FCPS

A message from Principal Steven McFarlane

Kilmer at a Glance

Kilmer Community,

Starting Monday, Kilmer is implementing a new initiative to celebrate positive behavior shown by our students. Teachers and staff have been encouraged to nominate students who demonstrate exemplary behavior. Every Thursday/Friday, students who have been recognized by a staff member during the week will receive a special note, hand-delivered by an administrator or counselor. Along with the note, they will also receive a voucher to redeem for a reward during lunch on Fridays. Additionally, we will showcase a copy of the note in the Main Hall to inspire other students to make positive choices. 

Also, there’s a lot going on in the next six weeks. Be sure to read below for information on SOL testing, which begins next week, as well as our end of year celebration opportunities.

As always, reach out if you have any questions. 

Sincerely, 

Steven McFarlane

Principal

Note: At Kilmer, we have “Green Days ” and “Blue Days.” On “Green Days” students attend periods 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and on “Blue Days” students attend periods 2, 3, 4, 6, 8. 

• 5/6 - 5/10: Staff Appreciation Week - On Behalf of the PTA
• 5/9: Reading SOL
• 5/10: Music Field Trip
• 5/14: Math SOL
• 5/17: Science SOL - 8th Grade Only

• Friday, 6/7: 8th Grade Field Trip to St. James & 7th Grade Activities Day

• Monday, 6/10: Guardians (8am) and Pegasus (12:30pm) Team Promotion Ceremonies
• Tuesday, 6/11: Constellations (8am) and Voyagers (12:30pm) Team Promotion Ceremonies

Picture(s) of the Week

After working hard all year, Kilmer’s Battle of the Books team faced off against 13 other FCPS middle schools at the Cross County Championship held at Lake Braddock Secondary School last week. It was a fun and spirited event and our students represented Kilmer well!

Congratulations to all our Crosstown Kicks athletes that competed against Luther Jackson, Longfellow, and Thoreau this past Friday. 

Students in US History classes were able to participate in a Q&A panel with a World War II veteran here at Kilmer. Students were able to ask questions of Mr. Palenski based on what they had learned in class, deepening their understanding of the experiences of those who served during World War II. The Q&A session is available on the Kilmer YouTube channel. 

Important Information

Spring SOL Testing

The spring SOL testing calendar can be found below. Details about testing days and changes to the bell schedule will be communicated regularly to students ahead of the testing window. Students will receive information about testing dates, times, and locations in their fcpsschool.net email account. All testing will begin at 7:30 am on the days listed below. It is important that students come to school on time on these testing days. If a student is absent on their testing day, makeup tests can occur throughout the testing window.  

• 5/9: Reading SOL
• 5/14: Math SOL
• 5/17: Science SOL - 8th Grade Only

If you have any questions regarding testing, please contact Kilmer’s school test coordinator, Marileigh Blake, at [email protected] or 703-846-8844.

8th Grade Field Trip & 8th Grade Dance: Friday, June 7

• Field Trip, 9:30-1:30pm on June 7: To celebrate the culmination of middle school, we invite all 8th grade students who are in good academic and disciplinary standing on a field trip to The St. James Sports, Fitness and Entertainment Complex in Springfield, VA. Students will receive field trip forms through their Civics class next week, and forms are also available on the school website or in the Main Office. Payment is made through My School Bucks. Completed forms should be returned before May 24 to students’ Civics teachers.
• 8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance, June 7 from 6-8pm: The 8th grade dance is a time for 8th graders to celebrate their time at Kilmer with music, dancing, a photobooth, and dinner. This year’s 8th grade semi-formal will be on Friday, June 7th from 6:00-8:00 pm. at Kilmer Middle School. Doors will close at 6:30 p.m. and students will not be admitted late. There is no readmittance if a student decides to leave the dance prior to 8:00 pm. Attire is semi-formal. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased during the school day, prior to the dance. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets may be purchased with cash during all lunches Thursday, May 30th – Tuesday, June 4th. The theme of the dance this year is Enchanted Forest. If you have any themed decorations you no longer need, SCA would love to use them for the dance! Please contact Ms. Mattix ([email protected]) and Ms. Spracklin ([email protected]) with any questions.

Afterschool Activities News/Updates

After School Activities News/Updates

Each week Ms. Kardelis 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 Kim Kardelis (After School Specialist) at [email protected].

References & Reminders

8th Grade End of Year Events

Save the date for the 8th Grade Team Promotion Ceremonies! More information will be coming soon. If you need to know which team your child is on, please ask your student. It is also listed in SIS in their class schedule. More information is available on our website.

TJHSST Math Tutors

Beginning March 4th,  Kilmer students will have another opportunity to receive additional support in math. Each Monday from 7:00 am to 7:25 am, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology students will be available for math tutoring in the math modular. All Kilmer students are welcome to attend.

Middle School Track & Field

Kilmer is hosting its first Track & Field season this Spring as a part of the FCPS Middle School Athletics Program! Practices will be held after school beginning March 12th and held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week (with a possible additional practice on Mondays for field event(s) as the season progresses). 

Track Events

• 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m

Field Events

• Long Jump and Shot Put

Remaining Track Meet Dates 

• May 4, 11

Lightspeed Parent Report

8100 Wolftrap Road Vienna, VA 22182 | Phone: 703-846-8800

Attendance: 703-846-8888 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

A message from Principal Steven McFarlane

Kilmer at a Glance

Kilmer Community,

I like to joke that you’ve never really lived until you’ve chaperoned a middle school dance 😀. But seriously, it’s a great opportunity for our students to cut loose, have fun, and be with their friends. Thank you to Emma Spracklin and Kristen Mattix for organizing the 7th grade dance and thank you to the many Kilmer staff members who chaperoned.

A special thank you to the PTA for “Stock the Fridge!” on Monday. Our staff really enjoyed the treats. It was the perfect way to start the workweek. 

Tonight is our second annual Crosstown Kicks event. Our boys and girls soccer teams will face off against three other middle schools at Luther Jackson starting at 5 pm. Good luck to the Cougars and thanks to Mr. Gonzalez for his countless hours organizing and coaching our students, as well as Ms. Kardelis for coordinating this event with the other middle schools! 

Finally, be sure to check the calendar for upcoming SOL testing dates. Our teachers and students have been hard at work reviewing so that our students can put their best foot forward on these assessments. 

As always, reach out if you have any questions. 

Sincerely, 

Steven McFarlane

Note: At Kilmer, we have “Green Days ” and “Blue Days.” On “Green Days” students attend periods 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and on “Blue Days” students attend periods 2, 3, 4, 6, 8. 

• 5/6 - 5/10: Staff Appreciation Week - On Behalf of the PTA

• Friday, 6/7: 8th Grade Field Trip to St. James & 7th Grade Activities Day

• Monday, 6/10: Guardians (8am) and Pegasus (12:30pm) Team Promotion Ceremonies

• Tuesday, 6/11: Constellations (8am) and Voyagers (12:30pm) Team Promotion Ceremonies

 

Picture(s) of the Week

Students taking advantage of “whiteboard tables” to show their work during math class with Ms. Zein.

This week we hosted rising 7th graders from our feeder schools. It was great to meet future Cougars and to watch our current students lead tours throughout the building.

7th graders danced the afternoon away on Thursday at the 7th Grade Dance.

Important Information

8th Grade End of Year Events

Save the date for the 8th Grade Team Promotion Ceremonies! More information will be coming soon. If you need to know which team your child is on, please ask your student. It is also listed in SIS in their class schedule.

Kidz Kamp at Madison High School

Afterschool Activities News/Updates

After School Activities News/Updates

Each week Ms. Kardelis 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 Kim Kardelis (After School Specialist) at [email protected].

References & Reminders

New Regulation on Meditation and Reflection Spaces

FCPS has developed Regulation 1502 to ensure all students and staff have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school division. The regulation provides guidance for schools on how to manage requests for silent reflection during instructional and non-instructional time, and for students to leave school for religious activities.

These spaces are for individuals to engage in prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, inclusive of their religious or non-religious beliefs. Parents/caregivers must provide written permission for students requesting to miss instructional time on a regular basis. Families are encouraged to contact their child’s school counselor regarding accommodations. View Regulation 1502. Visit FCPS' Guidelines for Religious Activities webpage for more information.

Course Registration for 24-25

Academic Advising for 7th and 8th grade students is now closed. To see the list of courses your child selected for the 2024-2025 school year, please log in to your SIS ParentVUE account and click on the Course Requests tab. Access directions for viewing course requests here: Online Course Requests. This list of courses is NOT a schedule, but a confirmation of the courses entered into the student information system. 

7th Grade Students: Parents can submit a request to change a course or report an error by contacting a Kilmer school counselor by email. All requests must be submitted by email no later than Friday, May 31. Schedule changes will not be accommodated at the start of the school year. When viewing your child’s course selections, please consider the following:

8th Grade Students: Kilmer can no longer assist with changes to high school courses. Please contact the office of student services at the high school your child is attending if you have questions about 9th grade courses.

Attendance Reminder

Our goal this school year is to partner with families to help minimize the number of days students are absent. We understand each year may present extenuating circumstances that lead to missed days. FCPS has created a Health Flyer for Parents indicating when a parent should keep their child home from school. When planning trips or having your child participate in non-school activities during school hours, please keep in mind that absences add up quickly and these types of absences will be documented as unexcused locally (UNL). The Virginia Department of Education considers students who are absent 10 percent of the school year, or just two days per month, chronically absent. Please review FCPS Attendance Policies and resources to encourage regular school attendance. Parents can also view their child’s attendance record in SIS ParentVUE.

TJHSST Math Tutors

Beginning March 4th,  Kilmer students will have another opportunity to receive additional support in math. Each Monday from 7:00 am to 7:25 am, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology students will be available for math tutoring in the math modular. All Kilmer students are welcome to attend.

Middle School Track & Field

Kilmer is hosting its first Track & Field season this Spring as a part of the FCPS Middle School Athletics Program! Practices will be held after school beginning March 12th and held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week (with a possible additional practice on Mondays for field event(s) as the season progresses). 

Track Events

• 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m

Field Events

• Long Jump and Shot Put

Track Meet Dates 

• May 4, 11

Lightspeed Parent Report

8100 Wolftrap Road Vienna, VA 22182 | Phone: 703-846-8800

Attendance: 703-846-8888 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

A message from Principal Steven McFarlane

Kilmer at a Glance

Kilmer Community,

Last night I had the pleasure of attending our National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) ceremony which recognized 159 of our 8th graders for their commitment to scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. This is just a snapshot of the outstanding kids we have in this building. Thank you to Sheryl Jones and Danielle Sweet for sponsoring NJHS and putting together a meaningful ceremony to celebrate our students.

Beginning this week we will host rising 7th grade students from our feeder elementary schools. This is an exciting time as we introduce the “big wide world of middle school” to our future Kilmer Cougars. Many current Kilmer students act as Student Ambassadors, giving student tours, leading transition activities, and sitting on a student panel to answer questions and give advice to future Kilmer students. 

Lastly, our inaugural Track & Field season kicked off last Saturday and we had over 70 Kilmer students participate in the meet. Kilmer athletes have been working hard at practices for the past few weeks, and it’s always great when they get a chance to compete. If you’re free on Saturday morning, stop by McLean High School to watch their second meet of the season. 

As always, reach out if you have any questions. 

Sincerely, 

Steven McFarlane

Principal

Note: At Kilmer, we have “Green Days ” and “Blue Days.” On “Green Days” students attend periods 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and on “Blue Days” students attend periods 2, 3, 4, 6, 8. 

• Thursday, 5/9: Reading SOLs
• Tuesday, 5/14: Math SOLs
• Friday, 5/17: Science SOL
• Friday, 6/7: 8th Grade Field Trip to St. James & 7th Grade Activities Day

• Monday, 6/10: Guardians (8am) and Pegasus (12:30pm) Team Promotion Ceremonies
• Tuesday, 6/11: Constellations (8am) and Voyagers (12:30pm) Team Promotion Ceremonies

Picture(s) of the Week

Congratulations to the over 70 Kilmer Track & Field athletes who competed this past Saturday in the inaugural FCPS middle school track & field meet. Come check out the Kilmer team on Saturday at McLean High School.

