Panther Press- May 8, 2026

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو


s

Dear Panther Family,

The sun is finally shining brighter and the playground is warming up as we head into the home stretch of the school year. Our students are currently showing incredible focus and determination as state and division assessments gets underway, and we appreciate your continued support in helping them arrive rested and ready to do their best.

There are many exciting opportunities to connect as a community this month, starting with our upcoming Spring Concert where our musicians will showcase their hard work.

We also invite you to join us on Thursday, May 21, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM for our Surf into Summer Family Resource Event. This evening begins with a presentation in the Library on staying academically engaged over the break, followed by a resource fair in the cafeteria featuring local camps and a raffle for prizes like a new bike or a free week of summer camp.

This week we celebrated our hard working teachers and staff! Mt Vernon Woods wouldn't be the special place it is without them. We are endlessly thankful for their dedication to our students and community! 

Finally, we also want to take a moment to recognize Mother’s Day this weekend. To all the mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers in our community: thank you for the endless love, patience, and support you provide to our students every single day. We hope you have a wonderful day of relaxation and celebration.

Sincerely, 

Gina O'Neal, Principal

Christine Berry, Assistant Principal

Kevin Heron, Assistant Principal

Click to edit this placeholder text.


calendar

May 13- 3rd Grade Math SOL Test

May 14- 5th Grade Math SOL Test 

May 19- Spring Concert 6:00pm

May 20- Early Release Wednesday, Dismissal at 12:15pm

May 21- Surf Into Summer Family Resource Event- 5:00pm

May 25- Memorial Day, No School 

May 26- Teacher Work Day, Student Holiday 

May 27- Eid al-Adha, No School

June 1- Family Food Market, 4:00pm

June 16- Kindergarten Promotion, 9:30am 

June 16- PreK Promotion, 10:00am 

June 16- 6th Grade Promotion, 6:00pm

June 17- Last Day of School, Dismissal at 1:15pm


f

Surf Into Summer Family Resource Event

Join us for a special event to help families prepare for summer. There will be a presentation for parents about how to prevent the academic "summer slide" and keep them academically engaged over the summer.

  • Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026

  • Time: 5:00 PM TO 6:30 PM

  • Location: Mt Vernon Woods Elementary Library

Following the presentation, there will be a resource fair in the cafeteria with community partners including local summer camps, United Community, The Department of Family Services

All who attend will be entered in a raffle for prizes.


k

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong Here!

In FCPS, we all belong. From the first day of school, to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at our school — a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources

Asiste a la escuela hoy; para tener éxito mañana. ¡Todo Pertenecemos Aqui!

Todos pertenecemos a FCPS. Desde el primer día de escuela, hasta el último día de escuela, cada niño importa. Si su estudiante está teniendo dificultades para terminar el año con fuerza y asistir a la escuela, por favor contacte a un adulto de confianza en la escuela-un maestro, consejero o administrador. Visite FCPS’ sitio web para obtener más recursos sobre la asistencia


FCPS Caters to Food Allergies

May is Food Allergy Awareness Month. The FCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to safe and nutritious school meals. Since 1 in 13 children in the U.S. has a food allergy, FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school.

 

To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.

 

Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a safe menu for students.  


f

Now Hiring: Substitute Teachers for the 2026–2027 School Year for Mt Vernon Woods | Apply Now

Mt Vernon Woods is seeking individuals who can provide continuity of instructional teaching as a substitute teacher. Able to inspire, enable and empower students to meet high academic standards. The position offers:

✔ Flexible schedule ✔ Make a difference in your local community ✔ Great for people with a passion for teaching/assisting students.

Join our team and support student learning!

Apply today! For details, visit the FCPS Substitute Employment Website. When applying, search “Substitute” and select the Mount Vernon pyramid posting.


f

Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month is about more than awareness. It’s about showing up for one another. It provides a chance to stand with your community and show that no one struggles alone. Everyone is invited to speak up against mental health stigma. Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website. 

Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services. 

Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov

Additional Mental Health Resources

FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional support can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number. 

Recent reports have shared an 11% drop in suicides among young people since the rollout of 988. Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts. 

And as always, if your concern is an emergency, you should call 911.


f

 

Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas

Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School

Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family. 

For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.


sd

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th Graders

The following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year. 

All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

  • To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
  • To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
  • To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 and 12 or as early as 9 years old. 
    • Parents/guardians may decide that their child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.

All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older. 

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and health care providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.

Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. 

Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents/guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available. 

Las siguientes vacunas son obligatorias para los estudiantes que entran en 7 -12 grados, cada año escolar

Todos los estudiantes entrando al grado 7 están obligados a recibir una dosis de cada una de las siguientes vacuna, antes de comenzar la escuela: Refuerzo contra el tétanos, la difteria y la tos ferina (Tdap, por sus siglas en inglés), vacuna antimeningocócica (MenACWY, siglas en inglés) y vacuna contra el virus del papiloma humano (VPH, siglas en inglés)

  • Para cumplir con el requisito de la Tdap, la vacuna debe ser administrada a los 7 años de edad o después.
  • Para cumplir con el requisito de la MenACWY, la vacuna debe ser administrada a los 10 años de edad o después.
  • Para cumplir con el requisito de la HPV, la vacuna debe ser administrada entre las edades de 11 y 12 años de edad, o tan temprano como a los 9 años. 
    • Como padre o tutor, usted podría decidir no poner a su niño la vacuna HPV. La escuela no exige documentación si un padre o tutor decide no poner la vacuna HPV a su estudiante.

Todos los estudiantes que entren al grado 12 deben recibir dos dosis de la vacuna antimeningocócica (MenACWY, siglas en inglés) antes de comenzar la escuela. Para cumplir este requisito del grado 12, una dosis debe ser administrada a la edad de 16 años o después. 

Animamos a padres y tutores a planificar con tiempo y hacer ahora una cita con anticipación con el médico de su niño, para así evitar apuros durante el verano. Por favor, considere ponerle las vacunas a su niño anticipadamente de forma tal, que ellos puedan asistir a la escuela en otoño. El verano es un tiempo muy ocupado para familias y médicos. Siempre que su niño tenga la edad necesaria para cumplir con los requisitos que mencionamos antes, pueden ser vacunados en cualquier momento.

Eventos de Vacunación para Estudiantes de FCPS

FCPS, en asociación con “Inspire Health Alliance”, ofrecerá las vacunas requeridas para la escuela y de forma opcional la vacuna contra el “flu”, a todos los estudiantes de FCPS, sin ningún costo. Se realizarán múltiples eventos en ubicaciones designadas de FCPS. 

Las fechas serán notificadas a los largo del año escolar. Padres o tutores pueden mirar los próximos eventos y programar una cita para su estudiante. La participación es voluntaria. También hay disponibles recursos adicionales sobre vacunación.


Stay up to Date With the FCPS Mobile App!

The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep families connected and informed directly from their smartphones. You can download the Fairfax County Public Schools mobile app by going to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and searching for “FCPS.” 

With the app, you can:

  • Stay up to date: Get the latest news from our school and FCPS.
  • View school calendars: See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
  • Check school menus: See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week.
  • Tap to contact: Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
  • Access key links: Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.

Users can access updates and content without having to sign in, making it easy for everyone to stay informed. 

Learn more about the mobile app, including feedback from parents.

Jewish American Heritage Month

Jewish American Heritage Month

May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.