MPMS COUGAR PRIDE NEWS

Dear Manassas Park Middle School Cougar PRIDE Families,

Happy New Year!

We hope you all had a restful and enjoyable extended winter break. We are excited to see our students again and look forward to a productive and rewarding new year filled with learning and growth.

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.

**Stay Informed**

Stay informed with our November MPMS Cougar PRIDE NEWS newsletter. Inside, you'll find valuable information, including:

* Important dates and upcoming events.

* Pictures of our November Cougar PRIDE Students of the Month and more!!!

* Messages from our School Counselors, Health & PE Teachers, and Athletics Department

**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

Jan. 6-9 - Winter Weather Closure

Jan. 10 - 2-hour delay - 1st day back from Extended Winter Break

Jan. 10 - Black Day

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Jan. 13 - Gold Day

Jan. 13 – Tech Check Monday - Chromebook Ready

Jan. 14 – PRIDE Block Schedule & SEL Lesson

Jan. 15 –Work Order Wednesday - Submit your Chromebook Work Orders

Jan. 16 – 8th grade Science and Civics SOL testing - See below for details.

Jan. 16 – 6th and 7th graders - Virtual Learning Day - See below for details.

Jan. 16 – MPCS Family Market, 4PM - HOSTED BY MPMS - New Date

Jan. 17 – 8th grade Science and Civics SOL make up testing

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Jan. 20 – No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Jan. 21 – No School for Students, Teacher Workday - No Change

Jan. 22 – 8th grade Science and Civics SOL make up testing

Jan. 23 – 8th grade Science and Civics SOL RETAKE testing

Jan. 23 – PRIDE Block Schedule & Majority Clarity Lesson

Jan. 23 – Girls Basketball and Wrestling Tryouts Begin

Jan. 24 – 8th grade Science and Civics SOL retake make up testing

Jan. 24 – End of Quarter 2/First Semester

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Jan. 27 – Grades Due at 9AM

Jan. 27 – Semester 2 /Q3 begins

Jan. 28 – PRIDE Block Schedule & SEL Lesson

Jan. 31 – Grades Posted to Parents/Students

For Athletic Event Dates, please scroll down.

H.R. - 9:05 - 9:25 - Breakfast will be served on a 2-Hour Delay

*Tardy Bell 9:17

*Morning Announcements 9:21

BK1 - 9:25 - 10:20

BK2 - 10:24 - 11:15

BK3 - 11:19 - 1:09

BK4 - 1:13 - 2:15

Lunch 1 11:15 - 11:39

Lunch 2 11:45 - 12:09

Lunch 3 12:15 - 12:39

Lunch 4 12:45 - 1:09

January 2025

SOL Testing - Thursday, January 16th: Special Information for All Students

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. Our first opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning in the areas of science and civics is Thursday, January 16th for 8th grade students.

In order to provide an optimal testing experience for our 8th grade students, only 8th grade students who are taking the science or civics SOL and those participating in our adapted special education program will be attending school in person on Thursday, January 16th. On this day, 6th and 7th grade students will have an asynchronous virtual learning day with activities posted by their teachers on Canvas.

8th grade students: come to school on Thursday, January 16th with your fully charged Chromebook and charger so you are ready for testing!

6th and 7th grade students: Asynchronous Learning Day - Thursday, January 16th - Be sure to log in to Canvas to complete activities and assignments posted by your teachers for January 16th!

Questions about next week's 8th grade SOL testing? Please reach out to your child's Science 8 or Civics teacher.

December 14, 2024

Dear Parent or Guardian,

Our school, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Virginia Department of Education, is conducting the Virginia School Survey of Climate and Working Conditions. We will survey students in grades 6, 7, and 8, as well as classroom instructors and staff, beginning February 2024. The purpose of the student survey is to measure student support, student engagement, school discipline, and safety conditions in each school. This information will be used to guide educational practices that produce a safe and supportive school environment.

The student survey will be completed between February 3-28, 2025. The survey does not ask for your child’s name and all answers are anonymous. No one, including teachers and administrators, will know how your child answered the survey questions. You will not have access to your child’s survey answers. You may preview the questions asked in the student survey at this website: https://tinyurl.com/VaSchoolSurvey.

The survey will ask questions such as how students feel about their school, how students get along with one another and their teachers, how students feel about school rules, and their perceptions of their teachers’ willingness to help them. Please note that there are questions about topics that may be sensitive to some, including questions about bullying, mental health, and suicide. This is a great time to talk to your child about these important issues. For guidance and more resources on these topics, please see https://tinyurl.com/MentalHealthdcjs or https://tinyurl.com/VDOEstudentservices.

