A Mssage from Principal Steven McFarlane
Kilmer Community,
We’ve had another great week of learning! Students are getting more into the routine each day. This week, students chose their lunch tables for the semester, and many students attended our After School Activities Fair yesterday to learn about our clubs, activities, and sports.
We look forward to seeing you at Back-to-School Night this Thursday, September 17th at 6 pm. This event is a great opportunity for parents to meet their student’s teachers and learn more about their classes. More information can be found below.
Finally, parents, for student safety, please be sure not to use the Kilmer Center side of the building for “Kiss and Ride.” This side of the building is for Kilmer Center parking and Kilmer Center buses, and there is also no adult supervision. A map for your reference can be found below.
Have a wonderful weekend! As always, reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Steven McFarlane
Principal
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Here are just a few of the Positive Referrals received by our Kilmer Cougars from staff members this week!
Rustam L. - Rustam, thank you for speaking during our democracy simulation! I appreciate you taking a risk!
Larkyn R. - Larkyn, thank you so much for volunteering to be one of the speakers in the Athenian Assembly activity. People who give their all to participate and take risks make our class more fun!
Musab A. - Thank you for offering to put away recess balls that others left behind. You helped keep our school looking nice!
Everly W. - Has a positive attitude in every class and shows patience and kindness during group work. She is quick to support a peer when they miss directions and happy to share her ideas during conversations.
 Upcoming Dates:
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September 14 - After School activities begin; Late buses begin at 4:45 PM and will run Mondays through Thursdays
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September 15 - Auditions for the Fall Musical start and continue through the week
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September 17 - Back-to-School Night at Kilmer MS, 6:00-8:00 PM
- Please note - because of Back-to-School Night, there will be no After School Program on 9/17
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October 1-2 - School Picture Day through HPE Classes
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October 7 - Thomas Jefferson High School Student/Parent Information Night
- The TJHSST Information night is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, from 5 - 6 PM in the Kilmer Cafeteria. All current 8th grade students interested in applying for the Freshman round of the Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology may join us for a one hour presentation given by a TJHSST representative in the Kilmer Cafeteria. The majority of the hour will be dedicated to a question and answer session, so we recommend that you review admissions information on the website prior to the session. If you have any questions about this event, please contact your student’s counselor.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Principal Coffee this past Wednesday!
 On Thursday evening, Kilmer hosted our annual After School Activities Fair so students and families could learn about after school clubs, activities, and sports. If you missed out, you can find more information on our website: https://kilmerms.fcps.edu/after_school_newsletter
Back-to-School Night
Back-to-School Night is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. Families will follow their child’s schedule and visit each teacher to learn more about course curriculum and expectations. Learning Seminar (Period 8) will not be included in the evening schedule.
The evening will begin with a 15 minute 1st period session, including an opening message. Periods 2–7 will follow with 10 minute sessions and 5 minute transitions.
Before you arrive: Please have access to your child’s schedule and classroom locations. You can view the schedule through the SIS ParentVUE Mobile App or ask your child to share their schedule with you.
Parking: Parking is available in the Kilmer parking lot, Kilmer Center lot, and Peace Baptist Church lot on Wolftrap Road. Please do not park at the Nation’s Capital Swim Club or Fire Department.
Schedule:
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5:45 PM - Building opens for families
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6:00-6:15 PM - 1st Period
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6:20-6:30 PM - 2nd Period
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6:35-6:45 PM - 3rd Period
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6:50-7:00 PM - 4th Period
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7:05-7:15 PM - 5th Period
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7:20-7:30 PM - 6th Period
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7:35-7:45 PM - 7th Period
Understanding Your Child’s Schedule in the SIS ParentVUE Mobile App:
Before the event, we invite you to view the videos below featuring Back-to-School messages from our School Board members.
Hall Locker Assignments
Hall lockers have been assigned to students who submitted a locker request. Locker numbers and combinations are available in SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE under the Student Info tab.
If a student needs help opening their locker, any Kilmer staff member can assist. If a locker is not working properly, locker repair request forms are available in Student Services.
Bus RFID Cards
We have distributed all of the bus RFID cards to students who ride a bus to or from school. If your child does not ride the bus, they did not receive an RFID card as they do not need it at this time. If your child loses their card, there is a $5 replacement fee. If your child believes they should have a card and did not receive one, please have them fill out this Google Form, which is linked on the All Students Schoology page. *Please note, this form can only be filled out by FCPS email addresses.
Marshall High School Dance Team
Marshall High School Dance Team is excited to announce their fall Juniors Clinic! K-8th graders can meet the team, play games, and learn a fun routine at the clinic on September 12, and then perform on the field with the Marshall Dance Team at the Varsity football game on September 25! No experience necessary!
Clinic
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Date: September 12, 2026
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Time: 12:30-3:30 PM
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Location: Main Gym, Marshall High School
Game Day Performance
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Date: September 25, 2026
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Report Time: 6 PM
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Location: Football Stadium, Marshall High School
The cost is $65 per dancer. Hurry! REGISTRATION EXTENDED TO SEP. 11!!
REGISTER here !! Email GCMDanceTeam@gmail.com with any questions!
