|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
The Dunne Dispatch (Calendar Edition) - November 6, 2025
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we move into the season of Thanksgiving and the spirit of service fills our schools and communities, it's a perfect time to reflect on those who serve. We take special pride in recognizing the military and veterans whose dedication ensures the freedoms we hold dear. Many of our schools are sponsoring wonderful events to celebrate service and community, from Veterans Day assemblies to food drives and Thanksgiving events.
At the heart of many of these community celebrations is the tireless dedication of our parent and family volunteers. They are essential partners that often make these special events possible. This is why we must ensure the volunteer application process is efficient and user-friendly for prospective volunteers who want to serve with our students and in our schools.
Update on the FCPS Volunteer Screening Process
This year FCPS adopted a new screening process requiring background checks and fingerprinting for volunteers in certain roles, like chaperones on field trips. While I support the goal of making sure our volunteers are vetted, the rollout of the new process has been deeply flawed. I have heard from many parents whose applications have been in process for months, despite completing all necessary steps. In the meantime, schools are missing out on the help of parent volunteers. I spoke to the Superintendent, and I am pleased to share that the new screening process has been temporarily suspended. To volunteer at your child’s school, simply present and scan your driver’s license at the front office, sign in, and select “volunteer” as the reason for your visit.
My staff is working directly with the Superintendent's office to clear the backlog for anyone who contacts my office, so I expect rapid progress. If you have any problems, please let my office know. Thank you so much for volunteering! Parent volunteers are essential to providing all children with a world-class education.
Very Respectfully,
 Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District Representative
Inside this Issue:
Fort Belvoir Upper School Flag Ceremony, November 7
On Friday, November 7, Fort Belvoir Upper School will have a school wide Flag Ceremony after arrival (9:30-9:50). Five to six veterans and service members have been invited to walk out with our students to the flag pole. Fort Belvoir parents/families are invited join in uniform or dressed representing your service. Please contact Dolores Elliott @ DElliott@fcps.edu for more info or to sign up.
|
Mount Vernon Pyramid Choir Concert, November 12
The Mount Vernon Pyramid is coming together for its annual Pyramid Choir Concert!
-
When: Wednesday, November 12, 7 PM
-
Where: Mount Vernon HS Field House
This is your chance to hear over 300 talented singers from across the entire pyramid—our elementary schools, Whitman MS, and Mount Vernon HS—all performing on one stage. Plus, don't miss a special performance by the Mount Vernon 6th Grade Honor Choir!
It will be a wonderful evening that celebrates music, community, and the incredible talent growing right here in our schools. Come support this inspiring display of musical talent and teamwork!
|
Mount Vernon HS Theatre Presents: The Golden Loc
Mount Vernon HS Little Theater
Inspired by African Mythology, the story centers on Zia, a young girl who learns to embrace her unique locs, beauty, and magic within.
-
Thursday, November 20. Doors open 6:30 PM. Show starts 7 PM.
-
Friday, November 21. Doors open 6:30 PM. Show starts 7 PM.
-
Saturday, November 22. Doors open 1:30 PM. Show starts 2 PM
-
Saturday, November 22. Doors open 6:30 PM. Show starts 7 PM.
Tickets sales begin soon!
|
West Potomac HS Marketplace, November 8
The Wolverine Athletic Booster Club is hosting the 3rd annual West Potomac Marketplace, Saturday, November 8, 10 AM - 3 PM, at West Potomac HS Gymnasium.
The event will feature 82 talented artists and crafters selling their handmade items. There will also be a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and a raffle for gift cards to favorite local businesses. It will be a fun day for the kids too! The marketplace will also include Rita’s Ice truck outside and concessions inside. And don’t miss the signature scavenger hunt where kids can go booth to booth searching for the 12 hidden mascots of the neighborhood schools. After they find all 12 animals, they can claim their prize, and then make a fun, kinetic, paper craft.