Congratulations to our newest National Junior Honor Society members! It was a great turnout and a chance for NJHS members to present their service learning projects before the induction ceremony. 

Important Information

7th Grade Dance: Thursday, April 25 from 2:30-4:30pm

Next week is the 7th grade dance! This event is open only to 7th grade students. Tickets are $3 and students may purchase them during all lunches in the cafeteria on Thursday, April 25. Tickets may be purchased with cash only. At the dance, there will be a DJ and photobooth. There will be snacks available for purchase. After the dance, students may take the late buses home or be picked up.

New Regulation on Meditation and Reflection Spaces

FCPS has developed Regulation 1502 to ensure all students and staff have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school division. The regulation provides guidance for schools on how to manage requests for silent reflection during instructional and non-instructional time, and for students to leave school for religious activities.

These spaces are for individuals to engage in prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, inclusive of their religious or non-religious beliefs. Parents/caregivers must provide written permission for students requesting to miss instructional time on a regular basis. Families are encouraged to contact their child’s school counselor regarding accommodations. View Regulation 1502. Visit FCPS' Guidelines for Religious Activities webpage for more information.

8th Grade End of Year Events

Save the date for the 8th Grade Team Promotion Ceremonies! More information will be coming soon. If you need to know which team your child is on, please ask your student. It is also listed in SIS in their class schedule.

Afterschool Activities News/Updates

After School Activities News/Updates

Each week Ms. Kardelis 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 Kim Kardelis (After School Specialist) at [email protected].

References & Reminders

Course Registration for 24-25

Academic Advising for 7th and 8th grade students is now closed. To see the list of courses your child selected for the 2024-2025 school year, please log in to your SIS ParentVUE account and click on the Course Requests tab. Access directions for viewing course requests here: Online Course Requests. This list of courses is NOT a schedule, but a confirmation of the courses entered into the student information system. 

7th Grade Students: Parents can submit a request to change a course or report an error by contacting a Kilmer school counselor by email. All requests must be submitted by email no later than Friday, May 31. Schedule changes will not be accommodated at the start of the school year. When viewing your child’s course selections, please consider the following:

8th Grade Students: Kilmer can no longer assist with changes to high school courses. Please contact the office of student services at the high school your child is attending if you have questions about 9th grade courses.

Attendance Reminder

Our goal this school year is to partner with families to help minimize the number of days students are absent. We understand each year may present extenuating circumstances that lead to missed days. FCPS has created a Health Flyer for Parents indicating when a parent should keep their child home from school. When planning trips or having your child participate in non-school activities during school hours, please keep in mind that absences add up quickly and these types of absences will be documented as unexcused locally (UNL). The Virginia Department of Education considers students who are absent 10 percent of the school year, or just two days per month, chronically absent. Please review FCPS Attendance Policies and resources to encourage regular school attendance. Parents can also view their child’s attendance record in SIS ParentVUE.

TJHSST Math Tutors

Beginning March 4th,  Kilmer students will have another opportunity to receive additional support in math. Each Monday from 7:00 am to 7:25 am, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology students will be available for math tutoring in the math modular. All Kilmer students are welcome to attend.

Middle School Track & Field

Kilmer is hosting its first Track & Field season this Spring as a part of the FCPS Middle School Athletics Program! Practices will be held after school beginning March 12th and held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week (with a possible additional practice on Mondays for field event(s) as the season progresses). 

Track Events

• 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m

Field Events

• Long Jump and Shot Put

Track Meet Dates 

• April 20, May 4, 11

Lightspeed Parent Report

8100 Wolftrap Road Vienna, VA 22182 | Phone: 703-846-8800

Attendance: 703-846-8888 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

A message from Principal Steven McFarlane

Kilmer at a Glance

Kilmer Community,

With April being School Library Month and National Library Week this week it is a great time to share appreciation for Kilmer’s school librarians, Gretchen Hazlin and Rosanne Tempesta! Our school community is so fortunate to have two passionate school librarians who are dedicated to creating a welcoming and safe space for all students to explore and learn. They work tirelessly to partner with teachers from every content area to plan and deliver engaging and meaningful learning experiences. Explore all that school library programs have to offer for student learning, and the important roles that school librarians play in the school community. Thank you Ms. Hazlin and Ms. Tempesta!

As always, reach out if you have any questions. 

Sincerely, 

Steven McFarlane

Principal

Note: At Kilmer, we have “Green Days ” and “Blue Days.” On “Green Days” students attend periods 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and on “Blue Days” students attend periods 2, 3, 4, 6, 8. 

• Thursday, 5/9: Reading SOLs
• Tuesday, 5/14: Math SOLs
• Friday, 5/17: Science SOL
• Friday, 6/7: 8th Grade Field Trip to St. James & 7th Grade Activities Day

• Monday, 6/10: Guardians (8am) and Pegasus (12:30pm) Team Promotion Ceremonies
• Tuesday, 6/11: Constellations (8am) and Voyagers (12:30pm) Team Promotion Ceremonies

Picture(s) of the Week

After our Instructional Leadership Team meeting on Monday, some members headed outside to observe the solar eclipse. 

Important Information

3rd Quarter Grades

Today students received a copy of their 3rd quarter report card during their 7th period class.The gradebook module in SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE will be unavailable from Friday, March 22 at 4 pm until Monday, April 15 at 6 am. At that time, report cards will be visible in ParentVUE.

8th Grade End of Year Events

Save the date for the 8th Grade Team Promotion Ceremonies! More information will be coming soon. If you need to know which team your child is on, please ask your student. It is also listed in SIS in their class schedule.

Athletic Physicals

Athletic physicals are required for middle and high school student-athletes.  Beginning May 1, 2024, FCPS high schools will offer athletic pre-participation physical exams for students interested in middle school sports during the 2024-25 school year.   These events serve as the primary fundraiser for our high school athletic training programs and each exam costs $50.  Rising middle school students are eligible to receive a physical at no cost although donations to the HS athletic training program are welcomed.

Pre-registration is highly encouraged; walk-in appointments may not be available.  You can register here: Student registration.  Once your registration is received, the school’s athletic trainer will contact you to confirm your appointment time.  Athletic physical exams must be completed on this form: FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form (PPE).

If you are a medical professional (MD, DO, NP, PA, ATC, PT, EMT, etc.) interested in volunteering your time in support of these events, please register to help out: Volunteer registration.

Lemon Road Volunteer Opportunity

Lemon Road Elementary’s Spring Fair is April 20th. Kilmer Middle School students are encouraged to volunteer to assist with the event. SignUp Genius Link: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4CA4AE2FA5FD0-47599119-lemon?useFullSite=true#/

Afterschool Activities News/Updates

After School Activities News/Updates

Each week Ms. Kardelis 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 Kim Kardelis (After School Specialist) at [email protected].

References & Reminders

Course Registration for 24-25

Academic Advising for 7th and 8th grade students is now closed. To see the list of courses your child selected for the 2024-2025 school year, please log in to your SIS ParentVUE account and click on the Course Requests tab. Access directions for viewing course requests here: Online Course Requests. This list of courses is NOT a schedule, but a confirmation of the courses entered into the student information system. 

7th Grade Students: Parents can submit a request to change a course or report an error by contacting a Kilmer school counselor by email. All requests must be submitted by email no later than Friday, May 31. Schedule changes will not be accommodated at the start of the school year. When viewing your child’s course selections, please consider the following:

• Music placements will be updated after spring auditions are complete.
• If your child receives special education or ESOL services, courses are subject to change and will be determined based on a student’s English language proficiency level or IEP service hours.

8th Grade Students: Kilmer can no longer assist with changes to high school courses. Please contact the office of student services at the high school your child is attending if you have questions about 9th grade courses.

TJHSST Math Tutors

Beginning March 4th,  Kilmer students will have another opportunity to receive additional support in math. Each Monday from 7:00 am to 7:25 am, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology students will be available for math tutoring in the math modular. All Kilmer students are welcome to attend.

Attendance Reminder

Our goal this school year is to partner with families to help minimize the number of days students are absent. We understand each year may present extenuating circumstances that lead to missed days. FCPS has created a Health Flyer for Parents indicating when a parent should keep their child home from school. When planning trips or having your child participate in non-school activities during school hours, please keep in mind that absences add up quickly and these types of absences will be documented as unexcused locally (UNL). The Virginia Department of Education considers students who are absent 10 percent of the school year, or just two days per month, chronically absent. Please review FCPS Attendance Policies and resources to encourage regular school attendance. Parents can also view their child’s attendance record in SIS ParentVUE.

TJHSST Math Tutors

Beginning March 4th,  Kilmer students will have another opportunity to receive additional support in math. Each Monday from 7:00 am to 7:25 am, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology students will be available for math tutoring in the math modular. All Kilmer students are welcome to attend.

Middle School Track & Field

Kilmer is hosting its first Track & Field season this Spring as a part of the FCPS Middle School Athletics Program! Practices will be held after school beginning March 12th and held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week (with a possible additional practice on Mondays for field event(s) as the season progresses). 

Track Events

• 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m

Field Events

• Long Jump and Shot Put

Track Meet Dates 

• April 13, 20, May 4, 11

Driving on Wolftrap

We’ve received concerns from the surrounding community about Kilmer drivers exiting onto Wolftrap Rd without checking for oncoming traffic. There have been several near accidents. Please be sure to look both ways when exiting Kilmer’s parking lot and please do not assume that cars traveling on Wolftrap are turning into the Kilmer Parking Lot. Let’s keep our students, families, and community members safe.

Lightspeed Parent Report

8100 Wolftrap Road Vienna, VA 22182 | Phone: 703-846-8800

Attendance: 703-846-8888 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

A message from Principal Steven McFarlane

Kilmer at a Glance

Kilmer Community,

Welcome back from Spring Break! I hope all of our students had a relaxing break. Our staff is encouraging them to work hard and finish strong as we enter the final quarter of the 2023-2024 school year. 

Next Friday, April 12th, 8th graders will take the IRW (Integrated Reading and Writing) during 4th period. All students will begin taking their SOLs in May. Testing dates can be found below. We are also beginning our SOL Test Prep next week. Leading up to the SOL, English, Math, and Science teachers will be giving students passes to Learning Seminar for targeted review sessions.

Additionally, we have several upcoming events to celebrate the end of the year. Eighth graders will take a field trip to St. James, while seventh graders will participate in our annual Activities Day on Friday, June 7th. Also, 8th grade promotion ceremonies will be held in June by team. Dates can be found below so please mark your calendars. More information will be coming in future newsletters.

Finally, 3rd Quarter report cards are heading home next week. Students will receive a copy of their report card during 7th period on Friday, April 12 and report cards will also be available in ParentVue.

As always, reach out if you have any questions. 

Sincerely, 

Note: At Kilmer, we have “Green Days ” and “Blue Days.” On “Green Days” students attend periods 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and on “Blue Days” students attend periods 2, 3, 4, 6, 8. 

• Friday, 4/12: 8th Grade IRW (Integrated Reading and Writing) Test
• Thursday, 5/9: Reading SOLs
• Tuesday, 5/14: Math SOLs
• Friday, 5/17: Science SOL
• Friday, 6/7: 8th Grade Field Trip to St. James & 7th Grade Activities Day

• Monday, 6/10: Guardians (8am) and Pegasus (12:30pm) Team Promotion Ceremonies

• Tuesday, 6/11: Constellations (8am) and Voyagers (12:30pm) Team Promotion Ceremonies

 

Picture(s) of the Week

Congratulations to Landon Meng! Landon took learning JavaScript to an all-new level by creating slides to be used to teach advanced skills. Topics covered are for-loops, and/or/not booleans, arrays, and sprite groups.   All the writing and code was written by Landon and will be shared with Coding teachers throughout the county. Impressive to say the least!

