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MPMS COUGAR PRIDE NEWS
May 20, 2024
MPMS Focus
MAY and JUNE Bloom at MPMS
Happy May MPMS Families! The last two weeks have been busy with exciting athletic competitions, fantastic band and choir concerts, and a wonderful MPCS Art Show MPMS was proud to host! With just 12 days remaining in the school year, we are delighted to share with you how our Cougars will be shining as we conclude the school year. In our newsletter, we have compiled fantastic information highlighting all the amazing things happening at MPMS over the next three weeks before our last day of school on June 6th, which is a half day!
We are delighted to celebrate a remarkable achievement of our MPMS Choir and Band! This year, our 8th grade Choir and Band groups have earned the prestigious Blue Ribbon, a testament to their outstanding performance at the spring assessments where they received Superior ratings. This accolade reflects the hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent of our students and the unwavering support and guidance from our dedicated our directors, Ms. Kelly Burcher, Choir and Mr. Travis Carden, Band. Congratulations to our students and directors on this extraordinary accomplishment!
Attendance Matters!
We appreciate your efforts in ensuring that your child is present and punctual each day - this directly contributes to their academic achievements. Attendance is crucial to your child's education, and regular school attendance sets the foundation for their learning and personal development. Students who attend school regularly are more like to perform well in read and mathematics and graduate on time. Below you will find helpful information and resources to support your child's school attendance.
Be in the Know
Our newsletter includes important dates, including announcing more details for our May and June Events, Helpful Tips, March Cougar PRIDE Students of the Month, the latest from the library, Marching Cougars Tryouts, and so much more! Thank you for taking the time to enjoy our MPMS Cougar PRIDE News!
Feel free to contact us with any questions, comments, or concerns by calling our school at 703-361-1510 or you can reach out to me via email at kip.tuttle@mpark.net. I look forward to working with you and assisting each student to meet their learning goals.
With Cougar PRIDE,
Kip Gansneder Tuttle, Principal
MPMS - Important Upcoming Dates
5/13-5/31 - SOL Testing Window
5/20 – Math 8, Geometry, & Algebra SOL – 6th graders and Math 7 students at home with Asynchronous assignments, Adaptive Students at School
5/21 – Math 6 & 7 SOL – 8th graders and Algebra students at home with Asynchronous assignments, Adaptive Students at School
5/21 – MPCS PTSO Organizational Meeting, 7PM, see below for more details
5/22 – Math SOL Makeup Testing
5/23 – Reading SOL Retake Testing
5/24 – SOL Makeup Testing
____________________
5/27 – No School, Memorial Day
5/28 – SOL Makeup Testing
5/29 – 8th grade Civics & Science SOL – 7th and 6th graders at home with Asynchronous assignments, Adaptive Students at School
5/30 – Math SOL Retake Testing
5/30 – MPMS Library Books Due
5/31 – Civics/Science SOL Retake Testing
____________________
6/3 – 8th grade Trip to Signal Hill, Time TBD
6/3 – NJHS Ceremony, 5PM
6/4 – 7th grade Fieldtrip to Natural Museum of History, D. C., Time TBD
6/4 – 6th grade End of Year Ceremony, 8AM
6/5 – 7th grade End of Year Ceremony, 8AM
6/6 – 8th grade End of Year Ceremony, 8:30AM
6/6 – Last Day of School, Early Dismissal @ 10:45AM
____________________
Summer Learning
June 24-28 – MPMS Tutoring, 8AM-12PM
July 8-26 – MPMS Summer School, 8AM-12PM
July 8-Aug. 2 – MPMS Tutoring, 8AM-12PM
June 24-28 – MPMS Tutoring, 8AM-12PM
____________________
Looking Ahead?Aug. 19 – 1st day of School
SOL Testing - May 2024: Special Information for All Students
MPMS Testing Begins Next Week!
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. We will soon have opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning this spring.
Please review the testing schedule presented below and join us in preparing your child for these upcoming exams.
