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January 14 Family Newsletter
Dear Families,
The second week of the new year has been going well. Our students are engaged in developing their communication and collaboration skills in a wide variety of settings. Our playground is also coming along and we are hopeful kids can access soon (weather dependent).
"Reading is a journey. It’s a way to explore new worlds and meet new people... and it’s a way to expand your imagination." — Kate DiCamillo, Children’s Author
Check out some of our reading tips at home from our literacy coaches!
As a reminder, join us for a 100% virtual PTA meeting TONIGHT at 7:00 pm! PTA members should look for the Zoom link in their PTA e-news the week of the meeting. Or, you can e-mail pta@unionmillpta.org for the Zoom link!
Upcoming Dates
Thursday, January 15th - Club Photos
Monday, January 19th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School
Wednesday, January 21st - 5th and 6th Grade Strings Concert
Wednesday, January 28th - End of the Second Quarter; Two-Hour Early Release (All students go home at 1:30pm)
Thursday, January 29th - Staff Development Day - No School for Students
Friday, January 30th - Teacher Workday - No School for Students
Friday, February 6th - National Wear Red Day
- PTA Bingo Night
Monday, February 16th - Presidents' Day - No School for Students
Tuesday, February 17th - Teacher Workday - No School for Students
Wednesday, February 25th - 3-Hour Early Release
Thursday, February 26th - Kids' Heart Challenge
See the complete school year calendar
The Magic of Reading Aloud: More Than Just a Story
We all know that reading with our children is important, but did you know it’s one of the most powerful tools we have to set them up for success in and out of the classroom? Whether it’s a five-minute picture book before bed or a chapter of a novel after dinner, those minutes add up to a lifetime of benefits.
Why It Matters
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Boosts Brain Power: Reading aloud builds "word banks" and introduces children to complex vocabulary they don't often hear in everyday conversation.
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Builds Empathy: Through "Windows and Mirrors," books allow kids to see their own lives reflected (mirrors) and look into the lives of others (windows), fostering a deep sense of compassion.
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Strengthens Your Bond: Beyond the learning, reading together is a time to slow down, snuggle up, and connect. It creates a warm, safe association with books that lasts a lifetime.
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Encourages Lifelong Curiosity: Exploring different genres—from science fiction to biographies—helps children build background knowledge about the world and inspires them to ask "why?"
Quick Tips for Home
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Keep it Interactive: Don't be afraid to stop and ask, "What do you think will happen next?"
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Model Curiosity: If a book asks a question you can't answer, look it up together! It shows your child that even adults are lifelong learners.
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Follow Their Lead: Whether they want to read a comic book, a poem, or a manual about dinosaurs, any reading is good reading.
If you would like to find out more about Active Reading at home, click here.
Happy Reading!
Source: www.readingrockets.org
Student Experience Survey - Grades 3-6
Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.
All students in grades 3-6, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 23. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 23, and Friday, March 6. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. The electronic opt-out form can also be accessed at this link.
We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which include a focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.
Snowman Book Character Contest
Students, design a snowman to look like a book character! You may use any drawing materials you like. Be sure student name, book character name and the student’s teacher are on the back of the paper. All entries will be entered into a drawing for a prize! Entries will be displayed around the school and in the library! Some might even show up in the yearbook! All entries due on January 28th. For questions, email Mrs. Schroder, the librarian at amschroder@fcps.edu
Click here for a .pdf of the Snowman Character
Kids Are Scientists Too
Community Flier Distribution
This semester’s nonprofit Community Flier Distribution will take place on Friday, March 6th. To submit a flier for approval, it must be received in the main office by no later than Friday, February 20th and include the following disclaimer:
"This event [or activity] is sponsored by [name of the organization] and is operated independently of the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, and Union Mill Elementary School.”
Once the flier is approved, please deliver 33 sets of 30 copies each (plus a few extras for the front office) no later than 12:00pm on Wednesday, March 4th.
Fliers will go home with students on Friday, March 6th .
