February 19 Family Newsletter
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February 19 Family NewsletterDear Families,
We have been closely monitoring the weather for Thursday, February 20th and given the level of uncertainty, we have made the decision to postpone the Kids Heart Challenge until Thursday, February 27th. Postponing in advance provides us the opportunity to coordinate with our student and staff volunteers along with members of the American Heart Association who support the event each year. It also allows us to give advance notice and the opportunity to reschedule with our food trucks. We look forward to seeing families at this amazing event on Thursday, February 27th from 5:00 – 6:30 pm.
As a reminder, this evening is our virtual PTA meeting at 7:00 pm.
Dominic, Jaime and Scott
The UMES Admin Team
#UMESBetterTogether
🗓️ Upcoming DatesWednesday, February 19th - Virtual PTA Meeting
Friday, February 21st - Community Fliers due to the Office for Approval
Monday, February 24th - 3 Hour Early Release
Thursday, February 27th - Kids' Heart Challenge
Friday, February 28th – SCA sponsored Stuffed Animal Day (Must be able to fit in your backpack).
Monday, March 3rd - Friday, March 7th - Read Across America Week
Thursday, March 13th - PTA's Family Paint Night
Friday, March 28th - PTA's Bingo Night Make Up
Friday, April 4th - Principal's Coffee - Neurodiversity Focus
Monday, April 14th - Friday, April 18th - FCPS Spring Break
See the complete school year calendar.
February 24th Early ReleaseOur next three hour early release is on Monday, February 24th at 12:30 pm. Communication was sent out last week to confirm your childcare needs. We will send a final notification on Friday as a reminder.
Black History MonthFCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.
The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community.
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month.
Join your neighbors and family to explore Black history in Fairfax County and celebrate perseverance and resiliency.
Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28, 2025Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has exciting news for students! Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, FCPS students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28, 2025 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day.
School meal kits will provide complete, healthy meals that include protein, fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk, and whole grains—just like the meals served at school. The food will be kept cold so it stays fresh, and you can heat it at home. The meals are made to fit different food preferences.
Here's how it works:
- Parents/Guardians: Fill out a Fasting Meals Request Form below for each week your child will pick up school meal kits.
- Student Pick-up: Students can pick up one breakfast meal kit and one lunch meal kit at the end of the school day.
- Who can get a meal kit? Any student who is fasting can get a meal kit. If a student gets lunch or breakfast at school, they can't get a meal kit that day. Only students can pick up the meal kits – no adults.
- When? These meal kits are only available from February 28 to March 28, 2025 at the end of the school day.
Parents/Guardians: Please fill out the following forms if you would like your fasting student(s) to receive school meal kits at the end of the school day to take home. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student.
Submit by February 24, 2025 for February 28 and the week of March 3, 2025
Photographer Wanted for Volleyball GameDo you love capturing special moments? The UMES Yearbook team needs your help! We’re looking for a volunteer(s) to take photos at the Union Mill vs. Centreville Elementary volleyball game on the evening of Friday, April 4th. Help us capture the energy of the players, the excitement of the fans, and all the action on the court!
If you’re interested in lending a hand, we’d love to have you join us. Please email librarian Ami Schroder at [email protected] Thank you for supporting our yearbook!
SCA Stuffed Animal DaySCA will be sponsoring Stuffed Animal Day on Friday, February 28th. Stuffed animals must fit in your child's backpack.
Kids Heart ChallengeJoin us for the Kids Heart Challenge event on Thursday, February 27 (rescheduled), from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. The event will run as an open house so you can come at any point during that hour and a half. We will have two food trucks on site for your family to purchase dinner or snacks before, during, or after the activities. To check out the food truck menus, please click on these links: Frothy Mug and Two Smooth Dudes
As students register, they will receive their heart wristband. To register, please click on this link: KHC UMES or this QR code above. If they complete Finn’s Mission they will be given their lifesavers cape. All other prizes will be handed out after the event. For clarification, students can register, raise donations (or not), and do Finn’s Mission without attending the evening event. The big event can be attended without registering online or getting donations for the American Heart Association.
If you have any questions, please contact Jenny Murray at [email protected].
Parent & Family Focus Groups on Hate SpeechLiberty Middle School is hosting a community event on Thursday, February 20th from 6:30 - 8:00 pm to discuss hate speech and to ensure students have access to a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment.
As part of this commitment, we are seeking input from families like yours to help us better understand the challenges and develop effective strategies to combat hate speech. Your experiences, perspectives, and ideas are invaluable in this process.
These focus groups will provide a safe and confidential space for you to share your thoughts and concerns. The focus groups will be facilitated by members of our staff and FCPS community. We want to hear from you about:
- Your experiences with hate speech, whether you have witnessed it, been the target of it, or have concerns about its impact on our community.
- Your understanding of the different forms hate speech can take.
- Your ideas for how we can work together to prevent and address hate speech.
- Resources and support you believe would be helpful for families and individuals.
We understand that discussing these issues can be difficult, and we want to assure you that all contributions will be treated with respect and confidentiality. Your participation is entirely voluntary, and you are welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Your feedback will be instrumental in helping us develop comprehensive and effective strategies to address hate speech and promote a more inclusive community. We believe that by working together, we can create a positive and supportive environment for all.
To register for a focus group please register here.
Additional information can be found on the following flyer.
Community Flier DistributionThis semester’s nonprofit Community Flier Distribution will take place on Friday, March 7th. To submit a flier for approval, it must be received in the main office by no later than Friday, February 21st 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 35 sets of 30 copies each (plus a few extras for the front office) no later than 12:00pm on Wednesday, March 5th.
Fliers will go home with students on Friday, March 7th .
Order Your Yearbook Now!It's time to order your 2024-2025 yearbook! Families may place orders at www.buytheyearbook.com (with school ID# 725178). Yearbooks are $15.70 each.
So far, only 362 yearbooks have been purchased. 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 22, 2025.
Early Release MondaysAs a reminder, the Centreville Pyramid, which includes Union Mill Elementary, will have the following three-hour early release days. On these days, students will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m.
- February 24
- March 17
- April 28
- May 19
Additional information can be found on the FCPS Early Release Mondays webpage.
Union Mill PTA PTA General Membership Meeting TONIGHT - Wednesday, February 19 at 7:00pmJoin us tonight for our December general membership meeting via Zoom. We will share PTA updates and discuss upcoming events.
Zoom Link: February PTA Meeting Zoom Link
MembershipPTA Memberships are only good for one year. Members get PTA information first, discounts and benefits at PTA-sponsored events, and are the first to know about volunteer opportunities at the school!
Why Join?
Membership is only $15/year for a family and $7.50/year for an individual or staff member and shows you value our school community - students, staff and your fellow parents and caregivers. It’s a small investment - you spend more than that on Starbucks or gas every week! Show your love and support of Union Mill and click here to join today.
Office HoursMonday - Friday - 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
13611 Springstone Drive, Clifton, VA 20124 | Main Phone: 703.322.8500 Attendance: 703.322.8585 or [email protected]
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