News You Choose
MVHS Weekly Newsletter - Week of March 30, 2025
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
For more important school-related Information,
please see "School Resources Sites" at end of Newsletter
FCPS Resources for Immigrant Families
FCPS Resources for Immigrant Families
"One Fairfax" Resources for Families
Emergency Family Preparedness Plan
[Click on Resources Above for Websites]
** NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS **
Seniors and Senior Families
*** NEW & IMPORTANT ***
Graduation Information
Below is some new and important information for our Seniors and families:
- Graduation Calendar (updated as of March 21, 2025)
Monday, March 31st - Schools Closed
Main Office & Building Closed
Tuesday, April 1st - No School for Students
Main Office Open
Highlights for Next Week:
Week of March 30th to April 5th
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Monday:
- HOLIDAY - NO School for Students (Schools Closed)
Tuesday:
- NO School for Students (Professional Day for Staff - School Offices are Open)
Wednesday:
- STEM Club Fundraiser - Drop Off Toys & Tools in H103, E200 and A118
- French Club Fundraiser - Drop Off Household Goods in E215 or outside Main Office
- "Parents Engaged" Program - Pt. 4 (6:00 pm - Media Center)
Thursday:
- STEM Club Fundraiser - Drop Off Toys & Tools in H103, E200 and A118
- French Club Fundraiser - Drop Off Household Goods in E215 or outside Main Office
- Late Bus for After-School Activities
Friday:
- STEM Club Fundraiser - Drop Off Toys & Tools in H103, E200 and A118
- French Club Fundraiser - Drop Off Household Goods in E215 or outside Main Office
- MV Spirit Day - Wear your MVHS Swag
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.
Share Your Feedback
Principal Evaluation Parent/Caregiver Survey
MVHS Parents & caregivers,
On Monday, March 24, you received an email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and provides an opportunity for you to share anonymous feedback on key aspects of our school, including:
• Instructional leadership
• School climate
• Management (human resources and organizational)
• Communication and community relations
• Culturally responsive and equitable leadership
• Professionalism
The questionnaire will be open March 24 – April 4 and will be collected online.
When you receive an email from FCPSSurvey@fcps.edu, please take a few minutes to complete it.
Your feedback is important to me and your valuable input helps shape the future of our school.
Thank you for your time and participation!
Cary Dimmick, Principal
April is the Month...
...Where We Celebrate Military Children
Month of the Military Child
April is the Month of the Military Child (MOMC), a time to honor and celebrate the resilience, courage, and contributions of FCPS military-connected children.
The dandelion is the symbol of the military child, as our military children will always thrive wherever they land.
April 9th - Purple Day
Wear Purple to Support Our Military Children
April is
Arab American Heritage Month
Please help us celebrate Arab American Heritage Month this 2025.
"Celebrating the rich and diverse culture and contributions of the diverse population of Arab Americans, National Arab American Heritage Month has been observed during the month of April since 2017. More than 3.5 million Americans have Arab roots, with ancestries traced to 22 countries across the Middle East and North Africa.
The initiative for official national designation of the month was launched in 2017 by the nonprofit media and education organization Arab American Foundation and its sister organization Arab America. It began with support from a few states, but gained momentum each year.
In 2019, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Michigan), introduced a resolution to Congress to proclaim April as National Arab American Heritage Month. “It is my hope as a strong and proud Arab American in Congress that our nation can uplift our contributions in the United States by supporting Arab American Heritage Month,” Tlaib, a first-generation American, said about the resolution. The bill remains pending.
National Arab American Heritage Month was recognized in April 2021 by President Joe Biden, with the U.S. Department of State, some members of Congress and 37 governors issuing proclamations supporting the month, according to Arab America [History Channel]."
2025 FCPS Countywide Science Fair
MVHS Participants
Please join me in congratulating the MVHS students who represented our school at the recent FCPS countywide Science Fair last weekend at Robinson Secondary School.
The students below were selected from the MVHS Science Fair to represent MVHS at the next level of competition.
