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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)."

Families of students in Grades 9-11:

Our annual Underclassmen Awards Ceremony will be on Thursday, May 28th at 1:30 pm in our MVHS Little Theatre.

Please save this date on your calendars.

Students in grades 9-11 who are recipients of one or more awards will receive a separate invitation at a later date.

See the flyer below as well.

Congratulations to Brandon Asumadu and Jacob Vonharten – who have been selected to participate in the Boys State this summer at Hampden Sydney University.

Virginia Boys State is a leadership action program, designed to develop a working knowledge of the structure of government. Boys State is among the most respected educational programs of government instruction for high school students. Each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government.

Congratulations to Brandon and Jacob on such a prestigious recognition! Important to note, they were selected to represent the entire American Legion Post 162 region - which consisted of both public and private high schools!

Congratulations to Jacob Vonharten - and the Mount Vernon High School Red Cross Club who was recognized for their efforts in organizing a collection drive for the Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces program (SAF), gathering essential items including toothbrushes, coloring books, and markers. Jacob, the founder of our MVHS Red Cross Club, and our Red Cross Club students reached out to dental offices, individual donors, and even secured a collection box at Chalkboard. Ms. Karen Olmstead (MVHS Parent and Community Advisor to the Red Cross Club) noted that "When I arrived at the Red Cross collection site and saw the volume of donations our students had gathered compared to other high schools from across the entire region, I knew we had done something special. The reaction from fellow adult volunteers said it all — the looks on their faces and the genuine 'wow, that's a lot' comments confirmed that Mount Vernon made a real statement."

Jacob has also been selected as one of a very small number of students chosen to serve as a Red Cross VolunTeen at Fort Belvoir this summer. This is a highly competitive and prestigious opportunity, and it is a true reflection of the character and commitment Jacob brings to everything he does.

Our Red Cross Club is doing great things, and we believe the best is still ahead.

IB Score Submission Deadline – Class of 2026

Dear Class of 2026 students and families,

Students who would like their IB scores sent to their college or university at no cost must submit a request to Mrs. Freeland, IB Coordinator, by June 1, 2026.

After this date, students must request scores independently and pay a $17 fee directly to the International Baccalaureate.

• Request form: https://forms.gle/oQaN91JZpLkeaJhB8

This information and the form link are also available on all senior IB teachers’ Schoology pages.

If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Freeland at scfreeland@fcps.edu.

Sarah Freeland

Mount Vernon High School Advanced Academics

Congratulations to our Track Team! Even though we didn’t win the district title as a team, we still had a lot of athletes place high in their events.

Coach Jones and Patnett shared that "All the hard work, dedications, and preparation throughout the year, really paid off for a lot of our athletes." They are "proud of everyone’s performance and I want to say congratulations to the ones who advanced out and made it to regionals."

Highlights the coaches shared from the District Championships:

National District Championships:

• Madison Myers took 3rd place in Girls Long Jump
• Makayla Mayangitan jumped a personal best(34-0.5) in Girls Triple Jumps, putting her in 1st place and making her district champ
• KaMiyah Dabner also jumped a personal best(32-9) in Girls Triple Jump. She also ran a personal best(12.74) in the Girls 100m Final, taking 2nd place. KaMiyah also took 3rd place in Girls 200m Dash, running a personal best of 26.24
• Dawit Volcy took 4th place in Boys Long Jump
• In Boys Triple Jump, Demontrez Bannister took 2nd place, Michael Bates took 5th place
• Miles Ward took 2nd place in Boys High Jump
• In the Boys 100m Final, Siaffa Willi ran a personal best(11.13) taking 2nd place and Aveon Cole took 4th place.
• In the Girls 1600m Run, Rachel Vann ran a personal best(5:25.32) taking 5th place. And Lacey Lussier also ran a personal best(6:01.03)
• Rachel Vann also took 6th in the Girls 3200m Run.
• In the Boys 1600m Run Adrian Morales-Urrutia( 4:37.20), James VanZandt (4:39.98) and Matthew Brown (4:40.32) all ran personal bests
• Girls 400m Relay took 2nd place overall
• Madison Burks ran a personal best(1:02.72) in the Girls 400m Dash. She also ran a personal best in the Girls 200m Dash(26.73) taking 6th place overall.
• Jeremiah Kuffour took 3rd place in the Boys 400m Dash
• Mariah White ran a personal best(49.82) in the Girls 300m Hurdles
• Erick Yanes Flores ran a personal best(38.92) in the 300m Hurdles, taking 1st place. He now has the 3rd fastest time in our state division. Erick also took first place in Boys 110m Hurdles
• Also, in the 300m Hurdles Christian Deal also ran a personal best(41.17) taking 4th place overall. And Demontrez Bannister took 5th place
• In the Boys 800m Run, Oliver Raak ran a personal best(1:58.43), taking 2nd place overall
• In the Boys 3200m Run Adrian Morales-Urrutia(10:00.06) and James VanZandtz
• In the Boys 200m Dash, Axel Ferrufino ran a personal best(22.42) taking 3rd place. And Dylan Thompson also ran a personal best(22.62) taking 5th place in finals.

