FCPS

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Panther Family,

Can you believe we have finished the 3rd Quarter of school! There is only one more quarter of the 2024-2025 school year left. We are committed to making it a great quarter full of learning and growth and maybe some fun! Please take note that school is closed on Monday, March 31 for Eid and Tuesday, April 1 for a teacher work day. We hope everyone has a great weekend! 

 

Sincerely, 

Gina O'Neal, Principal

Christine Berry, Assistant Principal 

Kristen Robinson, Assistant Principal 

 

March 28- End of 3rd Quarter

March 29- 6th Grade All County Chorus Festival, 3:00pm at MVHS

March 31- Eid-al-Fitr, Cultural Observance, All Schools and Offices Closed

April 1- Teacher Work Day, Student Holiday 

April 7- Family Food Market, 4:30pm at MVW

April 8- PTO Meeting, 4:30pm at MVW

April 14-18- Spring Break, No School 

Top 10 Reasons Mt Vernon Woods Elementary Is Extraordinary

At Mt Vernon Woods, we’re proud of our students, staff, and families and the ways they make our community special. Check out 10 reasons we’re proud to be Panthers and why Mt Vernon Woods Elementary is an amazing place to learn and grow!

March 31, 2025- Schools and Offices Closed

Eid al-Fitr, also known as small Eid, marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims congregate that morning for Eid prayers. It is a time of official receptions and private visits, when friends greet one another, presents are given, new clothes are worn, and the graves of relatives are visited. The most common way to wish someone a Happy Eid al-Fitr is Eid Mubarak, which means “blessed feast” (or festival). 

 

Don't miss out! This is your last chance to pre-order your child's yearbook online using a credit card! Pre-orders close on April 4th.

After that, a limited number of yearbooks will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis when they arrive in June — cash or check only.

Secure your child's memories now and guarantee they won't miss out! Order today!

  Save the Date for the FCPS Summer Extravaganza

Discover summer learning and activities available in Fairfax County! 

Attend the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School and get a jump on summer learning. At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth. 

Activities will include student performances, story time, a moon bounce, and face painting. For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage. 

 

Anote en su calendario nuestra “Summer Extravaganza” de las FCPS

¡Descubra cuáles cursos y actividades de verano están disponibles en el Condado de Fairfax!

Acompáñenos en nuestro evento “Summer Extravaganza” o Fiesta de Verano, el sábado 10 de mayo de 10 a.m. a 2:30 p.m., en la Escuela Secundaria Woodson, y salte adelante de las clases de verano. Este evento es gratuito y los asistentes podrán participar en actividades educacionales y enriquecedoras, diseñadas para despertar la curiosidad y propiciar el crecimiento personal.

Entre las actividades planeadas están presentaciones de propios estudiantes, cuentacuentos, castillos inflables y pintacaritas. Para encontrar más información, visite la página web de la Summer Extravaganza. 

Coming Soon: School Start Times Survey

Last year, FCPS held community forums and surveyed middle school families regarding middle school start times. Now, we would like to hear from all staff and families on the possibility of adjusting school start times across the division. The goal remains to begin middle school at 8 a.m. or later at the start of the 2026-27 school year.

On April 1, a survey link will be sent by email to staff, parents/caregivers, and students in grades 5-12. The confidential survey will be open for two weeks and will be available in multiple languages.

Helping Your Child Prepare for Kindergarten

We recognize that parents are their children’s first teachers. Explore the resources on FCPS’ School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten webpage for ways to help ensure your child starts kindergarten with confidence. 

  SOL Testing Schedule

The Standards of Learning (SOL) for Virginia Public Schools establish minimum expectations for what students should know and be able to do at the end of each grade in English, Mathematics, and 5th grade Science.

SOL tests measure students' success in meeting the Board of Education’s expectations for learning and achievement. Our SOL tests are quickly approaching for a 3rd through 6th grade students. Please see the schedule below and mark your calendars for your students' assessment day. 

4/29 -5th Reading

4/30 – 6th Reading

5/1 – 4th Reading

5/2 – 3rd Reading

 

5/6- Science SOL

5/7 – 3rd Math SOL

5/9- 6th Math SOL

5/15 – 5th Math SOL

 

5/22 – Reading Retakes

5/28 – Math Retakes

5/29 – Science Retakes

5/30 – All SOL Retakes

 

Important Reminders for Test Day

It is important that students are present and on time to school on the day of their SOL test. Students will need their fully charged, school issued laptop to complete their test. The day before their test, make sure students have a good dinner and get a good night of rest. Students should eat a good breakfast the day of their test, either at home or at school. 

National Women’s History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids. 

This platform is an essential tool that allows anyone within our school community to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or other concerning behaviors confidentially. More information about the platform, including how to access and use it, can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/submit-discrimination-and-harassment-report

4015 Fielding Street, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619.2800
Attendance: 703.619.2828 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Panther Family,

We are excited to welcome Spring with the first day of the season yesterday. Warmer weather, blooming flowers and more daylight is upon us. At Mt Vernon Woods we continue to celebrate our efforts toward improved attendance. Classes have won prizes every time they have 10 days of perfect attendance. We have had popcorn parties, hot chocolate parties (pictured above), extra recess and surprise snacks. A study on elementary and middle schools found that attendance rates in June are 5.8% higher than April. Let's work together to fight that spring attendance slide! Visit FCPS' website for attendance resources. 

 

Sincerely, 

Gina O'Neal, Principal

Christine Berry, Assistant Principal 

Kristen Robinson, Assistant Principal 

 

March 22- Rotary Club Sponsored Family Concert, 3:30pm at MVW 

March 28- End of 3rd Quarter

March 29- 6th Grade All County Chorus Festival, 3:00pm at MVHS

March 31- Eid-al-Fitr, Cultural Observance, All Schools and Offices Closed

April 1- Teacher Work Day, Student Holiday 

April 7- Family Food Market, 4:30pm at MVW

April 8- PTO Meeting, 4:30pm at MVW

April 14-18- Spring Break, No School 

  SOL Testing Schedule

The Standards of Learning (SOL) for Virginia Public Schools establish minimum expectations for what students should know and be able to do at the end of each grade in English, Mathematics, and 5th grade Science.

