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Principal's Message |
Greetings Twain Families.
A few years ago we collaborated with our partners at Edison High School to develop Positive Behavior Incentive Support (PBIS) expectations and language so that the acceptable behaviors at the middle and high school are more predictable and consistent for our students. Within that larger system (ROAR - Responsible, Open-to-all, Always kind & Resilient) we developed basic expectations for various spaces around the school that students frequent (classrooms, bathrooms, recess, hallways, etc.). Below you will see our core expectations for our students in the hallways of our school. As recently as yesterday, we have noticed that some of our Tigers are having some challenges meeting these expectations for responsible and safe decisions in the hallway. Unfortunately, this has resulted in SR&R consequences for those students. Please speak to your child about their role in supporting these expectations and the consequences in school (the FCPS SR&R) and at home (your choice!) if they are not safe and respectful of others.
At Twain, we will always emphasize the shared responsibility of taking care of ourselves, each other, and our school.
Have a great weekend! Go Tigers!
Matt
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, October 19: Anchor Day Schedule
Tuesday, October 20: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, October 21: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, October 22: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, October 23: Even Day Schedule
After School Program
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1st Block
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2nd Block
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Monday, October 19:
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2:30 - 3:30
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3:35 - 4:35
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Tuesday, October 20:
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No After School
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Program
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Wednesday, October 21:
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2:30 - 3:30
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3:35 - 4:35
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Thursday, October 22:
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2:30 - 3:30
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3:35 - 4:35
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Friday, October 23:
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2:30 - 3:30
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3:35 - 4:35
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Calendar Reminders
Friday, October 16 is Twain’s Broadway Desserts Performance (performance begins at 6:00 PM)
Friday, October 23 is Twain’s SCA Movie Night (7:00 - 9:00 PM)
Friday, October 30 is the last day of the 1st quarter and a 2-hour early release
To see Twain’s early release Bell Schedule, you can visit the Bell Schedule page on the Twain Website
Congratulations Ms. Vivian-Beck on your recent FCPS Cares Recognition!
Ms. Vivian-Beck, along with two other colleagues were recognized for their great work at Key Middle School during the Extended School Year (ESY) program this summer. Congratulations, Ms. VB!
Share Your Thoughts on Schools and Buildings in the Renovation Queue Survey
The Office of the Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Programs is seeking input from community members, families, and employees about school facility needs and how FCPS prioritizes facility improvements.
Whether you work in an FCPS school, have a child enrolled, or live near an FCPS school, please share your perspective. The survey asks about building conditions, how facilities affect teaching and learning, renovation priorities, and what information would help you better understand this process.
Look for the survey in your email on Friday, October 16. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential. The survey will remain open until Saturday, October 31.
Did You Know? Bond Referendums Fund Facility Renovations
FCPS does not pay for facility renovations out of its general operating budget. Instead, Fairfax County voters decide on how much money FCPS can spend on capital improvement projects through bond referendums. Bonds are issued by the county to the school division and allow FCPS to renovate buildings without increasing taxes.
Learn more about bond referendums and how they support our schools on the Bond Referendum webpage.
National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition.
Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”
For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student.
Celebrate National School Lunch Week!
This year’s National School Lunch Week Cafeteria Circus theme highlights the energy, creativity, and skill our cafeteria teams bring every day to meet nutrition standards, serve hundreds of students, and introduce exciting new menu items.
To mark the occasion, the Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) invited middle and high school performing arts students to create short, creative videos featuring our cafeterias and school meals. Check out FNS social media on Instagram or Facebook to watch the entries and vote for your favorite video!
Celebrating Virginia Farm to School Week
During last week’s School Board meeting, Dr. Reid shared that in the 2025-26 school year, FCPS purchased more than 140,000 pounds of local produce. Cafeterias served 27 types of local fruits and vegetables from 26 local farm partners in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
Applications Open for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
 Eighth graders who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2031 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).
The application is now available. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, with a submission deadline of 4 p.m. Friday, October 30. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information, including a schedule of upcoming information sessions at middle schools.
Letter from the Health Department on Respiratory Illness
This is the time of year when our community sees an increase in the number of respiratory illnesses, including coughs, colds, sore throats, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza (flu). Read this letter from the Fairfax County Health Department on how to prevent the spread of respiratory illness and fact sheets on COVID and influenza.
FCPS Policies, Regulations, and Notices Available Online
Virginia’s Standards of Quality require all school divisions to notify the public annually of the availability of the school system’s policies. A continuous review process ensures ongoing examination and revision of each policy, regulation, and notice as needed. View Fairfax County Public Schools policies.
