News You Choose
Family Newsletter - Week of April 12, 2026
2025-26 SY Calendar
25-26 MVHS Bell Schedules
Major Time Schedule
April is the Month
** The Month of the Military Child **
"April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, underscoring the important role military children play in the armed forces community. Sponsored by the Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy, the Month of the Military Child is a time to applaud military families and their children for the daily sacrifices and the challenges they overcome (Department of Defense)."
** April is National Arab American Heritage Month **
In April, we "formally recognize the achievements of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month. Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate our community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society (Arab American Foundation)."
** NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS **
We Want Your Feedback
Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Questionnaire LIVE on Mon; Apr. 6th
Monday, April 6, 2026, parents and guardians of Mount Vernon High School will receive 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 to share anonymous feedback about our school’s leadership and environment.
Topics covered in the survey include:
✅ Instructional leadership
✅ School climate
✅ Management (human resources and organizational)
✅ Communication and community relations
✅ Culturally responsive and equitable leadership
✅ Professionalism
The questionnaire will be open April 6 - April 19, 2026 - and will be collected online.
When you receive the email invitation, please take a few minutes to complete it.
Your input is valuable and helps shape the future of our school.
Thank you for your time and feedback!
** Month of Military Child Spirit Week **
April 13th to April 17th
** MV Pyramid Art Show **
Tuesday; April 14th - 5p to 7p
MVHS room G100 and Lobby Area
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the MV Pyramid Schools will have their displays as well in the AUX GYM all day.
- 5:00 pm - Reception
- 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm - Music, Face-painting, T-Shirts and Food Trucks
** National Librarians Day **
Thursday; April 16th
Due to our Spring Break, we were not able to celebrate Ms. Nuzzaco and Mr. DeBonis on National School Librarian Day (April 4th) - so we want to recognize them on April 16 to honor the crucial role they play in serving our students, supporting our instructional program, and providing a safe and supportive environment for our students.
** Great Things Happening at MVHS **
"Mad Scientist Day" at Riverside ES
Congratulations to Ms. Duchaine and our Science National Honor Society students helped with the "Mad Scientist Day" at Riverside ES last month. Our students worked very hard to get students at Riverside ES excited about science!
Special "Shout Out" from Ms. Duchaine to her Science NHS officers, Savonne Clark, Yessenia Castro, and Venus Zhao - were particularly amazing that day.
Other students involved - who were also amazing - were:
- Ryan Carrado,
- Leah Chicoine
- Emeli Cruz
- Michaela Dresch
- Olivia Giscombe
- Jackie Henderson
- Lacey Lussier
- Molly Lussier
- Emlyn Pascoe
- Juliet Pascoe
- Makayla Perez
- Lauren McVaney
- Sydney Ross
- Jacob VonHarten
** 2026 IB Exam Schedule **
Please click HERE for the 2026 IB Exam Schedule.
- NOTE: IB exams begin on Tuesday afternoon, April 28th.
Please see Ms. Freeland with any questions about the IB Exams.
** 2026 MCJROTC Ball **
Our MCJROTC cadets participated in their Annual Ball this past week.
See below for pictures from this awesome event!
** Petals En Vogue Spring Fashion Show **
Friday; April 25th - 6:30 pm
Mount Vernon High School is excited to invite our community to a spectacular evening of style, creativity, and student talent at the MVHS DECA and Fashion Marketing Spring Fashion Show, Petals En Vogue, on April 25, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Mount Vernon High School Bratten Hall (G100).
This highly anticipated event showcases the hard work and innovation of our Fashion Marketing students, who have spent weeks designing themes, curating looks, coordinating scenes, and bringing their creative visions to life. From Nature-inspired designs to Global Couture, Formalwear, Streetwear, and Self-Expression, each segment highlights both current fashion trends and student originality.
- The show is made even more special through the generous support of our community sponsors, including Macy's, The Garden Plot, Windsor, Walmart, D Flashy Fashion, Target, and Men's Wearhouse.
We warmly invite families, friends, and community members to attend and support our students as well as some faculty and staff as they take the stage. Come experience an evening where fashion blooms and creativity shines—you won’t want to miss it!
* National Essay Contest *
1st Place is a Trip to Spain!
