News You Choose
Family Newsletter for Week of August 17th, 2025
The Governor of Virginia mandated that local school systems develop implement age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate policies relating to student cell phone and smart device possession during the school day.
The new FCPS Cellphone Policy restricts student cell phone and smart device possession and use on school property from bell to bell, which will reduce distractions and disruptions in the learning environment and reduce social media and on-line bullying and harassment.
Cellphone Policy for ALL FCPS High Schools (Grades 9–12)
The NEW Fairfax County Cellphone policy for students in grades 9-12 is as such:
- Phones must be off and personally stored (i.e., backpacks, lockers, etc.) during all instructional periods: bell to bell.
- Phone accessories and all smart devices (e.g., airpods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the phone) are also to be off and personally stored when phone use is prohibited.
- Watches that serve a dual purpose (e.g., smart watch) may be worn; however, phone features (e.g., texting, internet, calls, etc.) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
- Students may store their cellphones or devices in a locker, backpack, pencil bag, etc., during classes.
- Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency.
IMPORTANT
Schools will be strictly enforcing the cellphone policy and students will be expected to follow the county's direction.
If students choose to have their phones out during class, or in the hallways or restrooms, students will have their cellphones confiscated. All confiscated cellphones will not be returned until the 2:55 pm dismissal.
All of the FCPS high schools will be implementing the new Weapons Detection Systems (i.e. metal detectors) this school year.
ALL students will be expected to enter school each day through our detection system.
ALL visitors to the school will also be expected to enter the school through our detection system.
Staff will be on-hand each school day to assist students with entering the school through the system.
Information on the Weapons Detection System
The OpenGate Weapons Detection System is a non-invasive way to screen all students, staff and visitors for possible weapons entering the school.
All students will enter the Weapons Detection System each school day as follows:
- Laptops and Binders will be removed from backpacks and bags
- Students will put backpacks and bags over their shoulders
- Students will hold the laptops and binders above their heads as they pass through the system
- Any detection of a metal object will alert staff to check the students' backpack or bags
- Trained staff members will search backpacks and bags of any students that set off the system
- Hand-held wands (portable metal detectors) will also be used as needed.
- ALL of the weapons detection system is hands-off.
See pictures of the OpenGate Weapons Detection system below.
HERE is the link to the 2025-2026 mandatory Student Forms that all families must fill out for each new school year.
These forms can also be found on our school website HERE.
Mandatory Forms include:
Parent Digital Tool Permission Application - electronic submission only
Emergency Care Form - paper version to be printed and returned
Emergency Care Form in ParentVue - electronic version
Health Information Form - must be printed and turned in; copies available in the office
SR&R signature page - must be printed and turned in; copies available in the office
Military Connected Students Form - must be printed and turned in; copies available in the office
Other Student-Specific Forms (links and descriptions)
Free and Reduced Lunch Application (Form is electronic only – cannot be printed and signed) and Consent to Share Information Form Must be completed and turned in for your child to receive free/reduced fees for classes, athletics, etc.
- IMPORTANT: Students must re-apply for Free and Reduced Meals each school year.
- Approved students have until Wednesday, October 1, 2025 to re-apply.
- After October 1, 2025, students will pay full price for food.
- If you do not re-apply for this 25-26 school year, you will have to pay full price for food.
Homeless Student Referral Form - Only returned for students who are homeless
Clinic Health forms (if applicable to your child)
- Medication Authorization Form – Request personnel to administer medication to your child during school day.
- Student Use of Inhalers Form – Authorize your child to use an inhaler in school as prescribed.
- Student Use of Epi-Pen Form – Authorize FCPS personnel to administer epinephrine injection(s) as directed by a physician.
Parent Information regarding Student Opt-Out Rights and Choices
(if applicable to your child)
- Wellness Survey opt-out form – 9th and 11th grades only; this opt out is for parents who do not wish for their child to participate in the SOS program.
- FLE Opt-Out - to opt child out of all or some of the Family Life Education lessons (form specific to grade level)
- Annual Opt out (Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms) – Opt-out choices related to surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights. One Page Flyer
- FCPS-issued Laptop Opt Out Form - for parents who wish to provide a laptop to their student
MVHS is reimaging our Back to School Nights to engage more of our families.
Back to School Night will be an "Open House" approach, allowing families to visit staff members, tour the school, and gather important information to help students, parents and care-givers be more successful at MVHS.
The 2025 Back to School Event will be held just before our first Home Football Game vs. West Potomac. Game will start at 7:00 pm.
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 (Davis) 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
MVHS Academic Programs Info
IB Diploma Programme Info
IB Career-Related Programme Info
Report Sexual Harassment or Dscrimination
Report Discrimination, Harassment or Concerning Behaviors
Family Resources
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
FCPS Resources for Immigrant Families
"One Fairfax" Resources for Families
Emergency Family Preparedness Plan
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.
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
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
Howard "Chip" Hall - MVHS Volunteer Photographer
Please visit Chip's website HERE for more amazing pics!