Carson MS Weekly Updates - Week of October 26

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Important Upcoming October 19th - Federal Impact Aid Survey Opens online in ParentVue. Take the survey. October 30th - End of 1st Quarter, 2-hour early release November 2 - School Planning Day, Student Holiday November 3- Teacher Workday, Student Holiday (Election Day) November 25-27 - Thanksgiving Break

End of 1st Quarter & Report Card Information

Friday, October 30th marks the end of the 1st quarter. The Gradebook and Report Card Modules in SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE will be unavailable from Friday, October 30th at 4:00 p.m. through Monday, November 9th at 9:00 a.m. On Monday, November 9th, 1st quarter report cards will be visible in SIS. A printed version of 1st quarter report cards will be sent home the week of November 16th

Extended Absences

Hello, Carson Families,

We’d like to remind you of the steps to follow when your student will be absent for an extended period. Please review the information below. It is also available on the Rachel Carson Middle School website.

Before the absence

If your student will be absent for four or more consecutive days due to travel or another circumstance, a Prearranged Absence form is required. Please have your student pick up the form from the front office at least one week before the absence and have it signed by all of their teachers.

A parent or guardian should also email the RCMS Attendance Office at CarsonMiddle.Attendance@fcps.edu. Please include your student’s name, student ID, dates of absence, and reason for the absence.

Please also keep in mind

•  If your student is absent for 15 school days, they will be withdrawn on the 15th day and will need to be re-enrolled. When your student returns, please contact Mrs. Novelo at enovelo@fcps.edu and Mrs. Tawil at ajtawil@fcps.edu so we can begin the re-enrollment process.
• Absences due to travel are recorded as Unexcused Locally (UNL). After five UNL absences, you may receive an automated call from the Virginia Department of Education asking you to contact the school. You do not need to contact us again if you have already provided the absence information above.
• FCPS-issued laptops may not be taken outside the United States. If your student has access to a personal computer, they may complete assignments posted in Schoology and email their teachers to keep up with their work.
• A negative TB test may be required for re-enrollment.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Thank you!

Schedule Change - No School March 9 for

Eid al-Fitr

FCPS will mark the beginning of Eid al-Fitr with an evening-only observance day on Monday, March 8. There will be school on this day, but major school-sponsored events and activities (such as auditions or tryouts) will not take place. 

Tuesday, March 9, will be a holiday for students and staff. 

Wednesday, March 10, will be an observance day. There will be school on this day, but certain activities that cannot be made up (major tests, field trips, or mandatory events) will not take place on this day. 

For RCMS, Wednesday,  March 10, will now be an A Day.

A new school year calendar has been published, which includes this change. Please note that holidays and observances on the calendar may shift due to anticipated lunar sightings.  A new A/B Day calendar will be posted to the Carson Website. 

Federal Impact Aid Survey Available in ParentVue SIS

The Impact Aid Program is a federal program designed to directly compensate local school districts that have been financially impacted by federal activities. The program’s mission is to reimburse local school districts for local revenues lost due to the presence of federally owned, and therefore tax exempt, property.

FCPS is pleased to announce that the Federal Impact Aid Survey will once again be available electronically through your ParentVUE account beginning Monday, October 19th. The enrolling parent is the only one who can complete and submit the online Impact Aid survey.  If you have children at multiple FCPS Schools, a survey must be completed for each child for their individual school.

If you do not have a ParentVue account set up, click the link below and follow the step by step guidelines on set-up.

ParentVue-sis-accountsetup

8th Grade Parent Volunteers Needed!

Carson 8^th graders will be attending the Finance Park field trip in November and we would love to have you come along with us!  We need 25 parent volunteers for each day. This is a 4.5 hour commitment (from 8:35am-1:10pm), which includes an hour of training at the Finance Park facility next to Frost MS before our students arrive. You will help guide students through different phases of the day, which simulate real-world budgeting decisions, spending research, and bill payment. You will also share your own life experiences and help them walk a day in your shoes. You bring the program to life!

Finance Park trips are on the following dates (snow days will be rescheduled at a later time) –

 - Ms. Masood  Monday, November 16, 2026

 - Ms. Khadka: Tuesday, November 17, 2026

 - Ms. Maldonado: Wednesday, November 18, 2026

 - Ms. Goldstein: Thursday, November 19,2026

 - Ms. LaRue: Friday, November 20, 2026

If you are able to volunteer with Carson’s Finance Park field trip, please view this link to create a JA account and then sign up as a caregiver for your child’s date to volunteer.

https://jagw.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/jafpfc 

Thank you for donating your time and experience to our students.  If you have any questions, please contact your child’s civics teacher. 

News from the Library

The Carson Book Fair is coming to the library during the week of Dec. 7-11, and we need a few parent volunteers to work as cashiers! Please review the following Sign-Up Genius and sign up for a slot if you are able. It is so much fun to volunteer at the Book Fair!  

