|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
 |
|
Principal's Message |
Greetings Tiger Families!
This week we completed our 8th grade science SOL exam, which brings our three Virginia Department of Education required exams to a close. We will continue to engage in make-up and retake exams over the next two weeks as we bring “testing season” to its conclusion. These commonwealth mandated “Celebrations of Learning,” (I don’t know if the students would characterize them that way…) require a lot of time, energy, and talent from our students, staff and families and their completion are noteworthy for us all. Every test score, whether passing or not, has an individual story behind it filled with triumphs and challenges that are unique to each student.
I look forward to examining Twain’s “story” as the data comes in and using it to help us plan for next school year. But, before we bring the 2024-25 school year to its culmination, we are committed to a strong finish for all of our students – especially our 8th graders who will be moving on to high school next year. Thank you for your continued partnership as we help our students find academic, attendance, and behavioral success in these final 17 days of school.
Have a wonderful weekend, Tigers.
Sincerely,
Matt
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, May 19: Anchor Day Schedule
Tuesday, May 20: Modified Odd Day Schedule – Reading SOL Retakes
Wednesday, May 21: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, May 22: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, May 23: Even Day Schedule
Twain’s After School Schedule
Monday May 19th – 2:30 – 3:30/ 3:35 – 4:40
Tuesday May 20th – 2:30 – 3:30/3:35 – 4:40
Wednesday May 21st - 2:30 – 3:30/3:35 – 4:40
Thursday May 22nd - 2:30 – 3:30/3:35 – 4:40
Friday May 23rd – Final After School Day!
Buy your Twain MS Yearbook now!
Use our code 8606
Go to: yearbookordercenter.com
The chance to order a yearbook ends soon! Order your yearbook now! Online sales extended until May 23.
Upcoming Student Events – Eligibility for Attendance
Spring brings lots of excitement, events, and this week – rain! Below are some remaining events that we have for the rest of the school year. We have continued to remind students that their eligibility to participate in these events is tied to positive decisions related to attendance and behavior. Please reiterate to your student(s) the importance of a strong, positive finish to the school year as we rapidly approach summer!
· May 16th - Twain Community Night
· May 19th - Student vs Staff Soccer Game
· May 31st - 8th Grade Dance
· June 5th - Annual Talent Show
· June 11th - 8th Grade Field Day/7th Grade Activity Day
Stop for School Buses or Face a Fine
Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. The cameras are used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus. Now that the warning period has ended, citations are now being issued.
According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction, unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped. Motorists should remain stopped until everyone is clear, and the bus is moving.
Read more information about the stop arm cameras and ways that we work with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.
Phase 2 Community Boundary Review Meetings
 You are invited to participate in a series of community boundary review meetings to review and reflect on the initial draft scenarios before the start of summer break:
-
Friday, May 16, 6:30-8 p.m., at Robinson Secondary School
-
Monday, May 19, 6:30-8 p.m., at Herndon High School
-
Friday, May 23, 7-8:30 p.m., at Lewis High School
-
Wednesday, May 28, 7-8:30 p.m., at Annandale High School
-
Thursday, May 29, 6:30-8 p.m., at Whitman Middle School
-
Friday, May 30, 6:30-8 p.m., at Chantilly High School
-
Friday, June 6, 6:30-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School
Click on the date to register. Each meeting will be hybrid, meaning that you may attend in person or via Zoom. Childcare for in-person participants and language interpretation/translation for all participants will be available as needed.
If you register to attend online, you will receive a Zoom link within 24 business hours. The email will come from “no-reply@zoom.us.” Please check your spam folder if you do not receive the link.
Visit our Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information, including a timeline for the remainder of the boundary review process.
Let’s Finish the School Year Strong!
Student attendance at school is important all year long, up to the last day of school. Attendance has an effect on student performance and on school accreditation. See how to:
- Check your child’s attendance record.
- Help your student stay engaged at school.
- Report future absences.
- Understand the FCPS school calendar.
Learn more about attendance resources.
PTA Updates
Twain Community Night (Friday, May 16th, 6-8pm)
The Twain PTA looks forward to joining the Mark Twain MS administration, teachers and staff in welcoming the greater Twain MS community to this annual event. This event is open to current and new students, and incoming rising 7th graders from our pyramid elementary schools, and is a fun evening for both students and parents.
We could still use 2-4 more volunteers for the evening. Please click the SignUp to see where you can help. It’s a pretty easy event, and we just need a handful of volunteers to help us run our tables in the cafeteria. See you there.
8th Grade Dance! (Sat. May 31st, 6-8pm): Volunteers & Donations Needed
 Per popular student vote: this year’s 8th Grade Dance theme is… A Night in Hollywood!
The PTA is proud to host this annual tradition. Our 8th Grade Dance Committee has been hard at work for the last few weeks planning this event. Since this dance is organized and run by the PTA (you guessed it) we need YOUR help to help execute a memorable event for our students.
Please click the SignUp Genius link to see where you can help.
Do you have & would you be willing to loan/donate to the Twain PTA any of these wish list items?
- Large backdrops (red/black or otherwise Hollywood themed)
- Photo props
- Red carpet
- Spotlights or specialty lighting??
- Food display pieces
- Stickers that already fit our theme
- Gold stars (write on or other decor)
- Director’s chair(s)?
- Clap board
Do you have something to donate that we haven’t thought of that you think would enhance the evening for our students? Would you like to help plan the event with us? The more the merrier! Please reach out to the PTA President, Robin Christman at mtmspresident@gmail.com, or our Committee Chair, Amy Garten, with questions or to join in the planning fun.
As you pro-actively mark this date on your calendar, please make note of a few important points:
- This event is exclusively for 8th grade students enrolled at Mark Twain MS.
- The event will be held at Mark Twain Middle School on a Saturday evening from 6-8pm.
- This is a formal attire event.
- Tickets will go on sale the week of the event (5/27 - 5/29). Cash purchases (only) may be made during lunch blocks.
- No tickets will be sold at the door. No exceptions.
Our 8th grade students do not have a formal FCPS graduation or promotion to high school. This is a fun and memorable way to celebrate their accomplishments and capture those precious middle school memories as a Twain Tiger.
PTA Executive Board Elections
Twain PTA officer elections are just around the corner. We need YOU! It is important for leaders in our community to step forward to fill these positions to advocate for our diverse body of students and continue the tradition of supporting our fabulous MTMS staff and enhancing the experiences of our students throughout the school year.
Several key positions remain open for next year and we need to fill them ASAP.
- President
- Vice President of Fundraising
Both rising 7th and 8th grade families are eligible. Know a leader of a rising 7th grade student who would enjoy volunteering? Is it you? Please reach out to mtmspresident@gmail.com to express your interest and to learn more.
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this fabulous group of individuals who work together to support our administrators, staff members and teachers while advocating for the best interests of our students to help secure a robust and enjoyable experience within the walls of Mark Twain MS.
Twain PTA on Social Media
Facebook = “Mark Twain MS PTA”
Instagram = “twainmspta”
Upcoming Twain PTA Events
- 05/16/24 – Twain Community Night, 6-8pm ***For All Twain & Pyramid Students
- 05/31/24 – 8th Grade Dance, 6-8pm ***For Twain 8th graders only
The Mark Twain MS PTA leadership thanks you for your wonderful support!
|