All students in your child’s grade level are eligible to participate in the survey. The survey is voluntary and you and/or your child can decide they prefer not to participate. No action will be taken against you, your child, or the school if your child does not participate. If you do not wish for your child to participate, please notify the school office by telephone, email or letter by January 24, 2024.

The Virginia School Survey results are provided to the school around the end of the school year. You can find survey results for your school and division here: https://tinyurl.com/VaSchoolSurvey. The results are used by the school, the division, and the state to identify strengths and to address relevant needs to improve learning environments for your child as well as students across the state.

Thank you for your cooperation in this important study of Virginia’s schools.

With Cougar PRIDE,

Kip Gansneder Tuttle, Principal

Congratulations to our four talented students, Athenae Granados, Casandra Lanier, Alyssa Phillips, and Juliana Valentin, who have been selected to participate in the district choir event on February 7th and 8th! This is a remarkable achievement, and we are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication. We know they will represent our school with enthusiasm and talent. We wish them the very best as they prepare for this exciting opportunity to showcase their vocal abilities and share their love of music with the community.

Congratulations to our students and Ms. Burcher on this impressive achievement! We couldn't be prouder!

The Manassas Park Middle School Band Program would like to congratulate the following students for auditioning and securing placement in the District IX: All-District Honors Band. Here are the results:

7th Giovanni Castro Espinoza 5th Chair Clarinet

7th Natalia Nolasco Blanco 17th Chair Clarinet

7th Rhyan Chambers 3rd Chair Trombone

7th Camila Coreas 2nd Chair Tuba

7th Johb Sigrist 4th Chair Snare and Auxiliary

7th Zayden Moore 5th Chair Snare and Auxiliary

7th Alisson Quiroz Lopez (Alternate) Trumpet

8th Adriana Ordaz Perez 1st Chair Oboe

8th Serena Miernik 1st Chair Flute

8th Sofia Gonzalez 4th Chair Flute

8th Unmol Adhikari 7th Chair Flute

8th Vivienne Perez 10th Chair Flute

8th Maleka Sabawoon 6th Chair Clarinet

8th Isabella Faith Chaves 9th Chair Clarinet

8th Vivian Aragon 10th Chair Clarinet

8th Amanda Rae Chaves 15th Chair Clarinet

8th Alessandra Saravia Zambrano 21st Chair Clarinet

8th Diego Pena Galo 2nd Chair Alto Saxophone

8th Alejandro Cornejo 3rd Chair Alto Saxophone

8th Nicole Bonilla Mijango 1st Chair Bass Clarinet

8th Danielle Borce 1st Chair Tenor Saxophone

8th Matthew Salmeron 2nd Chair Snare and Auxiliary

These students will represent Manassas Park Middle School at the All-District Honors Band Concert performance in January.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the art of music. We are so proud of you.

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

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.

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!

We value your partnership in your child’s education. To stay connected, please join us at school events, get involved in our new Parent-Teacher Organization, and follow our school district’s communication channels. For instant updates, text Y or YES to 67587 to opt in to our text alerts.

Please enjoy our updates on the great things happening at MPMS!

• MPMS Student Ambassador Program
• MPMS & GMU's Early Identification Program - EIP
• Academic and Career Planning Through Major Clarity
• MPMS Social-Emotional Learning

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!

Kelly Brickey, Lead School Counselor

• Lead School Counselor and 6th Grade School Counselor

• kelly.brickey@mpark.net

• Ext. 17130

Anna Osborne

• 7th Grade School Counselor

• anna.osborne@mpark.net

• Ext. 17131

Camille Bumbera

• 8th Grade School Counselor

• camille.bumbera@mpark.net

• Ext. 17129

Please reach out to us with questions. We look forward to partnering with you!

Manassas Park Middle School is once again partnering with George Mason University to enroll eligible 7th grade students in the Early Identification Program (EIP). EIP was established to support students who will be the first in their families to attend college. Students who are accepted into the program will work with EIP staff, counselors, and mentors in grades 7-12. Students who successfully complete EIP with a 3.2 GPA or higher are automatically admitted into Mason.

In order to participate in this program, students must receive a nomination from school staff, receive high marks in 6th and 7th grade, and be the first person to attend college in their family. Once nominations are received parents and nominees will be required to attend an informational session and an application must be submitted.

If you believe your 7th grade student could benefit from this program and would like to discuss it in more detail, please reach out to Ms. Anna Osborne, 7th Grade School Counselor, at anna.osborne@mpark.net.

This month, the middle school began diving deeper into Career Exploration through Major Clarity. Students reviewed the 17 career clusters and discussed how different careers must work together to make a business successful. On December 19th, all students will take two self-assessments during a PRIDE block that will match their interests with possible career choices.

