A message from Principal Steven McFarlane
Kilmer Community,
As Thanksgiving approaches, one of the things I am most thankful for is our incredible Kilmer staff. Each day, our staff comes into the building before the sun comes up to get prepared, and by the time most people are still in their home making a cup of coffee, they are welcoming students into their classrooms and working tirelessly to teach and support all students.
The next month is packed with events, and it reminds me of why Kilmer is such a great community. Whether it’s a concert from our bands, orchestras, or choirs, a school assembly, or Spirit Week, there are many opportunities for our community to come together, enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate the hard work of our students and staff. On behalf of the Kilmer staff, I hope that everyone has a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving with friends and family. Our next newsletter will arrive in your inbox in two weeks on Friday, December 6.
Have a wonderful weekend and as always, reach out with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Steven McFarlane
Principal
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Here are just a few of the Positive Referrals received by our Kilmer Cougars from staff members this week!
Here are just a few of the Positive Referrals received by our Kilmer Cougars from staff members this week!
Reina G. - Reina is the DEFINITION of organized! She always comes to class prepared and she works diligently to complete assignments.
Evelyn E. A. - Evelyn has been working really hard in math class! I am so proud of her for trying her best even when the content we are learning is hard!
Rodeen N. - Rodeen I am so proud of all the effort you put into class. Keep it up!
Hashim E. - Hashim has a great smile! He is kind, respectful, and works hard to complete his work accurately. He advocates for himself when he needs help and he has a great sense of humor :).
Elizabeth H. - Elizabeth is consistently kind, diligent, and respectful. She is a kind and loyal friend and she is a thoughtful, giving person!
 Upcoming Dates:
Kilmer’s Dungeon’s & Dragons After School club was in full swing this week!
Fall Student Testing Results - Available in SIS ParentVUE
Each fall, FCPS students take part in screening assessments for reading and mathematics to identify strengths and areas for support. Score reports for families are posted in ParentVUE in the “Documents” section, generally about one month after testing has been completed.
- iReady reports in grades 1-8 are available in ParentVUE now.
- Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth reports for grades 6-12 will be available by Friday, December 13, following an extension to the fall testing window.
Visit FCPS’ website for additional information about student tests at each grade level, including what each test is for and when each test takes place. Caregivers may follow up with their children’s teachers for more information about how they use test results to support student success.
Student Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R
FCPS is working with K12 Insight to host a community forum for families, staff members, and students to provide feedback on the school division’s cell phone policies and practices, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. FCPS is looking for more student participants (grades 3-12) to help ensure diverse perspectives from our community.
The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center. If your student is interested in providing feedback, please visit the Cell Phone Policy Forum registration page to learn more. Families must register their child by Monday, November 25.
Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon
One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices.
The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.
In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.
Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact us.
Register for ParentVUE - Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.
Preparing for Winter Weather
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.
Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities - We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.
Boundary Review Community Meeting
Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, December 2, 6:30-8 p.m., at Westfield High School Cafeteria.
Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available.
If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.
After School Activities News/Updates:
Each week Ms. Perry will post a detailed overview of our After School Program to our website. Please visit Kilmer’s website at https://kilmerms.fcps.edu/afterschool_newsletter to find the weekly After School newsletter. If you have any questions regarding our After School Program please reach out to Saundra Perry (Acting After School Specialist) at slperry@fcps.edu.
Executive Board Contact Information
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Welcome Christine Sciabica!
Christine Sciabica, a retired AP, will be supporting Kilmer while Emily Castro is out on maternity leave. Christine Sciabica worked in FCPS for 33 years before retiring in June of 2023. She began her career as a Social Studies teacher at Chantilly High School then spent 20 years as an Assistant Principal first at Stone Middle School then Rocky Run. In her spare time, Christine likes to spend time with her two adult sons, cooking, and spending time outside hiking and biking.
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FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Resources on IEPs, Financial Aid, Literacy, Community Leadership
- Teacher Hiring Event
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Reminder - Impact Aid Survey - Paper Copies Available
FCPS uses the survey for Federal Impact Aid to identify federally connected students. On Thursday, November 14 students whose parents had not completed their Impact Aid Survey in ParentVue were provided a paper copy to bring home. If you received a paper copy, please complete and return the form as soon as possible. Students can return the form to the cafeteria during their lunch time. If you prefer to complete the form online, the survey is still available to FCPS families through ParentVue, in the “Online Packets” section. Click here for directions on how to access the survey.
Additional information about the Federal Impact Aid Survey can be found on the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/oese/impact-aid-program/impact-aid-program-overview or on the FCPS website at https://www.fcps.edu/impact . For questions, contact Jessica Rosas-Diego jrosasdiego@fcps.edu.
Upcoming Student Experience Survey at Kilmer Middle School
Our school has been selected to participate in a pilot program for FCPS’ Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.
A limited number of classes in grades 6-12 were selected to participate and those families were notified separately. However, all students in participating grades, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email. We will administer the survey in selected classes during the school day between Monday, December 2, and Friday, December 13. Any student may take the survey at home(again, this is optional).
We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the five equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.
Lightspeed Parent Report
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