News You Choose

"Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communites beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.

Hispanic Heritage Month provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinas and Latinos have had on the United States for generations. The Latino presence in America spans centuries, predating Spain’s colonization of what is now part of the United States, and they have been an integral part of shaping our nation since the Revolutionary War. Through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Treaty of Paris that followed the Mexican-American and Spanish-American wars, the United States gained territories in the Southwest and Puerto Rico. This incorporated the people of this area into the United States and further expanded the presence of Hispanic Americans.

Today, the Latino population in the United States today is over 60 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes up 18.9% of the total population and is the largest racial or ethnic group. Latinos continue to help fuel our economy and enrich our nation as entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, entertainers, scientists, public servants, and much more (Smithsonian)."

We wanted to send out a special thanks to all our MVHS families for your amazing support this past week with your participation at the annual Back to School Night on Wednesday - and then our special varsity football game at 1:00 pm on Thursday afternoon.

Our students, staff and players especially appreciated all your support to allow us to play at a special time for our students and staff. The game was an amazing experience for all that attended!

Families of MVHS juniors and seniors -

MVHS juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to take the ASVAB Career Exploration Assessment for FREE this year. We will have multiple assessment dates, with the first being on Friday, September 18th, 2026 and the second on Friday, October 16, 2026.

This assessment is an evaluation to help our juniors and seniors identify their skills, strengths and interests across a variety of career fields - allowing our student to be better educated as they plan their pathways after graduation.

NOTE: IB students - please register for either the September or October assessment date so we can maximize the number of students passing this important leadership assessment before the IB Testing window in the spring.

NOTE: Students wishing to utilize testing accommodations should sign up for the October assessment date to allow us processing time for your accommodation requests.

IMPORTANT: **Students who take the ASVAB exam - and earn a minimum qualifying score of 31 - will be receiving the new maroon/silver Career Readiness Cord to be worn at graduation.**

• Here is the Google Sign-up Form: https://forms.gle/8kLT3To9GqFkYTGN8

Please see our College and Career Coordinator Ms. Whitehouse if you have any additional questions.

On Wednesday, October 7, tenth and eleventh grade students will be taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) exam, and all pre-registered twelfth grade students will be participating in SAT School Day.

School Day Schedule

• All FCPS high schools will operate on a two-hour early release schedule on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
• See the link to the 2-hour early release schedule below.
• High school academy courses and all high school shuttles will be canceled on this day.

Transportation

FCPS transportation is available for all students participating in the PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day. Regular bus routes will be provided in the morning and after the early release. Families of students requiring alternate transportation arrangements due to accommodated testing will be contacted directly by the PSAT Coordinator or SAT School Day Coordinator .

Pre-Survey

Prior to test day, students will complete a digital readiness check during an advisory lesson at school. During the digital readiness check, students will see a voluntary pre-survey that asks questions about a variety of topics. You may opt out of this pre-survey for your student. Additional information about the content of the pre-survey and how to opt out can be found on the SAT and PSAT Pre-Survey Opt-Out Policy webpage at https://www.fcps.edu/node/36639.

If you choose to opt your student out of the pre-survey, please notify Pamela Ihle (paihle@fcps.edu) by Thursday, September 17, 2026, and include your student’s full legal name and FCPS ID number in the email. Please be sure to talk to your student about your opt out choice so your student knows they should not answer the survey questions during the digital readiness check.

If you have questions about the PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day administration, please contact Pamela Ihle at paihle@fcps.edu.

Pamela Ihle (she/her/hers)

Assessment Coach/College Board SSD Coordinator/ACT Accommodations Coordinator

Mount Vernon High School

703-619-3116

Can your student read, write, and speak in another language? If so, they can earn up to 3 high school world language credits through the WLCBE. Students in grades 7-12 are offered the opportunity to take the World Languages Credit By Exam (WLCBE). The WLCBE assesses language proficiency in languages other than English and recognizes the strengths that our students bring as effective communicators in multiple languages. This assessment may be used to award world language credits towards graduation, determine course placement for language courses offered in FCPS.

The exam will be offered in November this year at Mount Vernon HS. A student may participate in the exam a total of a total of two times per language between grades 7 and 12. Students who wish to take the exam should be able to proficiently understand and communicate in the testing language, and will be asked to listen, read, speak, and either write/type or, for American Sign Language, sign/interpret. More information can be found on the FCPS WLCBE page including a list of testable languages.

If you would like your student to participate in the next available WLCBE, they should contact their school counselor by October 16th, 2026.

No late registrations will be accepted

FCPS will notify families and schools when the new app is ready to download and use. In the meantime, everyone should reinforce with students that they need to tap on and off the bus with their student ID cards.

Have you already downloaded the new app? That’s okay! The new app is in the final stage of testing, so some features are not yet fully functional. At this time, you should refer to Here Comes the Bus for the most accurate information.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aunque FCPS ha implementado un nuevo sistema de navegación para los autobuses escolares, algunas funciones, como la nueva aplicación móvil FCPS MyRide, todavía están en desarrollo. Por ahora, las familias deben continuar utilizando la aplicación “Here Comes the Bus” (Aquí viene el Autobús) para consultar la ubicación del autobús escolar de su estudiante. Esta aplicación móvil continúa siendo compatible con el nuevo sistema.

FCPS notificará a las familias y a las escuelas cuando la nueva aplicación esté lista para descargar y utilizar. Mientras tanto, es importante recordar a los estudiantes que deben pasar su credencial de identificación estudiantil por el lector al subir y bajar del autobús.

¿Ya descargó la nueva aplicación? ¡No se preocupe! La aplicación se encuentra en la etapa final de pruebas, por lo que algunas funciones todavía no están completamente disponibles. Por ahora, siga consultando “Here comes the bus” para obtener la información más precisa.

Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:

• Wednesday, September 16, at 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School

• Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School

• Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School

• Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School

• Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School

• Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Conversaciones Comunitarias Directamente con la Dra. Reid

Acompáñenos en una serie de Conversaciones Comunitarias que se llevarán a cabo en diferentes lugares de la división escolar. Estas reuniones están abiertas a todos, incluyendo familias, estudiantes, y miembros de la comunidad. Puede asistir al evento que le resulte más conveniente, aunque no se lleve a cabo en su escuela o comunidad. Esta es una oportunidad para compartir sus opiniones, conversar directamente con la Dra. Reid y hacerle preguntas sobre temas importantes para nuestra comunidad de FCPS.

• Miércoles 16 de septiembre, a las 6:45 p.m., en la Escuela Primaria McNair

• Lunes 28 de septiembre, a las 6:30 p.m., en la Escuela Primaria Riverside

• Lunes 19 de octubre, a las 6:30 p.m., en la Escuela Primaria Spring Hill

• Lunes 26 de octubre, a las 6:30 p.m., en la Escuela Primaria Beech Tree

• Jueves 29 de octubre, a las 6:30 p.m., en la Escuela Primaria North Springfield

• Viernes 13 de noviembre, a las 6:30 p.m., en la Escuela Primaria Powell

No es necesario inscribirse, pero hacerlo nos ayuda con la planificación.

FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities.

Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FCPS está comprometido a brindar un entorno seguro, acogedor e inclusivo para personas de todas las razas, orígenes nacionales y etnias.

Las personas que sean víctimas de acoso o discriminación deben reportar el incidente lo antes posible.

The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.

Families, please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.

Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

El folleto de Derechos y Responsabilidades de los Estudiantes de FCPS (SR&R) explica las expectativas de comportamiento de los y las estudiantes y cómo deben responder los adultos para fortalecer la seguridad escolar y crear un entorno justo, equitativo y de apoyo. Este año, el SR&R incluye nuevas Matrices Universales por Grado, tablas de consulta rápida que facilitan a las familias conocer las expectativas de comportamiento y las respuestas de la escuela para los grados K-3, 4-8 y 9-12.

Familias: por favor, revisen el SR&R y conversen con sus estudiantes sobre las expectativas. Recuerden firmar el formulario de confirmación a más tardar el miércoles, 30 de septiembre. Pueden hacerlo iniciando sesión en SIS ParentVUE o firmando y entregando el documento firmado en la escuela de su estudiante.

