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Announcements and Upcoming Events

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Principal's Message

Greetings Tiger Families!

Recently, we have noticed an increase in student computer misuse and gaming on school laptops. We have heard from some families that you share our concerns about increased student computer misuse. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our learning environment, it's crucial that students use school computers and network resources responsibly and appropriately to engage in learning and develop healthy digital media habits.

We encourage you to discuss and reinforce with your student(s) the importance of responsible computer use, both at school and at home. You can consider using the FCPS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) as a guide in these conversations (you can find a copy of the Acceptable Use Policy on the FCPS Students’ Rights and Responsibilities Page. Scroll down to Appendix A: Acceptable Use Policy). Additionally, here is a helpful article from Common Sense Media with some good talking points. If you have not done so already, please sign up to receive a weekly report of your child’s internet activity here - https://itweb.fcps.edu/itsupport/lightspeed/

Thank you for your continued partnership as we help build our Tigers into responsible citizens in a digital age.

Please have a safe and restful weekend and to our families who will be celebrating Eid-al-Fitr on Monday – Eid Mubarak. We look forward to seeing all of our students to start the 4th quarter on Wednesday, April 2nd.

Sincerely,

Matt

Welcome Maria Cuevas-Mehra, Twain’s New Assistant Principal!

We are excited to announce the appointment of Mrs. Maria Cuevas-Mehra as Twain’s new assistant principal, effective April 1, 2025. Mrs. Cuevas-Mehra is a product of the FCPS school system as a graduate of West Springfield High School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, with a Minor in Spanish, a Master of Education in Leadership and a Master of Curriculum and Instruction, all from George Mason University. Mrs. Cuevas-Mehra has spent over sixteen years in education as she began her career as a biology teacher at Mt. Vernon High School and later continued her work at Hayfield Secondary School. Throughout her educational experience, Mrs. Cuevas-Mehra has served in several leadership roles, including AVID Mentor, Young Scholars Mentor, Equity Lead, Collaborative Team Lead, and Interim Department Chair. She is particularly proud of her ability to build strong relationships with staff and students while supporting them in achieving their fullest potential. As a bilingual individual fluent in both Spanish and English, she has had the opportunity to build positive rapport with many of the families she has worked with over the years.

Please join me in welcoming Maria to Team Twain!

Twain’s Weekly Schedule

Monday, March 31: Holiday: Eid al-Fitr – School is Closed

Tuesday, April 1: Teacher Workday – Student Holiday

Wednesday, April 2: Anchor Day Schedule

Thursday, April 3: Odd Day Schedule

Friday, April 4: Even Day Schedule

Twain’s After School Program

There is no after school program and no late buses the week of March 31, 2025. The After School Program will resume on Monday, April 7, 2025.

PTA Updates Spring Tiger Night: Thank YOU!

Thank you to our students, teachers, administrators, parents, guardians and community members who contributed to and participated in making the PTA’s Spring Tiger Night student social a fun, safe and memorable event. Tune into the next PTA meeting on April 8th for a report on the details of the event and how the successful fundraising component of this event compliments our budgeting needs.

We are already looking forward to hosting this student social again Fall!

Upcoming Twain PTA Events:

04/08/24 – April Executive / General PTA Meeting
05/09/24 – Staff Appreciation Luncheon (Staff Appreciation Week: May 6-10th)
05/13/24 – May Executive / General PTA Meeting
05/16/24 – Twain Community Night
05/31/24 – 8th Grade Dance, 6-8pm

Let your voice be heard regarding the FCPS budget for 2025-26

Public participation is essential in shaping the final Fairfax County and FCPS budget. Residents are encouraged to provide input through public hearings and community discussions before the final budget adoption in May 2025. Budget public hearings are scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday, April 22 to 24, with FY 2026 Budget adoption on Tuesday, May 13. One item potentially worth reviewing are proposed Fairfax County FY26 Agency Reductions (program cuts) of existing programs that benefit our students.

See links below for follow up action:

Contact your District Supervisor: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/myneighborhood/ or contact all Supervisors by emailing: [email protected]
Attend a Budget Town Hall Meeting
Complete the Board of Supervisors survey about their proposed budget - https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/take-survey-submit-feedback-fy26-budget-proposal
Provide input on the proposed budget via email: [email protected] or call: 703-890-5898 code 7574
Consider speaking in-person or submitting written or video testimony for the Board of Supervisors Public Hearing (April 22-24) on the proposed budget: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bosclerk/speakers-form

FY26 Budget Timeline:

March 18 Board of Supervisors Advertises Tax Rate

April 22 School Board Budget Presentation to Board of Supervisors

April 22 – 24 Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Conducts Public Hearings on Budget

May 2 Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Budget Pre-Markup

May 6 Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Budget Markup,

Determine Budget Package, and Tax Rates

May 8 Approved Budget Presented to School Board

May 13 County Board of Supervisors Adopts Budget, Tax Rates, and Transfer to FCPS

May 13 School Board Holds Public Hearing on Budget (May 14 if needed)

May 20 School Board Conducts Budget Work Session (check time)

May 22 School Board Adopts Approved Budget

July 1 FY 2026 Begins

Twain PTA on Social Media

Follow us on Facebook at Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram at twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA.

Support NJHS & Enjoy Chipotle!

Join us for a Chipotle Fundraiser Night and help support our NJHS chapter!

📅 Date: Saturday, April 5th

⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Location: Chipotle – Kingstowne, Alexandria

Show this flyer or mention NJHS at checkout, and 25% of your order will be donated to our chapter!

Ordering online? Use code J3K6YT4 at checkout to contribute.

Thank you for your support—every bite counts! 🍽️✨

Our Schools, Our Future – Spring Series 2025: Community Conversations

FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is hosting a series of Community and Employee Conversations across the school division this spring. These events are a valuable opportunity for you and your communities to share your thoughts, ask questions, and engage directly with Dr. Reid. Your input matters, and we encourage you to participate.

Community Conversations

Interpreter services will be provided for all events.

Dr. Reid values our communities' input, and we look forward to seeing you at the community conversations. Feel free to submit questions anytime on the Superintendent’s webpage or by emailing [email protected].

Coming Soon: School Start Times Survey for All Staff and Families

Last year, FCPS held community forums and surveyed middle school families regarding middle school start times

Now, we would like to hear from all staff and families on the possibility of adjusting school start times across the division! The goal remains to begin middle school at 8 a.m. or later at the start of the 2026-27 school year.

On April 1, a survey link will be sent by email to staff, parents/caregivers and students in grades 5-12. The confidential survey will be open for two weeks and will be available in multiple languages.

FCPS Family Academy Offers Free Webinars and Events for Families

In April, the Family Academy will offer the following webinars and events presented by the Family Resource Center (FRC):

Click on the titles for more information or to register. Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.

Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child’s education! The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child’s needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.

✨ Fostering trusting partnerships with families is included in Pillar B of the FCPS Strategic Plan: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships.

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

Announcements and Upcoming Events

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Principal's Message Greetings Tiger Families!

On Monday, March 24, you will receive an email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and provides an opportunity for you to share anonymous feedback on key aspects of our school, including:

Instructional leadership
School climate
Management (human resources and organizational)
Communication and community relations
Culturally responsive and equitable leadership
Professionalism

The questionnaire will be open March 24 – April 4 and will be collected online. When you receive an email from [email protected], please take a few minutes to complete it. Your feedback is important and helps shape the future of our amazing school. Thank you for your time and participation!

Please have a safe and restful weekend.

Sincerely,

Matt

Twain’s Weekly Schedule

Monday, March 24: Anchor Day Schedule

Tuesday, March 25: Odd Day Schedule

Wednesday, March 26: Even Day Schedule

Thursday, March 27: Odd Day Schedule

Friday, March 28: Even Day Schedule

Monday, March 31: Holiday: Eid al-Fitr – No School

Tuesday, April 1: Teacher Workday – No School for students

Wednesday, April 2: Anchor Day Schedule

Thursday, April 3: Odd Day Schedule

Friday, April 4: Even Day Schedule

After School Program Schedule

1st Block 2nd Block Scheduled Cancellations

March 24 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40

March 25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40

March 26 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40

March 27 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No Drama Club

March 28 Program Cancelled – End of Quarter

Congratulations to the Twain Music Program!

Each year our music programs perform for the Virginia State Band, Orchestra, and Choir Assessments. These assessments are a cornerstone of the curriculum and serve as an opportunity to receive outside feedback about the quality of music and level of music literacy our students are achieving. ALL GROUPS for Twain (Orchestra, Choir, and Band) received Superior Ratings!

We are excited to announce that Mark Twain Middle School will be awarded the Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence in Music! Additionally, this year, VBODA (Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association) has implemented a new accolade, The Program of Distinction Award, to reward instrumental programs that have achieved Superior Ratings on Assessment with all groups that participated, participation in All-District events, and high marks and participation in Solo and Ensemble Events. This year, for the first time ever, the Mark Twain Band and Orchestra will be awarded the Program of Distinction award!

Thank you, Mr. Garfield-Levine, Mr. Kluttz, Ms. Tolpa, our music students, and our music families for the dedication, time and talent it takes to earn such prestigious honors! Go Tigers!