Congrats to the FCPS Science Fair
Award Winners
Congratulations to MVHS Student
Elijah Knight
Recognition for Auto Collision Program
We wanted to congratulate - and highlight - MVHS student Elijah Knight on his recent recognition with the FCPS Automotive Collision Program.
Elijah was highlighted by WUSA 9 - and also interviewed by Fox 5. See the WUSA 9 article here: https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/education/students-fix-up-old-car-for-production-of-grease-alexandria-va/65-1d2798b8-4925-46aa-ae1e-43cc82117522.
Check out the pic of Elijah below...the car he worked on is in the background.
Congratulations Elijah!
Winter Guard Places 2nd
at Guard Competition
Congratulations to our MVHS Winter Guard, who had an outstanding performance at the Atlantic Indoor Association Indoor Guard and Percussion competition last Saturday, March 22, 2025 at MVHS. Our Guard placed 2nd out of 7 in the competition!
FCPS Superintendent Visits
Winter Guard Competition at MVHS
Special thanks to our FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, who visited the Winter Guard Competition at MVHS last Saturday, March 22nd. Dr. Reid highlighted her experience in her "Weekly Reflections" email to all FCPS Staff:
"Following robotics, I stopped by Mount Vernon High School as they hosted their annual Atlantic Indoor Association Indoor Guard and Percussion competition, which featured sixty-five school ensemble units in performance. I want to thank Richard A. Bacz, the Director of Bands at MVHS, for the narrative. These 7-10 minute musical productions, adjudicated by nationally known judges of marching bands and drum corps, resemble an inside version of what many see at halftime of a varsity football game – but so much more. The students work very hard preparing and perfecting these routines in a competitive season that started every weekend in February and concludes next week at the A.I.A. Indoor Championships held at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia. It really is an inspiring event with beautiful performances.
This competition at Mount Vernon had performances from many of our schools: Mount Vernon HS, Fairfax HS, Thomas Jefferson HS, Westfield HS, Herndon HS, McLean HS, Oakton HS, West Springfield HS, Hayfield HS, South County HS, and Kilmer MS. Additionally, there were three college performances, including George Mason University Indoor Percussion. These programs are a wonderful way our students can show their individual love of music, their pride in our schools, and the greater community of the performing arts in our state and country. We are blessed to have such amazing fine and performing arts staff inspiring this generation of students."
MVHS Represented in the Global Classroom Showcase
Mt. Vernon was represented in the Global Classroom Project Showcase on Wednesday March 26,2025 at Woodson High School by Madame Dee.
Madame Dee displayed how her IB French class communicates with a class learning English in Senegal, French West Africa. Their conversations are about Mindfulness, which included Cultivating Concentration and an Awareness of the Five Senses.
Students created a Padlet of activities during which they are aware of their five senses. It involved sports, cooking and explorations.
Special Thanks to MVHS Minds Matter Club
for the "We Belong Week"
Special thanks to MVHS counselor Ms. Mentzel - and the MVHS Minds Matter Club - for organizing our We Belong Week last week. We had a great week of mindfulness activities.
FCPS IB MYP Certificate
Class of 2027
The application window for the FCPS IB MYP Certificate for the Class of 2027 is now open!
- Deadline: Friday, April 25th!
- HERE is the link to the MYB Certificate information
Members of the Class of 2027 who have done the following are eligible to apply...
Math SOL
Remediation Plan
As we begin our planning for the upcoming SOL Testing, please see the Math Department's Remediation Plan for Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2.
Math SOL Testing will be Tuesday, May 6th and Wednesday, May 7th, 2025.
New MVHS IB Visual Arts
Highlight Video
Special thanks to Ms. Gilliam and our IB Visual Arts students, who helped to create an MVHS Arts Program promotional video. It is posted to @mvhs_artists on Instagram, but it can also be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/X0zAA9lyVyc
April is National Poetry Month
MVHS Activities for Students
In honor of April's National Poetry Month, the Creative Writing class will be engaging our MVHS student population with writing and poetry.
