FCPS

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Upcoming Events

Friday, June 9 – 8th Grade Dance - 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Thursday, June 15 – Field Day

Friday, June 16 – Last Day of School - 2 Hour Early Release (12:15 pm)

PTA Updates

Volunteers are still needed to help with the upcoming 8th Grade Dance. 

The most urgent need is for volunteers to sell tickets during the lunch periods on June 6-9.

Other needs include:

• donation of double-sided tape
• donation of packing tape
• donation of small water bottles
• help setting up for the dance
• serving as an event volunteer to night of the dance

Please sign up by clicking here.

We hope our 8th Grade students are getting excited for the dance on June 9th from 6:30-8:30 PM. Song request can be made by clicking on this link.

Field Day

Hello families and friends,

This year we are going all out for field day!!! This includes an 8th grade students and Twain staff cookout to celebrate the end of a great school year and wishing our rising 9th graders good luck in their first year of high school. With that, we are in need of your help to make the cookout possible. If you are able and willing to donate an item or two for the cookout please click on this link to sign up. Thank you all in advance for your help!

Sincerely,

The Field Day Committee

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
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Calendar Updates

Monday, May 29 – Memorial Day – School Closed

Friday, June 16 – Last Day of School – Early Dismissal (12:15 pm)

Twain Yearbook

Buy your yearbook today! Go to:  yearbookordercenter.com

Use our code #:  8606

Last day to order online - today - May 26!

 

After School Program Survey

Dear Parents / Guardians:

Below is a link for a quick survey about the Middle School After-School Program. The survey should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete. The survey is an important component of the after-school program evaluation and is critical for future funding. The more responses we receive, the more valuable and reliable the data. The responses not only allow us to assess the impact of the after-school program, but they help drive program improvement and program quality.

This Survey has been approved by FCPS and the seal approval number is 23234. All survey responses are due by Friday May 26, 2023. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C8VTDBT 

Thank you for your support this school year!

Mr. Amato

PTA Updates Would you like to be on the Twain PTA next year??

The Twain PTA is currently recruiting for next year’s office of Vice President. The time commitment is minimal (typically less than elementary school) so please contact Henri Wingfield at [email protected] if you are interested! Parent voices are needed to ensure student success! Twain needs you!!

Attention: 8th Grade Dance!

The Stars Are Out and We Need Help to Make Them Shine!!! 

The 8th Grade Dance Committee is well on the way to planning a memorable event for our 8th Graders, but we need some help to make this evening a success. We are looking for volunteers to 

*sell tickets during the lunch period on June 6-9

*help setting-up the decorations on June 9

*serve as event volunteers during the dance 

The 8th Grade Dance will be on June 9th from 6:30-8:30 pm. The theme this year is “The Stars Are Out.” All 8th Grade Twain Students are invited to attend. This will be a formal event.  Advance Tickets Only will be sold at lunch for $5.  No tickets will be sold at the door.

Contact Linda Pinkney at [email protected] with any questions or if you are interested in getting involved in the planning.

Please sign up here to help out!!!

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
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Twain MS currently has an outstanding balance of $11,000 in student lunch debt. Many community members have asked how they can help reduce this lunch debt for Twain students. If you would like to help, below are the campaign donation forms. You can select the QR code or visit the Educate Fairfax website linked below.

Thank you for your generosity!! 

https://educatefairfax.app.neoncrm.com/forms/32

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
Web | Twitter | YouTube

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Twain Principal Search

We are beginning the search for a new principal for Twain Middle School. A critical component of the process is to collect written input from staff, parents, and students.  You are invited to provide written input regarding the skills, experience, and leadership characteristics of the next principal. You might also consider any challenges or issues that a new principal will need to address. Input is confidential and should be sent to [email protected] by Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

If you are interested in serving as a panelist,please submit your information by the close of business on May 30, 2023. Participants must be available in-person from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the day of the panel, Thursday, June 8, 2023. The Region Leadership Team will review all submissions and select staff and community members to serve as either panelists or alternates for these in-person interviews. The Department of Human Resources will contact the individuals who are selected to serve in this capacity.

VA Standards of Learning (SOL)

Twain Middle School students will be taking their final SOLS on the date listed below. Parents/Guardians can help students be successful by minimizing their absences and insuring they are well rested. All students need to bring their fully charged laptop to school.

Tuesday, May 23 – Science (8th grade only)

Calendar Updates

Monday, May 29 – Memorial Day – School Closed

Friday, June 16 – Last Day of School – Early Dismissal (12:15 pm)

Health Room Medication

Dear Parent or Guardian:

The school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than the student dismissal time on the last day of school. Medication left in the health room after that time will be destroyed. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian. Medication cannot be sent home with your student. However, with parent or guardian permission, a high school student may transport over-the-counter medications to and from the school health room. If your student will be enrolled in a summer program sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools, the existing medication authorization form(s) may be used for the summer program, but you will need to pick up the medication on the last day of school and deliver the medication and completed forms to the summer learning site on the first day of the summer program. Please let the health room know if you would like a copy of the form(s).