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4DABAE23A46-66994237-rcms#/ 

Current FCPS students are NOT allowed to sign-up. If you volunteer to work the book fair and have not yet become an official FCPS volunteer, please visit https://volunteer.fcps.edu/custom/501/organization_details/566 and start the process to be a General Volunteer at Carson. It should be quick and easy. Thanks for your consideration.

Questions? Please reach out to librarians, Ms. Bickford (elbickford@fcps.edu) and/or Elizabeth Donovan (emdonovan1@fcps.edu) with questions.

Parent Teen Book Club - You’re Invited!

Are you looking for a way to connect with your teen? Would you like to get involved in the Carson community? Do you love to read? If you answered “YES” to any of the questions, please consider signing up to participate in Carson’s Parent Teen Book Club - Fall Edition. 

The Carson Library is to announce our fall Parent Teen Book Club on November 18, 2026 from 7-8:30pm, and we would love to see you there! After choosing one of the five book options, you and your child will be loaned a copy of the book to read. Then, on November 18, we will come together to talk about the book selection and have some light refreshments. 

 CLICK HERE to learn more and to read about the book choices. Ready to sign up for a fun evening of literary conversations with your middle schooler, fill out the sign up form HERE! Spaces are limited, so don’t delay! Sign-up today! 

Please reach out to librarians, Ellen Bickford (elbickford@fcps.edu) or Elizabeth Donovan (emdonovan1@fcps.edu) with any questions. Please note that this is not a family event but rather an event for one adult and one Carson student. Thank you for helping us keep the event appropriately sized for a cozy, meaningful book club.

Fall Picture Retakes! Retakes Thursday, November 5.

Carson Middle School PTA Sponsored Fall Harvest Dance!

When: Thursday, November 5th 

Where: RCMS Gym

Time: 2:30-4:30pm

Dance, food, great vibes.

click HERE to purchase tickets for $10 and to purchase a Panther food combo

click here

No costumes allowed.

Study Help and Support in Schoology

Study Help and Support Available to Students in Schoology

A new Schoology Study and Support Hub is available for students in Schoology. This space was developed by the FCPS Educational Technology Team with input from students. It is designed to provide essential study tools and academic support resources directly to our learners.

Students can log in to Schoology and read their Schoology announcements or watch this video on the support hub for more information. 

News From The Carson Clinic

Scoliosis Information and Fact Sheet

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. A spine affected by scoliosis has a sideways curve, making it appear more like an "S" or a "C" than a straight line. Untreated scoliosis can lead to limited motion, back pain, deformity, and in extreme cases, impaired function of the heart and lungs. Early detection and treatment may prevent scoliosis from progressing.  Please follow this link for more information.

If you have any concern that your child may have scoliosis, make sure that your child is screened by a health care provider. For additional resources or information, you may contact school the School Public Health Nurse (PHN), Tracy Engle, BSN, RN, at tengle1@fcps.edu or 571‑459‑8731. Tracy is currently covering for Hannah Wilkinson, BSN, RN, who can be reached after early December at hwilkinson@fcps.edu / 571-595-6273.

Information Regarding Eating Disorders

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2023), Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. In the United States, 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives. There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Rather, it is a complex combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that converge and set off an individual’s predisposed genetic vulnerability.

In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a web page with detailed information and resources to be provided to parents and guardians of Fairfax County Public Schools. This information may be found at Eating Disorders.

If you think your child may be showing signs of a possible eating disorder, please contact your doctor, school Public Health Nurse (Tracy Engle, BSN, RN, at tengle1@fcps.edu or 571‑459‑8731 / Hannah Wilkinson, BSN, RN, at hwilkinson@fcps.edu or 571-595-6273), or one of the resources listed on the Eating Disorders page.

Clickhere to register for the Special Education conference

or go to:

https://www.fcps.edu/special-education-family-conference

Order your Yearbook Here! https://www.jostens.com/

Twice-Exceptional (2e) Program Info.

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.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact

Caroline Guild at cjguild@fcps.edu.

Click here for more information

Click here to access the information on Supporting Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learners in FCPS or go to:

https://www.fcps.edu/academics/twice-exceptional-2e-learners

Fall Full-Time AAP Screening

Parents and teachers interested in referring students for the fall full-time AAP screening must submit a full-time AAP referral form to the school’s Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) by October 16. 2026.  Fall 2026 screening is only available to students newly enrolled in FCPS after January 1, 2026, who were not screened in Spring 2026.

For information pertaining to the Fall 2026 screening process, testing and identification timeline or identification and placement, please contact Carrie Guild at cjguild@fcps.edu.

TJ Information  - Link to materials presented below. Please click here for the power point information and Admissions support shared at the TJ informational session at Carson.

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

Attention parents/guardians and students,

Current 8^th grade students 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) beginning on Monday, October 5th at 4:00pm (Freshman Round Calendar) through Wednesday, October 28^th at 4:00pm. The application portal, course prerequisites, GPA requirements, and deadlines can be found here: TJHSST Application Information.  Some important points about the application process are included below, but it is essential that you review the TJHSST Freshman Application Process if you wish to apply.  