SOL tests measure students' success in meeting the Board of Education’s expectations for learning and achievement. Our SOL tests are quickly approaching for a 3rd through 6th grade students. Please see the schedule below and mark your calendars for your students' assessment day. 

4/29 -5th Reading

4/30 – 6th Reading

5/1 – 4th Reading

5/2 – 3rd Reading

 

5/6- Science SOL

5/7 – 3rd Math SOL

5/9- 6th Math SOL

5/15 – 5th Math SOL

 

5/22 – Reading Retakes

5/28 – Math Retakes

5/29 – Science Retakes

5/30 – All SOL Retakes

 

Important Reminders for Test Day

It is important that students are present and on time to school on the day of their SOL test. Students will need their fully charged, school issued laptop to complete their test. The day before their test, make sure students have a good dinner and get a good night of rest. Students should eat a good breakfast the day of their test, either at home or at school. 

Help and Resources for Infants, Toddlers, and Their Families

Are you concerned about your infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child's development? Resources are available if your child exhibits difficulties in one or more of the following areas:

• communication
• fine and/or gross motor skills
• self-help skills
• problem solving 
• attention skills

Learn more about typical developmental milestones.

The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) is the state’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers (0-36 months) with disabilities and their families. ITC provides evaluations and services for children who have developmental delays or medical conditions that may affect development. Parents are encouraged to contact ITC at 703-246-7121 to share their concerns.

Early Childhood Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs between the ages of 20 months and 5 years (children must be two by September 30). 

FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) offers a free referral process to identify potential developmental delays or disabilities. Special education services are provided for all children who are found eligible through the referral process. Parents are encouraged to contact 571-423-4121 with questions or to make a referral.

✨ Helping students meet the criteria for kindergarten readiness is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan.

Asistencia y Recursos para Infantes, Niños Pequeños, y sus Familias

¿Le preocupa el desarrollo de su infante, niño pequeño o en edad preescolar?

Existen recursos disponibles para usted si su niño muestra dificultades en una o más de las siguientes áreas:

• Comunicación
• Habilidades motoras finas o gruesas
• Habilidades de autoayuda
• Resolución de problemas 
• Habilidades de atención

Sepa más acerca de las típicas fases del desarrollo. 

El “Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia” (en inglés), ITC, o Conector de Virginia para Infantes y Niños pequeños, es un sistema estatal de intervención temprana para infantes y niños pequeños con discapacidades (entre 0 y 36 meses de edad) y para sus familias. ITC ofrece evaluaciones y servicios para niños que muestren retraso en su desarrollo o padezcan una enfermedad que pudiese afectar su desarrollo. Alentamos a los padres de estos niños a contactar al ITC al 703-246-7121, para que compartan sus preocupaciones.

El “Early Childhood Child Find” o Identificación Temprana del Niño, es el proceso usado para identificar a aquellos niños entre los 20 meses y los 5 años de edad (el niño deberá haber cumplido 2 años antes del 30 de septiembre) que potencialmente presentan necesidades de educación especial.

Los “FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services”, ECID&S o Identificación Temprana del Niño y Servicios de FCPS, ofrece un proceso referencial gratuito para identificar potenciales retrasos o discapacidades del desarrollo. Servicios de educación especial son ofrecidos a todos los niños que sean identificados como elegibles para recibirlos. Alentamos a los padres de estos niños a contactar al ECID&S al 571-423-4121, para hacer cualquier pregunta o hacer una referencia. 

✨ Ayudar a que nuestros estudiantes cumplan con los criterios para comenzar kindergarten es la Meta 1 del Plan estratégico. 

National Women’s History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids. 

Become Unskippable: Share the Facts

Talking with teens about the facts of fentanyl is a conversation you can’t skip. Learning about fentanyl gives teens a better understanding of the risks and effects of the drug. 

Share these important facts with your child:

• Even half a fentanyl-laced pill can be fatal. Just a few salt-sized grains of fentanyl are enough to cause an overdose.
• More than half of local street pills contain a deadly dose of fentanyl. As of 2023, seven in
10 counterfeit pills in the U.S. contain enough fentanyl to cause a fatal overdose.
• Fentanyl is usually taken accidentally. Many people have no idea they’ve taken it until they overdose because you can’t see, smell, or taste it in pills and powders.
• Overdose can happen in an instant. In as little as four minutes, the lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage and even death.

Learn more about how to have conversations with your child in a way that will make you Become Unskippable.

  Haga que sea inevitable: Comparta las Verdades

Hablar con los adolescentes acerca de las verdades del fentanilo es una conversación que no puede dejar pasar. Saber estas verdades sobre el fentanilo, ayuda a los jóvenes a entender mejor los riesgos y efectos de esta droga.

Comparta estos importantes datos con sus niños:

• ¡Consumir sólo la mitad de una píldora de fentanilo puede ser fatal! Sólo hacen falta unos pocos gramos del tamaño de un grano de sal de fentanilo, para producir una sobredosis. 

• ¡Más de la mitad de las píldoras que circulan en las calles contienen una dosis mortal de fentanilo! Hasta el 2023, 7 de cada 10 píldoras de imitación encontradas en el país, contenían una dosis de fentanilo suficiente para producir una sobredosis mortal.
• ¡El fentanilo usualmente se consume por accidente! Mucha gente no tiene idea de que lo tomaron puesto que no podemos verlo, olerlo, ni probarlo cuando consumimos una píldora o algún polvo.
• Una sobredosis puede ocurrir en un instante. La falta de oxígeno puede causar daños al cerebro o incluso la muerte, en tan sólo cuatro minutos.

Sepa más sobre cómo hablar con sus niños (en inglés, puede traducirla arriba a la derecha) de una forma tal que no puedan evitar tener esa conversación.

  Next Steps in the Budget Process

The next steps in the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process include the School Board presenting the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22. The Board of Supervisors will then conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak. 

Visit the county government website to view the Fairfax County FY 2026 Advertised Budget. The community is also invited to complete an online survey to provide feedback on the county’s FY 2026 Advertised Budget. 

