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"Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month (History Channel website)."

For more information on Black History Month, visit the History Channel website HERE.

With Ramadan approaching, we wanted to share information about the MVHS Prayer Room:

The MVHS Prayer Room has been moved from the Ms. Boyd’s upper Sub-School to Ms. Winkfield’s Lower Sub-School.

If students want to access the prayer room, they must:

• Have a parent fill out the Mediation/Prayer Room Permission Form to be excused from class to access the Prayer Room

• See Ms. Winkfield’s administrative assistant Ms. Zenobia Payne to sign in & sign out of the Prayer Room.

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Please let us know if you have any questions about access to our Prayer Room.

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As a REMINDER: from February 18 to March 19, 2026, a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) waiver allows students fasting during the school day to request take-home meal kits.

These kits include a complete school breakfast and lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Important Meal Kit Information:

• Kits are charged based on a student’s meal status (Free, Reduced, or Paid).
• Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day.
• Students who eat a meal at school during the day are not eligible for a take-home kit on the same day.
• Kits are distributed at the end of the school day. Students must pick up their own kits; adults are not permitted to collect them.

IMPORTANT: Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:

• February 16, 2026 for the week of February 23, 2026
• February 23, 2026 for the week of March 2, 2026
• March 2, 2026 for the week of March 9, 2026
• March 9, 2026 for the week of March 16, 2026

** Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week. **

** Parents/guardians must submit a separate request form for each student, every week, to participate, according to the deadlines above **

Mt Vernon HS students submitted several entries into the FCPS "Seize the Moment - Student AI Innovation Challenge" - and we had a 1st place winning team!

Aneeba Ahmed, Mia Liuksila & Karla Badoussi Donkpegan earned 1st Place in the school-level challenge and will showcase their innovative project at the district event.

These students created an app called Karly. This app is designed to help people navigate friendships, improve their social skills, make new friends, find new opportunities for friends, and communicate more effectively.

• Check out their app!

Aneeba, Karla and Mia shared with me that "We know how hard it is to navigate the social circles in high school, and because we are a diverse group of students, we wanted to develop a way to help others."

Anneba (interest in coding), Karla (interest in STEM and Engineering) and Mia (interest in psychology) took their career interests and blended them together to develop their approach to build social-emotional well-being in adolescents.

The three 9th graders added, "We tested the app on ourselves and some friends, and then took their feedback to make the appropriate revisions to the app." We are so excited to see where these creative students will go over the next three years at MVHS!

Mt. Vernon’s additional entries included Mindful Minutes, which uses sentiment analysis to help students track and improve their mental well-being during stressful exam periods. Another project, Green Guide, offers an AI-powered database for local recycling and composting rules specific to the Mt. Vernon area. These tools feature personalized dashboards and notification systems designed to foster long-term positive behavioral changes.

The above students will be celebrated at the "Seize the Moment Challenge Event" next Tuesday, February 17th.

FCPS leadership and representatives from organizations, including Amazon, Playlab, and the Virginia Dept. of Education, will be in attendance, and, of course, our most important guests will be the incredible students and coaches who worked so hard.

🗓️ Date: February 17, 2026

🕕 Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

🏫 Location: Herndon High School

Congratulations to our Mount Vernon High School Band Indoor Ensembles, for their achievements this past weekend at the Forest Park Indoor Competition:

• Winter Guard – 3rd place
• Percussion Ensemble – 1st place

MVHS had 808 students make the Honor Roll for the second quarter!

Of the 808 students:

• Dean's List (3.0-3.49 GPA): 303 students

• Principal's List (3.5 to 3.9 GPA): 299 students

• Honor Grad List (4.0 GPA or higher): 206 students

Certificates were emailed to students/parents on Friday. Our Honor Roll presentation board will be updated next week!

Great work Majors!

Congratulations to MV School-Based Technology Specialist Mr. Mike Abrams - who was just selected as the Region 3 Outstanding Professional Employee of the Year.

Mike will now go to the FCPS Finals for the Outstanding Professional Employee of the Year later this spring.

Please join me in welcoming three new MVHS Staff Members that start this month of February:

• Kim Canonica - Special Education Teacher

• Donnie Olajuwon - Assistant Principal (supervising Special Education Programs)

• Caroline Parris - Special Education Teacher

If your student participated in the World Language Credit by Exam (WLCBE) this fall, scores are now available for viewing in SIS ParentVUE.

• Please log into your SIS ParentVUE account using a web browser to access the information: https://sisparent.fcps.edu.

• Exam scores can be viewed in the SIS ParentVUE “Test History” section and "Documents" section.

Don’t have a ParentVUE account? Create one today using the following link: https://www.fcps.edu/services/technology/tools/sis-parentvue/sis-parent-account-registration, or wait to receive the score report in the mail next week..

If you need assistance accessing your student’s WLCBE score, please reach out to your school’s test coordinator, Pam Ihle, PAIhle@fcps.edu.

Students in grades 9–11 will have access to Kaplan’s PSAT/SAT online preparation resources at no cost through October 31, 2026.

These courses provide students with practice questions, short lessons, and test-taking strategies aligned to the PSAT and SAT.

Students can use the program at school or at home to build skills in reading and math and become familiar with the test format.

The platform also allows staff to view student participation and usage.

• Students should log in using this link and their FCPS username and password: https://tinyurl.com/FCPSKaplan

• Our Information Session recordings and support materials are available in the Kaplan Schoology Group page. (use code XHX8-QJRW-J58FF)

We would like to share information about the end-of-the-school-year calendar.

