Katherine Johnson MS Weekly News - April 24, 2026

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Special Olympic Athletes and Unified Buddies

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Our Special Olympic athletes and Unified Buddies


In this issue:


Upcoming Events @ KJMS

April 27 - 28:  World Language Speaking PALS Test (selected levels)

  • Due to April 21 changed to a Teacher Workday, make-up date is May 1

April 25:  Saturday Show - KJMS Spring Musical, Moana, Jr. - 2:00 PM

April 25:  City of Fairfax's 40th Arbor Day Celebration - 9:00 AM at Pat Rodio Park

April 28: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

April 30:  IReady Test (School Wide)

May 4 - 8:  Staff Appreciation Week

May 5:  Science SOL - 8th Grade Only

May 7:  Math SOL - 7th and 8th Grade 

May 12:  Reading SOL - 7th and 8th Grade 

 


Principal's Message

Dear KJMS Families,

Last week, we were proud to culminate our celebration of military children with a wonderful breakfast alongside students and their families. We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize and honor the strength and sacrifices of our military-connected students. To all who serve, and to the families who support them—thank you for your service.

Also last Friday, our Special Olympics and Unified Buddies students participated in the Feet Meet at Annandale High School. This meaningful event brought students with and without disabilities together, celebrating inclusion, teamwork, and school spirit. Throughout the day, our students demonstrated perseverance, sportsmanship, and encouragement for one another, truly embodying the spirit of the Special Olympics and what it means to be part of the KJMS community. We are incredibly proud of all who participated and represented our school with such positivity and enthusiasm.

Looking ahead, there are several opportunities to support our students this weekend. Our track team opens its season on Saturday at Herndon High School, and our talented cast and crew will bring Moana Jr. to the KJMS stage with performances on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. We hope to see many of you there cheering on our students.

As we move into the coming weeks, please note that iReady testing will take place next Thursday, and SOL testing will begin the week of May 4. We appreciate your support in helping students arrive prepared and ready to do their best.

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 

Use FCPS Cares to recognize any of our staff members


Staff Appreciation Week

Our Staff Appreciation Week is just around the corner! From May 4–May 8, we will take time to celebrate our incredible staff, and we would love your support in making it special.

We are currently seeking donations of gift cards. While typical contributions range from $15–$25, we truly appreciate any amount you are able to give. Our goal is to collect 160 gift cards so that every staff member can be included.

All donated items will be raffled off to staff during the week. Gift cards can be purchased through our Amazon Wishlist and shipped directly to the school, or physical gift cards can be dropped off in the main office with Kara Payne.

You can also contribute by making a purchase off of our Amazon Wishlist. These goodies will be put out for our staff on SOL testing days to give them an extra boost.

The PTA is providing a luncheon for the staff.  They have set up a Sign Up Genius and would be most appreciative of any help you can provide.

Also, the PTA is open to corporate sponsorships of the event and will recognize our corporate sponsors through media postings and at the event.

The Sign Up Genius is at KJMS PTA Staff Appreciation Luncheon. 

No time to shop? Let us shop for you by donating here.

Thank you in advance for your donations and generosity, and for helping make our Staff Appreciation Week a memorable one!

 


NJHS News

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Earth week celebrated by NJHS students with their service on KJ school ground removing invasive species and cleanup after school. 


📷Reminder: Order Your Yearbook!

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Reminder !  Only a few yearbooks are left, so don't delay, order one today.  Place your order directly through their website.

How to Order: Follow the link in your Jostens email or visit Jostens.com and search for our school name or click:Katherine Johnson Middle School.

Note: All transactions are handled directly through the Jostens portal; the school office cannot accept payments for yearbooks.


City of Fairfax's - 40th Arbor Day Celebration

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Arbor Day Celebration - Register and/or Volunteer

Pat Rodio Park

Saturday, April 25, 2026

9 a.m. to noon

Volunteer tree planting, youth poetry recital, and tree distribution event.


KJMS Spring Musical

Moana, Jr.

When:  Friday, April 24 at 7:00 PM  or Saturday, April 25 at 2:00 PM

Cost:  Adults - $10 and Students - $8

Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa'i and Mark Mancina

Book adapted by Susan Soon He Stanton

Music and Orchestrations arranged and adapted by Ian Weinberger

Based on the 2016 Disney Film Moana

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Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th Graders

The following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year. 

All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

  • To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
  • To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
  • To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 to 12 or as early as 9 years old. 
    •  As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.

All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older. 

Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.

Immunization Events for FCPS StudentsFCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. 

Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available. 


Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 18.  

The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families. 

Full details and the nomination information form can be found at the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage


Our Office of the Ombuds Is at Your Service!

Ombuds staff engage with FCPS staff, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Ombuds staff do not make or change decisions, policies, or regulations. They do not take sides, and they do not provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may submit a question.


FCPS Family Cafe: Introduction to Career Pathways for Students

Join Family and School Partnerships to explore career pathways, academies, and the wide range of courses and certifications available in FCPS. 

This virtual workshop will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. and will highlight the various career and technical education courses available to middle and high school students in FCPS. Currently, there are more than 160 Career and Technical Education (CTE) course options available to students. Many CTE programs include industry credentials, work-based learning, and career and technical student organizations, allowing students to develop the skills needed to be successful in future education, training, and careers. 

Register in advance for Career Pathways to receive the Zoom link. Email FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu for more information or call 703-204-4300. 


Attention All Rising 2nd Graders – Rising 7th Graders

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The Fairfax Girls Basketball Staff is hosting basketball camp the week of July 13-16 from 9 AM – 3 PM and Friday July 17, 9 AM – 12 PM at Fairfax HS.  The camps will provide quality instruction, skill development, fun interactive games and team play.  For more information, online registration, and payment go to

Fairfax Girls Basketball Camp


FHS Co-Ed Junior Golf Camp

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When:  July 13 - 16

Time:  8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location:  Fairfax High School

Cost:  $90

For rising 2nd - rising 10th grade girls and boys

No equipment required & Train alongside fairfax coaches & players 

  • New Practice Bunker: A fantastic addition to our practice facility, joining our hitting nets, chipping areas, launch monitors, and simulator.
  • Bonus Day: We’ve added an extra day of fun, instruction, and play!
  • Team Mentorship: We are excited to have more counselors this year, including current and former members of the Fairfax Golf Team. It’s a great way to learn from experienced players and connect with the high school program. 

Registration is now open! Invite your friends, classmates, and neighbors to join the fun.

Link to registration


FY 2027 Budget: Sustaining Excellence

Help FCPS Sustain Excellence:

Make Your Voice Heard on the FY 2027 Budget.

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. There are several upcoming opportunities to provide feedback to the county on its budget before final adoption in May. This includes public budget hearings (April 14-16) and an online survey. Learn how the FCPS budget helps us sustain our excellence


Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.

Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a two-week camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theater. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well!

Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp.

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.


FCPS News

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

  • Student Awards and Recognitions
  • Military Child of the Year Finalist
  • Required Immunizations Reminder

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


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 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.