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Dear Mantua Families,
The persistent rain did not stop our 5th-grade classes from enjoying the outdoors as they walked, hiked, and ziplined their way through the forest! These students visited Hemlock Overlook Regional Park on September 25th and 26th. Hemlock Overlook provides a wonderful way for students to observe plants and insects in their natural biomes. A special shout-out to our 5th-grade teachers and chaperones who braved the mud to enjoy this experience with our students!
Get those beautiful smiles ready because Fall Picture Day is fast approaching! Yearbook and individual photos will be taken for all grade levels on October 8. Please note that your student does not need to purchase photos. We have included a link below if you are interested in purchasing individual photo packages for your student. Information was also sent home in Tuesday folders.
On October 2, we recognize our custodial staff's tremendous dedication and hard work on National Custodial Appreciation Day! We are so grateful for our custodial staff: Michelle Lopez Avalos (custodial supervisor), Akua Dufie, Maria Hernandez, Maria Romero, and Ramona Vanegas De Alvarez for their tireless (and sometimes superhuman!) work to keep our building clean and safe.
Shanah tovah to our Jewish community celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year! Meaning “head of the year,” Rosh Hashanah is one of Judaism’s holiest days and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection that ends with Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school.
Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed.
Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday, and there will be no school for students.
We hope you have an enjoyable rest of your week!
Take good care,
Ms. Shannon, Mr. Deixler, and Mrs. Vaughan
Save the Dates!
September 15-October 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month
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
October 8: Fall Picture Day for students
October 11: Yom Kippur, Religious and Cultural Observance
October 14: Staff Development Day, student holiday
October 18: Woodson Homecoming Parade
October 24-31: Mantua Book Fair
October 26: Mantua Book Fair Opening Event, 10 AM -2 PM
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.
Mantua Fall Picture Day
Picture Day is Next Week! Mark your calendars for October 8.
- Pictures will be taken in the morning before the kids run for PE during Specials.
- Ordering photos is entirely optional. You have received a form in the Tuesday Folder.
- The link to order online from Strawbridge Studios is here. The code to enter for Mantua is FM443351. Click on the Order Pictures & Yearbooks button, enter the code, and hit Find.
Digital Consent Form
If you still need to, please complete your Parent Digital Consent. We need your permission to include digital resources in your child’s learning. Please take a moment to review and provide your consent through our easy-to-use 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.
Mantua Book Fair
Early Release Mondays
Many of you have already communicated the dismissal plan for your student. In the upcoming weeks, we will send communications to confirm your dismissal plans for October 21.
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. Students enrolled in PM SACC will attend SACC at 1:05 PM. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Shannon through Ms. Palomino at slpalomino@fcps.edu .
Here is a list of the remaining Early Release Mondays for the 2024-25 calendar year:
- October 21
- November 18
- February 10
- March 10
- April 21
- May 12
Fall AAP Office Newsletter
The Fall AAP Newsletter is now available on the Mantua website. In this newsletter, you can find information about the following topics -
- Advanced Academics Program (AAP) services offered in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)
- The AAP screening, referral, and identification process
- The role of ability tests such as the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAt) and the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) in screening for AAP services
- Supporting groups historically underrepresented in AAP through the Young Scholars Model
- Supporting twice exceptional (2e) students – students who have advanced learning needs and may also have a learning disability
- Advanced learning opportunities in middle and high school
The newsletter is linked here, or you can copy and paste the link below into your web browser:
For questions related to AAP services and the referral, screening, and identification process, please contact Mantua’s Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Kathy Van Dyke, at kkvandyke@fcps.edu. You may also message Ms. Van Dyke through Talking Points.
Religious and Cultural Observance, Rosh Hashanah
Shanah tovah to our Jewish community celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year! Meaning “head of the year,” Rosh Hashanah is one of Judaism’s holiest days and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection that ends with Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school.
Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed.
Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students.
See the complete school year calendar.
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 until November 25th. We will walk or jog around the track while listening to fun music. 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!
