Thoreau Matters Friday, September 11, 2026

Dear Thoreau Families,

Our staff is committed to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. Our RISE behavior standards help us achieve this goal, standing for Respect, Integrity, Service, and Engagement.

Students have learned what RISE "looks and sounds like" during Advisory lessons. New this year, we have detailed how students should exhibit these behaviors in learning spaces, digital spaces, the cafeteria and in non-instructional spaces. We believe that by teaching and consistently reinforcing these expectations, we empower students to be their best selves. You may hear teachers and staff use this language when celebrating positive choices or guiding behavior.

We encourage you to partner with us at home by discussing the RISE standards and acknowledging when your child exhibits these traits. Students who exemplify these standards are recognized by staff with RISE cards and entered into drawings for prizes. 

We’re looking forward to an amazing year together and celebrating all the ways our Eagles RISE!

Sincerely,

Teresa Khuluki

Principal


Eagles R.I.S.E.

🚸 Pedestrian Safety

  • Drivers: Slow down and obey posted speed limits, stay alert for students at crosswalks, sidewalks, and bus stops, and put phones and other distractions away.
  • Students walking to school: Use sidewalks and designated crosswalks whenever possible, look carefully before crossing, and make sure drivers see you before entering the roadway.
  • Students biking or riding scooters: Wear a properly fitted helmet, follow traffic signs and signals, use bike lanes or designated paths when available, and stay alert for vehicles, pedestrians, and other riders.For the safety of all students, staff, and visitors, students are not permitted to ride bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, or similar motorized devices on school grounds. Upon entering school property, students must dismount and walk their device until they have left school grounds.
  • Everyone: Be especially attentive around schools, intersections, crosswalks, bus stops, and parking lots, where many different forms of transportation come together.

❤️9/11 Remembrance

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, a day that forever changed our nation.

On that day, terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon using hijacked passenger planes. A fourth attack was thwarted by the heroic actions of the passengers and crew aboard Flight 93, which crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, preventing it from reaching its intended target.

This morning, we dedicated our moment of silence to remembering those who lost their lives, the families whose lives changed forever, and the first responders including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other rescue workers who ran toward danger to help others. We also honor the members of our Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in the years that followed.

❤️9/11 Remembrance

🌎 World Language Credit Exam

Registration for the World Languages Credit by Exam:

Registration begins on Tuesday, September 9th and closes on Friday, October 16th at 4 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted.

The World Languages Credit by Exam is an optional test for students in grades 7-12 who can speak and write (type) proficiently in a language other than English. Based on the results of the exam, they can earn 1, 2, and/or 3 passing world language credits. If that language is one of the languages listed on the FCPS website, consider registering your student for the World Languages Credit by Exam! 

The 2026 World Languages Credit by Exam will be administered at Thoreau Middle School during the Week of November 9th. More details about the test date will be sent out after the registration deadline closes.

Please contact your student’s school counselor to register for the exam. 

More information, including the list of languages offered on the exam, and how to register is available on the FCPS website.


🌟 FCPS Twice Exceptional (2e) Programming Information

FCPS Twice Exceptional (2e) Programming Information

We’re excited to share information about Twice-Exceptional (2e) Programming available within our school system. Twice-exceptional students demonstrate advanced abilities while also experiencing learning, attention, or other challenges that may require additional support.

Please view the attached flyer to learn more about 2e programming, available resources, and opportunities to support the unique strengths and needs of twice-exceptional learners. You can also visit the FCPS 2e webpage for additional information and resources.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Hannah Converse at hpconverse@fcps.edu.


🔬 Field Trip to Thomas Jefferson High School

Thoreau is offering 30 seventh- and eighth-grade students interested in STEM, astronomy, and/or attending Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) the opportunity to visit TJHSST on Tuesday, October 27. Students will participate in a planetarium lesson and tour science labs.

