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A quick reminder to help your child head to school prepared and ready to do their best each day.
Please ensure your child brings their fully charged laptop/Chromebook. The charger should stay at home and charged each night.
Replacement chargers can be purchased in MySchoolBucks for $29 or by sending cash to the Main Office.
Limited Loaners: Our supply of spare devices is very limited, so having their assigned equipment ready to go is extra important!
Thank you for your ongoing support in keeping our students prepared and ready to learn!
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In This Issue:
September 4 & 7 - No School for Staff and Students
September 3-10 - iReady Testing (English classes)
September 11-16 - MAP Testing (Math classes)
September 8 - PTA In-Person - 7:00 PM - Library
September 9 - Parent Academy - 7:00 PM - Virtual
September 15 & 16: Picture Day - During PE Classes
Dear KJMS Families,
Thank you to all who joined us last night for Back to School Night! It was wonderful to see so many of you in our building connecting with teachers, staff, and one another. Click here to view messages from myself, FCPS School Board members and the City of Fairfax Schools.
A strong home-school partnership is at the heart of student success. When families and educators work together, we create a supportive environment where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Your involvement, questions, and encouragement make a true difference in our school community.
We look forward to building on this partnership throughout the year and working together to ensure every student thrives at KJMS.
A couple reminders:
- Fairfax High School Football Season Kickoff! Tonight - Thursday, September 3rd at 7:00 PM is the home football opener for the Fairfax Lions . All Katherine Johnson students must be accompanied by an adult to be admitted into home football games. No middle school students will be permitted entry without an adult.
- Kiss and Ride - ALL kiss and ride drop-off and pick-up should occur at our main entrance (door #1) on the Jermantown Rd. side of our building. The Bevan Dr. should not be used for kiss and ride and is not monitored by KJMS staff.
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
LION NATION,
Join us tonight (Thursday, 9/3) for the Varsity Football home opener to cheer on our Lions! Festivities kick off with our annual Unite & Excite from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, followed by the game at 7:00 PM
NEW FCPS Security & Bag Policy: All spectators will pass through the Open Gate weapons detection system (the same system used during school morning arrival). To support a safe and efficient entry process, the following bag policies are strictly enforced:
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Prohibited Items: Backpacks, purses, fanny packs, tote bags, outside food/beverages, and sporting equipment (balls, bats, sticks, etc.).
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Approved Bags: Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags (max size: 12" x 6" x 12"), Small clutch bags (max size: 4.5" x 6.5"), and medical and diaper bags (permitted, but subject to inspection)
Middle School Student Supervision: All elementary and middle school students must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian for the entire game. Unaccompanied students will not be admitted under any circumstances.
If you have questions, please contact the Activities Office at 703-219-2201 or email Nancy Melnick at namelnick@fcps.edu .
See everyone Thursday night.
Let's gooooo LIONS!
KJMS Attendance webpage
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success by helping them build good habits.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Can You Communicate in a Language Other Than English?
Earn Up to 3 High School Credits! FCPS celebrates your multilingual literacy. If you are fluent in a language other than English, you can take the World Languages Credit by Exam (WLCBE) to earn high school credits toward graduation and state recognition.
Why Take the Exam?
- Students who take the exam may earn up to three passing world language credits for levels one, two, and/or three for the language of the exam.
- WLCBE credits count toward the world languages requirements for the Advanced Studies Diploma.
- The assessment used in FCPS is also an approved assessment for awarding the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) Seal of Biliteracy.
Who is Eligible for the Exam?
- This exam is designed for students in Grades 7 through 12 who possess well-developed literacy in their language -writing and speaking (except Latin & ASL).
- Students may participate in the exam a maximum of two times per language across your middle and high school career (limit of once per school year).
Registration, Testing Date, & Location:
- The WLCBE will be offered at KJMS during the school day, on November 17/18. (You will be informed by email before then about the specific day of your test.)
- Registration Dates: Registration opens Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 8 a.m. Registration closes on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 2:30 p.m.
- KJMS counselors can register you for the exam. You may download the Student Registration Form using this link. Permission sheets will also be available from KJMS school counselors at each lunch period beginning Sept. 8th. The registration form must be signed by a parent/guardian. Students must return the signed permission form to register (you can return the signed permission sheet to register during any lunch period until Oct. 16th!)
Learn more about the FCPS Credit by Exam Website:
https://www.fcps.edu/academics/high/world-languages/credit-exam-world-languages Fairfax County Public Schools | Instructional Services | World Languages WLCreditExam@fcps.edu
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Please remind your student that personal electronic communication or computing devices should be off and personally stored (i.e. backpacks) for the duration of the school day — bell to bell. This includes:
- Personal laptops and tablets.
