April 19, 2022 | Issue 32
Important Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, April 19 - Woodson Pyramid Art Show, 6-8pm, Aux Gym.
Wednesday, April 20 - Purple Up! Day supporting military families.
Saturday, April 23 - COVID Vaccine Clinic and Carnival, 12- 4pm @ Little Run ES. Discovery Garden Cleanup, 1-3 @ Mantua ES.
April 18-29 - Read-A-Thon.
Saturday, April 30 - Woodson 5K.
Mantua Read-a-Thon is Underway!
We are in day 2 of our FIRST-EVER Mantua Read-a-Thon sponsored by the Mantua PTA! You should have received an email with the link to your child's donation page and reading minute tracking page this past Friday. So now you can start counting minutes and getting pledges!
We encourage all students to track their minutes every day. The Read-a-Thon will continue until Friday, April 29th and there will be some great prizes at the end, so please encourage your child to read as much as they can by next Friday. Reading minutes count if you read to them, if they read in school, if they read picture books, chapter books, magazines. Anything they are reading means they're exploring and that counts!
Stay tuned for additional announcements on our Facebook page and if you have any questions regarding use of the 99pledges.com platform, please email fundraising@mantuapta.org.
And yes I mentioned prizes! Thank you to all of our generous sponsors for the prizes for both our raffle and classroom competition prizes:
- 3 Kindle Readers: sponsored by Anne and Sarah Harrington, Long and Foster Realtors
- 2 Writing Doodle Tablets: sponsored by Travis Pugh, Samson Properties
- Harry Potter Express Train LEGO Set: sponsored by Elite MA
- Friendship Tree LEGO Set: sponsored by Dr. Jones and Merrifield Orthodontics
- Mini Drone: Sponsored by Travis Pugh, Samson Properties
- 2 $150 Gift Cards: sponsored by Jennifer Mack Properties and JL Tree Service
- MA Training Vouchers: sponsored by InCourage Martial Arts
- $50 Local Business Gift Card: sponsored by Dr. Banaji Dentistry
Please let us know if you have any questions at fundraising@mantuapta.org. Thank you!
SOL Test Dates
- Friday, April 29 – 5th Grade Reading
- Wednesday, May 4 – 6th Grade Reading
- Friday, May 6 – 3rd Grade Reading
- Tuesday, May 10 – 5th Grade Science
- Wednesday, May 11 – 4th Grade Reading
- Friday, May 13 – 6th Grade Math
- Tuesday, May 17 – 3rd Grade Math
- Wednesday, May 18 – 4th Grade Math
- Friday, May 20 – 5th Grade Math
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Mark your calendars! The final two PTA meetings of the year will be in person on Friday, May 6th at 9:30 am and Thursday, June 2nd in the evening. On June 2nd, we'll start with our volunteer appreciation reception at 6:30 pm followed by the meeting at 7 pm. Please join us to hear how we plan to finish off the year strong, meet your new executive board, and see what is in the works for 2022-23! |
Advanced Academics Program (AAP) information
Please visit the AAP webpage on fcps.edu for information on timelines and Level I-IV using this link.
Interventions at Mantua
In recent PTA meetings we have shared the interventions that are taking place at Mantua this year. The Mantua’s ESSER/SIIP 2021-22 at Glance describes our work to support student academic achievement and wellness. Our ESSER leads are listed below.
Academic Leads: Jane Dunfee and Lisa Dreyfus
Wellness Leads: Lindsay Mueller and Emily Tilman
FCPS Tutoring
FCPS is excited to share a new resource that will soon be available to students to support learning. All FCPS students will have unlimited access to online tutoring support services through Tutor.com at no cost. Students can connect online any time, and in most subjects for as long as they need. Tutoring is focused instruction provided to students in a one-on-one format through voice or text chat. Tutors will focus on developing students’ strengths and capabilities in reading, mathematics, or other specified subjects. Tutoring services may be accessed before, during, or after school hours and/or on weekends through a link in Schoology. All tutors must pass a rigorous application process including an extensive background check. No personal information is shared between a student and tutor. All sessions are recorded and transcripts are available for review by teachers and parents/guardians.
Students will automatically have access to the Tutor.com tutoring service unless a parent/guardian submits an opt-out request. Watch for an email soon that will include the online tutoring services notice and opt-out information. For additional information, visit our online tutoring services website.
Discovery Garden Spring Clean-Up & Garden Updates Volunteers Needed
Saturday, April 23
We will be holding our bi-annual Discovery Garden Clean-Up on Saturday, April 23 from 1-3 pm. We’ll finish the winter clearing and weeding and add compost and mulch to the beds above the playground. As always, this is a family-friendly event so kiddos are encouraged to come and help out. In addition, we'll also begin work on clearing the area by the quad buildings for our brand new, hands on 'Learning Gardens' to be used by our teachers and students. No green thumb is necessary and we welcome everyone to join us in this effort!
