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What a treat it was to hear the musical talents of our 5th and 6th-grade band students on Thursday evening! They were fantastic! We're already looking forward to more wonderful performances from our strings and choral students in the coming weeks. A huge thank you to all the parents and families for your incredible support in helping your children shine both academically and artistically! While we were disappointed to see the Commander’s season come to an end last night, they gave us an exciting season! On a brighter note, we're so excited to finally see some warmer weather this week after a few chilly weeks! Looking ahead, some of our rising 7th graders will be visiting Frost Middle School for a sneak peek at middle school life! And don't forget, Luther Jackson will be hosting a curriculum night for rising 7th graders planning to attend LJMS on January 30th. Mark your calendars for 7th graders' transition activities.
Please be on the lookout for our survey for the next Early Release Monday, taking place on February 10. This survey communicates changes to your child’s dismissal schedule. Please fill out the survey ONLY if you have plan changes. If you have questions about Early Release Mondays or your child’s schedule, please reach out to Susan Palomino at slpalomino@fcps.edu.
This is a gentle reminder about our teacher workday and student holiday on January 29. Teacher workdays allow time for staff to post grades and receive staff development training. We will return to classes on January 30.
Take good care,
Ms. Shannon, Mrs. Vaughan, and Mr. Webster
 
Important Upcoming Dates
January 24: Turnpike Night, Woodson High School
January 28: End of the Quarter (no early release)
January 29: Lunar New Year, Student Holiday, Teacher Workday
January 30: Curriculum Night, Luther Jackson (rising 7th graders), 6-8 PM
February 4: 4th, 5th, and 6th grade Strings concerts, beginning at 5:45 PM
February 6: Family Math & Literacy Night, 6:00 PM
February 10: Early Release Monday, 1:05 PM dismissal
February 13: 6th grade chorus Cookie Concert, 7pm in the cafeteria
February 17: President’s Day, school holiday
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.
MANTUA News
Feature Friday
Feature Friday is the way we spotlight Mantua's incredible staff on a regular basis! Each week, we recognize a group of staff members. Check them out on Mantua ES Instagram. This week’s featured staff will be staff members Ms. Brant, Ms. Baugher, and Ms. Kabbani. Please take a moment to share a positive message for the teams using the Google Form, open through 2/1/25.
Thank you for helping us to make Feature Friday a fun and engaging way to celebrate our school community and for your continued enthusiasm and support of our staff!
Family Math & Literacy Night
We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Family Math and Literacy Night next week on Thursday, February 6 at 6PM. Our staff has been hard at work creating fun and meaningful activities for families to engage in together. On the night of the event, programs will be available in the lobby to find out the locations of the activities best suited for your child’s age range. Classroom doors will open at 6:00. This is an “open house” style event, so feel free to stop in anytime between 6:00 and 7:30 PM. Remember – all activities are meant for children and adults to complete together! We can't wait to see our families having fun while they learn! For easy dinner options, a food truck will be on site with food available for purchase.
The Positivity Project
This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Social Intelligence. Social intelligence means understanding other people's thoughts and feelings and why they act the way they do.
Social intelligence helps us build good relationships by being aware of others’ emotions and behaviors. It is different from "book smarts" and grows with experience. It also allows people to connect, form friendships, and protect themselves from being taken advantage of. It also helps us read facial expressions and understand what motivates others.
To practice and encourage the character strength of social intelligence at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.
Early Release Mondays
Communication for the next Early Release Monday is being sent to families for plan changes only. Please complete the survey only if you have plan changes for your child. 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:
- February 10
- March 10
- April 21
- May 12
Transition to Middle School - Notices from Frost MS & Luther Jackson MS
FCPS’ Proposed Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits
Fairfax County Public Schools updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the proposed FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.
The proposed CIP was presented to the School Board at the January 14 work session. A public hearing was also held January 14. The School Board will take action on the proposed CIP at its Thursday, February 6, meeting.
What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse
FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.
What can families do?
- Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink.
- Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success.
- Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage.
- Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors.
- Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”
Get more information on opioid awareness.
FCPS Boundary Study
The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received. If you did not attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:
- Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
- Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
- Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
Language interpretation will be available.
Virtual meetings will follow the same format as in-person meetings that were recently held and the same information will be shared. Stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.
Other FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- SOL Score Reports
- Upcoming Budget Presentation
- Science Fair Judges Needed
Quick Contacts & Links
Linda Shannon, Principal LCSshannon@fcps.edu
Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal CAVaughan@fcps.edu
Chris Webster, Interim Assistant Principal cwebster@fcps.edu
Susan Palomino, Administrative/Finance Assistant SLPalomino@fcps.edu
Mergie Kakouris, Student Information Assistant, MBKakouris@fcps.edu
Jane Dunfee, SBTS, Testing Coordinator, pjdunfee@fcps.edu
Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant, FFinaish@fcps.edu
Judy Toy, Office Assistant, JPToy@fcps.edu
Luis Uribe Gamboa, Family Liaison, lauribegambo@fcps.edu
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