Raíces is a national essay contest for U.S. secondary students that shines a light on the living presence and contributions of the Hispanic community across the United States. Students are invited to tell the story behind a street name, a monument, a festival, a local leader, an organization, family recipe, culinary tradition, or even a neighborhood restaurant that connects their community to the Hispanic world. The goal is simple and powerful: to make visible what is often overlooked and affirm that Hispanic communities are here and are an active part of our shared society.
First place is a trip to Spain with an additional person, the teacher who helped them submit, & a companion for the teacher!
Click HERE for more information.
** Class of 2027 Parent Meeting & Prom Discussion **
Monday; April 13th - 6:30p
** MV Pyramid Art Show **
Tuesday; April 14th - 5:00p to 7:00p
MVHS room G100 (inside main entrance)
*Military Student Appreciation Breakfast*
Friday; April 17th - During MT (in Cafeteria)
** 2026 Orchestra Music Marathon **
Saturday; April 18th at 7:00 pm
MVHS room G100
** Annual Michael Skinner Golf Tourny **
** POSTPONED **
IB Senior Class Newsletter
IB Junior Class Newsletter
IB MYP Certificate
Requirements
** MVHS PTSA **
10 Ways You Can Support the School
** MVHS Student Activities **
25-26 MVHS Activities Calendar
Athletics Booster Club
Season Passes for Athletic Events
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!
25-26 Late Busses
** Mondays & Thursdays Only **
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.
Breakfast & Lunch Information
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.
MVHS Admin Team
Cary Dimmick - Principal
Karen Boyd - Asst. Prin. (A-Col & ESOL)
Stephanie Payne - Asst. Prin. (Gr. 12 & Jon-Pu)
LaTrease Rich - Asst. Prin. (Gr. 10 & Q-Z)
Kelly Winkfield - Asst. Prin. (Gr. 11 & Con-Joh)
Donnie Olajuwon - Asst. Prin. (Specialized Programs)
Danielle Mascoll - Dir. of Student Services
Brian Murphy - Dir. of Student Activities
John Uccellini - Asst. Dir. of Student Activities
Department of Student Services
Counselors are by Alpha Last Name
** College and Career Center News **
** Scholarships **
MVHS Academic Departments
** MVHS School Resources Sites **
[Click on Resources Below for Websites]
MVHS Website
MVHS Parent Handbook
MVHS Staff Directory
2025-26 SY Calendar
25-26 MVHS Bell Schedules
Major Time Schedule
MVHS Activities Calendar
MVHS Athletic Coaches Contact Information
MVHS Theatre Arts Information
Chapter 35 Military Benefits Info
Mount Vernon HS is a Purple Star School
MVHS PTSA Info
** MVHS Academic Programs **
[Click on Resources Below for Websites]
MVHS Academic Programs Info
IB Diploma Programme Info
IB Career-Related Programme Info
For more important school-related Information,
please see "School Resources Sites" at end of Newsletter
Student Service Learning Hours
** FCPS Resources **
[Click on Resources Below for Websites]
Report Sexual Harassment or Dscrimination
Report Discrimination, Harassment or Concerning Behaviors
Family Resources
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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
Links to the Family Newsletters for this 2025-2026 SY
April 2026
HERE is the link for April 12, 2026
HERE is the link for April 5, 2026
March 2026
HERE is the link for March 29, 2026
HERE is the link for March 22, 2026
HERE is link for March 15, 2026
HERE is the link for March 8, 2026
HERE is the link for March 1, 2026
February 2026
HERE is the link for February 22, 2026
HERE is the link for February 15, 2026
HERE is the link for February 8, 2026
HERE is the link for February 1, 2026
January 2026
HERE is the link for January 25, 2026
HERE is the link for January 18, 2026
HERE is the link for January 11, 2026
HERE is the link for January 4, 2026
December 2025
HERE is the link for December 14, 2025
HERE is the link for December 7, 2025
November 2025
HERE is the link for November 39, 2025
HERE is the link for November 23, 2025
HERE is the link for November 16, 2025
HERE is the link for November 9, 2025
HERE is the link for November 2, 2025
October 2025
HERE is the link for October 26th, 2025
HERE is the link for October 19th, 2025
HERE is the link for October 12, 2025
HERE is the link for October 5, 2025
September 2025
HERE is the link for September 28, 2025
HERE is the link for September 21, 2025
HERE is the link for September 14, 2025
HERE is the link for September 7, 2025
August 2025
HERE is the link for August 31, 2025
HERE is the link for August 24, 2025
HERE is the link for August 17, 2025