Medication authorization forms for next school year may be obtained from the school or online at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/school-health-services. A medication authorization form is required for any medication, prescription or over the counter, to be kept at school. Please be sure medication orders are clear. All information on the form must be completed. Part I must be signed and dated by the parent or guardian. Part II must be signed and dated by your health care provider. Approved over-the-counter medications given for headaches, muscle aches, orthodontic pain, or menstrual cramps do not need a health care provider’s signature. Antibiotic or antiviral medications for 10 consecutive school days or less do not require a health care provider’s signature either. For all asthma medications, a Virginia Asthma Action Plan must be provided. More detailed information is available on the back of the medication authorization form(s).

Over-the-counter medication must be in the unopened original container and clearly labeled by the parent or guardian. No more than 100 pills/tablets of OTC medication should be brought to school at a time. All prescription medication, including samples, must be labeled by the pharmacist or health care provider. Please make sure that the label clearly states your student’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage of the medication, and the time to be given.

Your cooperation will ensure that we can safely give your student, their medication. If you have any questions, please contact your school health room aide, at 703-313-3710.

Thank you for your cooperation and have a good summer.

Sincerely,

Chuck Miller, Principal

PTA Updates

Would you like to be on the Twain PTA next year?

The Twain PTA is currently recruiting for next year’s officers (Vice President and Secretary). The time commitment is minimal (typically less than elementary school) so please contact Henri Wingfield at [email protected] if you are interested! Parent voices are needed to ensure student success! Twain needs You!!

Attention: 8th Grade Dance!

The 8th Grade Dance Committee is well on the way to planning a memorable event for our 8th Graders, but we need some help to make this evening a success.  Please click this link to learn how you can help out.  We are looking for volunteers to sell tickets during the lunch period, help setting-up the decorations and the food, and serve as volunteers during the dance.  The 8th Grade Dance will be on June 9th from 6:30-8:30 pm.  The theme this year is “The Stars Are Out.”  All 8th Grader Twain Students are invited to attend. This will be a formal event.  Contact Linda Pinkney at [email protected] with any questions or if you are interested in getting involved in the planning.

Buy your yearbook today!

Go to:  yearbookordercenter.com

Use our code #:  8606

Available to order online until May 26

Edison Cross Country

Interested in running on a team this fall? The Edison cross-country interest meeting will be held Wednesday May 24th via Zoom. Please use this form to sign up for the interest meeting and to receive the Zoom Link. You will need to be signed into your student’s FCPSschools.net email to fill out the form.

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
Web | Twitter | YouTube

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

PTA Updates Would you like to be on the Twain PTA next year?

The Twain PTA is currently recruiting for next year’s officers (Vice President and Secretary). The time commitment is minimal (typically less than elementary school) so please contact Henri Wingfield at [email protected] if you are interested! Parent voices are needed to ensure student success! We will be providing a slate to the General Membership during the May 9th meeting! Twain needs YOU!!

Save the Date!

8th Grade Dance will be on June 9th from 6:30-8:30 pm.  The theme this year is “The Stars Are Out.”  All 8th Graders are invited to attend. Contact Linda Pinkney at [email protected] with any questions or if you are interested in getting involved.  More details to follow.  

Request: PTA Audit Committee

The PTA Audit Committee is looking for a few people to complete a Twain PTA Financial Review. Please email Maggie DeMello at [email protected] if you are interested!! 

VA Standards of Learning (SOL)

Twain Middle School students will be taking SOLS on the dates listed below. Parents/Guardians can help students be successful by minimizing their absences on these dates and insuring they are well rested. All students need to bring their fully charged laptop to school on these days.

Wednesday, May 17 – Math (All math courses)

Tuesday, May 23 – Science (8th grade only)

International Night Postponed

Due to the low number of ticket sales, International Night is being postponed to next school year. All students who purchased a ticket will receive a refund.

Twain MS Yearbook

Buy your yearbook today! Go to: yearbookordercenter.com

Use our code #:  8606

Available to order online until May 26

Mental Health Awareness Month

The month of May is a time to pause and raise awareness of the fact that many people live everyday with mental and behavioral health issues and there is a need to reduce the stigma attached with the experience. Post-COVID the reality is that millions of Americans are dealing with an increase in mental, behavioral, and substance misuse illnesses in their families (NAMI). Additional mental health challenges by the COVID-19 pandemic have also increased youth related substance use, mental health struggles, and suicide (HHS).  According to HHS, suicide is still the second highest cause od death in youth ages 10 to 14 and adults from ages 24 to 35. This prompted the July 2022 launch of 998 the new three digit code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 call, text, and chat access to crisis counselors. It is for anyone experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crises or emotional distress. Concerns about loved ones may also be addressed using the 988 dialing code. SAMHSA has described the new 988 dialing code as an important step in transforming how crisis and trauma situations are handled in the United States. Please note that the 800-273-8255 number still works, 988 is just built off of the 10-digit number.

