Getting Ready for Summer Academy at Fork Union Military Academy

Summer School Update:

June 13, 2025

Greetings from Fork Union Military Academy!

We’re excited to welcome your son to Fork Union Military Academy’s Summer Academy. To help him get the most out of his experience, here are some ways he can begin preparing at home for the structure, independence, and responsibility expected of him.  

Important Dates of Summer Academy 

Summer Academy classes are broken into two sessions:  

• Session 1 – June 29 – July 12 
• Session 2 – July 13 – July 26  

Saturday, July 12 and Saturday, July 26 are exam days. 

For any new class that lasts the full four weeks, July 12 will be the midterm exam, and the 26 will be the final exam.  These exams are required. 

Teachers will be reaching out to all parents and guardians within the first few days to introduce themselves and keep you informed of your son’s progression throughout Summer Academy. 

Our Days are Long and Structured 

Each day begins at 6:30 AM and ends around 9:30 PM. During that time, your son will be expected to manage his own schedule, stay organized, and take responsibility for daily tasks.   

Things He Should Start Practicing Now: 

Keeping his room tidy.

He’ll need to make his bed each morning and keep his personal space clean. Learning how to organize his belongings and take pride in a neat space will go a long way. He should also get comfortable helping with basic cleaning tasks like: 

• Sweeping and using a dustpan 
• Wiping down tables and counters 
• Cleaning mirrors and windows 
• Taking out the trash 

Managing Personal Hygiene.

Your son should be in the habit of: 

• Showering daily 
• Brushing his teeth twice a day 
• Shaving as needed 
• Changing clothes regularly 
• Putting dirty clothes in a designated spot to be washed 

Choosing Meals and Cleaning Up.

At Fork Union Military Academy, students serve themselves in the dining facility and are responsible for cleaning their area after eating. Each day, the ingredients for meals are listed on our digital menu screens. If your son has any allergies or dietary restrictions, he should refer to these screens to check the ingredients. If he’s ever unsure or needs help understanding what he can or cannot eat, he must ask a staff member for clarification. 

Getting Used to Wearing Uniform-Styler Clothing.

We expect uniformity in appearance, and your son should begin practicing the types of clothing required. He should be comfortable wearing: 

• A collared shirt tucked into khaki shorts 
• A belt 
• Closed-toed, lace-up athletic shoes 

All clothing is expected to fit properly. There will be no sagging or oversized garments allowed. 

Why This Matters 

Students who don’t take care of their responsibilities will lose free time, which is a limited and valuable part of their day. The more prepared he is, the more he can enjoy his summer experience. 

Additional Tips for First-Time Boarders 

• Practice waking up early and following a routine 
• Learn how to fold clothes and pack a bag neatly 
• Talk about the importance of respect toward staff members, roommates, and peers 
• Cell phones are not allowed, so make sure he has a real alarm clock and knows how to use it 
• Begin making small decisions independently (like what to wear, when to shower, etc.) 

Participating in Physical Activity 

Your son will have 1 to 1.5 hours of athletics daily, and much of this will take place outside in the summer heat. It’s a good idea to help him get used to being active in warmer weather, which is something as simple as spending an hour a day outside can really help with the adjustment.  

Read the Parent & Student Handbook Together 

Before arriving on campus, we strongly encourage you and your son to read through the Parent & Student Handbook together. This will help him understand: 

• What is expected of him while he’s here 
• The rules, routines, and standards of conduct 
• The structure of a typical day at Fork Union Military Academy 

Being familiar with the handbook will help your son feel more confident and better prepared for the Summer Academy experience. 

Are You Ready for Check-In? 

Fork Union Military Academy requires several steps to be completed prior to your arrival on campus for check-in. Please make sure you have logged into FUMA’s Parent’s Portal and have completed the Enrollment Checklist. 

Please ensure that your:  

1. "Summer Academy Course Interest Form" has been submitted 
2. "Summer Academy Sessions Contract" has been submitted 
3. "Academic Calendar" has been viewed 
4. "Full Session Summer Academy Enrollment Contract" has been submitted 
5. "Full Session Summer Academy Deposit" has been submitted  
6. "Your 2025 Summer Academy Check In / Registration Time" has been selected 
7. "Signed Final Official Transcript Request" has been submitted 
8. "Health Profile Completed on SchoolDoc" 
9. "Attendance Policy/Parent Statement of Support" has been submitted 
10. "Authorized Adult Permission Form" has been submitted 
11. "Fork Union Honor Code" has been submitted 
12. "Snack and Activity Plan Selection" has been selected 
13. "Reviewed the Packing List for New and Returning Cadets" 
14. "Review the Summer Academy "Things to Bring" List" has been submitted 

Should you have any questions, please reach out to the Admission Office at 434-842-4205 or admissions@fuma.org. 

For detailed information about the check-in process and packing list, please refer to last week’s email. You can find it here. 

We look forward to seeing him soon! 

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

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This email can also be found on the Parents page of forkunion.com under Announcements.