Para obtener más información, vea un breve video sobre el SR&R o visite la página web del SR&R.

¿Cómo se vive el sentido de comunidad en nuestra escuela? En Mount Vernon High School, estamos creando espacios inclusivos y de apoyo donde cada estudiante se sienta reconocido, valorado y conectado. Este es el segundo objetivo del Plan Estratégico. Desde programas de mentoría hasta la colaboración entre estudiantes de diferentes grados, cuando los estudiantes se sienten seguros y apoyados pueden realmente prosperar académica, social y emocionalmente. Conozca cómo FCPS está poniendo en práctica la Meta 2.

• Setting a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)

• Laying out clothes and packing backpacks the night before.

• Talking to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning, if they seem anxious about going to school.

• Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.

• Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.
  
  

If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

La importancia de crear buenos hábitos de asistencia

Septiembre es el Mes de Concientización sobre la Asistencia Escolar. Las familias pueden ayudar a sus estudiantes a crear rutinas saludables y el hábito de llegar puntualmente a las escuela todos los días de diferentes maneras:

• Establecer una hora regular para dormir y una rutina para las mañanas. (¿Necesita ayuda? Descargue esta guía disponible en inglés y en español.)

• Deje preparada la ropa y las mochilas desde la noche anterior.

• Tenga conversaciones con maestros, consejeros escolares u otras familias para encontrar maneras de ayudar a su estudiante a sentirse más cómodo y entusiasmado por aprender en caso de que presente ansiedad por asistir a la escuela.

• Tenga un plan alternativo para llegar a la escuela si surge algún imprevisto. Puede pedir ayuda a un familiar, vecino o alguien de su confianza.

• Siempre que sea posible, evite programar citas médicas o viajes prolongados durante los días de clases.

Si usted o su familia necesitan algún tipo de apoyo, comuníquese con nuestra oficina principal. ¡Estamos aquí para ustedes! Visite la página web de asistencia de FCPS para encontrar consejos y estrategias que ayuden a fomentar el hábito de asistencia.

The Code of Virginia § 22.1-271.2 requires all students to be immunized against certain communicable diseases in order to attend Fairfax County Public Schools. Immunizations keep children and the community protected from vaccine preventable diseases.

In collaboration with our partners at the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD), FCPS leadership will continue with the exclusion process reinstated during SY 2025-26.

All students who do not meet immunization requirements or who have not updated their status after the 90-day conditional enrollment period has ended. This exclusion process will continue during Fall 2026.

Prior to the start of school on Monday, August 24, students will need to submit immunization documentation. If they have an appointment to receive their required immunizations after August 24, they will need to submit an Immunization Action Plan to confirm the appointment.

• Students are required to have certain immunizations to attend school in Virginia.
  
  

• Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Virginia Department of Health, and FCPS Notice 2101, Regulation 2101, and Regulation 2107 support this requirement.
  
  

• Newly enrolled students must have a minimum of at least one of each of the required immunizations in order to be conditionally enrolled. As part of the conditional enrollment process, each student with missing immunizations should have an Immunization Action Plan (IAP) on file and noted in the Student Information System (SIS).

• Returning FCPS students that have immunization requirements that are not complete by the first day of school, August 24, may start school with a valid, in-progress Immunization Action Plan (IAP). Guidance on entering the IAP for families can be found on the FCPS How to Submit Immunization Documents.

• Conditionally enrolled students are required to have an Immunization Action Plan (IAP). In alignment with the Code of VA, families must have a completion plan for receiving the required immunizations. The Immunization Action Plan will be noted in the Student Information System (SIS). Guidance for Entering Immunization Action Plan Information is available on Atlas for school staff.

• We encourage parents/caregivers to check with their family healthcare provider now to ensure their child is up to date with their required immunizations.

• We thank all of our families for supporting our students’ health and well-being.

Guidance for Families

• Parents/caregivers may check their child’s immunization compliance by accessing SIS ParentVUE. Parents/caregivers may visit the FCPS How to Submit Immunization Documentation webpage for instructions to check their child’s immunization record and submit the required documents.

