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The Dunne Dispatch (Back to School Edition) - August 20, 2025
 Watch my 2025 Back to School Message.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you and your families had a wonderful summer! I am writing to provide a comprehensive overview of what is new and different this school year.
I want to thank our dedicated teachers, staff, and administrators for all their work getting ready for the new year. They've worked diligently to create supportive learning environments where our students can thrive.
Whether you have children in the district or not, I encourage everyone to stay engaged with our schools—attend events, celebrate the achievements of our students and staff, and volunteer whenever possible! It takes a village, and every little bit helps!
Very Respectfully,
Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District Representative
What to Expect in School Year 2025-2026
Academic Matters
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New Grading Policy for Grades 7-12: FCPS has established a new policy to promote greater clarity and consistency of grading practices across the school system. Watch my remarks at the December 19, 2025 School Board meeting.
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Pilot of Algebra 1 Honors in 6th Grade: FCPS is expanding its advanced mathematics program in elementary schools. Over 500 6th Grade students across the county will participate in Algebra 1 Honors.
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New Cell Phone Policy: In accordance with state law, FCPS has adopted a new policy to govern cell phones and personal electronic devices (including Airpods, smart watches, etc.) in elementary, middle, and high schools. This school year, students will be required to keep such devices off and away from bell to bell. High school students will be permitted to use their devices only during their designated lunch period. Read more about the Cell Phone Policy and watch my motion on May 9, 2024 to create cell phone policy alternatives.
Facility and Infrastructure Improvements
I would like to highlight tangible investments in Mount Vernon District schools resulting from my advocacy for our community. I have consistently advocated for school improvements to ensure every child can learn and thrive in modern, updated classrooms and facilities.
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Playground Upgrades and Replacements: Mount Eagle ES, Woodley Hills ES, Silverbrook ES, Lorton Station ES, Gunston ES, Fort Hunt ES, and Riverside ES
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Solar Panels: Newington Forest ES, Silverbrook ES, Waynewod ES, and Riverside ES
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LED Lighting Upgrades: Halley ES, Hayfield SS, Lewis HS, Riverside ES, and South County HS
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Stadium Restrooms: Edison HS, Hayfield SS, Lewis HS, Mount Vernon HS, and West Potomac HS
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New Stadium Turf Fields: Hayfield SS, South County HS
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Practice Turf Field Replacements: Edison HS, Mount Vernon HS, Hayfield SS, South County HS/South County MS
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Exterior Signs: Mount Vernon HS
School Safety and Transportation
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New weapons detection technology, security cameras in elementary schools, a new visitor management system, and a panic alert system: FCPS will be using weapons detection technology in all middle and high schools this fall. In addition, FCPS is installing security cameras in elementary schools, and it has established a new visitor management system for visitors and volunteers. Finally, a Raptor Emergency Response Button (ERB) program will be rolled out this year to enable ready access to first responders.
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Speed Camera Enforcement Expansion: Fairfax County has installed speed cameras in certain school zones to ensure the safety of students and staff. These cameras have been effective in reducing speeds and enhancing pedestrian and biker safety. Visit the Fairfax County Speed Camera Program website for the latest updates and to learn more about the program.
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New Technology to Enhance Bus Safety and Communication: FCPS will pilot a new tablet-based system on our school buses featuring turn-by-turn navigation, real-time route adjustments in case of detours, and accurate tracking of bus entry and exits.
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School Supplies for Students in Need
I was proud to co-sponsor with Supervisor Dan Storck the 3rd Annual Back-to-School Community Day on August 2. Families enjoyed food and games and received free health screenings. One of the highlights of the day was providing almost 1,400 backpacks full of school supplies to Mount Vernon District students. As part of this effort, we worked with Educate Fairfax to host a school supply donation drive at Walmart. Thank you very much to all the generous community members who donated money and supplies to this cause!
Click to watch a video of the backpack giveaway.
Our effort to provide schools supplies to students in need did not end on August 2. We have been working with community partners to raise money to deliver needed school supplies to students throughout the Mount Vernon District, especially those attending Title I schools. I am pleased that we have been able to help meet the needs of many students at:
- Lorton Station ES
- Washington Mill ES
- Woodlawn ES
- Woodley Hills ES
- Newington Forest ES
- Bucknell ES
- Hollin Meadows ES
- Cameron ES
- Saratoga ES
- Mount Eagle ES
- Whitman MS
- Bryant HS
- Mount Vernon HS
- West Potomac HS
I want to give a special shoutout and thank you to the South County HS PTSO and the Alfred Street Baptist Church for their generous donations to this effort. We have many families in need in the Mount Vernon District, but we are also fortunate to have generous partners and community members.
Thank you Supervisor Dan Storck and Educate Fairfax for your partnership in this effort to get school supplies to students in need!
Welcome Fort Belvoir Primary School Incoming Principal Eileen Delaney!
It is my pleasure to welcome our newest principal to the Mount Vernon District: Mrs. Eileen Delaney, Fort Belvoir Primary School.
I worked assiduously with FCPS leadership to ensure an effective and experienced administrator was selected to lead Fort Belvoir Primary School. Mrs. Delaney is an outstanding leader, having served as a principal of three schools across the country and served as Assistant Principal at Fort Belvoir Primary School since February.
With over 35 years of experience in education and school administration, Mrs. Delaney has extensive experience working with students with disabilities and military families. As a miliary spouse, Mrs. Delaney is uniquely qualified to understand the challenges miliary families face and is expertly qualified to help students adjust to a new school and routine.
Mrs. Delaney received an enthusiastic welcome from the teachers at Fort Belvoir Primary School, and I know they look forward to her leadership in this new role. Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Delaney as the new principal of Fort Belvoir Primary School!
West Potomac HS Student Selected to Attend the Sorensen Institute
Congratulations to West Potomac HS student Nora Wild on her selection to the prestigious University of Virginia Sorensen Institute's High School Leader Program! This highly competitive program recognizes outstanding young individuals with a passion for leadership and civic engagement. Nora is one of fewer than 65 students selected from across the Commonwealth.
South County HS Student to Serve as Student Representative to Fairfax County School Board
The Student Advisory Council (SAC) elected South County HS Student Faith Mekonen as the next Student Representative. She previously served as the Mount Vernon District representative to the School Board Student Leadership Development Program.
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Mount Vernon HS Student Sings National Anthem at July School Board Meeting
Mount Vernon HS student Juliett Pascoe opened the School Board Meeting on July 10 with a wonderful performance of the National Anthem. Click here to watch her performance online. Bravo, Juliett!
2025 Back to School Night Schedule
All schools will have a Back-to-School Night where you can meet your child's teacher and learn about plans for the upcoming school year. You can check the links below to see the date for your school.
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Region 3: Belle View ES, Bryant HS, Bucknell ES, Cameron ES, Edison HS, Fort Belvoir ES, Fort Hunt ES, Hollin Meadows ES, Mount Eagle ES, Mount Vernon HS, Pully Career Center, Quander Road, Riverside ES, Sandburg MS, Stratford Landing ES, Twain MS, Washington Mill ES, Waynewood ES, West Potomac HS, Whitman MS, Woodlawn ES, Woodley Hills ES
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Region 4: Halley ES, Laurel Hill ES, Newington Forest ES, Silverbrook ES, South County MS and HS
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Region 6: Gunston ES, Hayfield ES, Hayfield SS, Island Creek ES, Key Center, Key MS, Lewis HS, Lorton Station ES, Saratoga ES
No School - Tuesday, September 9 - Due to the special election in Virginia's 11th Congressional District, there will be no school on September 9. Read Superintendent Reid's message for more information.
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The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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