FCPS Math Week
FCPS Family Math Week is January 12th-16th for students K-8. Through rich, story-based math experiences, Math Week offers families an opportunity to experience math, literacy, history, and geography in a positive way. All content will be available for free directly to families in English and Spanish on this website. FCPS is currently at almost 1 million minutes! Let’s keep playing games to reach our goal of 3 million minutes!
Your family can play for as little as 15 minutes or replay over and over!
If you have any questions, you can contact our Math Resource Teacher, Caitlin Tingle, at cbtingle@fcps.edu.
Early Release Wednesdays
The Centreville Pyramid, which includes Union Mill Elementary, will have the following three-hour early release Wednesdays. On these days, students will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m. This time allows for our staff to plan, collaborate and grow professionally.
Thank you for your help in making these days smooth and enjoyable for everyone!
Additional information can be found on the FCPS Early Release Wednesdays webpage.
It's Time to Order a Yearbook!
It's time to order your 2025-2026 yearbook! Families may place orders at www.buytheyearbook.com with school ID# 732149. Yearbooks are $16.49 each.
Don't miss your chance to order a yearbook as there will not be extras available at the end of the year.
The deadline to order is April 15, 2026.
UMES PTA
First PTA Meeting of 2026 on Zoom
TONIGHT!
Join us for a 100% virtual PTA meeting TONIGHT at 7 pm! PTA members should look for the Zoom link and password from their PTA e-news yesterday All are welcome! You can e-mail pta@unionmillpta.org for the Zoom link! Principal Hawk will give a special presentation tonight about FCPS updates!
You can send your questions in advance to: pta@unionmillpta.org
Review December 2025 PTA Meeting Minutes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A4pOKTDsYkkGvP2Ctoxkm2DJeU5WF6KgWVZQHY7neqg/edit?tab=t.0
Please send edits to pta@unionmillpta.org.
Hear about upcoming PTA events for 2026 including Bingo Night (February 6) and the first-ever UMES Sock Hop (March 13).
Spirit Day at Panda Express – Tomorrow, January 15th
Order from Panda Express all day (9:30am – 10pm) tomorrow and help support Union Mill programs, students, and staff! The PTA has partnered with the Centreville Square Panda Express and will receive 20% of sales when UMES families and friends order through PandaExpress.com, the Panda Express app, bring the paper flyer to the restaurant, or show it on their smartphones. You can order ahead or on the day of the event!
How to Order:
Online
PandaExpress.com or the Panda Express App
Enter code 3845142 in the fundraiser code box
In Person
Bring the pink flyer that was in last week’s Friday Folders or show the flyer from this email on your smartphone.
Save the Dates!
Bingo Night – February 6th (Snow Date Feb. 13th)
PTA Members Register First!
Bingo Night is BACK! Union Mill's Family Bingo Night is a beloved tradition and giveback event that’s free of charge to our school community. This event will reach capacity so please register early! PTA Members get the opportunity to register first and registration will open to the larger school community next week. PTA Members – Check your e-news from yesterday for the sign up link!
Prizes for all kids attending are guaranteed and adult prizes will be available too! Pizza will be for sale for $2/slice. Snacks will also be available and bottled water is being donated by ML Real Estate Group - thank you!
If you have not gotten your PTA membership for the school year yet, this could be the perfect time! It’s $20 for a family (2 adults) and $10 for a staff or individual (1 adult) membership.
Visit givebacks.com/causes/umespta/shop to sign up.
Box Tops for Education
We are a Box Tops for Education school! All you have to do is download the app and scan your printed receipts or upload your digital receipts. Shopping at Walmart? Just connect your account, no scanning required! Check out the special offers for the month of December!
Click the following link to get started and use code P7R07LNQ!:
Union Mill Hours
Bell Schedule
Doors open at 8:35 am. Students should be in class by 8:45 am.
Students are dismissed at 3:30 pm.
Office Hours
Monday - Friday - 8:15 am - 4:15 pm
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