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process. 

Lo que viene a continuación en el proceso presupuestario

 Los pasos siguientes en el proceso presupuestario para el año fiscal 2026 incluyen su presentación por la Junta Escolar a la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Fairfax el martes 22 de abril, entonces la Junta de Supervisores  realizará audiciones públicas desde el martes 22 de abril, hasta el jueves 24 del mismo mes. El público general podrá enviar sus comentarios o inscribirse para solicitar derecho de palabra (en inglés, puede traducir la página arriba a la derecha).

Visite la página del Presupuesto Anunciado del Condado de Fairfax para el año fiscal 2026 (en inglés, puede traducir la página arriba a la derecha). El público también está invitado a completar esta encuesta online para compartir su opinión acerca del Presupuesto Anunciado por el condado para el año fiscal 2026.

Sepa más sobre el proceso presupuestario de FCPS para el año fiscal 2026 (en inglés, puede traducir la página arriba a la derecha).

This platform is an essential tool that allows anyone within our school community to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or other concerning behaviors confidentially. More information about the platform, including how to access and use it, can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/submit-discrimination-and-harassment-report

4015 Fielding Street, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619.2800
Attendance: 703.619.2828 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Panther Family,

We were busy this week at Mt Vernon Woods. Our kindergarteners had a special visit from the Fairfax County Fire Department. They learned all about fire safety at home through a puppet show. They also got to meet a fire fighter in all their safety gear (pictured above). We had a lot of fun PAWS and READ celebrations this week also. Students had special dress up days, read with buddies, wore PJs and had the principals pop in as guest readers. On Friday, our 1st-3rd graders had a chance to hear from the Washington Philharmonic Orchestra for a concert of The Billy Goats Gruff (pictured below).

Next weekend on March 22nd, we will have a special family concert event put on by Washington Philharmonic Orchestra. This is a free family event and will be held here at Mt Vernon Woods in the gym at 3:30pm. We hope to see you there! 

Sincerely, 

Gina O'Neal, Principal

Christine Berry, Assistant Principal 

Kristen Robinson, Assistant Principal 

 

March 22- Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Family Concert

3:30pm at MVW 

March 28- End of 3rd Quarter

March 29- 6th Grade All County Chorus Festival, 3:00pm at MVHS

March 31- Eid-al-Fitr, Cultural Observance, All Schools and Offices Closed

April 1- Teacher Work Day, Student Holiday 

April 7- Family Food Market, 4:30pm at MVW

April 8- PTO Meeting, 4:30pm at MVW

April 14-18- Spring Break, No School 

National Women’s History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids. 

Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms

Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”). 

Warnings for drivers will begin on Wednesday, April 9. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.

According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction (unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped). They should remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus is moving. 

We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with us to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more information about the stop arm cameras and all of the ways that we work with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.

The Comprehensive School Boundary Review Process Explained

Want to learn more about the ongoing Comprehensive School Boundary Review process? Watch this video for explanations of terms such as attendance zones, attendance islands, split feeders, and other factors that affect school boundaries. The video will also be available in other languages soon.

 Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information and sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter.

FCPS Budget — Our Students Deserve the Best

More than $240 million of FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget is dedicated to increasing compensation for our teachers and staff to stay competitive and reduce turnover. Currently, FCPS ranks fifth out of eight neighboring districts in regards to starting salary for teachers with a master’s degree. 

Our families expect — and our students deserve — the best teachers.

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The next steps in the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process include the School Board presenting the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22, and then the Board of Supervisors will conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak. 

Visit the county government website to view the Fairfax County FY 2026 Advertised Budget. The community is also invited to complete an online survey to provide feedback on the county’s FY 2026 Advertised Budget. 

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process. 

This platform is an essential tool that allows anyone within our school community to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or other concerning behaviors confidentially. More information about the platform, including how to access and use it, can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/submit-discrimination-and-harassment-report

4015 Fielding Street, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619.2800
Attendance: 703.619.2828 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Panther Families,

We had a great week at the woods! Gunston soccer club came out to meet with our 4th graders (pictured above). They taught the group about teamwork and fairness for pick up soccer games during recess. Our afterschool clubs have started, including coloring and audio book club, sports club and SOL prep clubs. Next week, we will PAWS to celebrate reading. Students will participate in fun activities and contests all week to include special guest readers in their classrooms. It's safe to say, Spring has sprung at Mt Vernon Woods!

With Panther Pride, 

Gina O'Neal, Principal

Christine Berry, Assistant Principal

Kristen Robinson, Assistant Principal  

 

March 10- Early Release Monday, Dismissal at 12:15pm 

March 13- Spring Picture Day

March 22- Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Family Concert, 3:30pm at MVW 

March 28- End of 3rd Quarter

March 31- Eid-al-Fitr, Cultural Observance, All Schools and Offices Closed

April 1- Teacher Work Day, Student Holiday 

Developing a Strong Academic Foundation, Curiosity, and Joy for Learning

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan. 

A strong start for every student is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan. Pre-K classrooms are making a difference in our community. In this video, we explore the importance of bringing children under the age of five together, regardless of abilities.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date and learn about opportunities to provide feedback to Fairfax County and FCPS.

Share Your Input on the County Budget

The Fairfax County government presented its Fiscal Year 2026 Advertised Budget Plan to the Board of Supervisors on February 18. The community is invited to share feedback through an online survey, email, phone calls, or by attending Budget Town Hall meetings. 

Desarrollando una Fundación Académica Sólida, Curiosidad y Alegría por el Aprendizaje

El Presupuesto anunciado para el Año Fiscal (AF) 2026 de FCPS invierte en crecimiento académico y excelencia para todos y cada uno de los estudiantes, lo cual es una de las prioridades del Plan Estratégico de FCPS. Un buen comienzo para todos los estudiantes es el Objetivo 1 del Plan Estratégico. Las clases de preescolar marcan la diferencia en nuestra comunidad. En este vídeo, exploramos la importancia de reunir a los niños menores de cinco años, sin importar sus capacidades.