The committee has limited tools, please bring along any of the following: shovels, pitchforks, hand clippers, rakes, extra wheelbarrows will also help speed up the removal of debris to the dumpsters. If anyone has a heavy duty tiller they’d be willing to let us borrow that would be greatly appreciated!
To help us with planning, please sign up using the SignUp Genius link. See you on April 23!
Questions, contact Karin Hudson gardens@mantuapta.org.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094AA4A72EA5FC1-mantua1
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Thank You to the students and families who donated to the Clothing Drive for Ukrainian Refugees. We appreciate your generosity!
The Kids Care Club (KCC), Mrs. Rene, and Ms. Sullivan would like to thank everyone who was able to donate coats, gloves, socks, and blankets. The Mantua Community rallied in a very short time to donate over 50 items. These items were collected and brought to nearby Providence Community Center, where they were consolidated with donations from across the Northern Virginia Region and then shipped to refugees in Poland and residents still in Ukraine. (For more info: https://novaregion.org/1546/Helping-Ukraine)
A sweet note on one donation:
Mrs. Bruining and Ms. Sullivan dropping off Mantua donations at the Community Center:
Woodson Pyramid Art Show
Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 6-8 pm
Woodson HS, Enter through Door #3
Come see your Mantua friends’ art work as well as schools from around the pyramid including Frost and Woodson.
Family Resource Center
Supporting Early Learners: Growing the Caregiver’s Toolbox: A Webinar Series for PreK-2 Families
- 4/22/22: Supporting Healthy Habits & Routines in Early Learners
- 5/20/22: Growing through Tough Moments in Early Learners
There are so many ways children learn and develop throughout early childhood. Relationships, habits, and even challenges can become rich opportunities to teach and foster lifelong learning and skills for our children. Learn more about how self-regulation, executive functioning, and routines can help your children learn and develop. Register for Supporting Early Learners: Growing the Caregiver’s Toolbox: A Webinar for PreK-2 Families
Frost PTA Bingo Night
SAVE THE DATE! Frost MS Bingo Night is scheduled for Thursday, April 21st. Doors open at 6:00PM, Bingo runs 7-9PM. This is a great event for the whole community with lots of prizes, raffles, and FUN! We hope that many of our 6th grade families are able to attend!
Mantua Drama Club Presents Seussical, Jr!
Mantua Drama Club presents Seussical, JR. "Oh, the thinks you can think" when Dr. Seuss' best-loved characters collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper! Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical JR., a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton will hear a Who and a cheerful chaos will ensue when Mantua Drama Club presents Seussical JR. on May 13 at 7pm and May 14 at 2pm at Mantua Elementary School, 9107 Horner Court, enter to back left, Gym Door 5.
Tickets for sale at the door for $7 for adults and children. Doors open 45 minutes before showtime, concessions available for outdoor consumption. Contact Lauren Brennan at drama@mantuapta.org with questions.
Frost Presents Shrek the Musical: Tickets on Sale !
Join Frost Drama for Shrek the Musical! Performance dates are:
- Thursday, April 28 at 7pm
- Friday, April 29 at 7pm
- Saturday April 30 at 6pm
Tickets are on sale go to http:www.etix.com/ticket/v/15646/
Come see Mantua alumni perform in the Luther Jackson Middle School production of Moana! Thurs, 4/21, 7 p.m. and Fri, 4/22 at 7 p.m. Sat, 4/23, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. $5 pre-sale tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15611/.
Woodson Drama Presents: The SpongeBob Musical
Tickets are now on sale for The SpongeBob Musical, a fun, fast paced musical. The stakes are higher than ever in this dynamic stage musical, as SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total destruction of their undersea world. Chaos erupts. Lives hang in the balance. And just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes center stage. The power of optimism really can save the world!
The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series created and features original songs by members of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, T.I., and many others! Tickets can be purchased here
The Raccoon Run
The Raccoon Run is fast approaching! Race day is May 7! This race starts and ends at the elementary school and all proceeds support Life with Cancer! Please see the website for registration.
www.raccoonrun.org
COVID Vaccine Clinic and Carnival
COVID Vaccine Clinic and Carnival – April 23 12:00-4:00pm
Thanks to a generous grant from the National PTA, the Little Run PTA will be hosting a FREE community COVID-19 vaccine clinic and carnival on Saturday, April 23 from 12:00-4:00pm at Little Run ES at 4511 Olley Lane, Fairfax, VA.
• FREE Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines available
o Appointments available, but NOT required
o No ID required o Age 5+: 1st or 2nd dose
o Age 12+ (including adults): 1st, 2nd, or booster dose
o Children under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
o Bring confirmation of any previous COVID-19 vaccine doses (picture OK)
• FREE carnival games and prizes
• FREE pizza and popcorn (while supplies last) You do NOT need to be a student/family currently attending Little Run ES to take advantage of this opportunity, so please share this information with neighbors and friends.