Staff Weekly Recognition
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Want to share your appreciation for an outstanding staff member here at Mantua? Just fill out an AWESOME 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 AWESOME 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 school community will focus on the character strength of Forgiveness. Forgiveness means letting go of anger toward those who have done wrong and accepting that people make mistakes.
When we forgive, we can move past being hurt and make peace with what happened. Forgiveness heals and strengthens our relationships. It doesn’t erase what happened, but it helps us let go of the hurt and move forward.
Seeking forgiveness shows that a person values relationships and understands the impact of their actions. It shows humility, accountability, and a willingness to make amends. By seeking forgiveness, a person shows they care about resolving conflicts and restoring trust. It also shows emotional maturity and a commitment to personal growth.
To practice and encourage forgiveness at home, please visit the Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families. There, you can watch a video, read a quote, and discuss three questions together.
Club Opportunities for Mantua Students
Mantua’s Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Kathy Van Dyke, will be sponsoring two extra-curricular club opportunities for students in grades 4 – 6.
The Technology Youth Empowerment After School Program
Mantua is once again fortunate to have student volunteers from Frost and Woodson running an after-school technology program for students. Student volunteers will plan lessons to demonstrate how technology is used around us in everyday activities.
The program will meet after school on Wednesdays on November 6, 13, 20, and December 4, 11, 18. The TYE Program will run from dismissal to 5:15 p.m. Parents are responsible for picking their student up promptly at 5:15 p.m.
Priority for registration will be given to students who did not participate in last year's TYE program. If there are more students requesting registration than spots available, slots will be filled by lottery.
Click on the linked form to register your child for the TYE program.
A Before School Creative Writing Club
Mantua is proud to be sponsoring a before school creative writing club. In this club, students will discuss the types of stories they enjoy reading, and will learn how to develop settings, character, and story arcs, applying these literary elements to their own original stories. At our final meeting, we will have an author’s share in which students will be able to share their stories with peers in the creative writing club.
The club will meet before school on Thursday mornings from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. in the STEAM Lab (Room 240). Meeting dates will be November 7, 14, 21, December 5, 12, 19, and January 9, 16, and 23.
Registration is available for students in grades 4 - 6. Priority for registration will be given to students in the 5th and 6th grades, and to our Mantua Young Scholars. If there are more students requesting registration than spots available, slots will be filled by lottery.
Click on the linked form to register for the Creative Writing Club.
For questions about registering for either the TYE after-school program or the before-school Creative Writing Club, please email Kathy Van Dyke at kkvandyke@fcps.edu. You may also message Ms. Van Dyke through Talking Points.
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.
Immunizations
You may have received information from FCPS regarding immunizations for your child. This is a gentle reminder to make sure your student’s immunizations are up to date. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. You can view your child’s immunization status in your ParentVue account. Please contact Mergie Kakouris at MBKakouris@fcps.edu with any questions.
FCPS has partnered with the Fairfax County Health Department to provide immunization clinics on limited early release Mondays for elementary school students, and at middle and high schools this fall.
See the Immunization toolkit for newsletter and social media messaging.
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
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.
Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events
Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.
When planning trips or family events, refer to the FCPS calendar and try to use weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.
When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence.
Watch this video with tips on understanding our school calendar and visit our Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
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, 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.
Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage
Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.
In FCPS, lessons on gun safety are built into our curriculum. It is critical that parents and guardians talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in their homes, and in any home they may visit.
The FCPS website has gun safety resources as well as detailed information about safety and security practices at schools. See Dr. Reid’s recent letter to the community for more resources.
Safely Store Firearms and Medications
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has a limited supply of free locking medication boxes and trigger locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. Visit the Lock and Talk website to learn mor
Quick Contacts & Links
Linda Shannon, Principal LCSshannon@fcps.edu
Rich Deixler, Assistant Principal RADeixler@fcps.edu
Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal CAVaughan@fcps.edu
Susan Palomino, Administrative/Finance Assistant SLPalomino@fcps.edu
Mergie Kakouris, Student Information Assistant, MBKakouris@fcps.edu
Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant, FFinaish@fcps.edu
Judy Toy, Office Assistant, JPToy@fcps.edu
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