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Principal's Message |
Greetings Twain Tigers!
This week Fairfax County published the results of the 2022-23 Fairfax Youth Survey. This survey was taken by 27,000 8th, 10th & 12th grade students – including students at Twain. Some of the encouraging trends noted in the survey include lower rates of mental health concerns compared to last year, lower reporting of risky behaviors (such as substance abuse), and more students returning to volunteer and extra-curricular activities (although still lower than pre-pandemic levels). You can access the website connected to the Youth Survey at this link, and the more detailed full report here.
I share this information with you as part of our continued school and home partnership in serving our students holistically supporting both their social-emotional and academic growth. Although there is much to celebrate, there certainly still is room for growth in how we care for and educate our students.
Three to Succeed is the belief that if students have three or more positive, proactive factors in their life, they are more likely to make better choices, engage in healthier habits and manage stress positively. Some of these factors include:
- Having high personal integrity
- Performing community service
- Having teachers recognize their good work
- Having community adults to talk to
- Participating in extracurricular activities
- Having parents available to help
At Twain we continue to emphasize these efforts to positively contribute to our Tigers’ development through our weekly social-emotional learning lessons, the programming and support offered by our student services and clinical team, and a robust after school program and new middle school athletic program, just to name a few. Our Vision, Mission & Collective Commitments reflect these priorities.
As we partner together to help our Tigers be the best version of themselves, please never hesitate to reach out to us for support. We will do this important work together.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Matt
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, October 30: Even Day Schedule
Tuesday: October 31: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, November 1: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, November 2: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, November 3: Anchor Day, End of 1st Quarter - 2 hour Early Release (12:15 pm)
Monday, November 6: School Planning Day / Student Holiday
Tuesday, November 7: Teacher Work Day / Student Holiday
PTA Updates
PTA Staff Member of the Month
Last chance to nominate a teacher or Staff Member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award in November. Each month the PTA awards this honor to a deserving Twain Staff Member. Prior winners this school year are Ms. Linton and Mr. Marsh. Nominate your favorite teacher or staff member by filling out this form. Nominations due before October 31st.
Spirit Night at McAlister’s
Save the date for the next PTA Spirit Night at McAlister’s Deli on November 14th. McAlister’s will match 20% of total sales from the dining room, pick up, carry out or curbside all day!! No flyer or promo code needed. McAlister’s Deli is located at 7704 Richmond Hwy.
PTA Reflections Art Contest
Twain students are invited to create theme-based artwork in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography or visual arts. This year’s Reflections Theme is "I am Hopeful Because...." Please submit your completed work of art with an artist’s statement to the MTMS Front Office before November 27, 2023. The entry form has instructions and more details. Click here for the entry form. Please reach out to Michelle Schafer (schafer.michelle@gmail.com) with any questions.
Join the PTA
Haven’t gotten around to joining the PTA. It’s not too late and your support is vital. The PTA is primarily funded through our membership dues, so every person who joins provided valuable support to help the PTA help the students and staff. Join now at https://mtms.memberhub.com/store?limit=21&live=true
Conversing with Teens about Substance Use
Within this society’s culture sometimes we avoid talking about topics that make us uncomfortable but can be both lifesaving and changing, such as finances and drugs. Are there things that would have really made a difference in some of your experiences if known when younger, that can be shared with your teenager now? Read the attached for a few tips for talking about substance use and misuse with your teenager.
Substance Conversations.pdf
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