Panther Press- October 10, 2025

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Dear Panther Family,

We are thrilled to report that our annual PRIDE DAY on Thursday was an overwhelming success! It was a spectacular day filled with energy, laughter, and incredible teamwork. Beyond the exciting races and friendly competitions, the day truly stood out as a vibrant demonstration of the core values we foster here at Mount Vernon Woods.

We asked every student to approach the challenges of the day with key principles, and they absolutely rose to the occasion:

  • Positivity: The attitude on the field was infectious! Students consistently showed positivity, cheering on their teammates and competitors alike, celebrating every personal achievement, and demonstrating great sportsmanship, regardless of the score.

  • Resourcefulness: Our students proved to be agile thinkers. They exhibited remarkable resourcefulness, quickly adapting to game changes, developing clever team strategies, and finding innovative ways to solve problems in their challenges.

  • Intentionality: We saw focused effort in every activity. Students approached the events with clear intentionality, paying careful attention to teamwork and execution, which made the entire experience more organized and successful.

  • Determination: The power of grit was undeniable! Students showed incredible determination, persevering through the toughest challenges and encouraging one another not to give up until the very last whistle.

  • Empathy: Most importantly, our school community shone with empathy. Students offered encouragement, celebrated the efforts of every participant, and showed true kindness and good sportsmanship throughout the day, ensuring everyone felt included and valued.

PRIDE Day was a wonderful reminder that when we combine a great attitude with smart thinking, focused action, and a kind heart, we can achieve great things. Thank you to all the students for their amazing effort, and a massive thank you to our staff for their hard work in making this annual event run so smoothly.

Sincerely, 

Gina O'Neal, Principal

Christine Berry, Assistant Principal 

Kevin Heron, Assistant Principal 


Pride

calendar

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

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)


No-Cost Meals Available for Students on October 13

We’re excited to share that our school will be offering lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Monday, October 13. As a reminder, all FCPS schools will be closed for students and school staff on October 13 in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Lunch and a snack will be served together from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Meals must be eaten on site at participating schools.
  • Enrichment activities will be available for children. Participation is encouraged but not required.
  • Only children 18 and under may receive meals.
  • Each child may receive one lunch and one snack.

We are proud to support our students’ health and well-being, even on days when school is not in session. We hope that many of our families will take advantage of this opportunity. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800.


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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.


Why Are Bonds Needed to Fund FCPS Construction Projects?

The building and renovation of schools are not financed through the FCPS’ operating funds, but through bonds. Similar to an individual or a family obtaining a mortgage on a residence to spread the cost of home buying over several years, bonds spread the cost of major capital improvements over a number of years. This ensures that current and future residents and users share in the payment. 

This approach is good for our taxes, too. If capital construction were financed out of current tax revenues on a pay-as-you-go basis, projects would need to be paid for in a much shorter time frame, likely reducing other county services or necessitating tax increases. Fortunately, the county’s bonded debt is not likely to be a contributing factor to any increase in local taxes. 

A bond referendum to benefit FCPS will be on the ballot this Election Day, Tuesday, November 4. It represents an investment by the community into the facilities everyone uses — whether for school or to gather as a community.

Read more about the FCPS 2025 Bond Referendum. Learn more about registering to vote. Make a voting plan and vote on Tuesday, November 4. 


All Families Opted in to Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report

FCPS provides families with a free service that allows parents and caregivers a way to stay informed about their child's online activity on any FCPS device. Starting Sunday, October 12, all parents and guardians who have access to student records in SIS ParentVUE will be automatically enrolled to receive a weekly Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report.

This report provides a summary of the websites your child visited during the previous week and is delivered every Sunday to your email directly from Lightspeed, our internet content filter. 

Each weekly report also includes a link to register for the Lightspeed Parent Portal, which provides more detailed browsing information. This portal also gives you the ability to pause internet access on your child’s FCPS laptop during non-school hours, such as dinner or bedtime. 

Visit the Lightspeed Parent Report page for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.


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Every Day Is a Stepping Stone to Success

Attendance is an important life skill that will help your child later in life. It’s a good habit to build now to help them graduate from college on time and routinely report to work on time once they have a career.

Please take a look at the FCPS Calendar. Try to schedule any trips or family events on weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students who are absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered “chronically absent.”

When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or appointment, you must report the absence to our school. When your child is absent please use SIS, or call the office to report your child's absence.

Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for resources on attendance. 


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