Students interested in and eligible to apply to TJHSST are especially encouraged to register. TJHSST eligibility requirements include:

  • Math: Enrolled in or completed Algebra I Honors (full year)
  • Science: Enrolled in Science Honors
  • Additional Course: English Honors, Social Studies Honors, or Young Scholars
  • GPA: 3.5 or higher in all core academic courses (Math, Science, Social Studies, English, and HS Credit World Language)

Space is limited to 30 students and is first come, first served.

📝 How to Participate

  1. Complete the field trip registration form.
  2. Return the TJ Parent Permission Form to Mrs. Converse by Tuesday, October 13. Forms may be dropped off at the main office and will be placed in Mrs. Converse's mailbox.

Permission Form: https://canva.link/kabpcxqsbipf3hp

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Hannah Converse at hpconverse@fcps.edu.


🧪 Applications Open Monday, October 5, for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Eighth graders who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2031 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).

The application will be available Monday, October 5, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, with a submission deadline of 4 p.m. Friday, October 30. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information, including a schedule of upcoming information sessions at middle schools.


🎨 After-School Activities & Athletics

After-School Programs begin next week: Monday–Thursday, September 14–17!

Step 1: Complete the After-School Registration Form

Please complete the After-School Registration Form.

Students cannot stay after school until this form has been submitted.

Step 2: Visit the After-School Program Schoology Course

Go to the After-School Program Schoology Course and review the items in the Materials section, including the weekly schedule and late bus routes.

Not all clubs will begin next week. 

Also, review the attached After-School Preview document for important program procedures and expectations.

Step 3: HAVE A PLAN

Before staying after school, you need to know:

  • Where are you staying after school?
  • Does your family know you are staying?
  • How are you getting home: car, walking/biking, or late bus?

Late bus routes are posted in Schoology.

Step 4: SIGN IN EVERY DAY YOU STAY AFTER SCHOOL

Every day that you participate in after-school programming, you must sign in between 2:15–2:30 p.m.

This tells us that you are here and participating that day.

Do not complete the sign-in form to “reserve” a spot in a club. It is only used for daily attendance so we know who is actually in the program.

You must be logged into your fcpsschools.net account to access the form.

Step 5: Have an idea for a club?

If we are missing a club or activity that you would like to see offered, please let Mr. P know!


After school Schedule Sept. 12-18 (Can also be found on schoology)

🏃Cross Country

Cross Country is coming this fall! Practices will begin the week of September 14.

Cross Country practices will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the first after-school session only. Students will begin practice in a gym for attendance and to change into appropriate practice attire if needed. The team will then head outside by approximately 2:20 p.m.

Parent Meeting - a parent will be held on Monday, 9/14 at 7pm via Zoom (link will be posted in Schoology that day). This will be a time for any parents to ask additional questions from our Basic Information/FAQ Sheet which is posted in Schoology. 

Access to Cross Country Information/Materials - all information for cross country (practices, meet days/times, etc.) are posted in the Schoology course “Thoreau Middle School After School Program.” 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to our Athletic Coordinator, Krissy Schnebel, at kaschnebel@fcps.edu


📘 Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30

The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.

Families, please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.  

Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.


🙋 Student Volunteer Opportunity: MRES Fall Family Picnic

Marshall Road Elementary School is looking for middle and high school student volunteers to help with its Fall Family Picnic!

📅 Friday, October 2

⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM

📍 Marshall Road Elementary School Field

Students can earn up to 3 service hours for volunteering, and pizza will be provided! 🍕

Volunteer opportunities include event setup and cleanup, concessions and ice cream distribution, field games, face painting/tattoos, and helping wherever most needed.

📝 Interested students must complete the volunteer sign-up form to participate:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1tvPLV-24v5ybt44Iht9jpAwrpAI_DJ_1Sz6waGNpLKk/viewform

Please note that some volunteer shifts begin before or end after the official picnic hours. Be sure to review the available shifts carefully when completing the form.

Thank you for helping support our Marshall Road Elementary School community! 💙


💬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. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):

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


🤝 Reporting Discrimination or Harassment

FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible.