Katherine Johnson MS Weekly News - May 1, 2026

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Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram to see pictures and videos from our events!


KJMS Spring Musical - Moana Jr.

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A special thank you to Ms. Crook, Ms. Harbison and an amazing theater cast for an excellent performance of Moana Jr.


In this issue:


Upcoming Events @ KJMS

May 4 - 8:  Staff Appreciation Week

May 5:  Science SOL - 8th Grade Only

May 6: Make-up Science SOL

May 7:  Math SOL - 7th and 8th Grade 

May 8:  Make-up Math SOL

May 8:  Writing PALS

May 11:  Writing PALS

May 11: NJHS Ceremony - 7th grade at 4:30 PM & 8th grade at 6:00 PM

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

May 12:  Choir Concert - 7:00 PM - Auditorium

May 13:  Make-up Reading SOL

May 14 & 15:  SOL Make-up

May 14: Band Concert - 7:00 PM - Auditorium

May 20:  Orchestra Concert - TBD - Auditorium

May 21:  Last Day of Late Buses

May 25: Memorial Day Holiday - Schools and Central Offices closed.

May 26: Teacher Workday - No School for Students

May 27:  Eid-al-Adha Holiday - Schools and Central Offices closed.

May 28 & 29:  Annual CPR Event - During PE Classes


Principal's Message

Dear KJMS Families,

I want to take a moment to recognize our outstanding administrative assistants: Emily Gardiner, Kara Payne, Weris Jama, Anita Pillai, Andrea Holmes, and Lisa Mays. Although this note comes a week late, our appreciation for their dedication and care is always timely. They are often the first point of contact for our students, families, and staff, and they play a vital role in keeping our school running smoothly each day.

We are also looking forward to celebrating Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week next week. Please see the information below for multiple opportunities to recognize and thank the many individuals who support our students each day.

A special thank you to Ms. Crook and Ms. Harbison for leading an excellent performance of Moana Jr. It was a wonderful showcase of our students’ talent and hard work, and we are grateful to all who made it possible.

As a reminder, SOL testing begins next week. To help your child have a successful testing experience, we encourage a focus on rest, preparation, and a calm start to the day. Helpful steps include:

  • Getting at least 8 hours of sleep the night before
  • Preparing clothes and materials in advance, including a fully charged Chromebook
  • Eating a nutritious breakfast
  • Avoiding late-night cramming to reduce stress and anxiety

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


📷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.


Summer Extravaganza

Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas

Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School

Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family. 

For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.


Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong Here!

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In FCPS, we all belong. From the first day of school, to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at our school — a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources


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


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.


Family Information Phone Lines

FCPS family information phone lines are available in nine different languages. An FCPS employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. 

Call the phone line with questions about your child’s education or FCPS, and someone will help connect you to resources or arrange for you to speak to the appropriate school employee. Learn more about family information phone lines.


FCPS News

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

  • Summer Learning
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Thank You, Bus Drivers and Food Service Workers

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.