Mantua ES Newsletter


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Message from Mantua Admin

admin

Dear Mantua Families,

As we prepare to close out 2025, we want to take a moment to reflect on the spectacular dedication and hard work we’ve seen across every classroom and grade level. We could not be prouder of our students and their enthusiasm for learning! We continue to see students make great strides in meeting instructional goals, and the whole building is filled with the warmth and connection our students, families, and staff bring to Mantua. 

This festive energy reached an all-time high this week as we celebrated through class parties and our positive school culture! It was a joy to see our hallways filled with spirit—from the cozy vibes of "Mad About Plaid" to the creativity of "Dress as a Snowman." We also loved seeing teams and classes squeeze in tight for "Family Picture Day," capturing the strong bonds within our school. All of this fun culminated in our beloved annual Winter Sing-along, bringing our voices together and sending us off into the break on a high note. 

Our staff, in particular, felt the support of our PTA, which hosted an incredible staff luncheon for all on Thursday! We feel so fortunate! 

That spirit of togetherness extends beyond our walls as well. Thanks to "families partnering with families," the Mantua PTA Kids' Care Club collected over 350 pounds of dry goods, 1,300 cans of food, and many gift cards, all of which have now been distributed. We are deeply grateful for such a collaborative and generous community.

We hope that your winter break is filled with joy and laughter and that you are surrounded by those you love. We will post pictures from our recent activities on Instagram.  Be sure to check them out in the next few days.

We look forward to seeing everyone back on January 5!

Wish you and yours a wonderful break!

Ms. Shannon, Ms. Vaughan, and Ms. Maurer


wb

NYC 12.19

Save the Dates

December 20-January 4:  Schools closed, Winter Break

January 5:  School resumes

January 21: Middle School Transition Curriculum Night, Frost & LJMS 

 

Looking ahead:

February 25 to March 4:  Book Fair, more details to come!

February 26:  Math and Literacy Night, 6 to 7:30 PM


Mantua News

Woodson Pyramid Outstanding Employee Recognition

JC

We are excited to share that one of our esteemed staff members, Ms. Jackie Cordiner, has won the Outstanding Professional Employee of the Year award for our Woodson Pyramid!  She will compete with pyramid colleagues across Region 5! We hope she will move on to represent Mantua ES at the FCPS Outstanding Awards in June.

Weekly Staff Spotlight

Staff Spotlight is our way to recognize Mantua's incredible staff! Each week, we recognize a group of staff members. Check them out on Mantua ES Instagram. This coming week's featured staff are members of our 5th grade and 5th grade support team:  Ms. Peck, Ms. Sullivan, Ms. Schwenzer and Ms. Dreyfus.

Please use the Spotlight Submission Form to share a positive message with them. We will share the messages with them at the end of next week.

Thank you for helping us make Staff Spotlight a fun and engaging way to celebrate our school community. We appreciate your enthusiasm and support!

Rising 7th Grade Timeline for Frost and Luther Jackson

Frost flyer

LJMS

FCPS News and Information

Winter Break (Student Holiday)-School and Offices Closed

As a reminder, winter break will be held from Monday, December 22, to Friday, January 2. 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 ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.

Classes resume on Monday, January 5, 2026See the complete school year calendar.

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 page 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!

We encourage students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during the upcoming winter break and on snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home.

Religious Holidays & Celebrations

holidays

FCPS Updates

  • In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
  • Make Your Voice Heard! Have an Impact on the Budget
  • Go on a Literacy Adventure 
  • Enjoy Your Winter Break! 

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  


Quick Contacts & Links

Linda Shannon, Principal LCShannon@fcps.edu 

Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal CAVaughan@fcps.edu 

Michele Maurer, Assistant Principal, Mkmaurer@fcps.edu 

Susan Palomino, Administrative/Finance Assistant SLPalomino@fcps.edu    

Mergie Kakouris, Student Information Assistant, MBKakouris@fcps.edu   

Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant,  FFinaish@fcps.edu    

Judy Toy, Office Assistant, JPToy@fcps.edu 

Avril Donat, Office & Library Assistant Andonat@fcps.edu  

Kathy Van Dyke, Advanced Academics Resource Teacher kkvandyke@fcps.edu

Maria Regina Incer, Family Liaison, mrincernunez@fcps.edu