A second vaccine clinic will be held during the World at Little Run Festival on Saturday, May 14 from 1:00-4:00pm. First doses, second doses, and booster doses will again be available. If you receive a first dose on April 23, May 14 is the perfect time to receive a second dose. If you have any questions, please contact Jenni Russell at jlrussellzia@fcps.edu.
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"Purple Up!" For Military Kids
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is proud to recognize all military-connected children in April during the Month of the Military Child. This yearly tradition is part of a national celebration to recognize military children for their resilience, strength, and sacrifices.
April 20, 2022 is designated as Purple Up! For Military Kids Day. FCPS is proud to have over 13,500 military-connected youth as part of its student body. These children enrich the school community with their wide-ranging life experiences.
Show support for military children, Purple Up! on April 20. Wear purple as a visible way to show appreciation for military-connected youth. Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine red, along with Coast Guard, Air Force, Space Force and Navy blue.
For FCPS Resources for Military Families, click here.
Thank you for your support of our military community!
“¡Vistámonos de Purpura! para niños militares
Las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax (FCPS) se enorgullecen de reconocer a todos los niños relacionados con el ejército durante el Mes de abril del Niño Militar. Esta tradición anual es parte de una celebración nacional para reconocer a los niños militares por su resiliencia, fortaleza y sacrificios.
¡El 20 de abril del 2022 se designa como Vistámonos de Purpura! Para el día de los niños militares. FCPS se enorgullece de tener más de 13,500 jóvenes relacionados con el ejército como parte de su alumnado. Estos niños enriquecen a la comunidad escolar con todo lo que experimentan en sus vidas.
¡Muestre su apoyo a los niños militares, Vistámonos de Purpura! el 20 de abril. Use púrpura como una forma visible de mostrar aprecio por los jóvenes conectados con el ejército. ¿Por qué morado? El púrpura simboliza todas las ramas de las fuerzas armadas como una combinación de verde militar, rojo marino, junto con la Guardia Costera, la Fuerza Aérea, la Fuerza Espacial, y el azul marino.
Para recursos de FCPS para familias de militares, haga clic aquí.
¡Gracias por su apoyo a nuestra comunidad militar!
COVID Vaccination Status
You may wish to voluntarily share your child’s COVID-19 vaccination information with Mantua ES. However, we do not require your child’s vaccination information and no school employee will ask for your child’s vaccination status. If you would like to provide us with your child’s vaccination status, please bring your child’s COVID-19 vaccination card or a photocopy of the card to Ms. Kakouris in the front office. COVID-19 vaccination documentation contains Protected Health Information and should not be emailed.
Seventh Grade Immunization Requirements
Effective July 1, 2021 all students entering 7th grade will be required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older, and Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older. Seventh grade students cannot begin school in August without proper Tdap and Meningococcal documentation.
Acceptable documentation to submit to Mantua ES can be one of the following:
1. An immunization record showing the month, day, and year the immunization(s) was given.
2. A note on a healthcare provider’s letterhead stating the month, day, and year the immunization(s) was given.
3. A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption for a student who cannot receive the immunization due to medical reasons.
4. A notarized Religious Exemption Form, which is available online at: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/health_medical/certificate_religious_exemption.pdf
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Children Ages 5-11 Now Eligible to VaxUP!
Children ages 5-11 are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. FCPS is collaborating with the Fairfax County Health Department, Inova, and the Virginia Chapter of the American Association of Pediatricians to offer community-wide access to vaccines as soon as possible. Vaccines are expected to be available at mass vaccination sites really soon. Check with your local pharmacy or pediatrician for appointment availability. Up-to-date information about vaccination opportunities will be available on our website.
In the meantime, you may have questions about the vaccine. We talked with local pediatricians to answer some of the most common questions. First, we asked how the vaccine works and about its safety. Hear what they have to say in this short video.
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NEW! 2022-2023 School Year Calendar
Join the PTA!
Please visit our webpage at MantuaPTA.org and click JOIN PTA NOW! Dues are $20 per family and get you discounts on PTA sponsored clubs. Our dues fully support our free programs so that every penny of our fundraisers goes right back into the classrooms. Follow us on Facebook to get the inside scoop on all our events and programs - https://www.facebook.com/groups/MantuaPTA/ - Can't wait to get started!
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Any changes in dismissal transportation need to be requested by emailing the Mantua Attendance (Mantuaelem.attendance@fcps.edu) by 11:00am, so the office has time to relay that change to the classroom teacher. No early dismissals will be permitted after 3:30pm. |
Visitors Welcome
The most updated guidance from FCPS indicates that we can welcome visitors and volunteers. Our Visitor Management System is back up and running in the main office. Visitors who will be engaging with students will need to check-in using this system. Please know that the Visitor Management System requires that visitors have their licenses when checking in. Our teachers may begin to solicit parent volunteers through their parent communication.
How to Submit an Announcement to the PTA News
Please complete this form to have a Mantua ES- or Mantua PTA-related announcement placed in the weekly Mantua PTA News, on our Facebook page and/or on MantuaPTA.org.
The form guides you through all the pieces of information we need to put out complete announcements.
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