Congratulations to the Twain Robotics Teams!

Congratulations to Twain’s Competitive Robotics Team 4700X Mozart for winning the Virginia State VEX IQ Middle School State Championship on Sunday 16 March.

The Championship tournament included the top 24 robots in the state. Team Mozart won the following awards: Team Work Champion, Robot Skills Champion, Amaze Award. The team will travel to Dallas, Texas to compete in the VEX IQ World Championship May 11th through 15th. During the competitive season prior to the State Championship Team Mozart won 3 of 4 tournaments in addition to the following special awards and recognitions: (3) Teamwork Champion Awards, (3) Robot Skills Champion, (1) Innovate Award, (1) Amaze Award, (1) Excellence Award. These accolades came as the result of the superior hard work, dedication, and creativity of our students. Not only is our team competing at a high level, but they positively represent themselves, their families, and Twain as polite, respectful, and helpful young people.

Congratulations to Team Mozart, our 2nd Team - 4700C Beethoven and Ms. Gadson! Special thank you to all families who tirelessly support their students’ ambitions!

Calendar Reminders: Quarter End, Eid al-Fitr, and Teacher Workday

Friday, March 28, is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school.

All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31, for Eid al-Fitr. Tuesday, April 1, is a student holiday and teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar or the employee calendar.

AVID FUNDrive

AVID 8 is hosting the last FUNDrive of the school year on March 29 from 10:30-12:00 pm. All proceeds will go to help pay for a charter bus to visit James Madison University. Here are the items that we will be collecting to donate:

CLOTHES: men's, women's, & children's clothes, coats, shoes, scarves, handbags, wallets, fashion accessories, belts, backpacks, etc.
HOUSEHOLD TEXTILES: bedding, comforters, blankets, sheets, towels, linen, tablecloths, curtains, pillows, etc.
SMALL HOUSEHOLD GOODS: kitchen items (such as pots/pans, dishes, silverware, glasses, serving pieces and hand-held appliances), home decorative items, knick-knacks, toys, games, and small electronics
BOOKS & MEDIA: paperback, hard cover - all genres. no encyclopedias or text books

SIS ParentVUE End-of-Quarter Closure

The Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the quarter from Friday, March 28, at 4 p.m. to Monday, April 7, at 6 a.m.

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The next steps in the FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget process include:

The School Board presents the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22.
The Board of Supervisors will conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak.

Visit the county government website to view the Fairfax County FY 2026 Advertised Budget. The community is also invited to complete an online survey to provide feedback on the county’s FY 2026 Advertised Budget.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process.

PTA Updates PTA General Membership Meeting: April 8th!

Mark your calendars for our next PTA membership meeting on Tues, April 8th @ 7:30pm. The Zoom link will be published closer to the event.

Twain PTA on Social Media

Follow us on Facebook at Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram at twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA.

Buy your Twain MS Yearbook now!

Use our code 8606

Go to yearbookordercenter.com

Deadline to order online has been extended to May 10, 2025

Edison Theatre presents…

“GREASE” is the word, April 3-5, when Edison Theatre presents the musical “Grease: School Edition” for four performances! With a “hopelessly devoted” cast of nearly 40 and a huge backstage crew, this show will take you back to the days of bobby socks, slicked back hair, hot-rod cars, and old-time rock and roll! Featuring popular songs from both the stage and movie version, this production is “the one that you want!”

General admission tickets are now on-sale: adult: $15.00; student / senior: $10.00, Advanced tickets are HIGHLY encouraged! Go to Edison ETix Site for GREASE to order tickets.

Performances: April 3-4, 7 pm; April 5, 2 pm and 7 pm.

Finally: The Saturday matinee performance is Greaser/Pink Lady Day - come dressed in 1950s style! Whether you’re a Sandra Dee, a James Deen, or a Marilyn Monroe, you'll "go together like rama-lama-lamma, ka-ding da ding dong!”

Contact [email protected] for additional information.

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

Tiger Night Volunteers Needed

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Our Twain PTA is in urgent need of volunteers. Tiger Night scheduled for this Friday (March 21) is understaffed! If we do not have enough parent/guardian volunteers to run the event we will need to cancel Tiger Night.

Volunteers are needed:

Tuesday (March 18), Wednesday (March 19) and Thursday (March 20) to sell tickets to students during lunch
Friday (March 21) to volunteer their time to chaperone and sell concessions during Tiger Night

Please use this SignUp Genius link to offer your support and learn more about this popular student social event

Tiger Night is a PTA sponsored event organized and run by volunteers - parents, guardians and community members - in partnership with our amazing Mark Twain MS Administrative Team. The Tiger Night event can only happen with a lot of volunteers.

Volunteers are typically parents, guardians, and community members.

We ask that you please share/forward this email and our Facebook (Mark Twain MS PTA) and Instagram (twainmspta) posts to your friends and ask them to sign up to help with the event. You do not need to be a PTA member to volunteer for Tiger Night.

If you have questions about the event or volunteering, please contact:

Robin Christman at [email protected] or Sarah Rodgers (Tiger Night Co-Chair) at [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

Announcements and Upcoming Events

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Principal’s Message

Greetings Tiger Families!

Read Across America Day, which was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading was observed this year on March 3rd. Our Twain library, led by our librarians Vicki Howard and Dionne Silver, work tirelessly to engage our students in reading not just on this date, but throughout the school year. This week our 8th grade students took the Integrated Reading and Writing (IRW) exam, required by the Commonwealth, to measure their reading and writing skills. We are grateful for the reading instruction and practice that occurs not only in our English Language Arts classrooms, but in all our classrooms every day. Reading truly is a part of all learning we do and central to our students’ success in their academics and life.

You can learn more about Equitable Access to Literacy in this video.

Please have a safe and restful weekend – maybe with a book?

Sincerely,

Matt

Twain’s Weekly Schedule

Monday, March 17: Anchor Day Schedule

Tuesday, March 18: Odd Day Schedule

Wednesday, March 19: Even Day Schedule

Thursday, March 20: Odd Day Schedule

Friday, March 21: Even Day Schedule

Twain’s After School Program Schedule

Date First Block Second Block Scheduled Cancellations

3 – 17 - 25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40

3 – 18 - 25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No Open Gym

3 – 19 – 25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40

3 – 20 – 25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No Drama Club

3 – 21 -25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No After School / Tiger Night!

PTA Updates PTA General Membership Meeting : March 18th!

Mark your calendars for our next PTA membership meeting on Tues, March 18th @ 7:30pm. Click this link to join us: PTA Zoom Link

We will have many details to share about the Spring Tiger Night scheduled for Friday of that same week. See you there!

Spring Tiger Night @ Twain : Friday, March 21st!

7 DAYS until Tiger Night! NEXT FRIDAY, March 21st from 6 – 8pm at Mark Twain.

We are in URGENT! need of more volunteers to sell tickets to students during lunch next week and to volunteer their time to chaperone and sell concessions during the event from 6-8pm at the middle school (Volunteer arrival time is 5:30pm). This is a PTA sponsored event organized and run by parents, guardians, and community members in partnership with our amazing Mark Twain MS administrative team.

The Tiger Night event can only happen with a lot of volunteers.

Please use this SignUp Genius link to offer your support and learn more about this popular student social event: Tiger Night Sign Up Genius

Volunteers are typically parents, guardians, and community members.

Activities that need coverage include concessions, chaperones in the board & video game room, dance floor, and help with karaoke, improv, volleyball, ping pong and the basketball tournament.

If you have questions about the event or volunteering, please contact Robin Christman and Sarah Rodgers (Tiger Night Co-Chair) at [email protected].

Robin L. Christman Sarah Rodgers Stacy Day

Mark Twain MS PTA President Tiger Night Co-Chair Tiger Night Co-Chair

Spirit Night: Chipotle @ Kingstowne : March 12th!

Thank you to the families who joined us at the Kingstowne Chipotle last night. The evening was an overwhelming success. Personally, it was great to catch up with friends and see everyone enjoying the night.

Twain PTA on Social Media

Follow us on Facebook at Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram at twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA.

Support Twain NJHS with Paisano’s Pizza! 🍕

Craving pizza? Mark Twain NJHS is hosting a Pizza Fundraiser at Paisano’s in Kingstowne on Saturday, March 8, 15, and 22 – all day long!

📢 How to Participate: ✅ Order online, by phone, or in person ✅ Mention "Mark Twain Fundraiser" when placing your order ✅ 25% of the proceeds will support Twain NJHS!

Paisano’s Kingstowne 📞 (703) 922-0900

🌐https://paisanospizza.com/kingstowne/

🌐Under “Special Instructions”, put "Mark Twain Fundraiser"

📍 6937 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310

Every slice counts! Thank you for supporting Twain NJHS. 🍕❤️

Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms

Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”).

Warnings for drivers will begin on Wednesday, April 9. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.

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). They should remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus is moving.

We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with us to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more information about the stop arm cameras and all of the ways that we work with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.

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

Announcements and Upcoming Events

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Principal’s Message Greetings Tiger Families!

