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Dear Mantua families,
Many of our classes have been enjoying outings to extend their learning. Last week, our 2nd grade classes visited Frying Pan Farm Park. Students viewed a working farm as it functioned in the early 1900’s, with tractors, farm animals, corn cribs, and even a blacksmith shop! Our 6th graders visited the Fairfax Water Treatment Plant, where students learned about the water treatment process used to ensure safe, drinkable water here in Fairfax County. They toured the water pools being treated and learned the science of the process with an expert. We also continue to celebrate music and art in the month of March. We’ve included some photos below.
One thing that makes Mantua special is how we embrace our work as life-long learners. We ensure opportunities to develop our craft and expand our professional knowledge. One exciting way to do this is through colleague visits. This week and last were our “Welcome Weeks,” where staff visited the classrooms of colleagues. Through these observations, they have been able to see the great learning happening in different age groups, contents, and specials. Our fantastic PTA has made this activity even more exciting by hosting a coffee and a generous raffle giveaway! When we create a staff culture of collaboration, we create a community of excellence. Thank you to all who made this event possible!
Mantua has designated this week as Spirit Week, celebrating the approach of Spring Break week! We have included a schedule below. We know that many families plan vacations and other activities during Spring Break week. We want to gently remind you of the importance of regular school attendance. Effective learning builds on itself, and continuity is critical to this effort. We understand that absences do happen. Please remember to alert the front office staff through Pick Up Patrol if your student will be absent or tardy.
We hope you have a wonderful rest of your week!
Take good care,
Linda Shannon, Principal
Rich Deixler, Assistant Principal
Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal
Important Dates
March 22: End of the quarter
March 25-29: Spring Break, schools and offices closed
March 31: Easter (falls over spring break)
April 1: Teacher Workday, schools closed
April 2: Staff Development Day, schools closed
April 9-17: Mantua “Donut” Book Fair
April 9: Religious Cultural Observance Eid al Fitr - sundown 4/9 through sundown 4/10.
April 10: Holiday, schools closed, Eid al Fitr - 4/10
April 11: Family Literacy and Math Night, 6:30-8 PM
April 18: Purple Up Day (support military families)
April 18: Kindergarten Orientation, 5-6 PM, Mantua cafeteria
June 11: 6th grade Promotion Ceremony, Woodson High School, tentative start 10:30 AM
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS Academic Year Calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.
This week is Spirit Week
Mantua Monday - We loved seeing the many students and staff in Mantua Spirit Wear!
Luau Tuesday - Dress Tropical
Wacky Wednesday - Wear Your Wackiest Attire
Shine Bright Thursday - Wear Neon
PJ Friday: Wear your Coziest PJs
Mantua Donut Book Fair
Ready for some fantastic reading fun? Join us for Mantua’s Donut Book Fair–we’ll have a “hole” buncha books! The book fair runs from April 9-17. The library will have special hours for this event, and we have some exciting activities, including treats available for purchase by Captain Cookie Food Truck. We look forward to seeing everyone at the book fair!
It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
Here’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment. Please contact Mergie Kakouris, our Student Information Assistant, by email at mbkakouris@fcps.edu or by phone at 703-645-6300 to set up an appointment
Prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms. We are happy to support families with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For more information in other languages, visit FCPS’ Kindergarten Registration webpage.
Registering your child early helps us plan to have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation, Bridge to Kindergarten, or any other introductory events each school may host. Mantua will host the 2024 Kindergarten Orientation Night on April 18th, from 5-6 PM (More details to come).
6th Grade Families - Mark Your Calendars!
The Mantua 6th Grade Promotion has a finalized date—it's June 11th! This year, Mantua will once again use the Woodson Auditorium as our Promotion venue. Many details remain to be worked out, but please confidently mark your calendars for June 11th, likely with a starting time of 10:30 AM.
Are you a rising 7th grader who will attend Luther Jackson in the fall?
How to Survive Middle School 2024
This is your chance to get this middle school thing figured out early! Come and meet students from other elementary schools who will come together here at Jackson as 7th graders, learn your way around the building, get to know some fantastic Jackson teachers, and have a great time! Registered students will be given access to a wealth of information about LJMS as well as get a chance to explore the building when they come for this 2-day session. Transportation, lunch, and a new Luther Jackson t-shirt are included!
Dates: July 31-Aug 1
Times: 9:00 a.m.— 1:00 p.m.
Location: LJMS
Eligibility: rising 7th graders
Cost: $40
REGISTRATION LINK
Seeking Student Monitors for Mantua
Hourly 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday, $16.36 per Hour
Description
Provides supervision of students throughout the school day, including but not limited to the classroom, hallways, lunch, recess, specials, and at arrival/dismissal; helps maintain order and discipline and assists in managing the behavior of students; operates technology; performs administrative and non-instructional duties; ensures all layered prevention/safety protocols and procedures are implemented and followed; works with individual and small groups of students.
Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience is equivalent to graduation from high school. Must be comfortable managing student behaviors in large and small groups, ensuring all layered prevention/safety protocols and procedures are implemented and followed, and have general familiarity/skills with basic office technology in support of teachers, students, and the classroom.
Please pass this information along to anyone you may know. Interested applicants should contact Mr. Rich Deixler at radeixler@fcps.edu.
Religious and Cultural Celebrations and Observances
Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact Principal Shannon, lcshannon@fcps.edu, or the front office staff regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation, silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction. We strive to make sure that every student feels valued and respected, and we will make every effort to assist your students with their specific needs.
New Regulation on Meditation and Reflection Spaces
FCPS has developed Regulation 1502 to ensure all students and staff have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school division. The regulation provides guidance for schools on managing requests for silent reflection during instructional and non-instructional time and for students to leave school for religious activities.
These spaces are designated for individuals to engage in prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, inclusive of their religious or non-religious beliefs. Parents/caregivers must provide written permission for students requesting to miss instructional time on a regular basis. Families are encouraged to contact Principal Shannon or Luis Uribe-Gamboa, our Family Liaison, regarding accommodations. View Regulation 1502. Visit FCPS' Guidelines for Religious Activities webpage for more information.
Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8
A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m. Because the timing overlaps with dismissal, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We encourage families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.
Take the Family Engagement Survey Today!
If you haven’t already, please take FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey today! Survey results will help us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our school community. Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment
- Communication
- Student success
- Advocacy
- Family and school partnerships
- Community partnerships
The survey is available in 10 languages. Please check your email for a message from FCPS partner, K12 Insight, with a link to the survey or access the survey now. Your voice matters!
Share Your Thoughts on Schoology
FCPS will be conducting voluntary, anonymous surveys on the use of Schoology from Monday, March 11, to Friday, March 22. Surveys will be delivered to:
- Elementary students (grades 3-6) through the Schoology App Center.
- Secondary students via email from Naviance.
Student feedback will inform the school division’s use of Schoology and help improve its processes, communication, and professional learning for staff. FCPS’ Instructional Services Department will also be reaching out to families through focus groups.
Please contact Schoology@fcps.edu if you have questions.
National Women’s History Month
Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.
Equity in Education Month
FCPS — in conjunction with the Virginia School Boards Association — observes March as Equity in Education Month, a division-wide opportunity to deepen our commitment to creating a climate and curriculum where all students receive the resources they need to reach their fullest potential.
Purple Up! on April 17 to Support Military Families
Join our community and turn FCPS purple on Purple Up! Day, Wednesday, April 17. Wear purple in recognition of FCPS’ 14,000 enrolled military-connected students.
Preventing Measles
Measles is making headlines as the number of cases nationwide has topped 40, with three confirmed cases in people living in or traveling through the National Capital Region.
The good news is that measles is preventable through vaccination! Vaccines help teach the immune system how to defend against germs, helping to build up natural defenses. Give your child the best protection against measles with two doses of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website to find out more about measles.
Extended Hours at Immunization Clinics
To help parents/caregivers obtain vaccinations for their children, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) will offer immunization clinics with extended hours:
Parents/caregivers should make an appointment but a limited number of walk-ins will be accepted. Please call 703-246-7100 to schedule an appointment.
Learn more about vaccinating your child and find community resources to support their health and well-being.
Note: All students enrolling in public and private schools in Virginia are required to be adequately immunized per the Code of Virginia.
Fairfax County’s Funding of the FCPS Budget
The average amount of funds transferred from Fairfax County to FCPS was 52.6% of county disbursements from fiscal years (FY) 2019-2023. It dipped to 51.6% in FY 2024. The County’s budget proposal for next year would transfer 51.4% of total disbursements.
If the county were to return to transferring 52.6% to FCPS for the upcoming year, that would equate to $63 million more to invest in excellence.
Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget. Give your feedback on the County budget
Nominations Open for First Class Award for Inclusion
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the First Class Awards. The awards are presented annually to educators, administrators, and students who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The ACSD will recognize award winners at the Family Summit on Saturday, April 20.
Nominate an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools by Friday, March 22. Email SpecialEdConf@fcps.edu with questions.
Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation. Your voice matters! Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to a conversation on:
- Tuesday, April 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Graham Road Elementary School.
- Tuesday, April 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at South County Middle School.
- Thursday, May 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Terraset Elementary School.
- Wednesday, May 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Hybla Valley Elementary School.
- Thursday, May 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Poe Middle School.
- Tuesday, May 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Katherine Johnson Middle School.
Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help FCPS plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. Events are open to all. Learn about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
Quick Contacts & Links
Linda Shannon, Principal lcshannon@fcps.edu
Rich Deixler, Assistant Principal radeixler@fcps.edu
Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal CAVaughan@fcps.edu
Ann Marie Del Valle, Administrative Assistant, adelvalle@fcps.edu
Mergie Kakouris, Student Information Assistant, mbkakouris@fcps.edu
Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant, ffinaish@fcps.edu
Susan Palomino, Finance Office Assistant slpalomino@fcps.edu
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