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December 5, 2025

Weekly Update for December 5, 2025

DAY STUDENT INFORMATION

  • The Uniform of the Day for class days is Class B Winter.
  • Contraband Reminder: Please review the Contraband List and ensure that none of these items are brought to school.
  • Please be aware that when inclement weather is expected, Day Students have the option to stay on campus the night before to ensure they can attend class safely. Fork Union Military Academy does not close school for inclement weather; therefore, absences due to weather will be considered unexcused if a student misses class.

DAY STUDENT REMINDERS:

  • Arrival & Sign-In: Day Students must sign in at the Commandant’s Department by 7:15 AM daily.
  • Uniform: The uniform of the day for class days is Class B Winter.
  • Absences & Tardies: If your Day Student will be absent or late, please email absent@fuma.org with full details.

CHRISTMAS BREAK LEAVE REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MONDAY, DECEMBER 8

As we approach Christmas Break, we need your help to ensure a smooth and well-organized departure for all cadets. Since we do not yet have close to 50 percent of cadets' leave requests submitted, we are setting a hard deadline of Monday, December 8 for all Orah Christmas Leave Requests.

Please note that the previous deadline has already passed. Any transportation requests submitted at this time will incur a late fee.

All Christmas Break Leave Requests, including any FUMA transportation needs, must be submitted by the December 8 deadline so we can confirm travel plans, arrange transportation, and properly prepare for cadet departures. If you have not yet completed your cadet’s Leave Request, please log in to your Orah Parent Account as soon as possible. If you need assistance, we are here to help.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important deadline.

FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS NOW IN CLARITY FOR 2026-2027 - DUE TONIGHT FOR JANUARY DECISIONS

Fork Union Military Academy is transitioning to Clarity for Financial Aid, Enrollment Agreements, and Billing beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. Returning families seeking financial aid must submit their Clarity application by tonight, December 5, 2025, to receive an award decision in January. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed as funds allow.

The 2025–2026 school year will remain in FACTS; all future years will be managed in Clarity.

Begin or complete your application at: https://app.clarityapp.com/sign-up

For assistance, please contact Bob Williams at williamsr@fuma.org or (434) 842-4243.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR SENIOR FAMILIES

Graduation will be here before we know it, and we want to ensure your cadet’s diploma is perfect. The Class of 2026 families will soon receive a form to confirm how their senior’s name should appear on the diploma. Please take time to review and complete this form carefully using the exact name and spelling as you would like it to appear. It’s important that both you and your cadet agree on the name submitted, as changes cannot be made after the stated deadline.

All submissions are due by January 23 to meet our diploma ordering deadline.

CLASS OF 2026 & 2027 - IT'S TIME TO ORDER CLASS RINGS!

Class of 2026 & 2027, it’s time to order your cadet’s Fork Union Military Academy Class Ring! If you or your cadet is interested in purchasing a Class Ring, please purchase one soon. A deposit is required to begin the custom ring order. The balance must be paid in full by March 1, 2026. Cadets will receive their rings during the annual Ring Ceremony in Wicker Chapel prior to Spring Break Departure on March 5. Parents, families, and friends are warmly invited to attend this special tradition.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Elizabeth Patrick at patricke@fuma.org.

PRE-ORDER YOUR 2025-2026 YEARBOOK!

Don’t miss your chance to secure a lasting keepsake of this school year! Pre-order your cadet’s yearbook today for $100. Yearbooks will be delivered in May and will feature all the unforgettable memories, moments, and milestones that made this year special. Families can also purchase yearbook recognition ads, starting at $60, to honor their cadet’s achievements and celebrate their journey.

UNAUTHORIZED DELIVERY SERVICES ON CAMPUS

For the safety and security of our cadets and campus community, independent delivery services such as Instacart, DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and similar vendors are not authorized to deliver on campus. All outside deliveries must follow the Academy’s approved procedures and be coordinated through the Quartermaster. Unscheduled or unauthorized drop-offs create safety and logistical concerns and will not be permitted.

