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 A Message from Ms. Kirkland
Dear Families,
This week, our band, chorus, and strings students showcased their talents during our Spring Concert, and we could not be more proud of them! Their hard work, dedication, and musical growth were evident in every performance. Thank you to our music teachers for inspiring our students and helping them develop their skills throughout the year.
We are also excited to share that 15 of our 17 sixth-grade band students have chosen to continue band in middle school. This is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the strong music program we have at Mount Eagle. We are thrilled that so many students have discovered a passion for the arts and will continue their musical journeys in the years ahead.
Next week is the last full week of school, and we have one of our favorite traditions coming up—Field Day on June 9! Students should wear comfortable, cool clothing and come prepared for a fun day outdoors.
A few Field Day reminders:
- Wear sneakers (no Crocs or sandals, please)
- Bring a water bottle
- Consider packing a change of clothes, as students may get wet during water games
- Dress for the warm weather
Finally, we will be having a Spirit Week for the final full week of school! Monday is Inside Out Day, Tuesday is Beach Day, Wednesday is Squad Day, Thursday, is Character Day, and Friday is Crazy Hair Day!
We are looking forward to a fantastic week of fun, learning, and celebration as we approach the end of another successful school year!
Warmly,
Kate Kirkland, Principal
New Cellphone Policy Starts July 1
On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.
This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell.
High school students will no longer be able to use cellphones and personal devices during lunchtime. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.
Other SR&R Changes for the 2026-27 School Year
Visit the FCPS website or the School Board agenda to learn about additional updates, including:
- Added guidance and procedures for in-school and out-of-school suspensions and discipline investigations, including supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners.
- Expanded guidance and standardized disciplinary procedures (“Universal Grade Matrices”) related to harassment, hate speech, discriminatory behavior, and Title IX reporting requirements.
- Responses to incidents involving intimate images, fighting, physical aggression, object throwing, and drug policy violations.
Calendar Survey
FCPS values your input as we plan future school calendars. On Friday, June 5, all caregivers and FCPS staff will receive an email from noreply@fcps.edu containing a unique link to complete the FCPS Calendar Survey.
Your feedback matters. Please take a few minutes to share your priorities and perspectives by Monday, June 22, at 11:59 p.m.
Your individual responses will be kept confidential and will not be shared with school staff or used in any way that identifies you or your student. Only aggregate, summary-level results will be reported to the Fairfax County School Board.
If you do not receive a link to the survey or have technical difficulties completing the survey, please contact the FCPS Office of Research and Program Evaluation.
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Summer Resources Help Students Stay Curious, Healthy, and Busy
FCPS’ Summer Resource Guide has activities and tips on a variety of subjects and interests, from camps and activities to health and safety resources.
Be sure to check back over the summer, as more resources may be added.
Learning Doesn’t Take a Vacation and Neither Does Fun!The FCPS Summer Learning webpage offers ideas and strategies for families to keep students curious until August. Summer is the perfect time to help your student explore new interests, reinforce concepts, and stay engaged!
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Summer Meals for Students
Starting Monday, June 22, no-cost meals will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis at the sites and times listed on the FCPS Summer Food Service Program webpage. Students must remain on site while eating their meals.
This year, thanks to generous support from Educate Fairfax, families may also receive one no-cost breakfast and lunch per adult at the following elementary schools: Braddock, Dogwood, Glen Forest, Hutchison, Hybla Valley, and London Towne.
Summer sites will continue to be added, so please check the Summer Food webpage regularly for updates.
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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.
PTO Events & News
At Mount Eagle, every parent is a member of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). It's a great way to connect with other parents, learn about how to support your child, and have fun! There are many ways you can share your voice, talents, and time. Check out the PTO Website for more information. It's available in multiple languages.
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🍎 Make Every Day Count! The Importance of Attendance
Our goal is to maintain a chronic absenteeism rate below 10% by the end of this school year. Our current absentee rate is 13.5%.
As you plan upcoming trips and other family events, please remember the importance of sending your child to school every day. Review the FCPS School Year Calendar and try to plan any time away during breaks from school.
Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent (missing 18 days or more) in kindergarten and first grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of third grade.
Learn how families can help form good attendance habits.
Important Times
Kiss & Ride: 8:20-8:40am
Doors Open: 8:25am Tardy Bell: 8:45am
Dismissal Bell: 3:30pm
Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
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Important Dates
Tuesday, June 9 | Field Day
Tuesday, June 16 | Grade 6 Promotion
June 17 | Last day of school. Students dismiss at 1:30 pm.
Friday, August 21, 9:00 - 10:00 am | Open House
Monday, August 24 | First Day of School
You can access the full 2025-26 calendar here. Days that are shaded pink or blue are holidays for students. Orange days are NOT school holidays.
You can access the full 2026-27 calendar here. Days that are shaded pink or blue are holidays for students. Orange days are NOT school holidays.
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Parent/Guardian Handbook
Do you have questions about attendance or food/drink at school or what students can wear? If so, please check out our Parent/Guardian Handbook on our Mount Eagle website. It's available with translations. Click here to access it. Of course, if you have a question about a situation that is not listed, reach out to your child's teacher or an administrator. Their contact information is at the bottom of this newsletter.
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Your Partners in Education
We are honored to start the school year with your family, and will work everyday to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for your child. We can't do it alone. Please contact us when there is a question or concern, especially related to bullying. As a parent, you will often hear about something before staff might. Thank you for all of your support.
Kate Kirkland, Principal
kekirkland@fcps.edu
Frances Torres, Assistant Principal
fetorres@fcps.edu
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