Seniors - Class of 2026:

• Last day of regular classes will be Thursday, May 28th

• Senior Final Exams will begin on Friday, May 29th and run through Wednesday, June 3rd (see schedule below)

• On these days, seniors will be released at the normal 2:55 pm.

• Following these days, seniors will have three activity days on Thursday, June 4th, Friday, June 5th and Monday, June 8th. Seniors will not attend regular classes on these days, but they will participate in [a class celebration, graduation rehearsals].

• Graduation will be at 9:00 am on Tuesday, June 9th at Eagle Bank Arena (at George Mason University)

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• There will be NO SCHOOL on Tuesday, June 9th for students in grades 9-11.

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For students in grades 9-11:

• The last five days of school will be on a modified schedule.

• Students will be released at 11:30 am following their final exams.

• Please see the grades 9-11 final exam schedule below.

• Wednesday; June 17th: Last Day of School – early release at 10:10 am

Please feel free to call the school at 703-619-3100 with any end-of-the-year questions.

Support MVHS PTSA Class of 2026 Senior Class Celebration!

Double Shredded Hardwood Mulch - Sold at $7.00 per 3 cubic feet.

- Orders of 10 Bags or more will be available on Saturday, March 21st, 2026 and can be delivered FREE of charge to your desired location within the Mount Vernon Area.

- Orders of less than 10 Bags will be available for Pick-Up ONLY at Mount Vernon High School, also available on Saturday, March 21st, 2026.

• DEADLINE FOR ORDERS IS: SUNDAY, MARCH 15th, 2026 at 12 MIDNIGHT!

• HERE is the ordering information.

We are excited to share a wonderful opportunity for our students as prom season approaches. We have partnered with a local nonprofit to ensure that every student has the chance to look and feel their best, regardless of their budget.

The nonprofit will be hosting a prom attire giveaway planned for late March or early April, with the exact date still to be determined. Additionally, they will provide free hair and makeup services here at the school on the day of prom.

While we have already started collecting items, we are hoping to gather additional donations to better support our students.

If you have any new or gently used formal attire—including dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories—please consider bringing them to the MVHS Resource Center for drop-off. The MVHS Parent Resource Center is in the Main Lobby of MVHS.

I have attached a flyer with more details. Please keep these services in mind for any students who may benefit.

Thank you for your time and continued support in making this a memorable event for our students.

Keyli Villela

MVHS Family Liaison

All FCPS students in grades 9-12 will be receiving an email from FCPS inviting them to participate in the inaugural FCPS Student Summit, a Superintendent-led leadership and engagement initiative designed to elevate student voice across FCPS.

The Student Summit will bring together students in grades 9–12 to share ideas, perspectives, and recommendations directly with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Students will engage in meaningful conversations on important topics, including access to programs and resources, skills building and micro-credentials, AI literacy, and other student-identified priorities.

The Student Summit will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the new FCPS high school in western Fairfax County (2949 Education Drive, Herndon, VA 20171).

Students who attend will earn three hours of community service credit and receive a certificate of participation.

• Registration for the Student Summit Event opens Monday, February 23, 2026.

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Do you want to help plan the Student Summit?

The Student Summit will include a planning committee made up of two students per high school, a key component of this event.

• Students now have the opportunity to apply to participate in the FCPS Student Summit Planning Committee.

• The application form is now open and will close on Monday, February 16.

The Sophomore class needs your help!

Please consider ordering some delicious Double Good popcorn!!! Every purchase helps!!!

• To order, click here: https://s.dgpopup.com/dq8od809

Thanks for taking a look!

Ms. Rich and the Class of 2028

From February 18 to March 19, 2026, a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) waiver allows students fasting during the school day to request take-home meal kits.

• These kits include a complete school breakfast and lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Important Meal Kit Information:

• Kits are charged based on a student’s meal status (Free, Reduced, or Paid).
• Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day.
• Students who eat a meal at school during the day are not eligible for a take-home kit on the same day.
• Kits are distributed at the end of the school day. Students must pick up their own kits; adults are not permitted to collect them.

IMPORTANT:

Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:

• February 11, 2026 for week of February 18, 2026
• February 16, 2026 for the week of February 23, 2026
• February 23, 2026 for the week of March 2, 2026
• March 2, 2026 for the week of March 9, 2026
• March 9, 2026 for the week of March 16, 2026

** Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week. **

** Parents/guardians must submit a separate request form for each student, every week, to participate, according to the deadlines above **

Youth Advisory Council of the DC Metro Transit Police Department will be hosting the MTPD Youth Advisory Council of VA on Thursday, February 26th at Metro’s Alexandria Headquarters (located at 2401 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA) from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Students who attend the meeting will receive five (5) hours of community service as well as a FREE dinner.

MVHS Military Families living on Base:

Ft. Belvoir leadership asked that we share the important information below:

"Fort Belvoir SHARP will be hosting the SAAPM 5K on April 10, 2026. We kindly request your assistance in informing all parents, staff, and students who may be affected by increased traffic and temporary road adjustments on the installation that morning.

The run will begin at 0800, and road guards will be positioned at each intersection along the route to ensure safety.

• A map of the 5K course is below for your reference.

Please share this information with your school community so families can plan accordingly and avoid unexpected delays when entering the installation."

Our MVHS Student Activities Website will be full of important information for our students and families.

HERE is the link to the 25-26 MVHS Activities Calendar

HERE is the link to the MVHS Student Activities Website.

HERE is a link to the 2025-2026 Athletic Coaches List

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!

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.

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.