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Important Upcoming Events October 21 - Federal Impact Aid Survey opens online in ParentVue October 31 - Quarter 1 ends - 2 hour Early Release November 3 - School Planning Day - No School for Students November 4 - Teacher Workday- Student holiday November 5 - PTA Virtual General Meeting - 6:30pm November 11 - Holiday- Veterans Day - No school

A Message From The Principal

Hello Carson Community

We are fast approaching the end of the first quarter and look forward to a strong finish. Please remember that students do not have school on Monday, November 3rd, and Tuesday, November 4th for school planning and teacher workdays. Students will return to the building on Wednesday, November 5th, as we officially begin the second quarter of the school year, ready for continued learning and growth!

Thanks,

Principal Washington

Calendar Reminders: 2 Hour Early Release

Friday, October 31, is a 2-hour early release for students. See the complete school year calendar here.

October 31 - End of Quarter 1

Friday, October 31, is the last day of the 1^st quarter. See the complete school year calendar. SIS StudentVue and ParentVue gradebook modules will not be available from Friday, October 31 @ 4:00pm through Monday, November 10 @ 6:00am.

Report cards are scheduled to be available to students and parents on the “Documents” tab in SIS ParentVue and StudentVue after Friday, November 7. Additionally, report cards will be mailed home to all families that have not opted to go paperless in SIS.

November 3 & 4 - School Planning Day & Teacher Workday

Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 3, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 4, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

Virginia Distinguished Purple Star School for Supporting Military Connected Students

Rachel Carson is Recognized as a Virginia Distinguished Purple Star School

Rachel Carson Middle School has been named a Virginia Distinguished Purple Star School for its exceptional support of military-connected students and their families. We are thrilled that the school has received this prestigious, three-year designation from the Virginia Council on the Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

This honor recognizes Carson’s commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment, reflecting FCPS’s dedication to ensuring safety and belonging for every student. Congratulations to the Carson community on this outstanding achievement!

We would like to especially thank Ms. Miles and Ms. Chustz, for spearheading this effort and ensuring our staff met all required criteria to compete for this recognition!

Applications Opened Monday, October 20, for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Eighth graders who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2030 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).

The application portal will open Monday, October 20, at 4 p.m.  Deadline to start an application is 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, with a final submission deadline of 4 p.m. Friday, November 14.  Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information.

Early Dismissal Procedure Please do NOT request early dismissals online or by phone.  To request an early dismissal please send a note, or complete and print an Early Dismissal Request Form for your child. Your child should bring the note or form to the main office upon arrival to school in order to receive an early dismissal pass for that day. If you forget to send a note, students should still come to the front office to get an early dismissal pass. This will minimize class interruptions when the teacher knows in advance a student will check out early. All early dismissals must be before 1:45pm. Click HERE for more Carson Middle Attendance details.

Private School or Program Application Process

Rachel Carson Middle School requires important documents to effectively accommodate your requests in a timely manner. Please provide all documents below two weeks in advance of the private school application deadline.

If your student is planning on applying to any private schools for the 2026-2027 school year, please complete the "Private School Request Form" and the "Parent Consent Form: SS-SE79" and submit them to the Student Service’s Office or to your child’s counselor.  Counselors will be emailing all records to the requested schools via an admissions email OR the school's portal. 

Please visit our website at RCMS Private School Requests for more information regarding required forms and teacher recommendations.

Please contact your child’s school counselor or our Student Services Assistant Andrea Tawil  (ajtawil@fcps.edu) with questions.

Resources Available during the Shutdown

Please know that we are here to support you and your family if you are impacted by this shutdown. Here is some important information that you may find useful at this time:

• Families can apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits anytime during the school year. If a family’s income changes at any point, they may become newly eligible according to federal income guidelines and can apply immediately. This includes income interruptions caused by furloughs, layoffs, or job losses. Once approved, benefits remain valid for the rest of the school year and for up to 30 school days into the following school year, even if the family’s income changes again. 
• Free, virtual mental health sessions are available through our partnership with Hazel Health. This is a great way for students to access care quickly and easily from the school clinic or home, providing support for stress, anxiety, worry, and other concerns that might be heightened during the shutdown. 
• The Fairfax County Government and various local organizations are stepping up to offer a range of assistance, including food, financial, and housing resources. I encourage any of our families who are experiencing financial distress, due to the shutdown or for any reason, to visit the Fairfax County Human Services Resource Guide (HSRG) website.
• Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) also provides 50% off fares for low-income residents ages 18 to 65. Learn more about the TRIP program and how to apply.
• Fairfax County residents can take advantage of many of the free offerings the county provides to residents and students. Our incredible public libraries have a wide-selection of books and other activities that families can check out. All FCPS students also have a Library Equity Access Pass through Fairfax County Public Libraries, which allows them to check-out up to 3 items for 6 weeks. And Fairfax County’s many parks and recreation areas are open and free to residents as well.

Attention 8th Grade Parents - Field trip Volunteers needed!

Carson 8^th graders will be attending the Finance Park field trip in November and we would love to have you come along with us!  We need 25 parent volunteers for each of our five teams. This is a 4.5 hour commitment (from 8:35am-1:10pm), which includes an hour of training at the Finance Park facility next to Frost MS before our students arrive. You will help guide students through different phases of the day, which simulate real-world budgeting decisions, spending research, and bill payment. You will also share your own life experiences and help them walk a day in your shoes. You bring the p