News You Choose
Family Newsletter - Week of November 2nd
** NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS **
** No School for Students **
Monday; Nov. 3rd - School Planning Day
Tuesday; Nov. 4th - Teacher Work Day
Monday, November 3rd is a MCPS School Planning Day for staff. There is NO SCHOOL for students.
Tuesday, November 4th is a Teacher Work Day for FCPS staff. There is also NO SCHOOL for students.
School resumes on Wednesday, November 5th at 8:00 am.
The MVHS Main Office will be open on Monday, November 3rd and Tuesday, November 4th from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
National French Week
November 4th to 11th
The French Club has decorated the World Language hallway and places near the Main Office in honor of National French Week .
The decorations include flags of French-speaking countries, posters and maps of List of place names of French origin in the United States.
Classes for French students of ALL ages are at: https://francedc.org/indext https://francedc.org/index
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 with no out-of-pocket costs. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year.
Immunization clinics will take place from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Willow Oaks Administrative Center on:
- Thursday, November 6
- Tuesday, November 18
- Wednesday, November 19
- Thursday, November 20
A clinic will also take place at Frost Middle School on Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Participation is voluntary.
- Additional immunization resources are available.
Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment for their student.
Congratulations (again!) to Marching Majors
"Superior" Rating at State Assessments
Congratulations again to our MVHS MVHS Marching Majors for earning a rating of SUPERIOR at the 2025 Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors Association State Marching Assessment last weekend!
Our Marching Majors have been crushing it this fall! Below is a summary of their success:
- 2025 Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors Association State Marching Assessment
- Superior Rating
- US Bands Severna Park HS Competition
- 1st place Group IIIA
- Best Color Guard (high score for the entire contest)
Best Visual
- Best Overall Effect
- Best Percussion
- US Marine Corps Invitational
- 3rd in Class 3A
** Congratulation Cheer Team **
4th Place in Regional Finals
Congratulations to our Cheer Team, who placed 4th in the Regional Finals this past week. Only the top 2 teams advance to the State Championships, so we are incredibly proud of our team.
The 4th Place finish is the highest for a MVHS Cheer Team since the early 2000s!
** Late Busses on Thursdays Only **
REMINDER
MVHS Late Busses will only run on Thursdays this 2025-2026 SY.
Students should NOT be in the building - or on campus - after 3:00 pm unless they are participating in an after-school activity and supervised by a staff member.
Please plan with your teachers to arrange any after-school support on Thursdays.
Winter Sports Beginning Soon!
** No School for Students **
Tuesday; Nov. 11th for Veterans Day
November 11, 2025 is Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day), which is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
- All FCPS schools are closed on Tuesday, November 11th.
It began, and now coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are commemorated in other countries, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I.
Please join me in thanking all of our MVHS community members who have dedicated their lives - and service - to our country and ensuring our freedoms.
** November PTSA Meeting **
Wednesday; Nov. 12th - 6:30 pm (G100)
November 2025 is
Native American Heritage Month
"National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American and Alaska Native communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation. This November and every month, we celebrate the culture and heritage of these remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our Nation. We celebrate Indian Country with its remarkable diversity of American Indian and Alaska Native cultures and peoples while remembering and honoring our veterans who have sacrificed so much to defend our Nation [US Department of Interior Indian Affairs website]."
MYP Personal Project
Supply Closet Project
IB MYP Certificate
Requirements
FCPS Cellphone Policy
Phase 2 Enforcement & Confiscation - Hallways
Attention Students, Parents & Caregivers -
This is an IMPORTANT update to our enforcement of the FCPS - and state of Virginia - Cellphone Policy:
In accordance with both the FCPS and Virginia state cell phone policy, all cell phones and accessories should be turned off and put away from 8:10am to 2:55pm, with the exception of your 30 minute lunch in the cafeteria and courtyard.
Due to a recent increase in students disregarding the policy in the hallways - both during the class transition and when students use passes for restrooms, etc. - we are moving into Phase 2 of our cell phone policy implementation.
Since the beginning of September, cell phones and accessories in the classroom have been confiscated, and this will still be enforced. For Phase 2, cell phones and accessories will be confiscated if students chose to use these devices in the hallways.
Starting on Thursday, October 16, 2025, if an adult sees a student with a cell phone, earphones, ear buds, or any other device in the hallway, they will be escorted to the Sub- school to surrender the device for the remainder of day (which is the intervention outlined in the SR&R regarding FCPS Cellphone policy).
