Key Middle School News You Choose - August 28, 2026

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 08/28/2026 04:00 PM EDT

Key Middle School Families

Important Dates: 

Sept 4: Holiday - No School

Sept 7: Holiday - No School

Sept. 9: Back to School Night (6:00pm - 8:00pm)

August:

  • National Wellness Month
  • Black Business Month

Let's all be kind to one another.

Campbell's Corner

Greetings, Key Families! I want to open this week’s News You Choose by celebrating the outstanding first week of school we have had here at Key MS. Our entire staff has been so impressed by our students. They are an enthusiastic, positive, and good-natured group, and it has been a pleasure getting to know them this week. We know that we are in store for a wonderful school year!

By now, hopefully most students feel more confident navigating the building and have a better understanding of our school expectations and procedures. If questions remain, we have plenty of staff available to help. You can also always reach out to your student’s counselor or administrator if you need any assistance. Enjoy this weekend – I’m sure everyone is tired after such a full week! We are excited to see everyone back and ready for another great week ahead.

 

AAP Center Expansion:

We received exciting news this week regarding the proposed expansion of Advanced Academic Program (AAP) centers to every FCPS middle school. The School Board approved a timeline for community engagement, public hearings, and professional learning connected to the expansion. Key MS is currently included in Phase 2 of the proposal, which would begin with 7th grade implementation during the 2027-28 school year.

As part of this process, there will be a community meeting on September 29 at 6:00pm to provide families with additional information and an opportunity to ask questions about what the proposed expansion could mean for Key MS. The School Board is expected to reconvene in December to vote on final approval of Phase 2 implementation for the 2027-28 school year. We know this is an important topic for many families in our community, and we will continue to share information and updates as they become available.

Drew Campbell

Principal | Key Middle School

703-313-3900

Follow me on Twitter!

Student ID Cards

Student ID Cards for Key MS Bus Riders

We distributed student ID cards to all our students who ride the school bus or use FCPS transportation services.

Students received their ID cards during their 8th period class on Thursday, August 28, 2026.

ID cards should be worn or attached to your child’s backpack and brought to the bus each day.

Students who have student ID cards should begin tapping as they board and exit the bus. Only students who use FCPS transportation services will be provided with a student ID card at this time.

We ask for your patience! Bus drivers are checking in students and may need some extra time at each bus stop while they do this. The transportation team is working hard to minimize any potential delays.

Learn more about the bus navigation and student ID cards.

Save the Date!

Key MS Back to School Night

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Please join us for Back-to-School Night on Wednesday, September 9, 2026! The evening’s events include a chance to walk through your child’s schedule and meet their teachers, learn about Key MS resources, and more! 

We look forward to seeing you there as we kick off the 2026-2027 school year!

BTSN Eng
BTSN Esp

Transportation Patience and Safety

Transportation Patience and Safety

Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your child’s bus. 

If your child’s bus is delayed, you may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Please contact the Transportation Office at [phone number] with any additional questions. For concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact the FCPS Office of Safety and Security at 571-423-2000. 

Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE to make sure you receive email messages about bus delays. 

 

Paciencia y Seguridad en el TransporteMuchas gracias por su paciencia mientras todos nos acostumbramos a las nuevas rutinas de este año escolar. Apreciamos que nuestras familias sigan los procedimientos de Kiss and Ride, y que sean pacientes cuando esperan a los autobuses de sus hijos. Si el autobús de su hijo está retrasado, los padres pueden acceder el sistema de notificaciones de retrasos de autobuses o usar la aplicación móvil Here Comes the Bus para recibir el reporte de retraso de autobuses. Para reportar retrasos considerables de autobuses se enviará un correo electrónico. Contáctese con la Oficina de Transporte llamando al [phone number] si tienen preguntas adicionales. Para cualquier preocupación después de horas (después de las 5:30 p.m.), comuníquese con la Oficina de Seguridad llamando al 571-423-2000. 

Para asegurarse de que recibirán mensajes de correo electrónico cuando haya un retraso de autobuses, actualicen su información de contacto en SIS ParentVUE.

 

교통 관련 안전 및 양해 사항

새 학기 새로운 루틴에 적응할 수 있도록 기다려 주셔서 감사합니다. Kiss and Ride와 더불어 자녀의 버스를 대기하면서 기다려주신 가족 여러분께 감사드립니다. 

