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News You Choose
MVHS Weekly Newsletter - Week of February 16, 2025
MVHS Admin Team
Karen Boyd - Asst. Prin. (Gr.12 & A-Ciz)
John Shaffer - Asst. Prin. (Gr. 11 & Cla-Guy)
Jacqueline Blair - Asst. Prin. (Gr. 10 & Guz-Mek)
Stephanie Payne - Asst. Prin. (Mel-Rod)
LaTrease Rich - Asst. Prin. (Gr. 9 & Roe-Z)
Adrian Williams - Asst. Prin. (Specialized Programs)
Danielle Mascoll - Dir. of Student Services
Brian Murphy - Dir. of Student Activities
John Uccellini - Asst. Dir. of Student Activities
For more important school-related Information,
please see "School Resources Sites" at end of Newsletter
FCPS Resources
for Immigrant Families
Fairfax County Public Schools is providing Resources for Immigrant Families HERE.
Within this resource page, there is a vast amount of information relating to social services, legal advice, and Fairfax County assisting agencies.
NOTE: there is an important aspect of the information that helps families make an Emergency Family Preparedness Plan.
** NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS **
Mon, February 17th, 2025
Schools Closed for Students and Staff
Highlights for Next Week:
Week of February 17th to February 22nd
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday:
- Holiday - No School for Students & School Offices are Closed
Wednesday:
- "Parents Engaged" Program (6:00 pm - Media Center)
Thursday:
- Late Bus for After-School Activities
- Class of 2025 Parent Council Meeting (7:00 pm - Media Center Classroom)
Friday:
- MV Spirit Day - Wear your MVHS Swag
Extracurricular Activities This Week
Below is the schedule of MVHS Extracurricular Activities for this week.
For a more comprehensive list of activities for the entire school year, click HERE.
February is
Black History Month
"Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history [History]"
Spring Sports & Activites Calendar
Pre-Season & Try-Out Information
Girls Soccer:
- Girl’s Soccer Try-Outs are Monday 2/24 to Wednesday 2/26 – 4:15 pm to 6:00 pm
- Schedule for pre-season conditioning and weight room days next week Tuesday, Feb 18th, Wed, Feb. 19th and Fri, Feb. 21st:
- 4:15 pm to 5:00 pm - conditioning in aux field/aux gym depending on weather and
- 5:15 pm to 6:00 pm - weightroom
Baseball:
- Baseball Tryouts are Monday, 2/24 through Thursday, Feb 2/27 at the baseball field - 3:15 pm to 6:00 pm each day.
Class of 2025 Mulch Sale
Order Deadline - Mon, March 10th
Delivery - Sat, March 15th
Pet Supply Drive
Annual SEL Screener Survey
Mon; March 10, 2025
Mount Vernon High School will be administering the Social Emotional Learning Screener(SEL) this Spring on March 10, with a make-up day of March 12.
The screener is designed for students, grades 3-12, to answer questions about their own social emotional learning skills and how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
All students in grades 3-12 have the opportunity to participate in the screener twice a year, in the fall and spring. You may review the 2024-25 Annual Notice for more information.
The SEL Screener elevates the voices of our students by making sure their perspectives are considered in decision-making. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. Division and school level results, which do not include individual student information, may be used by staff to improve SEL and mental wellness practices and to inform strategic plans. Division and school level results may also be shared with the community to describe the needs of our student body and provide opportunities for partnership.
If you wish to opt your child out of any of the activities mentioned above, you must complete and return the appropriate forms to your child’s school or online through the Parent Digital Consent system. You may also complete and return this form (to the school office or your child’s teacher by February 28) only if you DO NOT want your child to participate in the SEL Screener. Please note that this opt-out relates only to participation in the SEL screener.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Moore at 703-619-3233 or email her at cemoore@fcps.edu.
2025 Bridges to Success
Career Pathway Program for Military Families
Wed, March 19th, 2025
at the US Army Museum
2025 Final Exam Schedule
for Mount Vernon HS
The FCPS Final Exam Schedule has been finalized.
Mount Vernon HS class of 2025 will graduate on Tuesday, June 3rd at 7:00 pm from our MVHS stadium.
- June 3, 2025 will be an early dismissal at 10:55 am for students in grades 9th through 11th.
