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Dear Mantua Families,
The past week certainly unfolded with unexpected twists and turns, and we hope this message finds everyone safe, warm, and well. After a long break due to the snow, we are excited to welcome our students back to campus today, and we can’t wait to see their smiling faces again in just a couple of hours.
We want to extend tremendous appreciation and gratitude to our custodial team, who worked tirelessly to clear our property and ensure our school is safe, accessible, and ready for students and staff. Their dedication and hard work, often behind the scenes, made it possible for us to reopen our doors, and we are incredibly thankful for their efforts.
As families arrive this morning, we kindly ask for your patience and caution during drop-off. Please allow extra time and drive safely as we return to our normal routines.
While the weather paused in-person learning, it certainly did not stop learning altogether. Our staff spent the day engaged in virtual professional development and collaborative learning sessions, continuing important work to support our students.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support, flexibility, and partnership. We are grateful to our entire Mantua community and look forward to a great day back together.
Take good care,
Ms. Shannon, Mrs. Vaughan, Ms. Maurer
Save the Dates
February 10: Chorus Cookie Concert, 6:30 PM in the Cafeteria
February 12: Frost Family Festival for rising 7th Graders, 5:30 to 7:30 PM
February 16: Washington’s Birthday and Presidents’ Day, staff and student holiday, schools closed
February 17: Teacher Workday, Student Holiday
February 18: Limited Early Release Wednesday, Dismissal 1:30 PM
February 25 to March 4: Book Fair, more details to come!
February 26: Family Engagement Night, 6 to 7:30 PM
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month.
National School Counseling Week
National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career. School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. We love our counselors! Richard Jones-Hang and Susan Song bring empathy and dignity as they interact with students across grade levels. They have also initiated lunch bunches and other small group opportunities as a way for students to bridge connections with others. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.
VSBA School Board Appreciation Month
Thank you to the Fairfax County School Board for all they do throughout the year. Want to contact your school board representatives to share your appreciation? Visit their website to find your school board member and contact them.
Weekly Staff Spotlight
Staff Spotlight is our way to recognize Mantua's incredible staff! Each week, we recognize a group of staff members. Check them out on Mantua ES Instagram. This coming week's featured staff members are our counselors, 3rd grade teacher and support staff: Richard Jones-Hang, Susan Song, Skylar Robins and Sigalit Scenna.
Please use the Spotlight Submission Form to share a positive message with them. We will share the messages with them at the end of next week.
Thank you for helping us make Staff Spotlight a fun and engaging way to celebrate our school community. We appreciate your enthusiasm and support!
Woodson Area Chorus Opportunity
We have an upcoming opportunity available for Mantua students: Frost Middle School chorus teacher, Ms. Lee, is hosting the Woodson Area Chorus in February with a performance in March. If your student likes to sing, please look at the attachment for sign up information and complete the form. https://forms.gle/hx25sprBFf45DfpC7
They do not need to be enrolled in chorus at this time to participate. Please check it out! Questions need to be directed to Meredith Lee at Frost MS. malee1@fcps.edu
Class Field Trip Chaperone Opportunities
The FCPS Volunteer Registration initiative continues to evolve as central offices work to balance safety and security with function and efficiency. FCPS has rolled back the volunteer requirements somewhat, and field trip chaperones are now considered a level 2 opportunity. Should you wish to chaperone, please make sure you are registered as a volunteer with FCPS. Once registered, reach out to your child’s teacher to learn how to volunteer for a specific opportunity. We appreciate and value all of our volunteers and we thank you for your continued patience in this process.
Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…
There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment.
After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process. For more information, email our Student Registration Assistant, Mergie Kakouris, at MBKakouris@fcps.edu.
FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance
The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters. Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit the ombuds webpage, where you may submit a question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
FCPS News In Case You Missed It
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget Presented to School Board
- School Board Approves Proposed Boundary Changes
- It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Quick Contact & Links
Linda Shannon, Principal LCShannon@fcps.edu
Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal CAVaughan@fcps.edu
Michele Maurer, Assistant Principal, Mkmaurer@fcps.edu
Susan Palomino, Administrative/Finance Assistant SLPalomino@fcps.edu
Mergie Kakouris, Student Information Assistant, MBKakouris@fcps.edu
Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant, FFinaish@fcps.edu
Judy Toy, Office Assistant, JPToy@fcps.edu
Avril Donat, Office & Library Assistant Andonat@fcps.edu
Kathy Van Dyke, Advanced Academics Resource Teacher kkvandyke@fcps.edu
Maria Regina Incer, Family Liaison, mrincernunez@fcps.edu
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