학생의 버스가 지연되는 경우 학부모는 버스 지연 알림 시스템에 연결하시거나 Here Comes the Bus 모바일 앱을 사용하여 버스 지연 보고를 받으실 수 있습니다. 심각한 버스 지연을 알리는 이메일 메시지가 전송됩니다. 추가 질문이 있는 경우 교통 사무소에 [phone number] 로 문의하세요. 근무 시간 이후(오후 5시 30분 이후) 우려 사항이 있는 경우 안전 및 보안팀(571-423-2000)으로 문의하세요. 

버스 지연에 대한 이메일 메시지를 받으려면 학생 정보 시스템 ParentVUE에서 연락처 정보를 업데이트하세요.

General Recommended School Supplies

  • Key MS will provide all students with
    • 3-ring binder
    • Pencil pouch
    • Pencil
    • Highlighter
    • Dividers
    • Laptop
    • Charging cable
  • All students should have a supply of the following:
    • No 2 pencils
    • Erasers
    • Blue and/or black pens
    • Highlighters
    • College ruled loose leaf paper
    • Textbook covers (paper grocery bags are fine)
  • Here are some additional, optional items. They are nice to have and are frequently used in classes, but are not daily requirements.
    • Folders
    • Glue sticks
    • Scissors
    • Markers and/or colored pencils
    • Ruler
    • Stapler
    • Sticky tabs
    • Post it notes
    • Headphones (wired, non-bluetooth)
    • Graphing or scientific calculator

Lightspeed Updates

You Can Manage Student Web Access at Home

At Key MS, we acknowledge that parents are our students' first and most important teachers. Parents now have greater control over their child’s FCPS-issued device outside of school hours through Lightspeed Parent Portal.

In addition to monitoring weekly internet activity, parents can now also customize web access at home on FCPS devices through Lightspeed using Schedules and Web Rules.

With Schedules, you can set tailored times to automatically pause or restrict internet access. This makes it easier to enforce rules around homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.

In Web Rules, you can create Custom Block Lists to block specific, individual websites they do not want your child accessing at home. This allows parents greater control over what is happening online, under their own roof.

These new custom controls take effect at home, outside of school hours, and when the device is off the FCPS network. They will not override standard district filtering policies during the instructional day.

Customize Your Lightspeed Settings

All parents should be receiving weekly Lightspeed Online Student Activity Report emails. To set up these new features, click the “Log in or Register” button at the bottom of your weekly Lightspeed Online Student Activity Report email.

Visit the FCPS Lightspeed Parent Portal Guide for more information. If you have additional questions, submit a Parent Technology Support Ticket.

Parents are encouraged to discuss internet boundaries with their children so that they can understand the reasoning behind any limits and the differences between access at home and at school. Get tips on talking to your children about technology safety.

 

¿Sabía que puede administrar el acceso a internet de su estudiante en casa?En Key MS sabemos que las familias tienen un papel fundamental en acompañar a sus estudiantes en el uso de la tecnología. Por eso, ahora los padres pueden tener mayor control sobre el acceso a internet desde los dispositivos de FCPS cuando sus hijos lo usan en casa, a través del Portal para padres de Lightspeed.

Además de recibir información sobre la actividad semanal en internet, ahora puede establecer límites de acuerdo con las necesidades y rutinas de su familia utilizando las funciones Schedules (Horarios) y Web Rules (Reglas web).

Con Schedules (Horarios), puede elegir en qué momentos desea pausar o restringir automáticamente el acceso a internet. Por ejemplo, puede establecer límites durante la hora de hacer tarea, las comidas en familia, los fines de semana o antes de dormir.

Con Web Rules (Reglas web), puede bloquear sitios web específicos que no desea que su estudiante visite mientras usa su dispositivo de FCPS en casa. Así, usted puede decidir qué tipo de acceso es apropiado para su familia fuera del horario escolar.

Estas opciones funcionan únicamente fuera del horario escolar y cuando el dispositivo no está conectado a la red de FCPS. Durante la jornada escolar, continuarán aplicándose las reglas y filtros de internet establecidos por FCPS. 

