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Dear Keene Mill Families,
Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! We are so excited to welcome both our returning students and those who are new to our school community. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or have been part of our school for years, we’re so glad you’re here.
At Keene Mill Elementary, we are committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive. This year, we’re especially focused on building strong relationships, supporting every learner, and partnering with families to ensure student success. When home and school work together, children flourish—and we are honored to partner with you.
Our dedicated teachers and staff have been busy preparing classrooms and planning engaging lessons that will spark curiosity and help students reach their full potential. In addition to a strong academic foundation, we’re also committed to fostering students’ social-emotional well-being and helping them become kind, confident, and respectful members of our community.
We look forward to seeing many of you at our Open House on August 15, 2025, and Back-to-School Night on September 10, 2025, which are great opportunities to meet teachers, visit classrooms, and learn more about what to expect this year.
Please check our website and weekly newsletters regularly for updates and important information throughout the year. And as always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need support—we are here to help.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
Warmly,
Ms. Peace
Principal
Keene Mill Open House
We look forward to welcoming new and returning families to Keene Mill to meet their teachers and drop off supplies. Families can complete a scavenger hunt to help them explore other areas of the building, join the PTA, and purchase Keene Mill spirit wear.
DATE: Friday, August 15, 2025
- 1:00-1:30- New Student Orientation in the cafeteria
- 1:30-2:00- Last Names A - L
- 2:10-2:40- Last Names M - Z
- 2:45-3:15- Sensory Sensitive Students
Kindergarten Playdate
Kindergarten Playdate will be on Saturday, August 16 at 9:00 am on the blacktop and playground. We look forward to meeting our newest Kangas as they hop into school.
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Bus Information
Bus routes will be populating this week into your Parent Vue account in SIS. If you don’t see your child’s bus route information by August 11th, please send an email to Amelia Couillard ancouillard@fcps.edu. It is also recommended that you check your Parent Vue account again before the 18th, as routes can sometimes change.
If your child will be arriving on a FCPS bus – staff will be waiting at the doors of the bus to ensure they know where their classroom is. Student patrols are assigned to Kinder students and they will be seated at the front of the bus.
All Kinder bus students must be met at the afternoon stop and asked for by name. If not, they will return to the school so please make sure you plan ahead.
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☑️ Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Contact our registrar at cjfranco@fcps.edu or 703-644-4700 if you need an activation code. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
- Parental consent is required for the use of some digital resources in FCPS. Please review the resources and provide your consent using the Parent Digital Consent System (PDC).
- The first week of school, all students in grades 1 – 6 will be issued laptops and/or Chrome Books. Kindergarten students will be receiving in-school iPads sometime within the first month of school.
- Opt-Out Forms are available through the Parent Digital Consent System (PDC) and include:
- School Counseling Opt-Out
- SEL Screener Opt-Out
- Family Life Education Opt-Out
- Objection to Release of Information to Outside Organizations
- Objection to Release of Directory Information to the Public
Student ID Numbers Needed for School Meals (New This Year)
Starting this school year, students will enter their student ID number — not their current cafeteria PIN — at the cash register to receive school meals. Please remind your child of their student ID number, which you can find in SIS ParentVUE. View more updates and reminders for school meals this year.
Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meal benefits. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary, and high school students. Food and Nutrition Services has a standardized process for requesting dietary accommodations to make sure every child eats safe and healthy food at school.
Apply for Free and Reduced-Price Meals
The application for free and reduced-price meals is now available for the 2025-26 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price meals last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Paying for Lunch With MySchoolBucks
The best way to purchase meals and additional food items is to use MySchoolBucks. If you have not already, set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today.
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We Are a Phone-Free School!
Please remind your student that cell phones and personal devices (airpods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell). Cell phones are also not permitted to be used as an instructional tool. If you need to contact your student during the school day, please call our front office at 703-644-4700. Learn more about FCPS’ cell phone policy, which helps students stay focused, safe, and engaged at school.
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Volunteer FCPS Helps Community Members Connect With Schools
All volunteers (new or returning) will register in Volunteer FCPS, complete a volunteer orientation, and be required to sign in using the visitor kiosk. Some volunteers will also be required to undergo a background check. Visit the Volunteer FCPS website for details.
Mark Your Calendar
Friday, August 15th - KMES Open House
Saturday, August 16th-Kindergarten Playdate on the playground
Monday, August 18th - First Day of School @ 9:15 am
Friday, August 29 & Monday, September 1-Labor Day Holiday-No School
Tuesday, September 9-Election Day-No School for Students
Wednesday, September 10-Early Release @ 1:00 pm
Wednesday, September 10-Back to School Night @ 6:30 pm
View the 2025-26 school year calendar
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