- Administrators in the hall will take phones and other devices on the spot.
- All devices confiscated throughout the day can be picked up outside of the cafeteria at dismissal.
Please let us know if you have any questions about the enforcement of the FCPS Cellphone Policy.
IB Senior Class Newsletter
IB Junior Class Newsletter
PTSA Fundraiser
Runs thru December 31st, 2025!
10 Ways You Can Support the School
Athletics Booster Club
Season Passes for Athletic Events
Dear MVHS Community,
Support our student-athletes by becoming a proud member of the MVHS Athletic Booster Club!
There are many ways you can support MVHS Athletics:
👉 Click here to become a member, make a donation, become a sponsor, and purchase your Athletic Season Passes
👉 Click here to purchase MVHS Spirit Wear
Season Passes – valid for all regular-season home games
- Student - SILVER passes are $30
- Adult - MAROON passes are $75
By purchasing a Season Pass, you’re making a direct impact on our athletic programs. Season passes are not only a convenient and cost-effective option for families and fans, but they also ensure that 100% of gate sales go directly to MVHS.
Game day ticket sales are split 50/50 with the visiting team — so your support goes further with a pass!
Let’s fill the stands and show our school spirit.
Go MAJORS!
** NEW FCPS Volunteer Requirements **
Ensuring Student Safety: Register for Volunteer FCPS
At Mount Vernon High School, our volunteers are a vital part of our school community. We deeply value the time and care they give to our students.
This information segment is to share recent updates to our FPCS volunteer process, with a focus on one primary goal: keeping students safe.
These updates — such as checks against the sex offender registry and, in some cases, criminal background checks — are safety measures that will help us maintain a secure and supportive learning environment for every student in our care.
We encourage all our parents and community members interested in supporting our students by volunteering at MVHS to click HERE, then click “Learn More,” and then “Sign Up.”
- After you create a profile, you will view an orientation video and complete a volunteer application.
Volunteer FCPS ensures a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must be registered in Volunteer FCPS. This includes individuals who volunteer to chaperone on field trips, work at book fairs, and help out regularly in classrooms, libraries, or cafeterias. Volunteers who work unsupervised with students will also be required to undergo a background check.
We understand these changes may seem disruptive, especially for long-time volunteers. Our intent is to ensure that our students feel safe and supported with each and every person they encounter at school.
As a reminder, all volunteers — and visitors to a school — are required to sign in by scanning their ID at our visitor kiosk. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.
Volunteer Levels
Level 1: Infrequent volunteers (monthly or less frequent) who are always supervised do not need a criminal background check.
- However, they do need a sex offender registry check, which is performed by signing in at the school's visitor kiosk, usually in the front office.
Level 2: Frequent, ongoing, or regular volunteers (daily, weekly, bi-weekly) who are also always supervised are subject to the same requirements as Level 1 — no criminal background check, but a sex offender registry check via the kiosk is mandatory.
Level 3: Volunteers with direct, unsupervised interaction with students must complete a criminal background check, including fingerprinting and child abuse and neglect checks. This applies to roles like mentors, tutors, or field trip chaperones who are alone with students (not accompanied by an FCPS staff member) at any time during the activity.
Student Volunteers: FCPS students who volunteer under the supervision of an FCPS staff member or parent/caretaker. Student behavior while volunteering is governed by the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities. Students should not sign up through the Volunteer FCPS management system, nor should they check in via the visitor management system.
MVHS is a CLOSED Campus
** Students must remain in school **
** Students may not leave campus during lunch **
Just a reminder that MVHS is a closed campus. Students may not leave school unless a parent sends a written note to the school.
Lunches are also closed. Students are expected to eat lunch in our cafeteria.
MVHS also does not permit food deliveries. Any food delivered to the main office will be kept until dismiss at 2:55 pm.
25-26 Late Busses
** Thursdays Only **
MVHS Late Busses will only run on Thursdays this 2025-2026 SY.
Please plan with your teachers to arrange any after-school support on Thursdays.
Breakfast & Lunch Information
The MVHS cafeteria will offer breakfast and lunch daily. If your student plans on purchasing food through the cafeteria, please be sure to load money on their meal account or bring cash.
Breakfast:
- Students, grades K-12—$1.75
- Reduced-price breakfast for qualifying students – no charge
- Adults or 2nd student meal—$3.00
Lunch:
- Secondary and high school —$3.50
- Reduced-price lunch for qualifying students – no charge
- Adults or 2nd student meal —$5.00
More information on FCPS Food Services (including payment options for meal accounts, daily menus, free and reduced meal programs, etc.) can be reviewed on the FCPS website.
