A message from Principal Steven McFarlane
Kilmer Community,
This week six Kilmer teachers participated in Shadow a Student – a program in which an adult spends the entire day following a student through their regular school schedule—morning arrival, including going through Open Gate, classes, transitions, recess, lunch, etc.—to experience school from the student’s perspective (pictured is Ms. Grenfell eating lunch in the cafeteria 🙂).
Our staff members who were shadowing used three questions to frame their days: 1) When is your student engaged in learning? 2) When, where, and how does your student’s learning feel connected to the real world? And when does it not? 3) What opportunities do you notice for the skills of critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration, and effective communication?
As an entire staff, we'll unpack our teachers’ observations to gain insight into what students actually experience, including what supports learning and what creates challenges.
On February 9, our school will participate in a Digital Detox Day to promote healthy technology habits and meaningful, screen-free learning. On this day, classroom activities will be conducted without student laptops, allowing students to engage in discussions, hands-on activities, and creative projects that reinforce learning beyond screens. Students may still bring laptops for approved accommodations or after-school needs, but otherwise devices will remain in backpacks during the school day. We believe this experience will help students develop balanced digital habits, strengthen offline learning skills, and deepen their connection to their studies.
Finally, Learning Seminar periods are flexible and may change throughout the school year to ensure students receive subject-specific support, allow teachers to work with different groups of students based on current data and instructional needs, and provide opportunities for some students to participate in teacher-sponsored enrichment activities. When changes occur, students remain with one of their current teachers or a teacher sponsor, and both students and families are notified of the start date and reason for the change.
Have a great rest of your weekend, and as always, reach out with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Steven McFarlane
Principal
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Here are just a few of the Positive Referrals received by our Kilmer Cougars from staff members this week!
Mohamed S. M. - Mo! Great job completing your first hole punch card. I am so proud of all of the hard work you exhibit in class. Keep trying your best!
Henry W. - Your friendliness and inclusivity within the Kilmer community is so valuable! Keep up the good work. You are making lots of students around you feel really welcome here!
Mohand A. - Thank you for assisting your classmate when he needed help in the clinic. Your kind act deserves acknowledgement.
Declan R. - I am happy to see you working hard, on task, and collaborating in class! Keep up the good work!
Hannah A. - Hannah came to the library with her math class and did a great job! She worked diligently and focused well.
 Upcoming Dates
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January 19 - No School, MLK Jr. Holiday
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January 21 - PTA Meeting at Kilmer/virtual at 9:30 AM. Brian Yeagley, FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, will be presenting.
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January 28 - End of Quarter 2 (1st Semester), 2-hour early dismissal
Save the Date: Rising 8th and 9th Grade Course Registration EventsCourse 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 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.
Science comes alive as students in Dr. Wright’s class work together to separate a mixture of iron, salt, and sand 🥽🌪️💎
This past Friday, Lt. Col. Thrush presented to interested students during Learning Seminar about her experience in the US Air Force, and more recently in the US Space Force. Students were fascinated and had great questions as she spoke about how STEM related degrees play out in her daily life.
Ms. Kouril’s students took the lead this week, researching and teaching each other about how different presidents handled global relations 🌎🏛️
Algebra students visited the library, where they participated in a Systems of Linear Equations Escape Room. Teams worked together, using different methods such as substitution, elimination, and graphing to solve systems of equations. Math + Library = Active Learning!
On January 9th and 10th, 13 Kilmer students performed with the Junior District Honors Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Brenda Brenner from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. Over the two-day event, students rehearsed 5 challenging pieces and performed a concert at the end of the second day. Congrats to the students selected for this opportunity! From left to right: Connor Ouyang, Miriam Cho, Nathaniel Oelrich, Arya Meggers, Arjav Prabhu, Krystal Hwang, Vio Lee, Callie Arrington, Cathy Yu, Carmen Lee, Charlotte Oh, Rose McCreesh, Vivienne Lee
Learning Seminar Updates: Flexible Support for Students
Learning Seminar periods are flexible and may change throughout the school year to ensure students receive subject-specific support, allow teachers to work with different groups of students based on current data and instructional needs, and provide opportunities for some students to participate in teacher-sponsored enrichment activities. When changes occur, students remain with one of their current teachers or a teacher sponsor, and both students and families are notified of the start date and reason for the change.
A significant number of students will have changes to their 8th and/or 9th period Learning Seminar classes beginning in the 3rd quarter. Students with a new Learning Seminar assignment will begin their new class on Wednesday, February 4. Updated schedules will be visible in SIS StudentVue and ParentVue on February 2.
