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Principal's Message |
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Greetings Tiger Families!
I’m excited to share that Twain has been recognized as “On Track” under Virginia’s new School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF). This rating, based on data from last school year, shows that our school is meeting or exceeding expectations set by the state around student performance.
This new framework places a greater emphasis on standardized test results, alongside student growth, graduation, and readiness measures that vary by school level.
One thing has not changed: our Tigers are learning and growing, and our teachers and staff continue to do exceptional work every day. This recognition reflects the strength of our entire school community. Our strong performance stands out and is something to celebrate.
While we will continue to work diligently to foster our students mastery, growth, and readiness for the next step in their education and beyond. In addition to these metrics utilized by the Commonwealth to measure schools’ success, we remain steadfast in prioritizing the key tenets of being an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IBMYP) school within our curricula, developing FCPS Portrait of a Graduate skills amongst our students, and nurturing a holistic approach to supporting the social-emotional development of our adolescent Tigers.
We will continue building on this success. Our team is committed to keeping high expectations for learning, supporting each student’s unique strengths, and creating a school environment where every child feels welcomed, challenged, and cared for. We are also grateful for the support we receive from our families. Your involvement makes a difference, and it plays an important role in helping our students succeed.
Thank you for being such an important part of our community. Together, we will continue helping every student at Twain thrive.
Sincerely,
Matt
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, December 15: Anchor Day Schedule
Tuesday, December 16: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, December 17: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, December 18: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, December 19: Even Day Schedule
Winter Break: December 20 - January 4
After School Program
For the week of December 15 - 19
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1ST Block
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2nd Block
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Monday, December 15:
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2:30 - 3:35
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3:40 - 4:40
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Tuesday, December 16:
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2:30 - 3:35
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3:40 - 4:40
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Wednesday, December 17:
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2:30 - 3:35
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3:40 - 4:40
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Thursday, December 18:
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2:30 - 3:35
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3:40 - 4:40
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Friday, December 19:
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No After School
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Program
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Winter Break: December 20 - January 4
Calendar Reminders: Winter Break
Winter break is Monday, December 22, 2025, to Friday, January 2, 2026.
To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks before the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately after the break.
Classes resume on Monday, January 5, 2026. See the complete school year calendar.
🗓️ Plan Ahead: Future School Year Calendars Are Available
Visit the calendar webpage for printable calendars of the current school year through 2027-28, lists of key dates, or to subscribe to calendars.
🎓 Save the Date for 2026 Graduation!
The dates, times, and locations for FCPS graduation ceremonies are available.
Food Assistance and Resource Guide
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available in Fairfax County to support those who need food assistance or shelter, or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
How Electronics, Sleep, and Brain Health Are Linked
 During childhood and adolescence, the brain undergoes rapid growth and development. Learning and practicing healthy brain habits during this time provides long-term benefits. This is because children are building the cognitive and social-emotional skills that support learning, promote future mental health, and prepare them to take on adult roles in society.
Safe environments, nurturing relationships, adequate sleep, a healthy diet, and regular exercise all factor into promoting a healthy brain. Read the Healthy Minds blog for tips on helping promote healthy brain development.
Preparing for Tough Conversations With Teens
Are you planning on spending more time with your teen during winter break? Or are they planning to spend time away from you with friends? Now may be a good time to talk to them about fentanyl and overdoses.
Discussing tough topics like fentanyl and other drugs can feel challenging — no matter how close you are with your child. Explain to your teen that it’s important to learn about fentanyl so they know what to do if a friend overdoses.
Prepare in advance with the tips below:
- Set the stage. Choose a casual environment that’s free from distractions. Talk while driving the car, taking a walk, or doing chores together.
- Make it a two-way discussion. Ask open-ended questions.
- Stay patient and reserve judgment.
- Check in with your child early and often.
Learn how to start an Unskippable conversation and find resources to share with your teen on how to spot an overdose and how to respond.
Shape Your Story: Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
Beginning in January 2026, middle and high school students will meet with their school counselors to discuss course selection for the next school year. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to actively participate in this important process.
As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:
- Current academic strengths and habits.
- Graduation requirements (high school students).
- Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
- Personal well-being.
- Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.
School-life balance is an important consideration for students as they strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.
🎓 Graduation Requirements and Planning
The Graduation Requirements page provides information that students and families can preview to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond.
New this year, families can log into ParentVUE to monitor their student's progress toward graduation and help with tracking graduation requirements.
Reviewing the Program of Studies may also be helpful. Refer to your school’s website for your school-specific course catalog and course selection information. Look for the icon labeled “Choosing Courses for Next School Year 2026-27.”
Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings
Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE to make sure you receive notifications of school delays/closings. Emails and text messages are sent to parents/caregivers based on the email addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform.
If your information is correct but you are not receiving updates from FCPS, contact the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Watch a video to see how FCPS makes weather delays/closing decisions. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
⛄ Winter Resources for Families
A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue!
FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or in the event of weather-related school closures.
SCA Winter Clothing Drive
SCA is sponsoring a winter clothing drive to benefit the Koinonia Foundation now through Thursday, December 18th. You can donate gently used winter jackets, sweaters, hats, scarves, or any other item of clothing and drop them off in the boxes in the front office. The only clothing that cannot be donated used are socks and underwear, those would have to be new and in their original packaging. Thanks so much for your support!
Order Your 2025-2026 Yearbook
 Buy your Yearbook today!
Go to: yearbookordercenter.com
Use our school’s code#: 8606
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