Once students return from Winter Break, career exploration will continue. All 7th and 8th grade students will work with school counselors to complete their Academic and Career Plan. These plans will be sent to parents via email for review.

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.

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

• 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.

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.

Registration for Spring tutoring is open now. Spring tutoring runs from January 27th to May 2nd. Tutoring begins at 2:30pm and runs to 4:25pm. Transportation is provided via the activity bus. Parents will see an enrollment confirmation slip with days and times come home with their student the week before tutoring begins.

All students who scored a 440 or less on their spring SOL exam in Math or Reading are eligible for tutoring. Students will be in small groups with a tutor working on Lexia and Imagine Math and getting direct instruction as needed.

If you want to register your student, please contact Rachel Kirkland at rachel.kirkland@mpark.net.

Dear Parents/Guardians:

All sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students who have not been opted out will be taught the Family Life Education (FLE) objectives. Although the boys and girls will be separated for these lessons, the same information will be taught to both boys and girls. Your child’s lessons will take place on January 10-15 (2 block classes) and the topics will be the Male/Female Reproductive System, Changes in Puberty, and Health Reproductive Hygiene followed by Anti-Human Trafficking.

Parents were initially provided with the Family Life Education objectives and given the choice for their child to either participate in or opt out of the lessons during the Infosnap registration process in August. This letter is a follow-up to ensure that all parents are aware of the objectives and resources used during our FLE lessons.

If you choose to opt your child out of these Family Life Education objectives, please email your child’s Health and PE teacher by email no later than Thursday, December 19th by 8AM. You do not need to contact your child’s teacher if your child has permission to participate in the Family Life Education lessons. That permission is already on file with the school from your Infosnap registration.

Please email or call Health and Physical Education Teachers, Ms. Antonio jeanne.antonio@mpark.net, Mr. Beaver daniel.beaver@mpark.net, or Ms. Gilmore laura.gilmore@mpark.net with any questions.

Sincerely,

Kip Gansneder Tuttle

Principal

Note: This message was also sent to parents via email/text on December 16, 2024.

Greetings from the MPHS/MPMS Athletic Department,

MPMS Winter I and Winter II Sports News:

Boys Basketball and Cheerleading Winter I Season are well underway! For upcoming home and away games, please head to the athletic website at https://mpms.mpark.net/student_life/athletics

Winter II is right around the corner with Girls Basketball and Wrestling tryouts beginning January 23rd. Student-Athletes trying out for and participating in sports at MPMS must be in good academic and behavioral standing. Additionally, in order to tryout, student-athletes must have a current athletic physical and concussion form on file with the Athletic Department that is dated after May 1, 2024. The physical and other required forms can be found on the new athletic website. You can submit your paperwork to the MPMS Main Office or Mr. Holsclaw, Assistant Activities Director at MPMS.

Please feel free to reach out to me, Martin Astrop, Athletic Director for MPHS and MPMS via email at martin.astrop@mpark.net and Mr. Tracey T.D. Holsclaw tracey.holsclaw@mpark.net, our Assistant Activities Director for MPMS!

REMEMBER: To participate, you must have a current athletic physical on file with the Athletic Department that is dated after May 1, 2024. The physical and other required forms can be found on the new athletic website. Our new athletic website is https://mpms.mpark.net/student_life/athletics. You can submit your paperwork to the MPMS Main Office or Mr. Holsclaw, Assistant Activities Director at MPMS.

Season Dates for 2024-25:

Fall: Aug. 26, 2024 - Football, Cheer, Soccer, Girls Track, and Volleyball

Winter 1: Nov. 6, 2024 - Boys Basketball

Winter 2: January 23, 2025 - Girls Basketball and Wrestling

Spring: March 24, 2025 - Baseball, Softball, Girls Soccer, and Boys Track

Additional Information:

Ticket 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 new website (www.mpcougarsathletics.com) to keep up to date with Cougar Athletics. This site provides information about tryouts, schedules, scores, coaches, and more for our Middle School and High School teams. Finally, you will want to follow us on Twitter (X) @mpcougars.Game day updates or changes will come through Twitter (X). We also use Instagram(mpcougars).

Martin Astrop, Athletic Director for MPHS and MPMS

MPHS/MPMS Athletics!

#WEAREMPARK

Check the MPCS Cougar Athletics page for the latest information regarding Athletic Events!

Pneumonia is trending in children this year.

If your child still has respiratory symptoms (especially a lingering cough) after finishing antibiotics, they may need further testing.