 

Personalice la configuración de Lightspeed

Las familias deberían estar recibiendo cada semana por correo electrónico el Informe de Actividad en Línea del Estudiante en Lightspeed. Para configurar estas nuevas funciones, haga clic  en el botón “Log in or Register” (Iniciar sesión o registrarse) que aparece al final de su informe semanal.

Visite la Guía del Portal para padres de Lightspeed de FCPS para obtener más información. Si tiene preguntas adicionales, envíe una solicitud de soporte tecnológico para padres.

También recomendamos hablar con sus hijos sobre los límites que establezca para el uso de internet. Ayudarlos a entender por qué existen estas reglas les permitirá comprender mejor las diferencias entre el acceso a internet en casa y en la escuela. Encuentre consejos para hablar con sus hijos sobre el uso seguro de la tecnología.

Schoology 

💻 Catch Up on Your Child’s Classwork in Schoology

Teachers use Schoology to post their classroom materials online; to provide a secure forum for students to discuss their ideas and collaborate on projects; and to assign and collect homework electronically. It helps students stay organized, and it keeps the class connected.

A Schoology Parent Account gives you access to:

  • Your child’s classes.
  • Your child’s upcoming assignments.
  • School, class, and group announcements.

To access Schoology, parents will need to have an active SIS/ParentVUE account. Get more information on how to login and use Schoology.

 

💻 esté al Tanto de las Tareas de su Niño en “Schoology”Los profesores usan Schoology para publicar en línea sus materiales del aula; ofrecer un foro seguro para que los alumnos discutan sus ideas y colaboren en los proyectos; y para asignar y recibir tareas electrónicamente. Esta plataforma ayuda a los alumnos a mantenerse organizados y mantiene a la clase conectada.Una cuenta Schoology para padres les da acceso a:

    • Las clases de su hijo.
    • Los deberes que su hijo debe entregar.
    •  Anuncios de la escuela, de la clase y de los grupos.

Para poder tener acceso a Schoology, los padres necesitan tener su cuenta SIS/ParentVUE activa. Pueden encontrar más información sobre cómo iniciar sesión y usar Schoology en internet.

 

Schoology (스쿨로지)란 무엇인가요?

교사는 Schoology를 사용하여 수업 자료를 온라인으로 게시하고, 학생들이 아이디어를 토론하고 프로젝트에서 공동 작업할 수 있는 안전한 포럼을 제공하며, 숙제를 온라인으로 부여하고 제출받습니다. 이를 통해 학생들은 체계적으로 공부할 수 있고 수업의 연결성을 유지할 수 있습니다.

Schoology 학부모 계정으로 다음을 이용할 수 있습니다:

  • 자녀의 수업.
  • 자녀의 예정된 숙제.
  • 학교, 학급 및 그룹 공지 사항.

Schoology를 이용하려면 학부모는 활성된 학생정보시스템인 SIS/ParentVUE의 계정이 있어야 합니다. Schoology 로그인 및 사용 방법에 대한 자세한 내용은 온라인에서 확인할 수 있습니다.

SEL Screener

SEL Screener Parent/Guardian Notification

The Fall Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3 through 12 in October. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. 

 

Información para padres y tutores sobre la evaluación del aprendizaje social y emocional (SEL)

En octubre, los estudiantes de 3.º a 12.º grado realizarán la evaluación de primavera de aprendizaje social y emocional (SEL). Esta evaluación se realiza dos veces al año y les da a los estudiantes la oportunidad de compartir cómo perciben el apoyo que reciben de su escuela y su comunidad para desarrollar las habilidades que necesitan para tener éxito, sentirse valorados, incluidos y apoyados.

Los resultados estarán disponibles en la pestaña Documents (Documentos) de SIS ParentVUE. Las familias que no tengan una cuenta de ParentVUE los recibirán por correo postal.

Para conocer más, consultar las preguntas o información sobre cómo solicitar que su hijo participe, visite la página de la Evaluación de aprendizaje social y emocional (SEL).

WhatsApp

Follow FCPS on WhatsApp

Is WhatsApp one of the ways you stay connected with family, friends, and your community? Now you can use it to stay connected with FCPS, too.

Follow the new FCPS WhatsApp Channel for helpful information and reminders throughout the school year, including important announcements, upcoming dates, tips for families, and more.

¡FCPS ahora en WhatsApp!

