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Dear Thoreau Families,
I hope our Thoreau Eagles are having the best summer!
We are busy preparing to welcome 1,435 students back to school on Monday, August 24th! Our community newsletter will be sent each Friday and will also be available on the Thoreau MS website. Stay updated on new FCPS policies and initiatives for the 2026-27 school year by visiting the “What’s New for the 2026-27 School Year” site.
Stay in Touch with Us
I am looking forward to welcoming you to our school community this year!
Sincerely,
Teresa Khuluki
Principal
Wednesday, August 19th: Virtual Parent Orientation 9:00am
A Zoom link to access this orientation will be sent home via eNotify on Monday, August 17th.
Thursday, August 20th: New Student Orientation (Students Only)
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Orientation is for all students new to Thoreau (all 7th graders and new 8th graders) to meet teachers and walk their schedules.
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Bus Transportation: Pick-up is at 8:30 AM from local elementary schools; departure from Thoreau is at 11:30 AM.
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Participating Schools: Cunningham Park, Flint Hill, Louise Archer, Marshall Road, Mosaic, Oakton, Stenwood, Vienna, and Wolftrap.
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Drop-off: If driving, please use the Kiss n’ Ride at Door 12.
Thursday, August 20th: Back to School Open House (Students & Families)
1:00 PM – 1:50 PM: Suggested Last Names A – L
2:10 PM – 3:00 PM: Suggested Last Names M – Z
- Pick up a copy of your class schedule if you cannot access it on ParentVue/StudentVue
- Learn about our after-school programs and activities
- Drop off medical forms and medications to the Thoreau clinic
- Pick up pre-ordered school supply kits from our PTA
- Use MySchoolBucks to pay class fees or add money to your child’s lunch account
- Walk the building to locate your classes and meet your teachers
Wednesday, September 2nd: Back to School Night (parents only)
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Please see our website for more detailed information.
Last fall FCPS instituted a weapon screening system across all middle schools. It’s important to note that this is not a traditional metal detector system. It is a weapons detection system, meaning that many common items containing metal, such as phones, keys and calculators, can pass through without issue. Laptops must be removed from bookbags and three-ring binders will set off the detection system due to the shape and volume of metal they contain in their spine. The same can be true of most metal water bottles, aluminum cans, metal thermoses and lunch boxes, metal eye glass or pencil cases, eyelash curlers and some instruments.
We advise students and families to choose non-metal accessories when possible to aid in the efficient entry to school. Students will be responsible for removing all of these items from their backpacks. Please note that to ensure our weapons detection screening moves quickly each morning, we are limiting the number of binders students are permitted to bring to school to 2 binders per day. To support this transition, we will be teaching binder organization through executive functioning lessons this fall.
Beginning Thursday, August 20th at 6:00 am, all students and parents will have access to class schedules in SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE.
 A student-designed mural celebrates the diverse cultures at Thoreau!
Families who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals can receive breakfast and lunch for their students at no cost or at a reduced cost. Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM) application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. Students who were approved for FRM last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Families should reach out to Thoreau’s Family Liaison, Elizabeth Imas at elimas@fcps.edu with questions or for assistance.
Thoreau MS offers free after-school activities every Monday through Friday. Whether your student wants to join sports, get help with homework, participate in STEM clubs, celebrate student diversity through our Culture Club, or attend special events—there is something for everyone!
Key Highlights:
- Free Programs: Running Monday–Friday from 2:30-4:35PM
- Bus Transportation: Available 4 days a week
- Full Schedule & Details: Coming Soon!
- Expected Start: Mid September
Action Needed: Complete Registration Today! Even if your student isn't sure they want to participate right away, we strongly encourage every family to complete the registration form now.
- No obligation: Registering does not require your child to attend.
- Be prepared: Completing this form ensures your student is cleared to join in on any activity, any time during the school year!
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