MPMS COUGAR PRIDE NEWS

Dear Manassas Park Middle School Cougar PRIDE Families,

SOL Testing in May: Special Information for All Students

It's Spring SOL Testing Time! To help, we've developed this mini edition of our Cougar PRIDE News! Thank you for taking the time today to review this important information to help your child prepare and participate in the upcoming key tests.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has developed the Virginia Assessment Program to help measure students' academic progress in the Standards of Learning (SOLs). All students at Manassas Park Middle School (MPMS) participate in SOL testing or alternative assessments at some point throughout the school year to indicate what students know in the subject areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Throughout the month of May, our students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their learning in these areas.

In order to provide an optimal testing experience for our students, only students who are taking the scheduled SOL and those participating in our adapted special education program will be attending school in person on SOL testing days. On these days, students not scheduled to test will have an asynchronous virtual learning day with activities posted by their teachers on Canvas.

SOL Testing Attendance Details:

Tuesday, May 13: 8th grade Reading SOL

Tuesday, May 13: 6th and 7th grade students are asynchronous at home

Wednesday, May 14: 6th & 7th grade Reading SOLs

Wednesday, May 14: 8th grade students are asynchronous at home

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Tuesday, May 20: Geometry, Algebra, and Math 8 SOLs

Tuesday, May 20: Math 6 & 7 students are asynchronous at home

Wednesday, May 21: Math 6 & 7 SOLs

Wednesday, May 21: Geometry, Algebra, and Math 8 students are asynchronous at home

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Wednesday, May 28: Science 8 and Civics SOLs

Wednesday, May 28: 6th and 7th grade students are asynchronous at home

Adapted Students come to school in person every day throughout testing.

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**Attendance Makes All the Difference**

As always, we encourage regular and on-time attendance as it plays a crucial role in student success. We have a lot to accomplish in the final weeks of the quarter. Let's stay dedicated and make the most of our learning opportunities.

**Our Commitment to Student Success**

At Manassas Park Middle School, we're shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Our focus is on cultivating the core competencies of critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, and citizenship. By mastering these essential skills, our students will be well-equipped to achieve their academic and personal aspirations. We're committed to creating a safe and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. We believe in setting high expectations and celebrating diversity, fostering a student-centered space where growth and achievement thrive.

**Stay Connected**

To stay in the loop, please ensure your contact information is up-to-date on the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Also, be sure to check our website regularly for the latest news and event updates.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, comments, or concerns. You can contact the school at 703-361-1510 or you can reach out to me via email at kip.tuttle@mpark.net. I am excited to collaborate with you to help each student achieve their personal academic goals.

With Cougar PRIDE,

Kip Gansneder Tuttle, Principal

Tue., May 13 – 8th grade Reading SOL

Tue., May 13 – 6th and 7th grade students are asynchronous at home

Wed., May 14 – 6th & 7th grade Reading SOLs

Wed., May 14 – 8th grade students are asynchronous at home

Wed., May 14 – 6th grade Choir Concert, 7PM

Thurs., May 16 – 7th & 8th grade Choir Concert, 7PM

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Tue., May 20 – Geometry, Algebra, and Math 8 SOLs

Tue., May 20 – Math 6 & 7 students are asynchronous at home

Wed., May 21 – Math 6 & 7 SOLs

Wed., May 21 – Geometry, Algebra, and Math 8 students are asynchronous at home

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Mon., May 26 – MPCS Closed, Memorial Day

Wed., May 28 – Science 8 and Civics SOLs

Wed., May 28 – 6th and 7th grade students are asynchronous at home

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Mon., June 2 – 8th grade Field Trip to Signal Hill

Tues., June 3 – 7th grade Field Trip, Smithsonian Natural History Museum

Wed., June 4 – 6th grade End-of-Year Ceremony, 8AM More details to follow

Thur., June 5 – 7th grade End-of-Year Ceremony, 8AM More details to follow

Thur., June 5 – MPCS Family Market, 4:00PM

Fri., June 6 – 8th grade End-of-Year Ceremony, 8:30AM More details to follow

Fri., June 6 – Last Day of School, Early Dismissal, 10:30AM

To foster a focused learning environment, Manassas Park City Schools (MPCS) and Manassas Park Middle School has implementing a new policy this year. All students in grades PK-8 must keep cell phones and wireless devices powered off and out of sight throughout the school.