Date: Tuesday, May 14th
Test Name: Reading 8 SOL Test
In Person Learning: 8th Grade & SPED Adapted Students
Asynchronous Learning (at home): 6th Grade and 7th Grade Students
Date: Wednesday, May 15th
Test Name: Reading 6 & Reading 7 SOL Test
In Person Learning: 6th Grade, 7th Grade, & SPED Adapted Students
Asynchronous Learning (at home): 8th Grade Students
Date: Thursday, May 16th
Test Name: Reading SOL Makeup Test
All Students in person, Normal Schedule
Date: Friday, May 17th
Test Name: Reading SOL Makeup Test
All Students in person, Normal Schedule
________________________________________
Date: Monday, May 20th
Test Name: Math 8, Algebra, and Geometry SOL Test
In Person Learning: Math 8, Algebra, Geometry, and SPED Adapted Students
Asynchronous Learning (at home): Math 6 and Math 7 Students
Date: Tuesday, May 21st
Test Name: Math 6 & Math 7 SOL Test
In Person Learning: Math 6 , Math 7, and SPED Adapted Students
Asynchronous Learning (at home): Math 8, Algebra, and Geometry Students
Date: Wednesday, May 22nd
Test Name: Math SOL Makeup Test
All Students in person, Normal Schedule
Date: Thursday, May 23rd
Test Name: Reading SOL Retake Test
All Students in person, Normal Schedule
Date: Friday, May 24th
Test Name: SOL Makeup Test
All Students in person, Normal Schedule
________________________________________
Date: Tuesday, May 28th, Normal Schedule
Date: Wednesday, May 29th
Test Name: Science & Civics SOL Test
In Person Learning: 8th Grade & SPED Adapted Students
Asynchronous Learning (at home): 6th Grade and 7th Grade Students
Date: Thursday, May 30th
Test Name: Math SOL Retake Test & Science & Civics Makeup Test
All Students in person, Normal Schedule
Date: Friday, May 31st
Test Name: Science & Civics Retake Test
All Students in person, Normal Schedule
________________________________________
SOL testing can be a challenging experience for students. As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your child prepare for these assessments. Here are some tips to help you support your child and ensure they are ready for SOL testing:
1) Create a Study Schedule
Work with your child to create a study schedule leading up to their test dates. Break down the material into manageable chunks and allocate specific study times. Encourage your child to stick to the schedule and provide them with a quiet and comfortable study environment.
2) Remind Students to Bring Testing Materials
It is important for students to come to school ready and prepared for testing. Please join us in reminding students to come to school with their Chromebook fully charged and ready for testing. As an extra layer of security, we ask that all students also bring their Charging Cord as a backup source for power during testing.
3) Encourage Healthy Habits
Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats nutritious meals, and stays physically active. A healthy body and mind are essential for optimal performance during testing. Encourage them to take breaks, engage in relaxation techniques, and maintain a positive mindset.
4) Communicate with Teachers
Stay in touch with your child's teachers to understand their progress and any areas that may need additional focus. Ask for specific recommendations or resources that can support your child's preparation. Collaboration between parents and teachers is key to helping students succeed!
5) Provide Encouragement
State testing can be stressful for students, so it's important to provide emotional support. Encourage your child and praise their efforts. Help them manage their stress by engaging in activities they enjoy and maintaining a balanced perspective on testing. Remind your child that while important, state testing is just one measure of their academic progress. Focus also on their overall growth and development, and celebrate their achievements!
Expectations of Excellence: MPMS Grade Scale, Grade Dates, & Honor Roll Recognitions
MPMS has Expectations of Excellence for Academic Success. Below, please find our school's grade scale, grade dates for the year, and information about the MPMS Honor Roll Regulations.
Numeric Scale - Letter Grade
90-100 - A
80-89 - B
70-79 - C
60-69 - D
59 and Below - F
Interim and Quarter Dates for 2023-2024
Sept. 22 - Quarter 1 Interim
Oct. 26 - Quarter 1 Ends
Nov. 3 - Quarter 1 Report Cards Available
Dec. 8 - Quarter 2 Interim
Jan. 18 - Quarter 2 Ends
Jan. 26 - Quarter 2 Report Cards Available
Feb. 23 - Quarter 3 Interim
March 22 - Quarter 3 Ends
April 5 - Quarter 3 Report Cards Available
May 3 - Quarter 4 Interim
June 7 - Quarter 4 Ends
June 14 - Quarter 4 and Year Report Cards Available
Honor Roll Recognitions
MPMS has established a tradition for excellence in academic performance. The honor roll is a recognition of students who achieve high grades during identified reporting periods during the school year.
There are two levels of honor roll achievement:
Superintendent’s List – All A’s or a 4.0 grade point average
Principal’s Honor Roll – 3.5 to 3.99 grade point average
Honor roll ceremonies will be held at the completion of each semester. The end-of-year honor roll ceremony will be based on the first three quarters of grades.