Resources:

Substance Use Prevention and Encouraging Healthy Brain Development

Together for Mental Health

Fact Sheet: Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month 2022

988 Frequently Asked Questions

For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @FCPSSAPS.

For further Information & support:

Shawn Elliott, BS, QMHP-C

Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

[email protected]

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
Web | Twitter | YouTube

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Spring Tiger Night – Tonight! Friday - May 12 -  6 to 8 pm

Have Fun and Make a Difference in Our Community! This year’s Tiger Night will not only be fun, but also benefit hyper-local nonprofits.

Just added –

• Blushing Berries food truck - Ice cream, candy, and lemonade
• Twain Spirit Wear
• Raffle prizes! Gift cards for Shadowland, Zava Zone, Grounded Coffee,
• El Paso Restaurant, Chili’s, Chuys, Roy Rogers, and 50/50 split the pot!

Tiger Night Activities

• Game Zone
• Basketball
• 50/50 Raffle
• Scavenger hunt
• Mural-painting
• Trivia
• Mindfulness 

And more!......and we still need volunteers!!

Remember to bring in donations for - Specifically requested items are linked. 

• Koinonia – Food pantry items
• Good Shepherd Housing –
• School supplies
• ECHO – Clothing to fit kids Kindergarten through 8th grade

We look forward to seeing you tonight!

We are in need of boxes! We will be collecting clothing and food items during Tiger Night on May 12th. Looking for moving boxes if you have them!

Please and Thank You!!

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
Web | Twitter | YouTube

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Spring Tiger Night – Tomorrow! Friday - May 12 -  6 to 8 pm

Have Fun and Make a Difference in Our Community! This year’s Tiger Night will not only be fun, but also benefit hyper-local nonprofits.

Just added –

• Blushing Berries food truck - Ice cream, candy, and lemonade
• Twain Spirit Wear
• Raffle prizes! Gift cards for Shadowland, Zava Zone, Grounded Coffee,
• El Paso Restaurant, Chili’s, Chuys, Roy Rogers, and 50/50 split the pot!

Tiger Night Activities

• Game Zone
• Basketball
• 50/50 Raffle
• Scavenger hunt
• Mural-painting
• Trivia
• Mindfulness 

And more!......and we still need volunteers!!

Remember to bring in donations for - Specifically requested items are linked. 

• Koinonia – Food pantry items
• Good Shepherd Housing –
• School supplies
• ECHO – Clothing to fit kids Kindergarten through 8th grade

We look forward to seeing you Friday night!

We are in need of boxes! We will be collecting clothing and food items during Tiger Night on May 12th. Looking for moving boxes if you have them! Please and Thank You!!

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
Web | Twitter | YouTube

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

VA Standards of Learning (SOL)

Twain Middle School students will be taking SOLS on the dates listed below. Parents/Guardians can help students be successful by minimizing their absences on these dates and insuring they are well rested. All students need to bring their fully charged laptop to school on these days.

Wednesday, May 17 – Math (All math courses)

Tuesday, May 23 – Science (8th grade only)

International Night - May 19

Join us for an evening of cultural celebration at the 1st annual International Night hosted by SCA on Friday, May 19, from 6-8:30pm.  This exciting event is an opportunity for the school community to come together and learn about the diverse cultures and traditions represented within our community. There will be a fashion show, followed by some performances, and ending the night with a potluck of popular dishes from all over the world.

This event is open to all families, students, and staff. It’s a chance for us to come together and celebrate the unique diversity that makes our community so special. Tickets are being sold throughout lunches starting Monday, May 8 at only $3 for each person. Kids 6 and under receive free admission but must be supervised. So, mark your calendars for a night of fun and learning. We can’t wait to see you there!

PTA Updates General Membership Meeting

May 9th, 7PM. Be on the lookout for the zoom link next week!

Next Spirit Night

May 9th!! 4-8PM. Right before the General Membership Meeting! Grab some grub and log into the meeting!

CHIPOTLE PIC

Would you like to be on the Twain PTA next year??

The Twain PTA is currently recruiting for next year’s officers (Vice President and Secretary). The time commitment is minimal (typically less than elementary school) so please contact Henri Wingfield at [email protected] if you are interested! Parent voices are needed to ensure student success! We will be providing a slate to the General Membership during the May 9th meeting! Twain needs You!!

Spring Tiger Night

May 12th! Have Fun and Make a Difference in Our Community! This year’s Tiger Night will not only be fun, but also benefit hyper-local nonprofits. To make this event a success, we need volunteers to fill hour-long shifts. Please sign up TODAY!!! If you know of high schoolers who need service hours, this event is a perfect opportunity! If you are not able to volunteer your time, there are options to donate food items! Please consider supporting this amazing effort!

We are in need of boxes!

We will be collecting clothing and food items next week leading up to Tiger Night on May 12th. Looking for moving boxes if you have them! Please and Thank you!!

 

Twain Yearbook

Buy your yearbook today! Go to:  yearbookordercenter.com

Use our code #:  8606

Available to order online until May 26, 2023!

