Katherine Johnson MS Weekly News - October 24, 2025

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in this issue:


Upcoming Events @ KJMS

October 25 - Cross Country Meet @ Franklin MS

October 28 -  PTA Meeting - 7:00 PM - KJMS Library 

October 31 - End of 1st Quarter - Students dismissed @ 12:15 

November 2 - ⏰Daylight Saving Time Ends (Fall Back)

November 3 - School Planning Day (No School for Students)

November 4 - Election Day / Teacher Work Day (No School for Students)

November 11 - Veteran's Day

November 12- Career Day

November 13-15 - KJMS Fall Play 

November 26-28 - Thanksgiving Break - FCPS Schools and Offices Closed 


Principal's Message

Dear KJMS Families,

We’re excited to celebrate Spirit Week next week! Encourage your students to join in the fun and show their school spirit each day. Details about daily themes are listed in the graphic below. 

A reminder that our next PTA Meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 28 at 7:00pm. We hope you can join us to stay connected and learn more about what’s happening at KJMS.  Our School Based Technology Specialist (SBTS), Mrs. Owens, will present on how to monitor your child’s assignments and grades using SIS and Schoology.  

As we approach Halloween, please remind students that while costumes are welcome, they must follow these important guidelines:

  • No imitation weapons of any kind.
  • Costumes may not fully cover a student’s face.
  • All costumes must be school appropriate and adhere to the FCPS Dress Code.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain a fun and safe learning environment for all students.

Finally, all Teacher Advisory (TA) lessons can be found on Schoology under the All School – Johnson Middle School Course. Once there, click on the Teacher Advisory (TA) Lessons folder to access the materials.

If you have any questions or concerns you can contact our main office at 703-934-2400 or contact me directly at cmsmith@fcps.edu.

Enjoy your weekend!

Chris Smith

Principal - Katherine Johnson MS 


KJMS Spirit Week

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Monday, 10/27 - PJ Day - Start off the week comfortable with some cozy pajamas!

Tuesday, 10/28 - Twin Tuesday - Match with a friend or even better, your actual twin on Twin Tuesday

Wednesday, 10/29 - Adam Sandler Day - Dress like Adam Sandler and wear a laid-back, comfortable style for Wednesday.

Thursday, 10/30 - 6/7 Day - Wear the numbers 6, 7 or wear ice cream shorts.

Friday, 10/31 - Halloween! Wear your school-appropriate Halloween costumes and get ready for a two hour early release!


Changes to Middle and High School Report Card Feedback

With the first quarter of the school year ending on Friday, October 31, families can expect student report cards to be available the week of November 10. 

FCPS has revised the way teachers provide feedback on report cards, so you may notice some new comments. Specifically, comments have been revised to provide more detailed feedback for students and families.

Also, teachers will now include a Work Habits mark each quarter for each student. This scale provides feedback on students’ time management, organization, assignment completion, and overall effort in class. This is meant as feedback to families and will not appear on a student’s transcript. 

View the Middle and High School Grading and Reporting webpage for more information.


SIS ParentVUE End-of-Quarter Closure

The Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the first quarter from Friday, October 31, 4 p.m. to Monday, November 10, 6 a.m. Activate your ParentVUE account to easily access grade reports.


🏆Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards!

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a KJMS Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through the Google form links below. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category).

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The Google form has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards and eligibility requirements.

Outstanding Teacher

Outstanding New Teacher

Outstanding Professional Employee

Outstanding Operational Employee 

Outstanding Leader

Outstanding Principal

The deadline to submit a nomination is COB Friday, November 7, 2025.


Red Ribbon Open House

A Parent’s Guide to Preventing Substance Abuse

The Family Resource Center (FRC) and Office of Student Safety and Wellness will host a Red Ribbon Awareness Open House on Friday, October 24, from noon to 2 p.m.

This event aims to equip attendees with essential resources and confidence to discuss substance use with their children. Narcan training will be offered. After the presentation, participants can tour the FRC library and browse through pre-selected resources.


GMU CCMH Group

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Fairfax County Youth Survey on Physical and Mental Well-Being

The Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors work together to administer the Fairfax County Youth Survey. The survey is given each fall to all students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12. It provides information about a variety of topics related to our students that influence their physical and mental well-being, from sleep, physical activity, and nutritional habits to protective factors, substance use behaviors, and symptoms of depression. 