If you have any questions about the TJHSST admissions process, make sure you review the TJ Admissions website thoroughly and review the presentation slide deck and Admissions Assessment Information  that were shared during the admissions information session that was held at Carson MS on September 29th. If you were unable to attend the admissions information session held at Carson MS, please refer to the TJ Admissions website for the complete list of dates and locations for TJ Admissions Fall Presentation Sessions which are open to the public and being held throughout the county.

TJHSST Eligibility Requirements:

• Students must be enrolled in the following courses in grade 8:
• Algebra 1 Honors or higher-level math
• Honors Science
• One additional honors course in Social Studies or English, or student is identified as a Young Scholar
• Minimum GPA is 3.5. This GPA is for final unweighted marks in 7th grade for math, science, English, social studies, and World Language (if for high school credit) as well as 1st quarter 8th grade for the same subjects. At the completion of 7th grade, should have an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher to be eligible to apply. It is highly unlikely that 1st quarter 8th grade marks will elevate a GPA lower than 3.5 at the end of 7th grade to a qualifying GPA. Click here to learn about GPA calculation.

TJ Application Upcoming Deadline Reminder

For those wishing to apply for fall admissions to TJHSST, the deadline to BEGIN a new application is Wednesday, October 28 at 4:00 pm.  The FINAL SUBMISSION deadline for applications that have already been started is Friday, October 30 at 4:00 pm.  If any students are having issues with the application portal, please reach out to the TJ Admissions Office (tjadmission@fcps.edu) as soon as possible to get help.

FCPS FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER: UPCOMING WEBINAR

A Better School Year Starts Now: Preventing Missing Work, Poor Grades,
and Homework Stress

Tuesday, November 10, 2026
10- 11:30 AM

If homework has become a nightly battle or you are bracing for another disappointing report card, you are not alone, and neither you nor your child is failing. These struggles are often signs that your child needs different strategies, not more pressure. A few thoughtful changes now can shift the dynamic at home and help the rest of the school year feel more manageable.

What You Will Learn

• Study strategies that help students learn more effectively and take greater ownership of their work
• Conversation starters that reduce defensiveness, build trust, and make discussions about school more productive
• What may be behind poor grades and how to respond before frustration grows

Register here

Set Screen Time Limits and Monitor Online Activity With Lightspeed

• Set Screen Time Limits and Monitor Online Activity With LightspeedThe free Lightspeed Parent Portal makes it easy for you to see and manage how your child uses their FCPS-issued device outside of school hours. New Lightspeed Parent Portal features for this school year include:

• Schedules: Pause or restrict internet access during specific times, such as during homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.
• Web Rules: Block specific websites you don’t want your child accessing at home.

Be sure to check your email (subject line: “Filter Portal Weekly Report”) each Sunday for the Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report, a weekly summary of the websites your child has visited. Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports

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.

Quarter End, Early Release, Student Holidays:

Friday, October 30, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 2, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 3, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

Learn About School Meals

Families need to provide their children with money to purchase meals at school or send them with a packed lunch. Alternatively, families may apply to receive free and reduced-price meal benefits, pending approval.

Lost or Misplaced Bus Passes

Has your student misplaced their bus pass? Before requesting a replacement, please have them check their backpack and other belongings, home, the Carson Middle School main office and with their bus driver. If your child never received a bus pass, please submit a request in the bus pass request form below. 

Please allow at least one week for your student to look for the original pass. If it has not been found, a parent may submit a request using the Bus Pass Request Form. Students may not submit requests themselves.

Requests are processed once a week. Each student may receive one replacement bus pass per school year.

Thank you for helping your student look for the original pass before requesting a replacement.

Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.

Other Schools are Sharing

Attention Skyview Aviators!!! The William P. Knight Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is hosting an Open House every Thursday in November, 7-8 P.M. meeting at the basketball court behind the school for our opening formation. Prospective students and prospective parents (yes, adults may also be interested in volunteering!) are invited to learn about CAP. Learn more about our squadron here and contact us with your intent to attend on a Thursday in November and/or any inquiries here.

Looking for Adventure & Fun? Join Scouts!
Scout Troop 1530 welcomes youths who are interested in outdoor adventures, camping, leadership, community service, and building friendships. Scouts have opportunities to learn new skills, take on challenges, serve their community, and grow in confidence and independence. Whether you're new to Scouting or looking for a troop to join, we'd love to meet you! Learn more about Troop 1530, upcoming activities, and how to get involved at this site: https://www.bsatroop1530.org/.

Who to Contact

If you have a question or concern, please visit our website for a full listing of  Who to Contact.  This listing includes all of our administrators, our counselors, and who to speak to regarding a specific content area or class. Contact information for all staff members is listed on our website - just click on the name of the person you wish to contact  to be redirected to their email address: RCMS Staff Directory.

13618 McLearen Rd. Herndon, VA 20171 |  Main Phone: 703.925.3600
Attendance: 703.925.3636 or CarsonMS.Attendance@fcps.edu 
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