Important Information

Course Registration for 24-25

Academic Advising for 7th and 8th grade students is now closed. To see the list of courses your child selected for the 2024-2025 school year, please log in to your SIS ParentVUE account and click on the Course Requests tab. Access directions for viewing course requests here: Online Course Requests. This list of courses is NOT a schedule, but a confirmation of the courses entered into the student information system. 

7th Grade Students: Parents can submit a request to change a course or report an error by contacting a Kilmer school counselor by email. All requests must be submitted by email no later than Friday, May 31. Schedule changes will not be accommodated at the start of the school year. When viewing your child’s course selections, please consider the following:

• Music placements will be updated after spring auditions are complete.
• If your child receives special education or ESOL services, courses are subject to change and will be determined based on a student’s English language proficiency level or IEP service hours.

8th Grade Students: Kilmer can no longer assist with changes to high school courses. Please contact the office of student services at the high school your child is attending if you have questions about 9th grade courses.

8th Grade End of Year Events

Save the date for the 8th Grade Team Promotion Ceremonies! More information will be coming soon. If you need to know which team your child is on, please ask your student. It is also listed in SIS in their class schedule.

Solar Eclipse - April 8

A solar eclipse is happening on April 8, 2024. It's a rare and exciting astronomical phenomenon, and one that requires important safety reminders. Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can permanently damage your eyes. 

Here's what you need to know:

• Don't look at the sun without approved eyewear. This applies to students and staff, and we encourage you to reinforce this at home.
• Regular sunglasses are not good enough. The NASA website has more information about eye safety.  
• Eclipse timing: The eclipse starts around 2:04 p.m., peaks at 3:20 p.m. (which coincides with dismissal for some students), and ends around 4:32 p.m. Please remind your child to be especially vigilant about eye safety during dismissal. If you have concerns about your child walking or riding the bus home, please arrange for alternative transportation.

For more details, visit the FCPS Solar Eclipse webpage.

April 12 - Bell Schedule

Next Friday, April 12th, 8th graders will take the IRW (Integrated Reading and Writing) during 4th period. All students will begin taking their SOLs in May. Below is the bell schedule

Athletic Physicals

Athletic physicals are required for middle and high school student-athletes.  Beginning May 1, 2024, FCPS high schools will offer athletic pre-participation physical exams for students interested in middle school sports during the 2024-25 school year.   These events serve as the primary fundraiser for our high school athletic training programs and each exam costs $50.  Rising middle school students are eligible to receive a physical at no cost although donations to the HS athletic training program are welcomed.

Pre-registration is highly encouraged; walk-in appointments may not be available.  You can register here: Student registration.  Once your registration is received, the school’s athletic trainer will contact you to confirm your appointment time.  Athletic physical exams must be completed on this form: FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form (PPE).

If you are a medical professional (MD, DO, NP, PA, ATC, PT, EMT, etc.) interested in volunteering your time in support of these events, please register to help out: Volunteer registration.

Lemon Road Volunteer Opportunity

Lemon Road Elementary’s Spring Fair is April 20th. Kilmer Middle School students are encouraged to volunteer to assist with the event. SignUp Genius Link: 

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/4090F4CA4AE2FA5FD0-47599119-lemon

3rd Quarter Grades

The end of 3rd quarter is next Friday, March 22. The gradebook module in SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE will be unavailable from Friday, March 22 at 4 pm until Monday, April 15 at 6 am. At that time, report cards will be visible in ParentVUE. Students will receive a copy of their 3rd quarter report card during 7th period on Friday, April 12.

Attendance Reminder

Our goal this school year is to partner with families to help minimize the number of days students are absent. We understand each year may present extenuating circumstances that lead to missed days. FCPS has created a Health Flyer for Parents indicating when a parent should keep their child home from school. When planning trips or having your child participate in non-school activities during school hours, please keep in mind that absences add up quickly and these types of absences will be documented as unexcused locally (UNL). The Virginia Department of Education considers students who are absent 10 percent of the school year, or just two days per month, chronically absent. If your child is currently in jeopardy of being identified as chronically absent for the school year, you will receive further communication from our Director of Student Services to develop a plan for helping your child attend school for the remainder of the year. In addition, school counselors will continue to monitor and support students when attendance begins to impact their academic progress and well-being. Please review FCPS Attendance Policies and resources to encourage regular school attendance. Parents can also view their child’s attendance record in SIS ParentVUE.

Afterschool Activities News/Updates

After School Activities News/Updates

Each week Ms. Kardelis 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 Kim Kardelis (After School Specialist) at [email protected].

References & Reminders

TJHSST Math Tutors

Beginning March 4th,  Kilmer students will have another opportunity to receive additional support in math. Each Monday from 7:00 am to 7:25 am, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology students will be available for math tutoring in the math modular. All Kilmer students are welcome to attend.

Middle School Track & Field

Kilmer is hosting its first Track & Field season this Spring as a part of the FCPS Middle School Athletics Program! Practices will be held after school beginning March 12th and held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week (with a possible additional practice on Mondays for field event(s) as the season progresses). 

Track Events

• 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m

Field Events

• Long Jump and Shot Put

Track Meet Dates 

• April 13, 20, May 4, 11

Driving on Wolftrap

We’ve received concerns from the surrounding community about Kilmer drivers exiting onto Wolftrap Rd without checking for oncoming traffic. There have been several near accidents. Please be sure to look both ways when exiting Kilmer’s parking lot and please do not assume that cars traveling on Wolftrap are turning into the Kilmer Parking Lot. Let’s keep our students, families, and community members safe.

Lightspeed Parent Report

8100 Wolftrap Road Vienna, VA 22182 | Phone: 703-846-8800

Attendance: 703-846-8888 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

A message from Principal Steven McFarlane

Kilmer at a Glance

Dear Kilmer Families,

I hope everyone has an enjoyable and relaxing Spring Break. As a reminder, our offices will be closed during the break and we’ll reopen on Monday, April 1st. Also, April 1st and 2nd are professional development days for the staff, however, there is no school for students. We look forward to welcoming students back on Wednesday, April 3rd. Lastly, I plan to send out the next newsletter when we return.

Sincerely,

Steven

8100 Wolftrap Road Vienna, VA 22182 | Phone: 703-846-8800

Attendance: 703-846-8888 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

A message from Principal Steven McFarlane

Kilmer at a Glance

Kilmer Community,

We had a busy week with Spirit Week (Pi Day included!), Cross Town Hoops, 8th Grade Activities Fair, music assessments, the Spring Musical - Legally Blonde JR, and our inaugural Spring Track & Field season began. It is a great reminder of how passionate and talented our students are in the various interests they have outside of the classroom. 

Also, a reminder that this upcoming week is the final week of the 3rd quarter, followed by Spring Break. When students return from Spring Break it will be a sprint to the end of the school year. There’s always a lot happening in the fourth quarter as the weather warms up (both inside and outside of Kilmer). We constantly remind our students to keep their focus on academics, while we support them along the way.

Lastly, on Monday, March 18, Kilmer Middle School parents/guardians will be contacted through email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form Online. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and offers parents/guardians an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various topics related to our school. These topics include instructional leadership, school climate, management (human resources and organizational), communication and community relations, culturally responsive and equitable leadership, and professionalism. The questionnaire will be collected online between March 18 and April 5. When you receive an email from FCPS Surveys, please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. Thank you in advance. 

As always, reach out if you have any questions. 

Sincerely, 

Steven McFarlane

Principal

Note: At Kilmer, we have “Green Days ” and “Blue Days.” On “Green Days” students attend periods 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and on “Blue Days” students attend periods 2, 3, 4, 6, 8. 

• Friday, 4/12: 8th Grade IRW (Integrated Reading and Writing) Test
• Thursday, 5/9: Reading SOLs
• Tuesday, 5/14: Math SOLs
• Friday, 5/17: Science SOL

Picture(s) of the Week

Legally Blonde JR is here!  It was wonderful to see the students in action this past Wednesday. Consider stopping by this weekend to see the show (March 15th at 7:00 pm, and March 16th at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm). Tickets can be purchased HERE.

There was a LOT of energy on Wednesday night for Cross Town Hoops. Congratulations to all our players for the many months of hard work leading up to the games. Also, a huge thank you to the many volunteers who made this night possible.

Important Information

Course Registration for 24-25

Academic Advising for 7th and 8th grade students is now closed. To see the list of courses your child selected for the 2024-2025 school year, please log in to your SIS ParentVUE account and click on the Course Requests tab. Access directions for viewing course requests here: Online Course Requests. This list of courses is NOT a schedule, but a confirmation of the courses entered into the student information system. 

7th Grade Students: Parents can submit a request to change a course or report an error by contacting a Kilmer school counselor by email. All requests must be submitted by email no later than Friday, May 31. Schedule changes will not be accommodated at the start of the school year. When viewing your child’s course selections, please consider the following:

• Music placements will be updated after spring auditions are complete.
• If your child receives special education or ESOL services, courses are subject to change and will be determined based on a student’s English language proficiency level or IEP service hours.

8th Grade Students: Kilmer can no longer assist with changes to high school courses. Please contact the office of student services at the high school your child is attending if you have questions about 9th grade courses.

Principal Evaluation Questionnaire

On Monday, March 18, Kilmer Middle School’s parents/guardians will be sent an email containing a link to complete the online FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the VDOE-mandated Performance Evaluation Program for principals and offers parents/guardians an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various topics related to our school. These topics include how the principal demonstrates/impacts instructional leadership, school climate, management, communication and community relations, culturally responsive and equitable leadership, and professionalism within the school. 

The questionnaire will be administered between March 18 and April 5. When you receive an email from FCPS Surveys, please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire.

TJHSST Math Tutors

Beginning March 4th,  Kilmer students will have another opportunity to receive additional support in math. Each Monday from 7:00 am to 7:25 am, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology students will be available for math tutoring in the math modular. All Kilmer students are welcome to attend.

Family Engagement Survey: March 3-22

Fairfax County Public Schools will administer our third Family Engagement Survey from Sunday, March 3 - Friday, March 22. The survey is designed to gather data to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our school community. The survey will also be used to measure our current success with family engagement and allow us to deepen that engagement and continue building trust while empowering families to support their students’ success.

Families will receive an email from K12 Insight to complete the survey. It will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Paper surveys, translated into these nine languages, will be available at each school. There will also be a public link on the FCPS website for families to access the survey.

All responses will be confidential. No personally identifiable information will be shared with school or district staff. Survey results will be used to develop a plan to improve family and school partnerships throughout the division to support student success.

3rd Quarter Grades

The end of 3rd quarter is next Friday, March 22. The gradebook module in SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE will be unavailable from Friday, March 22 at 4 pm until Monday, April 15 at 6 am. At that time, report cards will be visible in ParentVUE. Students will receive a copy of their 3rd quarter report card during 7th period on Friday, April 12. 

FCPS Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs - Student Service Hour Opportunity - Resources

Date: Monday, March 18, 2024

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Location: Lake Braddock Secondary School - 9200 Burke Lake Rd, Burke, VA 22015 Auditorium (Enter through door 14)

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) invites you to a community conversation focused on addressing the opioid crisis within Northern Virginia and Fairfax County Public Schools. This discussion will provide families and students with valuable knowledge about the dangers of drugs and deadly fentanyl. 

All attendees will receive a free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County.  Together, as a community, we aim to explore collaborative strategies to minimize the impact of these harmful and sometimes fatal substances.

Language interpretation services are available as well as American Sign Language accommodation. Childcare and transportation will also be provided, as needed. Program appropriate for grades 6 and up.  

Attendance Reminder

Our goal this school year is to partner with families to help minimize the number of days students are absent. We understand each year may present extenuating circumstances that lead to missed days. FCPS has created a Health Flyer for Parents indicating when a parent should keep their child home from school. When planning trips or having your child participate in non-school activities during school hours, please keep in mind that absences add up quickly and these types of absences will be documented as unexcused locally (UNL). The Virginia Department of Education considers students who are absent 10 percent of the school year, or just two days per month, chronically absent. If your child is currently in jeopardy of being identified as chronically absent for the school year, you will receive further communication from our Director of Student Services to develop a plan for helping your child attend school for the remainder of the year. In addition, school counselors will continue to monitor and support students when attendance begins to impact their academic progress and well-being. Please review FCPS Attendance Policies and resources to encourage regular school attendance. Parents can also view their child’s attendance record in SIS ParentVUE.

