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October 24, 2025

Weekly Update for October 24, 2025

DAY STUDENT INFORMATION

  • Saturday Class Day on Saturday, November 1 has been cancelled.
  • Contraband Reminder: Please review the Contraband List 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 Summer.
  • Absences & Tardies: If your Day Student will be absent or late, please email absent@fuma.org with full details.

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! Cadets will have the opportunity to meet with Mrs. Sidwell, our Jostens representative, in the Dining Hall on Monday, November 3, during lunch. During this time, cadets can be fitted for their class ring, select custom design options, and begin their order. 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.

Looking ahead, 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. It’s important that both you and your cadet agree on the name submitted, as changes cannot be made after the stated deadline.

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

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THANKSGIVING BREAK DEPARTURE

All boarding students must submit a Leave Request in Orah for Thanksgiving Leave Departure and Return. Please have all Thanksgiving Leave Requests in Orah by November 1. If you are requesting FUMA Transportation, you must have all requests and travel information in Orah by November 1. Please email transportation@fuma.org for all FUMA Transportation questions.

If you need assistance arranging holiday break accommodations for your cadet, please contact Ms. Rhonda White at whiter@fuma.org.

HOST FAMILIES

As we approach the holiday season, we want to share that a few of our cadets will need Thanksgiving Break accommodations and would truly appreciate the warmth of a family home.

If your family would like to host a cadet for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Spring Break, or if your cadet has a friend at the Academy who is unable to travel home, please consider welcoming them to join your family for the holiday.

All arrangements must be approved by both cadets’ parents prior to leave.

Your kindness and hospitality make a lasting impact and truly embody the Fork Union spirit of brotherhood and community.

PRE-ORDER YOUR 2025-2026 YEARBOOK!

Lock in the early-bird price of $85 when you order by October 31! After that, the price increases to $100.

Yearbooks will be delivered in May and include all the memories that make this school year special. Families can also purchase yearbook recognition ads (starting at $60) to honor their cadet.

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.

RESOURCE SEMINAR: TERM 2 STARTS OCTOBER 7

If you believe your cadet would benefit from extra academic support, our Resource Seminar provides targeted help with course content, study/notes/test-taking strategies, time management, and accountability. Cadets meet during designated periods without conflicting with their term courses. Teachers collaborate weekly with the program to tailor support. Students receive a grade based on work ethic, attitude, and attendance.

  • Cost: $300 per term ($1,500/year)
  • Questions or to enroll: Contact Mike Tyrrell at tyrrellm@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.

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

COLLEGE PLANNING RECOURSES & SAT DEADLINES

Mrs. Kelsey Hill, Director of College Placement & Academic Services, hosted virtual parent meetings last week. Recordings are available below for your convenience:


SAT Registration (Important Dates):

  • The next SAT date is November 8; the registration deadline is TONIGHT October 24.
  • The December SAT date is December 6; the registration deadline is November 21.

Helpful Tutorials:

  • College Board account & registration how-to videos: Watch here

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Hill at hillk@fuma.org.

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, October 24-Sunday, October 26, 2025
    • Cadets will be able to depart campus for the weekend starting Friday, October 24 at 4:30 PM and must return by Sunday, October 26at 7 PM. This is not a mandatory leave.
  • Trunk or Treat | October 31, 2025
    • Fork Union Military Academy will host a Trunk or Treat for its cadets on Fraley Circle on Friday, October 31 from 6 PM to 7 PM. The Parent's Association will be reaching out to parents to see if you are interested in participating in the fun. If you would like to have a trunk, please email mccoyl@fuma.org.
  • Saturday Class Day | November 1, 2025 | CANCELLED
    • There is not a Saturday Class in November.
  • Leave Weekend | Friday, November 7-Sunday, November 9
    • Cadets will be able to depart campus for the weekend starting Friday, November 7 at 4:30 PM and must return by Sunday, November 9 at 7 PM. This is not a mandatory leave.
  • Alumni Event in Raleigh | November 5, 2025
    • Fork Union Military Academy Advancement Team will host an alumni event in Raleigh, NC. If you are in the area of North Ridge Country Club, join use for a wonderful evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. RSVP Here.
  • SAT Test | Saturday, November 8, 2025
    • Fork Union Military Academy will host the SAT Test on Saturday, November 8. Registration deadline is Friday, October 24 (TONIGHT)!
  • Veterans Day Ceremony | November 11, 2025
    • Fork Union Military Academy will host a Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 AM at the Veteran's Memorial. All are welcome to attend.
  • Open House for Admissions | November 11, 2025
    • Fork Union Military Academy Admissions Office will hold an Open House for prospective cadets. If you know of any boys interested in Fork Union, please have them register for the Open House here.
  • Alumni Event in Tampa | November 13, 2025
    • Fork Union Military Academy Advancement Team will host an alumni event in Tampa, FL. Join us for a wonderful evening at Hattricks from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. RSVP Here.
  • PG Football Federation Game & Departure | November 20, 2025
    • The PG Football Team will hold their annual Federation Game on Thursday, November 20 from 10-2 PM. Following the game, the team will depart for the year. If you have any questions about the PG Football Departure, please reach out to Coach Arritt at arrittfl@fuma.org.
  • Term 2 Exam/Thanksgiving Departure | November 21, 2025
    • The Term 2 Exam is scheduled for Friday, November 21. Following the exam at 12 PM, all cadets will depart for Thanksgiving Leave. If you have not already done so, please submit a Leave Request detailing your cadet's departure.

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


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