Please see the fun opportunities below for students in the month of April:
Pen & Palette Poetry Competition
The MVHS Pen & Palette is hosting a poetry competition in honor of National Poetry Month. The competition is open to all students regardless of if they are taking Creative Writing or not. The winner will earn a spot on the front page of the Pen & Palette, bragging rights (that can be used on college applications!), and $20 to a fast food restaurant of their choice. Below is a prompt detailing requirements for submissions to the competition.
Requirements:
- Your poem must be about music. This can include: how music makes you feel, a song-inspired poem, a poem about a famous musician, and more – be creative!
- 1-2 pages of written poem
- 1-3 minute video of spoken poem
Poetry can be written or recorded and submitted to THIS google form by April 24th. Email Ms. Pulupa, the Creative Writing teacher, if you have any questions (copulupa@fcpsschools.net). Thank you and good luck!
Poet’s Corner
The Creative Writing class invites you to share your poetry during this National Poetry Month! In Ms. Pulupa’s classroom (C105), there is a corner that students are filling with their poetry. It’s a place to build community and express yourself through poetry. This corner will extend to the wall outside of their classroom (C105).
How do you get poetry on the wall? You must share poetry that you’ve written (or your favorite poem/song by someone else!) out loud to a group of people in Ms. Pulupa’s classroom. This group could include anyone from your friends, staff members, classmates, teammates, etc. As long as you are sharing with 2+ other people, it’s fair game!
After you share your poem, you stick the written poem/song on the wall in Ms. P’s room and you earn candy/a small gift. Poems are read after school on Mondays during April as well as during all Major Times. Use THIS LINK to sign up to share a poem!
Pen & Palette
This year, the Creative Writing class brought back the MVHS Pen & Palette, a Literary Magazine dedicated to showcasing student writing from both the Creative Writing class and the MVHS student population. Any creative written work is accepted as well as songs, photography, digital art, and more. Students are able to submit writing using THIS LINK.
HERE is a link to the first issue of the Pen & Palette. The second issue will be published the last week of April and will focus on poetry.
Thank you so much for supporting creative writing and arts here at Mount Vernon High School and we look forward to reading your work!
Gunston Soccer Spring Break
Camps for Students
April 14-18 at MVHS
MVHS Car Show
Saturday, April 26th - 9a to 12p
Proceeds Support Class of '27
MVHS Annual Golf Tournament
Monday, April 28, 2025
MVHS PTSA Scholarships
Applications Open Until May 5th
PTSA Scholarships are open for submission!
All PTSA student members are eligible to apply for these scholarships! Click the links below to access the files for the respective scholarships. Final day for submission is May 5th.
Seniors Apply Here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Wv7vRBl_vwxfkzh4tkROCq4cNYD5KbSh?usp=drive_link
Underclassmen Apply Here: https://forms.gle/mXMhsUuf5mh32paE9
Become a PTSA member! Click Here to Join
Fort Hunt Athletic Assoc.
Scholarship Opportunity for Seniors
The Jackson Casey Scholarship Application Process is Open
The Fort Hunt Youth Athletic Association (FHYAA) announces the launch of the application process for the 2025 Jackson Casey Scholarship. Jackson Casey participated in lacrosse, basketball, and football and was a good teammate and friend to many fellow players. Jackson's legacy, talent, and sportsmanship will forever be remembered by those he touched.
The scholarship is open to high school seniors graduating in the Class of 2025 who are current or former Fort Hunt athletes. FHYAA will award $3,000 in scholarships to two winners.
To apply, students must complete the online application and submit a 750-1,200-word essay reflecting on the life lessons learned by participating in athletics.
Applications are due April 13, 2025. The winners will be announced in May 2025.
About Fort Hunt Youth Athletic Association
FHYAA serves the youth of Fort Hunt and the surrounding communities, providing opportunities to experience recreational sports in an atmosphere that encourages and promotes teamwork, friendships, and self-confidence, in a positive, safe, and supportive environment. FHYAA currently supports Softball, Baseball, Lacrosse, Basketball, Rugby, Volleyball, Football, and Cheerleading.
