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Dear Mantua families,
Our annual Mantua Spirit Parade was a glowing success! Under exceptionally beautiful skies, our students showed off their incredible imagination and school spirit as they paraded in their favorite costumes. Many showed off their creativity with book-themed outfits. Thank you to everyone who helped prepare such fantastic costumes and made the day so special!
As our music classes prepare for winter concerts, we got a sneak peek of one 6th grade class. These students performed one of their pieces for the main office staff to show off their talents! Mantua is bursting with student talent and enthusiasm, and we can’t wait for all of our fine arts performances this year!
In the week ahead:
- Monday, November 2 and Tuesday, November 3 are teacher workdays and student holidays. School will resume on Wednesday, November 4.
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The Mantua PTA Drama club will be dancing and singing their way through Willy Wonka, and you won’t want to miss it! Performances are Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7. Remember to stop by the PTA Book Fair on the way!
- Invitations went out this week for our annual Veterans Day breakfast on November 11. RSVPs are not required but are appreciated! We welcome all military-connected families and students to this special event.
Have a fabulous weekend!
Take good care,
Linda Shannon, Michele Maurer and Colleen Vaughan

November 1: Daylight Savings Time ends, move clocks back one hour
November 2: School Planning Day, Student Holiday
November 3: Teacher Workday, Student Holiday
November 6 and 7: Mantua PTA Drama Club Performance
Friday 7:30 PM
Saturday 4PM and 7PM
November 11: Veterans Day breakfast for military-connected families and students 8:45 AM
November 6 to 13: Mantua PTA Book Fair, details below
November 17: Picture Retake Day
November 18: Early Release Wednesday, dismissal at 1:05 PM
November 20: Thanksgiving Luncheon, details to come
Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
National Family Engagement Month
This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success.
FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.
Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.
If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives.
Election Day
Don’t forget to get out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 3! The day will be observed as a holiday for students. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections webpage. See the complete school year calendar.
Mantua Book Fair
Head on over to the Mantua PTA Book Fair where you’ll find that reading really is groovy! The Book Fair will be held from November 5 through 13th, with the 5th being a student preview day. Please note our hours that will run alongside the PTA Drama Club performance of Willy Wonka! This gives families the opportunity to catch a great performance AND find a great book!
Mantua Food Drive
The Kids’ Care Club will be sponsoring the annual Mantua fall food drive, which will run from November 4 to December 11. The food drive helps replenish the supplies needed for distribution to families during upcoming school breaks and into the new year. There are several ways that you can participate, please see the information in the flyer below. You may also reach out to Ms. Incer at mrincernunez@fcps.edu if you have any questions. Thank you for your support of our community!
Outstanding Employee Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Outstanding Employee Awards! You can submit a nomination for a Mantua ES Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below.
- Outstanding Teacher
- Outstanding New Teacher
- Outstanding Principal
- Outstanding Professional Staff Leader
- Outstanding Educational Services Employee
- Outstanding Operational Services Employee
The Google Form link below includes more information on the criteria and eligibility requirements for each award. All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category). All responses will be kept confidential.
If you have any questions, please contact Susan Song at sssong@fcps.edu
Mantua Staff Nomination Form
A World of Pure Imagination Awaits at Mantua!
Get ready for a scrumdiddlyumptious adventure! Mantua Elementary's Drama Club is excited to present Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka KIDS, bringing the magic of the chocolate factory to our very own stage!
Join us for a fun-filled performance featuring our talented Mantua students, colorful characters, music, and plenty of Wonka-inspired surprises. It's a sweet opportunity to support our young performers and enjoy a wonderful evening with the Mantua community!
Showtimes:
Friday, November 6 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 7 at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Tickets: Just $8!
Purchase your golden tickets here: https://www.memberplanet.com/s/mantuaelementaryschoolpta/drama_pre-sale_fall2026
Skip the line and purchase your tickets in advance! Tickets will also be available at the door.
🤟 ASL access will be provided at all performances. To reserve seating in the ASL section, please email drama@mantuapta.org.
Bring your family, invite your neighbors, and help us fill the audience for our amazing student performers!
Don't miss your golden ticket to a little Mantua magic! ✨
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome!
The event will take place Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School. Click the date to register. Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
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. Additional immunization resources are also available.
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
Jen Howard, Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, jhoward1@fcps.edu
Maria Regina Incer, Family Liaison, mrincernunez@fcps.edu
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