¿Usa WhatsApp para mantenerse en contacto con su familia, amigos y comunidad? Ahora también puede usarlo para mantenerse al día con todo lo que sucede en FCPS.

Siga el nuevo canal de FCPS en WhatsApp para recibir información útil y recordatorios durante todo el año escolar, como anuncios importantes, próximas fechas, consejos para las familias ¡y mucho más!

Health Room Update - Key Middle School 

Date: August 2026

Dear Parent or Guardian:

Greetings from your school Health Room! Our Health Room team is excited to partner with you in supporting the health and well-being of your student. Our goal is to help every student stay healthy, safe, and ready to learn.  The Health Room team is here to provide care for illness or injury during the school day, assist in managing health conditions, administer medications as needed, screen hearing and vision as indicated, and promote healthy habits.  We value strong communication with families. Please keep us informed of any health concerns or medical needs your child may have so we can support them effectively throughout the school year.    

How can you help us provide the best possible care for your student?

 Does your student require a special diet?

  • If your student requires a modified diet and will eat school meals, please refer to the Steps to Request Dietary Accommodations. Forms are available for students who require medical dietary accommodations and those who cannot drink cow’s milk and need milk substitutes.

Has your student had a head injury at home?

  • Immediately notify the school heath room and your student’s school counselor so school staff can implement appropriate accommodations if needed and follow established protocols to support a safe recovery and return to learning.

Has your student had an injury at home that may impact their physical activity at school?

Any questions about opioid awareness?

Does your student have a medical condition, require medication during the school day, or need a health care procedure?

  • If your student has a seizure disorder (epilepsy), please have your student’s health care provider complete the FCPS Authorization for Seizure Action Plan (SS/SE-385) and return it to the school public health nurse (PHN). This includes authorization for seizure rescue medications and procedures that may be required during the school day.
  • If medication must be administered during the school day, please follow the guidelines established in the current version of FCPS Regulation 2102.
  1. Have your student’s health care provider complete appropriate FCPS medication authorization forms and submit them to the school health room annually, as applicable:
  1. Bring your student’s medications to the health room.
  • If your student must have health care procedures during the school day, please follow the guidelines established in the current version of FCPS Regulation 2104.
  1. Have your student’s health care provider complete an appropriate authorization form and submit them to the school health room annually, as appropriate:
  1. Bring your student’s health care procedure supplies to the health room.

Thank you for partnering with us to help keep all FCPS students healthy, safe and ready to learn. We look forward to working with you throughout the school year.

If you have any questions, feel free to call your school Health Room at 703-313-3910 or your school Public Health Nurse, Maureen Holt, RN, at 571-585-6629. In October, PHN will be Debbie Staron at 571-544-2982.

Sincerely,

Maureen Holt

PHN’s Full Name, PHN

New ParentVUE App

New ParentVUE Mobile App Launching July 28 On Tuesday, July 28, a new ParentVUE mobile app will become available in the Apple and Google app stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. The current “classic” app will remain active for about six months. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their child’s school data.

In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature.

Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.

FCPS Mobile App

Find out about more features of the app. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

¿Tiene estudiantes en diferentes escuelas de FCPS? 🏫

La aplicación móvil de FCPS le permite seguir las novedades de todas las escuelas de sus hijos en un solo lugar. Simplemente abra la aplicación, toque el menú desplegable de color verde azulado, luego toque el ícono del engranaje y seleccione todas las escuelas que desea seguir. Vea este video sobre cómo seguir a su escuela.

 

Aprenda acerca de las demás funciones de la aplicación móvil y cómo pueden hacer más sencillo mantenerse al día con la información de sus hijos y escuelas. Descárguela desde la Apple App Store o Google Play Store.  

 

How to pay items online via credit card

All outstanding items can be cleared through MySchoolBucks, cash, or check payable to Key Middle School.

To pay online through MySchoolBucks:

  1. Go to www.MySchoolBucks.com to establish an account.
  2. Add your child using the name of the school they are attending and either their student ID or birthdate.
  3. You will receive a confirmation email that your account has been established.
  4. Make purchases with your credit/debit card or electronic check.
  5. There are no convenience fees for using the online payment system.