ALL COUGAR PTSO
Expectations of Excellence
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. 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.
MPMS Helpful Tips:
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 on the sidewalk in front MPMS.
MPMS Front Doors open at 6:45AM.
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 bring a packed lunch with them each day.
In the morning, students are welcome to pick up breakfast as early as 7:00AM.
Students will pick up their breakfast in the Commons and take it to their 1st block class to eat.
At 7:05AM, all students should head directly to their 1st block class.
Start the day off right! Be on time. The tardy bell rings at 7:17AM.
Students will be dismissed at 2:15PM by staff after the bell sounds.
Bus riders should report directly to their buses.
Walkers should proceed home.
Car riders should wait at the car rider line for the car to come through the loop. Please do not walk through the parking lot or out to Euclid Avenue to meet your car.
Students waiting for the double-run buses need to wait in the MPMS Commons area until the buses arrive.
Athletes should report directly to practice per their coach's instructions.
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.
PAWS for PRIDE
MPMS Cougars Show their PAWS for PRIDE!
Students across MPMS do amazing things and we want to recognize them when they go above and beyond to be an amazing Cougar representing Cougar PRIDE: Positive, Responsible, Inspirational, Determined, and Engaged.
What is PAWS for PRIDE?
PAWS for PRIDE is a way for individual students to be recognized for going above and beyond to represent their individual Cougar PRIDE while earning PAWS for their grade level. When a student earns a PAWS for PRIDE recognition from their teacher, at lunchtime, they can stop by the office to turn it in. The PAWS for PRIDE earner will receive a small reward instantly, and their name will then be placed in our weekly drawing for a goodie bag. At the end of every quarter, the grade level with the most PAWS for PRIDE will receive a reward.
How can our students earn PAWS for PRIDE?
Students can earn PAWS for PRIDE by going above and beyond what is expected of them. PAWS for PRIDE are earned by students who are recognized for truly showing their Cougar PRIDE - they are Positive, Responsible, Inspirational, Determined, and Engaged!
Our PAWS for PRIDE Program is always a ROARING Success!
Cougar PRIDE Students of the Month - March
Varsity Tutors for Schools - A Great Resource!
Through our partnership with Varsity Tutors for Schools, Manassas Park City School students can now use a variety of resources to support their academic achievement and personal enrichment. Some of the many resources included are:
· 24/7 On-Demand Chat Tutoring, with a highly qualified expert tutor, day
or night in K-12 math, language arts, social studies, and science.
· On-Demand Essay Review
· Group content classes and study halls
· Enrichment classes
· PSAT, SAT, and ACT Prep
Varsity Tutors for Schools is available to all students via ClassLink.
At MPMS, Attendance Matters!
For more information, please see the helpful information below and/or contact your child's school counselor.
Welcome to MPMS Counseling Department
Scheduling Information for 2024-2025
Please be sure to reach out to your grade level counselor if you have any questions about next year's course offerings!
Manassas Park Middle School Counselors
Please use the link above to learn more about the Middle School Counseling Department and the support available to students, families, and the community!
Anna Osborne (currently on maternity leave)
6th Grade School Counselor
Ext. 17131
Camille Bumbera
7th Grade School Counselor
Ext. 17129
Kelly Brickey
8th Grade School Counselor
Ext. 17130
Here is one coping skill you can try!
Coping skills are techniques we use to help regulate our emotions. Please follow the image below to practice the technique “square breathing” and imagine a square in your mind while you inhale and exhale.
Care Solace - A Great Resource!
If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health or substance use, Care Solace can help you quickly find treatment options matched to your needs regardless of the circumstance. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential service provided to students, staff, and their families by Manassas Park City Schools. Care Solace’s team is available 24/7/365 and can support you in any language.
If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
Call 888-515-0595 available 24/7/365
Visit www.caresolace.com/mpark and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
Manassas Park City Schools partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of our community. If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health or substance use, Care Solace can help you quickly find treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of the circumstance. This is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service provided by Manassas Park City Schools. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a mental health care provider:
- Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365.
- Visit www.caresolace.com/mpark and either search on your own or click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
High School Credit-Bearing Courses Taken in Middle School
At MPMS, we are fortunate to offer high school credit-bearing courses Algebra I, Geometry, and Spanish I to our Middle Schoolers. Below is important information about these credits and student transcripts. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child's school counselor.
