Key MS News You Choose - September 18, 2026
School Board Member Message, TJHHST, Key MS Theatre News, Attendance Information

Key Middle School Families


Important Dates: 

Sept. 21: Holiday - Yom Kippur (No School)

Sept. 23: TJHSST Information Night @ Key MS (6:00pm - 7:00pm)

September:

  • Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15)
  • Attendance Awareness Month
  • National School Success Month

Let's all be kind to one another.


Key MS Community Updates

On September 29, Key MS will be hosting a PTA meeting at 5:00 PM. In this meeting, we will discuss PTA opportunities for the year. Principal Campbell will also present information related to our Title I status and plan for the year and findings from our recent IBMYP Reauthorization Visit. Immediately following this meeting, at 6:00 PM, there will be a community meeting about the expansion of AAP centers, which includes a new AAP center being established at Key MS for the 2027-28 school year. Both of these meetings will be in the Lecture Hall.

We hope to see you there!

Drew Campbell

Principal | Key Middle School

703-313-3900

Follow me on Twitter!


Marcia St. John-Cunning

Franconia District School Board Member

School Board

Click HERE for the Welcome video in English.

Haga clic AQUI para ver el video de bienvenida en espanol.

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TJ Logo

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) Information Session

A representative from the TJ Admissions Office will deliver a presentation on September 23rd from 6pm-7pm in the Lecture Hall at Key MS. 7th and 8th grade families interested in learning about TJHSST and the admissions process are invited to attend.

Students who meet the following criteria can apply:  ✔️ Currently in 8th grade  ✔️ Enrolled in Algebra I Honors or a higher-level math course  ✔️ Taking Science Honors and at least one other honors course (e.g., English, Civics, or identified as a Young Scholar)

✔️ Earned a 3.5 GPA (Grade Point Average) or higher in Math, Science, Social Studies, and English

✔️ Passionate about STEM

View the full, up-to-date eligibility criteria, along with GPA information:

https://www.fcps.edu/registration/thomas-jefferson-admissions/eligibility-requirements

The application window runs between October 5 – 30. To learn more about the TJHSST admissions process, please visit https://www.fcps.edu/tjadmissions and email questions to TJAdmissions@fcps.edu.


Full-Time Advanced Academic Programs (AAP)

Fall and Winter Screening

Key Middle School Families,

If you are interested in having your student screened for Full-Time Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) in middle school, please review the screening windows and key details below.

For questions or guidance throughout the process, please contact Laura Migdal, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART), at lamigdal@fcps.edu.

Screening Deadlines & Eligibility

  • Fall Screening (Deadline: October 15)
    • Restricted exclusively to students who have newly enrolled in FCPS since January.
  • Spring Screening (Deadline: December 15)
    • Open to all currently enrolled FCPS students. Referrals may be submitted by parents, teachers, or administrators starting from the first day of school. Please note: Late referrals cannot be accepted.

Resources For comprehensive details on the screening process and program options, please visit the FCPS AAP Family Resources Page.

Laura Migdal she/her

K e y  M i d d l e   S c h o o l

      A A R T   |  A V I D     


2e

2e Resources 

Twice Exceptional Students

Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are both gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities. 

Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.

New information, including printable flyers, has been added under the heading Supporting 2e Learners in FCPS

For more information, please contact Nikita Parmar at (703) 313-3984.


Shrekjr

Theatre Department News

“Hello Key Families! Some news from our Theatre Department: Auditions for Shrek Jr. will be happening next week! We have an audition workshop taking place on Monday, September, 14th after school, for anyone who would like some help preparing! Auditions themselves will be on Tuesday, September, 15th and Wednesday, September, 16th after school. Callbacks will be on Thursday, September, 17th. Students can use this link to sign up for an audition slot! Don't know what to prepare? Visit this link to see some audition options! Hope to see you there!”

Thank you,

Ashley Promisel

Arts & Design Department Chair

Theatre Teacher

Key Middle School

Patriot Performers Theatre Co.

703-822-8526

Apromisel1@fcps.edu


Attendance

Everyday Counts: Setting Your Child Up for Success

September is Attendance Awareness Month! There are many ways parents and caregivers can help their children create healthy routines and make a habit of getting to school on time every day. Some examples include:

  • Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
  • Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
  • If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other caregivers for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning.
  • Develop back-up plans for coming to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another caregiver.
  • When possible, avoid medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.

 

Please visit the FCPS website for more attendance tips and resources. Attend today, achieve tomorrow! 

Spanish:

Cada Día Cuenta: Preparando a su Hijo para el Éxito

Septiembre es el Mes de la Concientización de la Asistencia a Clases. Existen muchas formas en las cuales los padres y cuidadores pueden ayudar a sus niños a crear rutinas saludables y a crear el hábito de asistir puntualmente, cada día, a clases. Algunos ejemplos de estas formas incluyen:

  • Establezca rutinas para acostarse y levantarse (¿Necesita ayuda haciéndolo? Descargue esta lista de pasos en inglés o español).
  • Prepare su ropa y su mochila la noche
  • Si su niño se siente ansioso acerca de ir a la escuela, hable con sus maestros, consejeros u otros padres para que reciba consejos sobre cómo hacerles sentir cómodos y entusiasmados de aprender.
  • Haga planes alternativos para llegar a la escuela en caso de que algo inesperado ocurra. Pídale ayuda a algún familiar, a un vecino o a otro padre.
  • Siempre que pueda, evite hacer citas médicas o viajes largos cuando haya clases.
  • Visite nuestra página web para que encuentre más consejos y recursos sobre la asistencia a clases. ¡Asistir a clases hoy, es alcanzar el mañana! 

 

Suzanne Corcoran, Med

School Counselor (703)313-3943 Suzanne.Corcoran@fcps.edu

Mental Health and Emergancy Numbers

 


Superintendent Community Conversations

Superintendent Community Conversations

Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. 

Spanish:

Conversaciones Comunitarias Directamente con la Dra. ReidAcompáñenos en una serie de Conversaciones Comunitarias que se llevarán a cabo en diferentes lugares de la división escolar. Estas reuniones están abiertas a todos, incluyendo familias, estudiantes, y miembros de la comunidad. Puede asistir al evento que le resulte más conveniente, aunque no se lleve a cabo en su escuela o comunidad. Esta es una oportunidad para compartir sus opiniones, conversar directamente con la Dra. Reid y hacerle preguntas sobre temas importantes para nuestra comunidad de FCPS. 

No es necesario inscribirse, pero hacerlo nos ayuda con la planificación. 


Reporting Discrimination or Harassment

Reporting Discrimination or Harassment

FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible. 

Spanish:

Cómo reportar discriminación o acoso

FCPS está comprometido a brindar un entorno seguro, acogedor e inclusivo para personas de todas las razas, orígenes nacionales y etnias. Las personas que sean víctimas de acoso o discriminación deben reportar el incidente lo antes posible.


Students Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R)

Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30

The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new