Early Release Days
In the event of a 3-hour early release, lunch service will still be available between 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. FNS proposes to offer grab-and-go meals for students, allowing them to go through the serving lines, choose items, and put them in provided meal bags. Both cold and hot meal options will be available. Students are still required to pick up complete reimbursable meals; otherwise, à la carte charges will be applied. All meals provided by FNS must be consumed on-site.
School Nutrition Accounts, PINs, Prepayments, & MySchoolBucks
FNS will be emailing student PINs via e-Notify and in advance of the first day of school. MySchoolBucks should be promoted and is now available for account prepayments. State legislation and the FCPS Meal Charge Policy direct all school nutrition account negative balance communication to parents/caregivers. Additionally, students may not be denied a breakfast or lunch meal for any reason. FNS will work with school administrators to communicate low/negative account balances.
Menus
School menus offer a variety of entrees, fruits, and vegetables that meet or exceed USDA guidelines, including nutrient standards. Menus, allergens, and nutrition information are all available online at LINQ Connect. School menus will be published monthly, starting one week before the first day of school. FNS makes every effort to offer items as listed on the planned menu. Unanticipated substitutions are published on LINQ Connect whenever possible.
** MVHS Student Activities **
25-26 MVHS Activities Calendar
MVHS Admin Team
Cary Dimmick - Principal
Karen Boyd - Asst. Prin. (A-Col & ESOL)
Stephanie Payne - Asst. Prin. (Gr. 12 & Jon-Pu)
LaTrease Rich - Asst. Prin. (Gr. 10 & Q-Z)
Kelly Winkfield - Asst. Prin. (Gr. 11 & Con-Joh)
Adrian Williams - Asst. Prin. (Specialized Program)
Danielle Mascoll - Dir. of Student Services
Brian Murphy - Dir. of Student Activities
John Uccellini - Asst. Dir. of Student Activities
Department of Student Services
Counselors are by Alpha Last Name
MVHS Academic Departments
** MVHS School Resources Sites **
[Click on Resources Below for Websites]
MVHS Website
MVHS Parent Handbook
MVHS Staff Directory
2025-26 SY Calendar
25-26 MVHS Bell Schedules
Major Time Schedule
MVHS Activities Calendar
MVHS Athletic Coaches Contact Information
MVHS Theatre Arts Information
Chapter 35 Military Benefits Info
Mount Vernon HS is a Purple Star School
MVHS PTSA Info
** MVHS Academic Programs **
[Click on Resources Below for Websites]
MVHS Academic Programs Info
IB Diploma Programme Info
IB Career-Related Programme Info
For more important school-related Information,
please see "School Resources Sites" at end of Newsletter
Student Service Learning Hours
** FCPS Resources **
[Click on Resources Below for Websites]
Report Sexual Harassment or Dscrimination
Report Discrimination, Harassment or Concerning Behaviors
Family Resources
FCPS Resources for Immigrant Families
[Click on Resources Below for Websites]
FCPS Resources for Immigrant Families
"One Fairfax" Resources for Families
Emergency Family Preparedness Plan
** College and Career Center News **
2025-2026 ASVAB Testing Dates
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Test
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in leadership careers. This test has been utilized for years by the military to help soldiers identify their leadership capabilities. It is administered annually to more than one million military applicants, high school, and post-secondary students.
We have confirmed the ASVAB Testing dates for MVHS for the 2025-2026 SY:
Fall Choices:
- January 28, 2026 (mass testing)
Spring Choices:
- April 7, 2026 (regular testing)
Armed Services Recruitment Dates
Army:
- 2nd Thursday each month
- Staff Sergeant Sessie & Staff Sergeant Sweeny
Air Force:
- TBD
Marines:
- 1st Thursday each month
- Sergeant Pennington
Navy:
- TBD
** Scholarships **
Please check both the Student Services: Mount Vernon High School Schoology pages and the Scholarship tool in Naviance. You can also always visit Mrs. Whitehouse in the College and Career Center to learn more!
For more FCPS Scholarships, please visit: Scholarships for FCPS Students | Fairfax County Public Schools
Harris Goodall Squires Memorial Scholarship Amount:
$5,000 Deadline: 4/1/2026
Application in Naviance
Sign Up for SIS ParentVue
SIS ParentVUE: Everything You Can Do Through SIS ParentVUE
Parents and care-givers -
SIS ParentVUE is the info-central for all the MVHS and FCPS information you will need.
