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In the month of May "we take time to reflect and celebrate the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) have played in our shared history. Explore Smithsonian events happening online and in-person and find resources, podcasts, and collection items to learn more about AANHPI contributions" (Asian Pacific Heritage website)

Each May, hundreds of organizations and Americans of all backgrounds join together to discover, explore, and celebrate the vibrant and varied American Jewish experience from the dawn of our nation to the present day. For more information on Jewish American Heritage Month, visit the JAHM website.

Mental Health Awareness Month "provides a chance to stand with your community and show that no one struggles alone. NAMI’s 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month theme invites everyone to join National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) speaking up against mental health stigma (NAMI website)."

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as:

• Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
• Anxiety, worry, fears.
• Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
• Academic stress.

Students can be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and intensive and other services.

Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Additional Mental Health Resources

FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional assistance can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number.

Recent reports have shared an 11% drop in suicides among young people since the rollout of 988. Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts.

And as always, if your concern is an emergency, you should call 911.

Please click HERE for the 2026 IB Exam Schedule.

Please see Ms. Freeland with any questions about the IB Exams.

This week is our annual Staff Appreciation Week!

While we have planned events to recognize and celebrate our staff, if you wanted to send a nice message to any of our staff - showing your appreciation for all they do for our students and families - individual staff email addresses can be found on our school website.

HERE is the staff directory for email addresses.

Last Friday, May 1st was National School Lunch Heroes Day. On this day, we celebrate and recognize our amazing food services staff for all they do to make sure our students are well-fed with nutritious food and drinks.

Special thanks to our MVHS Food Services Team for their commitment to our school & community!

This past Wednesday, our MCJROTC Program held their annual Program Awards Ceremony.

We had a wonderful celebration of our cadets and send a special thanks to Major Burch-Bynum and Chief Warrant Officer Neveaux for all they do to provide incredible leadership to our students and our program.

Congratulations to all of our cadets!

Congratulations to the cast and crew of "Once Upon A Mattress" - as well as our amazing orchestra - for several incredible performances last week.

Special thanks to MVHS staff Jess Shaw, Renee Charlow, Chelsea Huber, Eboni Jones, and Al Rodriguez for all their hard work in making this show happen.

Congratulations to our Major athletes who today "signed" to play sports at the collegiate level next year:

• Demontrez Bannister - Bridgewater College (Football)

• Arion Cole - The Apprentice School (Football)

• Kamiyah Dabner - South Georgia Tech (Basketball)

• Nicholas Irahola - North Carolina Wesleyan (Football)

• Matthew Moret - William & Mary (Football)

• Dawit Volcy - Bridewater College (Football)

MVHS juniors and seniors:

Get ready for Prom on May 22, 2026!

Tickets are available for purchase during lunches only via cash or check. Students may buy a maximum of two tickets.

Pricing Schedule

• Early Bird Sale: May 11 and May 12 - $60 single, $115 for couples
• May 13- May 19 - $70
• May 20- May 22 - $85

Important Deadlines

• Ticket Cutoff: All sales end at 1:30 PM on Friday, May 22
• Guest Forms: Pick up in sub-schools; due by Wednesday, May 20

• No guests will be permitted to enter Prom without an approved Guest Form. No exceptions.

Forms needed to attend prom are HERE.

You can pick up a hard-copy of these in your sub-school.

The Financial Obligation Form in your sub-schools.

Beginning the week of April 19th, we will be celebrating our Seniors in their various spring sports.

Below is the schedule for the remainder of the spring:

• May 4th: Boys Lacrosse
• May 5th: Boys Tennis
• May 5th: Boys Soccer
• May 6th: Track
• May 7th: Girls Tennis
• May 7th: Girls Lacrosse
• May 11th: Baseball
• May 11th: Softball

Special thanks to all of our Seniors and their families for all they have done for Mount Vernon HS during their tenure as Majors!

The MVHS Boosters have secured a new date for the Michael M. Skinner Mount Vernon Golf Tournament: Monday, June 1

This will be our final attempt to hold the event this year. If we fail to reach our player goal, the tournament will be canceled, marking the first time since 2011 that we have not held this community tradition.

This event is more than a round of golf. It is a primary fundraiser for Mount Vernon High School Athletics, supporting equipment, uniforms, and essential resources for our student-athletes across all sports.

