Panther Press- January 16, 2026

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Dear Panther Family,

We had an exciting week here at Mt Vernon Woods Elementary! Our 6th grade students had an opportunity to visit Walt Whitman Middle School to learn about their upcoming transition to 7th grade. Our multilingual learners participated in pep rally as a kick off to WIDA testing that started this week. 

This coming Monday, we will be observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time to reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. King and his message of peace, equality, and kindness.

At school, we are using this opportunity to talk with students about big concepts in simple, meaningful ways. We are focus on:

  • Using our words to solve problems.

  • Including everyone in our games and activities.

  • Having the courage to stand up for what is right.

You can continue these conversations at home this weekend! Here are a few simple ways to honor Dr. King’s legacy as a family:

  • Read together: Look for children's books that celebrate diversity and heroes of history.

  • Talk about dreams: Ask your child, "What is your dream for making the world a happier place?"

  • Act with service: Do one small act of kindness for a neighbor or friend.

Thank you for partnering with us to teach our students the value of kindness and community.

Sincerely, 

Gina O'Neal, Principal

Christine Berry, Assistant Principal 

Kevin Heron, Assistant Principal 


calendar

 

January 19- No School, Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 20- Class Picture Day

January 28- End of Quarter 2, early release (dismissal at 1:15pm)

January 29- Student Holiday, Staff Development Day 

January 30- Student Holiday, Teacher Work Day 


Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.


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February 2- February 6

Monday, February 2: Rolling Out of Bed and Into School Wear your pajamas to school.

Tuesday, February 3: Future So Bright, We Need Shades or a Hat Wear your favorite sunglasses or hat to school.

Wednesday, February 4: Coming to School is Magical Wear your favorite Disney gear or dress like your favorite Disney Character/Superhero.

Thursday, February 5: You're an Important Part of the Team! Represent your favorite professional, collegiate, or school (MVW) team.

Friday, February 6: Uno Day Wear Red, Green, Blue, or Yellow.

Special Note: Students who come to school EVERY day this week will have the opportunity to enter the raffle to play in the grade-level Uno tournament.


Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year. 

Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website. 

Eventos de Vacunación para los Estudiantes de FCPS

FCPS, en asociación con la organización Inspire Health Alliance, estará ofreciendo sin costo alguno vacunas obligatorias para la escuela y vacunas opcionales contra la “flu” o influenza a todos los estudiantes de FCPS. Se realizan múltiples eventos en lugares determinados de FCPS. Se programarán fechas adicionales a lo largo del año escolar. Padres y tutores podrían revisar las fechas de los próximos eventos y programar citas para vacunar a sus estudiantes. La participación es completamente voluntaria.

Hay disponibles recursos adicionales para la vacunación


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When Should Your Child Stay Home?

Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit the FCPS website for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school to minimize impacts on learning.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to let us know so we can provide assistance, if needed. 


Healthy Habits to Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs

Fairfax County is seeing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. Visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings.

Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs

Hábitos Saludables para Prevenir la Propagación de la Influenza y Otros Gérmenes

El Condado de Fairfax ha estado observando altos niveles de casos de enfermedad de la influenza (la “flu”). El número de visitas a las salas de emergencias y centros de cuidados urgentes ha aumentado, especialmente entre niños, además de que múltiples casos de “flu” han ocurrido dentro de nuestras comunidades e instalaciones escolares.

Lea los consejos del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Fairfax para reducir la propagación de la “flu” y de otros gérmenes.


Did Your Student Get a New Phone or Device? 

For a distraction-free start to the New Year, please remind your student about FCPS' policy for cell phones and personal devices. This policy helps students focus, interact more with their peers and teachers, and build independent problem-solving skills.

Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including:

  • Exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.
  • Cell phone use on buses and field trips.
  • Consequences for cell phone policy violations.

If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office.


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Meal Accommodations Provide Safe, Nutritious Meals

FCPS’s Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to school meals that are safe, nutritious, and meet their individual dietary needs.

FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school. To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.

Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a menu for your child.


Enhancing Safety and Security for Staff and Students

School safety and security are being enhanced across FCPS with a new emergency management system. The system includes sensors installed in schools and a wearable emergency response button (ERB) for staff. 

The button allows staff to quickly and discreetly request help and, once pressed, they provide location information within the school. The ERB will only work on school grounds and does not rely on cellular service. It is not meant to replace calling 911, but is an additional safety tool that can be used if calling 911 may not be safe or practical. 

Learn more about the emergency management system. You may submit questions to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.


student sleeping

Strategies for Better Sleep

Sleep is essential to good health, and getting enough sleep has big benefits to your physical and mental health and well-being. Sleep is restorative, allowing your body time to recover and repair. 

This is true for your child, too. In fact, adequate sleep in children supports healthy brain development, learning, and memory consolidation, as well as their mood. And it is important for a strong immune system and the prevention of infections. Read about how much sleep a person needs and get some sleep strategies you can use with your family. 


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Access Schoology to Support Your Child

Schoology is the learning management system used in FCPS. Parents and students can use Schoology to view assignments and messages from teachers. Learn more about how to access and navigate Schoology

 

Visit the Schoology Snippets YouTube playlist to watch short tutorials that walk you through how to use Schoology.

Need help logging in or accessing Tech Support? Visit the Schoology for Parents page.


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