July 24 Family Newsletter

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July 24th Family Newsletter


Dear Families, 

We hope you are continuing to enjoy a fun, relaxing summer and finding time to make lasting memories with family and friends.

As you enjoy these final weeks of summer, be sure to review the important updates and Save the Dates below. We are excited to welcome new families during our New Student Scavenger Hunt on July 28 from 2:00–3:00 p.m. and August 7 from  10:30–11:30 a.m. where new students can explore the building and meet some of our staff.

Our  Open House is scheduled on August 21 from 10:00–11:30 a.m. to meet your teacher and drop off school supplies.

These events are wonderful opportunities to reconnect with friends, meet new faces, and build excitement for the year ahead. We can't wait to welcome all of our Bears back to Union Mill on August 24th. 


Upcoming Dates  

Tuesday, July 28 - Kindergarten & New Student Scavenger Hunt @ 2:00 pm

Friday, August 7 - Kindergarten & New Student Scavenger Hunt @ 10:30 am

Friday, August 21 - Open House @ 10:00 - 11:30 am 

Monday, August 24 - First Day of School 

Wednesday, September 9 - Back to School Night @ 5:30 - 7:30 pm

FCPS 2026-2027 School Calendar 


Upcoming Events at Union Mill 

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🔍 NEW STUDENT SCAVENGER HUNT - Are you joining Union Mill this fall? Come checkout the building and meet some staff members!

  • WHEN: July 28th from 2:00 - 3:00 OR August 7th from 10:30 - 11:30

🎒OPEN HOUSE - come meet your teacher and drop off school supplies.

  • WHEN: August 21st from 10:00 - 11:30

🏫 BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT - Parents, don't miss the opportunity to come learn about your child's or children's teachers,  grade level curriculum, classroom procedures, school wide expectations and more!

  • WHEN: September 9th from 5:30 - 7:30

We look forward to connecting with students and families at these upcoming events. 


Reminder: End-of-Year Progress Reports & Student Belongings

If you have not yet picked up your child's end-of-year progress report or any personal belongings and school supplies, please stop by the school office during our summer office hours to claim them.

All unclaimed items must be picked up by Thursday, July 30. After that date, any remaining supplies and personal belongings will be donated or disposed of.

Thank you for your attention, and we hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer!

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Summer Learning Resources for Families

Now that the school year has ended, we want to share that FCPS Summer Learning Resources are now available for students and families. Resources are organized by grade level and provide opportunities for students to review previously taught concepts, practice skills, and explore new ideas throughout the summer.

Families can access the resources at any time as one of many ways to support continued learning and engagement over the summer.

Additional resources will continue to be added throughout July.

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Summer Reading

Fight the summer slide and read this summer. Join us in celebrating America’s 250th birthday by participating in our 250th Birthday Summer Reading Program! There will be prizes in the fall! Details can be found on the flyer and on our school web page! 

In addition, here are some other summer reading opportunities:

Fairfax County Public Library Summer Reading Program: Unearth a Story!


Volunteering at Union Mill

If you are looking to volunteer for the 26-27 school year and have not already done so, complete your Volunteer FCPS registration this summer! This is required for all FCPS and Union Mill Volunteers. 

  • Register With Volunteer FCPS Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment here at [School]. All volunteers must:
  • Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS. 
  • Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS. 
  • Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk.  

At the Volunteer FCPS site, you can complete a volunteer orientation. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions for more information. 

Union Mill thanks you for your support!


Kindergarten Registration

Online Registration is now open for the 2026-27 school year!

Kindergarten helps children learn and practice the social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives.

New-to-FCPS families create a ParentVUE account for online access. Details are available here:  Welcome to Fairfax County Public Schools' (FCPS) Online Registration | Fairfax County Public Schools

Current families can register their new student through their existing ParentVUE account.  (No need to register students returning to UMES.)

Our Registrar, Catherine Dubas, is happy to process registrations directly, as well.  Please contact her at cmdubas@fcps.edu and be ready to provide your family’s address and rising kindergartener’s date of birth.  Catherine will respond with registration details and documents necessary to start the process.

Early registration puts you on the list for school communications, so don’t wait!


Early Release Wednesdays for 2026-27 

FCPS will continue with limited early release Wednesdays for elementary schools during the 2026-27 school year, however the number has been reduced from eight to four days. 

Early release Wednesdays provide elementary teachers with a dedicated block of time to prepare lessons, participate in professional development and training, and collaborate with peers. A well-supported and continuously improving teaching staff leads to better educational outcomes for students. 

Find more information about early release Wednesdays, including the list of early release dates.

More information

  • October 21

  • December 2

  • February 10

  • May 5


UMES PTA 


Fun Run

Fun Run – Fall 2026 – Save the Date!

The PTA is reviving the UMES Booster Fun Run on Thursday, September 17! Be on the lookout for sponsorship opportunities and more information over the summer. Please email pta@unionmillpta.org with questions.


Welcome Our 2026-2027 PTA Board!

Meet your PTA Board Members for the 2026-2027 school year! This group of devoted parents and teachers will work to strengthen and serve the students, staff, and families that make up our UMES community! We’d love to see you in our inbox, on social media, at an event, or in a meeting. Many voices make for a well-represented community!

New Board

Union Mill Hours

Bell Schedule 

Doors open at 8:35 am. Students should be in class by 8:45 am.

Students are dismissed at 3:30 pm.

Summer Office Hours 

Monday - Friday - 9:00 - 1:00 pm *appointments preferred