• Free immunization clinics and health fairs are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage.
  
  

• Families of students with incomplete immunization records will need to provide acceptable immunization documentation to their child's school as soon as possible but before Monday, August 24.
  
  

• Acceptable Immunization Documentation includes:

• Immunization Record: An updated immunization record showing that the child has received the required immunizations. This record must include the dates the immunizations were received including the month, day, and year.
  
  

• Statement from a healthcare provider:

• A written statement from a health care provider specifying all administered immunizations.
  
  

• A health care provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
  
  

• A notarized Religious Exemption Form objecting the administration of immunizations on the grounds this conflicts with his or her religious tenets or practices.
  
  

Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will be taking place at designated FCPS locations throughout the school year. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.

MVHS is always excited to welcome our visitors to our varsity football games to cheer on our Majors!

Beginning this school year, we have a few new policies for all visitors:

Bag Policy:

• No large bags will be permitted.
• Clear bags up to 12 inches x 12 inches will be acceptable.
• Small clutch purses or fanny packs are also permitted - but security will ask you to open the bag.
• Diaper bags and medical bags are permitted - but security will ask you to open the bag.

Weapons Detection System:

• All visitors will be expected to pass through the FCPS Weapons Detection System prior to entry.

Student IDs:

• All students who want to attend the games must present a current school ID.
• Students will not be permitted in the game without a valid ID.

Visiting Students:

• All students that are not affiliated with MVHS or our opponent's school will be permitted
• Visiting students must also present a current school ID for entry.
• Visiting high school students will be required to fill out a "Guest Student Contract," acknowledging they will follow the FCPS Students Rights and Responsibility guidelines.
• Middle School and elementary school students will only be permitted to gain entry to the games with a paying adult. The paying adult must stay in the game and be responsible for their child(ren).

• Any visiting student who cannot abide by the rules and regulations of Mount Vernon High School Athletic Events will be removed from the event - and may be prohibited from attending future events.

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.

As we strive to create the safest, most supportive, and focused learning environment possible for our students, we are reaching out to share an important policy update regarding campus meals.

This school year, ALL external food delivery services (such as DoorDash, UberEats, Grubhub, and local restaurants) will no longer be permitted or accepted on campus.

Why We Are Making This Change:

• Enhanced Campus Safety: Limiting non-school personnel and unscheduled deliveries on school grounds helps our team maintain a secure environment throughout the day.

• Uninterrupted Learning: Minimizing classroom disruptions caused by delivery alerts and drop-offs ensures our students can stay focused on their studies and activities.

• Equal & Healthy Access: Our school nutrition team works hard every day to prepare balanced, delicious meal options that meet all dietary standards for our growing students.

What This Means for Students & Families:

• Packed Lunches Welcome: Students are always welcome and encouraged to bring a healthy meal or snack from home.

• Delicious Campus Meals: Our school cafeteria remains ready to serve fresh, nutritious breakfast and lunch options every day.

• Forgotten Lunches: If a student accidentally leaves their packed lunch at home, a parent or guardian may still drop it off at the main front office.
  
  

We deeply appreciate your partnership, understanding, and cooperation as we implement this change to keep our school safe, focused, and healthy.

If you have any questions or unique dietary needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our administration team!

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.

[Click on Resources Below for Websites]

[Click on Resources Below for Websites]

[Click on Resources Below for Websites]

[Click on Resources Below for Websites]

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.

The Library of Virginia has archived the old Mount Vernon High yearbooks— starting with 1940!

• See the link HERE.

In addition, the Fairfax County Collection can be found in within the Fairfax County Public Library archives. They are all stored on the Internet Archive.

• See the link HERE.

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.

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.

• Watch Dr. Reid’s message.

Please visit the FCPS Webpage for all FCPS-related Information

Please visit Chip's website HERE for more amazing pics!

Links to the Family Newsletters for this 2025-2026 SY

September 2026

Week of September 13, 2026

Week of September 6, 2026

August 2026

Week of August 30, 2026

Back to School Newsletter

August 16th Family Newsletter

Back to School Newsletter

July 2026

July 2026 - Summer Edition #1