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Principal's Message |
Greetings Tiger Families!
Can you believe summer is already winding down!? With less than a month until our halls are filled with the energy, excitement, and volume of middle schoolers our team is diligently preparing for an amazing 2026-27 school year. We are ready to hit the ground running, support every step of your student’s unique journey here at Twain, and make this our best year yet.
You can expect our weekly Friday newsletters to continue from now throughout the upcoming school year. We work to include both the Twain and FCPS information that is most relevant to you and hope you will enjoy reading it each Friday.
Have a wonderful rest of the summer and stay tuned for more information about the 2026-27 school year in the coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Matt
Upcoming Dates
Tax-Free Weekend
Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 9, is a sales tax holiday in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Visit Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday webpage for details on eligible items, including school supplies and clothing.
Tiger Fest – Please Note the Updated Time
Please take note that we have to adjust the timing of Tiger Fest on Wednesday, August 19th by one hour. The event will now run 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. You can review the detailed messages sent by Mr. Fitzgerald on July 17th and July 27th for more specific information about this open house event.
First Day of School
Monday, August 24, is the first day of school for the 2026-27 school year.
Twain Back to School Night
Back to School Night will be on Thursday, September 17th from 6:30 to 8:30 PM
View the 2026-27 school year calendar for additional important dates.
Back to School Supplies
As you prepare for the upcoming school year by starting that exciting (or dreaded – depending on your perspective!) school shopping, please take a look at our suggested list of school supplies on our website. Please take note that due to the use of the OpenGate Weapons Detection System at all FCPS Middle and High Schools, a thoughtful approach to how much metal a student is carrying is advised. For example, heavy duty three-ring binders often set off the detection system due to the shape and volume of metal they contain in their spine. The same can be true of many (not all) metal water bottles, lunch boxes, and pencil cases. We advise students and families choose non-metal accessories when they are available to aid in the efficient entry to school.
Sports Equipment Donations
If you are doing any summer cleaning and have gently used sports equipment that could be repurposed, we would happily take it at Twain to be utilized during recess. Unlike our elementary schools, we do not have permanent recess structures, so our students typically walk, relax, or engage in informal sporting activity during their daily break from learning. Of most use to us are soccer balls, basketballs, footballs, volleyballs, and frisbees. If you are interested in donating, please feel free to drop off your items, preferably in a bag, to our main office between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
ParentVUE and StudentVUE Sign-in Changes Bagan July 28
On July 28th, FCPS asked parents and students to install the new ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. The current (classic) apps will remain available for approximately six months to support the transition. During this time, the classic apps will keep prompting users to upgrade to the new apps.
The new login screen for both apps will display User Name and Password fields, with a Login FCPS SSO button below them. Using the Login FCPS SSO provides a more secure sign-in experience.
Students will continue to use their existing FCPS username and password.
The following resources are available and include instructions on installing the new apps and details about the updated login experience:
Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.
New Student ID Cards and Bus Navigation System
This fall, every FCPS student will receive a student identification (ID) card as part of a divisionwide effort to modernize school transportation, improve communication with families, and strengthen student safety while traveling to and from school.
Every student who rides the school bus will need to tap on and tap off the bus every day using their new Student ID card. Families can help by reinforcing this new habit with their child.
Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.
Virtual Mental Health Services Now Available to Middle School Students
Since 2023, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to FCPS high school students. These services became available to students enrolled in all FCPS middle schools on July 1.
Parents are encouraged to contact Hazel Health directly if they are seeking mental health support for their child, have noticed changes in their child’s mood or behavior, or are having difficulty connecting with a therapist in the community.
To make it easier for families to access services, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to streamline the referral process. Parents can visit the Hazel Health in FCPS website to enroll their child in services or visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
Back-to-School Immunization Requirements
Make sure your child has all of their required immunizations before the first day of school. Check their immunization records to see what they might be missing. You can:
Review school-required immunizations to verify that your child is up to date and ready for the first day of school!
Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders
Several immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grades.
- 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, but can be given as early as 9 years old.
- As a parent or guardian, you may decide that your child not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent or guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
- All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of 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.
As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.
Where to Receive Immunizations
If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your family’s healthcare provider or one of the following immunization events.
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.
If you do not have a healthcare provider, visit a Health Department clinic. Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) clinics offer immunizations to all Fairfax County students, as well as those who are behind on their scheduled immunizations or need a booster.
Summer back-to-school immunization clinics are also available. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. FCHD offers limited walk-in hours for immunization services on a first-come, first-served basis. Immunizations are also available by appointment.
Other local immunization clinics and additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and from the FCHD.
Apply Today for Free and Reduced-Price Meals
According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Studies show that students who eat both school breakfast and lunch tend to have healthier diets than those who don't participate in school meals.
Families who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals can receive breakfast and lunch at no cost for their children. This includes more than one-third of FCPS students. Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM) application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits.
The application for FRM is now available for the 2026-27 school year. Students who were approved for FRM last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible children continue to receive meals at no cost.
Access the application and view criteria and up-to-date information on the FRM webpage.
Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.
Meals for Students Available Through August 21
No-cost meals are being provided to students on a first-come, first-served basis through Friday, August 21, at the sites and times listed on the FCPS Summer Food Service Program webpage. Students must remain on site while eating their meals.
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