MPMS Cougar Pride News

Dear MPMS Families,

Welcome back to a brand new school year! As we embark on another exciting year of learning, growth, and community at Manassas Park Middle School (MPMS), we are reminded of the theme that will guide us throughout the year—Ohana, which means family.

In the Lilo & Stitch movie, we hear the powerful lesson: “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” This theme resonates deeply with our values here at MPMS. We believe that every student, every teacher, and every family is a vital part of our school community, and together, we can create an environment where everyone feels supported, loved, and valued.

In the spirit of Ohana, we want to emphasize the importance of working together, especially when faced with challenges. As Lilo reminds us, “This is my family. I found it, all on my own. It’s little, and broken, but still good. Yeah, still good.” Just like in any family, there will be moments of triumph, but also moments where we will need to show perseverance and grit. The challenges we face are opportunities for growth, and as a school community, we will tackle them together with a sense of grace and flexibility. When things don’t go as planned, remember that “It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being there for each other.”

As we begin this school year, we want to encourage you to embrace the idea of Ohana in everything we do. Whether we are collaborating in the classroom, attending school events, or supporting our students through difficult times, let’s remember that family is the foundation of everything. We may not always get it right, but when we face challenges as a united family, there is nothing we can’t overcome.

To our students: We are excited to continue to watch you grow and thrive this year. To our parents and guardians: Your involvement and support are crucial to making this year a success. Together, as a strong family, we will make the 2025-2026 school year an unforgettable one.

“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” Let's make this year one where every student, every family member, and every teacher is valued and supported.

With warm regards and Cougar PRIDE,

Kelli Huntley
Principal, Manassas Park Middle School

Students will receive their class schedules at the 6th grade orientation on Thursday, August 14th from 10:30 am -12:30 pm or at Open House for grades 6-8 from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Families of rising 6th grader, we encourage you to send your child to the 6th grade orientation where students will experience a modified school day and receive their class schedule and locker assignments. Bus transportation is provided for all 6th grade students. More information to follow concerning bus times and bus stop locations.

Later that day, we look forward to meeting our families at our annual Open House from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. All students in Grades 6-8 and their families are invited to come! Students will get their academic schedule, meet their teachers, practice opening their locker and finding their classroom. Sports coaches will be on site to talk about our after school activities!

Please note that you will not receive a teacher assignment until you have completed all registration requirements (new students) and online registration verification (returning students).

Thursday, August 14: 6th Grade Orientation, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm (Bus transportation provided for students.)

Thursday, August 14: Grades 6-8 Open House, 3:00 - 6:00 pm

Monday, August 18: First day of school! We start at 7:05 am!!

Friday, August 29: No school (Division closed-Labor Day)

Monday, September 1: No school (Division closed-Labor Day)

As you prepare for the new school year, please note our school hours are 7:05 am - 2:15 pm. Manassas Park Middle School's doors will open at 6:45 am daily. The tardy bell rings at 7:17 am. Please help your student arrive on time for school everyday. For changes in dismissal arrangements, please contact the main office at 703-361-1510. We understand that dismissal changes are sometimes necessary after students have arrived at school; however, please do not call to make changes after 1:30 pm.

Please see the following calendar link for the updated school calendar. Please note, there are student holidays and student early release dates throughout the school year.

Breakfast and lunch will be FREE OF CHARGE for all students for 2025 - 2026 school year.

We are excited to let our families know that Manassas Park City Schools will continue to participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for school year 2025-2026.

What does this mean for you and your children attending all four MPCS schools?

All enrolled students in Manassas Park City Schools are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school FREE OF CHARGE to your household each day of the 2025-2026 school year. No further action is required of you. Your child(ren) will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit a meal application.

If you have questions or need help, please contact us at Greg Taylor at gregory.taylor@mpark.net.

Please make sure that you have verified your information in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. The completion of this process is required for ALL returning students.

Parents of returning students must access the PowerSchool Enrollment online forms through the PowerSchool Parent Portal at https://mpark.powerschool.com/public. The online forms contain demographic and emergency information you entered last year. During this process, you will verify the information is accurate or update any information that has changed. Parents will also electronically sign annual agreement forms for school district policies.

At least one parent is required to create a PowerSchool Parent Portal account. If you have multiple children in Manassas Park City Schools, you must verify information for each student, however only one parent account is necessary.

• If you have created a PowerSchool Parent Portal account in a previous school year, please use that account to log in. Please do not create a new account.
• If you have not created a PowerSchool parent account, directions can be found at https://www.mpark.net/cms/One.aspx?portalId=337117&pageId=432244

How do I get started?

Visit https://mpark.powerschool.com/public and sign into your PowerSchool Parent Portal

1. Select the student you wish to verify data at the top
2. Click the ‘Registration’ link on the left side navigation menu
3. Agree to the terms and conditions
4. Click Begin Forms

If you have questions about setting up your account, please visit the PowerSchool for Parents page on our website or contact the CES main office for assistance.