Announcements and Upcoming Events


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Principal's Message

Greetings Tiger Families!

This past week, February 3rd through 7th, was National School Counseling Week. The purpose of this week is to focus public attention on the unique contribution made by school counselors in schools across the country. The theme this year was “School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive.” Our talented and dedicated counselors work diligently to support our students’ academic, personal, social-emotional, and future planning needs. Counselors are often the first person students and families interact with as they enter a school and are essential to successful transitions to and from middle school and in partnership with families, support our students in navigating the myriad of challenges and the many successes that come with adolescence. In this way, they aide our students in thriving, not just surviving, in middle school.

Thank you, Ms. Balderston, Ms. Clinton, Ms. Dañosos, and Ms. Pilotti for your tireless efforts in helping our Tigers be the best they can be!

Please have a wonderful Super Bowl weekend.

Sincerely,

Matt


Twain’s Weekly Schedule

Monday, February 10: Anchor Day Schedule

Tuesday, February 11: Odd Day Schedule

Wednesday, February 12: Even Day Schedule

Thursday, February 13: Odd Day Schedule

Friday, February 14: Even Day Schedule

Monday, February 17: President’s Day – School Closed

Tuesday, February 18: Odd Day Schedule


Twain’s After School Schedule

Monday, February 10: Normal Programming

Tuesday, February 11: Normal Programming

Wednesday, February 12: Normal Programming

Thursday, February 13: Normal Programming

Friday, February 14: No After School


Ms. Gadson Honored at FCPS School Board Meeting

Last night at the FCPS school board meeting, Ms. Kim Gadson, our Technology and Engineering teacher was recognized for earning the Middle School Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Technology and Engineering Association. This recognition was part of the celebration for Career and Technology Education, Disability Employment and Adult Community Education Appreciation Month. We are proud of the amazing work Ms. Gadson does for our Tigers every day and are appreciative of this well-deserved recognition!


Ms. Pennebaker selected as the Edison Pyramid Outstanding Teacher of the Year!

On Tuesday at our faculty and staff work session we honored Ms. Kristin Pennebaker, one of our Algebra teachers, who was chosen as the Edison Pyramid Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Ms. Pennebaker now moves forward to be considered for the FCPS Region 3 Outstanding Teacher of the Year and we of course believe she should also earn this award for the talent and dedication she shares with our students here at Twain!

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Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.   

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community. 

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.


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✨ Dine for a Cause! ✨

Join Twain NJHS at Panera in Kingstowne on Saturday, February 15th, from 4–8 PM to help us raise funds for our May service project!

Here's how you can support us:

🍞 Dine in or take out? Just mention the Twain Fundraiser when you order.

💻 Ordering online? Use promo code FUND4U at checkout.

Every bite makes a difference—thank you for supporting Twain NJHS!

NJHS Fundraiser

PTA Updates

PTA General Membership Meeting

Please join us on Tuesday, February 11th at 7:30pm for our next general membership meeting. This will be a virtual meeting format. Please click this link to join us!

Attention families of rising 9th graders! Administrators from Edison High School, Principal Amanda Burke, and the Director of Student Services, Deborah Guillen, will speak at our Twain PTA meeting to provide guidance on the Edison HS course selection process. This is a great meeting to attend and a good opportunity to make a connection with this high school team and ask important questions.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WPwqllFaRBmBl_rPAgmQHw

PTA Nominating Committee

The PTA Board is looking for three PTA members to serve on the nominating committee. This committee is responsible for taking nominations from eligible persons for each vacant office on the PTA Board for the 2025-2026 school year.  Please contact Robin Christman at mtmspresident@gmail.com, if you are interested in serving on the nominating committee.

Nominate a Staff Member of the Month

Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before February 28th

Join the PTA

Did you know? PTA Membership is valid for one year. If you joined the PTA for the 2023-2024 school year, please renew your membership for the 2024-2025 school year. PTA dues provide for many of the events and programs, including teacher mini-grants, Tiger Nigh and staff appreciation events.

Visit the Mark Twain PTA site

Twain PTA on Social Media

Follow us on Facebook at Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram at twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA.


Buy your Twain MS Yearbook now!

Use our code 8606

Go to yearbookordercenter.com

Deadline to order online: April 19, 2025

Yearbook