Tales From The Nest

Aug 19th: First Day of School
Aug. 27th: Back To School Night 3:30pm- 5pm

Sept. 7th: No School- Labor Day
Sept. 18th: 2 hr. Early Dismissal (Mid Term)
Sept. 21st: No School
Sept. 25th: 3.5 Hrs Early Dismissal

Click here for FCPS 26-27 School year Calendar

Please take a moment to review the Transportation bus schedules for Monday, as there will be significant changes to several routes, particularly Bus U10 and Bus U2. Families whose students ride these buses are especially encouraged to review the updated schedule carefully so that everyone is prepared for Monday morning.

We know that changes to transportation routines can require some extra planning, and we greatly appreciate your partnership, patience, and flexibility as these adjustments are implemented.

Thank you for taking a few moments to check the updated schedules and for helping us ensure a smooth start to the week for our students.

BTSN will be a self-paced opportunity for families to:

• Explore the building
• Meet teachers
• Review and walk your child's schedule

Please bring a printed copy of your child's schedule to help guide your time. There will be no formal presentation, so families are welcome to arrive and participate during BTSN up until 5:00 PM.

We look forward to seeing our families and beginning another great school year together!

• All outside meals are not permitted to be delivered to students via delivery services and students may not bring food for or to share with classmates unless it directly relates to school coursework and is previously approved in advance with the teacher and/or appropriate school staff.
  
  
• UMS must maintain this policy due to concerns related to dietary needs and possible ingestion of food allergens. If food that does not meet this requirement arrives at UMS, we must return it to the sender. Thank you for your understanding of this policy.

Please review last week's newslettter for reminders and updated poliies for the 26-27 school year. Click here for the newsletter.
FCPS Personal Device policy
Arrival and Dismissal

Water Bottles/ Drinks in the Building
Fidgets
Registering for SchoolCash Online
Lockers

Join the PTSA & Be Part of the Fun! 🎉

Your PTSA membership helps make so many of the special moments at UMS possible! Join us this year and be part of activities that bring students, families, and staff together, including:

👕 Spirit Wear – Show your UMS pride!

🎨 Reflections – Celebrate student creativity through the arts

🎤 UMS Got Talent – Cheer on our talented students

🌎 Heritage Night – Celebrate the cultures that make our community special

🍎 Teacher/Staff Appreciation – Show our amazing staff some love

🎶 Trucks & Tunes – Enjoy a fun community festival

🎉 8th Grade Dance & End-of-School Celebration

Help make lasting memories for our students PTSA membership is renewed each school year, so everyone including returning families needs to sign up again for the new school year.

👉 https://umsptsa.givebacks.com/shop Looking forward to another fantastic year! 📚✨

Schoology is Frederick County Public Schools selected learning management system to support course management, mobile learning, communication and collaboration opportunities PK-12. During the school year, all teachers will use the Schoology gradebook.

https://www.fcps.org/families_students/schoology

If your child needs a schedule change, they should pick up a schedule change request form in the counseling office. Counselors and Administrators will review schedule change requests and seat counts beginning next week.

As we begin a new school year, our top priority remains the same—safe, secure, and supportive schools where every student can thrive. FCPS continues to enhance safety and emergency preparedness efforts across all schools. Below are some key updates and reminders:

· Required Safety Drills: All schools conduct annual drills including fire, lockdown, shelter-in-place, and active assailant scenarios to ensure staff and students are prepared. UMS held a scheduled fire drill earlier today. The other annual drills will be discussed, reviewed, and practiced next week with students and staff!

· Standard Response Protocols (SRP): A uniform, practiced plan used across schools for responding to emergencies like severe weather, fires, and intruders. SRP is action-based and developed with input from safety experts and first responders.

· Standard Reunification Method (SRM): Ensures a safe, organized process for reuniting students and families after a crisis. Each school now has a trained staff member following SRM protocols.

· Avoid | Deny | Defend: A personal safety method used in active assailant situations. It emphasizes action over hiding and offers clear steps to protect oneself.

Visit the FCPS Safety & Emergency Management webpage for more details and resources. Let’s work together to make 2025–2026 a safe and successful school year.