Track your student's attendance, view grades, get information from the school, and much more!
Log in to your SIS ParentVUE account to find forms and make updates.
Please call the school at 703-619-3100 if you need your Activation Code for SIS ParentVUE.
Update Contact Information in SIS ParentVUE
Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE.
To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon.
Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form (PDF) and submit it to their child’s school.
Reporting Student Absences
Parents can submit daylong absences through SIS ParentVUE.
Log in and click “Report Absence.”
Note: Partial day absences and changes of transportation should still be reported directly to the school front office.
Parents/caregivers can also call the school at 703-619-3100 to report absences.
Complete Permission Forms
Families can now easily give permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system.
This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account.
Parents can easily opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.
Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.
Daily Info on Bus Routes
Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses.
- HERE is the bus route information for this school year.
If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report.
Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays.
Contact the Transportation Office at 703-446-2150 with any additional questions. For any concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000.
To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.
Students - No Parking Without a MV Permit
Regrettably, we are seeing a rapidly growing increase in students illegally parking on campus during the school day. These student vehicles are being parking in reserved staff spaces & visitor parking.
This is a safety issue and needs to stop immediately.
Students - Please see the main office if you would like to purchase a parking pass.
REMINDER: All parking passes are for a semester only. Anyone wishing to have a semester 2 parking pass will need to purchase one at the end of January 2025.
Optional FREE Parking: Students may also park along (a) Old Mount Vernon Road, (b) Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, and (c) Maryland Street.
Students MAY NOT park at the Rec Center or in community areas that block private driveways.
No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy
for All High School Students
Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships?
If so, parents/caregivers can refer their children for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health.
Visit the Teletherapy webpage for more information on how to access this service.
Fentanyl Awareness Info
Varsity Tutors Provides
On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning.
Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.
Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
** MVHS Yearbook Archives **
** FCPS & MVHS INFORMATION **
Mount Vernon HS School Profile
Mount Vernon High School is a vibrant educational environment characterized by commitment to excellence. Located less than a mile from George Washington's home, Mount Vernon High School is steeped in tradition. Founded in 1939, its long history of excellence is evident in its current students, faculty, and staff. Mount Vernon High School has a world-class curriculum. Students choose from a wide range of course offerings, including International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. The International Baccalaureate Program is a rigorous advanced-level program that is an option for students in their final two years of high school. Individual needs are accommodated through three special education programs, an English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) program, and advanced or accelerated courses in all disciplines. At Mount Vernon High School, technology enhances and adds dimension to instruction in all curricular areas.
In addition to outstanding academic programs, Mount Vernon High School offers students a broad range of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities designed to meet and extend the broad range of student interests. Fine and performing arts students and athletic teams have received numerous awards and recognition. Contributing to Mount Vernon High School's unique character and strength is its diversity. More than 50 countries and 30 languages are represented in its student population. This diversity is enjoyed and celebrated daily, as well as through a series of cultural events that bring students, parents, and faculty together and demonstrate cooperative living in a multicultural world. Mount Vernon High School is further enriched by the support of an active community.
At Mount Vernon High School, we value and believe members within our community should be:
- Supportive,
- Passionate,
- Responsible,
- Looking for Continuous Growth, &
- Culturally Responsive
We know that our Majors achieve and thrive together with purpose and pride.
Please click HERE for more School Profile Information
FCPS Strategic Plan
Our Commitment to Excellence, Equity, & Opportunity for Each & Every Student
As we begin a new school year, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid reminds us of the goals of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, , which guides us in delivering excellence, equity, and opportunity for each and every one of our students.
Please visit the FCPS Webpage for all FCPS-related Information
Special Thanks to Our MVHS Photographer
Howard "Chip" Hall - MVHS Volunteer Photographer
Please visit Chip's website HERE for more amazing pics!
News You Choose Newsletter Archives
Links to the Family Newsletters for this 2025-2026 SY
November 2025
HERE is the link for November 2, 2025
October 2025
HERE is the link for October 26th, 2025
HERE is the link for October 19th, 2025
HERE is the link for October 12, 2025
HERE is the link for October 5, 2025
September 2025
HERE is the link for September 28, 2025
HERE is the link for September 21, 2025
HERE is the link for September 14, 2025
HERE is the link for September 7, 2025
August 2025
HERE is the link for August 31, 2025
HERE is the link for August 24, 2025
HERE is the link for August 17, 2025