Lost Laptops and Chargers

At the end of the school year all students will be responsible for returning their laptop and charger.  When students lose an FCPS provided laptop or charger they are responsible for replacing them. 

Replacement fee for lost computer equipment:

• Dell 3310 Laptop Computer ($481.00)
• Dell 3310 Charger ($23) 

Replacement fees can be paid either through:

• MySchoolBucks - https://www.myschoolbucks.com/
• Check - Bring in a check to Twain’s Main Office made payable to “Twain Middle School”.  Write the Student ID# on the Memo line.

Once a student pays the replacement fee, we will provide them a new charger or laptop. Please do not purchase a replacement charger through outside stores or vendors. 

We will not be providing replacement cases when students lose their case.  You can purchase affordable cases through different retail stores.

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
Web | Twitter | YouTube

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

VA Standards of Learning (SOL)

Twain Middle School students will be taking SOLS on the dates listed below. Parents/Guardians can help students be successful by minimizing their absences on these dates and insuring they are well rested. All students need to bring their fully charged laptop to school on these days.

Wednesday, May 3 – Reading (7th and 8th grade)

Wednesday, May 17 – Math (All math courses)

Tuesday, May 23 – Science (8th grade only)

Edison HS Tennis Camp

Greetings, Team Twain MS from the boys' tennis coach at Edison HS! Here’s some information about our 2023 summer tennis camp.

Here you will find our camp flyer. Camp will be held at the Edison tennis courts the week of Tuesday, June 20, to Saturday, June 24, from 9 a.m. to noon daily. It is open to (rising) grades 3 through 12. (The Tuesday-Saturday schedule allows for observance of the holiday on Monday, June 19.)

Camp contact is Roy Wimbush, head coach of the Edison girls' tennis team: [email protected]. Edison HS, 5801 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310. Our six tennis courts are located at the back of the campus on the Van Dorn Street side.

It would be great to have some Tigers on the courts where they might be playing as Eagles someday soon!

PTA Updates

Join the Twain PTA!

Your membership dues fund a variety of programs throughout the year. Now’s the time to join!! 

Would you like to be on the Twain PTA next year?? - The Twain PTA is currently recruiting for next year’s officers (President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary). The time commitment is minimal (typically less than elementary school) so please contact Henri Wingfield at [email protected] if you are interested! Parent voices are needed to ensure student success!

Staff Appreciation Week!

May 1st - 5th, the PTA is sponsoring a delicious week worth of sweet/salty treats, gift cards, and a yummy catered lunch on the 5th. Below is the signup genius for items we need YOUR help with! Please take a look and help support our amazing teachers & staff during this fantastic week.

Please show your appreciation to the Staff and Teachers of Mark Twain Middle School by helping the PTA spoil them during the first week of May for Teacher Appreciation Week. 

Two ways to help!

The PTA would like to give every staff member a $10 gift card during the gift card giveaway. You can donate $$ that will be used directly towards the purchase of these gift cards at the PTA online store. Buy one or buy several!! Please make your gift card donation  by this Friday, April 28th!

You can help by donating your time or treats for our Sweet Treat Day, Salty Treat Day, and the Staff Luncheon. Click here to sign up.

Spring Tiger Night

Join us on May 12th! Have Fun and Make a Difference in Our Community! This year’s Tiger Night will not only be fun, but also benefit hyper-local nonprofits. To make this event a success, We need volunteers to fill hour-long shifts. Please sign up today!!! If you know of high schoolers who need service hours, this event is a perfect opportunity!

Spirit Night

Next Spirit Night - May 9th!!

Lost Laptops and Chargers

At the end of the school year all students will be responsible for returning their laptop and charger.  When students lose an FCPS provided laptop or charger they are responsible for replacing them. 

Replacement fee for lost computer equipment:

• Dell 3310 Laptop Computer ($481.00)
• Dell 3310 Charger ($23) 

Replacement fees can be paid either through:

• MySchoolBucks - https://www.myschoolbucks.com/
• Check - Bring in a check to Twain’s Main Office made payable to “Twain Middle School”.  Write the Student ID# on the Memo line.

Once a student pays the replacement fee, we will provide them a new charger or laptop. Please do not purchase a replacement charger through outside stores or vendors. 

We will not be providing replacement cases when students lose their case.  You can purchase affordable cases through different retail stores.

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
Web | Twitter | YouTube

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

3rd Quarter Report Cards

On Monday, we will distribute 3rd quarter report cards to students and we hope it serves as a good conversation starter at home about how the school year is going as we enter the last nine weeks of school. We hope your student has experienced many successes through the first 27 weeks of school and hope they can build on that momentum – not only for the 4th quarter, but also as they prepare for next year. If you and your student see areas where improvement is needed, consider having them stay after school to work with a teacher, use their agenda to write down important assignments and dates, and create a home/school calendar to better manage their time.  

Grades are available through ParentVUE (there are temporary blackouts around grading periods), so please take advantage of this tool to help monitor how your child is doing in school. Here are some ways to make sure you are connected:

The Student Information System (SIS) Parent Account Access allows parents access to teacher grade books, attendance information, course history and other useful information.