To learn more about Fort Hunt Sports, go to forthuntsports.org.
Gunston Soccer Summer Camps
See Camp Info Below
2025 IB Exam Schedule
Testing Disclaimer:
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.
MVHS Engaged Parent Program
Wednesdays - Feb. 19th to Apr. 2nd
MVHS Student Services is excited to share that the Engaged Parent Program will begin on February 19 and run through April 2.
This program is a wonderful opportunity for families to connect, learn, and grow together.
Here are some highlights of what families can expect:
- A light dinner and childcare will be provided during each session.
- Parents who complete the full program (all 7 sessions) will receive a certificate and a gift card as an incentive for program completion.
- At the end of the program, we’ll also hold a raffle for two $50 Giant gift cards.
Below is a list of topics for each of the evenings.
Pictures from the February 19th Meeting
FCPS Superintendent Reid's
"Our Schools, Our Future" Community Meetings
Our Schools, Our Future – Spring Series 2025: Community and Employee Conversations
FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is hosting a series of Community and Employee Conversations across the school division this spring. These events are a valuable opportunity for you and your communities to share your thoughts, ask questions, and engage directly with Dr. Reid. Your input matters, and we encourage you to participate.
Community Conversations
- Monday, March 24 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Kings Park Elementary School
- Tuesday, April 1 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Lorton Station Elementary School
- Monday, April 7 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Greenbriar West Elementary School
- Monday, April 21 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Mount Eagle Elementary School
- Wednesday, April 23 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Mason Crest Elementary School
Interpreter services will be provided for all events.
Attendance "Tips of the Week"
April 2025 Tips
- This is the time of year when winter weather and children’s illnesses can take a toll on school attendance. But it’s important to get your children to school every day possible.
- If you are unsure whether to send your children to school, consult your doctor or this website for guidance. Our school nurse is also a terrific resource for chronic health conditions.
- Do what you can to keep your children healthy. Dress them warmly for the cold weather and make sure they’ve got hats and gloves. Encourage them to wash their hands regularly and send them to school with a bottle of hand sanitizer.
- Help your child learn to persevere. Today, he learns to overcome a snowdrift. In the future, he will have the grit to triumph over even greater obstacles to his dreams.
Attendance Reminders:
Just a few missed days here and there, even if they’re excused absences, can add up to too much lost learning time and put your child behind in school. This is as true in kindergarten as it is in high school.
HOW CAN YOU HELP YOUR CHILD OR TEEN HAVE GOOD ATTENDANCE?
• Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day, make that the expectation.
• Help your child maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.
• Try not to schedule dental and medical appointments during the school day.
• Don’t let your child stay home unless truly sick. Complaints of headaches or stomach aches may be signs of anxiety.
Did you also know...
• Ask for help from school officials, afterschool programs, other parents or community agencies if you’re having trouble getting your child to school
• Looking ahead to the holiday season, if missing school is unavoidable, talk to your children’s teachers in advance to create a plan for making up missed work. But remember, a homework packet cannot make up for the interaction and learning that goes on in the classroom.
And as a reminder...
If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or appointment, you must report the absence to the school.
You may submit information via MountVernonHigh.Attendance@fcps.edu or call us at 703-619-3131. Parents/Caregivers can also submit excused absences in ParentVue.
We appreciate your collaboration in scheduling appointments outside of school hours, when possible.
** College & Career Center News **
Colleges Visiting MHVS
Upcoming College and Career events:
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
ASVAB dates
The ASVAB is used to help identify a person's strengths and find a career that matches them. It's also used to predict a person's future academic and occupational success in the military.