In March people throughout the United States will celebrate Women’s History Month. Women’s history is a foundational part of our history as a country, and as a world. Our students, both female and male, benefit from learning about the amazing contributions and stories of famous women like Mae Jemison, Susan B. Anthony, and Sonia Sotomayor as well as every day female role models in their lives in their mothers, teachers, neighbors and mentors.

International Women’s Day has been observed for 50 years and falls on this Saturday, March 8th. In celebration of this day, and the entire month, please consider engaging in conversations with your students about the impact of strong, talented, and brave women in our history, and in their lives.

Please have a safe and restful weekend.

Sincerely,

Matt

Daylight Saving Time Begins - Spring Forward

Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour!

Twain’s Weekly Schedule

Monday, March 10: Anchor Day Schedule

Tuesday, March 11: Odd Day Schedule

Wednesday, March 12: Even Day Schedule

Thursday, March 13: Odd Day Schedule

Friday, March 14: Even Day Schedule

Twain’s After School Program Schedule

1st Block 2nd Block Scheduled Cancellations

March 10 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40

March 11 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No Open Gym

March 12 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40

March 13 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No Drama Club

March 14 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No Late Buses

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

For the safety and security of all students and in support of Twain’s arrival and dismissal procedures, we ask that all parents safely utilize the Kiss and Ride line for drop off and pick up. We acknowledge this line can be long at its busiest time, however dropping students off across the street in the neighborhood, in the staff parking lot, in the bus loop, or illegally pulling over to the side of Franconia Road causes safety issues for students, faculty, and other commuters. If an option, utilizing the FCPS provided school bus as often as possible will lessen the impact on the Kiss and Ride line. If you need information on your child’s school bus number and route, please check SIS StudentVue and SIS ParentVue. As a reminder, after school buses for our students taking part in our after-school program depart at approximately 4:50 pm and these bus numbers and drop off locations may be different, but the information is also available in SIS StudentVue and SIS ParentVue.

Support Twain NJHS with Paisano’s Pizza! 🍕

Craving pizza? Mark Twain NJHS is hosting a Pizza Fundraiser at Paisano’s in Kingstowne on Saturday, March 8, 15, and 22 – all day long!

📢 How to Participate:

✅ Order online, by phone, or in person

✅ Mention "Mark Twain Fundraiser" when placing your order

✅ 25% of the proceeds will support Twain NJHS!

📍 Paisano’s Kingstowne 📞 (703) 922-0900

🌐 https://paisanospizza.com/kingstowne/

🌐Under “Special Instructions”, put "Mark Twain Fundraiser"

📍 6937 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310

Every slice counts! Thank you for supporting Twain NJHS. 🍕❤️

Integrated Reading and Writing SOL: Wednesday, March 12

Our first SOL is Wednesday, March 12. The Integrated Reading and Writing SOL (IRW) is for 8th graders but all students will follow a modified bell schedule that that day. Students should come to school after a good night’s sleep with a fully charged laptop and should bring their charger with them if they can.

The bell schedule for March 12 is:

4th period: 7:30 – 10:31

6th period: 10:35 – 12:35

2nd period: 12:39 – 1:25

8th period: 1:29 – 2:15

Lewis HS Leadership Program

We are excited to share an opportunity for rising 9th grade students to apply for full-time transfer to Lewis High School to participate in the John Lewis Leadership Program, a new program that provides personalized leadership development through field trips, guest speakers, service projects, specialized coursework, internships, and university partnerships.

Interested Twain Middle School parents, guardians, and students are encouraged to attend our information session to learn about the program and transfer process. This session will take place on March 11th, 6:30-7:30 PM. Questions about information sessions? Email [email protected].”

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MPckjObOEjpUlZskTBhvSKiKuNaY4t5Zj6ZJkEzeDpQ/edit?usp=sharing.

RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vkvqAJJbBMSL7PzOriQb7aQ22O4AKnolBxVPDFcByGs/preview

FUNDrive

CLOTHES: men's, women's, & children's clothes, coats, shoes, scarves, handbags, wallets, fashion accessories, belts, backpacks, etc.
HOUSEHOLD TEXTILES: bedding, comforters, blankets, sheets, towels, linen, tablecloths, curtains, pillows, etc.
SMALL HOUSEHOLD GOODS: kitchen items (such as pots/pans, dishes, silverware, glasses, serving pieces and hand-held appliances), home decorative items, knick-knacks, toys, games, and small electronics
BOOKS & MEDIA: paperback, hard cover - all genres. no encyclopedias or text books

Developing a Strong Academic Foundation, Curiosity, and Joy for Learning

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan.

A strong start for every student is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan. Pre-K classrooms are making a difference in our community. In this video, we explore the importance of bringing children under the age of five together, regardless of abilities.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date and learn about opportunities to provide feedback to Fairfax County and FCPS.

Share Your Input on the County Budget

The Fairfax County government presented its Fiscal Year 2026 Advertised Budget Plan to the Board of Supervisors on February 18. The community is invited to share feedback through an online survey, email, phone calls, or by attending Budget Town Hall meetings.

PTA Updates Spirit Night: Chipotle @ Kingstowne : March 12th!

Please support the Twain PTA by grabbing dinner on Wed, March 12th, 5-9pm, at the Chipotle restaurant in the Kingstowne Shopping Center (online promo code = P8YYY4B) This will be an in-person and online fundraiser. Eat good food and support your school!

https://socialportal.chipotle.com/fundraiser/social/partner/portal/8rQ02Iqz95ft8ChziVvl9wGBu2GyyZEIGyH68hUpLm0WDIEFac91cx5seZUZW9fj0s0ZoNz7UOKL70zRUlsmMkPHonHtn8ntPzXjIWietZp6uusJEu79g1pJUP3OI6ML/7202503121721

PTA General Membership Meeting : March 18th!

Please mark your calendars for our next PTA membership meeting on Tues, March 18th @ 7:30pm. A zoom link will be posted in next week’s newsletter. We will have many details to share about the Spring Tiger Night scheduled for Friday of that same week. See you there!

Spring Tiger Night @ Twain : Friday, March 21st!

Tiger Night is coming on Friday, March 21st from 6-8 PM. This very much anticipated and popular Twain student social has activities for everyone! Advance tickets will be on sale during lunches March 19-20th for $5.

Adult volunteers and donations are needed to sell tickets during school lunches and work the night of the event. Donations may be dropped off at the main office starting Wednesday, March 19 and ending Friday, March 21 by 3:00 PM.

**NOTE: This event is for Mark Twain Students only. No exceptions.

PTA Nominating Committee

The PTA Board is looking for three PTA members to serve on the nominating committee. This committee is responsible for taking nominations from eligible persons for each vacant office on the PTA Board for the 2025-2026 school year. Please contact Robin Christman at [email protected], if you are interested in serving on the nominating committee.

Nominate a Staff Member of the Month

Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before March 31st.

Join the PTA

Did you know? PTA Membership is valid for one year. PTA dues provide for many of the events and programs, including teacher mini-grants, Tiger Night and staff appreciation events.

Visit the Mark Twain PTA site

Twain PTA on Social Media

Follow us on Facebook at Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram at twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA.

Purple Up! Day T-Shirts Available for Purchase

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is gearing up to honor and celebrate its military-connected youth in April, the Month of the Military Child and on Purple Up! Day!

Due to schools being out for spring break, Virginia will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Purple Up! Day is a special day for communities to come together and wear purple as a visible gesture of support for our military-connected youth and their families. The color purple symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the military.

FCPS Purple Up! t-shirts are available for purchase until Friday, March 7, 2025, through Custom Ink.

The shirts highlight our gratitude and appreciation for our over 13,500 military-connected students and their families. #PurpleUpFCPS!

For more information and/or to connect with FCPS resources, email us at [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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Support During Ramadan

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Support for Twain Students During Ramadan

In observance of Ramadan, Twain has made a practice of supporting students who may be fasting over the course of the next month. To support them during this time, we are pleased to offer an alternative location for students who need a space to reflect and manage their fasting schedule.

We will provide a designated area for students who are fasting, where they can go if they need a quieter, more comfortable environment than the cafeteria during their assigned lunch period. This space will allow them to stay focused and participate in school activities while respecting their fasting practices.

Additionally, we want to remind families that Twain Middle School has a Silent Reflection and Meditation Room available for students. This room provides a peaceful space for students to engage in personal reflection, meditation, or prayer. If you would like your student to use this space, we ask that you fill out a permission form, which can be obtained from your student's school counselor.

We are committed to providing a respectful and supportive environment for all our students. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s well-being and success.

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
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Announcements and Upcoming Events

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Principal’s Message Greetings Tiger Families!

Although the 2025-26 school year is months away, we are actively engaged in the recruiting and hiring process for next year’s faculty and staff. FCPS in general, and Twain Middle School specifically, is committed to hiring and supporting a diverse, dedicated, and talented workforce to serve our amazing students and supportive community.