Comparta su opinión sobre el presupuesto del condado

El gobierno del Condado de Fairfax presentó su Plan del Presupuesto Anunciado para el Año Fiscal 2026 a la Junta de Supervisores el 18 de febrero. La comunidad está invitada a compartir sus comentarios a través de una encuesta en línea, correo electrónico, llamadas telefónicas o asistir a las reuniones del Ayuntamiento del Presupuesto. 

Give Your Kids a Strong Start: Apply for Early Childhood Education Programs 

FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors ages 6 weeks to 4 years living in Fairfax County. 

Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children 3 years old by September 30. Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from expectant mothers and for children 6 weeks to 2 years old.

Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, however, space is limited and provided based on need, not “first come, first serve.” Applications are accepted online, by email, by postal mail, or in person at our office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.  

If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).

Ayude a sus hijos a tener un gran comienzo: Presente su solicitud para los programas de educación de la primera infancia

Los programas de prekínder y Early Head Start de FCPS ofrecen una experiencia de aprendizaje temprano de alta calidad para niños con factores de riesgo económico y educativo que reúnan los requisitos y que tengan entre 6 semanas y 4 años y vivan en el condado de Fairfax. 

El programa de prekínder da prioridad a los niños de 4 años, pero también acepta solicitudes de niños de 3 años cumplidos antes del 30 de septiembre.

El programa Early Head Start se encuentra en tres escuelas primarias —Clearview, Crestwood, y Dogwood— y acepta solicitudes de mujeres embarazadas y para niños de 6 semanas hasta 2 años.

Se anima a las familias a presentar sus solicitudes lo antes posible; sin embargo, el espacio es limitado y se ofrecen en función de la necesidad y no «por orden de llegada». 

Se aceptan solicitudes por línea, correo electrónico, correo postal o en persona en nuestra oficina ubicada en 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.  

Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre el proceso o el estado de la solicitud, llame al 703-208-7900 (inglés) o al 703-208-7901 (español).

"Let's Talk" Platform

This platform is an essential tool that allows anyone within our school community to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or other concerning behaviors confidentially. More information about the platform, including how to access and use it, can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/submit-discrimination-and-harassment-report

4015 Fielding Street, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619.2800
Attendance: 703.619.2828 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Panther Families,

In light of yesterday's events we want to extend our deepest gratitude to all our students, families, and staff. We recognize that such experiences can be deeply distressing, and it’s important that we come together to foster an environment of care and safety.

Our top priority is ensuring that every student feels safe and supported. We encourage open conversations and provided counseling to any student who needed extra support today. Below you will find some information about how to talk to your children when scary things happen. If you or your child is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our school counselors or social workers.

Now more than ever, kindness, patience, and understanding are crucial. Let’s stand together as a community, offering compassion and reassurance to one another.

With Panther Pride, 

Gina O'Neal, Principal

Christine Berry, Assistant Principal

Kristen Robinson, Assistant Principal  

 

February 28- Ramadan begins at sundown

March 3- Family Food Market, 4:30pm at Mt Vernon Woods

March 4- PTO Meeting, 4:30pm at Mt. Vernon Woods

March 10- Early Release Monday, Dismissal at 12:15pm 

March 13- Spring Picture Day

  Principal Cary Dimmick will be joining us at our PTO meeting to share information and answer questions about our amazing feeder school Mt Vernon High School! Hope you will join us!   Supporting Academic Growth and Reading on Level by Third Grade

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan. 

Across FCPS, teachers, staff, parents, and even older students are invested in helping our youngest learners grow their love of reading from a strong foundation. 

The goal is for students to move from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” by the end of the third grade. Reading on grade level is connected to other Strategic Plan goals, including completing advanced coursework and graduating on time. 

Last fall, FCPS introduced a new reading curriculum that aligns with evidence-based literacy instruction. Between fall and winter, reading screener results show more than a 4% increase in the number of students in kindergarten to third grade approaching or meeting expectations. Similarly, 3.4% more third graders demonstrate strong foundations of reading and 8.4% more third graders are mastering grade-level standards. 

Discover how an elementary school employs a science-based approach, including phonics, to supercharge students' reading.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date.

Connect With Your Kids: Simple Steps to Stronger Communication

Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. How do you connect with your children and really know what's going on in their lives? How can you become “unskippable”?

Effective communication can build trust and understanding, but it takes thought, planning, and effort. 

The latest Healthy Minds Blog offers practical strategies to improve communication and build strong, lasting relationships:

• Ditch distractions and create a safe space where your child feels comfortable opening up.
• Listen actively and validate their feelings, even if you don't agree.
• Ask "how" questions instead of "what" questions to get them talking about their experiences.

For more tips and techniques, read the full article on the Healthy Minds Blog, which shares information related to youth mental health and wellness.

For support on talking with your teen about difficult subjects like fentanyl, discover how to Become Unskippable.

Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration will be available soon for summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps.

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes. 

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)

Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

This event will feature: 

• Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
• Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.

• Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
• Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process. 

Learn more about this event and register today! Contact [email protected] for more information.

  VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders 

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 

• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements. 

Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors. 

"Let's Talk" Platform

This platform is an essential tool that allows anyone within our school community to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or other concerning behaviors confidentially. More information about the platform, including how to access and use it, can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/submit-discrimination-and-harassment-report

4015 Fielding Street, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619.2800
Attendance: 703.619.2828 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Panther Families,

What we had such a fun week here at Mt. Vernon Woods. This week we celebrated attendance with our Every Day Counts spirit week. Students dressed in matching outfits with friends, class colors and what they want to be when they grow up. We ended the week with a staff obstacle course for all students to view over the news show. The classes with the best attendance for the year and the most improved attendance this week got a front row seat to cheer on their favorite staff member in costume (pictured above). 

We are so proud of our students and families for their commitment to attending school every day. If you need support with obstacles to your child's attendance, please reach out to the school office. We have many resources available to support families. 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Sincerely, 

Gina O'Neal, Principal

Christine Berry, Assistant Principal

Kristen Robinson, Assistant Principal  

February 26- Family Support Night 5:30pm at Mt Vernon Woods

February 28- Ramadan begins at sundown

March 3- Family Food Market, 4:30pm at Mt Vernon Woods

March 4- PTO Meeting, 4:30pm at Mt. Vernon Woods

March 10- Early Release Monday, Dismissal at 12:15pm 

March 13- Spring Picture Day

 

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month. 