• New Users: Please use the parent account registration page to register your account. You will need an activation key to log in for the first time. o Please contact the school if you need a new activation key or are having issues logging onto your ParentVUE Account. Please include your name, email address, student's name, students ID number and a short description of what the issue is.
• Returning Users:  Please go to https://sisparent.fcps.edu to log in to your ParentVUE Account.
• Trouble logging in? If you are unable to log into ParentVUE, contact the school to verify that your correct email has been added into SIS:

If you have never logged into ParentVUE:

1. Call the school to add your email into SIS – it takes at least 24 hours to update in SIS.
2. Once added into SIS, the school can send out an activation key to the email you have provided. This activation key will include your username, password, and directions for how to log in.

If you forgot your username: Contact the school to verify what your username is. 

If you forgot your password: Reset your password using the “Forgot Password” button on the ParentVUE login screen

Spring Pictures

Spring Pictures at Twain will be Tuesday, April 25 and Wednesday, April 26. Students will take pictures during their Health and Physical Education Classes.

Twain Theater

Twain Theater is so excited to present “The Wind in the Willows”

Showtimes:

April 27th @ 7:00 PM

April 28th @ 7:00 PM

April 29th @ 2:00 PM

April 29th @ 7:00 PM

To buy tickets please follow the link:

https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15615/mark-twain-middle-school-theatre

PTA Updates Join the Twain PTA!

You can use this link to join the Twain PTA !

Your membership dues fund a variety of programs throughout the year. Now’s the time to join!! 

Next Spirit Night - May 9th – Chipotle Kingstowne

Volunteers Needed!

Want to help with Staff Appreciation Week? Be on the nominating committee for next school year's PTA Board? Or just want to help during other events scheduled for the rest of the year? Email Linda Pinkney at [email protected] and let her know you’d love to join us! We need volunteers!!!

Would you like to be on the Twain PTA next year?? - send an email to [email protected]. Would love to get some diversity among the PTA Board! We don't want the PTA to end - please consider volunteering!! 

Staff Appreciation Week!

May 1st - 5th, the PTA is sponsoring a delicious week worth of sweet/salty treats, gift cards, and a yummy catered lunch on the 5th. Below is the signup genius for items we need YOUR help with! Please take a look and help support our amazing teachers & staff during this fantastic week!

Sign up HERE. 

Spring Tiger Night - May 12th!

Have Fun and Make a Difference in Our Community! This year’s Tiger Night will not only be fun, but also benefit hyper-local nonprofits. To make this event a success, WE Need volunteers to fill hour-long shifts. Please sign up TODAY!!! If you know of high schoolers who need service hours, this event is a perfect opportunity!

Lost Laptops and Chargers

At the end of the school year all students will be responsible for returning their laptop and charger.  When students lose an FCPS provided laptop or charger they are responsible for replacing them. 

Replacement fee for lost computer equipment:

• Dell 3310 Laptop Computer ($481.00)
• Dell 3310 Charger ($23) 

Replacement fees can be paid either through:

• MySchoolBucks - https://www.myschoolbucks.com/
• Check - Bring in a check to Twain’s Main Office made payable to “Twain Middle School”.  Write the Student ID# on the Memo line.

Once a student pays the replacement fee, we will provide them a new charger or laptop. Please do not purchase a replacement charger through outside stores or vendors. 

We will not be providing replacement cases when students lose their case.  You can purchase affordable cases through different retail stores.

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
Web | Twitter | YouTube

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Calendar Update

April 21 – Teacher Workday – Student Holiday

After School Program

Twain’s After School Program will be limited the week of April 17. Some clubs and programs will not meet. Open Gym, Intramural Sports, Homework Club and Game Room will not meet April 17 – 20. Other clubs will meet on a club-by-club basis which will be announced at the beginning of each lunch period next week. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and we look forward to getting back to a full program on Monday, April 24, 2023.

Spring Pictures

Spring Pictures at Twain will be Tuesday, April 25 and Wednesday, April 26. Students will take pictures during their Health and Physical Education Classes.

PTA Updates Join the Twain PTA!

Your membership dues fund a variety of programs throughout the year. Now’s the time to JOIN!! 

General Membership Meeting

Tuesday, April 18 at  7:00 pm. Be on the lookout for the link next week!

Teacher/Staff Appreciation!

Each month, the administration and the PTA jointly recognize an outstanding teacher or staff member at Twain. The honoree receives a certificate, a $25 Amazon gift card and an amazing parking spot close to the building. It’s just a small way to say thank you to our fantastic teachers and staff members who go that extra mile! Click here to nominate!

Volunteers Needed!

Want to help with Staff Appreciation Week? Be on the nominating committee for next school year's PTA Board? Or just want to help during other events scheduled for the rest of the year? Email Linda Pinkney at [email protected]and let her know you’d love to join us! WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!!!

Would you like to be on the Twain PTA next year??

Send an email to [email protected]. Would love to get some diversity among the PTA Board! We don't want the PTA to end - please consider volunteering!! 

