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April 8 Family Newsletter

Dear Families, 

This week students have been engaged in Disability Awareness stations during their physical education classes. Our PE teachers, Mrs. Murry and Mrs. Tirado designed experiences to promote inclusion both in and outside of PE. Check out some of the photos and more information below. 

April is also School Library Month. At Union Mill, Ami Schroder has creates opportunities for students to develop knowledge and skills, experience a sense of belonging, and freely pursue their personal interests. Mrs. Schroder also runs our Get2Green Program, SCA and morning news show. We are grateful for all of the author visits she coordinates and the two amazing book fairs! 

As a calendar reminder, this Friday, April 10th is a School Planning Day and there will be no school for students. This Friday is also our Unified Sports event at Centreville High School from 9:45 - 11:30 am.  

This week also marks assistant principals week. We are grateful to have Mrs. Jaime Graham and Mr. Dominic Williams serve Union Mill each day. Our students, staff and families are grateful for your support.

Upcoming Dates  

Thursday, April 9th - Centreville Pyramid Art Show

Friday, April 10th - School Planning Day (No School for Students)

                              - Unified Sports @ CVHS

Saturday, April 11th - CVHS Thrift Sale

Wednesday, April 15th - Purple Up! for the Military Child

                                       - Yearbook Order Deadline

Saturday, April 18th - Military Family Field Day @ Annandale High School

Monday, April 20th - Friday, April 24th - Book Fair

Tuesday, April 21st - Teacher Workday (No School for Students)

Wednesday, April 22nd - 6th Grade Panoramic Photo (new date)

                            - Evening Book Fair & Ice Cream Social

See the complete school year calendar

April Statewide Election: No School for Students

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled. Principals and directors of student activities may adjust event start times and entry points to ensure clear separation between student activity areas and polling spaces. 

Employees should check their email for a message from the school division (sent Wednesday, March 11) with additional details.

Disability Awareness Stations in Physical Education

From April 7, 8 and 9^th students have engaged in an interactive journey of perspective and play. Over the last few days, students have been diving deep into the world of diverse abilities.  We have been exploring how people navigate the world with visual impairments, fine motor difficulties, autism, dyslexia and physical disabilities. But wait, there is more! Students have been discussing inclusion and taking a pledge to be more inclusive by signing their names and sharing ways to “invite others in!” Look for our colorful pledge the next time you visit the main lobby!

A massive thank you to Coach Debbie LoCastro from Northern Virginia Power Soccer for providing equipment and expertise to introduce our students to the fast-paced, exciting world of Power Soccer. Check out the incredible work they do: nova-powersoccer.org

Let’s keep playing, keep learning and keep including!

Dan Santat Author Visit  Third and Fourth Grade Parents, Caldecott Medalist, author & illustrator, Dan Santat is coming to UMES on April 15th!  He has written and illustrated picture books like Beekle, chapter books like The Misfits and graphic novels like Sidekicks.  Now he has a brand new, funny graphic novel series, Sashimi coming out mid April!  Paperback copies are just $8.99! If you would like to purchase a signed copy for your child, go to MySchoolBucks and click on the click. Book purchases are optional, all third and fourth graders will get to see Mr. Santat’s presentation!

Students’ Personal Devices Covered Under FCPS’ Cell Phone Policy

The FCPS cell phone policy applies to all personal devices that can access the internet, record, or communicate. This includes:

• Cell phones
• Smart watches
• Smart glasses
• Airpods, earbuds, and headsets

Personal Devices are not permitted to be used as an instructional tool, and all students need to keep cell phones, smart watches and all other personal devices off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell). 

Centreville Pyramid Art Show  

Join us on Thursday, April 9th from 4:30 - 6:30pm at Centreville High School to see the amazing 2D and 3D artwork created by our wonderful artists from Union Mill Elementary and other nearby schools.  There will be family activities and food as well.

CVHS Thrift Sale Fundraiser

Join us for the CVHS Thrift Sale on Saturday, April 11th from 8:00am-1:00pm. This is a great opportunity to shop great deals while supporting a meaningful cause. Donated items will be accepted at CVHS on Friday, April 10th from 3:00–7:00pm. All proceeds will benefit the CVHS Class of 2026 All-Night Grad Party. We hope to see you there!

MOMC Spirit Week

We are excited to celebrate Military Spirit Week next week! Please join us as we honor and recognize our incredible military-connected students and families who make up such an important part of our school community. Throughout the week, students will have fun opportunities to show their support, appreciation, and school spirit. We look forward to coming together as a community to celebrate and uplift our military families!

UMES Yearbook

Have you been waiting to purchase a yearbook for your student? Well, wait no longer!  The deadline to buy a yearbook is in 7 days (April 15^th) so don’t delay, order today! 

You can click on this link to 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 Book Fair is Coming!

Spring Book Fair - April 20, 22, 23 and 24^th. The evening event is Wednesday April 22^nd (Earth Day!) from 4-7pm. A flier will be coming home next Friday with more details.

Book Fair Volunteers: Our spring book fair is almost here! This fundraiser supports the UMES library by providing funds which are used to purchase new books for your students. We are looking for some volunteers to help set up the fair, help students make wish lists, and run the cash registers. If you have a bit of time to give, even 30 minutes, please click on this link to sign up https://tinyurl.com/nhdnk4sd  or email librarian, Ami Schroder at amschroder@fcps.edu to let her know when you can help.  Thank you!

Kindergarten Registration

Online Registration is now open for the 2026-27 school year!

Kindergarten helps children learn and practice the social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives.

New-to-FCPS families create a ParentVUE account for online access. Details are available here:  Welcome to Fairfax County Public Schools' (FCPS) Online Registration | Fairfax County Public Schools

Current families can register their new student through their existing ParentVUE account.  (No need to register students returning to UMES.)

Our Registrar, Catherine Dubas, is happy to process registrations directly, as well.  Please contact her at cmdubas@fcps.edu and be ready to provide your family’s address and rising kindergartener’s date of birth.  Catherine will respond with registration details and documents necessary to start the process.

Spring registration puts you on the list for school communications, so don’t wait!

Kindergarten Orientation - New Date

Due to recent changes in the FCPS calendar, the early release day originally scheduled for Orientation on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 has been cancelled. As a result, we have updated the date and time for this event.