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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The Louis Goaziou Lodge #1953 Scholarship Amount: $500 Deadline: 3/28/2025 **Application in Naviance**
American Industries Trade Scholarship Amount: $10,000 Deadline: 5/30/2025
The Emily and Fred Ruffing ACCA Scholarship Amount: $2,000 Deadline: 5/9/2025
Naval Officers Spouses Club (NOSDC) Scholarships Amount: Varies Deadline: 4/1/2025
AFCEA Belvoir Scholarship Program Amount: $2,500 Deadline: 4/27/2025
Raised to Reach Back Scholarship Amount: Varies Deadline: 3/31/2025
Maj. Gen. James Ursano Scholarship Amount: Varies Deadline: 4/1/2025
Tekau's Emergency Memorial Scholarship Amount: Varies Deadline: 4/19/2025
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Enrichment Programs
Online Medical Learning - HMX | Harvard Medical School Deadline: Event dates: 4/15-6/27/2025
IBEW Local 26 Field Internship Event date: Ongoing
Engineering at Brandeis Webinar Event date: 3/3/2025
Northern Virginia Regional College Fair Event date: 4/9/2025
Reynolds Young Writers Workshop Deadline: 3/1/2025 Event dates: 6/14-6/21/2025
Polygence Research Mentorship Program Deadline: 3/15/2025
Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration Program Deadline: 4/14/2025 Event dates: Vary on course
Summer Writers Camps Summer 2025 Event dates: 7/21-7/25/2025
Summer Preview at Boston University Event dates: Residential: 6/15-6/20/2025 Commuter: 6/16-6/20/2025
Health Biomedical Sciences Camp Event dates: 7/21-7/26/2025
Sunrise Day Camp Volunteer Opportunity Event dates: 6/23-8/1/2025
2025 Summer Bridge Program Application Deadline: 3/9/2025 Event dates: 7/7-8/7/2025
Engineering Technology Career Scholars Program Deadline: 3/14/2025 Event dates: See website
Harvard Undergraduate Ventures-TECH Summer Program Deadline: 4/14/2025 Event dates: Session I: 6/9-7/18/2025 Session II: 7/7/-8/15/2025
Latinx Leadership Academy Deadline: 4/1/2025 Event dates: 6/17-6/19/2025
Experiences in Architecture (EiA) Deadline: 5/31/2025 Event dates: 7/7-7/18/2025
IMPORTANT Upcoming Dates
- April 23, 2025 - from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm - ECMC Night College and Career Night (9th to 11th grade students and families)
- May 2, 2025 - (Time TBD) - College Decision Day
** IMPORTANT For Parents & Care-Givers **
School Resources Sites
Report Sexual Harassment or Dscrimination
Report Discrimination, Harassment or Concerning Behaviors
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.
** On-Going Reminders **
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!
News You Choose Newsletter Archives
March 2025
HERE is the News You Choose for March 30, 2025
HERE is the News You Choose for March 23, 2025
HERE is the News You Choose for March 16, 2025
HERE is the News You Choose for March 9, 2025
HERE is the News You Choose for March 2, 2025
February 2025
HERE is the News You Choose for February 23, 2025
HERE is the News You Choose for February 16, 2025
HERE is the News You Choose for February 9, 2025
HERE is the News You Choose for February 2, 2025
January 2025
HERE is the News You Choose for January 26, 2025
HERE is the News You Choose for January 19, 2025
HERE is the News You Choose for January 12, 2025
HERE is the News You Choose for January 5, 2025
December 2024
HERE is the News You Choose for December 15, 2024
HERE is the News You Choose for December 8, 2024
HERE is the News You Choose for December 1, 2024
November 2024
HERE is the News You Choose for November 24, 2024
HERE is the News You Choose for November 17, 2024
HERE is the News You Choose for November 10, 2024
HERE is the News You Choose for November 3, 2024
October 2024
HERE is the News You Choose for October 27, 2024
HERE is the News You Choose for October 20, 2024
HERE is the News You Choose for October 13, 2024
HERE is the News You Choose for October 6, 2024
September 2024
HERE is the News You Choose for September 29, 2024
HERE is the News You Choose for September 22, 2024
HERE is the News You Choose for September 15, 2024
HERE is the News You Choose for September 8, 2024
HERE is the News You Choose for September 1, 2024