Afterschool Activities News/Updates

After School Activities News/Updates

Each week Ms. Kardelis 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 Kim Kardelis (After School Specialist) at [email protected].

References & Reminders

Middle School Track & Field

Kilmer is hosting its first Track & Field season this Spring as a part of the FCPS Middle School Athletics Program! Practices will be held after school beginning March 12th and held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week (with a possible additional practice on Mondays for field event(s) as the season progresses). 

Track Events

• 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m

Field Events

• Long Jump and Shot Put

Track Meet Dates 

• April 13, 20, May 4, 11

Driving on Wolftrap

We’ve received concerns from the surrounding community about Kilmer drivers exiting onto Wolftrap Rd without checking for oncoming traffic. There have been several near accidents. Please be sure to look both ways when exiting Kilmer’s parking lot and please do not assume that cars traveling on Wolftrap are turning into the Kilmer Parking Lot. Let’s keep our students, families, and community members safe.

Lightspeed Parent Report

8100 Wolftrap Road Vienna, VA 22182 | Phone: 703-846-8800

Attendance: 703-846-8888 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

A message from Principal Steven McFarlane

Kilmer at a Glance

Kilmer Community,

Kilmer students continue to do amazing things! In the last week alone our Science Olympiad team took 1st place in the regional competition, we had multiple students participate in the Technology Student Association competition and qualify for State later this year, and our students in the Spring Musical finished building the set for Legally Blonde JR. This is just a snapshot of the many activities occurring in our building, and all of this is on top of the great work happening in our classrooms each and every day.

Next week promises to be another busy week at Kilmer. A reminder about the bell schedule change for Thursday, March 14, as well as the Activities Day for 8th graders on Friday, March 15. Also, we have a Math-themed Spirit Week (with Pi Day on Thursday!). More details are below in the calendar and under Important Information.

As always, reach out if you have any questions. 

Sincerely, 

Steven McFarlane

Principal

Note: At Kilmer, we have “Green Days ” and “Blue Days.” On “Green Days” students attend periods 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and on “Blue Days” students attend periods 2, 3, 4, 6, 8. 

• Kilmer’s Spring Musical - Legally Blonde

• March 13 - Student performance, 2:30 pm in the cafeteria
• March 15 - 7 pm in the cafeteria
• March 16 - 2 pm & 7 pm in the cafeteria
• Thursday, 5/9: Reading SOLs
• Tuesday, 5/14: Math SOLs
• Friday, 5/17: Science SOL

Picture(s) of the Week

I hope you stop by to check out Kilmer’s Spring musical, Legally Blonde JR. The shows are March 15th at 7:00 pm, and March 16th at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased HERE. 

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Kilmer’s Science Olympiad Team! On Saturday, March 2nd the team spent the day competing in an array of events at the Virginia Science Olympiad Regionals Competition at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Students competed in multiple events against teams from across Virginia. Kilmer was well represented, not only bringing home 1st PLACE (check out the trophy in Main Hall) overall, but 1st place in multiple events and placing in nearly every event!! Kilmer will be represented at the state competition in April. A special thank you to Coach Cyr for all her efforts and support! Thanks to the amazing parents and families for the encouragement, support, snacks, and patience!!! 

Members of the English 8 CT collaborated on a To Kill a Mockingbird mock trial project. This week students took on the roles of judge, jury members, witnesses, attorneys, and more.

Last Saturday, members of Kilmer’s chapter of the Technology Student Association competed against other schools in the Northern District of Virginia TSA at the Regional Fair. Members competed in middle school competitions in Dragster (CO2 style dragster cars), Flight (catapult-launched gliders), Structural Engineering (bridge building), and Challenging Technology Issues (extemporaneous debate). Kilmer students were able to bring home top three finishes in Dragster (individual trophies in second and third place), and Structural Engineering (team trophy in second place). Those students will be able to compete against the other districts at the TSA state conference, Technosphere, the first weekend of May in Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Congratulations to Xuanni “Eva” Z., 2nd place, and Anay Bapat, 3rd place in the Dragster division, and Ezra L. & Kingsley C., 2nd place in the Structural Engineering division!

Important Information

Math Spirit Week

March 14 - Bell Schedule Change

I wanted to bring to your attention a schedule change to Thursday, March 14th. With our current calendar 8th graders will be missing two Green Days in the upcoming weeks. First, when March 5th was flipped to a Virtual School Planning Day, FCPS stated that March 5th should be treated like a “snow day” and the A/B calendar was not updated. Additionally, March 15th is 8th Grade Activities Day at Marshall and Madison, and our 8th graders will be gone for a majority of the day. Both March 5th and March 15th are Green Days, and with an already shorter 3rd quarter (compared to other quarters) this eliminates a substantial amount of instructional time for Green Day classes. To help with the imbalance created by March 5 and March 15th, we are changing Thursday, March 14th to a straight day schedule (meaning all classes will meet that day).

Rising 9th Grade Activities Fair Field Trips

8th Grade Students attending Marshall or Madison HS will receive a permission form in SCIENCE in the coming weeks to attend an Activities Fair on Friday, March 15th. Participants will receive information about athletics, fine arts, and extracurricular opportunities available to them next year. Students on the Marshall trip will have Lunch at Marshall - $3.50 Cash, those on the Madison trip will eat when they return to Kilmer. 

TJHSST Math Tutors

Beginning March 4th,  Kilmer students will have another opportunity to receive additional support in math. Each Monday from 7:00 am to 7:25 am, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology students will be available for math tutoring in the math modular. All Kilmer students are welcome to attend.

Family Engagement Survey: March 3-22

Fairfax County Public Schools will administer our third Family Engagement Survey from Sunday, March 3 - Friday, March 22. The survey is designed to gather data to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our school community. The survey will also be used to measure our current success with family engagement and allow us to deepen that engagement and continue building trust while empowering families to support their students’ success.

Families will receive an email from K12 Insight to complete the survey. It will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Paper surveys, translated into these nine languages, will be available at each school. There will also be a public link on the FCPS website for families to access the survey.

All responses will be confidential. No personally identifiable information will be shared with school or district staff. Survey results will be used to develop a plan to improve family and school partnerships throughout the division to support student success.

Afterschool Activities News/Updates

After School Activities News/Updates

Each week Ms. Kardelis 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 Kim Kardelis (After School Specialist) at [email protected].

References & Reminders

2024-2025 Course Registration

Academic Advising for 7th and 8th Grade Students: All students will participate in one-on-one academic advising sessions with their Kilmer school counselor to finalize course selections for the 2024-2025 school year. Academic Advising sessions will take place February-March. Students and parents can view course requests through SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE. If a student or parent has questions about course requests, please contact the school counselor. Access directions for viewing course requests here: Online Course Requests.

For more information about course information, timelines, and curriculum resources for seventh and eighth grade students, please visit our Course Registration and Curriculum Resource page on the Kilmer Website. High school resources for Marshall and Madison High School are included on this page as well. 

Middle School Track & Field

Kilmer is hosting its first Track & Field season this Spring as a part of the FCPS Middle School Athletics Program! Practices will be held after school beginning March 12th and held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week (with a possible additional practice on Mondays for field event(s) as the season progresses). 

Track Events

• 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m

Field Events

• Long Jump and Shot Put

Track Meet Dates 

• April 13, 20, May 4, 11

Driving on Wolftrap

We’ve received concerns from the surrounding community about Kilmer drivers exiting onto Wolftrap Rd without checking for oncoming traffic. There have been several near accidents. Please be sure to look both ways when exiting Kilmer’s parking lot and please do not assume that cars traveling on Wolftrap are turning into the Kilmer Parking Lot. Let’s keep our students, families, and community members safe.

Lightspeed Parent Report

8100 Wolftrap Road Vienna, VA 22182 | Phone: 703-846-8800

Attendance: 703-846-8888 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

A message from Principal Steven McFarlane

Kilmer at a Glance

Kilmer Community,

There is always a lot going on in the Spring, especially in schools. At Kilmer, we work hard to walk a line between focusing on the here and now, while also previewing (and getting kids excited about) next year. An example of this is our current focus on motivating students to finish the last three weeks of the 3rd quarter strong, while also preparing for Kilmer’s Spring Musical - Legally Blonde, Cross Town Hoops, and our upcoming Spirit Week. We are simultaneously providing academic advising for next year, planning to take our 8th graders to Marshall and Madison for Activities Day, and sharing information about freshman sports for next year. With this in mind, each week I’ll highlight various programs, events, and information in this newsletter to ensure all the information is in one place.

As always, reach out if you have any questions. 

Sincerely, 

Steven McFarlane

Principal

Note: At Kilmer, we have “Green Days ” and “Blue Days.” On “Green Days” students attend periods 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and on “Blue Days” students attend periods 2, 3, 4, 6, 8. 

• Monday, March 4 - Students will participate in the SEL Screener during Learning Seminar.  Additional details are listed under important information.

• Kilmer’s Spring Musical - Legally Blonde

• March 13 - Student performance, 2:30 pm in the cafeteria
• March 15 - 7 pm in the cafeteria
• March 16 - 2 pm & 7 pm in the cafeteria

Picture(s) of the Week

Science 7 launched March Mammal Madness. Students will research an animal to learn about classification of mammals. They will compete in a bracket through the next month.

Thank you so much for the PTA provided lunch for all staff! 

Important Information

Middle School Track & Field

Kilmer is hosting its first Track & Field season this Spring as a part of the FCPS Middle School Athletics Program! Practices will be held after school beginning March 12th and held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week (with a possible additional practice on Monday’s for field event(s) as the season progresses). 

There will be an interest meeting Thursday, March 7th from 4:30-5:00 pm in-person at Kilmer for families. Open to all - No experience required!

Track Events

• 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m

Field Events

• Long Jump and Shot Put

Track Meet Dates 

• April 13, 20, May 4, 11

Math Spirit Week

March 14 - Bell Schedule Change

I wanted to bring to your attention a schedule change to Thursday, March 14th. With our current calendar 8th graders will be missing two Green Days in the upcoming weeks. First, when March 5th was flipped to a Virtual School Planning Day, FCPS stated that March 5th should be treated like a “snow day” and the A/B calendar was not updated. Additionally, March 15th is 8th Grade Activities Day at Marshall and Madison, and our 8th graders will be gone for a majority of the day. Both March 5th and March 15th are Green Days, and with an already shorter 3rd quarter (compared to other quarters) this eliminates a substantial amount of instructional time for Green Day classes. To help with the imbalance created by March 5 and March 15th, we are changing Thursday, March 14th to a straight day schedule (meaning all classes will meet that day). The exact schedule will be shared with students next week

Rising 9th Grade Activities Fair Field Trips

8th Grade Students attending Marshall or Madison HS will receive a permission form in SCIENCE in the coming weeks to attend an Activities Fair on Friday, March 15th. Participants will receive information about athletics, fine arts, and extracurricular opportunities available to them next year. Completed forms with Student and Guardian/Parent signatures should be turned in through SCIENCE or to Main Office no later than March 7th. Students on the Marshall trip will have Lunch at Marshall - $3.50 Cash, those on the Madison trip will eat when they return to Kilmer. 

2024-2025 Course Registration

Academic Advising for 7th and 8th Grade Students: All students will participate in one-on-one academic advising sessions with their Kilmer school counselor to finalize course selections for the 2024-2025 school year. Academic Advising sessions will take place February-March. Students and parents can view course requests through SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE. If a student or parent has questions about course requests, please contact the school counselor. Access directions for viewing course requests here: Online Course Requests.

For more information about course information, timelines, and curriculum resources for seventh and eighth grade students, please visit our Course Registration and Curriculum Resource page on the Kilmer Website. High school resources for Marshall and Madison High School are included on this page as well. 