Breaking Down the Budget: Supporting Academic Growth and Algebra by Eighth Grade

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan. 

Since the 2023-24 school year, FCPS has seen a 9.5% increase in eighth graders taking Algebra I or more advanced math and a 6.8% increase in fifth graders in advanced math.

Studies show that students who complete algebra in middle school have more opportunities to take advanced math and science courses in high school. This can open up new academic paths for students! Watch a video that shows why eighth grade algebra matters. 

  VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders 

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 

• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements. 

Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors. 

"Let's Talk" Platform

This platform is an essential tool that allows anyone within our school community to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or other concerning behaviors confidentially. More information about the platform, including how to access and use it, can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/submit-discrimination-and-harassment-report

4015 Fielding Street, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619.2800
Attendance: 703.619.2828 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Panther Families,

We have had another fantastic week at Mt Vernon Woods Elementary. Next week on Monday February 10th students will be dismissed at 12:15pm. Also, next week there is a chance of snow in the forecast. Please be sure to pay close attention to notifications from FCPS about closure or delays. 

We continue to promote strong student attendance here at Mt Vernon Woods. Next week we will be holding an AttenDANCE for our primary grades. Please see more information below. 

Have a great weekend! 

Sincerely, 

Gina O'Neal, Principal 

Christine Berry, Assistant Principal

Kristen Robinson, Assistant Principal 

 

 

February 10- Early Release Monday, Students dismissed at 12:15pm

February 11- PTO Meeting, 4:30pm MVW Library 

February 17- Presidents Day, No school

February 28th- Ramadan begins at sundown

Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration 

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.   

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community. 

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

  Resources for Immigrant Families

Fairfax County Public Schools believes that public education is the cornerstone of a successful community. We will continue to do all that we can to ensure access to safe and vibrant learning spaces for all of our students, families, and staff. While some things may be changing, what’s unwavering is our commitment to ensuring that all students benefit from a world-class education in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment. We encourage our students to come to school every day.

Parents/caregivers, students, and staff have asked what FCPS is doing to ensure a safe learning experience for our community.  

Resources for Immigrants - These sites will continue to be updated to reflect the most current resources:

• Fairfax County: Immigrants in Fairfax County | Topics
• Fairfax County Public Schools: Resources for Immigrant Families | Fairfax County Public Schools

FCPS Proposed Budget Progress

The Fairfax County School Board discussed the FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at their work session on February 4. They discussed details regarding student enrollment and investments in students requiring additional support, market comparison data for surrounding school divisions, and an update on progress toward achieving the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence. Baldrige is a framework used to assess and improve organizational performance across various sectors, including education. 

The School Board also held a public hearing on February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the proposed budget.

 

On Tuesday, February 18, the Fairfax County executive will present the county’s Advertised Budget, and the School Board will hold a work session on FCPS’ FY 2026 Proposed Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar.

Breaking Down the Budget

More than 85% of the budget is dedicated to instruction and reflects the needs of our community’s young people in response to the changing world around us. Budget priorities include providing competitive compensation for all employees, including a 7% salary increase for all staff.  

Our families want their children in high-quality schools with the best teachers who provide rigorous academic experiences. FCPS must provide competitive compensation to attract and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students. 

The proposed 7% salary increase would likely move FCPS to the highest starting salary for teachers with a master's degree among our neighboring counties and greatly improve our recruitment efforts amidst an ongoing teacher shortage. Visit the Budget webpage for more information. 

Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one guardian must be present), the student will be ready for [orientation and any other introductory events your school may host]. Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Rich Freeman, our school registrar. 

Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit

The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information. 

At the event, FCPS students will be invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities. 

Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions. 

 

✨ Centering student voice is part of FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. 

Application for the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board

The School Board student representative represents the interests of Fairfax County Public Schools students. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity. Students currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply. 

Watch this video to learn about the student representative experience from the current representative, Megan Sawant. 

Application Information and Deadlines:

To be considered for the election, students are required to provide:

• A written component, which is due Monday, February 24.
• A 30-second candidate video statement, which is due Wednesday, March 26. Candidates will be emailed a link to record their video on Monday, March 17.

Both application components are required to be considered for the election. Read more about the election process.

  "Let's Talk" Platform

This platform is an essential tool that allows anyone within our school community to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or other concerning behaviors confidentially. More information about the platform, including how to access and use it, can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/submit-discrimination-and-harassment-report

4015 Fielding Street, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619.2800
Attendance: 703.619.2828 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Panther Families,

At Mt Vernon Woods Elementary, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. We believe that respect, kindness, and collaboration are the foundation of a strong school community. Through clear expectations, open communication, and a focus on student well-being, we ensure that all learners feel valued and empowered.

Together, we can create a positive space where students feel safe to explore, grow, and succeed. Thank you for being part of our caring school community. You belong here! 

Sincerely, 

Gina O'Neal, Principal 

Christine Berry, Assistant Principal

Kristen Robinson, Assistant Principal 

 

 

February 3- Family Food Market, 4:30pm 

February 10- Early Release Monday, Students dismissed at 12:15pm

February 11- PTO Meeting, 4:30pm MVW Library 

February 17- Presidents Day, No school

  Resources for Immigrant Families

Fairfax County Public Schools believes that public education is the cornerstone of a successful community. We will continue to do all that we can to ensure access to safe and vibrant learning spaces for all of our students, families, and staff. While some things may be changing, what’s unwavering is our commitment to ensuring that all students benefit from a world-class education in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment. We encourage our students to come to school every day.

Parents/caregivers, students, and staff have asked what FCPS is doing to ensure a safe learning experience for our community.  Please see more information and  resources here.

Proposed Budget Presented to School Board

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 23. Watch a video of the presentation. 

As Dr. Reid noted in her January 24 letter to families, “The budget is fiscally responsible and invests in excellence — not just for FCPS, but for all of us in Fairfax County who want a strong community with successful young people, dedicated educators and support staff, and a thriving economy.” 