In the coming months the division will be hosting various job fairs for instructional and operational jobs. You can find all the dates here. Whether you or someone you know may be interested in any potential opportunities at Twain specifically or FCPS in general, the choice to work in public education is both challenging and rewarding. You can learn more details about the many job opportunities that FCPS has to offer on the Career Page of the FCPS website.

Please feel free to share these exciting opportunities with anyone you believe may be interested. Have a wonderful weekend and for those who are celebrating the start of Ramadan this evening – Ramadan Mubarak!

Sincerely,

Matt

Twain’s Weekly Schedule

Monday, March 3: Anchor Day Schedule

Tuesday, March 4: Odd Day Schedule

Wednesday, March 5: Even Day Schedule

Thursday, March 6: Odd Day Schedule

Friday, March 7: Even Day Schedule

Twain’s After School Program Schedule

1st Block 2nd Block Scheduled Cancellations

March 3 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40

March 4 No After School Program

March 5 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40

March 6 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No Drama Club

March 7 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40

Farewell to Mrs. Stickler!

Today marks a bittersweet moment for Twain, as we say farewell to Ms. Tammy Stickler as she departs us in order to head to Marshall High School as their newest assistant principal. Tammy has served the Twain student body, faculty and staff, and community for six years and she will be missed. We wish her the best in the next stage in her professional journey. Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger!

Our process for identifying our next assistant principal has begun and we look forward to welcoming a new member of Team Twain in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please note that Mr. Steve Fitzgerald will serve as your administrative point of contact for our World Language Department and Ms. Shanice Roddey will serve as your administrative point of contact for our Science Department. Ms. Stickler’s student caseload will be divided between Ms. Montgomery and Ms. Roddey.

Weekend Snack Program

We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to the generous donations from Food for Neighbors, our school will begin offering snack baggies to any interested student every Friday at dismissal, starting this week. These to-go bags will include nutritious snacks designed to support our students throughout the weekend. Students do not need to sign up in advance—simply stop by the cafeteria when the bell rings at the end of the day to receive a snack bag. We hope this initiative proves to be a valuable resource for your child. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our Family Liaison, Keytlin Soto.

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day. Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student. To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

College Partnership Program

Do you have a student between grades 8 through 11 who wants to go to college? If so, they should consider applying to the College Partnership Program (CPP), which offers support from exploration to application! The deadline to apply is March 7, 2025.

CPP offers programming to help prepare students and families from 9th grade all the way through applying to and enrolling in college, including:

Academic counseling
College visits
Help with completing college and scholarship applications
Monthly meetings
A summer overnight experience on a college campus
News and information related to colleges and careers via Schoology

All students are eligible and encouraged to apply to this program, and are expected to meet the following requirements:

Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher in core classes
Attend monthly CPP meetings
Are willing to pursue advanced coursework
Demonstrate leadership in school or community activities

The goal of the program is to systematically mitigate the impact of barriers to access and opportunity, and support students who are from populations that are historically underrepresented on college campuses. This includes students who are the first in their family to attend college in the U.S., Multilingual learners, students who are economically disadvantaged, and students with disabilities.

The application is only open to students using their FCPS G-Suite account. All 8th graders have been sent an email with the link needed to apply.

All applications will be submitted ONLINE ONLY.

Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Summer Camps

Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts camps (IFTA) will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

Tech Adventure Camp is a week-long exploratory camp for current K-5 students. It offers a range of activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), as well as in culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing. CTE Summer Academy is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch our video about CTE camps.

IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, Health and Physical Education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater. E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes.

🎓 Earn Credit Towards Graduation This Summer

Eligible middle and high school students can take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration is open. Students must register by Friday, June 6. Mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available.

Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. During the self-directed course, students work independently to complete the requirements. The course is available between Monday, June 23, and Friday, July 25. Registration is open. Students must register by Friday, May 23. Learn more about the Self-Directed Economics and Finance course.

Avoid the Summer Rush: Schedule Required Seventh Grade Vaccinations Today!

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations:

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
A complete series of two doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent/guardian, at the parent’s/guardian’s sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health information packet for more information on rising seventh grade immunization requirements.

Plan for the Future Today for Students in Special Education

Join Career and Transition Services (CTS) on Wednesday, March 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Jackson Middle School to learn about planning and supports for your student’s life in and after high school.

Meet and ask questions of representatives from CTS programs and services for students with disabilities. Learn about short- and long-term postsecondary supports, employment and postsecondary education considerations, supported decision-making, and student self-determination as an evidence-based predictor of post-school success.

This event also includes speakers discussing individualized education program (IEP) transition planning, special education services, and postsecondary options for younger students as they navigate FCPS and plan for their future. A question and answer session will follow. Register in advance.

✨ Preparing students for a wide range of postsecondary options and successfully navigating their future path is part of FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation.

Eating Disorder Parent Information

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2023), Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. In the United States, 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives. There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Rather, it is a complex combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that converge and set off an individual’s predisposed genetic vulnerability.

In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a web page with detailed information and resources for parents and guardians. This information may be found at the following website: Eating Disorders.

PTA Updates PTA General Membership Meeting: March 11th!

Please mark your calendars for our next PTA membership meeting on Tues, March 11th @ 7:30pm. A zoom link will be posted in next week’s newsletter.

Spirit Night: Chipotle @ Kingstowne: March 12th!

Spring Tiger Night at Twain: March 21st!

Tiger Night is coming on Friday, March 21st from 6-8 PM. This very popular Twain student social has something for everyone! Activities include a dance, basketball tournament, Improv, karaoke, board games, video game, and minute-to-win-it games. Concession will be on sale including pizza, chip, soda, and slushies. Advance tickets will be on sale during lunches March 19-21 for $5.

Volunteers and donations are needed! A SignUp Genius will be published soon. Donations can be dropped off at the main office starting Wednesday, March 19 and ending Friday, March 21 by 3:00 PM.

PTA Nominating Committee

Nominate a Staff Member of the Month

Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before February 28th.

Join the PTA

Did you know? PTA Membership is valid for one year. PTA dues provide for many of the events and programs, including teacher mini-grants, Tiger Night and staff appreciation events.

Visit the Mark Twain PTA site

Twain PTA on Social Media

Follow us on Facebook at Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram at twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA.

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

Announcements and Upcoming Events

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Principal's Message Greetings Tiger Families!

Thursday evening we celebrated our 2nd Annual Mark Twain Middle School International Night. We packed our cafeteria with student created visual displays and delicious food and enjoyed an exciting fashion and talent show. It was truly an inspiring evening that showcased the great diversity of our Twain community. I was particularly impressed with the courage and pride shown by our students to represent themselves, their families, and their various heritages in front of peers, families, and staff. Our student government, led by Mr. Murphy and Mr. Pfadenhauer, planned and executed this event, which has become a hallmark of our Twain calendar. Thank you to all who attended or supported this event in some way. Go Tigers – you are all welcome here!

Please have a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Matt

Twain’s Weekly Schedule

Monday, February 24: Anchor Day Schedule

Tuesday, February 25: Odd Day Schedule

Wednesday, February 26: Even Day Schedule

Thursday, February 27: Odd Day Schedule

Friday, February 28: Even Day Schedule

Twain’s After School Program Schedule

1st Block 2nd Block Scheduled Cancellations

2-24-25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40

2-25-25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No Open Gym & No Ping Pong

2-26-25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40

2-27-25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No Drama Club

2-28-25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40

Congratulations Ms. Pennebaker!

Our very own Ms. Kristen Pennebaker was selected as the Region 3 Outstanding Secondary Teacher! This means she is one of 6 secondary teachers in the entire county who has a chance to be named as the FCPS Outstanding Secondary Teacher of the Year in June at the FCPS Honors Event. Congratulations and good luck, Ms. Pennebaker!

Upcoming Student Experience Survey at Twain

Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.

All students in grades 6-12, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 24. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 24, and Friday, March 7. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day.

We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the five equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.

Ramadan

This year, Ramadan will be observed from the end of February to the end of March. We have many students at Twain who will be fasting and some may prefer to not spend their lunch period in the cafeteria. During this month of Ramadan, Twain Staff members will host any student who is fasting and looking for an alternative location during their lunch. Any student interested in an alternative location for lunch should report to Student Services at the beginning of their lunch period (instead of the cafeteria) where they will find the location of the classroom they can report to.

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Upcoming 7th Grade Field Trips

We are excited to share that the 7th grade is going on two field trips this spring! The Science field trip will be to Lake Accotink and the History field trip will be to the DC Memorials. Each team will have a designated day to go on each field trip (see schedule below). In the next few days, your child will receive field trip packets in class. The permission form, emergency care form and fee on My School Bucks (separate for each field trip) are due on March 14, 2025.

We need lots of chaperones and would love for you to join us on either or both trips. If you are interested in being a chaperone, fill out the form in the field trip packets going home with your child or complete the Google Form on your child’s Science and/or History class in Schoology. Please do not hesitate to contact your student’s History or Science teacher with any questions.

