Katherine Johnson MS Weekly News - September 18, 2026

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Reminder - Charging Laptops

Picture of reminding to charge their laptops

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!


In This Issue:


Upcoming Events

September  21 - School Holiday - building closed

September 25 - Parent Academy (virtual) - 7:00 - 8:00 PM

September 23 - Rescheduled Parent Academy - Virtual - 7:00 PM

September 26 - October 4 - Blue Star Welcome Week

October 12 - Teacher Workday - No School for Students

October 13 - PTA Meeting (virtual) - 7:00 PM


Principal's Message

Dear KJMS Families,

It has been wonderful to see our students engaging in our schoolwide read of The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo. We have finished the first nine chapters, and I encourage you to ask your student to summarize what we have read so far. This is a great way to encourage reading and discussion at home!

I hope you can join us online next Wednesday, September 23, at 7:00 p.m. for our rescheduled Parent/Caregiver Academy session, Helping Your Child Thrive in Middle School. We will send the Zoom link Wednesday morning.

A few important updates and reminders:

  • Kiss & Ride: Student drop-off begins at 7:00 a.m. Staff are not on duty to supervise students before 7:00 a.m. Please do not drop students off in the parking lot. All students arriving by car should be dropped off in the Kiss & Ride lane.
  • Student Transportation IDs: Transportation IDs have been distributed to students. If your student needs a replacement ID, please complete this form.
  • Fairfax High School Homecoming: Join us next Friday, September 25, at Fairfax High School for the annual Homecoming parade at 4:00 p.m., followed by the Homecoming tailgate and football game.

Thank you for your continued support of KJMS. We look forward to seeing you at one of these upcoming events!  Ready to Soar!

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.


Thank you

Image of the words "Thank you"

A BIG shout-out and thank you to our incredible PE department for helping facilitate this week's picture day and hearing/vision screenings!

The event was a huge success thanks to our dedicated parent volunteers, the Health Department Public Health Nurses, our wonderful clinic aide, Ms. Sandy Johnson, and our school public health nurse, Ms. Basil. Together, this amazing team screened over 700 students! Thank you all again for your hard work and support!


Blue Star Welcome Week

Picture the states "Blue Ribbon Week"

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.


National AVID Day

Today, Friday, September 18, Katherine Johnson Middle joined schools and communities across the country in celebrating Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Day, a nationwide moment that honors the impact of AVID educators, students, and families working together to expand access and opportunity.

AVID is rooted in the belief that all students deserve the skills, support, and confidence to succeed in college, careers, and beyond. At KJMS, AVID is helping students strengthen critical thinking, organization, collaboration, and self-advocacy skills that prepare them for future success.

This year, we are proud to celebrate AVID’s impact in our community over the last 20 years.  These outcomes reflect the dedication of our educators and the determination of students who are setting ambitious goals and working intentionally toward them.

AVID Day is also a chance to elevate student voice. Students and educators across FCPS are reflecting on their journeys by completing the phrase “Because of AVID, I…” and sharing what this experience has made possible for them.


Career Day 2026

Picture of the words: Career Day

We are excited to announce that this year’s Career Day will take place on November 11th from 8:15 AM to 10:40 AM, and we are looking for enthusiastic presenters to share their careers with our students!

If you are interested in participating as a presenter, please complete the registration form using the link below. The deadline to register is Oct 23.

Please see the FAQs and reach out to School Counselor Curtiss Barnes at crbarnes@fcps.edu if you have questions.

Your experiences and insights can have a lasting impact on our students as they explore various career paths. Thank you for your support in making this event a success. We look forward to showcasing the amazing careers within our KJMS community!

KJMS Career Day Presenter Registration 


KJMS Lost & Found

The Lost and Found in the cafeteria is overflowing! Please have your student check for any missing jackets, hoodies, sweatshirts, or water bottles. The best times to look are first thing in the morning before 1st period or during their lunch break.

