News You Choose
MVHS Weekly Newsletter - Week of May 18th
MVHS Admin Team
Row 1 (L-R): John Uccellini, John Shaffer, Brian Murphy, Cary Dimmick
Row 2 (L-R): Karen Boyd, Adrian Williams, LaTrease Rich, Stephanie Payne, Jacquie Blair, Danielle Mascoll
Karen Boyd - Asst. Prin. (Gr.12 & A-Ciz)
John Shaffer - Asst. Prin. (Gr. 11 & Cla-Guy)
Jacqueline Blair - Asst. Prin. (Gr. 10 & Guz-Mek)
Stephanie Payne - Asst. Prin. (Mel-Rod)
LaTrease Rich - Asst. Prin. (Gr. 9 & Roe-Z)
Adrian Williams - Asst. Prin. (Specialized Programs)
Danielle Mascoll - Dir. of Student Services
Brian Murphy - Dir. of Student Activities
John Uccellini - Asst. Dir. of Student Activities
MVHS Academic Programs
[Click on Resources Below for Websites]
For more important school-related Information,
please see "School Resources Sites" at end of Newsletter
FCPS Resources
[Click on Resources Below for Websites]
Report Sexual Harassment or Dscrimination
Report Discrimination, Harassment or Concerning Behaviors
** NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS **
SOL, AP & IB Testing in May
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The MVHS spring Testing Schedules can be found HERE.
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IB students must sit for all components of the course's externally moderated examinations unless the student is seriously ill or there is a death in the immediate family; in these cases, the student must provide appropriate documentation to the IBO as exams must be taken within 24 hours of the original start time; no make-up exams are offered.
** Senior Final Exams **
** Begin Thurs; May 22nd **
** Grades 9-11 Final Exams **
** Begin Thurs; June 5th **
** June 3rd Early Release Day **
** MVHS Graduation Day **
** Last Day of School - Wed; June 11th**
Early Release Day
** IMPORTANT Testing Message **
RE: Cellphone Ban During Testing
We are entering into our annual testing season, which includes the VA Standards of Learning(SOL), International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
Our MVHS Testing Schedule can be found HERE.
** IMPORTANT **
Message on Cellphone Bans in Testing Sessions
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has a cellphone policy, which includes very clear language for cellphone use in the classroom – which includes our testing sessions.
Students and Families – please understand the severity of students accessing phones during the SOL, IB or AP Exams.
- Testing regulations outline that phones & devices are banned in testing sessions.
- ALL cellphones, Smartwatches and other devices should be turned off and put away IN a back or backpack for the entire testing session.
- Students will NOT be permitted to have their device on their body during testing sessions.
- ANY use of a cellphone, tablet, or Smartwatch, or other devices – which includes taking out the device, accessing the device, etc., while testing will result in an irregularity, and the student will forfeit the right to test during this 2024-2025 testing window.
- Staff will be confiscating any device suspected to have been used to take photos of the test – and the device will only be returned to a parent or caregiver.
Seniors – please note that if you use a device during testing – and subsequently must forfeit the right to test this 24-25 SY, this may impact your ability to graduate in June 2025.
Parents and caregivers - please have a conversation with your child about the importance of following the above cellphone expectations outlined by FCPS during the SOL and IB testing sessions.
If you have any questions about the above policy, please feel free to call me at 703-619-3100.
MVHS is NOW
a Chapter 35 Military Benefits School!
MVHS is now FULLY approved to help take our Military Families take advantage of the opportunity to receive Chapter 35 benefits.
Chapter 35 Benefits are for the child or spouse of a Veteran or service member who has died, is captured or missing, or is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability.
Children and spouses may also be eligible for the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program.
For more information on this special DEA program, and to see if you are eligible to help you pay for school or cover expenses while you’re training for a job, please see the link HERE.
For those of you unfamiliar with Chapter 35, HERE is a link to some more detailed information.
Seniors and Senior Families
** IMPORTANT Graduation Information **
Below is some new and important information for our Seniors and families:
- Graduation Calendar (updated as of March 21, 2025)
2025 Interfaith Ceremony
Sunday, June 1st - 4:00 pm
Good Shepherd Church
May is
Jewish-American Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) is an annual recognition and celebration of American Jews' achievements and contributions to the United States of America during the month of May.
