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Principal's Message |
Greetings Twain Families!
November is National Family Engagement Month, which reminds us that families are our students’ first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Over 35 years of research shows that the most effective way to increase student achievement is for families to be actively involved in their children's education. At Twain, we strongly believe in the power of the positive partnership between school and home. Together, we can help our students be at their best academically, socially and emotionally.
We are fortunate to have a full-time family liaison at Twain - Ms. Mercy Popal. Ms. Popal serves as an important connection between school, home, and community. If you have not had the pleasure of meeting her, I encourage you to connect with her via email (mspopal@fcps.edu) or phone (703.313.3744). You can also learn more about what a family liaison does on our website.
FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth. You can also view the FCPS website for a list of region representatives. Our liaison can welcome families, help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices and connect families to resources in the community.
Go Tigers!
Matt
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, November 9: Anchor Day Schedule
Tuesday, November 10: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, November 11: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, November 12: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, November 13: Even Day Schedule
After School Program
| |
1st Block |
2nd Block |
| Monday, November 9: |
2:30 - 3:30 |
3:35 - 4:30 |
| Tuesday, November 10: |
2:30 - 3:30 |
3:35 - 4:30 |
| Wednesday, November 11: |
2:30 - 3:30 |
3:35 - 4:30 |
| Thursday, November 12: |
2:30 - 3:30 |
3:35 - 4:30 |
| Friday, November 13: |
2:30 - 3:30 |
3:35 - 4:30 |
✨DO YOU KNOW AN AMAZING EMPLOYEE? ✨
If you have worked with an outstanding employee at Mark Twain MS, FCPS wants your help recognizing them. Tiger families are invited to nominate staff members for recognition!
🏆 NOMINATIONS FOR...
- Outstanding Teacher
- Outstanding Principal
- Outstanding New Teacher
- Outstanding Professional Staff Leader
- Outstanding Educational Services Employee
- Outstanding Operational Services Employee
🗓️DEADLINE: The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 13, 2026.
SUBMISSIONS: Submissions can be made by completing the Mark Twain MS Outstanding Employee Award Nominations form
🐯Thank you for supporting our outstanding Tiger Staff!
Calendar Reminders
Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11, and is a school day. Please note that Fairfax County’s SACC and Beyond the Bell programs are closed on November 11 due to a county holiday. Thank you to all of our Veterans in the Twain Community!
SIS ParentVUE Quarterly Outage
SIS ParentVUE will be unavailable for students and parents during end-of-quarter updates through Monday, November 9, at 9 a.m. See the complete school year calendar.
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.
On-time Attendance to School
As we start the 2nd quarter, we want to remind families about the importance of consistent and healthy routines that result in on-time attendance to school every day. Some habits that support on-time attendance include:
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
- Laying out clothes and packing lunches and backpacks the night before. Making sure the laptop that is being charged is easily accessible in the morning.
- Talking to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning, if they seem anxious about going to school.
- Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.
- If a bus is assigned to you, utilizing that on-time option rather than relying on kiss & ride which can be less predictable.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our family liaison (Mercy Popal - 703.313.3744), our MTSS Coordinator (Fheli Bayangos - 703.313.3755) or your student’s counselor (Twain Student Services Team Contact List). We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Twain Lost & Found
First quarter produced lots of abandoned sweatshirts, water bottles, and even some shoes! Please encourage your student to check the lost and found in the cafeteria on Monday, as we will be donating unclaimed items on Tuesday. We do make our donations quarterly, so please remind your student to continuously check for any of their missing items.
Tutoring Resources for Families
Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as a tutor.
This list is a resource offered by the FRC, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. This list is not approved by FCPS and is only meant as a supportive resource to families.
Growing Together: Talking About Social-Emotional Learning at Home
Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps children develop confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and other important skills that support their success in school and throughout life. Participate in a Family Cafe workshop to:
- Understand your child’s Fairfax County SEL Screener results.
- Use the SEL Screener results as a starting point for meaningful conversations at home.
- Support your child’s social and emotional development.
- Build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills together.
Learn practical ways to talk with your child about their social and emotional well-being and support their continued growth at home. Events will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on:
Click on the date to register. Find additional details on the FCPS Family Academy page.
Childcare will be available. Interpretation services are available upon request. For more information, contact the Family and School Partnerships office at 703-204-4300 or FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu.
Advanced Theatre Fall Production
The Advanced Theatre class puts on The Sound of Murder by Don Zolidis.
Ever heard of the Sound of Music? This play is nothing like that. But you WILL see Maria von Trapp and other Broadway Musical characters as they are interviewed by two detectives to find out -
WHO KILLED THE DIRECTOR?
Performances are November 13 and 14 at 7:00 pm and November 14 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door.
1st Quarter Report Cards
First-quarter report cards are now available in ParentVUE. You can view and download your student’s report card by navigating to the Documents tab. Please note that the Gradebook tab is currently unavailable while quarter-end processing is finalized, but it will return on Monday, November 9th.
As you review the report card together with your child, we encourage you to use this time to reflect on the first nine weeks of the school year. Take a moment to celebrate their achievements and hard work! It is also a great opportunity to discuss goals for the next quarter—focusing on areas of growth and thinking about strategies to support continued learning and improvement.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in your student's education.
National Junior Honor Society Panera Fundraiser
Please join Twain NJHS at Panera in Kingstowne, 5926 Kingstowne Towne Center, Alexandria, VA on Friday. November 13th from 4:00 - 8:00 pm. 25% of the sales will go to help NJHS with our service projects and the Tiger Paws Program. That is also the night of our Twain Advanced Theater Production so get some dinner before you head to Twain to enjoy the show! All orders - in store, drive-thru, pick-up, and delivery - will support NJHS, just don't forget to mention Twain and use promo code FUND4U when checking out!
Thank you for your support!
Edison Academy Gingerbread House Workshop
The Edison Academy invites you to the attend the Edison Academy Gingerbread House Workshop where Edison's talented culinary students will assist you in creating a gingerbread house for the holiday season. The workshop includes all the ingredients needed to decorate your house. Hot cocoa and cookies will be available after.
Workshops will take place at Edison High School, 5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, A 22310, Room H-128 on December 12, 2026 from 9:00-10:30 and 11:00-12:30. Registration through the Registration Google Form is required. A participation fee of $45 and four canned good items, to benefit Koinonia food pantry, applies to each participant with a maximum of two participants per registration. Participants 13 and under must have an adult chaperone. Registration and payment (cash or check) are due by December 1, 2026. Each workshop will be limited to 24 participants. If the event is cancelled due to inclement weather, take home kits will be made available.
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