Staff Appreciation Week!

Monday, May 1st to Friday, May 5th

The PTA is sponsoring a delicious week worth of sweet/salty treats, gift cards, and a yummy catered lunch on the 5th. Below is the signup genius for items we need YOUR help with! Please take a look and help support our amazing teachers & staff during this fantastic week!

Sign up HERE.

Standards of Learning (SOL) Assessments

Twain Middle School students will be taking SOLS on the dates listed below. Parents/Guardians can help students be successful by minimizing their absences on these dates and insuring they are well rested.

Wednesday, May 3 – Reading (7th and 8th grade)

Wednesday, May 17 – Math (All math courses)

Tuesday, May 23 – Science (8th grade only)

Nominate a Teacher of the Year

Northern Virginia Magazine is extending its deadline to submit nominations for our Teacher of the Year 2023 to Sunday, April 23. This prestigious annual award recognizes the extraordinary educators in our region. 

In order to make sure the best teachers within Fairfax County Public Schools are nominated, I am writing to ask if you would be interested in spreading the word in the Fairfax community. The staff at Northern Virginia Magazine wants to make sure your deserving teachers don’t miss out on the opportunity to be honored for their hard work and dedication.  

The Teacher of the Year will be awarded $10,000 and be profiled in the October 2023 issue of Northern Virginia Magazine, which will also appear on northernvirginiamag.com. Finalists will also be featured in the story. You can see our Teacher of the Year 2022 coverage here.  

The survey runs through April 23, and we welcome nominations from school administrators, teachers, parents, students, former students, and the general public. We have also created a media toolkit to help share the poll with faculty and families. 

If you have any questions, please contact Michele Kettner via email at [email protected] or by phone at 703-230-2987. 

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

People ages 12-34 are at the highest risk for rape and sexual assault (RAINN).  The majority of sexual assault victims are under the age of 30.  One out of every six American women have been the victim/survivor of an attempted or completed sexual assault. One out of every ten males are sexual assault victims (RAINN).

Alcohol can play a part in sexual assault.  Alcohol reduces inhibitions and alcohol consumption by perpetrators and victims tends to co-occur, meaning, when one of them is drinking, the other one is generally drinking as well. At least one half of all violent crimes involve the use of alcohol. Although a person’s alcohol consumption is one risk factor for sexual assault, they are in no way responsible for what happened to them.

Sexual violence of any type or unwanted sexual contact, is not okay. This includes words and actions of a sexual nature against a person’s will and without their consent.

For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.

Sources & Resources

Alcohol and Sexual Assault

Sexual Violence Statistics

Adverse Childhood Experiences

FCPS Title IX

Make a Difference: Talk to Your Child About Alcohol

For further Information & support:

Shawn Elliott, BS, QMHP-C

Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

[email protected]

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
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Come out and support Twain’s PTA at Moe’s Southwest Grill tonight!

Tuesday, April 11 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm, in the shopping center near Wegmans. 

See you tonight at Moe’s Southwest Grill, 7869 Heneska Loop, Hilltop Village Center, Alexandria, VA 22315

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
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Calendar Update

April 3 – 7 - Spring Break – School Closed

April 13 – 3rd Quarter Ends – 2 Hour Early Release (12:15 pm)

April 14 – Teacher Workday – Student Holiday

April 21 – Teacher Workday – Student Holiday

Main Office Closed

Twain’s Main Office will be closed Monday, April 3 through Friday, April 7, 2023. School will resume on Monday, April 10. Enjoy your Spring Break!

VIP Summer Camp

To All Parents / Guardians

The Region 3 Middle Schools of Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the Value In Prevention Summer Camp (VIP) once again this summer at Sandburg Middle School. The dates for the camp will be June 28th – July 27th with July 3rd and 4th off from camp. Camp hours will be 8 am – 4 pm and school bus transportation will be provided from county sites, (not home addresses). There is a $100 registration fee for the 5 weeks and there will be 4 field trips throughout the summer that will be an additional cost to attend. If your student in interested in attending summer camp, please use the link below and fill all information out completely.

VIP CAMP REGISTRATION LINK

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
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Calendar Update

April 3 – 7 - Spring Break – School Closed

April 13 – 3rd Quarter Ends – 2 Hour Early Release (12:15 pm)

April 14 – Teacher Workday – Student Holiday

April 21 – Teacher Workday – Student Holiday

Update Your Emergency Care Information Via [email protected]

Fairfax County Public Schools provides [email protected] (weCare), an emergency care information system, to parents/caregivers who have registered for their own parent account. weCare helps manage emergency medical information by allowing parents/caregivers to enter and update their children’s medical data online at their convenience. That contact information automatically enrolls parents/caregivers to receive critical updates from the district and their child’s school through the eNotify system. FCPS uses eNotify to communicate emergency, transportation, attendance, weather closing and delay, and essential outreach messages. Messages are sent by email, text, and occasionally by phone. 

Learn more about updating your emergency care information.

PTA Updates

Join the Twain PTA!