The event organizers are looking for a few students who would like to sell their handmade items. They also need volunteers who can help in 2-hour shifts. Sign up to volunteer here.
|
Fort Hunt ES will host its annual Planting of the Flags and honoring our veterans on November 10 followed by the Thanksgiving Luncheon. Stay tuned for more details about meal ticket information and how you can volunteer to a be a speaker and/or a server at lunch.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED
This luncheon cannot happen without the support of volunteers. Lunch is served "restaurant-style" and volunteers are needed to prep trays and then serve trays to the tables. Check the times on the flyer to see when your child is eating so that you can join them. Then pick a different 30-minute slot to volunteer.
Sign up to volunteer! Use the QR code in the flier or go to this link.
|
West Potomac HS Theatre Presents: Hadestown Teen Edition, Last Call: November 7-8
This full-length Teen Edition of Anaïs Mitchell’s haunting, jazz-inflected folk opera follows Orpheus’ mythical quest to overcome Hades and regain the favor of his one true love, Eurydice. Remaining showtimes are:
-
Friday, November 7. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Show at 7 PM.
-
Saturday, November 8. Doors open at 12:30 PM. Show at 1 PM.
-
Saturday, November 8. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Show at 7 PM.
Note: When purchasing tickets, please check DATE, TIME, and PERFORMERS to assure that you are buying for intended show. We cannot honor or exchange tickets purchased for a different date and time at the door.
Purchase tickets online.
|
 |
South County HS Sponsored Veterans' Day Assembly, November 5
South County HS held its Veterans Day Assembly on November 5 to recognize all the veterans in our community. South County HS is so thankful to all our veterans and their families for their service to our great nation and for the many sacrifices they have made to keep our country free! South County HS students who have family members who have served are invited to share a picture of their veteran in uniform so they can be a part of our assembly. Submit your names and photos here.
|
Halley ES Military Slideshow and Veterans Day Breakfast, November 10
Halley ES is proud to host several events this moth to honor Veterans as well as military-connected students and families who have served.
Military Slideshow: During the entire month of November, Halley ES will display pictures of all Halley Veteran or Military-connected Parents/Caregivers. Please submit your picture to pmcrusoe@fcps.edu, include in the subject line Military Slideshow and include the following details: Student(s)name, Military members name, Branch, and Rank.
Veterans Day Breakfast: Halley ES's Annual Veterans Day breakfast will take place on Monday, November 10, 2025 at 9:30 AM. Come enjoy some delicious refreshments and mingle with other veterans and military-connected families.
Military Parade: Following the Veterans Day breakfast, Veterans/military members are invited to walk through the hallways as our school community show their appreciation for all the sacrifices you and your family have made. Please feel free to wear your uniform or military apparel!
|
Silverbrook ES Veterans Day Celebration, November 7
Silverbrook ES will also host its 4th Annual Veterans Day Program on November 7. This Seahawk tradition is the school's way of showing its appreciation to active duty and veteran soldiers. The program will be streamed via Silverbrook’s Facebook page. Students are asked to wear the following colors based on their grade level:
- Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades wear a red top and jeans.
- 3rd and 4th grades wear a white top and jeans.
- 5th and 6th grades wear a blue top and jeans.
|
South County HS Theater Department Presents: It's a Wonderful Life, December 11-13
Save the Date for South County HS Theatre’s fall production of “Its a Wonderful Life” with shows December 11-13 at 7 PM and a Saturday matinee at 2 PM.
Like the popular holiday film by Frank Capra, this stage play is adapted by James W Rogers. It follows the story of George Bailey, the Everyman from Bedford Falls, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic duty. George’s guardian angel has to descend on Christmas Eve to save him. Bring the whole family to this holiday classic.
-
Thursday, December 11, 7 PM
-
Friday, December 12, 7 PM
-
Saturday, December 13, 2 PM Matinee
-
Saturday, December 13, 7 PM
Tickets are $10. Sales begin soon. Check here for more information.
|
 |
Gunston ES Veterans Day Celebration, November 7
Gunston ES will host its Veterans Day Celebration on Friday, November 7th!
All Gunston ES military-connected families—including Active Duty, Reserves, National Guard, Retirees, and Veterans—are invited to a special reception. The celebration begins at 8:40 AM in the cafeteria, followed by an outdoor ceremony.
|
Island Creek ES Sponsors Winter Coat Drive, November 6-18
Island Creek ES is collecting Winter Coats for children from November 6-18!