Please note: All unclaimed items will be donated or discarded on 9/30.

Thank you for your help!

Images of the lost and found items  table in the cafe

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

September - Attendance Awareness Month

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. Visit the FCPS Attendance web page for tips and strategies.  


Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. 

Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available. 


Virtual Mental Health Services Now Available to Middle School Students

Since 2023, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to FCPS high school students. These services became available to students enrolled in all FCPS middle schools on July 1. 

Parents are encouraged to contact Hazel Health directly if they are seeking mental health support for their child, have noticed changes in their child’s mood or behavior, or are having difficulty connecting with a therapist in the community. 

To make it easier for families to access services, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to streamline the referral process. Parents can visit the Hazel Health in FCPS website to enroll their child in services or visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.


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. 


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.

Cellphones and Personal Devices

Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device. Learn more about the student device requirement. 


National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Yom Kippur

Monday September 21, is a holiday and schools and offices will be closed. See the complete school year calendar.


Fairfax High School Homecoming Parade!

  • Event Title: Fairfax High School Homecoming Parade is Here!

  • Tagline: Get ready for a week full of fun, spirit, and celebration!

  • Location: Country Club Hills Pool Parking Lot (3622 Old Post Rd) to Fairfax High School

  • Date & Time: September 25, 2026 @ 4:00 PM

  • Closing Text: Don't miss the fun — show your school pride! GO LIONS!!

Picture of flyer for Fairfax High School Homecoming Parade

Flyer for the Fairfax High School Homecoming Parade on a light blue background decorated with confetti, paw prints, and a lion mascot graphic.


Fairfax High School Fall Drama Camp

Fairfax High School Theatre

Fall Drama Camp: NEVERLAND – BELIEVE IN DREAMS

Monday, October 12th, 2026 (Teacher Workday)  

  • When: Monday, Oct. 12th 
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Check-in begins at 8:30 AM) 
  • Where: Fairfax High School, 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, VA 22030 
  • Who: For any child in 1st – 8th Grade 
  • Cost: $65 per child and $45 for FCPS Employees 

The Staff: Mr. Chris Whitney, FHS Theatre Director, is the Camp Director. The FX Players (high school theatre students) are the counselors. Theatre Boosters parents will chaperone. Campers are divided into groups by grade level (1st–8th).

 The Schedule: Begins with an opening meeting. Groups rotate through activities like Acting, Improv, Musical Theatre, Props, Costumes, and Dance. Parents are invited to watch the final performance in the auditorium at 3:00 PM.

 Lunch: Campers must bring their own lunch and drink to eat in the cafeteria with counselors.

Registration: Online registration at www.fxplayers.org by October 11th, 2026. Confirmation email sent upon receipt of registration and payment.

Note: A parent or caregiver must enter the school to sign campers in and out.

https://johnsonms.fcps.edu/announcements/fhs-drama-camp

Questions: Email fhsdramacamp@gmail.com

Sponsored by Fairfax High School Theatre Boosters (501(c)3 non-profit organization). Activities are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the FCPS School Board, the Superintendent, or this school.


William & Mary SEP Program (Saturdays)

William and Mary picture of  loco

The William & Mary Center for Gifted Education is excited to share their upcoming Fall 2026 Saturday Enrichment Program (SEP) opportunities. 

 

Our upcoming program dates are:

  • October 17, 2026 – One-Day Enrichment Program
  • November 7, 14, and 21, 2026 – Three-Saturday Enrichment Series

SEP offers engaging, academically challenging courses designed to encourage students to explore their interests, think creatively, and learn alongside other students who share their enthusiasm for learning.

Registration & Program Information


District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

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

  • Military Families Find a Community in FCPS
  • Receive FCPS This Week in Other Languages
  • Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School

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


Weather Happens, FCPS Is Ready

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.


Get to Know Our School Health Staff

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!


KJMS Family Liaison and/or Social Worker

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.


FCPS Cares
 

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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