- Smartphones and smartwatches.
- Other personal electronic communication or computing devices.
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office at (703) 934-2400. Learn more about the FCPS Cellphone Policy and Device Policy.
September 26 through October 4, 2026
Our community and FCPS are proud to participate in Blue Star Welcome Week, a special event dedicated to welcoming military-connected families to the area. From September 26 through October 4, 2026, various events and activities will be held throughout FCPS schools and the region to show support and appreciation for military-connected families.
Blue Star Welcome Week is an annual event hosted by Blue Star Families, a non-profit organization that empowers military-connected families and strives to help them integrate into civilian communities. This week-long celebration offers newcomers the opportunity to connect with local resources, meet other military-connected families, and engage with the community. Please visit the National Capital Region Chapter to learn more about the events Blue Star Families and their partners will be hosting.
FCPS wishes a warm welcome to our military-connected families! We are honored to have you as part of our community, and we thank you for your service.
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Attention families:
Looking for a flexible and part-time position? FCPS is hiring AVID tutors for the 2026-2027 school year.
AVID tutors work with small groups of approximately 5-7 students during the school day in an academic elective class called Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). These groups use questioning strategies to help students develop a variety of college preparatory skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. Tutors earn $21.77 per hour and should either be a college graduate or currently enrolled in college.
If interested, please email your resume to AVID@fcps.edu.
Eligible 8th grade students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to join us on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 9:30-10:30 am in the KJMS auditorium for a presentation by the TJHSST admissions staff. Families are also welcome and should enter the building through door 1 if they chose to attend.
For information on your 8th grade student’s eligibility status, please visit the TJHSST admissions website at www.fcps.edu/tjadmissions. On this website, you are encouraged to watch the 30-minute video with detailed information.
For eligible 8th grade students that are interested in applying for admission, applications will become available later this fall and official dates will be communicated soon.
There is also detailed information to read on the TJ Freshman admissions page, including the eligibility requirements to apply to TJ, here:
TJHSST Freshman Application Process
If you have any questions, please contact School Counselor, Tyisha Williamson at tswilliamson@fcps.edu or Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, Jessica Galuten at jpgaluten@fcps.edu.
The Annual Special Education Family Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS and community partners, its theme — Connected Communities, Thriving Students — highlights the power of partnerships that support student success. This no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch for all participants. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for the latest information.
Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
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. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):
- Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
- Monday, September 28, at Riverside Elementary School
- Monday, October 19, at Spring Hill Elementary School
- Monday, October 26, at Beech Tree Elementary School
- Thursday, October 29, at North Springfield Elementary School
- Friday, November 13, at Colin Powell Elementary School
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.
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid
- Weather Safety
- Attendance Resources for Families
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Katherine Johnson MS is a City of Fairfax school. What does that mean for your student and your family? Explore the unique partnership between the City of Fairfax and FCPS and discover the programs, opportunities and investments that make our schools special. Click here to find out more.
 Graphic titled "Katherine Johnson MS is a City of Fairfax School." It shows the City of Fairfax Schools logo and line art of a school building and city skyline. Text asks what this means for families and offers a link to explore how the city and FCPS work together.
Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. They must notify parents and caregivers at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools do not have to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. Preschool and kindergarten students do not participate in the first lockdown drill.
By law, the first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with them about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your student before and after school lockdown drills.
Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for students, families, and staff to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.
If students, staff, or families have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening before Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately before Labor Day.
Want an easy way to track future school holidays, teacher workdays, and early dismissals? Check the calendar feature in the FCPS mobile app anytime, no login needed! Find out about more features of the app. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.
Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, many different types of weather events can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff.
Learn how FCPS prepares for and responds to weather events, and find resources to help your family prepare, on the FCPS Weather Safety webpage.
Our school nurse at KJMS is Ms. Basile and our school health aide is Ms. Johnson. You can contact them at 703-934-2410 for health plans, medication drop-offs, or questions about chronic conditions. Visit our school health webpage for forms, illness policies, and tips to keep your student healthy!
You can contact our parent liaisons by phone or email: Ana Maxey (Mon.–Fri.) at 703-934-2454 or ajmaxey@fcps.edu, and Jennie Choi (Tues. & Wed.) at 703-934-2452 or jchoi4@fcps.edu.
To reach our social worker, Maria Marris, email msmarris@fcps.edu.
Please be sure to include your name, your student's name, and your contact phone number in your message.
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.
Family Information Line Available in Nine Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS.
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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.
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