Senior Final Exam Schedule
Thursday, May 22 - Exam Day #1
Friday, May 23 - Exam Day #2
Monday, May 26 - Memorial Day Holiday (schools closed)
Tuesday, May 27 - Exam Day #3
Wednesday, May 28 - Exam Day #4
Thursday, May 29 - Activity Day #1
Friday, May 30 - Activity Day #2
Monday, -June 2 - Activity Day #3
Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior Classes Final Exam Schedule:
** ALL of the days below will be on an Early Release Day Schedule **
** Students will be dismissed from school at 12:55 pm **
Thursday, June 5 - Exam Day #1
Friday, June 6 - Exam Day #2
Monday June 9 - Exam Day #3
Tuesday, June 10 - Exam Day #4
Wednesday, June 11 - Exam Day #5
HERE is the link to the FCPS Final Exam Schedule for Mount Vernon High School.
Attendance "Tips of the Week"
February 2025 Tips
- This is the time of year when winter weather and children’s illnesses can take a toll on school attendance. But it’s important to get your children to school every day possible.
- If you are unsure whether to send your children to school, consult your doctor or this website for guidance. Our school nurse is also a terrific resource for chronic health conditions.
- Do what you can to keep your children healthy. Dress them warmly for the cold weather and make sure they’ve got hats and gloves. Encourage them to wash their hands regularly and send them to school with a bottle of hand sanitizer.
- Help your child learn to persevere. Today, he learns to overcome a snowdrift. In the future, he will have the grit to triumph over even greater obstacles to his dreams.
Attendance Reminders:
Just a few missed days here and there, even if they’re excused absences, can add up to too much lost learning time and put your child behind in school. This is as true in kindergarten as it is in high school.
HOW CAN YOU HELP YOUR CHILD OR TEEN HAVE GOOD ATTENDANCE?
• Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day, make that the expectation.
• Help your child maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.
• Try not to schedule dental and medical appointments during the school day.
• Don’t let your child stay home unless truly sick. Complaints of headaches or stomach aches may be signs of anxiety.
Did you also know...
• Ask for help from school officials, afterschool programs, other parents or community agencies if you’re having trouble getting your child to school
• Looking ahead to the holiday season, if missing school is unavoidable, talk to your children’s teachers in advance to create a plan for making up missed work. But remember, a homework packet cannot make up for the interaction and learning that goes on in the classroom.
And as a reminder...
If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or appointment, you must report the absence to the school.
You may submit information via MountVernonHigh.Attendance@fcps.edu or call us at 703-619-3131. Parents/Caregivers can also submit excused absences in ParentVue.
We appreciate your collaboration in scheduling appointments outside of school hours, when possible.
** College & Career Center News **
Colleges Visiting MHVS
Mount Vernon High School will be having the following college & university reps visiting next week. Students, please sign up for any college visits that you are interested in attending.
Please see Mrs. Juba in the College in Career Center or email her at cmjuba@fcps.edu if you have any questions or need any assistance and she will be happy to help you.
Colleges Visiting MVHS
Please see the schedule for college and university visits below.
Students, please see Ms. Juba in the College and Career Center (or email her at cmjuba@fcps.edu) to schedule a visit with these colleges & universities. Also, please email Ms. Juba at cmjuba@fcps.edu with any questions.
Military Recruiters during student lunch period:
Students will be able to talk with military recruiters during their lunch periods on the following days and times:
Marines:
- SGT Pennington every 2nd Wednesday from September 11, 2024 to May 14, 2025
Navy:
- Petty Officer Wallace every 2nd Thursday from September 12, 2024 to May 15, 2025
ASVAB dates
The ASVAB is used to help identify a person's strengths and find a career that matches them. It's also used to predict a person's future academic and occupational success in the military. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Juba cmjuba@fcps.edu and she will be happy to help you.
- February 19, 2025
- March 25, 2025
Scholarships
This is a link about how to search for scholarships in Naviance. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Juba cmjuba@fcps.edu and she will be happy to help you.
Naviance Student – Scholarships and Enrichment Programs | Fairfax County Public Schools (fcps.edu)
WIOA Youth Program- Federal Grant Program
The WIOA Youth Program- Federal Grant Program helps youth that are between the ages of 17-24 https://vcwnorthern.com/wioayouth/ and have employment barriers.
Students that meet with qualifications for the WIOA Youth program and are out of school can be eligible for $5,000 towards employment trainings and credentials.
Please see our College and Career Counselor Ms. Juba in the College and Career Center for more information.