Spring SEL Screener 

FCPS is committed to supporting all students’ mental wellness and social and emotional learning. FCPS approved a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener that students use to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. All students in grades 3-12 have the opportunity to participate in the screener twice a year during the fall and spring.  

Students will participate in the Spring SEL Screener during fourth period Learning Seminar on Monday, March 4. Students who have opted out, will not have access to the screener. Opt-outs are submitted one time each year. Therefore, the Opt-outs submitted prior to the fall screener will remain in place for the spring screener.

For more information about the SEL Screener and access to its content, please click on the following link:  Social Emotional Learning Screener (SEL).

Volunteer Opportunity for Lemon Road Elementary School 

Lemon Road’s annual basketball game is coming up on March 15th at Marshall High School and the Lemon Road PTA is hoping some Kilmer students might be interested in volunteering and earning service hours. Please use the following link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4CA4AE2FA5FD0-47599128-basketball?useFullSite=true#/

Freshman Football at Madison High School

Driving on Wolftrap

We’ve received concerns from the surrounding community about Kilmer drivers exiting onto Wolftrap Rd without checking for oncoming traffic. There have been several near accidents. Please be sure to look both ways when exiting Kilmer’s parking lot and please do not assume that cars traveling on Wolftrap are turning into the Kilmer Parking Lot. Let’s keep our students, families and community members safe.

TJHSST Math Tutors

Beginning March 4th,  Kilmer students will have another opportunity to receive additional support in math. Each Monday from 7:00am to 7:25am, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology students will be available for math tutoring in the math modular. All Kilmer students are welcome to attend.

Family Engagement Survey: March 3-22

Fairfax County Public Schools will administer our third Family Engagement Survey from Sunday, March 3 - Friday, March 22. The survey is designed to gather data to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our school community. The survey will also be used to measure our current success with family engagement and allow us to deepen that engagement and continue building trust while empowering families to support their students’ success.

Families will receive an email from K12 Insight to complete the survey. It will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Paper surveys, translated into these nine languages, will be available at each school. There will also be a public link on the FCPS website for families to access the survey.

All responses will be confidential. No personally identifiable information will be shared with school or district staff. Survey results will be used to develop a plan to improve family and school partnerships throughout the division to support student success

Afterschool Activities News/Updates

After School Activities News/Updates

Each week Ms. Kardelis 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 Kim Kardelis (After School Specialist) at [email protected].

References & Reminders

Lightspeed Parent Report

8100 Wolftrap Road Vienna, VA 22182 | Phone: 703-846-8800

Attendance: 703-846-8888 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

A message from Principal Steven McFarlane

Kilmer at a Glance

Kilmer Community,

It was another busy week at Kilmer as we made it to the halfway point of the Third Quarter. This academic quarter is only eight weeks long and is passing by very quickly.  With four weeks left, this weekend is a great time to sit down with your child to check SIS together to see how they are doing academically and how they might improve. As a reminder, teachers stay after school one day a week and students may also visit teachers during Fourth Period Learning Seminar for extra help.

On a different note, (thanks to an anonymous donor) we recently added a basketball hoop to our outdoor recess space. It’s been a big hit with many of our students and more basketball hoops are on the way. Between soccer, frisbee, and basketball, Kilmer kids have plenty of ways to burn off energy with friends, ensuring that they are ready to get back to learning when recess and lunch end.

Finally, don’t forget to mark your calendars for some fun, upcoming events. The Kilmer Drama Department’s Legally Blonde Junior, is March 15 at 7pm, and March 16 at 2pm and 7pm in the cafeteria. Also, Kilmer will take on Thoreau at our annual Crosstown Hoops matchup on March 13th. We hope to have you join us to cheer on our talented students at both of these fantastic events.

As always, reach out if you have any questions. 

Sincerely, 

Note: At Kilmer, we have “Green Days ” and “Blue Days.” On “Green Days” students attend periods 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and on “Blue Days” students attend periods 2, 3, 4, 6, 8. 

• Monday, March 4 - Students will participate in the SEL Screener during Learning Seminar.  Additional details are listed under important information.

• Kilmer’s Spring Musical - Legally Blonde

• March 13 - Student performance, 2:30 pm in the cafeteria
• March 15 - 7 pm in the cafeteria
• March 16 - 2 pm & 7 pm in the cafeteria

Picture(s) of the Week

Students in Ms. Kouril’s History 7 class spent time researching in the library before participating in mock Treaty of Versailles negotiations at the conclusion of World War I. Students negotiated a peace agreement from the perspective of the United States, France, and the United Kingdom.

A very special thank you to an anonymous donor who bought basketball hoops (more are on the way) for our students to play on during recess and lunch!

Important Information

2024-2025 Course Registration

Academic Advising for 7th and 8th Grade Students: All students will participate in one-on-one academic advising sessions with their Kilmer school counselor to finalize course selections for the 2024-2025 school year. Academic Advising sessions will take place February-March. Students and parents can view course requests through SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE. If a student or parent has questions about course requests, please contact the school counselor. Access directions for viewing course requests here: Online Course Requests.

For more information about course information, timelines, and curriculum resources for seventh and eighth grade students, please visit our Course Registration and Curriculum Resource page on the Kilmer Website. High school resources for Marshall and Madison High School are included on this page as well.

Spring SEL Screener 

FCPS is committed to supporting all students’ mental wellness and social and emotional learning. FCPS approved a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener that students use to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. All students in grades 3-12 have the opportunity to participate in the screener twice a year during the fall and spring.  Students will participate in the Spring SEL Screener during fourth period Learning Seminar on Monday, March 4. Students who have opted out, will not have access to the screener. Opt-outs are submitted one time each year. Therefore, the Opt-outs submitted prior to the fall screener will remain in place for the spring screener.

For more information about the SEL Screener and access to its content, please click on the following link:  Social Emotional Learning Screener (SEL).

Kilmer’s Track & Field Team

Kilmer is hosting its first Track & Field season this Spring as a part of the FCPS Middle School Athletics Program! Practices will be held after school beginning in March before Spring Break (schedule/details coming soon). Open to all students - No experience required!

• Track Events: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m

• Field Events: Long Jump and Shot Put
• Track Meets begin in April and each team will have four (rain date is first week in May)

What Is Required to Participate?

Students and parents will need to complete several steps prior to participating in middle school sports, including:

•  Afterschool Registration Form **Must be signed into student’s FCPS Google Account
• Spring Track & Field Registration Form
• FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form (PPE) dated on or after May 1, 2023 **Exam must be completed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Student-athletes in FCPS are required to be covered by medical insurance.
• Emergency Care Card information
• Completion of the state-mandated concussion Middle School Sports Athletic Health Education  Program by student-athlete and Guardian/Parent

Forms must be submitted to Ms. Kardelis, After-School Program Specialist. You can email forms to [email protected] or drop them off in the main office.

Afterschool Activities News/Updates

After School Activities News/Updates

Each week Ms. Kardelis 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 Kim Kardelis (After School Specialist) at [email protected].

References & Reminders

Welcome, Emily Castro - Assistant Principal

Emily Castro is excited to be joining the Kilmer community as the new Assistant Principal on Tuesday, February 20th. Emily joined FCPS in 2016 as a high school math teacher. Emily taught math, served as the math department chair, and was the Student Government Association sponsor at Justice High School and Lake Braddock High School. Over the past three years, Emily served as the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and Social-Emotional Learning Coordinator for Lake Braddock Middle and High Schools. This Fall, Emily served as an Assistant Principal at Laurel Ridge Elementary School, overseeing their special education services site. Emily earned her B.S. in Mathematics and M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from Virginia Tech. Emily lives in D.C. and enjoys traveling with her husband, cheering on her favorite football teams, and spending time with friends.

Eating Disorder Parent Information

In 2013, Virginia passed a law requiring every school system to provide information to parents annually about eating disorders with parents/guardians of students in the fifth through twelfth grades. 

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 about eating disorders.  To find out more, please visit the FCPS Eating Disorders website. In addition to the information on the FCPS website, the National Eating Disorders Association has a toll-free, confidential Helpline, 1-800-931-2237.

Lightspeed Parent Report

8100 Wolftrap Road Vienna, VA 22182 | Phone: 703-846-8800

Attendance: 703-846-8888 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

A message from Principal Steven McFarlane

Kilmer Community,

Yesterday was SRO Appreciation Day. We are so lucky to have Officer Jason Edminster at Kilmer. Officer Edminster is great at connecting with our kids, families, and staff. He has a positive impact on this building each and every day. If you see him around the building or at kiss-and-ride be sure to thank him.

The assistant principals began hosting Grade Level Behavior Forums this week during Learning Seminar. These forums will continue in the coming weeks, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to participate in a session. This is one way that we can proactively reinforce school-wide expectations. At the same time, these forums invite students into the conversation about how they feel, what they see, and what they say are the biggest school-wide issues we can collectively address. I say this often: we explicitly teach academic content AND behavior/expectations, and the more students are part of this process the better. Please consider talking with your students about their experience at the Grade Level Behavior Forums. Parents play a vital role in this work and we are thankful for your support. 

As always, reach out if you have any questions. 

Sincerely, 

Steven McFarlane

Principal

Kilmer at a Glance

Note: At Kilmer, we have “Green Days ” and “Blue Days.” On “Green Days” students attend periods 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and on “Blue Days” students attend periods 2, 3, 4, 6, 8.

• Monday, March 4 - Students will participate in the SEL Screener during Learning Seminar.  Additional details are listed under important information.

Picture(s) of the Week

Yesterday, we celebrated SRO Appreciation Day. Kilmer is so lucky to have Officer Jason Edminster as part of our school community.

Congratulations to Kilmer’s District Honor Choir singers!

Students in Ms. Jones’ 8th grade science class were neutralizing acids and bases as part of their science lab this week. 

It was awesome to see so many students and families in attendance at the Marshall IB Night at Kilmer this past week!

Students in the 7th grade Young Scholar Cohort visited the TJHSST Planetarium yesterday, where they learned about our solar system. They also toured the Oceanography and Engineering labs. 

Important Information

Upcoming 2024-2025 Course Registration Curriculum Events

Academic Advising for 7th and 8th Grade Students: All students will participate in one-on-one academic advising sessions with their Kilmer school counselor to finalize course selections for the 2024-2025 school year. Academic Advising sessions will take place February-March. Students and parents can view course requests through SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE. If a student or parent has questions about course requests, please contact the school counselor. Access directions for viewing course requests here: Online Course Requests.

For more information about course information, timelines, and curriculum resources for seventh and eighth grade students, please visit our Course Registration and Curriculum Resource page on the Kilmer Website. High school resources for Marshall and Madison High School are included on this page as well. Slides from yesterday’s IB Information Night will be on our website by Monday. 

Spring SEL Screener 

FCPS is committed to supporting all students’ mental wellness and social and emotional learning. FCPS approved a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener that students use to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. All students in grades 3-12 have the opportunity to participate in the screener twice a year during the fall and spring.  Students will participate in the Spring SEL Screener during fourth period Learning Seminar on Monday, March 4. Students who have opted out, will not have access to the screener. Opt-outs are submitted one time each year. Therefore, the Opt-outs submitted prior to the fall screener will remain in place for the spring screener.

For more information about the SEL Screener and access to its content, please click on the following link:  Social Emotional Learning Screener (SEL). 

Kilmer’s Track & Field Team

Kilmer is hosting its first Track & Field season this Spring as a part of the FCPS Middle School Athletics Program! Practices will be held after school beginning in March before Spring Break (schedule/details coming soon). Open to all students - No experience required!

• Track Events: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m

• Field Events: Long Jump and Shot Put
• Track Meets begin in April and each team will have four (rain date is first week in May)

What Is Required to Participate?

Students and parents will need to complete several steps prior to participating in middle school sports, including:

•  Afterschool Registration Form **Must be signed into student’s FCPS Google Account
• Spring Track & Field Registration Form
• FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form (PPE) dated on or after May 1, 2023 **Exam must be completed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Student-athletes in FCPS are required to be covered by medical insurance.
• Emergency Care Card information
• Completion of the state-mandated concussion Middle School Sports Athletic Health Education  Program by student-athlete and Guardian/Parent

Forms must be submitted to Ms. Kardelis, After-School Program Specialist. You can email forms to [email protected] or drop them off in the main office.