2nd Quarter Grades
The 2nd quarter ends on Wednesday, January 28. Gradebook and Report Card Modules in SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE will be unavailable from Wednesday, January 28th at 4:00 PM through Thursday, February 5th at 6:00 AM. On February 5, 2nd quarter report cards will be visible in SIS. A printed version of 2nd quarter report cards will be sent home Thursday, February 19.
2nd Semester Schedules
Students and parents can view second semester class schedules in SIS StudentVue and ParentVUE on Thursday, January 29, at 4:00 PM. Students with new semester electives will begin these courses on Monday, February 2. The new elective on your child’s schedule was chosen from the electives they selected last spring. At this point in the school year, we are unable to accommodate elective changes, as such requests would impact other classes.
Upcoming Course Selection Activities: January 20-24
Each week, we will highlight the course selection activities scheduled for the following week and share additional information to support students who will be participating.
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January 21 – Marshall High School IB Information Night
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Time: 5:00 PM | Location: Kilmer Cafeteria
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Audience: 7th–8th grade families
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Overview: Learn about the IB Program and prerequisites, hear from current IB students, participate in a Q&A, and meet the IB coordinators.
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Contact: marshallibcoordinators@fcps.edu
- January 21 – Rising 8th Grade Math Presentation
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Time: 6:00 PM | Location: Kilmer Cafeteria
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Audience: 7th grade families
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Overview: Review 8th grade math course options and learn more about math pathways through high school to help identify the course that best aligns with students’ strengths and future goals.
Health and Physical Education: Family Life Education Units
Instruction of the Human Growth and Development unit (gender separate) will take place from February 3rd through February 6th during HPE class. Instruction of the Emotional and Social Health unit will take place during regular health class during the 3rd quarter.
If you choose to opt your student out of any or all of these lessons, please print and fill out the opt out form for your student’s grade level and have your student return the form to Ms. Wood in student services. The opt out forms can be found at the following link: https://kilmerms.fcps.edu/department/health-physical-education
To view the lessons in both FLE units, please login to Schoology and click on the All Parents/Guardians course. On that page there is a folder called Parent Preview - FLE Instruction with the FLE lessons.
If you have any questions, please contact your student’s HPE teacher.
Digital Detox Day - February 9th
To promote healthy technology habits and encourage meaningful learning experiences, we will be holding a "Digital Detox Day" on February 9. On this day, all classroom activities will be conducted without the use of student laptops. Students may still bring their laptops to school if they need to use it for their accommodations or after-school activities, but otherwise they will remain in their backpacks during the school day.
We recognize that our students spend a significant amount of time interacting with technology. The Digital Detox Day aims to:
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Inspire good digital citizenship: By stepping away from screens, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the balance between technology and offline activities.
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Reinforce offline learning: This day will remind us that technology is a tool, and meaningful learning can still be achieved through traditional methods like discussions, hands-on activities, and creative projects.
We believe this event will be a valuable opportunity for both students and teachers to explore alternative learning approaches and foster a deeper connection with their studies!
Upcoming Student Experience Survey (SXS): February 23, 2026
Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.
All students in grades 3-6, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 23. We will administer the survey during 5th Period Advisory on Monday, February 23. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. The electronic opt-out form can also be accessed at this link.
FCPS believes it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which include a focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.
Madison HS Athletics 101 Session
PTA Website
Stay up to date with news and information from the PTA by visiting the PTA website: https://kilmerpta.membershiptoolkit.com/
Executive Board Contact Information
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.
CROSSTOWN HOOPS - Kilmer vs. Thoreau
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. Students must be cleared (Athletic Physicals and All forms completed) by Ms. KK in order to try out.
Families must complete several required steps before tryouts:
- Athletic Registration Form
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Afterschool Registration Consent
- FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination (PPE) Form
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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.
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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.
School administration will determine “eligibility” to participate based on students being in good standing. Students are selected to play on the team based on skills, dedication, and adherence to school behavior guidelines and grades. Students will receive an Athletic Commitment Form to be signed by the Student-Athlete, a Parent/Guardian, each of their teachers and counselor.
- Students will need to maintain at least a C in each of their classes, be on time, demonstrate appropriate behavior, and have no device or discipline violations. Players are expected to attend all practices and to communicate with coaches in advance if they are unable to.
- Consequences for Violations:
- First Offense - Warning and discussion with the coach.
- Second Offense - Possible suspension from practices.
- Third Offense - Possible removal from the team.
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7th & 8th Grade Girls (Ms. Zein)
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7th Grade Boys (Mr. Gonzalez)
- Tues. Jan. 20
- Thurs. Jan. 22
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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.
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