Your generosity will make a huge difference in keeping students warm this winter. Island Creek ES welcomes donations of new or lovingly pre-owned winter coats in all children's sizes
Students should bring the donated coat(s) to the designated collection bins located in the front lobby.
Principal Jen Fallert will personally ensure that all donated winter coats are delivered to an FCPS Title I Elementary School, where they will be distributed directly to students who need them most.
|
Lorton Station ES Fall Showcase, November 7
🎶Mark your calendars! Lorton Station ES students, families, and staff are invited attend the school's exciting Fall Showcase musical performance on Friday, November 7 in the LSES gymnasium.
Come see our talented students perform at the following times:
-
Headstart–2nd Grade: 10:10 AM – 10:45 AM
-
3rd–4th Grade: 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
-
5th–6th Grade: 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Please allow plenty of time to park legally. Limited parking will be available in the bus loop after 9:30 AM. Lorton Station ES can't wait to see you there to celebrate our students' musical talents!
|
Hayfield Middle School Theatre Presents: The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition
Don't miss this one-hour adaptation of Baum's classic tale, specially designed for young performers.
-
Thursday, November 20. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Show starts 7 PM.
-
Friday, November 21. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Show starts 7 PM.
-
Saturday, November 22. Doors open at 1:30 PM. Show starts 2 PM.
-
Saturday, November 22. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Show starts 7 PM.
Purchase tickets online. Visit www.hayfielddrama.com for updates and more information.
|
 |
Edison HS Fall Craft Fair, November 8
The Edison HS Fall Craft Fair is held each November and is organized by the Edison Athletic Booster Club. The primary goal of this event is to raise funds to support Edison Athletics, student-athletes, and the Edison Athletic Booster Club Scholarship.
The Fall Craft Fair provides a wonderful opportunity for the Edison Boosters to collaborate with and promote local artisans and vendors. The event features handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, culinary creations, and more—all while helping us reach our fundraising goals. For more information, click here.
|
Edison HS Theatre Presents: Chicago Teen Edition, November 14-22
Get ready for some razzle dazzle! Edison HS's production of Chicago: Teen Edition is coming to the stage November 14-22.
Don't miss this classic Broadway experience. All that jazz is just around the corner.
-
Friday, November 14. Show at 7 PM.
-
Saturday, November 15. Show at 2 PM
-
Saturday, November 15. Show at 7 PM.
-
Thursday, November 20. Show at 7 PM.
-
Friday, November 21. Show at 7 PM.
-
Saturday, November 22. Show at 2 PM
Purchase tickets online.
|
Twain MS Theater Presents Everyone Gets Eaten By Sharks, November 14-15
Fact: Most people, if not everyone, will eventually be eaten by sharks. But you can postpone the inevitable (and get a great deal on a timeshare!) by joining Adventure Dan on a tour through shark-infested scenarios.
This is a delightfully madcap comedy you're sure to devour... unless it devours you first.
-
Friday, November 14. Show at 7 PM.
-
Saturday, November 15. Show at 2 PM
-
Saturday, November 15. Show at 7 PM.
Purchase tickets online.
|
 |
Saratoga ES Doughnuts with Dependents, November 7
Saratoga ES will honor its connected Veterans by hosting Doughnuts with Dependents on November 7 from 8:30 - 9:00 AM All military connected families are invited to join us for doughnuts with their Saratoga student(s). Prior to Doughnuts with Dependents, all military-connected families are encouraged to submit a family-friendly photo to be shown during Doughnuts with Dependents. Please see the flyer for additional information.
Following Doughnuts with Dependents, a parade will begin at 9:30 AM for any veteran who is interested in participating.
|
Apply Now for Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Technology
Eighth graders who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2030 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).
The application will be available Monday, October 20, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, with a submission deadline of 4 p.m. Friday, November 14.
Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information, including a schedule of upcoming information sessions at middle schools.
|
Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities Town Hall, November 12
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
|