Eating Disorder Parent Information

In 2013, Virginia passed a law requiring every school system to provide information to parents annually about eating disorders with parents/guardians of students in the fifth through twelfth grades. 

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 about eating disorders.  To find out more, please visit the FCPS Eating Disorders website. In addition to the information on the FCPS website, the National Eating Disorders Association has a toll-free, confidential Helpline, 1-800-931-2237.

Afterschool Activities News/Updates

After School Activities News/Updates

Each week Ms. Kardelis 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 Kim Kardelis (After School Specialist) at [email protected].

References & Reminders

Welcome, Emily Castro - Assistant Principal

Emily Castro is excited to be joining the Kilmer community as the new Assistant Principal on Tuesday, February 20th. Emily joined FCPS in 2016 as a high school math teacher. Emily taught math, served as the math department chair, and was the Student Government Association sponsor at Justice High School and Lake Braddock High School. Over the past three years, Emily served as the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and Social-Emotional Learning Coordinator for Lake Braddock Middle and High Schools. This Fall, Emily served as an Assistant Principal at Laurel Ridge Elementary School, overseeing their special education services site. Emily earned her B.S. in Mathematics and M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from Virginia Tech. Emily lives in D.C. and enjoys traveling with her husband, cheering on her favorite football teams, and spending time with friends.

Lexia Update

As part of an FCPS initiative, students complete 15 minutes of Lexia Power Up or Lexia Core5 in their English Language Arts (ELA) block. Lexia is an evidence-based, computer-based program that adapts instruction to meet the needs of learners in the categories of grammar, word study, and comprehension. With the start of 3rd Quarter, grading categories have been adjusted for 7th grade English Language Arts (ELA): Assessment 50 percent, Evidence 30 percent, Practice 10 percent, and Lexia 10 Percent.

Lightspeed on Student Computers 

As part of our commitment to creating a safe and focused learning environment for your children, we are excited to introduce a new tool that our teachers will utilize: Lightspeed Software.

Here are some key benefits of Lightspeed Software:

• Enhanced Focus: With real-time monitoring capabilities, teachers can closely monitor students' laptop activities during class. This helps ensure students stay engaged with the lesson material and minimize distractions.
• Support for Individualized Learning: Lightspeed Software allows teachers to tailor their approach to individual student needs. Educators can provide personalized support by understanding how each student interacts with digital resources, ensuring that every student receives the attention and guidance they require. They can create groups and push out websites and tasks targeted to students’ needs, whether researching for a project or reviewing for a test.
• Silent Assistance Signals and Check-Ins: One of the unique features of Lightspeed Software is the ability for students to signal when they need assistance silently. This ensures that students feel comfortable seeking help without disrupting the class flow. Teachers can also send out polls, reminders, and check-ins for students as a class or individually.
• Restricting Access to the Web: Teachers can turn off or pause internet access and restrict students to specific sites during school hours. This, again, ensures students are focused on learning and minimizes distractions.

We understand the importance of balancing technology in education with maintaining a focused and secure learning environment. Lightspeed Software is designed with these considerations in mind, and it will contribute significantly to the overall success of our students.

Student laptops will only be monitored during school hours. The regular filters remain in place on school devices, but once they are home, teachers cannot monitor your students. As parents, we would like to encourage you to sign up for your own Lightspeed reports, which will allow you to see how your child is spending time on the computer during and after school hours.

Lightspeed Parent Report

8100 Wolftrap Road Vienna, VA 22182 | Phone: 703-846-8800

Attendance: 703-846-8888 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

A message from Principal Steven McFarlane

Kilmer Community,

This past week was National School Counselor Week. I’m grateful for the work our Student Services team does on a daily basis. They help create a culture of success for all of our students through counseling, assisting students with academic strategies, collaborating with our teachers and families, and so much more.  Please consider sending our counselors a thank you for all that they do.

I’m pleased to announce our new assistant principal, Emily Castro. Ms. Castro will be joining us on Tuesday, February 20th. Emily joined FCPS in 2016 as a high school math teacher. In addition to teaching math, Emily served as the Math Department Chair and the Student Government Association sponsor at Justice High School and Lake Braddock High School. Over the past three years, Emily served as the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and Social-Emotional Learning Coordinator for Lake Braddock Middle and High Schools. This Fall, Emily served as an Assistant Principal at Laurel Ridge Elementary School, overseeing their special education services site. Emily earned her B.S. in Mathematics and M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from Virginia Tech. Emily lives in D.C. and enjoys traveling with her husband, cheering on her favorite football teams, and spending time with friends.

A reminder, we’ve rescheduled the Marshall IB Night at Kilmer for this upcoming Thursday, February 15 from 5-6 PM. Also, students will receive their printed report cards on Monday afternoon so be on the lookout. 

Lastly, now’s the time to sign up for our inaugural Track & Field season. More information can be found below under “Important Information.”

As always, reach out if you have any questions. 

Sincerely, 

Steven McFarlane

Principal

Kilmer at a Glance

Note: At Kilmer, we have “Green Days ” and “Blue Days.” On “Green Days” students attend periods 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and on “Blue Days” students attend periods 2, 3, 4, 6, 8.

• February 15 - IB Information Night at Kilmer Middle school, 5-6 pm (Rescheduled from January 16). For more information, see course registration curriculum events under important information.

Picture(s) of the Week

Congratulations to Kilmer students who made the District XII All-District Middle School Band!

• Front Row (left to right): Emily Ackerman, Henry Wang, Savannah Weise, Lily Davison, Jessica Malcov, Arushi Pathak, Jordan Douglas, Jasper Diffell
• Back Row: Kevin Kosumi, Samuel Zhang, Josh Fields, Haakon Anderson, Miriam Willis, Jayden Naughton

Important Information

Welcome, Emily Castro - Assistant Principal

Emily Castro is excited to be joining the Kilmer community as the new Assistant Principal on Tuesday, February 20th. Emily joined FCPS in 2016 as a high school math teacher. Emily taught math, served as the math department chair, and was the Student Government Association sponsor at Justice High School and Lake Braddock High School. Over the past three years, Emily served as the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and Social-Emotional Learning Coordinator for Lake Braddock Middle and High Schools. This Fall, Emily served as an Assistant Principal at Laurel Ridge Elementary School, overseeing their special education services site. Emily earned her B.S. in Mathematics and M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from Virginia Tech. Emily lives in D.C. and enjoys traveling with her husband, cheering on her favorite football teams, and spending time with friends.

Kilmer’s Track & Field Team

Kilmer is hosting its first Track & Field season this Spring as a part of the FCPS Middle School Athletics Program! Practices will be held after school beginning in March before Spring Break (schedule/details coming soon). Open to all students - No experience required!

• Track Events: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m

• Field Events: Long Jump and Shot Put

• Track Meets begin in April and each team will have four (rain date is first week in May)

What Is Required to Participate?

Students and parents will need to complete several steps prior to participating in middle school sports, including:

•  Afterschool Registration Form **Must be signed into student’s FCPS Google Account
• Spring Track & Field Registration Form
• FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form (PPE) dated on or after May 1, 2023 **Exam must be completed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Student-athletes in FCPS are required to be covered by medical insurance.
• Emergency Care Card information
• Completion of the state-mandated concussion Middle School Sports Athletic Health Education  Program by student-athlete and Guardian/Parent
• Forms must be submitted to Ms. Kardelis, After-School Program Specialist. You can email forms to [email protected] or drop them off in the main office.

2nd Quarter Report Cards

Second quarter report cards are now available in SIS ParentVUE. A copy of your child’s report card will be sent home on Monday, February 12.

Upcoming 2024-2025 Course Registration Curriculum Events

8th Grade Students attending Marshall High School for 9th Grade:

• February 15  - Marshall High School IB Information Night, 5:00 pm at Kilmer Cafeteria. 

Kilmer Middle School has rescheduled the Marshall High School IB Information Night for Thursday, February 15 at 5:00 pm in the Kilmer Middle School Cafeteria. IB Coordinators are excited to visit and meet Kilmer’s community to give an overview of the IB Program at Marshall and its prerequisites. There will also be student speakers sharing their experiences about different aspects of the IB program. IB coordinators and Marshall students look forward to answering questions the Kilmer community may have about the program.

8th Grade Students attending Madison High School for 9th Grade

• Students and parents can visit the Madison High School Academic Advising Google site to learn more about course options for ninth grade and view slides from the Rising 9th grade curriculum Night. Initial course selection took place in January. Kilmer school counselors will continue to meet one on one with students to finalize courses.

Academic Advising for 7th and 8th Grade Students:

All students will participate in one-on-one academic advising sessions with their Kilmer school counselor to finalize course selections for the 2024-2025 school year. Academic Advising sessions will take place February-March. Students and parents can view course requests through SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE. If a student or parent has questions about course requests, please contact the school counselor. Access directions for viewing course requests here: Online Course Requests.

For more information about course registration timelines for seventh and eighth grade students, please visit our Course Registration and Curriculum Resource page on the Kilmer Website.

Lexia Update

As part of an FCPS initiative, students complete 15 minutes of Lexia Power Up or Lexia Core5 in their English Language Arts (ELA) block. Lexia is an evidence-based, computer-based program that adapts instruction to meet the needs of learners in the categories of grammar, word study, and comprehension. With the start of 3rd Quarter, grading categories have been adjusted for 7th grade English Language Arts (ELA): Assessment 50 percent, Evidence 30 percent, Practice 10 percent, and Lexia 10 Percent.

Afterschool Activities News/Updates

After School Activities News/Updates

Each week Ms. Kardelis 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 Kim Kardelis (After School Specialist) at [email protected].

References & Reminders

Lightspeed on Student Computers 

As part of our commitment to creating a safe and focused learning environment for your children, we are excited to introduce a new tool that our teachers will utilize: Lightspeed Software.

Here are some key benefits of Lightspeed Software:

• Enhanced Focus: With real-time monitoring capabilities, teachers can closely monitor students' laptop activities during class. This helps ensure students stay engaged with the lesson material and minimize distractions.
• Support for Individualized Learning: Lightspeed Software allows teachers to tailor their approach to individual student needs. Educators can provide personalized support by understanding how each student interacts with digital resources, ensuring that every student receives the attention and guidance they require. They can create groups and push out websites and tasks targeted to students’ needs, whether researching for a project or reviewing for a test.
• Silent Assistance Signals and Check-Ins: One of the unique features of Lightspeed Software is the ability for students to signal when they need assistance silently. This ensures that students feel comfortable seeking help without disrupting the class flow. Teachers can also send out polls, reminders, and check-ins for students as a class or individually.
• Restricting Access to the Web: Teachers can turn off or pause internet access and restrict students to specific sites during school hours. This, again, ensures students are focused on learning and minimizes distractions.

We understand the importance of balancing technology in education with maintaining a focused and secure learning environment. Lightspeed Software is designed with these considerations in mind, and it will contribute significantly to the overall success of our students.

Student laptops will only be monitored during school hours. The regular filters remain in place on school devices, but once they are home, teachers cannot monitor your students. As parents, we would like to encourage you to sign up for your own Lightspeed reports, which will allow you to see how your child is spending time on the computer during and after school hours.

Lightspeed Parent Report

8100 Wolftrap Road Vienna, VA 22182 | Phone: 703-846-8800

Attendance: 703-846-8888 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

A message from Principal Steven McFarlane

Kilmer Community,

On Wednesday, we hosted our Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night. It is one of my favorite events of the year because the energy is palpable from our rising 7th graders and their families. Also, we had many current 7th and 8th graders working as part of our new Student Ambassador program and it’s a testament to what middle schoolers can do when given the opportunity. The Student Ambassadors were answering questions, talking with rising 7th graders, and helped to guide families around the building. I was stopped by countless parents who complimented our current Kilmer students and the work they were doing as Student Ambassadors. 

