What's Happening Mount Eagle |September 18, 2026

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What's Happening Mount Eagle

September 18, 2026

Grade 5 students

Grade 5 students enjoying some good books!


A Message from Ms. Kirkland

Dear Families,

It has been another great week at Mount Eagle! As a reminder, Monday, September 21 is a holiday, and school will be closed for students and staff. We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend!

We were thrilled to have such a huge turnout for our first PTO meeting of the year. Families learned more about our Title I program and heard about some of the exciting events our PTO has planned, including Puzzles and Pizza and much more. Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our PTO for continuing to create opportunities that bring our families and school community together.

Next week, our 4th grade students will have a special opportunity to participate in math lessons led by students from George Mason University through the GMU Experimental Lab. These lessons will give our students an opportunity to extend their mathematical thinking while also connecting with college students and building excitement about the possibilities that await them after graduation.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping us make Mount Eagle a wonderful place to learn and grow!

Warmly,

Kate Kirkland, Principal


Calendar reminder graphic

September 21 Holiday

All FCPS schools including Mount Eagle will be closed on Monday, September 21 in observance of Yom Kippur. 


Feeder Night at Edison

Feeder Night Graphic

Future Eagles are invited to come cheer on Edison against Mount Vernon on Friday, October 2nd!  Students should wear their Mount Eagle gear, and meet at the goal post at 6:15 am to run across the field before the game!


🤒 Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School

School is better when your child is here! But we do understand that some days, they may feel unwell. Learn more about which symptoms are ok at school (like sneezing or sniffles), and when your child should stay home (if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, for example). 

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify our school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with our public health nurse. Call us as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let us know how long you think they will be out.

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.


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


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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 and Puzzles

Come join us for some puzzle fun and dinner hosted by the PTO.  Pizza and drinks will be for sale on Thursday, October 8. More details to come!


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

Monday, September 21 | Holiday - No school for students

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

Thursday, October 8 | Pizza & Puzzles

Monday, October 12 | Student Holiday (School Planning Day for Staff) Indigenous Peoples’ Day 

October 30 | End of First Quarter--2-hour Early Release 

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