MySchoolBucks Customer Service parentsupport@myschoolbucks.com 1-855-832-5226

Cell Phone Policy - High School

Important Cellphone Update for Rising Ninth Graders: New Bell-to-Bell Policy Starts July 1

Under a new Virginia cellphone law (SB108) and the updated FCPS Cellphone Policy, high school students at FCPS will no longer be able to use cellphones and other smart devices during lunch time, starting July 1. This includes watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other items connected to the internet. 

During the school day, including during lunch time, high school students will have to keep cellphones and other smart devices off and stored in a locker, backpack, pouch, purse, etc. This policy does not apply to school-issued devices. Visit the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage for more information.

Online Safe

Online Safety

Scroll Smart. Post Smart. Stay Safe. 

The Fairfax County Police Department encourages teens and parents to stay informed, have open conversations about digital safety, and practice smart online habits throughout the summer months. Read recommendations to stay safe online this summer. 
Fairfax Connector

Ride Fairfax Connector for FREE

Ride Fairfax Connector for FREE! Key Center, John R. Lewis High School, Francis Scott Key Middle

Family Vision Group Representative Opportunity

Key Middle School is seeking a parent or guardian representative to participate in the FCPS Family Vision Group (FVG), a district-level community engagement group that brings together families and school leaders to discuss initiatives, share feedback, and strengthen family-school partnerships across Fairfax County Public Schools.

Representatives serve as a voice for Key Middle School families and help share family perspectives in division-wide conversations. The commitment includes attending approximately six meetings per year, which are typically held in person from 6:00–7:30 p.m. on weekday evenings, location TBD.

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity or are interested in serving as a representative, please contact Deborah Vel at dsvel@fcps.edu.

We appreciate your partnership and your willingness to support the Key Middle School community.

Free Sports Physicals for the 2026-2027 School Year

Registration is now open for school athletic physical exams. All middle school students must have a completed physical on file before they can play school sports.

Who is Eligible

Rising 7th and 8th grade students for the 2026-2027 school year.

Important Details

Exams are held at FCPS high schools.

You must sign up for an appointment in advance.

Exams are only available on specific dates and times.

How to Register

Please use the appointment registration link to view available times and sign up for an appointment.

SIS ParentVUE

Support Your Child’s Success in SIS ParentVUE Signing up for a SIS ParentVUE account helps you to support your child’s academic success! Caregivers can view important information like attendance, grades, progress reports, and assessment scores through ParentVUE. 

Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. It is available online and as a mobile app for Apple and Android devices. 

Need help creating a SIS ParentVue account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

If you already have an account, be sure your contact information is up to date. Parents/guardians can update their phone numbers or email addresses in the Parent/Guardian section. View additional details about ParentVUE.

Activate Your ParentVUE Account to Stay ConnectedOn Wednesday, July 29, FCPS families who haven't activated their ParentVUE account will receive an email with the subject “Fairfax County Public Schools ParentVUE Activation Letter.” 

The email will include instructions to activate a ParentVUE account. If you don’t have an account and don’t receive the email, please check your spam folder or open a Parent Support Request. After July 29, families may also contact Vickie Beruete @ (703) 313-3904 or vberuete@fcps.eduto request a printed activation letter or a new activation key, if needed.

All families are encouraged to activate their accounts as soon as possible to ensure they receive immediate access to important student information and school communications.

For assistance activating your account, please contact our front office. For technical support, create a Parent Support Request.

District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

FCPS News

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

    • Everything You Need to Do in SIS ParentVUE
    • Permission Forms for School Resources
    • Follow Multiple Schools in the App

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

SPANISH 

Novedades de FCPSEn caso de que no haya visto el boletín Esta Semana en FCPS, la división escolar compartió novedades sobre los siguientes temas:

  • Todo lo que necesita hacer en SIS ParentVUE
  • Formularios de autorización para recursos escolares
  • Cómo seguir a varias escuelas en la aplicación móvil.

 

Lea Esta Semana  en FCPS para que conozca más acerca de estos temas. Si aún no recibe este boletín semanal, por favor, suscríbase hoy.

Key MS Administrative Team

Principal: Drew Campbell  |  amcampbell1@fcps.edu

Assistant Principal (7th Grade): Shawn D. Brown |  sdbrown@fcps.edu

Assistant Principal (8th Grade): Shari Peters |  sapeters@fcps.edu

Director of Student Services: Jane Flegal |  jcflegal@fcps.edu