High School Credit-Bearing Courses Taken in Middle School
For any high school credit-bearing course taken in middle school, parents may request that grades be omitted from the student's transcript and the student not earn high school credit for the course in accordance with policies adopted by the local school board. Notice of this provision must be provided to parents with a deadline and format for making such a request. VSBA Policy JO Student Records; 8 VAC 20-131-90. Please see the MPCS Regulation IKEB-R Acceleration titled: Request to Expunge High School Courses in Middle School for additional information.
Cougars Showing Their Cougar PRIDE
6th Graders Innovating! Shark Tank Invention project in the MPMS
After learning about important inventions that helped shape our history, Ms. Kessler's 6th grade students were tasked to come up with a brand new product/idea with their group. We were impressed by the originality and depth of the ideas presented. Students enjoyed solving real-world problems and showcasing their innovative solutions.
Celebrating MPCS Social Emotional Learning!
8th Grade
MPMS Arts
MPMS Library News
Manassas Park City Library’s Summer Reading Program!
Join the Manassas Park City Library’s Summer Reading Program! The Summer Reading Program encourages readers of all ages to read at least 20 minutes a day for 20 days. Participants can read physical, electronic books (including graphic novels), magazines, news articles, a cereal box, listen to audiobooks, and more. Any type of reading counts! After 20 days the reader will earn a prize bag and book of their choice. They will also receive a virtual ticket to enter for a chance to win one of our end of summer drawings. Readers can receive bonus tickets into the end of summer drawings by completing an additional 20 days and earning the Activity Challenge badge!
The URL for the digital signups is: https://manassasparkcitylibrary.beanstack.org/.
Get Connected with MPMS
MPCS: What's Canvas and How can I become a Canvas Observer?
As our students are engaged in learning we encourage our parents and guardians to become a Canvas Observer. Being a Canvas Observer provides parents the ability to connect, review, and observe student assignments, course announcements, and learning objectives.
As students showcase Cougar PRIDE and Engage in their learning, you as a Canvas Observer can Inspire your student to be successful.
Click Here to Access the Canvas Parent Account Instructions
Please reach out to the MPMS office if you need assistance with this process.
Get Connected with ClassLink!
Manassas Park City Schools is now using ClassLink to make it easier then ever for students to access digital resources at home on their Chromebooks as well as personal at-home devices. The ClassLink LaunchPad allows your child to use just one username and password to access all of our educational applications on personal devices at home as well as on their school-issued Chromebook.
Directions for quick & easy access:
- Use a Chromebook or log into the Google Chrome browser on a personal device using the student’s @mpcs4learning.com user name and password. (This is the same login information they use at school.)
- Once logged into Chrome; go to https://launchpad.classlink.com/mpark and log in with the same username (without the @mpcs4learning.com) and password. You may want to bookmark this URL for the future. Here are some quick help guidelines for even easier ways to get logged in. Parents’ Guide – Easy ClassLink Access
That’s it! Now students can click on the apps they would like to use from their ClassLink Launchpad. You can find out more about the EdTech applications that are used at MPCS by visiting https://mpark.app.learnplatform.com/new/public
Need assistance with connecting to ClassLink? Please email patty.gilham@mpark.net
MPMS STUDENT HANDBOOK
We would like you to have quick access to our MPMS Student Handbook. This is a great resource for students and parents regarding expectations and how to show Cougar PRIDE!
Thank you!
MPMS Staff
MPMS BELL SCHEDULE FOR 2023-2024
Regular Schedule - Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays
PRIDE Block Schedule - Tuesdays
Please make sure your student is in school and in class by 7:17AM so they are on time for learning. Thank you! #CougarPRIDE
Chromebook Care
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.
For your learning success, please remember to:
Charge your Chromebook each evening so it is ready for school the next day
Bring your device and charging cord with you every day
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.
MPMS Athletics
Greetings from the Athletic Department,
MPMS is proud to kick off Spring sports this week! We wish our Softball, Baseball, Girls, Soccer, and Boys Track all the best this season! See the above flyer for events scheduled April 8-19, 2024.
Season Dates for 2023-24:
Fall: August 28 – November 3
Winter 1: November 13 – January 19
Winter 2: January 22 – March 16
Spring: March 18 – May 24
Spring Sports: March 18 - May 24
- Baseball
- Girls Soccer
- Softball
- Boys Track
Tryouts for Spring sports will begin in mid March and students must have the following to participate:
- Current Physical
- Concussion form
- Both forms can be found and should be TURNED INTO Ms. Cuellar in the front office.