Career Development Opportunities with the WIOA Youth Program are:
- Job Preparation Skills
- Apprenticeship Opportunities
- Interview Coaching
- Training Opportunities
- Resume Building
Educational Support with the WIOA Youth Program include:
- College or Vocational School Exploration
- Tutorial Assistance
- GED & High School Completion Options
- Short-Term Training Opportunities
IMPORTANT Upcoming Dates
- April 23, 2025 - from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm - ECMC Night College and Career Night (9th to 11th grade students and families)
- May 2, 2025 - (Time TBD) - College Decision Day
College & University Visits
Scholarship Website
A new website to assist with the marketing and communication about scholarships has been developed.
In addition to Naviance being the database for scholarships, there is now an FCPS public webpage that includes scholarships available to all FCPS students: https://www.fcps.edu/scholarships-fcps-students.
** IMPORTANT For Parents & Care-Givers **
School Resources Sites
Report Sexual Harassment or Dscrimination
Report Discrimination, Harassment or Concerning Behaviors
Sign Up for SIS ParentVue
SIS ParentVUE: Everything You Can Do Through SIS ParentVUE
Parents and care-givers -
SIS ParentVUE is the info-central for all the MVHS and FCPS information you will need.
Track your student's attendance, view grades, get information from the school, and much more!
Log in to your SIS ParentVUE account to find forms and make updates.
Please call the school at 703-619-3100 if you need your Activation Code for SIS ParentVUE.
Update Contact Information in SIS ParentVUE
Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE.
To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon.
Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form (PDF) and submit it to their child’s school.
Reporting Student Absences
Parents can submit daylong absences through SIS ParentVUE.
Log in and click “Report Absence.”
Note: Partial day absences and changes of transportation should still be reported directly to the school front office.
Parents/caregivers can also call the school at 703-619-3100 to report absences.
Complete Permission Forms
Families can now easily give permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system.
This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account.
Parents can easily opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.
Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.
** On-Going Reminders **
FCPS Cellphone Policy
NO Cell Phone Use During Class
As you may have seen, FCPS rolled out a new Cellphone Policy, with specific expectations for all students. To summarize the high school (grades 9-12) expectations:
- Phones must be silenced and put away during all instructional periods.
- Cell phones may be used on campus before the first bell, after the last bell, during passing periods, and lunches.
- Phone accessories are also to be silenced and away when phone use is prohibited. Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
- Phones can be stored in a locker or backpack during the day. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency.
- With the approval of the principal or their designee, teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool; however, one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs.
- If your student needs access to their phone for medical accommodations, it is important to note that the current cell phone policy and guidelines have not changed. Therefore, students who currently require access to a cell phone or another personally owned device for medical reasons, or an accommodation to access the curriculum and make progress to their individualized goals, will continue to have such access.
- 1st Violation: Student receives verbal warning (documented infraction)
- 2nd Violation: Parent Notification of 2nd violation (documented 2nd infraction)
- 3rd Violation: Student is referred to administrator (documented 3rd infraction).
- 4th Violation: Student will receive disciplinary action - which will be confiscation of the device by the administrator. Student will receive the phone back at the end of the school day.
- 5th Violation: Parent/Caregiver and student will meet with the administrator for intervention plan.
Please see the FCPS Cellphone Expectations by Grade HERE.
MVHS has a CLOSED Lunch
Student are NOT Permitted to Leave Campus
MVHS Families -
Just a reminder that Mount Vernon High School has a CLOSED lunch. This means that students are NOT permitted to leave campus to get food at any of the surrounding restaurants or convenience stores.
Unfortunately, we are seeing a number of students who have left campus and have attempted to return to the school building with externally bought food.
Regrettably, due to several instances of where food and beverages were found to have illicit substances in them, we WILL NOT permit externally bought food to be brought into the school from students who have left campus without permission.
In addition, food will also not be permitted to be delivered to students from delivery services, including Uber Eats, Grub Hub, or by individual restaurant delivery services.
ALL external food found on students who have left campus, and is attempting to return to school, will be confiscated. Note, MVHS will not be responsible for food that are confiscated.
Thanks for your understanding in helping us keep all our students safe every day.
Daily Info on Bus Routes
Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses.
If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report.
Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays.
Contact the Transportation Office at 703-446-2150 with any additional questions. For any concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000.
To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.
Students - No Parking Without a MV Permit
Regrettably, we are seeing a rapidly growing increase in students illegally parking on campus during the school day. These student vehicles are being parking in reserved staff spaces & visitor parking.
This is a safety issue and needs to stop immediately.
Students - Please see the main office if you would like to purchase a parking pass.
REMINDER: All parking passes are for a semester only. Anyone wishing to have a semester 2 parking pass will need to purchase one at the end of January 2025.
