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Dear Mantua Families,
We hope this week has been a wonderful one for you and your family.
This week, our first-grade classes showed off their amazing letter-building skills. It's incredible to see how much they've learned already! Our third-graders had a fascinating lesson about ladybugs, and they'll even get to observe some live ones in their classroom. And we were so proud to "catch" students being kind and working together on the playground. That's exactly what we mean by the Mantua Way – Be Safe, Be Kind, and Be Responsible.
Don't forget about our Back to School Night! It's a great opportunity to connect with your child's teacher and learn more about the curriculum. You can find all the details on the flyer below.
We also want to remind families about our first Early Release on Monday, September 16, at 1:05 PM. You should have received a notification by email confirming your child’s dismissal plan. No action is required if the email reflects the dismissal plan you indicated. If your dismissal plan has changed from what is in the email, please contact the front office as soon as possible at 703-645-6300. Your child’s safety and security are a top priority at Mantua, and we want to do all we can to ensure your child’s well-being this Monday and every day.
From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. We look forward to sharing some of the classroom experiences and celebrations of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
For those interested in learning more about Advanced Academic Programs (AAP), join us for our Information Night on September 18th from 6-8 PM at Mantua. Kathy Van Dyke, our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, will provide a comprehensive overview of AAP services, identification processes, referrals, and important deadlines. Spanish language interpretation will be available.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Take good care,
Ms. Shannon, Mr. Deixler, and Mrs. Vaughan
Save the Dates!
September 15-October 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 16: Movement Monday, Three-hour early release at 1:05 PM
September 18: AAP Information Night, 6-8 PM
September 19: Back to School Night, 6:00-7:30 PM
Sept 21-29: Blue Star Welcome Week
September 23: Movement Monday Special Event - Blue Star Welcome Walk
October 2: Religious and Cultural Observance, Rosh Hashanah (begins at sundown)
October 3: Rosh Hashanah, student holiday, schools and offices closed
October 4: Teacher workday, schools closed for students
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.
MANTUA News
Early Release Monday - September 16th
Mantua and the Woodson Pyramid elementary schools will have the first Early Release this coming Monday, September 16. Afterschool supervision has been made available for families who indicated childcare hardship through the Google form and parent contact. Parent responses regarding their child’s dismissal plans will directly guide student dismissal plans. We will not use PickUp Patrol (PUP) as our default plan on the limited early release days.
Student schedules that day are adjusted to create a schedule that prioritizes essential learning. Students will have the opportunity to purchase a grab-and-go lunch from the cafeteria and will eat in their classrooms at their designated lunchtime.
FCPS communications have shared with families that students who stay at school between early release and regular dismissal will not be with their regular teacher and will not receive instruction during this time.
Here is a list of all the Early Release Mondays for the 2024-25 calendar year:
- October 21
- November 18
- February 10
- March 10
- April 21
- May 12
Staff Weekly Recognition
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Want to share your appreciation for an outstanding staff member here at Mantua? Just fill out a WOW card and drop it in the glass jar at the front office. Last year, we began this weekly acknowledgement with colleague-to-colleague notes. This year, we have extended the fun to families and students. You will find the WOW card spot in the main office. We raffle a name each week and then display all notes throughout the week. Please join us in this joy-filled activity. It is such an encouragement for staff members to get this feedback from the community! |
The Positivity Project
This week, our classes focused on the character strength of Open-Mindedness. This means being willing to consider new ideas and try new things. It involves looking at situations from all sides and not jumping to conclusions.
Open-mindedness is about seeking out and fairly weighing evidence, even if it goes against our own opinions or goals. Open-minded people listen to different viewpoints, including those that are less popular. They are often good listeners and provide balanced advice, which makes them great friends and confidants. This strength helps individuals form meaningful and lasting relationships.
Next week, our school community will focus on the Other People Mindset of Being present and giving others my attention. This means when we are with other people, we are present and give them our full attention. In today's world, it's easy to get distracted by phone calls, messages, and social media. These distractions can pull us away from what's most important — our relationships with other people.
Just as plants need sunlight to grow, our relationships need attention. If we don’t give our full attention when we are with our family, friends, and even colleagues, we can't build strong relationships. It’s crucial to put down our phones and tablets and really listen when others are talking. Positive relationships are the foundation of a positive culture, and we can’t build positive relationships without attention.
To practice and encourage open-mindedness and the Other People Mindset of being present and giving others our attention, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families. There, you will watch a video clip together and discuss a quote and three questions.
AAP INFORMATION NIGHT FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS
Mantua will hold its annual Advanced Academics Program (AAP) Information Night on Wednesday, September 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the cafeteria. This is a great way for parents and caregivers to learn about the types of AAP services offered in Fairfax County Public Schools, how students are identified for AAP services, how to make a referral, and important deadlines. Spanish language interpretation will be available.
For any questions, please contact the Mantua Advanced Academics Resource Teacher (AART), Kathy Van Dyke, at kkvandyke@fcps.edu.
