Panther Press- October 17, 2025

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Dear Panther Family,

We've been reminding students this week what it means to be a great friend and a helpful member of our school community. When conflicts pop up (and they do, it's a normal part of growing up!), we are encouraging our students to use their Panther PRIDE skills:

  • Positivity: Starting with a helpful, friendly attitude, not an angry one.

  • Resourcefulness: Thinking creatively about solutions instead of giving up.

  • Intentionality: Choosing their words carefully to solve the problem, not to hurt feelings.

  • Determination: Sticking with the conversation and working hard to find an answer that works for everyone.

  • Empathy: Taking a moment to understand how their friend might be feeling.

Please keep talking with your children about these important skills at home! If students are unable to resolve a conflict independently, adults are always able to help.

To keep our classrooms healthy, focused, and safe for all students—especially those with allergies—please remember that candy and chewing gum are not permitted at school.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a clean, safe, and distraction-free learning environment for everyone. If you're sending in a snack, healthy options like fruit, vegetables, or crackers are always a great choice!

Thank you for your partnership. Your support at home makes all the difference in your child's success here at Mt Vernon Woods. Have a safe and relaxing 3 day weekend!

Sincerely, 

Gina O'Neal, Principal

Christine Berry, Assistant Principal 

Kevin Heron, Assistant Principal 

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October 20- Student and Staff Holiday (Cultural Observance-Diwali) 

October 23- Virtual PTO Meeting 6:00pm

October 31- End of 1st Quarter - 2 hour Early Dismissal (1:15pm) 

November 3- Student Holiday (No School) 

November 4- Student Holiday (No School) 

November 11- Student and Staff Holiday- Veterans Day 

November 19- Early Release Wednesday (dismissal at 12:15pm)

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What is SIS ParentVUE and How Can You Sign Up?

If you do not already have a SIS ParentVUE account, sign up now to monitor and support your child’s academic success! Through SIS ParentVUE, you are able to view your student’s attendance, grades, and assignments at any time. You can also access special reports for your student like progress reports and assessment score reports. 

Once you have activated a SIS ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same SIS ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE by using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. 

Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video will show you the steps. For videos in other languages, click here. 

Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

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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 with no out-of-pocket costs. Immunization clinics will take place from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Willow Oaks Administrative Center on:   

  • Thursday, November 6
  • Tuesday, November 18
  • Wednesday, November 19  
  • Thursday, November 20

A clinic will also take place at Frost Middle School on Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year.

Participation is voluntary. Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment for their student. Learn more about immunization resources. 

National School Lunch Week

This week is National School Lunch Week, which promotes the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has inside and outside of the classroom. View menus for your child’s school to help you plan for the week ahead. 

Did you know that families can apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits anytime during the school year?  

If a family’s income changes at any point, they may become newly eligible according to federal income guidelines and can apply immediately. This includes income interruptions caused by furloughs, layoffs, or job losses. Once approved, benefits remain valid for the rest of the school year and for up to 30 school days into the following school year, even if the family’s income changes again. Read Superintendent Reid's October 1 letter regarding other resources available to families impacted by the government shutdown.

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When Should Your Child Stay Home?

Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.

Help your student succeed by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. So when should your child stay home? Visit the FCPS website for helpful ideas regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify our school and your child’s [teacher or teachers] so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with our public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and tell school staff why and for how long. 

How AI Is Shaping Teaching and Learning

Meeting the Moment: FCPS Forward — AI, a conversation with division leadership, which will take place Monday, November 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., at West Springfield High School. Attend to:

  • Learn about the opportunities and challenges of AI in education.
  • Explore how AI can support FCPS student achievement and workforce readiness.
  • Engage in a thought-provoking panel and keynotes.
  • Help shape the future of innovation at Fairfax County Public Schools.

Agenda details will be shared with registered participants in the coming weeks. Contact DITEvents@fcps.edu with any questions. 

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October Community Boundary Review Meetings

FCPS’ October community boundary review meetings will begin on Monday, October 13. Each of the 12 meetings will focus on two pyramids. Our pyramid will be covered at the meeting on October 25 at Sandburg Middle School. Register by clicking “in person” or “virtual,” based on how you would like to participate.

At the meeting, the consultant will present the latest draft boundary map (Scenario 4) and potential changes specific to our pyramid and the West Potomac Pyramid. Participants will also be invited to ask questions.

If you are unable to attend the meeting for our pyramid, you are welcome to attend any meeting that is convenient. View the full list of October boundary meetings. 

Visit the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information.

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Why Are Bonds Needed to Fund FCPS Construction Projects?