The 2025 Fairfax County Youth Survey will be taken by students between Monday, November 10, and Friday, November 21. Parents and caregivers can opt their student out of participating in the survey if they so choose. 

Visit the Fairfax County Youth Survey webpage for more information and to review the opt-out forms.

✨ Providing students with access to the necessary emotional, behavioral, mental, and physical health services to support their successful engagement in school is part of the FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.


Applications Open Monday, October 20, for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Eighth graders who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2030 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).

The application will be available Monday, October 20, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, with a submission deadline of 4 p.m. Friday, November 14. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information, including a schedule of upcoming information sessions at middle schools. 


October Community Boundary Review Meetings

FCPS’ October community boundary review meetings are underway. Each of the 12 meetings will focus on two pyramids. Our pyramid will be covered at the meeting on

Tuesday, October 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m.,

at Fairfax High Schoolin person or virtual

Register by clicking “in person” or “virtual,” based on how you would like to participate.

At the meeting, the consultant will present the latest draft boundary map (Scenario 4) and potential changes specific to our Fairfax and the Woodson pyramids. Participants will also be invited to ask questions.

If you are unable to attend the meeting for our pyramid, you are welcome to attend any meeting that is convenient. View the list of October boundary meetings

Visit the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information.


Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Your voice matters, and Dr. Reid wants to hear from you! Parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life. 

A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. These events are also a chance for you to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. To register for the October 3 meeting, please click that date below. Registration links for the other dates will be available soon:

Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Please check our website for updates


How Bond Projects Are Selected 

Each year, the School Board and FCPS staff members work with the community to develop an updated, five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for school building and renovation projects. To develop the CIP, the school system assesses changes in expected enrollments, academic programs, and facility conditions to determine priorities for new construction, renovations, and other capital facility projects. The School Board then evaluates the affordability of these school needs against other countywide requirements to determine the bond proposal. 

Because of this, while FCPS and the School Board generally try to follow the CIP, changes can be made year-over-year depending on the evolving needs of the school division.

The School Board is committed to protecting the community’s investment in schools and other buildings, which have a combined present value approaching $9 billion. Not only do these facilities wear out over time, but they also become outdated, both technologically and instructionally. FCPS renovates its schools to ensure that students, countywide, have effective and efficient learning environments to thrive and grow.

Read more about the FCPS 2025 Bond Referendum. Learn more about registering to vote. Make a voting plan and vote on Tuesday, November 4. 


Calendar Reminder

Quarter End, Early Release, Student Holidays

Friday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 3, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 4, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

November 4 - Election Day / Teacher Work Day

Don’t forget to get out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 4! The day will be observed as a holiday for students and a teacher work day. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections webpage. See the complete school year calendar.


FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • ⏰ School Start Times Update
  • 🎖️ 75% of FCPS Schools Recognized for Supporting Military Families
  • Return Your Impact Aid Survey

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  


KJMS PTA

Katherine Johnson Middle School (KJMS)

Sign up today!

KJMS PTA Webpage

Sign up here to join the PTA: Givebacks


Who Is Your School Counselor for SY 25-26?

7th Grade:

Captains – Tyisha Williamson

Hokies – Dayle Ranallo

Patriots – Friday Oeur

Spartans – Curtiss Barnes

8th Grade:

Highlanders – Tyisha Williamson

Panthers – Dayle Ranallo

Nighthawks – Friday Oeur

Cavaliers – Curtiss Barnes


KJMS Family Liaisons

If you need to contact one of our parent liaisons, Ana Maxey (Mon.- Fri.) or Jennie Choi (Tues. & Wed.), please call 703-934-2454 and leave a message with your name, your student's name and phone number. You may also contact them via email: Ana Maxey at ajmaxey@fcps.edu  or Jennie Choi at jchoi4@fcps.edu



Family Information Line Available

Family Information Line Available in Nine  Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.


Family Resource Center

The Family Resource Center (PRC) offers free workshops (webinars), consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.


FCPS Cares
 

FCPS Cares

Do you want to celebrate a Katherine Johnson employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way, or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.


Stay in Touch with Us

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS.