Katherine Johnson MS Weekly News - May 22, 2026

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We wish all of our students, staff, and families a safe, happy, and meaningful Memorial Day weekend!


In this issue:


Upcoming Events @ KJMS

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

May 29:  Science SOL Retakes (selected students)

June 1:  Our traditional Grad Walk - 10:00 AM- KJMS Hallways

June 1: Math SOL Retakes (selected students)

June 2:  Reading SOL Retakes (selected students)

June 4:  KJMS Math Program Office Hours (virtual) - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM -

June 5:  Music Department Field Trip - All Day

June 11:  Laptop Collection during Science Class (EVEN Day)

June 12:  Laptop Collection during Science Class (ODD Day)

June 17:  Last Day of School - Early Dismissal-12:15 PM


Principal's Message

Dear KJMS Families

As we move closer to the end of the school year, we continue to celebrate the many accomplishments and experiences of our students and staff.

A special thank you to Mrs. Nygaard for organizing another outstanding Fairfax Pyramid AVID celebration for our students. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognize student achievement, leadership, and the strong sense of community across our pyramid schools.

We also want to congratulate our orchestra students and thank Mrs. Sengstack for leading a fantastic year-end orchestra concert. The hard work and dedication of our students were clearly on display, and we appreciate the support of our families and community members who attended.

Looking ahead, we will hold our 7th and 8th Grade Awards Ceremonies on Monday, June 15. Due to the limited seating capacity in our auditorium, these ceremonies will be invitation-only events for families of students receiving awards.

On Tuesday, June 16, we will celebrate our 8th grade students during our afternoon 8th Grade Celebration. Mr. Dejo has planned many fun activities to recognize and celebrate the Class of 2026 as they prepare for high school. Our 7th grade students will also participate in team-based activities that afternoon.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we finish the school year strong.

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


SY26-27 Intention Form

If your student will be transferring to another school next year, please take a moment to complete the SY 2026-2027 Student Intention Form and email it to Ms. Holmes, our Registrar, at aholmes@fcps.edu.

If your child will be returning to our school or attending one of our feeder high schools as planned, there’s nothing you need to do—no form is required.


KJMS Health Room - Medications Pick-Up

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Reminder:  Please pick up any student medications by 11:00 AM on June 17th.  If you have any questions, please contact the health room at 703-934-2410.  

Thank you.


News from Fairfax High School

Mark Your Calendars!

Fairfax High School is excited to WELCOME the CLASS OF 2030.

Please note the NEW DATES:

Our Lions on the Rise Summer Experience will be held on:

August 5-7

9:00 AM -12:00 PM each day.

This program is a great opportunity to learn more about the school, connect with staff, explore activities, and ensure you are ready for a PAWSOME transition.

Families can review the 9th grade meeting PDF here:

Fairfax High School Programs and Presentations


Lunch Balance

Please Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance

It’s a busy time of year, and we know many priorities are on your plate. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to check your student’s MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals

Families who earn less than 185% of the poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals (FRM). However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2026-27 school year will be available this summer. 

If you have a current balance and think you may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2025-26 school year


Access Comprehensive Services

Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters:

Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services. 

Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or7 emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov

Additional Mental Health Resources

FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional support can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number. 

Recent reports have shared an 11% drop in suicides among young people since the rollout of 988. Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts. 

And as always, if your concern is an emergency, you should call 911.


Third Annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt

Puzzle Pal with a bike

Third Annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt Encourages Active Family Fun

The Solving Fun Puzzle Pals have been busy getting ready for the 3rd Annual Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt, and it kicks off in only three weeks!

This free event is open to solvers of all ages and is a great way to keep students and families engaged in fun, creative problem-solving over the summer. It also teaches bike and pedestrian safety and encourages active transportation.

New this year: The school with the most solvers will win a special visit from Sue Doku! Sign up for the Puzzle Hunt! 


PE Summer Camp Sponsored by KJMS PTA

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Flyer for a PE Summer Camp sponsored by KJMS PTA.  Activities include indoor/outdoor PE sports and activities led by Mr. Rogers and Ms. Tontillo.  It is open to all 7th and 8th graders.

Date:  From July 27–31

Time:  From 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

The event takes place at:

3801 Jermantown Road, Fairfax, VA

Registration is $150

For more information, contact: mdrogers2@fcps.edu or jktontillo@fcps.edu.

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


Summer Extravaganza

Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas

Join FCPS for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza is 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 petting zoo, student engagement zone, and activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family. Register to attend the Extravaganza

Students (eighth grade and up) and adults are invited to support the event by helping with registration, refreshments, and some of our fun activities! Register today to volunteer and build community together. 

For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.


Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration closes Friday, June 6, for summer camps and learning opportunities offered to all students by FCPS.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. 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.

IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and Physical Education 9 (which fulfills a graduation requirement), music, and theater. E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades two to five who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes


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:

  • Graduation and Summer Resources
  • Check Your Lunch Balance
  • Mental Health Support

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


May is...

  • Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
  • Mental Health Awareness Month
  • Jewish American Heritage Month
  • National Speech-Language-Hearing Month

Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


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.