Please ensure that any items your cadet needs are sent through commercial parcel carriers such as UPS and FedEx.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a secure and orderly environment for all cadets.

DO YOU WANT TO SCHEDULE SENIOR/CADET PORTRAITS?

We are pleased to recommend Kristin Firewicz Studios to our cadet families for senior and cadet portraits. Kristin is a professional photographer contracted by the Academy to capture campus photos throughout the year and has been specializing in high school senior photography for over 10 years. Based right here in Fork Union, Kristin also has a studio conveniently located on campus.

Now is the perfect time to schedule your session and take advantage of the beautiful fall colors!

For more information or to book your cadet’s private session, please visit Kristin’s website for special FUMA rates: Kristin Firewicz Studios

CADET CARE PACKAGES FOR BIRTHDAYS AND ANY OTHER OCCASION

Do you want to do something special to surprise your cadet while being away from home? Treat him to a birthday surprise, a pick me-up, or a just because treat from the list below:

Ms. Rhonda White, Assistant to the Commandant, provides parents with the opportunity to treat their cadet with something special. Choose from the following:

  • Qty of 6 Cupcakes for $10
  • Qty of 12 Cupcakes for $20
  • Qty of 12 Brownies for $10
  • Qty of 12 Chocolate Chip Cookies for $12
  • Small Size Gift Bag of Treats for $25
  • Large Size Gift Bag of Treats for $40
  • Chips and Salsa Bag for $12
  • Rice Crispy Treats for $12

For more information, please contact Ms. Rhonda White at whiter@fuma.org or 434-842-4203.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Please always check the Academic Calendar for updates on events. Below are a few coming up in the next couple months:

  • Leave Weekend | Friday, December 5-Sunday, December 7
    • Cadets are eligible to depart campus for a leave weekend on Friday, December 5 at 4:30 PM. Cadets must return by 7 PM on Sunday, December 7. Leave Requests must be submitted in Orah by Tuesday, December 2.
  • Exemplary Cadet Dinner for Term 2 | December 8, 2025
    • Cadets who earned Exemplary Conduct for Term 2 are invited to a special dinner on Monday, December 8. Dinner starts at 5 PM at the Estes Dining Hall.
  • Honor Roll Celebration for Term 2 | December 10, 2025
    • Cadets who earned Honor Roll for Term 2 will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 10 at 10:30 AM in the Thomas Gymnasium.
  • Christmas Tree Lighting | December 11, 2025
    • Cadets can enjoy a special tree lighting evening at the Social Center on Thursday evening at 6:30 PM.
  • December Birthday Celebration | December 17, 2025
    • Cadets, staff, and faculty who have a birthday in December will be celebrated with a special treat at Retan Hall at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, December 17.
  • Parent Meet & Greet | December 19, 2025
    • Parents, staff, and faculty are invited to stop by the Social Center for a special Meet & Greet when picking up cadets for Christmas Break. The event will begin at 11:00 AM, so arrive early, enjoy coffee and treats, and take a moment to connect with our Fork Union community.
  • Christmas Break | Friday, December 19 - Sunday, January 4, 2026
    • All cadets will depart for Christmas Leave. If you have not already done so, please submit a Leave Request detailing your cadet's departure. Cadets are able to leave at 12 PM on Friday, December 19 and must return between 9 AM and 7 PM on Sunday, January 4, 2026. All Leave Requests in Orah are due Monday, December 1.
  • Leave Weekend | Friday, January 23 - Sunday, January 25, 2026
    • Cadets are eligible to depart campus for a leave weekend on Friday, January 23 at 4:30 PM. Cadets must return by 7 PM on Sunday, January 25. Leave Requests must be submitted in Orah by Tuesday, January 20.

Best regards,
Kelly Barnette
Director of Communications
Fork Union Military Academy
Email: barnettek@fuma.org


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