FCPS 2e (Twice Exceptional) Programming
We’re excited to share information about Twice-Exceptional (2e) Programming available within our school system. Twice-exceptional students demonstrate advanced abilities while also experiencing learning, attention, or other challenges that may require additional support. Please visit the FCPS 2e webpage to learn more about 2e programming, available resources, and opportunities to support the unique strengths and needs of twice-exceptional learners. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Corey Thornblad (Advanced Academics Resource Teacher) at ctthornblad@fcps.edu.
World Language Exam
Students in grades 7-12 can take the World Languages Credit By Exam (WLCBE). The WLCBE assesses language proficiency in languages other than English and recognizes the strengths that our students bring as effective communicators in multiple languages. This assessment may be used to award world language credits towards graduation, determine course placement for language courses offered in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), and fulfill the world languages requirements for the Virginia Seal of Biliteracy.
A student may participate in the exam a total of two times per language, with no more than one attempt each year. In other words, students have two chances per language to earn credits by taking the exam between grades 7 and 12. Students who wish to take the exam should be able to understand and communicate proficiently in the testing language and will be asked to listen, read, speak, and either write/type or, for American Sign Language, sign/interpret
For more information on how to prepare for the exam and scoring criteria, you may visit our website: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/high/world-languages/credit-exam-world-languages.
If you would like your student to participate in the next available WLCBE on Tuesday, November 10th, please complete the World Language Exam Registration Form and submit it by the registration deadline, Friday, October 2nd. NO LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. You will receive a confirmation email from your student’s counselor with additional information regarding preparing for the exam.
Our Fall Musical Has Been Announced!
We are thrilled to announce that this year’s musical will be Disney’s High School Musical JR.! Get ready for a fun-filled production featuring memorable songs, energetic choreography, and plenty of opportunities for students to shine both onstage and behind the scenes!
Auditions will take place September 15th, 16th, and 17th. More information about audition materials, preparation, and the audition schedule will be available in the audition packet, which students may pick up starting Tuesday, September 8th.
If you have questions that you would like to discuss please feel free to email Nikisha Kozik at nkozik@fcps.edu. We can't wait to get started and bring High School Musical JR. to life!
TheatreMania 2026 - Calling all middle school students!
TheatreMania is back for 2026! On Saturday, November 7, middle school students from across the county will gather at Kilmer Middle School for a fun-filled day of hands-on theatre workshops led by theatre professionals.
Students will participate in four different workshops and have the opportunity to explore a variety of theatre experiences, including acting, dance, vocal performance, improv, technical theatre, design, directing, and more.
TheatreMania is open to students of all experience levels. Students do not need to be advanced performers—or even consider themselves "theatre kids"—to participate. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to try something new, develop their creativity, meet other students who share their interests, and learn from working theatre professionals.
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Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
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Location: Kilmer Middle School
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Cost: $25 per student; students register at: https://forms.gle/QbvT43xzmfaJEfav8
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Registration deadline: October 24th
Join the PTA and Friends of Kilmer and Enter to Win $100 Amazon Gift Card!
Don’t forget to join the PTA. Memberships are only $20 per family per year. As a thank you, everyone who joins prior to the first PTA meeting on 9/23 is automatically entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card! You can purchase a PTA membership by clicking on this link.
PTA Fundraiser: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
Celebrate the start of the school year by making a stop at Jeni’s Ice Cream, located at The Boro! Enjoy your favorite scoops of ice cream while supporting the PTA.
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Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
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Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
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Location: 1669C Silver Hill Drive, McLean
Mention “Kilmer Middle School” and 25% of your purchase will be donated back to the Kilmer PTA.
PTA Website
Stay up to date with news and information from the PTA by visiting the PTA website: https://kilmerpta.membershiptoolkit.com/
PTA Executive Board Contact Information
After School Activities
Club and activity offerings vary from year to year - ranging from Dungeons & Dragons to STEM and Drama, Volleyball and Basketball, Battle of the Books and more. A schedule and club descriptions will be available in the coming weeks via Schoology.
Complete the required Afterschool Registration to register for Middle School After School and Sports Programs.
The After School Program is structured into two session blocks, 2:30 – 3:30 PM and 3:30 – 4:30 PM following the 2:15-2:30 PM After School transition/break in the cafeteria.
Late Bus Transportation is only available after the second session block at approx. 4:45 PM (After school Dismissal) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Upcoming Dates
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Monday, Sept. 14th
- First Day of Late Bus Transportation
- All students staying after report to the cafeteria following the 2:15PM bell.
- Cross Country (XC) practice starts; 2:30-3:30 PM on Monday/Wednesday/Thursday
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Practice and Meet Details
- Practices Begin 9/14
- 2:30-3:30PM on Monday/Wednesday/Thursday
- Must participate in 4 practices for Meet Eligibility
- NO Tryouts - NO Experience Needed
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Saturday Meet Schedule
- 10/03 - Carson MS - 7:30AM
- 10/10 - Twain MS - 10AM
- 10/17 - Stone MS - 7:30AM
- 10/24 - Poe MS - 10AM
- 11/07 - Liberty MS (Championship
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Tuesday, Sept. 15th
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Wednesday, Sept. 16th
- STEM Interest Meeting for Science Olympiad, Math Counts, and Technology Student Association (TSA).
Middle School Athletics
As a part of the FCPS Middle School Athletics Program Kilmer will host Fall Cross Country (XC), Winter Volleyball and Spring Track & Field. Coaches and Volunteers Needed! If interested, please contact Ms. Kardelis, our After-School Program Specialist
Steps to participate (including practice):
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