The proposed budget reflects the needs of and FCPS’ commitments to Fairfax County students, families, and community members. It focuses on competitive compensation, including a 7.0% salary increase for all staff to recruit and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students; investing in students who require additional support; and continuing multiyear initiatives such as inclusive preschool and safety and security updates.

Learn more on the Budget webpage. 

Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one guardian must be present), the student will be ready for [orientation and any other introductory events your school may host]. Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Rich Freeman, our school registrar. 

Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!

Ombuds staff engage with FCPS employees, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Ombuds office staff members are available to help resolve disagreements between parents/caregivers and schools. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.

Application for the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board

The School Board student representative represents the interests of Fairfax County Public Schools students. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity. Students currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply. 

Watch this video to learn about the student representative experience from the current representative, Megan Sawant. 

Application Information and Deadlines:

To be considered for the election, students are required to provide:

• A written component, which is due Monday, February 24.
• A 30-second candidate video statement, which is due Wednesday, March 26. Candidates will be emailed a link to record their video on Monday, March 17.

Both application components are required to be considered for the election. Read more about the election process.

  "Let's Talk" Platform

This platform is an essential tool that allows anyone within our school community to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or other concerning behaviors confidentially. More information about the platform, including how to access and use it, can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/submit-discrimination-and-harassment-report

4015 Fielding Street, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619.2800
Attendance: 703.619.2828 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Panther Families,

Despite the short week and the delayed openings, we had an incredible week here at Mt Vernon Woods. We had two pep rallies this week for students who will be taking the WIDA assessment next week. They sang a song, heard advice from classmates and were greeted with cheers and pom poms from teachers. 

Our strings, band and chorus students had the opportunity to show off their musically skills at our Winter Concert on Wednesday. Thank you for the families, friends and teachers who attended! 

We are also continuing with our attendance challenge and had our first class reach 40 days of perfect attendance! Ms. George's class had a hot chocolate party to celebrate reaching the 40 day mark. Congratulations Ms. George's 3rd graders! 

We wish everyone a wonderful and warm weekend! 

Sincerely, 

Gina O'Neal, Principal 

Christine Berry, Assistant Principal

Kristen Robinson, Assistant Principal 

 

January 28- Class Group Pictures

January 28- End of Quarter 2 

January 28- Parent Coffee, 9:00-10:00am SACC Room

January 29- Teacher Workday, Student Holiday

February 3- Family Food Market, 4:30pm 

Attendance Matters

Regular attendance is crucial for the academic success of all students. Studies have repeatedly proven that students with better attendance records perform better in school and are more likely to graduate high school on time.

Did you know?

• Starting in kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
• Missing 10% (or about 2 days per month) can make it harder to learn to read.
• Attending school even if your student arrives late is valuable for their academic success. 

Please encourage your student to arrive on time every day and maintain regular attendance until the last day of school. Together, we can work toward increasing school attendance rates and improving academic outcomes for all our students.

How You Can Help: 

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
• Don’t let your child stay home unless she is truly sick. Keep in mind that complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning.
• Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
• Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.

If your child is going to be absent please call the office at 703-619-2828 

or email at [email protected].

What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse

FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.

What can families do?

• Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. 
• Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success. 
• Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage. 
• Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors. 
• Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”

Get more information on opioid awareness.

SR&R and Cell Phone Survey

All FCPS families and middle and high school students have received an invitation to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available through Monday, February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!

  Se Viene Pronto la Encuesta de SR&R y Política de Celulares

Todas las familias de FCPS y estudiantes de escuelas intermedias y secundarias recibirán una invitación por correo electrónico el martes, 21 de enero, para participar en una encuesta acerca de los Derechos y Responsabilidades del Estudiante (SR&R) de FCPS, Política de Teléfonos Celulares, y opciones de almacenamiento de teléfonos celulares. La encuesta estará disponible del 21 de enero al 3 de febrero. Por favor tómese unos minutos para compartir su opinión y ayudar a FCPS a tomar decisiones informadas e inclusivas para todas nuestras escuelas.

 Virginia’s Student Assessment Summary for Families

This month, families of students who took any Standards of Learning (SOL) test between school years 2015-16 and 2023-24 will receive a Student Assessment Summary Report. The report shows a student’s state percentile ranking for each test. This allows families to see how their child ranked compared to all Virginia students who took the same test that year. 

Reports are available now in SIS ParentVUE Documents. We will distribute them to students whose families do not have ParentVUE access. Learn how to access ParentVUE. 

The report is intended to help families reflect on how their child performed across all tested subjects over the years. Our staff members are committed to working with families to help every student reach their highest potential. Learn more about student assessments in FCPS.

Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. 

Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.

Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVueLearn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child. 

  Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Winter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. We monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.

Visit Fairfax County’s website for Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips. 

Application for the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board

The School Board student representative represents the interests of Fairfax County Public Schools students. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity. Students currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply. 

Watch this video to learn about the student representative experience from the current representative, Megan Sawant. 

Application Information and Deadlines:

To be considered for the election, students are required to provide:

• A written component, which is due Monday, February 24.
• A 30-second candidate video statement, which is due Wednesday, March 26. Candidates will be emailed a link to record their video on Monday, March 17.

Both application components are required to be considered for the election. Read more about the election process.

Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

If you have not been able to attend an FCPS Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:

• Saturday, January 25, 9:30-11 a.m. 
• Monday, January 27, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Tuesday, January 28, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Monday, February 10, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

 

Actualizaciones de la Revisión Integral de Límites

Reuniones virtuales de la Comunidad para la Revisión Integral de Límites se llevarán a cabo:

• sábado, 25 de enero de 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 
• lunes, 27 de enero de 2025, de 6:30 a 8 p.m. 
• martes, 28 de enero de 2025, de 6:30 a 8 p.m. 
• lunes, 10 de febrero de 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

La inscripción estará disponible próximamente en la página web de Revisión Integral de Límites, donde también podrá informarse sobre el proceso de revisión de límites. Inscríbase también en nuestro boletín de Revisión de Límites

  "Let's Talk" Platform

This platform is an essential tool that allows anyone within our school community to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or other concerning behaviors confidentially. More information about the platform, including how to access and use it, can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/submit-discrimination-and-harassment-report

4015 Fielding Street, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619.2800
Attendance: 703.619.2828 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Panther Families,

What a fantastic first FULL week of school for 2025! Despite the cold temperatures are hearts are warmed by the amazing things happening here at Mt Vernon Woods! 

