Farewell to Mount Vernon High School
"To the incredible students, families, staff, and the entire Mount Vernon community,
It is with a mix of profound gratitude and genuine sadness that I write this farewell. Returning to my hometown and serving as an administrator at Mount Vernon High School has been one of the greatest honors of my life. This community, which played such a pivotal role in shaping who I am today, welcomed me back with open arms, and for that, I will always be deeply grateful.
The decision to return to my current home in Virginia Beach has been one of the most challenging I've ever made. My love for our students, your unwavering spirit and dedication, has been a constant source of inspiration. I will cherish the relationships I've built with our families, the collaborative efforts with our dedicated staff, and the powerful sense of community is what makes MVHS so special.
I am incredibly proud of the work we've accomplished together and the opportunity I've had to contribute to the school that means so much to me. Mount Vernon High School will forever hold a special place in my heart. As a proud alum, the belief that "Once a Major...Always a Major" is more than just a motto; it's a deeply rooted core belief that I will carry with me always. Instead of saying goodbye, I look forward to seeing you at future events and activities.
Thank you for everything.
With deepest respect and heartfelt appreciation,
Jacquie Blair"
Military Recruiters during student lunch period:
Students will be able to talk with military recruiters during their lunch periods on the following days and times:
Marines:
- SGT Pennington every 2nd Wednesday of month to May 14, 2025
Navy:
- Petty Officer Rosedom every 1st Friday of month to May 15, 2025
Army:
- Staff Sergeant Chase every 3rd Wednesday of month to May 14, 2025
Air Force:
- TSgt Stoy
WIOA Youth Program- Federal Grant Program
The WIOA Youth Program- Federal Grant Program helps youth that are between the ages of 17-24 https://vcwnorthern.com/wioayouth/ and have employment barriers.
Students that meet with qualifications for the WIOA Youth program and are out of school can be eligible for $5,000 towards employment trainings and credentials.
Please see our College and Career Counselor Ms. Whitehouse in the College and Career Center for more information.
Career Development Opportunities with the WIOA Youth Program are:
- Job Preparation Skills
- Apprenticeship Opportunities
- Interview Coaching
- Training Opportunities
- Resume Building
Educational Support with the WIOA Youth Program include:
- College or Vocational School Exploration
- Tutorial Assistance
- GED & High School Completion Options
- Short-Term Training Opportunities
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.
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.
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.
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!