signed field trip forms are due March 25, 2025.
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:
-
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.
-
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 .
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
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.
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
|