May is
Asian-American / Pacific Islander
Heritage Month
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
Highlights for Next Week:
Week of May 12th to 17th
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Monday:
- Yearbook Distribution & Sales (Outside Cafe - During all lunches)
- SOL Testing (in Fieldhouse)
- IB Testing (in G100)
- Late Bus for After-School Activities
Tuesday:
- Yearbook Distribution & Sales (Outside Cafe - During all lunches)
- SOL Testing (in Fieldhouse)
- IB Testing (in G100)
Wednesday:
- Yearbook Distribution & Sales (Outside Cafe - During all lunches)
- SOL Testing (in Fieldhouse)
- IB Testing (in G100)
- Spring Choir Concert (7:00 pm - Little Theatre)
Thursday:
- Yearbook Distribution & Sales (Outside Cafe - During all lunches)
- SOL Testing (in Fieldhouse)
- IB Testing (in G100)
- Late Bus for After-School Activities
- Spring Band Concert (7:00pm - Little Theatre)
Friday:
- Yearbook Distribution & Sales (Outside Cafe - During all lunches)
- MV Spirit Day - Wear your MVHS Swag
- SOL Testing (in Fieldhouse)
- IB Testing (in G100)
- Orchestra Concert & 50th Anniversary Celebration (7:00pm in Little Theatre)
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.
** REMINDER Announcements **
'25-'26 Course Requests
Now Available in SIS ParentVue
Please review your student’s course requests for the 2025-26 school year listed in SIS ParentVue. Click “Course Request” on the Navigation toolbar to access this information.
- Please note the course requests are not a schedule, they are a list of 2025-26 course selections only.
- The deadline to make changes is June 18, 2025.
See the counselor/alpha below:
A – B: Ms. Green
C-Ev: Ms. Juba
Ew-Hop: Ms. Jeter
Hoq-Mc: Ms. McAlevy
Me-Pic: (formerly Ms. Moore’s, check your student’s StudentVue)
Pif-Sli: Ms. Mentzel
Slj – Z: Mr. Guillion
ELP Level 1 & 2: Ms. Samper
Comprehensive Services Site: Ms. Stephens
'25-'26 Student Intent Form
IF Students Are NOT Returning to MVHS
It is also important for us to know if your student will not be returning to Mount Vernon HS next school year. If your student is not returning to Mount Vernon next school year, please send an email with the following information:
- Student Name (first, middle, and last)
- Student ID Number
- Parent/Guardian Name (first and last)
and...Whether the student is transferring to:
another FCPS
nonpublic school (includes Home School)
another public-school division in Virginia.
a public-school division in the United States
An official form is available at the following link: https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/it110.pdf.
Summer School 2025 Registration
Registration for the FCPS Credit Recovery Academy, held at Mount Vernon HS this summer, closes on June 23, 2025.
Families may register online or by contacting your student’s school counselor.
For more information, please visit https://www.fcps.edu/academics/summer-learning/credit-recovery
Parent/Guardian Survey
Resource Needs for Students & Families
IB Senior Survey - Due by June 1st
IB Seniors:
Please complete the following form no later than June 1st, 2025, to have Ms. Freeland, IB Coordinator, send your IB scores sent to your new school at no charge. After June 1st, you will be responsible for requesting and IB will charge you $17.
Sarah Freeland
Mount Vernon High School Advanced Academics
PTSA Board Members Needed!
Hello PTSA family!
We are still accepting nominations for the 2025-2026 term for our PTSA Board. If you have the spirit and drive to work with the parents and staff of MVHS to bring various programs and awareness to the school community, WE NEED YOU!
The following positions are available:
- President
- Vice President (Programs and Membership)
- Secretary
- Treasurer
Please send nominations/self-nominations to ptsamountvernonhs@gmail.com by May 25, 2025. In your email please include:
- Name of the nominee
- Position of interest
- Email and phone number
We will vote on the nominees during our June member meeting.
If you have any questions about the positions, don't hesitate to contact the current board members via the PTSA email or directly!
Thank you for your continued support!
Tanya Logan, PTSA President
** College & Career Center News **
Colleges Visiting MHVS
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
Scholarships!
Scholarships
Please check both the Mount Vernon HS Career Center: Section 1 Schoology pages and the Scholarship tool in Naviance. You can also always visit Mrs. Whitehouse in the College and Career Center to learn more!
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American Industries Trade Scholarship:
- Amount: $10,000
- Deadline: 5/30/2025
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Enrichment Programs
Experiences in Architecture (EiA)
- Deadline: 5/31/2025
- Event dates: 7/7 to 7/18/2025
IBEW Local 26 Field Internship
- Event date: Ongoing
Summer Preview at Boston University
- Event dates:
- Residential: 6/15 to 6/20/2025
- Commuter: 6/16 to 6/20/2025
Sunrise Day Camp Volunteer Opportunity
- Event dates: 6/23 to 8/1/2025
Summer Writers Camps Summer 2025
- Event dates: 7/21 to 7/25/2025
Health Biomedical Sciences Camp
- Event dates: 7/21-7/26/2025
School Resources Sites
[Click on Resources Below for Websites]
FCPS Resources for Immigrant Families
[Click on Resources Below for Websites]
FCPS Resources for Immigrant Families
"One Fairfax" Resources for Families
Emergency Family Preparedness Plan
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.
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.
MVHS Yearbook Archives
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!
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