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Dear Mantua families,
Our first week returning from Spring Break was a successful one, and we are looking forward to so many exciting events at Mantua! Our 4th grade classes saw aquatic life in action at the Baltimore Aquarium on Friday, and our 5th grade classes will be visiting Hemlock Overlook Park on April 15 and 17, where they will explore forests and streams and the wildlife that inhabits those biomes. We will be sure to include photos in our next message.
We are also anticipating the start of the Mantua Book Fair! The Book Fair begins April 9th, and our fabulous library staff have included additional fair hours so that everyone can take advantage of the book fair. April is National Library Month as well; thanks to our wonderful library staff, Katie Marmol and Avril Donat, for their tremendous contributions to our learning! You can review the Book Fair details and schedule below.
We want to remind families about our upcoming Family Literacy and Math Night! This event will be held at Mantua on Thursday, April 11, from 6:30-8 PM. We have a variety of fun activities planned for students and we welcome all families to attend.
Tomorrow, April 8, many parts of the United States will experience a solar eclipse. This degree of eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but it does come with some safety reminders. Our staff is prepared with additional safety precautions for the afternoon, and our very generous PTA has provided approved solar safety eyewear to help us navigate this event at Mantua. Please review the reminders we have listed below with your student. The most important message to share is not to look up unless you wear protective glasses. Younger students are being told not to look up at all.
Movement Mondays is back! Beginning Monday, April 8, all are welcome to join us on the Mantua track as we begin our week with exercise and fun with friends. Movement on Mondays will continue, weather permitting, through June 7th.
This month we celebrate National Arab Heritage Month and Muslim American Heritage Month! This is a time to recognize the history and numerous contributions that Arab Americans and Muslim Americans bring to our community. You can read more about the history and culture of Arab Americans and Muslim Americans by following the links provided below.
We honor those who celebrate Eid- al- Fitr on April 9th and 10th. In Islam, Eid-al-Fitr is a three day festival to mark the end of Ramadan. This is a celebratory time that begins at sundown on April 9 for those who have observed Ramadan, and we want to remind families that April 10th is a school holiday, and schools and offices will be closed. Classes will resume on Thursday, April 11th.
We wish you a wonderful rest of your week!
Take good care,
Linda Shannon, Principal
Rich Deixler, Assistant Principal
Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal
Important Dates
April 8: Movement Mondays begins tomorrow and will run through June 7, Mantua track.
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 13: Saturday Family Book Fair, Food Truck & Treats, Library 10 AM -1 PM
April 15: Referrals for part-time and subject-specific advanced differentiation AAP services due to Kathy Van Dyke at kkvandyke@fcps.edu
April 16: AAP Night (Families of full-time eligible students only)
April 17: Purple Up Day, wear purple in support military families
April 18: Kindergarten Orientation, 5-6 PM, Mantua cafeteria
April 22-23: Religious and Cultural Observance, First evening of Passover, Second evening of Passover
April 24: Religious and Cultural Observance, Theravada New Year
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.
Mantua News:
Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8
A solar eclipse is happening tomorrow, April 8, 2024. It's a rare and exciting astronomical phenomenon and one that requires important safety reminders.
Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can permanently damage your eyes. At Mantua, the PTA has provided approved eyewear for all students and staff to view the eclipse ONLY while wearing the eyewear. Our staff has been informed of the safety measures we have planned for Monday afternoon. If you have questions, please contact your child’s teacher or the front office. Please review our previous messaging sent through e-Notify, as well as the reminders below.
Reminders to share with your student:
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Don't look at the sun without approved eyewear. This applies to students and staff, and we encourage you to reinforce it at home. Only grades 3-6 will be permitted the opportunity of a supervised viewing with the use of the approved safety glasses.
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Regular sunglasses are not good enough. We will be providing eyewear that has been approved for viewing.
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Eclipse timing: The eclipse starts around 2:04 p.m., peaks at 3:20 p.m. (which coincides with dismissal for some students), and ends around 4:32 p.m. If you have concerns about your child walking or riding the bus home, please arrange to pick your child up before 2 PM.
For more details, visit the FCPS Solar Eclipse webpage.