Optional FREE Parking: Students may also park along (a) Old Mount Vernon Road, (b) Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, and (c) Maryland Street.
Students MAY NOT park at the Rec Center or in community areas that block private driveways.
Breakfast and Lunch
The MVHS cafeteria will offer breakfast and lunch daily. If your student plans on purchasing food through the cafeteria, please be sure to load money on their meal account or bring cash.
Breakfast:
- Students, grades K-12—$1.75
- Reduced-price breakfast for qualifying students – no charge
- Adults or 2nd student meal—$2.75
Lunch:
- Secondary and high school —$3.50
- Reduced-price lunch for qualifying students – no charge
- Adults or 2nd student meal —$4.75
More information on FCPS Food Services (including payment options for meal accounts, daily menus, free and reduced meal programs, etc.) can be reviewed on the FCPS website.
Free and Reduced Meals Information
Applications for Free and Reduced Meal Service (FRM) have been updated for the new school year. Click the following to access the updated online application. (Free and Reduced Meal Service Online Application)
- FRM eligibility carryover from the SY 23-24 is valid for the first thirty (30) school days.
- Households will be required to submit a new application by October 1, 2024.
- Apply on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage.
Early Release Days
In the event of a 3-hour early release, lunch service will still be available between 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. FNS proposes to offer grab-and-go meals for students, allowing them to go through the serving lines, choose items, and put them in provided meal bags. Both cold and hot meal options will be available. Students are still required to pick up complete reimbursable meals; otherwise, à la carte charges will be applied. All meals provided by FNS must be consumed on-site.
School Nutrition Accounts, PINs, Prepayments, & MySchoolBucks
FNS will be emailing student PINs via e-Notify and in advance of the first day of school. MySchoolBucks should be promoted and is now available for account prepayments. State legislation and the FCPS Meal Charge Policy direct all school nutrition account negative balance communication to parents/caregivers. Additionally, students may not be denied a breakfast or lunch meal for any reason. FNS will work with school administrators to communicate low/negative account balances.
Menus
School menus offer a variety of entrees, fruits, and vegetables that meet or exceed USDA guidelines, including nutrient standards. Menus, allergens, and nutrition information are all available online at LINQ Connect. School menus will be published monthly, starting one week before the first day of school. FNS makes every effort to offer items as listed on the planned menu. Unanticipated substitutions are published on LINQ Connect whenever possible.
No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy
for All High School Students
Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships?
If so, parents/caregivers can refer their children for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health.
Visit the Teletherapy webpage for more information on how to access this service.
Fentanyl Awareness Info
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.
FCPS & MVHS INFORMATION
Mount Vernon HS School Profile
Mount Vernon High School is a vibrant educational environment characterized by commitment to excellence. Located less than a mile from George Washington's home, Mount Vernon High School is steeped in tradition. Founded in 1939, its long history of excellence is evident in its current students, faculty, and staff. Mount Vernon High School has a world-class curriculum. Students choose from a wide range of course offerings, including International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. The International Baccalaureate Program is a rigorous advanced-level program that is an option for students in their final two years of high school. Individual needs are accommodated through three special education programs, an English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) program, and advanced or accelerated courses in all disciplines. At Mount Vernon High School, technology enhances and adds dimension to instruction in all curricular areas.
In addition to outstanding academic programs, Mount Vernon High School offers students a broad range of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities designed to meet and extend the broad range of student interests. Fine and performing arts students and athletic teams have received numerous awards and recognition. Contributing to Mount Vernon High School's unique character and strength is its diversity. More than 50 countries and 30 languages are represented in its student population. This diversity is enjoyed and celebrated daily, as well as through a series of cultural events that bring students, parents, and faculty together and demonstrate cooperative living in a multicultural world. Mount Vernon High School is further enriched by the support of an active community.
At Mount Vernon High School, we value and believe members within our community should be:
- Supportive,
- Passionate,
- Responsible,
- Looking for Continuous Growth, &
- Culturally Responsive
We know that our Majors achieve and thrive together with purpose and pride.
Please click HERE for more School Profile Information
FCPS Strategic Plan
Our Commitment to Excellence, Equity, & Opportunity for Each & Every Student
As we begin a new school year, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid reminds us of the goals of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, , which guides us in delivering excellence, equity, and opportunity for each and every one of our students.
Please visit the FCPS Webpage for all FCPS-related Information
Special Thanks to Our MVHS Photographer
Howard "Chip" Hall - MVHS Volunteer Photographer
Please visit Chip's website HERE for more amazing pics!
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