 Our Quarter 2 Pep Rally was really a HIT!
Dear Stone Families,
As part of the ongoing commitment to strengthening layered safety and security programs, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has continued to phase in a weapons detection system at all secondary schools. The sytsem has arrived to Stone Middle School and will be implemented starting November 21, 2025. Over the past week, we have practiced with students to ensure that they are aware of the procedures and comfortable with the system.
Based on this week's practice, we need to make some changes to our student arrival procedures, which will take effect next week, as we begin implementing our new Open Gate weapon detection system.
➡️ Updated Student Arrival: Entry at Door 1 Only
Effective Monday, November 17th, all students arriving at Stone Middle School will enter the building exclusively through Door 1 (the main entrance).
- Change: We have determined through practice this week that Door 2 will no longer be used as an arrival area.
- Morning Student Area: Once students enter Door 1, they will be immediately directed to the cafeteria until 7:22 AM.
🛡️ Implementation of the Open Gate System
We will roll out the Open Gate system in a structured, phased approach to ensure a smooth transition:
- Monday - Wednesday (November 17-19): Students will practice using the new Door 1/Cafeteria arrival routine. The Open Gate system will not be in use for all arriving students during these days.
- Thursday, November 20th: Students will participate in a practice run of using the Open Gate system as they enter Door 1.
- Friday, November 21st: We plan to be in full implementation mode with the Open Gate system for all student arrivals.
Please watch this video of the Superintendent’s conversation with students about the weapons screening system. The most important thing is to be sure that students have the right items removed from their bag before getting in line.
Items to be removed include:
- Three-ring binders
- Laptops
- Collapsible umbrellas
- Metal lunch boxes
- Metal pencil cases
- Metal glass cases
These items can remain in a student’s bags:
- Non-metal lunch boxes
- Books
- Planners
- Spiral notebooks and folders
- Cell phones
- Keys
- Non-metal pencil cases
Once the items are removed, students should walk in a line and proceed to the open gate towers. If the light turns red, they will be directed to a secondary screening to determine what may have alerted the system. Experience shows that the process becomes easier and more efficient every day. You can learn more about the system by watching this video and reading the Frequently Asked Questions on FCPS’ website. If you have additional questions, you can submit them online to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.
We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and support in our shared commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment for us all.
Sincerely,
Sonya Williams
Principal
Honor Roll
Students who earned All As for Quarter 1 will be participating in a short program and donut reception on Thursday, November 20th. This program will be recorded for parents to view at a later time. All students will be receiving an Honor Roll bracelet and bringing home an Honor Roll certificate. Congratulations to all of our students!
Congratulations!!
The following Stone students auditioned and will be participating in the District Choir event at West Springfield High School on February 13-14th. Congratulations to our District Chorus students representing Stone!
Silas A. Charlotte B. Olivia B. Sefora C.
Christina C. Jackson C. Emma C. McKinley G.
Abigail J. Lexi J. Hayley M. Leila N.
Micayla P. Charlett P. Jemma S. Harper S.
Camwyn S. Elisa V. Dulce V.
Support for Families
Stone Middle School is committed to supporting ALL students and families with the resources they need to thrive. As winter and the break approach, we would like to know if your family needs food or warm clothing. Community resources are limited, but we’re working to assist where possible. If your family could use help, please complete the confidential and optional survey below, and check the boxes that apply by this Monday, November 17th. Help will be provided on a first come first serve basis: https://bit.ly/4qWWiYQ
Career Day Volunteers Needed
Our school will be hosting our annual Career Day on Thursday, December 11th, from 8:00–9:30 a.m., and we are inviting professionals from various fields to share their career experiences with our students.This event provides our students with valuable insights into various career paths and helps them make informed decisions about their future.
Please help us spread the word by reaching out to your family, friends, and neighbors, who might be interested in participating. Presenters will have the opportunity to speak with students about their career path, education, and what a typical day looks like in their profession. If interested, please visit our volunteer link to sign up today!
For more information, please contact Jasmine Burton at jaburton@fcps.edu.
Federal Impact Aid Forms
The Federal Impact Aid form is now available through your SIS ParentVUE account, including access via both the mobile app and web browsers.
We kindly ask that you complete the form electronically by Friday, December 12th, 2025. If you're unable to do so online, a printed copy will be sent home with your student on Friday, November 14, 2025. If the form is completed online, you do not need to complete the printed form.
School Pictures Retakes Day
Victor O’Neill Studios is coming back for underclassmen portrait makeups/retakes on Thursday, November 20!
This session is only open to those who meet the following criteria:
- Any student or staff member who was absent for the original session.
- Any new/transfer students or staff who joined after the original session.
- Any student/staff who was dissatisfied with their original picture day portrait.
Please note:
○ No purchase is necessary to retake photos. Any student may retake their photo for use in the yearbook.
○ Students retaking their portrait will not receive a new ID card, exceptions below.
○ The new portrait will replace their original yearbook portrait and then be available for purchase.
○ Students who previously purchased a photo package and would like to retake their photo MUST return their original photo package to the photographer in order to receive a new package.
For students/staff who have issues with their ID card, we will reprint for those who meet the following criteria:
- Any student or staff member who did not receive an ID card at the original session.
- Any student who has incorrect/missing data on their ID card from the original session.
○ For students who have had a name or grade change, a signed note from administration/a counselor is required.
SAVE THE DATE
Curriculum Night - Wednesday, February 5th at 6pm
This program is designed for parents to learn about the 7th and 8th grade curriculum offered at Stone MS.
 American Education Week
November 17-21, 2025
For American Education Week we celebrate ALL who work at Stone Middle School and the Stone community: our bus drivers, cafeteria workers, counselors, support staff, teachers, leadership and more! Learn more from the National Education Association. Want to recognize someone from our school who goes above and beyond? Submit a nomination to FCPS Cares.
After School Programming Calendar
November 17-21, 2025
 Please see this week's after school program calendar.
Reminder...there is no after school program on Monday November 23 and Tuesday November 24 in light of the Thanksgiving Break.
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:
- Celebrating Student Awards
- The Future of AI at FCPS
- Immunization Events
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.
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