Spartans:

Science (Heusinkveld, Lutz, Svilich, Greenwood) field trip: April 7

History (McLean, Bithorn, Lozano) field trip: April 22

Panthers:

Science (Linton) field trip: April 8

History (Marsh) field trip: April 23

Lancers:

Science (Assadi, Zurita) field trip: April 9

History (Foss, Henderson) field trip: April 24

Hokies:

Science (Pigeon) field trip: April 10

History (Besecky) field trip: April 25

TJHSST Bioinformatics Society BioCode Competition

Are you interested in biology or computer science? Do you enjoy competing and working with other students? TJHSST Bioinformatics Society is hosting its annual BioCode competition, with $100s in prizes, and workshops from college professors! To learn more and register, reach out to [email protected] with any questions, and we hope to see you there!

Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

PTA Updates PTA General Membership Meeting

Please mark your calendars for our next meeting on March 11th. Zoom link will be posted in the coming weeks.

Spring Tiger Night

Tiger Night is coming on March 21st from 6-8 PM. This very popular Twain student social has something for everyone! Activities include a dance, basketball tournament, Improv, karaoke, board games, video game, and minute-to-win-it games. Concession will be on sale including pizza, chip, soda, and slushies. Advance tickets will be on sale during lunches March 19-21 for $5.

Volunteers and donations are needed! A SignUp Genius will be published soon. Donations can be dropped off at the main office starting Wednesday, March 19 and ending Friday, March 21 by 3:00 PM.

PTA Nominating Committee

Nominate a Staff Member of the Month

Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before February 28th.

Join the PTA

Did you know? PTA Membership is valid for one year. If you joined the PTA for the 2023-2024 school year, please renew your membership for the 2024-2025 school year. PTA dues provide for many of the events and programs, including teacher mini-grants, Tiger Nigh and staff appreciation events.

Visit the Mark Twain PTA site

Twain PTA on Social Media

Follow us on Facebook at Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram at twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA.

Become Unskippable: Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens

Student well-being is at the heart of everything we do. You each play a role in supporting our students, and that includes equipping their families with the resources they need.

Please take time to review FCPS’ new Become Unskippable campaign. It offers practical guidance for parents and caregivers on how to talk to their teens about difficult subjects, including the dangers of fentanyl.

Watch this video to learn more about becoming unskippable.

4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main: 703.313.3700
Attendance: 703.313.3737 | After-School Program: 703.313.3711
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Announcements and Upcoming Events

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Principal's Message Greetings Tiger Families!

This upcoming Monday, February 17th is a student holiday in celebration of Presidents’ Day. We hope that everyone has a positive three-day weekend. We will return to school on Tuesday with an odd day schedule (periods 1,3,5,7). Speaking of education and presidents…

“The future belongs to young people with an education and the imagination to create.” – Former President, Barack Obama

At Twain, we endeavor to support our students not only in meeting the state and federal requirements for their public education, but also to encourage a deep, creative, and problem-solving mindset. As an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, and an Advanced Academics Program Center we strive to prepare our students for their future educational and career aspirations within the context of a rapidly evolving society and economy. By placing an emphasis on imagination, inquiry, and innovation we know our Twain Tigers will leave their community, their country, and their world better than they found it. Thank you for your continued partnership in your student’s education.

Please have a wonderful long weekend.

Sincerely,

Matt

Twain’s Weekly Schedule

Monday, February 17: No School – President’s Day

Tuesday, February 18: Odd Day Schedule

Wednesday, February 19: Even Day Schedule

Thursday, February 20: Odd Day Schedule

Friday, February 21: Even Day Schedule

Twain’s After School Program Schedule

Monday, February 17th - School Closed for President's Day

Tuesday, February 18th – 2:30 - 3:35 1st Block Ends, 4:40 2nd Block ends with late buses leaving at 4:50

Wednesday, February 19th – 2:30 - 3:35 1st Block Ends, 4:40 2nd Block ends with late buses leaving at 4:50

Thursday, February 20th – 2:30 - 3:35 1st Block Ends, 4:40 2nd Block ends with late buses leaving at 4:50

Friday, February 21st – One block only from 2:30 – 4:40 - No late buses

🥖✨ Dine for a Cause! ✨

Join Twain NJHS at Panera in Kingstowne on Saturday, February 15th, from 4–8 PM to help us raise funds for our May service project!

Here's how you can support us:

🍞 Dine in or take out? Just mention the Twain Fundraiser when you order. 💻 Ordering online? Use promo code FUND4U at checkout.

Every bite makes a difference—thank you for supporting Twain NJHS!

Transition Corner Rising 8th Grade:

All rising 8th grade course selections must be submitted by today, Friday, February 14. Mock schedules with student course preferences will be mailed home the week of March 3 with instructions on how to make changes/corrections. Change/correction requests are due by Friday, March 14, 2025.

Rising 9th Grade:

***Please subscribe to your child’s base high school News You Choose messages for the most up-to-date information about 9th grade transition. You can enroll here. Unsure what school your child will attend in 9th grade? Click here to access the FCPS boundary locator.***

Lewis High School

Rising 9th grade course requests must be entered into SIS Student Vue by Friday, February 28. Students were instructed how to input their course selections using the course codes provided on the Lewis Course Selection Sheet for 9th Grade (link) document. Instructions can also be found on the Lewis Academic Advising Site: https://lewishs.fcps.edu/student-services/academic-advising-0. If you have questions or need help, please reach out to Ms. Pilotti at [email protected].

Edison High School

Any student who was absent or missed course selection last week with their Edison counselor will be invited to a makeup session next Wednesday, February 19, here at Twain. Information about the rising 9th grade Edison transition and course selection can be found on their Academic Advising/Course Selection site: https://edisonhs.fcps.edu/student-services/academic-advising.

Hayfield Secondary School

All completed Rising 9th Course Selection Sheets (link) are due back to Ms. Pilotti in Student Services by Friday, February 28. More information about Hayfield Course Selection and 9th grade transition can be found at the Hayfield Academic Advising site: https://hayfieldss.fcps.edu/student-services/hs-academic-advising-and-course-selection.

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Please Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE.

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

Protect Yourself and Your Community from the Flu

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that 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. Read a letter from the health department.

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:

Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.

Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school.

Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit

The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information.

At the event, FCPS students will be invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities.

Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions.

Centering student voice is part of FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

PTA Updates PTA General Membership Meeting

THANK YOU for joining us this past Tuesday for our February general membership meeting. It was great to hear from our Thomas Edison High School Administration team!

Please mark your calendars for our next meeting on March 11th. Zoom link will be posted in the coming weeks.

PTA Nominating Committee

Nominate a Staff Member of the Month

Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before February 28th.

Join the PTA

Visit the Mark Twain PTA site

Twain PTA on Social Media

Follow us on Facebook at Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram at twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA.

Buy your Twain MS Yearbook now!

Use our code 8606

Go to yearbookordercenter.com

Deadline to order online: April 19, 2025

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

Announcements and Upcoming Events

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Principal's Message Greetings Tiger Families!

This past week, February 3rd through 7th, was National School Counseling Week. The purpose of this week is to focus public attention on the unique contribution made by school counselors in schools across the country. The theme this year was “School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive.” Our talented and dedicated counselors work diligently to support our students’ academic, personal, social-emotional, and future planning needs. Counselors are often the first person students and families interact with as they enter a school and are essential to successful transitions to and from middle school and in partnership with families, support our students in navigating the myriad of challenges and the many successes that come with adolescence. In this way, they aide our students in thriving, not just surviving, in middle school.

Thank you, Ms. Balderston, Ms. Clinton, Ms. Dañosos, and Ms. Pilotti for your tireless efforts in helping our Tigers be the best they can be!

Please have a wonderful Super Bowl weekend.

Sincerely,

Matt

Twain’s Weekly Schedule

Monday, February 10: Anchor Day Schedule

Tuesday, February 11: Odd Day Schedule

Wednesday, February 12: Even Day Schedule

Thursday, February 13: Odd Day Schedule

Friday, February 14: Even Day Schedule

Monday, February 17: President’s Day – School Closed

Tuesday, February 18: Odd Day Schedule

Twain’s After School Schedule

Monday, February 10: Normal Programming

Tuesday, February 11: Normal Programming

Wednesday, February 12: Normal Programming

Thursday, February 13: Normal Programming

Friday, February 14: No After School

Ms. Gadson Honored at FCPS School Board Meeting

Last night at the FCPS school board meeting, Ms. Kim Gadson, our Technology and Engineering teacher was recognized for earning the Middle School Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Technology and Engineering Association. This recognition was part of the celebration for Career and Technology Education, Disability Employment and Adult Community Education Appreciation Month. We are proud of the amazing work Ms. Gadson does for our Tigers every day and are appreciative of this well-deserved recognition!

Ms. Pennebaker selected as the Edison Pyramid Outstanding Teacher of the Year!

On Tuesday at our faculty and staff work session we honored Ms. Kristin Pennebaker, one of our Algebra teachers, who was chosen as the Edison Pyramid Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Ms. Pennebaker now moves forward to be considered for the FCPS Region 3 Outstanding Teacher of the Year and we of course believe she should also earn this award for the talent and dedication she shares with our students here at Twain!

Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community.

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

✨ Dine for a Cause! ✨

Join Twain NJHS at Panera in Kingstowne on Saturday, February 15th, from 4–8 PM to help us raise funds for our May service project!