Your membership dues fund a variety of programs throughout the year. Now’s the time to join!!

Volunteers Needed!

Want to help with Staff Appreciation Week? Be on the nominating committee for next school year's PTA Board? Or just want to help during other events scheduled for the rest of the year? Email Linda Pinkney at [email protected] and let her know you’d love to join us! We need volunteers!!!

Would you like to be on the Twain PTA next year?? - send an email to [email protected]. Would love to get some diversity among the PTA Board! We don't want the PTA to end - please consider volunteering!!

Purchase a Twain MS yearbook today! Go to yearbookordercenter.com/ and use Twain’s code# 8606 

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
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To All Parents / Guardians

Are you looking for something fun to do tonight?

The Mark Twain After School Program is putting on the 3rd annual Kingstowne Cup tonight at Hayfield Secondary. It will consist of 2 basketball games, 1 girls game and 1 boys game. Mark Twain Middle School students vs Hayfield Middle School students. The doors will open at 5:00 pm with the girls game starting @ 5:45 pm. The Boys game will begin at 7:15 pm.

Tickets to the game are $5.00 and we are also selling “Hype Squad” T shirts for $10.00 to support Twain’s “Black Out” theme for the game.  Please come out and support the teams.  Each student ticket bought has a chance to win many awesome raffle prizes as well as the grand prize for the student tickets, a pair of Apple Air pod Pros!  Parent/Guardian tickets sold will have a chance to also win some great prizes such as restaurant gift cards, gym memberships and a 32-inch TV!

A few important tips:

   1 – Please enter Hayfield through Entrance 1 in the front of the school

   2 – No backpacks or outside food will be allowed

   3 – Pick up time is 8:30 pm

Thank you in advance for your support!

Mr. Dominic Amato

Twain After School Specialist

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
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Calendar Update

April 3 – 7 - Spring Break – School Closed

April 13 – 3rd Quarter Ends – 2 Hour Early Release (12:15 pm)

April 14 – Teacher Workday – Student Holiday

April 21 – Teacher Workday – Student Holiday

PTA Updates Join the Twain PTA!

Your membership dues fund a variety of programs throughout the year. Now’s the time to JOIN!!

Volunteers Needed!

Want to help with Staff Appreciation Week? Be on the nominating committee for next school year's PTA Board? Or just want to help during other events scheduled for the rest of the year? Email Linda Pinkney at [email protected] and let her know you’d love to join us! We need volunteers!!!

Would you like to be on the Twain PTA next year? - send an email to [email protected]. Would love to get some diversity among the PTA Board! We don't want the PTA to end - please consider volunteering!!

8th Grade Dance Interest Meeting - March 23rd, 7:00 pm at Twain. If you are interested in helping out, please feel free to join the meeting!

Drug & Alcohol Facts Week Quick Facts:

National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week is March 20-26, 2023

Opioids are the number one cause of unnatural death in Fairfax County. Young adults aged 25-34 are the most common demographic seen in the emergency room for fatal opioid overdoses.

Nationwide there were over 100,00 overdose deaths from April 2020- April 2021.

Using opioids after a period of abstinence, mixing drugs, IV use, and serious medical problems all contribute to an increased risk of opioid overdose.

90% of substance users began using prior to 21-years-old.

Alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine are usually the most common substances used by adolescents.

Fairfax County police stations, pharmacies, and medical facilities provide permanent drug disposal drop boxes for residents to safely dispose of their unused/expired medication. DO NOT flush your medications.

Reframing Our Thinking:

Changing our state of consciousness is part of the human experience (kids spinning in circles to induce dizziness, meditation, runner’s high, and more) but using substances has more negative than positive side effects. Alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine use prevention strategies are also opioid overdose prevention strategies since opioid users likely used one of these three substances first. Every opioid overdose does not lead to death, but it increases the chances of an eventual overdose fatality. Although most opioid users began with alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine, these three drugs are not “gateway drugs”. The term “gateway drug” implies all alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine users will eventually use other drugs, but that is not the case for most, so the time to act is now. Treat your medication as a loaded gun; lock it up and properly dispose of any medications you are no longer using.

Sources & Resources:

Fairfax CSB Opioid Info

REVIVE Training for Opioid Overdoses     

Medication Disposal

Teen Substance Use

FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program

Everything You Need to Know About Opioids

For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.

For further Information & support:

Shawn Elliott, BS, QMHP-C

Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

[email protected]

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
Web | Twitter | YouTube

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Daylight Saving Time

Sunday, March 12, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time begins. Remember to move your clocks ahead one hour.

PTA Updates

Join the Twain PTA!

Your membership dues fund a variety of programs throughout the year. Now’s the time to join!!

Our next General Membership Meeting is March 14th!

Teacher/Staff Appreciation!

Each month, the administration and the PTA jointly recognize an outstanding teacher or staff member at Twain. The honoree receives a certificate, a $25 Amazon gift card and an amazing parking spot close to the building. It’s just a small way to say thank you to our fantastic teachers and staff members who go that extra mile! Click here to nominate!