District Champs Recap:

• Makayla Mayangitan – Girls Triple Jump
• Kaila Barnes – Girls High Jump
• Erick Yanes Flores – Boys 110m Hurdles(4th in state), 300m Hurdles(3rd in state), and Boys 1600m Relay
• Boys 400m Relay – Siaffa Willi, Axel Ferrufino, Dylan Thompson, and Aveon Cole
• Boys 1600m Relay – Erick Yanes Flores, Abdoulye Boiro, Olvier Raak, and Christian Deal
• Boys 3200m Relay – Jeremiah Kuffour, Abdoulaye Boiro, Yohanes Aparicio-Tekla, and Oliver Raak

Dear Mount Vernon High School Parent or Guardian:

The Mount Vernon High School Health Room wants to remind parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than 10:00 am on the last day of school - Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

• Medication left in the health room after that time will be destroyed. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian.

• Medication cannot be sent home with your student. However, with parent or guardian permission, a high school student may transport over-the-counter medications to and from the school health room.

• If your student will be enrolled in a summer program sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools, the existing medication authorization form(s) may be used for the summer program, but you will need to pick up the medication on the last day of school and deliver the medication and completed forms to the summer learning site on the first day of the summer program. Please let the health room know if you would like a copy of the form(s).

2026-2027 School Year Information

Medication authorization forms for next school year may be obtained from the school or online at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/school-health-services.

• A medication authorization form is required for any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, to be kept at school.
• Please be sure medication orders are clear.
• All information on the form must be completed.
• Part I must be signed and dated by the parent or guardian.
• Part II must be signed and dated by your health care provider.
• Approved over-the-counter medications given for headaches, muscle aches, orthodontic pain, or menstrual cramps do not need a health care provider’s signature.
• Antibiotic or antiviral medications for 10 consecutive school days or less do not require a health care provider’s signature either.
• For all asthma medications, a Virginia Asthma Action Plan must be provided.
• More detailed information is available on the back of the medication authorization form(s).

Additional Information

• Over-the-counter medication must be in the unopened original container and clearly labeled by the parent or guardian.
• No more than 100 pills/tablets of OTC medication should be brought to school at a time.
• All prescription medication, including samples, must be labeled by the pharmacist or health care provider.
• Please make sure that the label clearly states your student’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage of the medication, and the time to be given.

If you have any questions, please contact your School Health Room Aide Ms. Monique Tyler, or your School Public Health Nurse Ms. Georgina Mawuena, at 706-619-3110.

Thank you for your cooperation and have a good summer.

HERE is the official school letter with the above information.

This is a reminder regarding the upcoming registration deadlines for the Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance (EPF) course.

Summer 2026 Term

This course is recommended for FCPS students in grades 9-12 during the 2026-27 school year.

Current FCPS students who will be in grade 9 in 2026-27 may also enroll but must discuss and receive approval from their school counselor and parent/guardian.

Current active FCPS students (2025-26SY) continuing into the 2026-27SY are eligible to take the course over the summer.

• Registration Deadline: Friday, June 6, 2026

• Course Dates: June 22, 2026 – July 24, 2026 (5 weeks)
• Tuition: Full: $130 | Reduced Lunch: $65 | Free Lunch: $13

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2026–27 School Year Term

This is the same course content as the summer term but delivered over 8 months.

Open to FCPS students (Grades 9–12), including new incoming students for the 2026–27 school year.

Students must have a full schedule (7 or 8 periods, depending on the school) and counselor approval to register.

• Registration Deadline: Friday, August 28, 2026
• Course Dates: August 31, 2026 – May 7, 2027 (8 months)
• Tuition: Full: $130 | Reduced Lunch: $65 | Free Lunch: $13

Registration

Registration for the course is completed through the ACE Registration site: Self-Directed EPF Registration.

MVHS parents and caregivers of 10th grade students –

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) requires 8th-grade and 10th-grade students to complete their Academic and Career Plan and have it signed by the student, the student’s parent/guardian, and a school representative.

By completing tasks and assessments in Naviance, students and school staff members verify that they are completing the students’ plans.

Parent/guardian signature is required for this process and may be collected through a Google form.

HERE is the link to the official MVHS Academic and Career Plan Verification Letters, which has more information.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s counselor.

Sincerely,

Mr. Cary Dimmick

Principal

Now Hiring: Substitute Teachers and Substitute Instructional Assistants

for the 2026–2027 School Year for Mount Vernon High School

Apply Now

Mount Vernon High School is seeking individuals who can provide continuity of instructional teaching as a substitute teacher and/or substitute instructional assistant. Able to inspire, enable, and empower students to meet high academic standards.

The position offers:

✔ Flexible schedule
✔ Make a difference in your local community
✔ Great for people with a passion for teaching/assisting students

Join our team and support student learning!

Apply today!

For details, visit the FCPS Substitute Employment Website. When applying, search “Substitute” and select the Mount Vernon pyramid posting.

Please see the VERY IMPORTANT new Cellphone policy in FCPS for NEXT school year. We will continue to educate our students on this new expectation:

New Cellphone Policy Starts July 1st, 2026

On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cell phone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.

This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell (8:10 am to 2:55 pm).

High school students will no longer be able to use cellphones and personal devices during lunchtime.

More details are available on the FCPS Cell Phone Policy webpage.

NOTE: As outlined in the new SR&R regulations, ALL students are expected to follow the established policy and the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). Students who do not comply will face consequences outlined in the SR&R.

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.

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.