MPMS Cougar Pride News
July 12th, 2025
Dear MPMS Families,
September is #AttendanceAwarenessMonth; because showing up matters! Every day in school is a step toward student success. Let's work together to build strong habits that keep our students engaged and thriving! We invite all parents and guardians to attend our first monthly Cougar Connections Parent Forum on Tuesday, September 16th from 9:30-10:30 am. We will have a special presentations discussing how we can work collaboratively to support students' on-time attendance at school and how we support social emotional well-being of our students. Please complete the Cougar Connection Invitation so we are appropriately prepared. Coffee and light pastries will be served.
Arrival and Dismissal Time Adjustments:
Last week, the middle and high school tested a new bus drop-off schedule to better support the high school’s morning start with securing cell phones in Yonder Pouches and to improve traffic flow in front of the middle school. We are happy to report our pilot program went well with the first seven buses unloading at 7:00 am, with the remainder of the fleet unloading at 7:05. Please note that the main lane will remain open from 6:45–7:00 am but will close intermittently between 7:03-7:15 am to allow buses to exit the loop. To avoid delays, we recommend dropping students off before 7:00 am for a quicker departure. Afternoon announcements begin at 2:08 with the grade levels dismissing at the following times:
6th Grade: 2:09 pm
7th Grade: 2:10 pm
8th Grade: 2:12 pm
Together as an Ohana - Cougar Family
Thank you for your continued support helping our students start strong this year. Your partnership ensures that every child feels connected, supported, and ready to succeed!
With warm regards and Cougar PRIDE,
Kelli Huntley
Principal, Manassas Park Middle School
Bell Schedule
School hours are 7:05 am - 2:15 pm.
Manassas Park Middle School's doors 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, contact the main office at 703-361-1510.
If you know your child will have an early dismissal, please contact the office as soon as possible. This allows us to notify the teacher so students are better prepared for dismissal. This is especially helpful for students leaving early during their physical education block. We understand that dismissal changes are sometimes necessary after students have arrived at school. Please make changes before 1:30 pm.
Expectations of Excellence
Are you interested in keeping up to date with your child's academics and attendance? We encourage parents and guardians to sign up for Parent Portal and as an observer in Canvas. For more information about how to sign up, please contact Ms. Gibbons, MP Middle School Family Liaison at 571-361-1510.
To help support our Expectations of Excellence, please review the 2025-2026 MPMS Student Handbook with your child.
When students enter the school building, all cell phones must be powered off and put away in their backpack. Students will proceed through the Commons for a Grab & Go Breakfast and proceed to their grade level hallway. This year, all students are assigned a locker and are expected to store their backpacks, phones, lunches, and snacks during the day. Students may take snacks and their packed lunch to the Commons during their lunch period. Snacks are not allowed in the classrooms during instruction. Exceptions are made for students with documented dietary requirements or other required documentation (e.g., IEP/504 plan).
Dress Code: Clothing must cover the torso, including the midriff and undergarments, and extend to mid-thigh. Clothing should not be revealing, see-through, or promote in-appropriate content. No hats, hoods, or bandanas are allowed in the building with exceptions for religious or medical reasons. Safe and appropriate footwear must be worn at all times. Parents/guardians will be contacted to bring a change of clothes for students whose clothing does not meet dress code expectations.
Prohibited Devices: Effective January 1, 2025, Virginia mandates a "bell-to-bell" cellphone ban in public K-12 schools. All student cell phones, portable electronic devices (PEDs) and wireless earbuds/headphones are prohibited and must be off and away from 6:45 am - 2:15 pm. This policy applies to all students, though exemptions exist for those with documented need included in 504 plans, individualized education programs (IEPs), or health plans. Students are expected to store their PEDs in their assigned locker throughout the day. Any visible devices will be confiscated and turned into the MPMS Main Office. PEDs are prohibited during after-school instructional events (e.g., tutoring, after-school detention, etc.) Parents/Guardians will be contacted to pick up collected devices.
Electric Hall Pass System: Students are required to have an approved electronic hall pass from an MPMS staff member to be in the hallway during instructional time. Students are encouraged to remain in the classroom during direct instructional time and utilize the restroom during independent study.
Read, Play, Win!!
Are you ready to Read, Play, Win? The Reading Game is back and starts today with the game Master the Recipe! Play on the Library's Canvas page by September 26th for your chance to win the grand prize! Also be sure to check out the Family Literacy Board where your family could win a $50 gift card. For more information about both games, ask the librarian, reading specialists or check out the Library Canvas page.
Manassas Park PTSO Meeting
September 10, 2025 @ 6:30 pm