We need your help to make this happen. We are currently short of our target field and are asking:

• If you’ve been considering playing, please register now
• If you know someone who might be interested, please forward this along
• If your business can sponsor a foursome, it makes a meaningful impact

Learn more here! https://mvhsathleticboosters.com/golf-tournament

Register directly here! https://mvhsathleticboosters.com/ols/products/playerregistration

Event Details
Date: Monday, June 1
Location: Fort Belvoir Golf Club
Format: Team Scramble
Check-In: 7:00 AM | Shotgun Start: 8:00 AM

Important: To ensure seamless entry onto Fort Belvoir, all golfers must register by May 15 to be pre-vetted. After you register, we will request each golfer’s name as it appears on their ID and one of the following for base access: driver’s license (number and state), state ID (number and state), or passport (number, country, and date of birth).

Every registration gets us closer to ensuring this event, and the funding it provides, continues.

Thank you for supporting our Majors and helping us keep this tradition alive.

Class of 2026 Yard/Window Sign

Show your pride and celebrate your senior with a custom sign.

Pickup will be available at various times and dates (details to follow after order is placed). All proceeds go directly towards the PTSA Senior Celebration for the Class of 2026.

Have questions? Email us at ptsamountvernon@gmail.com

• Price: $15.00

• Order HERE

Mount Vernon High School will be holding our 2026 Graduation Ceremony at EagleBank Arena on the campus of George Mason University (4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax VA, 22030).

• The 2026 Graduation Ceremony will begin promptly at 9:00 am.

• Seniors must arrive to EagleBank Arena by 8:00 am – and be seated on the arena floor by 8:30 am.

HERE is a link to very important information from the EagleBank Arena policies for all visitors and Seniors.

Dear Fort Hunt Families,

A message from the Fort Hunt Summer Flag Football Program:

We’re excited to announce our Summer Flag Football program, kicking off on June 3rd and running through July 22nd!

Our spring season emphasized fun, fundamentals, and introducing the game. As we transition into the summer program, we’ll continue to build on that foundation, but with a stronger focus on competition and teamwork. Players will have more opportunities to apply what they’ve learned in game situations while continuing to develop their skills in a structured and supportive environment.

While competition will be elevated, development remains our top priority. Our coaching staff is committed to helping each athlete improve their football IQ, technique, and confidence as we prepare them for the next level, including tackle football.

This is a great opportunity for players to stay active, grow as teammates, and continue building their love for the game all while having fun along the way.

More details regarding registration is below. We look forward to seeing your athletes out on the field this summer!

Our goal is to form at least four teams of eight to ten kids at each age group. Please register early so we can conduct evaluations and structuring teams. We're trying to start practices and games on time.

Here's more about the Fort Hunt House League Flag Program:

· Summer Flag begins at Quander Road School 6:00 - 8:00 PM (June 3rd - July 22nd)

Our House League Flag football program is designed to offer a safe, dynamic, and competitive environment for young athletes to both discover and develop the skills and techniques necessary to succeed on both sides of the ball. The slate of practices and games ensures that all flag football participants receive comprehensive instruction and gain a keen understanding of the sport.

(Boys & girls ages 5-14) Flag Football will play two games a week. We will have two practices the first week of the season and after that the kids will play games on (Monday and Wednesday). This will be a house league so travel is restricted to the local Fort Hunt community.

Practice and game times are set by age group, please see below.

Quander School Address: 6400 Quander Rd, Alexandria, VA 22307

• K-2nd grade: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
• 3rd-4th grade: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
• 5th-6th grade: 7:00 - 8:00 PM
• 7th-8th grade: 7:00 - 8:00 PM

*Please note that scholarships are available, if you need financial assistance please contact the Commissioner at Forthuntcommissioner_hairston@hotmail.com

Flag Registration Link:

http://fhfootball.leagueapps.com/leagues/flag-football/4979387-2026-house-league-summer-flag-football-registration-june

Thank you for your continued support of Fort Hunt Football.

V/r

Ricky Hairston, Commissioner

Fort Hunt Football and Cheer

443-871-8656

Registration is open for FCPS summer camps and learning opportunities.

Career and Technical Education camps, and Fine and Performing Arts camps, will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS schools.

Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.

• Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing.

• CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps.

• Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes.

• Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theatre. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well.

• Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive camp for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp. Read about last year’s camp.
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New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

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 Mondays & Thursdays this spring of the 2025-2026 SY.

Please plan with your teachers to arrange any after-school support on Mondays or 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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.