News You Choose
MVHS Weekly Newsletter for Week of Sept. 8, 2024
Report Sexual Harassment or Discrimination
Report Discrimination, Harassment or Concerning Behaviors
** NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS **
Highlights for Next Week:
Week of September 8th to 14th
Monday:
- School Counselor Visits via English Classes
- Class of 2028 SGA Campaigning during Lunch
- Late Activity Bus
Tuesday:
- School Counselor Visits via English Classes
- Class of 2028 SGA Campaigning during Lunch
Wednesday:
- School Counselor Visits via English Classes
- Class of 2028 SGA Campaigning during Lunch
Thursday:
- School Counselor Visits via English Classes
- Class of 2028 SGA Campaigning during Lunch
- Late Activity Bus
Friday:
- School Counselor Visits via English Classes
- Class of 2028 SGA Campaigning during Lunch
- Spirit Day - Wear your MV swag - or rock your maroon & silver & white
Extracurricular Activities This Week
Below is the schedule of MVHS Extracurricular Activities for this week.
For a more comprehensive list of activities for the entire school year, click HERE.
NO Street Parking on Old Mt. Vernon Road
September 9th to 13th
Students Can Get TEMPORARY Passes
We received information that the county needs to "re-stripe" Old Mount Vernon Road - and subsequently, there will be NO STREET PARKING from Monday, September 9th to Friday, September 13th.
- Students can get a FREE temporary parking pass from Mr. Nelson or Mr. Murphy.
- Temporary parking for students will be in the Driver's Ed Parking Lot Only.
- Temporary passes are ONLY good for the week of September 9th to 13th.
Just a reminder, students WILL need a parking pass from the school to park in the student parking lot. Security will continue to closely monitor parking passes next week and beyond.
Mount Vernon HS MCJROTC Team Supports
Supports Honor Flight Program
Our MCJROTC Team supported the Honor Flight Program this past Thursday at Mission BBQ. They greeted and shared time with veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
In one of the photos below, they are talking with the one Marine Veteran (who served in World War II and Korea).
The cadets who participated are Cadet Major David O’Zwoldike (Senior), Cadet Sergeant Major Diana Calles (Senior, event coordinator), Cadet Second Lieutenant Daniel Bishop (Senior) and Cadet Private Remi Lloyd (Senior).
The Honor Flight Program representatives were grateful for our cadet’s participation. It was a great event, and the cadets did an outstanding job.
Special thanks to our MCROTC instructor USMC Col. (Ret) Caroline Simkins-Mullins for organizing this amazing opportunity.
September 11 Day of Service
Each year, the United States commemorates the tragic loss of life on September 11, 2001, and the acts of courage, compassion, and sacrifice that followed.
The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day and 9/11, is a chance to reflect and to act in service to others as a way of honoring those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.
Please take a moment to remember this day, those that lost their lives, and the families impacted. Please also take a moment to honor those who served in response to the horrific events of that day.
2024 Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
September 17, 2024
On September 17th of each year, schools generally hold an educational program in honor of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. This year, these programs would be held for schools between Friday, September 13, 2024 and Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
The purpose of this federal requirement is to commemorate the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, and to “recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.” This 2004 Congressional initiative is authorized by Section 111 of Division J of Public Law 108-447 and applies to educational institutions receiving federal funding from the United States Department of Education (USED).
All schools may determine what kind of educational programs are appropriate for their students. Learning experiences may be schoolwide or enacted through selected content or grade levels. Some informational resources pertaining to the Constitution that may be useful in planning educational activities are listed on the U.S. Department of Education’s Commemorating Constitution Day and Citizenship Day website. Information about citizenship and civics is also available at other websites such as the National Constitution Center.
2024 Back to School Night
Thursday; September 19th - 5p to 7p
The MVHS annual Back To School Night will be on Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
We will implement an "Open House" style of program to allow parents and caretakers to utilize the time more conveniently. Parents and caregivers will not follow their child's class schedule, but will be able to move around to teachers as works best for them.
We hope to see you there!
Class of 2025 Parent Council Meeting
Thurs; Sept. 12th - 7:00 pm
Our first Class of 2025 Parent Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 12 at 7:00 pm in the Media Center classroom.
Entrance 2 will be open for easy access to the Media Center.
We will begin planning for Seniorfest on June 2 and discuss Spring Mulch Sale and other possible fundraisers.
If you are the parent of a senior, please join us on Thursday, September 12th.
We also need a person or two willing to take the lead in organizing Seniorfest and another person or two willing to organize our mulch sale. Contact Karen Boyd, klboyd@fcps.edu, if you are interested or if you have questions.
FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter
Updated information, tips and ideas to support families.
The latest issue of the Special Education and 504 Newsletter is now available. Families will be notified of this publication beginning on September 5, 2024.
