What's Happening Mount Eagle |September 3, 2026

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What's Happening Mount Eagle

September 3, 2026

kindergartners on the carpet

Kindergarten students gather at the carpet for Morning Meeting!


A Message from Ms. Kirkland

Dear Mount Eagle Families,

What a fabulous first week of school! It has been wonderful to have our students back in the building. Across Mount Eagle, students are learning new routines and procedures and settling into the rhythm of a new school year. Students have been excited to share how much fun they are having making new friends and getting to know their new teachers and classmates. The positive energy throughout our school has made for a fantastic start!

We have a short week ahead as we approach the Labor Day holiday. Please remember that schools and offices will be closed September 4–7. We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend and some extra time with family and friends.

Finally, many thanks to all of our families who have already completed their beginning-of-year forms. We know there is a lot of information and paperwork that comes with the start of a new school year, and we appreciate your partnership in helping us get everything off to a smooth start.

Thank you for a wonderful first week. We are so excited for all that this school year will bring!

Warmly,
Kate Kirkland, Principal


Calendar reminder graphic

Labor Day Holiday

All FCPS schools including Mount Eagle will be closed on Friday and Monday for the Labor Day holiday. We will see everyone back at school on Tuesday, September 8.


Student Badges for Bus Riders are Here!

 Teachers have given out student identification cards for all students who are assigned to ride a bus.  Students will use these to check in and check out of the bus each day. 

Parents use the FCPS My Ride app to follow the bus progress and see when their children get on and off the bus.  

You can help us by ensuring that your bus rider's student ID is in their backpack each morning.  

Find more information about student ID's and the My Ride app here

student identifation

🏫 Back to School Night September 9

Back to School Night will be on Wednesday, September 9 at 6:00 pm.  This event is designed for parents only. If parents cannot secure childcare, their child must remain with them and have a quiet activity regardless of age. 

There will be TWO sessions offered to accommodate families with multiple children (see schedule below). Teachers will present the same information twice to provide parents multiple opportunities to hear information. Back-to-School Night is a wonderful way to get to know your child’s teacher and learn about the classroom expectations and grade-level curriculum.  We hope you will be able to join us!  There will be limited parking available that night, so please consider walking if you are able.  

Doors Open & Meet Specialists  6:00 - 6:30 pm 

We'll gather in the cafeteria for parents to meet with specialists and learn about students across grade levels access. PTO will offer pizza for sale for families that would like to get a bite to eat before the teacher sessions. 

5 minute transition

Teacher Session 1: 6:30-7:00 pm

5 minute transition

Teacher Session 2: 7:05 - 7:30 pm


Picture Day is Coming!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 17 for our Fall School Picture day.  More information about purchasing photo packages will be coming in Thursday folders. 


Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life. 

A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. The closest event to Mount Eagle will be later this month. 

Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid


Safety Drills During the School Year

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and extreme weather. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. 

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. 

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your child before and after school lockdown drills.


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Updates to Technology in School

The Virginia legislature has passed a law updating what personal electronics are permitted in school.  Starting this year, students must turn off and place in backpacks all personal electronics, including cell phones, smart watches, laptops, and wireless headphones.  Students may not wear these items during the school day in the building. 


Explore School Meals in the New Menu Platform

Experience an easier way to view your child’s school menus using MealViewer:

  • View what is being served each day.
  • View the nutritional information for each meal.
  • See if any specific allergens are being served.
  • Get notified when your student’s favorite meal is being served.

Printable menus are always available on the Food and Nutrition Services webpa


calendar

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.

Pizza Sales

PTO will offer pizza for sale from 6:00 - 6:30 pm in the cafeteria at Back-to-School Night. All funds support after school clubs, field trips, and staff appreciation events. 


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


Important Dates

Friday, September 3 - Monday, September 7 | Labor Day Holiday - Schools and office closed

Wednesday, September 9  | Back-to-School Night

Monday, September 21 | Holiday - No school for students

Wednesday, September 30  | Early Release Wednesday. Students dismiss at 12:30 pm. 

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.


Attendance Matters

Daily, on-time attendance is critical to your child's success in school.  Now is the time to begin planning for family events, making sure to plan trips during school breaks and holidays. Please be sure to review the 2026 2027 calendar to begin planning. 

Calendar Student Services

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