Here's how you can support us:

🍞 Dine in or take out? Just mention the Twain Fundraiser when you order.

💻 Ordering online? Use promo code FUND4U at checkout.

Every bite makes a difference—thank you for supporting Twain NJHS!

PTA Updates PTA General Membership Meeting

Please join us on Tuesday, February 11th at 7:30pm for our next general membership meeting. This will be a virtual meeting format. Please click this link to join us!

Attention families of rising 9th graders! Administrators from Edison High School, Principal Amanda Burke, and the Director of Student Services, Deborah Guillen, will speak at our Twain PTA meeting to provide guidance on the Edison HS course selection process. This is a great meeting to attend and a good opportunity to make a connection with this high school team and ask important questions.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WPwqllFaRBmBl_rPAgmQHw

PTA Nominating Committee

Nominate a Staff Member of the Month

Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before February 28th.

Join the PTA

Visit the Mark Twain PTA site

Twain PTA on Social Media

Follow us on Facebook at Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram at twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA.

Buy your Twain MS Yearbook now!

Use our code 8606

Go to yearbookordercenter.com

Deadline to order online: April 19, 2025

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

Announcements and Upcoming Events

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Principal’s Message Greetings Tiger Families!

Tomorrow marks the start of February, and the beginning of Black History Month. This month is a time to highlight and initiate sustainable and meaningful opportunities for our students, and ourselves, to learn about Black and African American experiences and contributions.

Did you know that February was chosen as the timing for Black History Month because two key figures in the emancipation of slaves and the abolition of slavery - Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas - have birthdays in the second week of February?

During his commemoration of Black History Month in February 2016, President Barack Obama said "Black History Month shouldn't be treated as though it is somehow separate from our collective American history or somehow just boiled down to a compilation of greatest hits from the March on Washington or from some of our sports heroes. It's about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America.”

We look forward to celebrating Black History Month at Twain and are grateful for the important contributions made within our community and beyond.

Please have a restful and peaceful weekend.

Sincerely,

Matt

Twain’s Weekly Schedule

Monday, February 3: Anchor Day Schedule

Tuesday, February 4: Odd Day Schedule

Wednesday, February 5: Even Day Schedule

Thursday, February 6: Odd Day Schedule

Friday, February 7: Even Day Schedule

Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration on Wednesday, February 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.

The event begins with a light reception, followed by a formal program, “From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future.” The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community.

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

National Junior Honor Society

Calling all Students! Twain NJHS is accepting applications for new membership. Applications will be due by Fri. Feb. 7th. Students must have a B grade average, good behavior, performed service, 2 recommendations, and fill out the Google Form Application found in Schoology. Students will be informed in March if they have been accepted by our Faculty Council to join Twain’s NJHS. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. DeHaven, [email protected], or Ms. Roddey, [email protected].

Survey Closing Soon: SR&R and Cell Phone Policy

Click here to take the parent/caregiver survey for proposed options relating to FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage. The survey will be closing on Monday, February 3. Thank you for sharing your feedback and helping shape policies that reflect and support our community!

Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards

First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education.

Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have a positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.

Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.

✨ Ensuring every student experiences an equitable school community is part of the FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 2.

Transition Corner Rising 8th Grade:

Counselors will visit History 7 classes on Monday, February 3, to present 8th grade course options to students. Students will be given a paper course selection planning sheet to help them map out their course preferences prior to making final selections on the Google form they will receive in their school Gmail accounts that afternoon (email will come from Mr. Fitzgerald). Course selections must be submitted by Friday, February 14. Mock schedules with student course preferences will be mailed home the week of March 3 with instructions on how to make changes/corrections. Change/correction requests are due by Friday, March 14, 2025.

Rising 9th Grade:

Lewis High School

Lewis High School counselors visited Twain on Friday, January 24, 2025, for rising 9th grade academic advising. Students were advised how to enter their course selections in SIS for the 25-26 school year. The deadline for course entry is Friday, February 28, 2025. Students received a copy of the presentation slides in their FCPS Google email accounts. More information about Lewis Course Selection and 9th grade transition can be found on the Lewis Academic Advising site: https://lewishs.fcps.edu/student-services/academic-advising-0.

Edison High School

Edison High School Director of Student Services, Deborah Guillen, will visit Twain on Monday, February 3, 2025, to present course selection information to all 8th grade students through their Health & PE class period. During the presentation, students will learn about core and elective course offerings for 9th graders, as well as receive a hard copy course selection book to take home. Edison counselors will return the following Tuesday and Wednesday, February 4 and 5, to meet with students individually to make course selections, again through their Health & PE class period. Information about Edison transition and course selection can be found on their Academic Advising/Course Selection site: https://edisonhs.fcps.edu/student-services/academic-advising.

Hayfield Secondary School

Hayfield Secondary School counselor Eric Williams visited Twain on Friday, January 31, 2025, for rising 9th grade academic advising through Learning Seminar. During this presentation, students learned about required courses and elective options, as well as how to make their course selections for 9th grade. The presentation slides will be shared next week for anyone who missed or would like to review again. More information about Hayfield Course Selection and 9th grade transition can be found at the Hayfield Academic Advising site: https://hayfieldss.fcps.edu/student-services/hs-academic-advising-and-course-selection.

Please continue to check back for more transition updates this winter.

PTA Updates PTA General Membership Meeting

Please join us on Tuesday, February 11th at 7:30pm for our next general membership meeting. This will be a virtual meeting format. Please click this link to join us!

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WPwqllFaRBmBl_rPAgmQHw

Nominate a Staff Member of the Month

Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before January 31st.

Join the PTA

Visit the Mark Twain PTA site

Twain PTA on Social Media

Follow us on Facebook at Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram at twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA.

Free Webinars and Events for Families

In February, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host the following webinars and events for families:

Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child’s education! The Family Academy compiles FCPS classes, webinars, workshops, and programs to help you support your child’s needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.

✨ Fostering trusting partnerships with families is included in Pillar B of the FCPS Strategic Plan: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships.

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

Announcements and Upcoming Events

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Principal's Message Greetings Tiger Families!

It is hard to believe that we are only 2 days away from completing the 2nd quarter – the first half of the school year has flown by! As students finish their assessments and bring the quarter to a close, they can sometimes experience additional stress as they strive for the highest grades possible. At Twain, we work to grow our students’ executive functioning skills that can help them stay organized while also sharing with them strategies for prioritizing their wellness as they stretch to reach their academic goals. FCPS offers a variety of resources for our students, including these “Eight Easy Ways to Bring Balance into Your Life.”

Due to the teacher workday on Wednesday, our weekly schedule is altered. Please remind your students that when we return to school on Monday, we start with an even day rather than an anchor day.

Have a restful and warm weekend.

Sincerely,

Matt

Twain’s Weekly Schedule

Monday, January 27: Even Day Schedule

Tuesday, January 28: Odd Day Schedule–Last day of 2nd Quarter/1st Semester

Wednesday, January 29: Student Holiday – Teacher Workday

Thursday, January 30: Odd Day Schedule-First day of 3rd Quarter/2nd Semester

Friday, January 31: Even Day Schedule

Calendar Reminders Quarter End/Lunar New Year/Teacher Work Day

Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the second quarter. It is a full school day.

Wednesday, January 29, is Lunar New Year and a teacher workday. There will be no school for students.

See the complete school year calendar and employee calendar.

SIS ParentVUE End-of-Quarter Closure

The Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.

Congratulations, Ms. Vivian-Beck, on your FCPS Cares Award!

Last week FCPS Human Resources visited Twain to celebrate Ms. Vivian-Beck, who was the Region 3 FCPS Cares Award winner in November. A colleague nominated her and shared, amongst other details:

"Mrs. Vivian-Beck is the CRT (Crisis Resource Teacher) for our school and CSS (Comprehensive Services Site) Program. Much of her job is de-escalating behaviors and providing a safe place for students who are dysregulated and need a calming influence or just a place to cool down. Her intuitive abilities often result in her knowing just what a student needs.” “It is her love and care for all students and the extra love and care for those who have not yet experienced success that makes her a top candidate for FCPS CARES this month and every month."

If you would like to nominate a Twain staff member for this honor in the future, you can do so by clicking on this LINK . It will take just a few moments and will uplift the person being recognized.

National Junior Honor Society

Twain NJHS is accepting applications for new membership. Applications will be due by Fri. Feb. 7th. Students must have a B grade average, good behavior, performed service, 2 recommendations, and fill out the Google Form Application. Students will be informed in March if they have been accepted by our Faculty Council to join Twain’s NJHS. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. DeHaven, [email protected], or Ms. Roddey, [email protected].

International Night

SCA is hosting this year's International Night on Thursday, February 20th from 6-8 pm in Twain's Cafeteria and Gym 1! We would love to have as many students and families participate or come watch as possible. Students can:

Create posters to share pictures and information about their country

Bring cultural food to share with everyone else
Show off traditional clothing in our fashion show
Perform a cultural song, dance, or other activity

Students should sign up using the Google form in the All School course on Schoology by Friday, January 31st if they want to participate!