This Monday, January 20th, school is closed in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We encourage you to spend time learning about Dr. King's legacy and giving back to your community when possible. As Dr. King said, "The time is always right to do what is right."

Visit https://www.mlkday.gov/ for service ideas. Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely, 

Gina O'Neal, Principal 

Christine Berry, Assistant Principal

Kristen Robinson, Assistant Principal 

 

January 20- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Schools and offices closed

January 22- Winter Concert, 6:00-7:30pm

January 28- Class Group Pictures

January 28- End of Quarter 2 

January 28- Parent Coffee, 9:00-10:00am SACC Room

January 29- Teacher Workday, Student Holiday

February 3- Family Food Market, 4:30pm 

  Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.

Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. 

Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.

Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVueLearn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child. 

  Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Winter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. We monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.

Visit Fairfax County’s website for Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips. 

  SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon

All FCPS families and middle and high school students will be receiving an email invitation on Tuesday, January 21, to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available from January 21 to February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!

Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions. 

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform. 

Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:

• Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. 

• Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 

• Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 

• Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

  Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

  "Let's Talk" Platform

This platform is an essential tool that allows anyone within our school community to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or other concerning behaviors confidentially. More information about the platform, including how to access and use it, can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/submit-discrimination-and-harassment-report

4015 Fielding Street, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619.2800
Attendance: 703.619.2828 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Panther Families,

Happy New Year! We hope your winter break was filled with joy, relaxation, and time with loved ones. As we step into 2025, we are filled with excitement for the opportunities and growth ahead in this second half of the school year.

While the snow this week brought us some unexpected closures, we hope it also brought a lot of fun for students and families to enjoy winter activities! 

We have much to look forward to as the year unfolds. WIDA testing is coming up soon, ensuring our multilingual learners are supported in their academic growth. Additionally, we’ll be reviewing our Panther PRIDE Pact with students next week. Our school-wide expectations for being Positive, Resourceful, Intentional, Determined and Empathetic in every aspect of the school day. Reinforcing these values helps create a positive and welcoming environment for everyone at Mt Vernon Woods!

Sincerely, 

Gina O'Neal, Principal 

Christine Berry, Assistant Principal

Kristen Robinson, Assistant Principal 

 

January 13- Family Food Market, 4:30pm

January 20- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Schools and offices closed

January 28- End of Quarter 2 

January 29- Teacher Workday, Student Holiday

  Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.

Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. 

Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.

Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVueLearn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child. 

Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy

Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions! If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our main office 703-619-2800. 

Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions. 

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform. 

National Mentoring Month

Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are.Learn more about Mentoring Month.

Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor.

All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.

The FCPS MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at [email protected]. 

Mes Nacional de la Tutoría

Imagina un mundo en el que los jóvenes se sientan capacitados, animados y comprendidos. Los mentores pueden hacer realidad ese mundo ayudando a los jóvenes a encontrar y seguir sus pasiones, sobresalir en la escuela y prosperar dondequiera que estén.Más información sobre el Mes de la Tutoría. Los estudios han demostrado que los jóvenes que tienen al menos un mentor de confianza tienen menos probabilidades de faltar a clase, de consumir drogas ilegales o alcohol y están más preparados para acceder a la universidad o al mundo laboral. Sin embargo, uno de cada tres niños carece de mentor.

Sólo hace falta una persona que actúe como adulto de confianza para ayudar a cambiar el rumbo de la vida de un joven. Los mentores proveen atención, apoyo, y enriquecimiento, y ayudan a conectar a sus aprendices con recursos que pueden ayudarles en su viaje en la vida.

El programa MentorWorks de FCPS conecta tutores con estudiantes en escuelas cerca de donde viven o trabajan. Se reúnen por lo menos 30 minutos a la semana. Aprenda más sobre cómo ser un tutor para un estudiante de FCPS. Por favor contacte a Martha Macdonald, especialista en mentores, para información adicional en [email protected].

Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for FCPS’ Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2024-25 school year. 

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting held at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program Registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and the DLI Program Registration webpage.

Spanish Inscripción en el Programa de Inmersión en Dos Idiomas

La inscripción para la lotería en todo el condado para los programas de Inmersión en Dos Idiomas (DLI) se abrirá el lunes 13 de enero. Los estudiantes actuales de pre-kínder pueden aplicar para el programa de inmersión de kínder, y los estudiantes actuales de kínder pueden aplicar para los programas de inmersión de primer grado para el año escolar 2024-25.

Los programas están disponibles en Francés, Alemán, Japonés, Coreano y Español. 

Los padres que estén interesados en los programas DLI en FCPS son invitados a asistir a una reunión informativa. Los detalles sobre el acceso a las reuniones virtuales estarán disponibles en la página de inscripción de Inmersión en Dos Idiomas para la fecha de la reunión.

Más información sobre los programas DLI y la inscripción.

Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:

• Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. 

• Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 

• Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 

• Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

  Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

  "Let's Talk" Platform

This platform is an essential tool that allows anyone within our school community to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or other concerning behaviors confidentially. More information about the platform, including how to access and use it, can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/submit-discrimination-and-harassment-report

4015 Fielding Street, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619.2800
Attendance: 703.619.2828 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Panther Families,

Can you believe 2024 has come to an end. We wanted to express our appreciation to our entire school community. The energy, excitement, and joy that have filled our hallways and classrooms, especially these past three weeks, makes us feel so great about the work we are doing here at Mt Vernon Woods. 

We wish you all a restful and rejuvenating winter break. Our hardworking teachers and staff will also be taking advantage of recharging over the break. Teachers will not be checking email or talk points until January 6th.

The MVW office will be open from 9:00am-2:00pm on December 23, 26-27, 30-31 and January 2-3rd. 

We look forward to welcoming our students back to school refreshed and ready to learn in the new year!