Any citizen who requests a hard copy of a directive has a right to receive it and should be provided the most current version printed from the website. The School Board office at Gatehouse Administration Center maintains the historical records of all directives. Please call 571-423-1075 for more information.
AVID Chipotle Fundraiser
Support Twain AVID by eating at the Kingstowne Chipotle, 5955 Kingstowne Towne Center, Alexandria, VA 22315, on Wednesday, October 21st between 4:00 and 8:00 PM! Our program receives 25% of event sales which will help fund transportation for college visits. Order online for pickup using CODE FM2TZXY or show this AVID Chipotle flyer in the restaurant. We appreciate your support!
Digital Citizenship Week is October 19-23
 Next week, our students will be diving into Digital Citizenship Week! Each day, we will provide key questions and interactive activities designed to help students navigate the digital world safely, responsibly, and confidently. From evaluating online news and avoiding scams to protecting their digital footprints and creating healthy screen habits, our goal is to empower students with skills they can use every day. Students will have the opportunity each day to explore and then respond to scenarios. By participating they have the opportunity to earn their team points in our Twain Games.
We encourage you to talk with your student(s) about what they are learning each day. Here is a look at the daily themes, discussion questions, videos, and interactive TestDrive modules we will offer students to explore each day:
Monday, 10/19- Think Critically: How can we determine whether information is trustworthy when it may be incomplete, misleading, or changed as it spreads?
▶ Watch: Connecting with Vigilance: Online Misinformation
TestDrive: News in Social Media
Tuesday, 10/20- Protect: How can we recognize when our information or trust may be at risk, and what choices can we make to protect ourselves online?
▶ Watch: Connecting with Vigilance: Cyber Safety
TestDrive: Scams and Phishing
Wednesday, 10/21- Shape: How can we express ourselves authentically while making thoughtful choices about what we share, who may see it, and how it may shape our digital identity?
▶ Watch: Connecting with Purpose: Digital Footprint
TestDrive: Shaping Your Digital Footprint
Thursday, 10/22- Connect: How can we set boundaries, communicate our expectations, and help create digital spaces where people feel respected, safe, and included?
▶ Watch: Connecting with Kindness: Online Relationships↗
TestDrive: The Ups and Downs of Social Media
Friday, 10/23- Balance: How can we recognize when technology is designed to influence our habits, evaluate whether those designs support our well-being, and make choices that keep us in control?
▶ Watch: Connecting with Balance: Digital Habits
TestDrive: Healthy Social Media Habits
Lights On: After School & VIP Camp Reunion Family Trivia Night
Join us for a free, family-friendly celebration of our after school programs!
Event Details:
- When: Wednesday October 28th 5:45pm-8:30pm
- Where: South County Middle School (8700 Laurel Crest Drive, Lorton, VA 22079)
- Who: Open to families with students in our feeder elementary and middle schools:
- Whitman MS, SCMS, Robinson SS, Irving MS, Sandburg MS, Lake Braddock SS, Frost MS, Key MS, Hayfield SS, and Twain MS.
Schedule of Events:
- 5:45pm-6:30pm: Lights On After School showcase & dinner in the lecture hall
- 6:45pm-8:30pm: Trivia night in the cafeteria (Dessert served during intermission)
Event Highlights:
- Dinner & Hors d’oeuvres: Served in the lecture hall during showcase
- Program Showcases: Highlights of your students after school activities.
- Family Trivia & Prizes: Compete for round winners and door prizes, to include:
- Two $100 Alamo Movie House gift cards
- Two $50 Glory Days gift cards
- Capitals tickets & Wizards tickets
- Nintendo Switch
- Ravens tickets, and more!
- Special Raffles: Extra prizes and raffles throughout the evening
You don’t want to miss this! REGISTER TODAY!
Questions? Contact Ms. Spencer at kfspencer@fcps.edu
Sponsored by Eastern and Southern VIP Camps.
National Junior Honor Society Food Drive for Koinonia Food Pantry
Twain's National Junior Honor Society is holding a Food Drive for Koinonia Food Pantry from October 1 - 30. We will have donation boxes in the Cafeteria and Main Office.
Some items Koinonia is looking for are: Juice, Beef Stew, Mayo, Mustard, Ketchup, Cereal, Instant Coffee, Pasta Sauce, Pasta Noodles, Chili, Corned Beef Hash.
Save or print the NJHS Koinonia Food Drive flyer.
Thank you for helping us support our community.
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