It’s hard to believe that in February (and with half of the school year left) we start planning for next year. Just as we hosted rising 7th graders this past week, Marshall Counselors will be coming to Kilmer on Thursday to preview course options for our 8th graders going to high school. Kilmer’s counselors work closely with Marshall (and Madison) counselors to ensure our 8th graders have all the information they need when selecting their courses for next year. Please reach out to our counselors if you have any questions.

Lastly, we’ve rescheduled the Marshall IB Night at Kilmer for Thursday, February 15 from 5-6 PM. 

As always, reach out if you have any questions. 

Sincerely, 

Kilmer at a Glance

Note: At Kilmer, we have “Green Days ” and “Blue Days.” On “Green Days” students attend periods 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and on “Blue Days” students attend periods 2, 3, 4, 6, 8.

• February 15 - IB Information Night at Kilmer Middle school, 5-6 pm (Rescheduled from January 16). For more information, see course registration curriculum events under important information.

Picture(s) of the Week

Thank you to everyone who attended our Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night this past week! The building was packed with Rising 7th graders and their families.

Important Information

Kilmer’s Track & Field Team

Kilmer is hosting its first Track & Field season this Spring as a part of the FCPS Middle School Athletics Program! Practices will be held after school beginning in March before Spring Break (schedule/details coming soon). Open to all students - No experience required!

• Track Events: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m

• Field Events: Long Jump and Shot Put
• Track Meets begin in April and each team will have four (rain date is first week in May)

What Is Required to Participate?

Students and parents will need to complete several steps prior to participating in middle school sports, including:

•  Afterschool Registration Form **Must be signed into student’s FCPS Google Account
• Spring Track & Field Registration Form
• FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form (PPE) dated on or after May 1, 2023 **Exam must be completed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Student-athletes in FCPS are required to be covered by medical insurance.
• Emergency Care Card information
• Completion of the state-mandated concussion Middle School Sports Athletic Health Education  Program by student-athlete and Guardian/Parent

Forms must be submitted to Ms. Kardelis, After-School Program Specialist. You can email forms to [email protected] or drop them off in the main office.

End of Quarter SIS StudentVue and ParentVue Availability

The SIS StudentVUE and ParentVue Gradebook module will be unavailable from Thursday, January 25 at 4 pm to Monday, February 5 at 6 am to allow for teachers to complete their second quarter grades. Second quarter report cards will be available in SIS ParentVUE on February 5 at 6 am. A copy of your child’s report card will be sent home on Friday, February 9.

Upcoming 2024-2025 Course Registration Curriculum Events

8th Grade Students attending Marshall High School for 9th Grade:

• February 8 - Marshall High School counselors visit Kilmer to speak with eighth grade students attending Marshall for ninth grade. Students will be assigned to a session either 3rd or 4th period to meet with their ninth grade school counselor to learn more about course options and the transition to high school. Assigned sessions will be shared with students next week. 

• February 8 - Marshall High School Rising 9th Grade Orientation, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

• February 9 - After meeting with Marshall school counselors and attending the Rising 9th Grade Orientation at Marshall High School, eighth grade students will select their initial courses for ninth grade in SIS StudentVUE on Friday, February 9.

• February 15  - Marshall High School IB Information Night, 5:00 pm at Kilmer Cafeteria 

• • Kilmer Middle School has rescheduled the Marshall High School IB Information Night for Thursday, February 15 at 5:00 pm in the Kilmer Middle School Cafeteria. IB Coordinators are excited to visit and meet Kilmer’s community to give an overview of the IB Program at Marshall and its prerequisites. There will also be student speakers sharing their experiences about different aspects of the IB program. IB coordinators and Marshall students look forward to answering questions the Kilmer community may have about the program.

8th Grade Students attending Madison High School for 9th Grade

• Students and parents can visit the Madison High School Academic Advising Google site to learn more about course options for ninth grade and view slides from the Rising 9th grade curriculum Night. Initial course selection took place in January. Kilmer school counselors will continue to meet one on one with students to finalize courses.

7th Grade Students - Course Options for 8th Grade

• A school-wide course kick off for the 2024-2025 school year took place on Wednesday and Thursday this past week. During this time teachers in all classes shared course options connected to their content for the next grade level. Following the course kick-off, seventh grade students selected their initial courses in SIS StudentVUE. 
• To learn more about course options for eighth grade students view the online Eighth Grade Course Catalog and view Course Videos created by Kilmer teachers.

Academic Advising for 7th and 8th Grade Students:

All students will participate in one-on-one academic advising sessions with their Kilmer school counselor to finalize course selections for the 2024-2025 school year. Academic Advising sessions will take place February-March. 

For more information about course registration timelines for seventh and eighth grade students, please visit our Course Registration and Curriculum Resource page on the Kilmer Website.

Lexia Update

As part of an FCPS initiative, students complete 15 minutes of Lexia Power Up or Lexia Core5 in their English Language Arts (ELA) block. Lexia is an evidence-based, computer-based program that adapts instruction to meet the needs of learners in the categories of grammar, word study, and comprehension. With the start of 3rd Quarter, grading categories have been adjusted for 7th grade English Language Arts (ELA): Assessment 50 percent, Evidence 30 percent, Practice 10 percent, and Lexia 10 Percent. 

Afterschool Activities News/Updates

After School Activities News/Updates

Each week Ms. Kardelis 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 Kim Kardelis (After School Specialist) at [email protected].

References & Reminders

Health and Physical Education FLE Announcement 

Instruction of the Human Growth and Development unit (gender separate) will take place from January 29th through February 1st during HPE class.  Instruction of the Emotional and Social Health unit will take place during regular health class during the 3rd quarter.

If you choose to opt your student out of any or all of these lessons, please fill out the opt out form for your student’s grade level and have your student return the form to Ms. Wood in student services: FLE opt out forms.

To view the lessons in both FLE units please login to Schoology and click on the All Parents/Guardians course.  On that page there is a folder called Parent Preview - FLE Instruction with the FLE lessons.

If you have any questions, please contact your student’s HPE teacher.

Lightspeed on Student Computers 

As part of our commitment to creating a safe and focused learning environment for your children, we are excited to introduce a new tool that our teachers will utilize: Lightspeed Software.

Here are some key benefits of Lightspeed Software:

• Enhanced Focus: With real-time monitoring capabilities, teachers can closely monitor students' laptop activities during class. This helps ensure students stay engaged with the lesson material and minimize distractions.
• Support for Individualized Learning: Lightspeed Software allows teachers to tailor their approach to individual student needs. Educators can provide personalized support by understanding how each student interacts with digital resources, ensuring that every student receives the attention and guidance they require. They can create groups and push out websites and tasks targeted to students’ needs, whether researching for a project or reviewing for a test.
• Silent Assistance Signals and Check-Ins: One of the unique features of Lightspeed Software is the ability for students to signal when they need assistance silently. This ensures that students feel comfortable seeking help without disrupting the class flow. Teachers can also send out polls, reminders, and check-ins for students as a class or individually.
• Restricting Access to the Web: Teachers can turn off or pause internet access and restrict students to specific sites during school hours. This, again, ensures students are focused on learning and minimizes distractions.

We understand the importance of balancing technology in education with maintaining a focused and secure learning environment. Lightspeed Software is designed with these considerations in mind, and it will contribute significantly to the overall success of our students.

Student laptops will only be monitored during school hours. The regular filters remain in place on school devices, but once they are home, teachers cannot monitor your students. As parents, we would like to encourage you to sign up for your own Lightspeed reports, which will allow you to see how your child is spending time on the computer during and after school hours.

Lightspeed Parent Report

8100 Wolftrap Road Vienna, VA 22182 | Phone: 703-846-8800

Attendance: 703-846-8888 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

A message from Principal Steven McFarlane

Kilmer Community,

This week I was reminded of how middle school students meet expectations when we clearly define the standard, support them along the way, and hold them accountable. A few weeks ago, we began implementing Tardy Sweeps (unannounced) to ensure our students get to class on time and ready to learn. I’m happy to report that most of our Tardy Sweeps (again, these are unannounced) result in ZERO students being tardy. In a school of 1,200 students, this is a great accomplishment. I’m proud of our students and their commitment to doing the right thing, and being ready to learn!

This past Tuesday, members of FCPS’s Senior Leadership Team came to Kilmer to conduct Instructional Rounds. Senior Leadership is visiting schools throughout the county this year to align themselves around instructional practices. We were excited to be selected as one of the host schools. The Leadership Team was excited to see Kilmer teachers and students in action as they visited a total of sixteen classrooms across both grade levels. 

Although students are off today, our staff is hard at work wrapping up the end of the 2nd quarter (1st Semester). Monday is the first day of the second semester, and many students will be starting a new semester elective course. In addition, many students will have a new Learning Seminar class. We have been communicating with students to check their schedules in SIS, and on Monday, we’ll assist students with their new schedules (if applicable) by making announcements throughout the day. 

Lastly, there will be NO Afterschool Activities or Late Bus Transportation on Wednesday, January 31st – students must depart at 2:15 PM (regular dismissal) so we can prepare for the Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night.

As always, reach out if you have any questions. 

Sincerely, 

Steven McFarlane

Principal

Kilmer at a Glance

Note: At Kilmer, we have “Green Days ” and “Blue Days.” On “Green Days” students attend periods 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and on “Blue Days” students attend periods 2, 3, 4, 6, 8.

• February 15 - IB Information Night at Kilmer Middle school, 5-6 pm (Rescheduled from January 16). For more information, see course registration curriculum events under important information.

Important Information

Second Semester Schedules

Students can view their second semester schedules on Friday, January 26 at 4 pm in SIS StudentVUE. Students with new semester electives will begin these courses on Monday, January 29. The new elective on your child’s schedule is one of the electives your child selected last spring. We cannot accommodate course changes at this point in the school year. A request to change an elective would impact other classes and most elective classes are at capacity. 

Learning Seminar Changes

At the start of each quarter, students may be assigned to a new Learning Seminar for various reasons, including opportunities for additional remediation in math or English. Any student who has a change to their Learning Seminar will remain with one of their teachers. On Monday, January 29, students can view their schedule in SIS Studentvue to see if their 4th period Learning Seminar has changed. Students with a schedule change will receive a new schedule prior to 4th period.

End of Quarter SIS StudentVue and ParentVue Availability

The SIS StudentVUE and ParentVue Gradebook module will be unavailable from Thursday, January 25 at 4 pm to Monday, February 5 at 6 am to allow for teachers to complete their second quarter grades. Second quarter report cards will be available in SIS ParentVUE on February 5 at 6 am. 

Upcoming 2024-2025 Course Registration Curriculum Events

Eighth Grade Students attending Marshall High School for Ninth Grade:

• February 8 - Marshall High School counselors visit Kilmer to speak with eighth grade students attending Marshall for ninth grade.

• February 8 - Marshall High School Rising 9th Grade Orientation, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

• February 15  - Marshall High School IB Information Night, 5:00 pm at Kilmer Cafeteria 
• Kilmer Middle School has rescheduled the Marshall High School IB Information Night for Thursday, February 15 at 5:00 pm in the Kilmer Middle School Cafeteria. IB Coordinators are excited to visit and meet Kilmer’s community to give an overview of the IB Program at Marshall and its prerequisites. There will also be student speakers sharing their experiences about different aspects of the IB program. IB coordinators and Marshall students look forward to answering questions the Kilmer community may have about the program.

Eighth Grade Students attending Madison High School for Ninth Grade:

• Students and parents can visit the Madison High School Academic Advising Google site to learn more about course options for ninth grade and view slides from the Rising 9th grade curriculum Night. 

Seventh Grade Course Registration Event:

• Rising 8th Grade Algebra Night – Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 5pm – 6pm 
  • Please note: this session is not for 7th grade students who are currently enrolled in Algebra.

