March 4, 2026 | Issue 25
Mantua Read-a-Thon
The fifth annual Read-a-Thon runs from Monday, February 23rd through Friday, March 6th.
Our theme this year is "Be a Gold Medal Reader." All Mantua students are eligible to participate, and we have exciting prizes planned for this year.
Please pay attention to emails and Tuesday folder announcements for important Read-a-Thon information.
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Important Upcoming Dates
February 23 to March 6: Mantua Read-a-Thon
March 8: Daylight Savings Time Begins
March 18: Limited Early Release Wednesday, Dismissal 1:05 PM
March 20: Student Holiday, Nowruz and Eid al-Fitr
March 27: End of the Quarter, 2 hour early release
March 30-April 3: Student Holiday, Spring Break
April 6: Teacher Workday, Student Holiday
April 10: School Planning Day, Student Holiday
April 14: NEW DATE - Classroom and Group Photo Day
April 22: Limited Early Release Wednesday, Dismissal 1:05 PM
April 22: Kindergarten Orientation, 2 to 3 PM
🔬 Science Fair Judges Needed 🧪
With over 40 amazing projects, the Science Fair is in need of lots of judges! The event takes place on Friday, March 13. No experience or scientific background is necessary. Please give an hour of your time to these brave and hardworking scientists and engineers.
Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLWHA54wD1lvRNNuGs9hRTKrAOYPDccozjdVPs5kpQ1Tpakw/viewform
Reminder: Update PUP for Enrichment Program 2026
Spring Enrichment starts next week on Monday, March 9. If your student is enrolled in any activities, please remember to update Pick Up Patrol (PUP) following the steps below.
Mantua ES uses Pick Up Patrol (PUP) for after-school dismissal. The PUP system must be updated for EACH enrichment class day that your child will attend to make sure they get to the right place after school. Please also REMIND your child to stay after school on all scheduled class dates.
If PUP is not updated to show that your child is expected to attend Enrichment, the front office will assume that you would like your child to go home via the default dismissal plan in PUP and they will miss class.
See below for instructions on how to change a dismissal plan in PUP. Please contact the front office for assistance if needed.
- Open PUP and select "Change" on the bottom toolbar
- Select the first date of the scheduled activity
- Select your child's name
- Select “Plan”
- Select “After School Activity/Please specify activity/location”
- In the “More Info” section, input the name of the activity and the assigned room location found in the welcome email from Baroody Camps (you will receive this in the next few days)
- Select “Dates” and click on ALL of the scheduled dates for the after-school activity
- Select “Submit"
REMINDER: You will need to update PUP for all Enrichment class dates that your child plans to attend.
***TIP: Do not make Enrichment dismissal changes by clicking the “Default” button on the bottom toolbar of the home screen. A “Default Plan” is a yearlong plan based on your child’s more permanent dismissal plan and schedule. Default plans should not be changed for seasonal schedules. Doing so may result in errors in the dismissal instructions given to your child.***
Thank you for your cooperation and we hope you enjoy Spring 2026 Enrichment!
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Raccoon Runners Spring Registration
Raccoon Runners Spring Season Registration is open! The season will begin on March 10 and run through May 8, ending with the Raccoon Run on May 9.
Mantua ES Raccoon Runners is a positive youth development program for third through sixth graders, empowering them to be true to themselves through lessons in positive body image, health and nutrition, and social awareness. Registration fee includes a t-shirt, snacks after each practice, and the Raccoon Run registration for your runner. We filled up fast in the Fall so sign up soon!
Register here: https://www.memberplanet.com/mantuaelementaryschoolpta/spring2026_raccoonrunners
Any questions, reach out to raccoonrunners@mantuapta.org.
Overnight Summer Camp: Camp Under the Stars
Registration for Summer 2026 is open at Camp Under the Stars!
Camp Under the Stars is an overnight summer camp in Dumfries, Virginia. There are one-week programs for ages 6-17 and a two-night program for ages 5-9.
www.underthestarsinc.org/summer-camp
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🌷 Woodson Mulch Sale 🌿
The annual Woodson Mulch Sale has arrived! Freshen up your flower beds and support the Woodson High School Leadership and Sports Leadership Classes at the same time.
The Leadership Classes are once again offering high-quality shredded hardwood mulch for purchase. Orders for 3-cubic-foot bags of mulch must be received by Thursday, March 5, for pick-up at Woodson or delivery to your home on Sunday, March 15. When placing an order for 10 or more bags, delivery is an option.
All mulch will be delivered on Sunday, March 15, beginning at 8:30 AM. The proceeds benefit the Woodson High School Leadership and Sports Leadership Classes and support their activities.
For more details or for an order form, visit https://sites.google.com/view/cgwoodsonmulchsale/home?authuser=0.
This year you can also order and pay online at MySchoolBucks.
Need more info? Email DJSchaefer@fcps.edu.
Request for Yearbook Photos
Help ensure our student groups are represented in this year's yearbook! If you are a leader of any of the following student groups, please submit photos for the yearbook by March 12:
- Chat n' Chew
- Kids Care Club
- Reflections
- Science Fair
- Scouts
If there are any other groups not listed, please send those as well. Include the name of the group in the email subject. Send photos to Kate Easton at kjeaston@fcps.edu. Thank you!
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Mantua Mini Made Spring Market
The first annual Mantua Mini Made SPRING market (in conjunction with the Mantua Made Market) will be happening May 2, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Pool Clubhouse.
Please reach out to shelleythomp@gmail.com if your child would like to participate as a vendor.
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Yearbook Orders
Mantua yearbooks for the 25-26 school year are now available to order. All orders are done online and cost $20.
https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/clients/mantua-elementary-school/2025-2026-yearbook-210/access?clearSessionAuthentication=1
The final day to order is April 10th. Please direct all questions to Kate Easton at kjeaston@fcps.edu
Join the PTA
Help support our students and teachers.
YEARLY DUES are only $20 per family.
Please visit MantuaPTA.com to sign up.
Dues are $20 per family and get you discounts on PTA-sponsored clubs. Our dues fully support our free programs so that every penny of our fundraisers goes right back into the classrooms.
Follow us on Facebook to get the inside scoop on all our events and programs: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MantuaPTA/
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How to Submit an Announcement to the PTA News
Please complete this form to have a Mantua ES- or Mantua PTA-related announcement placed in the weekly Mantua PTA News, on our Facebook page, and/or on MantuaPTA.org.
The form guides you through all the pieces of information we need to put out complete announcements.
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