A message from Principal Steven McFarlane Kilmer Community, We began this week as a staff celebrating Kilmer’s Most Outstanding Employees. Congratulations to our winners: Kimberly Gilmore, Most Outstanding Professional Employee; Silvia Angelova, Most Outstanding Teacher; Paige Knisley, Most Outstanding New Teacher; and Toni Pierce, Most Outstanding Operational Employee. Our winners truly embody the characteristics of outstanding professionals.  A reminder that the front office will be closed during Winter Break from December 23 - January 3. Students and staff will return on Monday, January 6, 2025. Lastly, we’ve noticed an increase in misbehavior in the weeks leading up to Winter Break. As part of our return to school from Winter Break in January we will be reteaching and reemphasizing our school behavior expectations. We would appreciate your help in talking with your child about the importance of following rules and expectations at Kilmer. Through our collective efforts, we can ensure that Kilmer continues to be a fun and productive learning environment for our students and staff. Wishing you and your families a wonderful holiday season. Sincerely,  Steven McFarlane Principal

Positive Referrals

Here are just a few of the Positive Referrals received by our Kilmer Cougars from staff members this week!

Sanjana S. - Sanjana is dedicated to improving and learning. She is a role model for other students.

Colton B. - Colton, I am impressed with your ability to focus on science and explore, in-depth, the content we're learning. Seeing you collaborate with your classmates to complete a lab to a high standard and really investigate what's going on behind the scenes so that you know the real science behind something is inspiring to me as your science teacher. Keep up the good work!

Rodeen N. - Thank you so much for being the new student ambassador for our new student today and being so responsible!  You helped our new student feel so welcome and you are such a great leader!  Thank you!

Oumaima M. - Always being so helpful, especially with stacking chairs at the end of the class.

Mason C. - Mason has worked really hard to improve his effort and his grade in English! You're a smart kid, and I'm glad you are putting in all the effort to succeed in class!

Kilmer at a Glance

Upcoming Dates:

• Course Registration Activities for the 2025-2026 school year begin in January! More information will be shared in the New Year! Visit the Course Registration page on the Kilmer Website to learn more about the academic advising timeline.
  • Madison Counselors meet with 8th grade students attending Madison HS for 9th grade Friday, January 10 during Learning Seminar
  • Madison High School’s Rising 9th Curriculum Night - Tuesday January 14, 6:30-8:00
  • Marshall High School IB Information Night at Kilmer - Monday, January 27 at 5:00 pm
  • Rising 8th Grade Algebra Night - Thursday, January 30 at 5:00 pm
  • Marshall Counselors meet with 8th grade students attending Marshall HS for 9th grade Wednesday, February 5 during Learning Seminar
  • Marshall High School’s Rising 9th Grade Orientation - Thursday, February 6
• Winter Testing
  • iReady Testing January 15th during Learning Seminar Flipped Schedule (Snow Date: January 17th)
  • MAP Testing January 22nd during Learning Seminar Flipped Schedule (Snow Date: January 24th). Students who don’t finish during Learning Seminar will continue to test and may miss class—more details to follow after the break.
• FCPS School Calendar 2024-25

Picture(s) of the Week

Last Friday, Dr. Mario Perez, an astrophysicist within the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters presented to our students. Approximately 100 students had the opportunity to explore space through pictures and videos. Dr. Perez also fielded questions from students.

This week SGA sold hot chocolate during lunch. Needless to say, it was a big hit