Mark your calendars for our next Spirit Night!! March 14th!

Volunteers Needed!

Want to help with Staff Appreciation Week? Be on the nominating committee for next school year's PTA Board? Or just want to help during other events scheduled for the rest of the year? Email Linda Pinkney at [email protected] and let her know you’d love to join us! We need volunteers!!!

Would you like to be on the Twain PTA next year?? - send an email to [email protected]. Would love to get some diversity among the PTA Board! We don't want the PTA to end - please consider volunteering!!

Thomas Jefferson HS Techstravaganza

The coordinators of TJ Techstravaganza, a free STEM activity fair that provides fun, hands-on labs and demonstrations for K-8 students are inviting Twain students to participate. We will be holding the 19th annual Techstravaganza on May 13, 2023 from 10 AM to 4 PM at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, VA, and we would like to invite your school’s students to attend Techstravaganza. Admission is free, food will be for sale, and we hope that you can spread the word in your school! Attached is a flyer that can be used to advertise this event, and here is our registration link: https://tinyurl.com/techstrav2023tix. More information about the event can be found on our website at tjtechstrav.org. Thank you so much, and please let us know if you have any questions! Sincerely, TJ Techstravaganza Organizers Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology 6560 Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA

 

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
Web | Twitter | YouTube

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Edison HS Junior Class Fundraiser

We are raising money for prom and other school-wide activities, and we would love it if Mark Twain students stopped by and showed their support!

 

Twain MS Yearbook

Purchase a Twain MS yearbook today! Go to yearbookordercenter.com and use Twain’s code# 8606 

Calendar Updates

April 3 to April 7 – Spring Break – School Closed

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
Web | Twitter | YouTube

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Calendar Updates

Thursday, March 2 - 2 Hour Early Release (12:15 pm)

Friday, March 3 – School Planning Day/Student Holiday

April 3 to April 7 – Spring Break

PTA Updates

Join the Twain PTA!

Your membership dues fund a variety of programs throughout the year. Now’s the time to JOIN!!

*Typo from last week: Our next General Membership Meeting is March 14th!

Teacher/Staff Appreciation!

Each month, the administration and the PTA jointly recognize an outstanding teacher or staff member at Twain. The honoree receives a certificate, a $25 Amazon gift card and an amazing parking spot close to the building. It’s just a small way to say thank you to our fantastic teachers and staff members who go that extra mile! Click here to nominate!

Mark your calendars for our next Spirit Night!! March 14th!

Volunteers Needed!

Want to help with Staff Appreciation Week? Be on the nominating committee for next school year's PTA Board? Or just want to help during other events scheduled for the rest of the year? Email Linda Pinkney at [email protected] and let her know you’d love to join us! We need volunteers!!!

Would you like to be on the Twain PTA next year?? - send an email to [email protected]. Would love to get some diversity among the PTA Board! We don't want the PTA to end - please consider volunteering!!

 

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
Web | Twitter | YouTube

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Calendar Updates

Monday, February 21, Presidents’ Day – School Closed

PTA Updates

Join the Twain PTA!

Your membership dues fund a variety of programs throughout the year. Now’s the time to join!!

Congratulations to Ms. Nikander for being chosen as the Staff of the Month for the month of February!

Our next General Membership Meeting is March 7th!

Mark your calendars for our next Spirit Night!! March 14th!

Volunteers Needed!

Want to help with Staff Appreciation Week? Be on the nominating committee for next school year's PTA Board? Or just want to help during other events scheduled for the rest of the year? Email Linda Pinkney at [email protected] and let her know you’d love to join us!

Would you like to be on the Twain PTA next year?? - send an email to [email protected]. Would love to get some diversity among the PTA Board!

Twain 8th Graders….

Get your Edison Sports Pass for next year!! Buy your Edison Eagle Sports Pass and become an Edison Athletic Booster Member Today! Your Eagle Sports Pass gets you free admission to all regular season Edison High School home games. In addition, your Booster Membership helps support the 800+ student athletes at Edison High School and helps to defray the costs of running these programs. Your membership is a major source of revenue. Make sure to include all of your family's email addresses to receive our weekly Eagle Blast. Enjoy the games!

 

Military-Connected Families

FCPS has selected schools in the Edison Pyramid to showcase our community of military-connected students and families as part of their district-wide Month of the Military Child celebration in April.  Military-connected students and their parent/guardian will have a short photography session. As a token of appreciation for your participation, professional digital photographs will be gifted. Any family members are welcome but must include the parent/guardian who is in the military.

When: Monday, March 6, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Where: Edison High School – Please enter through Door 1

What to Wear: Military members – please wear your uniform

Please RSVP using the survey here by Tuesday, February 28. Meredith Ayala ([email protected]) will be in touch to confirm those able to attend and at what time. Please feel free to email Sara Joy Lebowitz ([email protected]) with any questions.

Thank you for your service.

 

Purchase a Twain MS yearbook today! Go to yearbookordercenter.com and use Twain’s code# 8606 

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310  |  Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
Web | Twitter | YouTube