PARENT REQUESTS TO RETAKE ABILITIES TEST (COGAT OR NNAT)
All students in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) take the Cognitive Aptitude Test (CogAT - grade 2) and the Naglieri Nonverbal Aptitude Test (NNAT - grade 1) as part of universal screening for Advanced Academics Program (AAP) services. Families may request a one-time retake of an ability test (either the CogAt or the NNAT, but not both) during their child's time in FCPS. Families of students in grades 3 - 6 who wish their child to retake the CogAt need to notify the school in writing by September 15. Please direct CogAt retake requests to the Mantua Advanced Academics Resource Teacher (AART), Kathy Van Dyke, at kkvandyke@fcps.edu no later than September 15. :
National Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Mantua Movement Mondays
Again, we are inviting staff, students, and families to Movement Mondays from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM every Monday. This program will run from September 9th through November 25th. We will walk or jog around the track. Students can be dropped off any time after 8:30 AM to walk with their friends and will be dismissed to class at 9:05 AM. Exercise is a great way to boost your mood, improve focus, and improve your ability to do everyday activities. We are looking forward to seeing you there!
Movement Monday Special Event - Blue Star Welcome Walk
Calling all raccoons! During the week of September 23rd, schools and communities across the nation are celebrating Blue Star Military Family Week to foster school and community connections and support for military families. All are invited! Whether you are civilian, active duty, or retired from service, we would love to see you at the track on September 23rd from 8:30-9! Red, white, and blue attire is encouraged and muffins will be provided to all participants."
Mantua Preschool Welcomes New Playmates!
Calling all little friends!
Mantua Preschool is excited to announce our Community Peers Program! We're looking for a few friendly preschoolers (aged 3 ½ - 5 years) to join our learning activities alongside our current students. This opportunity coincides with our half day preschool program.
What's in it for everyone?
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Community Peers: Make new friends, share experiences, and have a blast!
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Mantua Preschool Students: Learn new skills by playing with peers and watch friendships blossom!
Why is this cool?
- Playing together helps everyone learn important social skills like sharing, taking turns, and being kind.
- It's a fun and supportive environment for all children to grow!
Interested?
Want to learn more about the program and how your child can participate? Contact Diana Grace at dlgrace@fcps.edu.
Let's play and learn together
FCPS NEWS
Immunization Requirements
Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school.
You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office.
Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to your school’s front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:
- A healthcare provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
- A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
- A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with religious tenets or practices.
Find more information on immunizations.
Fueling Student Success: New Food Options Cooked up at FCPS
Students will have more than a dozen new options for lunch and breakfast in school cafeterias starting this week. New menu items were either favorites at last year’s food show — including Korean BBQ wings, sweet Thai chili wings, chicken tikka masala, and barbacoa street tacos — or were tested with student focus groups and tastings.
View school menus to see all the new options and when they will become available.
The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, Empowered
The Office of Food and Nutrition Services' updates to lunch menus align with FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal #2 - Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. The new menu options reflect the many voices and cultures represented around every FCPS lunch table!
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
As part of the second goal, we want each and every student to feel like they belong and have the support they need to thrive. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice.
2023-30 Strategic Plan: Foundation of Four Pillars
While the five goals of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan focus on student success, the four pillars describe what FCPS must do well to reach our goals for all students:
- The first focus of the pillars is on teaching and learning. We want to make sure each and every student has access to excellent and inclusive learning environments, and that instruction meets students’ individual needs.
- The second pillar focuses on our connection with families and our communities. We cannot do this work alone. Strong partnerships are key to our students’ success.
- The third pillar is centered on our hiring and maintaining a world class, diverse workforce. We want to make sure our incredible employees have what they need to help our students thrive.
- The fourth and final pillar centers on how we bring this all together. We remain focused on creating a culture of equity, excellence, and accountability where data guides our decisions.
Update Your Contact Information
Want to easily access back-to-school forms and checklists? Log in to your SIS ParentVUE account to find forms and make updates.
Update Contact Information
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.
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.
Submit 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.
Don’t Have a SIS ParentVUE Account Yet?Contact your school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.
When a Student Should Stay Home From School
Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.
Help your child succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your child stays home if they are sick. Visit our website for information on when to keep your child at home.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school's public health staff.
Read about how families can help form good attendance habits. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)
The SR&R document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when logging in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage. This form should be signed and returned by Friday, September 30.
Safety Drills During the School Year
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.
The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.
Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.
⚠️ Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.
If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Transportation Patience and Safety
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. 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
Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns regarding Fairfax County Public Schools. Your voice matters! Community Conversations will be held this Fall 6:30-7:30 p.m. on:
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Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
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Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary
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Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary
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Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary
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Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle
Click the date above to register. Registration is not required but helps with planning. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s This Week at FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
Quick Contacts & Links
Linda Shannon, Principal LCSshannon@fcps.edu
Rich Deixler, Assistant Principal RADeixler@fcps.edu
Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal CAVaughan@fcps.edu
Mergie Kakouris, Student Information Assistant, MBKakouris@fcps.edu
Susan Palomino, Finance Office Assistant SLPalomino@fcps.edu
Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant, FFinaish@fcps.edu
Judy Toy, Office Assistant, JPToy@fcps.edu
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