We want to express our sincere gratitude to you and your student for their support in implementing this important change. We understand that when students can focus on their learning without distractions, they achieve better results. By keeping cell phones, AirPods, and other personal electronic devices off and away throughout the school day (6:45 AM - 2:15 PM), we are creating an environment that fosters concentration and academic growth.

How will we respond when students do not follow this expectation:

Responses and Consequences

1. First Offense: A referral will be written and processed by the Administration. The student’s device(s) will be confiscated, the parent notified and the student may pick up the device(s) from the office at the end of the school day.

2. Second Offense: A referral will be written and processed by the Administration. The student’s device(s) will be confiscated, the parent notified, and a parent/guardian can pick up the device from the office at the end of the school day.

3. Third Offense: A referral will be written and processed by the Administration. The student’s device(s) will be confiscated, the parent notified, and the parent must pick up the device(s) from the office at the end of the school day. The student will receive disciplinary action. The student will have to check the device into the front office each day school is in session. The duration of this consequence will be determined by the MPMS Administration team and in collaboration with the student’s parent/guardian. See the MPMS Student Handbook for responses beyond third offense.

For more information regarding cell phone and wireless device expectations for MPMS, please see our updated MPMS Student Handbook in the section titled: Cell Phones, Portable Electronic Devices (PED), and Wireless Earbuds/Headphones - UPDATED for 2024-2025 School Year

We want your student to achieve their maximum potential. To do this, we need to make sure the school day and instructional time are safe and focused, and distractions are limited. Please partner with us and talk with your student about following these important Expectations of Excellence:

• Cell phones / airpods are to be off and away during the full school day. Students may use their phones / airpods prior to entering the building and after school. As needed, students may utilize the front office phone to communicate with parents. Our front office team is happy to assist.

• Hats and hoods are not to be worn while in the school building.

Come One! Come All to order the MPMS 2025 Yearbook!

MPMS Yearbook purchases can be made online using the web address below, the scan, or by phone. Yearbooks can also be purchased by cash or check - form below will be available in the MPMS Office.

Cost: $37.00

Order by May 30th

• Parents - Quick TIP about Absences: If your child will be absent from school, please email us at MPMSAttendance@mpark.net and include the reason for their absence in your email. If you have a document associated with the absence, you can attach it to the email. As always, you can also call us at 703.361.1510.

• Car riders - Safety Tip: Be sure to exit /enter your car at the sidewalk in front MPMS.

• Free Lunches and Grab and Go breakfasts are available to all students.

• Remember - please do not bring or send outside food to students during the school day. We have great lunches here but students are also welcome to being a packed lunch with them each day.

• In the morning, students are welcome to pick up breakfast as early as 7:05AM.

• At 7:05AM, all students should head directly to their homeroom.

• Start the day off right! Be on time. The tardy bell rings at 7:17AM.

• Discuss and practice daily before and after school routines.

• Please make sure your child charges their Chromebook every night and has it and their charging cord in their backpack as they head off to school each morning.

• Create a designated study space and time for learning at home.

Students and Parents/Guardians,

We would like you to have quick access to the MPCS Code of Conduct and our updated MPMS Student Handbook. This is a great resource for students and parents regarding expectations and how to show Cougar PRIDE!

Thank you!

MPMS Staff

On August 12, 2024, the MPCS School Board updated the 2024-2025 MPCS. Please follow this link for the updated calendar:

UPDATED 2024-2025 MPCS School Year Calendar - Approved 8.12.24

Make sure your Chromebook is ready for school every day!

Our IT Department has been hard at work making sure our learning journeys will be successful this school year! We have new applications that we are excited to implement. More information to come as we get closer to the start of school.

We encourage you to complete the following:

1. Keep Your Chromebook Charged

2. Please bring your device and charging cord with you EVERY DAY!

At MPMS, we PRIDE ourselves on respecting our digital resources and devices. Students are responsible for the care, cleanliness, and current condition of their Chromebook and charger.

As you are surfing the Internet and exploring our digital world, let’s remember to be good Digital Citizens and be mindful of our screen time.

A great resource for families is Common Sense Media. They have a wide collection of resources in both English and Spanish to help support our tweens and teens.

Email: kip.tuttle@mpark.net
Website: https://mpms.mpark.net/
Location: 8202 Euclid Avenue, Manassas Park, VA 20111
Phone: 703-361-1510