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February 27, 2026

Weekly Update for February 27, 2026

DAY STUDENT INFORMATION

  • Cadets will leave campus for Spring Break in their Class B Uniform. Uniform of the Day for Thursday, March 5 is Class B Uniform.
  • The Uniform of the Day for class days is Class B Winter. We will switch to Class B Summer following Spring Break.
  • Contraband Reminder: Please review the Contraband List- Updated and ensure that none of these items are brought to school.

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. Class B Summer starts Tuesday, March 17.
  • Absences & Tardies: If your Day Student will be absent or late, please email absent@fuma.org with full details.

MEET & GREET WITH PRESIDENT CAPT MARK BLACK

Parents are warmly invited to a special Meet & Greet with President CAPT Mark Black on Thursday, March 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Social Center. This informal gathering offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with CAPT Black while enjoying fellowship with fellow parents, faculty, and staff in a relaxed and welcoming setting ahead of Spring Break.

Cadets will be dismissed for Spring Break beginning at 12:00 p.m. If your schedule allows, we encourage you to arrive early and stop by the Social Center prior to dismissal to share in conversation and community before the break begins. We hope you will join us for this special time together.

VERY IMPORTANT: SPRING BREAK LEAVE REQUESTS STILL NEEDED

As a reminder, the next Major Leave is Spring Break, scheduled for Thursday, March 5 – Monday, March 16. All cadets are required to depart campus for Spring Break.

At this time, we are still missing Spring Break Leave Requests for several cadets. If you have not already done so, please submit your cadet’s leave plans in Orah as soon as possible so we can ensure a smooth and organized departure process.

  • Spring Break Leave Requests must be submitted in Orah immediately. (Original deadline: Friday, February 6)

Submitting your cadet’s plans allows our staff to coordinate accountability, transportation, and departure logistics. Cadets without an approved leave request may experience delays at checkout.

LOOKING AHEAD: EASTER LEAVE WEEKEND

Easter Leave will follow shortly after Spring Break. If you already know your cadet’s plans, we encourage you to submit those arrangements now.

Easter Leave Details

  • Departure: Wednesday, April 1 following the Term 4 Final Exam (12:30 PM)
  • Return: No later than 7 PM on Monday, April 6
  • Orah Deadline: Tuesday, March 17
  • Transportation: FUMA transportation options will be limited

Timely leave submissions help us maintain accountability and ensure a safe, orderly departure for all cadets. If you have any questions regarding leave arrangements, please do not hesitate to reach out.

REMINDER: UNAUTHORIZED DELIVERY SERVICES ON CAMPUS

To help maintain the safety, security, and structure of campus life, we want to remind families that independent delivery services are not permitted to deliver directly to cadets on campus. This includes services such as Instacart, DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and similar vendors. We have recently seen an increase in unauthorized delivery attempts, and unscheduled drop-offs create safety and logistical concerns that cannot be accommodated.

Approved Process: All outside deliveries must follow Academy procedures and be coordinated through the Quartermaster.

Shipping Guidance: If your cadet needs items, please send them through approved commercial carriers such as UPS or FedEx, which are able to deliver securely and efficiently. We appreciate your partnership and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe, orderly, and distraction-free environment for all cadets.

RING CEREMONY -- FAMILIES OF RING RECIPIENTS

Families of cadets who have purchased a class ring this year are invited to attend a special and meaningful tradition at Fork Union Military Academy. We are pleased to announce the 2026 Ring Ceremony, during which eligible cadets will be presented with their class rings for the first time.

  • Thursday, March 5, 2026
  • 10:30 a.m.
  • Wicker Chapel
  • A reception will follow immediately after the ceremony.

This ceremony marks an important milestone in your cadet’s journey and recognizes the achievement and pride that come with earning the right to wear the Fork Union Military Academy class ring.

Please RSVP by Friday, February 27, 2026: RSVP for the Ring Ceremony here.

PRE-ORDER YOUR 2025-2026 YEARBOOK -- RECOGNITION AD DEADLINE APPROACHING

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.

PSAT 10 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORE CADETS

Parents of freshmen and sophomores! Registration is now open for the PSAT 10, an optional practice exam designed to help cadets prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT and future SAT testing.

Details at a glance:

The PSAT 10 is a great way for cadets to become familiar with the test format and build confidence ahead of junior year testing. (Scores are not sent to colleges.)

For additional information about the exam, families may visit the official page from the College Board.

Registration must be completed through the PSAT 10 Microsoft Form provided by the Academy. Late registrations cannot be accepted.

IT'S TIME TO RE-ENROLL YOUR CADET FOR 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

Re-enrollment contracts are now available in Clarity. You should have received an email from the Admissions Office detailing what is required to re-enroll your cadet. The deadline for re-enrollment is April 1. For questions about the re-enrollment process, please contact admissions@fuma.org.

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.

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:

  • Ring Ceremony | Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 10:30 AM | Wicker Chapel
    • Fork Union Military Academy is excited to host its annual Ring Ceremony on Thursday, March 5 at the Wicker Chapel. Seniors and juniors will be presented their Fork Union Class Ring in a special ceremony starting at 10:30 AM.
    • RSVP FOR THE EVENT HERE
  • Meet & Greet with CAPT Black | Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM | Social Center
    • Parents are warmly invited to a special Meet & Greet with President CAPT Mark Black on Thursday, March 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Social Center. This informal gathering offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with CAPT Black while enjoying fellowship with fellow parents, faculty, and staff in a relaxed and welcoming setting ahead of Spring Break.
  • Spring Break | Thursday, March 5-Monday, March 16, 2026
    • Spring Break, the final mandatory leave prior to the end of the year, is scheduled for Thursday, March 5-Monday, March 16. All cadets must depart campus. Leave Requests are due in Orah by February 6.
  • Admissions Open House | Friday, March 20, 2026
    • Fork Union Military Academy will host an Open House for prospective students on Friday, March 20. If you know an interested family, please direct them to this link.
  • Military Ball | Saturday, March 21, 2026
    • Join us for one of Fork Union Military Academy’s most cherished traditions: the Military Ball, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Thomas Gymnasium. Open to all cadets in grades 9–12, this formal evening of camaraderie and celebration features the iconic Arch of Sabers and an unforgettable night on campus. Click here to buy tickets.
  • Term 4 Final Exam | Wednesday, April 1, 2026
    • The Term 4 Final Exam is set for Wednesday, April 1. The class day will conclude at 12:30 PM.
  • Easter Leave Extended Weekend | Wednesday, April 1-Monday, April 6, 2026
    • Cadets can depart campus for Easter Leave on Wednesday, April 1 following the Term 4 Final Exam at 12:30 PM. Cadets must return by 7 PM on Monday, April 6. Orah Requests for Easter Leave are due Tuesday, March 17. FUMA Transportation will be limited.
  • Term 5 Begins | Tuesday, April 7, 2026
    • Term 5, the final term of the year, will begin on Tuesday, April 7.

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


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