Topics in this issue include:
- IEP Information to Start the Year
- Section 504 - Start the Year Strong
- Extended School Year (ESY) Assessment
- Cardinal Care: Free Health Coverage for Kids
- Accessibility in FCPS
- Credit Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
- FCPS Therapy Services
- Special Education Teacher Support Program
- Adapted Physical Education
- Assistive Technology Services
- Adapted Curriculum Program
- Career and Transitions Services
- Early Childhood Special Education Identification and Services - Child Find
- Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Behavior Intervention Services
- COVID-19 Compensatory Education Services: Service Delivery Options
- Neurodiversity Equity in FCPS
FCPS School Board Is Seeking
Students for the 2024 Student Leadership Development Program
The School Board is accepting applications for the Student Leadership Development Program, open to any high school freshman, sophomore, or junior in good academic standing. The program is for students interested in a future in law, government or public policy. Twelve students will be chosen to work closely with the School Board to how FCPS is governed and will give the students opportunities to participate on various advisory committees to the School Board, and even to seek election as the student representative on the School Board.
Applications for this year’s program are available on the FCPS website under School Board. Students should submit the brief application, program requirements form, and one-page statement of interest to their principals by September 30, 2024. Principals will submit applications to the School Board Office by October 15, 2024. Each School Board member will select one student from their magisterial district, and the at-large members will select one student from all the applications received. The selected student leaders and remaining applicants will be notified by email by November 15, 2024.
The program information, application, and program requirements are available on the website.
PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day on October 9, 2024
Early Release for Grades 10-12
Grade 9 Students Do NOT Report to School
PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day on October 9, 2024
All high schools will administer the PSAT and SAT on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.
Standard PSAT/NMSQT and SAT school day testing requires approximately three hours to administer. A two-hour early release is scheduled for all high school and secondary school students on PSAT/SAT Day to provide staff development or to allow teacher-directed time.
High school academy courses will not be held on October 9, 2024, and all high school shuttles are canceled for the day. High school academy staff will support based school activities.
Wednesday October 9, 2024, 9th grade students will have an unscheduled school day and will NOT attend school. On this day ninth grade students are encouraged to complete any missing work or assignments that need to be completed prior to the end of the first quarter.
Please note that 9th grade students with disabilities taught on an adapted curriculum (students receiving low incidence special education services) will continue to receive in-person instruction with a 2-hour early release on October 9.
If you have questions about the PSAT/NMSQT administration or alternative activities, please contact us at paihle@fcps.edu.
STEAMOLOGY "STEM FEST"
Saturday, October 12th - 11a to 3p
Grades K to 8 Students
FREE Activities like Robotics, Coding, Experiments and More! See Flyer Below.
** College & Career Center News **
Colleges Visiting MHVS
Mount Vernon High School will be having the following college reps visiting next week. Students, please sign up for any college visits that you are interested in attending.
Please see Mrs. Juba in the College in Career Center or email her at cmjuba@fcps.edu if you have any questions or need any assistance and she will be happy to help you.
Colleges Visiting MVHS
- 9/9
- 1pm Marist College
- 9/11
- 10:30am Washington College
- 11:15am Marymount University
- 12:30pm NewU University
- 1:00pm Dartmouth College
- 9/12
- 12:30pm University of Dundee
- 1:00pm US Air Force
- 9/13
- 11:15am American University
- 12:30pm College for Creative Studies
- 1:00pm University of Utah
ASVAB dates
The ASVAB is used to help identify a person's strengths and find a career that matches them. It's also used to predict a person's future academic and occupational success in the military. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Juba cmjuba@fcps.edu and she will be happy to help you.
- October 17, 2024
- February 19, 2025
- March 25, 2025
·Financial Aid
The FASFA forms will be available on December 1, 2024. Our Financial Aid Champion from College Access Fairfax Katrina Rowsey will be at Mount Vernon High School on the following days during major time to assist you.
- October 2, 2024
- October 17, 2024
- October 31, 2024
- November 7, 2024
- November 12, 2024
- November 18, 2024
- December 3, 2024
- December 9, 2024
- December 17, 2024·
·
Scholarships
This is a link about how to search for scholarships in Naviance. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Juba cmjuba@fcps.edu and she will be happy to help you.
Naviance Student – Scholarships and Enrichment Programs | Fairfax County Public Schools (fcps.edu)
VACRAO College Fair
Mount Vernon High School will be hosting VACRAO College Fair on October 10, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
There will be colleges and universities from across the country.
Fairfax County Public Schools Look to the Future Week
College Fair @ GMU Eagle Bank Arena
October 20th from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm
250+ colleges attending
Post Secondary 2 Night Event
October 21st & 22nd, 2024 – 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
VIRTUAL Sessions
Virginia College Application Week (VCAW)
College Fair Thursday October 24, 2024
Application Assistance
Scholarship Search/Essay
Financial Aid 101
Next Steps after College Apps
** ONE LAST REMINDER **
Personal Project Donation Supply Closet
Did you clean out some spaces in your home over the summer? Do you have any items or materials you no longer need in your home that are just occupying space? Please consider donating them to our English 10 team!