Course Selection for Middle and High School Students

Rising 7th-12th grade students are meeting with their counselors to discuss course selection for the next school year. Families are encouraged to actively participate in this important process.

School-life balance is an important consideration for students as they strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.

🎓 Graduation Requirements and Planning

Planning which courses to take next school year — and in future years — must be given considerable thought. Students and families should review the Graduation Requirements and Course Planning webpage to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond.

The Middle and High School Curriculum webpage may also be helpful. Students and families should refer to their school’s website for their school-specific course catalog and course selection information.

Academy Open Houses Continue

FCPS high school academies open houses for interested students continue into February. Open houses are a great opportunity to visit classrooms, labs, instructors, and academy counselors. Academy elective courses provide students with a variety of career experiences, including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses. Students can explore more than a dozen career fields through FCPS academies!

Watch this video to learn more about academy programs. View the calendar of Academy Open Houses. For questions, email Bonnie Wannett.

✨ Availability of, accessibility to, and student enrollment in coursework in the arts, STEAM, career and technical education, trades, technology, and world languages is one measure of the FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 4: Equitable Access and Opportunity.

What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse

FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.

What can families do?

Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink.
Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success.
Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage.
Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors.
Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”

Get more information on opioid awareness.

PTA Updates PTA General Membership Meeting

Please join us on Tuesday, February 11th at 7:30pm for our next general membership meeting. This will be a virtual meeting format. Stay tuned for the Zoom link!

Nominate a Staff Member of the Month

Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before January 31st.

Spirit Night at Rose Hill McDonald’s

THANK YOU to the families that participated in the Twain PTA’s first fundraiser of the year this Thursday at McDonald’s. We appreciate you and look forward to further supporting our Twain students and staff with this influx to our PTA budget.

Join the PTA

Visit the Mark Twain PTA site

Twain PTA on Social Media

Follow us on Facebook at Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram at twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA.

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

Announcements and Upcoming Events

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Principal’s Message Greetings Tiger Families!

This coming Monday, January 20th, is a student and staff holiday to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Dr. King’s legacy of nonviolent, yet persistent, activism against racial discrimination during the Civil Rights Movement sets an inspirational example for all of us about how to overcome adversity, establish and stay firm in our beliefs, and to make our voice heard in a way that does not promote violence and serves the needs of others.

FCPS is collaborating with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Students and families can volunteer on Saturday, January 25, at Give Together at the James Lee Community Center. Projects will include food packing, creating care packages, environmental stewardship, and support for animal welfare. This event is free and open to the public but registration is required. Of course, students and families can also elect to find their own way to give to others and honor the legacy of Dr. King.

“The time is always right to do what is right.” – Martin Luther King, Jr., 1965

Certainly, these words are a model of what we expect of and teach our young Tigers every day.

Thank you for your partnership and please have a peaceful extended weekend.

Sincerely,

Matt

Twain’s Weekly Schedule

Monday, January 20: School Holiday – Martin Luther King, Jr Day / Inauguration Day

Tuesday, January 21: Odd Day Schedule

Wednesday, January 22: Even Day Schedule

Thursday, January 23: Odd Day Schedule

Friday, January 24: Even Day Schedule

Calendar Reminders Martin Luther King Jr. Day/Inauguration (Holiday)

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday and the Presidential Inauguration.

Quarter End/Lunar New Year/Teacher Work Day

Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the second quarter. It is a full school day.

Wednesday, January 29, is Lunar New Year and a teacher workday. There will be no school for students.

See the complete school year calendar and employee calendar.

SIS ParentVUE End-of-Quarter Closure

The Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.

Help Restock Food Pantries

Stuff the Bus is a partnership between Fairfax County Government and local nonprofits. Now in its 14th year, Stuff the Bus continues to support food assistance efforts for families and households. Stuff the Bus has collected more than 220 tons of food to feed people experiencing food insecurity in Fairfax County.

You can help stuff the bus at select locations beginning Saturday, January 18. Visit the Stuff the Bus webpage for locations and a full list of requested items.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Winter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. Schools monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.

View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact your school’s family liaison. You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received. If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.

Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Language interpretation will be available.

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

Student Rights and Responsibilities and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon

On Tuesday, January 21, all FCPS parents/caregivers and middle and high school students, and FCPS staff will be emailed invitations to participate in a survey that seeks to understand community support for proposed options relating to FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options.

The survey will be available until Monday, February 3. It will also be open to FCPS staff. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help us make informed, inclusive decisions for all our schools.

Order Your Yearbook

Buy your Twain MS Yearbook now! Use our code 8606,

Go to yearbookordercenter.com

Transition Corner Rising 8th Grade:

Counselors will be visiting History 7 classes on Monday, February 3, to present 8th grade course options to students. Students will be given a paper course selection planning sheet to help them map out their course preferences prior to making final selections on the Google form they will receive in their school Gmail accounts that afternoon (email will come from Mr. Fitzgerald). Course selections must be submitted by Friday, February 14. Mock schedules with student course preferences will be mailed home the week of March 3 with instruction on how to make changes/corrections. Change/correction requests are due by Friday, March 14.

Rising 9th Grade:

Lewis High School

Lewis High School counselors will visit Twain on Friday, January 24, 2025, to present 9th grade course options to current Lewis-bound 8th grade students. During this presentation, students will learn about required courses and elective options, as well as other information about freshman year at Lewis. More information about Lewis Course Selection and 9th grade transition can be found at their Academic Advising site: https://lewishs.fcps.edu/student-services/academic-advising-0.

Edison High School

Hayfield Secondary School

Hayfield Secondary School counselor Eric Williams will visit Twain on Friday, January 31, 2025, to present 9th grade course options to Hayfield-bound 8th grade students. During this presentation, students will learn about required courses and elective options, as well as other information about freshman year at Hayfield. More information about Hayfield Course Selection and 9th grade transition can be found at their Academic Advising site: https://hayfieldss.fcps.edu/student-services/hs-academic-advising-and-course-selection.

Please continue to check back for more transition updates this winter.

PTA Updates NEW NIGHT: Spirit Night at Rose Hill McDonald’s

On Thursday, Jan 23rd, 5-8 pm close out inauguration week and let McDonald’s take care of cooking dinner with our first fundraiser of the year. As we like to say, eat good food and support the Mark Twain MS PTA. It’s a win-win! See you there!

PTA General Membership Meeting

Please join us on Tuesday, February 11th at 7:30pm for our next general membership meeting. This will be a virtual meeting format. Stay tuned for the Zoom link!

Nominate a Staff Member of the Month

Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before January 31st.

Join the PTA

Visit the Mark Twain PTA site

Twain PTA on Social Media

Follow us on Facebook at Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram at twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA.

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

Announcements and Upcoming Events

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Principal's Message Greetings Tiger Families!

Following our weather-extended winter break, we are all energized and excited to see what 2025 brings for our Tigers. I am sure the year will be filled with great victories and important challenges – both of which will make us stronger. As the calendar has turned to 2025 and we continue on the journey of this school year, it is a natural time to make commitments for improvement in our personal and educational lives. This morning I shared with the students my own New Year’s resolutions and challenged them to think about, and identify, areas they would like to improve in the coming year. As you spend time with your Tigers this weekend, please ask them if they have identified any New Year’s resolutions for themselves – whether they be academic or personal.

I would like to close with a quote from Former President Jimmy Carter, who was laid to rest yesterday.

“We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.”

I believe this quote reflects our community – one that blends together the strengths of our great diversity with our unified purpose of academic and personal excellence to form a beautiful Twain mosaic.

Please have a safe and restful weekend.

Sincerely,

Matt

Twain’s Weekly Schedule

Monday, January 13: Anchor Day Schedule

Tuesday, January 14: Odd Day Schedule

Wednesday, January 15: Even Day Schedule

Thursday, January 16: Odd Day Schedule

Friday, January 17: Even Day Schedule

Monday, January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday and Inauguration Day – School closed

Calendar Reminder: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Holiday)/Inauguration

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday and Inauguration.

See the complete school year calendar.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Opportunity

Volunteer Fairfax invites families to participate in thoughtful, engaging service projects working alongside local nonprofit and government agency partners across a variety of mission areas. Projects will include food packing, creating care packages, environmental stewardship, and support for animal welfare. This event is free and open to the public but registration is required.

There will also be Financial Literacy Workshops offered at Give Together for students in grades 3-12. If you would like to attend one of the workshops, sign up during check-in on January 25.

Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

PTA Updates PTA General Membership Meeting

Please join us on Wednesday, January 15th at 7:30pm for our next general membership meeting. This will be a virtual meeting format. Click this link to join us!

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QxVVUu9bTOaPYEP5WNCwjg

Your Executive Board, Chairpersons and Committee Members welcome you back from the long break!

Spirit Night @ Rose Hill McDonald’s! Thurs, Jan 16th 5-8pm!

Beat the cabin fever and let McDonald’s take care of dinner on Thursday, Jan 16th. This fundraiser supporting the Mark Twain MS PTA runs from 5-8pm at the Rose Hill Shopping Center McDonald’s. See you there!

