Kilmer MS Newsletter - December 19, 2025

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 12/19/2025 02:30 PM EST
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A message from Principal Steven McFarlane

Kilmer Community,

Things really pick up this time of year, and it’s no different at Kilmer. We had the perfect blend of fun and learning leading up to winter break. Within the past week, we hosted the Ha Ha Holiday Show and a school-wide assembly showcasing our music department. On top of that, every day was spirit day! 

Today’s newsletter is a pared down version of what I normally send and has only a few reminders and lots of pictures 🙂.  Finally, a reminder that during the winter break, Kilmer’s front office will be closed. 

Have a wonderful break, and as always, reach out with any questions or concerns. 

Sincerely, 

Steven McFarlane

Principal

Kilmer at a Glance

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Upcoming Dates

  • January 19 - No School, MLK Jr. Holiday
  • January 28 - End of Quarter 2 (1st Semester), 2-hour early dismissal
  • January 29 - Staff Development Day - no students
  • January 30 - Teacher Workday - no students

 

Save the Date: Rising 8th and 9th Grade Course Registration Events

Course Selection for the 2026–2027 school year begins in January! Please mark your calendar for the following events to learn more about course options for 8th and 9th grade.

  • January 13 – Madison High School Rising 9th Grade Curriculum Night, 6:00–7:00 PM: Audience, 8th Grade families with students attending Madison for 9th grade
  • January 16 – Madison High School Counselor Visits during Learning Seminar: Audience, 8th grade students attending Madison will meet their future counselors and learn about 9th grade course options and the transition to High School
  • January 21 – Marshall High School IB Information Night, 5:00 PM: Audience, 7th and 8th grade families
  • January 21 – Rising 8th Grade Math Presentation, 6:00 PM: Audience, 7th grade families
  • February 5 – Marshall High School Rising 9th Grade Orientation, 6:00–8:00 PM: Audience, 8th grade families with students attending Marshall for 9th grade
  • February 6 – Marshall High School Counselor Visits during Learning Seminar: Audience, 8th grade students attending Marshall will meet their future counselor and learn about 9th grade course options and the transition to High School
  • February 6 – 8th Grade Elective Fair during Learning Seminar: Audience, Current 7th grade students will explore elective course options for 8th grade

Families can access the Course Selection page on the Kilmer website to explore course options, review course selection information, and view academic advising timelines for all grade levels.

Picture(s) of the Week

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Congratulations to our December Student of the Month award recipients! Students were recognized based on the FCPS Portrait of a Graduate attribute: Ethical and Global Citizens.

Each student earned a positive referral, a $10 gift card, and a chance to win a celebration with friends at the end of the quarter.

Jalal Ahmad, Alaina Amatos, Noel An, Ishaan Garg, Juan Jimeno Toro, Luka Johnston, Kawsar Kakar, Claire Kwon, Zere Nagashybek, Gael Nascimento Diogo De Siqueira, Chloe Noufal, Nathaniel Oelrich, Manasvi Raghunandan, Samantha Stering, Dipin Subedi, Rex Taylor

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Congratulations to Mr. Thomas’ 5th period class for winning our “Tardy Challenge.” All 5th period classes competed to have the lowest tardy average over a six week period and the winning class earned a pizza party 🙂.

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Last Friday, members of the Drama Club participated in the Ha Ha Holiday improv show with other middle school students across FCPS. The Kilmer team won best in the “Lines from a Hat” category. Great job, Kilmer students!

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On Wednesday, our music department held a winter assembly. It was fun to watch our Kilmer musicians shine in front of a school-wide audience!

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This week, Ms. Hild and Ms. Larkin’s English classes participated in a Socratic Seminar to explore themes.

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No one can say that Mr. Mauritz wasn’t fully committed to his costume as the Grinch 🙂.

Important Information

Crosstown Hoops

Kilmer will compete in its annual basketball tournament versus Thoreau Middle School on Thursday, April 9th at Madison HS. This event is a fundraiser sponsored by the Kilmer PTA. School administration will determine “eligibility” to participate based on students being in good standing. 

All participants must submit a valid Middle School Sports Athletic Physical Examination. Physicals are valid for 14 months, and physicals submitted for other FCPS MS sports also meet this requirement. 

Families must complete several required steps before tryouts:

  •  Afterschool Registration Consent  
  •  FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination (PPE) Form
    • The PPE Form, must be completely filled in and properly signed (pages 1-3) attesting that you have been examined, found to be physically fit for athletic competition no more than 14 calendar months prior to the date on which report was signed.
    • Proof of Medical/Accident Insurance Coverage (on PPE Form) Any student participating in voluntary Afterschool athletic programs, must have insurance. 
    •  Hard/paper copies of PPE and ECC Forms must be turned in at the Main Office for review, processing and approval. *Students may not be cleared for participation the same day they submit forms. **Blank copies are available in the Main Office.
  • Athletic Registration Form * Link coming soon

Tryouts 2:30 - 3:30PM

  • 7th & 8th Grade Girls (Ms. Zein)
    • Wed. Jan. 21
  • 7th Grade Boys (Mr. Gonzalez)
    • Tues. Jan. 20
    • Thurs. Jan. 22
  • 8th Grade Boys (Mr. Sirdofsky)
    • Thurs. Feb. 19
    • Tues. Feb. 24
    • Thurs. Feb. 26 
  • Students must be cleared (Athletic Physicals and All forms completed) by Ms. KK before in order to try out.
  • Late Bus Transportation at 4:45 PM
  • Students may not leave and return for tryouts - they must have appropriate footwear.