Every year, our English 10 students complete the IB MYP Personal Project. Often, our students need supplies to complete the project, and the English 10 team would like to create a supply closet that can be used to offer materials to students in need of extra support.
Our students often complete projects in the following categories: Baking, Cooking, Cosmetology, Crafting, Creative Writing, Culture, Design, Family, Games, Health, Invention, Music, Performing Arts, Sports, Technology, and Visual Arts.
If you would like to donate items that might help students complete their projects - i.e. knitting needles, fabric, cameras, paint, baking pans, sports equipment, gardening supplies, musical instruments, markers, etc. - please contact Kimberly Dooley in Library Study B.
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Internship
Internship Applications Due Sept 30th
The NGA high school student internship application is open until 30 September. The application is for current Juniors to intern at NGA in the Summer of 2025. The advanced application process is necessary for the selection and security clearance investigation. Here is the website for more information. https://www.nga.mil/careers/Student_Opportunities.html
Anyone interested may contact me for more information. Feel free to contact Thomas Nance via email at thomas.f.nance@nga.mil with questions.
College Fair and "Look to the Future" Events
October 20th, 21st and 22nd
Fairfax County Public Schools high school students and their families are encouraged to participate in the following events:
- The 2024 College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena from 4:00 - 6:30 pm. Approximately 220 colleges and universities will be represented, including two and four-year colleges and US Service Academies.
- The Two-Night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.
Please visit this website to register for these events, both will help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey.
Update Your Child’s Immunizations and Records
by September 30th, 2024
Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia.
Starting Monday, September 30, 2024, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school.
You can check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to a school’s front office.
If your child needs a vaccine, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or access other local services. If needed, families may also provide other immunization documentation including a healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption or a notarized Religious Exemption Form.
Find more information on immunizations on the FCPS website.
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.
** On-Going Reminders **
FCPS Cellphone Policy
NO Cell Phone Use During Class
As you may have seen, FCPS rolled out a new Cellphone Policy, with specific expectations for all students. To summarize the high school (grades 9-12) expectations:
- Phones must be silenced and put away during all instructional periods.
- Cell phones may be used on campus before the first bell, after the last bell, during passing periods, and lunches.
- Phone accessories are also to be silenced and away when phone use is prohibited. Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
- Phones can be stored in a locker or backpack during the day. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency.
- With the approval of the principal or their designee, teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool; however, one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs.
- If your student needs access to their phone for medical accommodations, it is important to note that the current cell phone policy and guidelines have not changed. Therefore, students who currently require access to a cell phone or another personally owned device for medical reasons, or an accommodation to access the curriculum and make progress to their individualized goals, will continue to have such access.
- 1st Violation: Student receives verbal warning (documented infraction)
- 2nd Violation: Parent Notification of 2nd violation (documented 2nd infraction)
- 3rd Violation: Student is referred to administrator (documented 3rd infraction).
- 4th Violation: Student will receive disciplinary action - which will be confiscation of the device by the administrator. Student will receive the phone back at the end of the school day.
- 5th Violation: Parent/Caregiver and student will meet with the administrator for intervention plan.
Please see the FCPS Cellphone Expectations by Grade HERE.
MVHS has a CLOSED Lunch
Student are NOT Permitted to Leave Campus
MVHS Families -
Just a reminder that Mount Vernon High School has a CLOSED lunch. This means that students are NOT permitted to leave campus to get food at any of the surrounding restaurants or convenience stores.
Unfortunately, we are seeing a number of students who have left campus and have attempted to return to the school building with externally bought food.
Regrettably, due to several instances of where food and beverages were found to have illicit substances in them, we WILL NOT permit externally bought food to be brought into the school from students who have left campus without permission.
In addition, food will also not be permitted to be delivered to students from delivery services, including Uber Eats, Grub Hub, or by individual restaurant delivery services.
ALL external food found on students who have left campus, and is attempting to return to school, will be confiscated. Note, MVHS will not be responsible for food that are confiscated.
Thanks for your understanding in helping us keep all our students safe every day.
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.
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.
Breakfast and Lunch
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—$2.75
Lunch:
- Secondary and high school —$3.50
- Reduced-price lunch for qualifying students – no charge
- Adults or 2nd student meal —$4.75
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.
Free and Reduced Meals Information
Applications for Free and Reduced Meal Service (FRM) have been updated for the new school year. Click the following to access the updated online application. (Free and Reduced Meal Service Online Application)
- FRM eligibility carryover from the SY 23-24 is valid for the first thirty (30) school days.
- Households will be required to submit a new application by October 1, 2024.
- Apply on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage.
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.
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.
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!