Doctors are seeing an increase in an illness caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae. This organism, an atypical bacterium, does not always respond to the usual antibiotics. But the doctor can order testing to see if your child needs a different type of antibiotic to fully recover from the infection. They often test for this illness using a sample of sputum (phlegm) which can be gathered at the hospital, doctor’s office, or a laboratory. If not treated properly, m. pneumoniae can damage the lining of the respiratory tract, including the throat, windpipe, and lungs.

If you have questions, please contact your child’s school nurse.

The Nursing Team

Manassas Park City Public Schools, in accordance with the Code of Virginia (§ 22.1-273) and local policy, screens all students (through third grade) upon their initial entry in the areas of speech/voice/language skills, fine/gross motor functions, and vision and hearing. All students in grades Kindergarten, 3, 7, and 10 are also screened during the school year in vision and hearing unless:

1. any such student is admitted for the first time to a public elementary school and has been so tested as part of the comprehensive physical examination required (§ 22.1-270);

2. the parents or guardians of any such student object on religious grounds and the student shows no obvious evidence of any defect or disease of the ears; or

3. any such student has an Individualized Education Program or a Section 504 Plan that documents a defect of hearing or a disease of the ears and the principal determines that such a test would not identify any previously unknown defect of vision or hearing or a disease of the eyes or ears. If you have any helpful information regarding your student's vision or hearing, please send in a note to your school nurse.

Parental permission is not required for screening. Students who fail any of the above screenings will be rescreened. Results of the screenings will be provided to parents when completed.

If results suggest that a referral for evaluation for special education and related services is indicated, students must be referred to the special education chair within five business days after the screening. In accordance with the Code of Virginia (§ 22.1-273.1), parents of students in grades 5 through 10 will receive yearly information containing important facts about Scoliosis and Scoliosis screening.

Should students not have a private health care provider, please contact your school nurse for resources

Regular Schedule - Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays

PRIDE Block Schedule - Tuesdays

Wondering if it is a Gold Day or a Black Day? Check out our Calendar on at https://mpms.mpark.net/!

Please make sure your student is in school and in class by 7:17AM so they are on time for learning. Thank you!

#CougarPRIDE

All MPMS students are strongly encouraged to have a backpack to carry their school-issued Chromebook and Charge Cord to and from school.

While the items on our supply list are not required, our list serves as a helpful guide for parents and students preparing for the school year. We’ve outlined recommended items to help your child get fully geared up and ready to excel.

General Items

- Backpack - Strongly encouraged

- Pencils, several

- Pens (blue or black ink)

- Highlighters

- Spiral notebooks or composition books

- Loose-leaf paper

- Binder or accordion file folder

- If using a 3-ring binder, dividers for organizing subjects

- Pencil case or pouch

- Personal tissues and/or hand sanitizer (always good to have)

**Having a pair of wired headphones can be beneficial for instructional purposes. They allow you to listen to audio lessons and watch educational videos. Remember, while wired headphones are recommended for instructional purposes, it's important to follow our school's guidelines and policies regarding using personal technology devices.

By having these supplies readily available, you'll be well-prepared for your classes and able to engage in your learning effectively. Remember to check with your teachers for any specific supply requirements they may have for their individual classes.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Our organization comprises dedicated parents, teachers, students, and community members committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. Our mission is to bridge the gap between parents, teachers, and students by promoting collaboration and enhancing the educational experience for all stakeholders. The organization needs support to be successful. Click here for more information and to donate.

Website: https://www.mparkptso.org/ Email: info@mparkptso.org

Please note there will be no meeting in December. Enjoy the holiday break!

Thank you again for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

Warm regards,

Your Manassas Park PTSO

2024-2025 Officers:

Jessica Benitez-President

Nishith Andharia-Vice President

Jenny Lopez-Treasurer

Tara Cunningham-Secretary

Website: https://www.mparkptso.org/ Email: info@mparkptso.org

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 2024-2025.

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 2024-2025 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, Director of School Nutrition

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.

Check out the 2024-2025 Bus Routes

Need more information? Head to the MPMS Transportation page

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 2024-2025 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

Transportation is also seeking qualified people who love children and want to work alongside the bus drivers as an attendant. It is a rewarding career working with our students. If you are interested contact transportation at 703-361-5044.

The 2022 General Assembly passed House Bill 1299, directing the Virginia Department of Education and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to distribute to school divisions information that assists high school students in making more informed decisions about their futures and ensures that students are aware of the costs and benefits of different educational and certificate programs.

The Postsecondary Opportunities for High School Students webpage and the Level Up Virginia website contain information for students on preparing, applying, and paying for college, as well as information on degrees and labor market career projections. Please share these resources with your students in middle and high school to help them make informed decisions regarding preparing for post-high school educational and training opportunities.

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