Student Testing at Mantua
State assessments measure the extent to which students have learned the content and skills reflected in state standards and may also be used to measure growth in learning state standards. The format and timing of state assessments vary by grade level and content area, as noted in the table below. These include:
- Spring Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests in reading, mathematics, and science. For certain grade levels, the reading SOL tests includes an integrated reading/writing (IRW) component. More information is available on the SOL assessments webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/35021);
Please see the following table for the specific SOL assessments your child will take and the dates on which these will occur. Please do your best to avoid scheduling appointments on the days your child has an assessment.
| Grade |
SOL |
Date |
| 3 |
Reading |
Tuesday, May 7th |
| Mathematics |
Thursday, May 16th |
| 4 |
Reading |
Thursday, May 2nd |
| Mathematics |
Tuesday, May 14th |
5
|
Integrated Reading & Writing |
Friday, April 19th |
| Reading |
Tuesday, April 30th |
| Mathematics |
Tuesday, May 21st |
| Science |
Thursday, May 9th |
| 6 |
Reading |
Monday, April 29th |
| Mathematics |
Monday, May 13th |
If you have questions about state assessments, contact your student’s teacher or one of our school test coordinators, Richard Deixler (Grades 4 & 6) or Colleen Vaughan (Grades 3 & 5).
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!
AAP SPRING NEWSLETTER
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners. Students can be screened for subject-specific and part-time AAP services at any time in the school year. In the spring, schools review data on all students to determine services for the start of the next school year. Additionally, parents or guardians can initiate the screening process by submitting the AAP School-Based Services (Level II-III) Referral Form to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) or Assistant Principal by April 15, annually.
For more specific information, please visit the Advanced Academics Programs page on the Mantua Website where you will be able to read the spring newsletter from the AAP Office. If you need further information, please feel free to reach out to Mantua’s Advanced Academics Resource Teacher (AART), Kathy Van Dyke, at kkvankyde@fcps.edu.
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
Safe, Supported, and Included — the FCPS Family Summit 2024
The FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families, such as social-emotional resources, along with a specially curated online component to provide supports for students with disabilities and their families.
Some of the topics include raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. The conference is being planned by several FCPS offices in collaboration with the Fairfax Alliance of Black School Educators, Black Women’s Educational Alliance - DC Chapter, Hispanic Educators Association, and Asian Educators Association.
This year’s theme is Safe, Supported, and Included, which aligns with Goal 2 of the FCPS Strategic Plan. More details will be available after spring break.
Cultural Observances
Eid al-Fitr (Half-O Day, Holiday)In Islam, Eid-al-Fitr is a three day festival to mark the end of Ramadan. Muslims dress in new clothes, give charity, and pray in congregation. Eid is celebrated with the exchange of presents and delicious food with family and friends. Read more at Britannica.com.
Tuesday, April 9, has been designated as a half-O day. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days. Wednesday, April 10, is an FCPS holiday and all schools and offices will be closed. See the complete School Year Calendar.
National Arab American Heritage MonthFCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
Muslim American Heritage Month
Muslim American Heritage Month is a time for celebrating the history, contributions, culture, and an enhanced understanding of the diverse population of Muslim Americans. View the Fairfax County School Board resolution honoring Muslim American Heritage Month.
School Library MonthIn FCPS libraries, students develop knowledge and skills, experience a sense of belonging, find inspiration and support, and have the ability to freely pursue their personal interests and academic growth. Watch this video to learn how FCPS librarians make a difference. We want to highlight the fabulous work of our library staff, Katie Marmol and Avril Donat. Their engaging teaching makes library time a pinnacle of students’ days, thank you so much for all your hard work!
Autism Acceptance MonthApril is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.
Community Forums on Middle School Start Times
Fairfax County Public Schools is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. Prismatic Services, Inc., an educational consulting firm, will lead the forums. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Please attend the event that works best for your schedule:
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Monday, April 29, 6-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School.
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Monday, May 6, 6-8 p.m., at Whitman Middle School.
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Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School.
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Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., at Frost Middle School.
Registration is not required but does help with planning. Click one of the dates above to register. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.
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
Technology Support
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