Sincerely, 

Gina O'Neal, Principal 

Christine Berry, Assistant Principal

Kristen Robinson, Assistant Principal 

 

 

December 23- January 3- Winter Break 

January 6- Family Food Market, 4:30pm

January 6- 10- New Year, New You- Make Every Day Count Spirit Week! 

Winter Break 

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break.

We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.

Teachers will be reviewing routines and procedures the week after break to support students with a smooth transition back to school. Please make sure your students are present every day so they don't miss out! 

  Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions. 

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform. 

 A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. 

Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25. See the complete school year calendar.

Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for FCPS’ Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2024-25 school year. 

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting held at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program Registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and the DLI Program Registration webpage.

Spanish Inscripción en el Programa de Inmersión en Dos Idiomas

La inscripción para la lotería en todo el condado para los programas de Inmersión en Dos Idiomas (DLI) se abrirá el lunes 13 de enero. Los estudiantes actuales de pre-kínder pueden aplicar para el programa de inmersión de kínder, y los estudiantes actuales de kínder pueden aplicar para los programas de inmersión de primer grado para el año escolar 2024-25.

Los programas están disponibles en Francés, Alemán, Japonés, Coreano y Español. 

Los padres que estén interesados en los programas DLI en FCPS son invitados a asistir a una reunión informativa. Los detalles sobre el acceso a las reuniones virtuales estarán disponibles en la página de inscripción de Inmersión en Dos Idiomas para la fecha de la reunión.

Más información sobre los programas DLI y la inscripción.

  Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:

• Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. 

• Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 

• Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 

• Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

  Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

Recursos de tutoría para familias

Algunas familias pueden estar buscando recursos adicionales para ayudar a apoyar el éxito académico de sus hijos. El Centro de Recursos Familiares mantiene una lista de empleados de FCPS que poseen una credencial válida de enseñanza de Virginia y que están disponibles para ser contratados por los padres como tutores. Esta lista es un recurso ofrecido por el FRC, pero las familias son responsables de contactar y trabajar directamente con los tutores. Esta lista no está «aprobada» por FCPS y es sólo un recurso para las familias.

FCPS también se asocia con Varsity Tutors para proporcionar a los estudiantes y las familias con recursos adicionales para el aprendizaje. Cada estudiante puede aprovechar los servicios de Varsity Tutors, sin costo alguno, incluyendo clases semanales en línea en vivo, tutoría por chat 24/7 a pedido, edición de ensayos, recursos de estudio como contenido grabado, problemas de práctica y pruebas de diagnóstico.

✨ El Objetivo 3 del Plan Estratégico 2023-30 de FCPS: Crecimiento y Excelencia Académica, nos recuerda nuestro compromiso de apoyar a todos y cada uno de los estudiantes y ayudarlos a alcanzar o superar altos estándares

  "Let's Talk" Platform

This platform is an essential tool that allows anyone within our school community to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or other concerning behaviors confidentially. More information about the platform, including how to access and use it, can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/submit-discrimination-and-harassment-report

4015 Fielding Street, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619.2800
Attendance: 703.619.2828 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Panther Families,

Next week is the final stretch before Winter Break, and we are ready to make it a week filled with fun, learning, and memorable experiences for our students! We have so many fun and exciting activities planned for our students, like our spirit week! Be sure to send them everyday so that they don’t miss out!

Sincerely, 

Gina O'Neal, Principal 

Christine Berry, Assistant Principal

Kristen Robinson, Assistant Principal 

 

 

December 23- January 3- Winter Break 

January 6- Family Food Market, 4:30pm

January 6- 10- New Year, New You- Make Every Day Count Spirit Week! 

 

Mismatch Monday
Wear clothes that don’t match!

Twinning Tuesday-double the fun!
Match with a friend or two!

 

Winter Wonderland Wednesday
Wear holiday or winter themed clothes

 

Feeling “Grinchy” Thursday
Wear green or Grinch attire

 

Friday Stay cozy, stay comfy!
It’s Pajama day! Wear your Pajamas to
school!

Reminder:  Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Brenda Dreesbach at [email protected] no later than December 15, 2024. 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Brenda Dreesbach at [email protected]. 

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Attendance Matters Before Winter Break!

With the holiday season around the corner, let's unite to make sure our students shine! The weeks surrounding winter break often see more empty seats, but this year, let's give our students the magic of education and nurture a rock-solid attendance habit.

Visit Attendance Resources and Support for more attendance insights and support – because every day is a step toward a brighter tomorrow!

Our Attendance Challenge is well underway here at Mt Vernon Woods and we are excited to share that some classes have earned their second reward for perfect attendance. Congratulations to Ms. George's 3rd grade class for reaching 30 days of perfect attendance! They celebrated with a popcorn party this week!

  Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

Recursos de tutoría para familias

Algunas familias pueden estar buscando recursos adicionales para ayudar a apoyar el éxito académico de sus hijos. El Centro de Recursos Familiares mantiene una lista de empleados de FCPS que poseen una credencial válida de enseñanza de Virginia y que están disponibles para ser contratados por los padres como tutores. Esta lista es un recurso ofrecido por el FRC, pero las familias son responsables de contactar y trabajar directamente con los tutores. Esta lista no está «aprobada» por FCPS y es sólo un recurso para las familias.

FCPS también se asocia con Varsity Tutors para proporcionar a los estudiantes y las familias con recursos adicionales para el aprendizaje. Cada estudiante puede aprovechar los servicios de Varsity Tutors, sin costo alguno, incluyendo clases semanales en línea en vivo, tutoría por chat 24/7 a pedido, edición de ensayos, recursos de estudio como contenido grabado, problemas de práctica y pruebas de diagnóstico.

✨ El Objetivo 3 del Plan Estratégico 2023-30 de FCPS: Crecimiento y Excelencia Académica, nos recuerda nuestro compromiso de apoyar a todos y cada uno de los estudiantes y ayudarlos a alcanzar o superar altos estándares

  "Let's Talk" Platform

This platform is an essential tool that allows anyone within our school community to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or other concerning behaviors confidentially. More information about the platform, including how to access and use it, can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/submit-discrimination-and-harassment-report

4015 Fielding Street, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619.2800
Attendance: 703.619.2828 | Web | Twitter