Winter Staff Appreciation Luncheon: Call for Food Donations & Volunteers

Thank You to our amazing PTA members who contributed their time, delicious food and party planning abilities to provide a welcoming and delightful environment for our teachers, staff and administrators to enjoy this year’s Winter Staff Luncheon on their last Friday before winter break. The Twain Staff was incredibly appreciative!

The teachers enjoyed a range of crock pots full of soups, and salads, veggies, cheese & cracker trays and a full dessert buffet, all dressed for winter to include pointsettias, holiday decorations and a crackling fire on the library TV.

A big round of applause and thanks should be shared with our organizers, Katy Olsen and Kirsten Little for once again pulling together this wonderful tradition that our school looks forward to each year.

Interested in helping with our Staff Appreciation events next year? Email [email protected]!

Nominate a Staff Member of the Month

Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before January 31st.

Join the PTA

Visit the Mark Twain PTA site

Twain PTA on Social Media

Follow us on Facebook at Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram at twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA.

Order Your Yearbook

Buy your Twain MS Yearbook now! Use our code 8606,

Go to yearbookordercenter.com

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

Announcements and Upcoming Events

GovDelivery3 months 1 week ago

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Principal’s Message Greetings Tiger Families!

Over the past two weeks we enjoyed a number of amazing concerts, a fun winter dance and a generous spirt amongst our community – especially our PTA who celebrated our faculty and staff with a delicious luncheon today. Thank you to all who donated time, food, and money to support our staff! Amidst all of the celebratory spirt, we also continued to have engaging and relevant learning with our students in our classrooms as we head into Winter Break. It truly has been a time that reminds us how fortunate we are to be part of the Twain community. I sincerely hope that all Tigers and their families have a wonderful winter break and I am excited to see what lies ahead in 2025!

As a reminder, our school office will be closed during the winter break and will reopen when school returns in the new year, on January 6, 2025.

Thank you and please have a restful, joyful, and safe winter break.

Sincerely,

Matt

Winter Break Office Hours

Twain’s office will be closed during Winter Break starting on Monday, December 23rd and will reopen when students return on Monday, January 6th.

Twain’s Weekly Schedule

Winter Break: December 21 – January 5: Happy Holidays!

Monday, January 6: Anchor Day Schedule

Tuesday, January 7: Odd Day Schedule

Wednesday, January 8: Even Day Schedule

Thursday, January 9: Odd Day Schedule

Friday, January 10: Even Day Schedule

Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host the following webinars and events for families:

Upcoming Family Academy Events

✨ Fostering trusting partnerships with families is included in Pillar B of the FCPS Strategic Plan: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships.

Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received. Virtual Comprehensive Boundary Review Community Meetings will be held:

Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.
Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Registration will be available soon on the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage, where you can also learn about the boundary review process. Sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

PTA Updates Nominate a Staff Member of the Month

Congratulations to Kimberly Gadson for being named the PTA Staff Member of the Month! Ms. Gadson was awarded a traveling trophy, a prime parking spot in front of the school, and a gift card to a local restaurant. Hear what was shared about our Technology & Engineering teacher:

“Mrs. Gadson goes above and beyond in her class. From my parent’s perspective, I see her passion for what she does and it seems that she’s accomplishing a lot single handedly. I see at other schools, there is so much more resources (personnel and possibly funding) that goes into this subject. Mrs. Gadson is one of the few teacher I’ve seen that has contributed so much for one person. I’m so happy my child has had the opportunity to be in her class last year and this year. She is very inspiring! Thank you Mrs. Gadson for all you do!”

Please congratulate Kimberly Gadson for making a difference at Twain!

Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before December 31st.

PTA General Membership Meeting

Please join us on Tuesday, January 14th at 7:30pm for our next general membership meeting. This will be a virtual meeting format. Stay tuned for the registration & Zoom link details.

Your Executive Board, Chairpersons and Committee Members wish everyone a wonderful holiday season!

Join the PTA

Visit the Mark Twain PTA site

Twain PTA on Social Media

Follow us on Facebook at Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram at twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA.

Order Your Yearbook

Buy your Twain MS Yearbook now! Use our code 8606,

Go to yearbookordercenter.com

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

Announcements and Upcoming Events

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Principal’s Message

Greetings Tiger Families!

This past week we had the pleasure of hosting our annual bookfair in our Twain library. Students were given the opportunity to peruse the shelves and choose new reading material of their liking. Ms. Howard and Ms. Silver, our librarians, planned and executed our fair and subsequently gave our students the chance to expand their own personal library.

Whether it be for escape from the stressors of life, to learn about a new topic, or for simple entertainment, our students benefit from making reading a regular part of their life. You can learn more about FCPS libraries at this link.

Margaret Fuller, 19th century journalist and women’s rights advocate, said “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” We are excited and proud to continue to foster the growth of our community’s future leaders here at Twain!

Sincerely,

Matt

Twain’s Weekly Schedule

Monday, December 16: Anchor Day Schedule

Tuesday, December 17: Odd Day Schedule

Wednesday, December 18: Even Day Schedule

Thursday, December 19: Odd Day Schedule

Friday, December 20: Even Day Schedule

Winter Break: December 21 – January 5

Monday, January 6: Anchor Day Schedule

Tuesday, January 7: Odd Day Schedule

Wednesday, January 8: Even Day Schedule

Thursday, January 9: Odd Day Schedule

Friday, January 10: Even Day Schedule

What a week of winter concerts!

Congratulations to our talented Twain music program for an impressive series of concerts this week! Our band led by Mr. Kluttz, orchestra led by Mr. Garfield-Levine, and choir led by Ms. Tolpa all put on fantastic shows to showcase our students’ talent and dedication and bring us all into the holiday season! Thank you to all families and friends who came out to support!

FCPS Outstanding Award Winners

This month at our faculty and staff work session, we announced the Twain winners of our FCPS Outstanding employee awards. We are so proud of their recognition by our students, community, and colleagues. All four winners exemplify what it means to be a Twain Tiger in their own way.

Our winners were:

Rosa Rauda Merino (Outstanding Support Employee)
Marie Danosos (Outstanding Professional Employee)
Mariam Assadi (Outstanding New Teacher)
Kristin Pennebaker (Outstanding Teacher)

Thank you to all who nominated someone for these awards!

Winter Break Spirit Week – December 16 – 20! Moving?

Are you moving or have new neighbors who need to register students for school? Our Registrar’s Corner website is full of helpful information to guide you through not only address updates, but new student registrations and withdrawals as well. Completing these processes as soon as possible helps us to prevent delays in new transportation assignments, enrollment start dates and preparation of records for student who are withdrawing. Feel free to reach out to Christina Spencer, our Student Services Assistant with any questions you might have regarding these topics.

Winter Break Office Hours

Twain’s office will be closed during Winter Break starting on Monday, December 23rd and will reopen when students return on Monday, January 6th.

Bundle Up with Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered.

PTA Updates Winter Staff Appreciation Luncheon: Call for Food Donations & Volunteers

‘Tis the season to celebrate (and thank!) our Mark Twain Middle School faculty for all their work this year. We/PTA will be hosting a staff luncheon on Friday, December 20th to express our gratitude.

We are asking Twain Parents/Guardians to consider donating specific foods to help make this luncheon a great success. All needed food is outlined in the below SignUp Genius. If you would like to offer in-person assistance to thank our staff personally, we’d appreciate the manpower to help facilitate the luncheon.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4CA4A82CA75-53807670-winter?useFullSite=true#/

Please drop-off any food items and donations to the front office on either:

Thursday, December 19th (all day) or
Friday, December 20th, no later than 9:30am (need time to set-up for lunch).

Questions? Please reach out to our PTA Twain Teacher Appreciation Co-Chairs, Katy Olsen & Kirsten Little via the contact info in the SignUp Genius.

Spirit Night! Wednesday (12/18) at UNO’s Pizzeria & Grill

Join us at UNO’s Pizzeria & Grill in Kingstowne next Wed. evening, December 18th. UNO’s will donate 20% of your dine-in or takeout sales to the Twain PTA.

Please present the flier to your server or hostess to participate in the fundraiser.

Take the night off from cooking before the holidays. Eat good food and support the PTA!

Nominate a Staff Member of the Month

Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before December 31st.

Congratulations to Ms. Saxena for being named the PTA Staff Member of the Month! Ms. Saxena was awarded a traveling trophy, a prime parking spot in front of the school, and a gift card to a local restaurant. Hear what was shared about our science teacher:

“My child will not stop talking about how amazing of a teacher she is. She is great at explaining whatever topic it is that they’re learning. She’s incredible at including all of her students in experiments, and her experiments are very fun and engaging.”

Please congratulate Ms. Saxena for making a difference at Twain!

PTA General Membership Meeting

Reminder: There is no PTA meeting in December! Your Executive Board, Chairpersons and Committee Members wish everyone a wonderful holiday season.

Join the PTA

Visit the Mark Twain PTA site

Twain PTA on Social Media

Follow us on Facebook at Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram at twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA.

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

46 minutes 50 seconds ago

Twain Middle School News and announcements

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