- You may not participate if these forms are not turned in and are fully complete.
Students will be given a student conduct form at tryouts that must be signed and returned that will have behavior, academic, and participation information to be eligible to participate in athletics.
Additional Information:
Tickets prices for MS:
- $1 for Middle School and Elementary Students
- $3 for High School Students and Adults
- Kids under 6 and Adults over 60 are free.
- Staff Members with ID Badges are free.
GAME DAY POLICY: Prince William County Schools has implemented a NO BAG policy for spectators. Please leave your bags in your vehicles when attending away events at their schools.
Ticket Prices For HS:
- MPHS game tickets are purchased online through the athletic website or the HomeTown ticket app ($6.00 plus fees).
- The HS will also accept cash at the gate, $7.00.
- Kids under 6 and adults over 60 are free.
- Staff members with ID Badges are free.
GAME DAY POLICY: Prince William County Schools has implemented a NO BAG policy for spectators. Please leave your bags in your vehicles when attending away events at their schools.
Please use our website www.mparkathletics.com to keep up to date with Cougar Athletics. This site provides information about tryouts, schedules, scores, coaches, and more for both our Middle School and High School Teams. In addition to the website, we have a new Athletic Department App which is free to download for both Apple and Android. Finally, you will want to follow us on Twitter @MPCougars. Game day updates or changes will come through Twitter. We also use Instagram (mpcougars).
MPHS/MPMS Athletics!
#WEAREMPARK
MPCS Strategic Plan
Community Resources & Events
FAMIS - Virginia's Health Insurance Program for Children
News from MPCS School Food and Nutrition Services
IMPORTANT BREAKFAST AND LUNCH INFORMATION
We are pleased to inform you that all schools in Manassas Park will continue to participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for school year 2023-2024.
What does this mean for you and your children attending our schools?
Great news for you and your child(ren)! All enrolled students of Manassas Park are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school, at no charge to your household, each day of the 2023-2024 school year. No further action is required of you. Your child(ren) will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit a meal application.
If you have questions or need information, please contact the School Nutrition Office by emailing gregory.taylor@mpark.net or calling 703-361-1510 ext. 17212.
Sincerely,
Greg Taylor, MPCS Food Services Coordinator
More Food Service News: Pin/Student Numbers and Breakfast
Breakfast - Breakfast will be available beginning at 7:00AM each morning. If a student arrives late (by 8:00AM) to school, they can still pick up breakfast!
MPCS Family Market
MPCS / MPMS Transportation Information
MPCS is fortunate to have an outstanding Transportation Department!
Here are key pieces of information regarding getting to and from school via MPCS Transportation:
- All pick-up times are estimated and subject to change.
- Students must be at their designated bus stops five minutes prior to the estimated pick-up time.
- Parents/Guardians are responsible for the safety of their children to and from the bus stops and while waiting at the designated bus stops.
- Transportation to private daycare centers or to any private business is not provided by Manassas Park City Schools.
4:30 Late Run Buses - use for MPMS After School Activities
Need more information? Head to the MPMS Transportation page
MPCS Transportation: ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A CAREER CHANGE?
Whether you are changing careers or just getting back into the job market, this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for.
Manassas Park City Schools Transportation is offering back-to-back workshops throughout the 2023-2024 School Year to help you earn your CDL INSTRUCTION PERMIT.
The classes are free!
To be accepted into our School Bus Driver Training Program, you must have your CDL Instruction Permit in four areas: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, School Buses, and Transporting Passengers. These workshops will help prepare you for the questions you will need to know to obtain your CDL Learner’s Permit.
General Requirements
· You must be at least 21 with at least 5 years driving experience
· You must have a Virginia Driver’s License and a safe driving record
· You must have a clean criminal record; no felonies
· You must be able to pass a DOT physical and drug test
· You must be able to read, write, and comprehend English
· You must be able to commit to study and attend classes
We hope you will consider joining our team. For questions, call 703-361-5044.
Principal Kip Tuttle
Email: kip.tuttle@mpark.net
Website: https://mpms.mpark.net/
Location: 8202 Euclid Avenue, Manassas Park, VA 20111
Phone: 703-361-1510