Academic Advising for 7th and 8th Grade Students:

To assist with course selection, a school-wide course kick-off for the 2024-2025 school year will take place on January 31 and February 1. During this time teachers in all classes will present course options connected to their content for the next grade level. Following the course kick-off students will select their initial courses in SIS StudentVUE and participate in a one-on-one academic advising session with their school counselor to finalize course selections for the 2024-2025 school year.

For more information about course registration timelines for seventh and eighth grade students, please visit our Course Registration and Curriculum Resource page on the Kilmer Website.

Afterschool Activities News/Updates

After School Activities News/Updates

Each week Ms. Kardelis 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 Kim Kardelis (After School Specialist) at [email protected].

References & Reminders

Health and Physical Education FLE Announcement 

Instruction of the Human Growth and Development unit (gender separate) will take place from January 29th through February 1st during HPE class.  Instruction of the Emotional and Social Health unit will take place during regular health class during the 3rd quarter.

If you choose to opt your student out of any or all of these lessons, please fill out the opt out form for your student’s grade level and have your student return the form to Ms. Wood in student services: FLE opt out forms.

To view the lessons in both FLE units please login to Schoology and click on the All Parents/Guardians course.  On that page there is a folder called Parent Preview - FLE Instruction with the FLE lessons.

If you have any questions, please contact your student’s HPE teacher.

Lightspeed on Student Computers 

As part of our commitment to creating a safe and focused learning environment for your children, we are excited to introduce a new tool that our teachers will utilize: Lightspeed Software.

Here are some key benefits of Lightspeed Software:

• Enhanced Focus: With real-time monitoring capabilities, teachers can closely monitor students' laptop activities during class. This helps ensure students stay engaged with the lesson material and minimize distractions.
• Support for Individualized Learning: Lightspeed Software allows teachers to tailor their approach to individual student needs. Educators can provide personalized support by understanding how each student interacts with digital resources, ensuring that every student receives the attention and guidance they require. They can create groups and push out websites and tasks targeted to students’ needs, whether researching for a project or reviewing for a test.
• Silent Assistance Signals and Check-Ins: One of the unique features of Lightspeed Software is the ability for students to signal when they need assistance silently. This ensures that students feel comfortable seeking help without disrupting the class flow. Teachers can also send out polls, reminders, and check-ins for students as a class or individually.
• Restricting Access to the Web: Teachers can turn off or pause internet access and restrict students to specific sites during school hours. This, again, ensures students are focused on learning and minimizes distractions.

We understand the importance of balancing technology in education with maintaining a focused and secure learning environment. Lightspeed Software is designed with these considerations in mind, and it will contribute significantly to the overall success of our students.

Student laptops will only be monitored during school hours. The regular filters remain in place on school devices, but once they are home, teachers cannot monitor your students. As parents, we would like to encourage you to sign up for your own Lightspeed reports, which will allow you to see how your child is spending time on the computer during and after school hours.

Lightspeed Parent Report

8100 Wolftrap Road Vienna, VA 22182 | Phone: 703-846-8800

Attendance: 703-846-8888 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

A message from Principal Steven McFarlane

Kilmer Community, 

January’s school schedule is always a bit choppy with the holidays and end of the quarter, and the Snow Days and two-hour late start last week complicated it even further. Although, I’m sure most students weren’t complaining.🙂 A reminder that our Green/Blue schedule does not change when we have Snow Days. The Green or Blue day is skipped and we stick to our original Green/Blue schedule. Also, when we have a two-hour delay due to weather, our modified schedule is always available on the website, as well as a few other schedule variations. If you’re interested, our schedules can be found HERE.

On that note, we have our second early release day this week on Thursday, January 25. Students will be released at 12:15 pm, and we have revised our bell schedule to include a grab ‘n go lunch at the end of the day. The last period has an extra 10 minutes to allow students buying lunch to be dismissed from class on a staggered basis to go to the cafeteria. They will then go directly to their buses or kiss-and-ride. 

Lastly, at the start of each quarter, students may be assigned to a new Learning Seminar for various reasons including opportunities for additional remediation in math or English. Any student who has a change to their learning seminar will remain with one of their teachers. On Monday, January 29, students can view their schedule in SIS Studentvue to see if their 4th period Learning Seminar has changed. Students with a schedule change will receive a new schedule prior to 4th period. 

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, and we look forward to seeing students tomorrow. As always, reach out if you have any questions.

Sincerely, 

Steven McFarlane

Principal

Kilmer at a Glance

• February 15 - IB Information Night at Kilmer Middle school, 5-6 pm (Rescheduled from January 16). For more information, see course registration curriculum events under important information.

Picture(s) of the Week

A huge thank you to Kilmer’s custodial crew. Although staff and students enjoyed a Snow Day on Tuesday and Friday, our custodians were here clearing the walkways, sidewalks, and driveways.

Students applied the volleyball skills they have been learning in actual games this past week. 

Important Information

Congratulations - District 12 All-District Band

The District 12 All-District Band Auditions took place on Saturday, 1/13 and the results are in! Congratulations to the following Symphonic Band students who earned membership into the District 12 All-District Band, which will be held at Oakton High School on February 1-3:

• Arushi P. – flute
• Jessica M. – bassoon
• Josh F. – clarinet
• Sam Z. – clarinet
• Lily D.  – clarinet
• Henry W. – clarinet
• Emily A. – clarinet
• Jordan D. – bass clarinet
• Haakon A. – alto sax
• Savannah W. – French horn
• Kevin K. – tuba
• Jayden N. – percussion

The following students are alternates and will be “called up” to play if needed:

• Simon T. – flute
• Kavya T. – flute
• Mariana D. C. – bass clarinet
• Sophia L. – alto sax
• Ashley S. – tenor sax
• Roark G. – baritone sax
• Miriam W. – trumpet
• Praveer S. – trombone
• Beakal A. – euphonium
• Sasha R. - percussion

Congratulations to Junior District Honors Orchestra

We had 7 Kilmer Students who participated in the Junior District Honors Orchestra last weekend at Langley High School. Pictured from left to right we have: Kai Zinner, Ben Woerdehoff, Claire Goaslind, Kate Kim, Sarah Wang, Jeremiah Yeh, and Jakob Donovan

Learning Seminar Changes

At the start of each quarter, students may be assigned to a new Learning Seminar for various reasons including opportunities for additional remediation in math or English. Any student who has a change to their learning seminar will remain with one of their teachers. On Monday, January 29, students can view their schedule in SIS Studentvue to see if their 4th period Learning Seminar has changed. Students with a schedule change will receive a new schedule prior to 4th period.

Health and Physical Education FLE Announcement 

Instruction of the Human Growth and Development unit (gender separate) will take place from January 29th through February 1st during HPE class.  Instruction of the Emotional and Social Health unit will take place during regular health class during the 3rd quarter.

If you choose to opt your student out of any or all of these lessons, please fill out the opt out form for your student’s grade level and have your student return the form to Ms. Wood in student services: FLE opt out forms.

To view the lessons in both FLE units please login to Schoology and click on the All Parents/Guardians course.  On that page there is a folder called Parent Preview - FLE Instruction with the FLE lessons. If you have any questions, please contact your student’s HPE teacher.

Upcoming 2024-2025 Course Registration Curriculum Events

Eighth Grade Students attending Marshall High School for Ninth Grade:

• February 8 - Marshall High School counselors visit Kilmer to speak with eighth grade students attending Marshall for ninth grade.

• February 8 - Marshall High School Rising 9th Grade Orientation, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

• February 15  - Marshall High School IB Information Night, 5:00 pm at Kilmer Cafeteria 

• Kilmer Middle School has rescheduled the Marshall High School IB Information Night for Thursday, February 15 at 5:00 pm in the Kilmer Middle School Cafeteria. IB Coordinators are excited to visit and meet Kilmer’s community to give an overview of the IB Program at Marshall and its prerequisites. There will also be student speakers sharing their experiences about different aspects of the IB program. IB coordinators and Marshall students look forward to answering questions the Kilmer community may have about the program.

Eighth Grade Students attending Madison High School for Ninth Grade:

• Students and parents can visit the Madison High School Academic Advising google site to learn more about course options for ninth grade and view slides from the Rising 9th grade curriculum Night. 

Seventh Grade Course Registration Events:

• Rising 8th Grade Algebra Night – Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 5pm – 6pm

• Kilmer Middle School’s math department is holding an informational session to discuss the pathways available for students to take Algebra or Algebra Honors next school year. Families and students who are currently enrolled in Math 7 or Math 7 Honors are encouraged to attend. The event will include information about the Algebra courses, summer opportunities and the ability to ask questions/speak directly with Kilmer’s math teachers. Please note: this session is not for 7th grade students who are currently enrolled in Algebra.  

Academic Advising for 7th and 8th Grade Students:

To assist with course selection, a school-wide course kick-off for the 2024-2025 school year will take place on January 31 and February 1. During this time teachers in all classes will present course options connected to their content for the next grade level. Following the course kick-off students will participate in a one on one academic advising session with their school counselor to finalize course selections for the 2024-2025 school year.

For more information about course registration timelines for seventh and eighth grade students, please visit our Course Registration and Curriculum Resource page on the Kilmer Website. 

End of Quarter SIS StudentVue and ParentVue Availability

The SIS StudentVUE and ParentVue Gradebook module will be unavailable from Thursday, January 25 at 4 pm to Monday February 5 at 6 am to allow for teachers to complete their second quarter grades.

Second Semester Schedules

Students can view their second semester schedules on Friday, January 26 at 4 pm in SIS StudentVUE. Students with new semester electives will begin these courses on Monday, January 29. The new elective on your child’s schedule is one of the electives your child selected last spring. We cannot accommodate course changes at this point in the school year. A request to change an elective would impact other classes and most elective classes are at capacity.

Early Release Bell Schedule

We have our second early release day on Thursday, January 25, and have revised our bell schedule to include a grab ‘n go lunch at the end of the day. The last period has an extra 10 minutes to allow students buying lunch to be dismissed from class on a staggered basis to go to the cafeteria. They will then go directly to their buses or kiss-and-ride.

Afterschool Activities News/Updates

After School Activities News/Updates

Each week Ms. Kardelis 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 Kim Kardelis (After School Specialist) at [email protected].

References & Reminders

Lightspeed on Student Computers 

As part of our commitment to creating a safe and focused learning environment for your children, we are excited to introduce a new tool that our teachers will utilize: Lightspeed Software.

Here are some key benefits of Lightspeed Software:

• Enhanced Focus: With real-time monitoring capabilities, teachers can closely monitor students' laptop activities during class. This helps ensure students stay engaged with the lesson material and minimize distractions.
• Support for Individualized Learning: Lightspeed Software allows teachers to tailor their approach to individual student needs. Educators can provide personalized support by understanding how each student interacts with digital resources, ensuring that every student receives the attention and guidance they require. They can create groups and push out websites and tasks targeted to students’ needs, whether researching for a project or reviewing for a test.
• Silent Assistance Signals and Check-Ins: One of the unique features of Lightspeed Software is the ability for students to signal when they need assistance silently. This ensures that students feel comfortable seeking help without disrupting the class flow. Teachers can also send out polls, reminders, and check-ins for students as a class or individually.
• Restricting Access to the Web: Teachers can turn off or pause internet access and restrict students to specific sites during school hours. This, again, ensures students are focused on learning and minimizes distractions.

 

We understand the importance of balancing technology in education with maintaining a focused and secure learning environment. Lightspeed Software is designed with these considerations in mind, and it will contribute significantly to the overall success of our students.

Student laptops will only be monitored during school hours. The regular filters remain in place on school devices, but once they are home, teachers cannot monitor your students. As parents, we would like to encourage you to sign up for your own Lightspeed reports, which will allow you to see how your child is spending time on the computer during and after school hours.

Yearbook

Did you purchase your 2023-2024 yearbook yet? Yearbooks are currently on sale!  Once we get the final count of pre-sale books, we may not have any extra to sell at the end of the year, so guarantee yours today before it’s too late.  Click here to Purchase a yearbook

Lightspeed Parent Report

8100 Wolftrap Road Vienna, VA 22182 | Phone: 703-846-8800

Attendance: 703-846-8888 | Web | Twitter | Facebook