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Message from Ms. Shannon

Dear Mantua Families,

We are so very proud of all of our students and the great work they have done during our first week of the Read-a-Thon challenge! Our students have especially enjoyed voting for their favorite books in our March Madness reading tournament.  We hope that all of the books they are reading will continue to be treasured in years to come. 

We were thrilled to welcome Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid to the Mantua campus this week!  She saw Mantua students participating in classroom instruction and enjoyed seeing all the crazy socks on display for our Read-a-Thon Spirit week. We love having opportunities to show how much our students are learning and growing!

March 10th will be our next Early Release Monday.  You have already received a Google survey that allows you to make plan changes to your child’s dismissal plan.  Please complete the survey ONLY if you have plan changes.  You can reach out to the main office at 703-645-6300 if you have questions.

Two quick reminders:

• Class picture day will be March 13
• Daylight savings begins this Sunday–set your clocks forward one hour

Take good care, 

Ms. Shannon, Mrs. Vaughan, and Mr. Webster

Important Upcoming Dates

March 9: Daylight Savings Time begins (move clocks forward one hour)

March 10: Early Release Monday, 1:05 PM

March 12: Planning Fair for Students in Special Education, Luther Jackson MS

March 13: Class Picture Day, PTA meeting 5:30 PM

March 14: Woodson HS Fanquest Basketball, 6:30 PM

March 28: End of the Quarter

March 29: 6th grade All-County Choral Festival, Mount Vernon HS

March 31: Eid-al-Fitr, Staff and Student holiday

April 1: Student Holiday, Teacher Workday

April 11: Mantua PTA Talent Show applications due

April 14-18: Spring Break week, no school

April 21: Early Release Monday

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.

MANTUA News Feature Friday

Feature Friday is the way we spotlight Mantua's incredible staff on a regular basis! Each week, we recognize a group of staff members. Check them out on Mantua ES Instagram.  

Our featured staff this week are Ms. Peck and Ms. Murphy, from our 5th grade teaching staff. Please take a moment to share a positive message for the teams using the Google form, which is open until 3/15. 

Thank you for helping us to make Feature Friday a fun and engaging way to celebrate our school community and for your continued enthusiasm and support of our staff!

Early Release Mondays

We have record of previous dismissal plans on Early Release Mondays.  If your plans for March 10 remain the same as in the past, no further action is needed.  Students enrolled in PM SACC will attend SACC at 1:05 PM. If you have any questions or changes, please contact Ms. Shannon through Ms. Palomino at [email protected] .  

Here is a list of the remaining Early Release Mondays for the 2024-25 calendar year:

• April 21
• May 12

Mantua Talent Show - Save the Date!

The Mantua PTA is proud to present the Mantua Talent Show on Saturday, May 3rd!  This exciting event showcases talent from our entire student body and their families.  Do you play an instrument, sing or dance?  Do you like to perform magic, or do you love demonstrating your martial arts prowess?  The PTA would love to have you participate in the Talent show!  Informational flyers were sent in Tuesday folders this past week.  Audition forms are due Friday, April 11th.  We also need many volunteer hands to make this show a success.  You can find more information at www.mantuapta.org.  

Woodson Pyramid News Woodson SGA/Sports Leadership Mulch Sale

The annual Woodson Mulch Sale has arrived.  Freshen up your flower beds and support the Woodson High School Leadership and Sports Leadership Classes at the same time.  The Leadership Classes are once again offering high quality shredded hardwood mulch for purchase. 

Orders for 3-cubic foot bags of mulch must be received by Thursday, March 13, for pick-up at Woodson or delivery to your home on Sunday, March 23.   When placing an order for 10 or more bags, delivery is an option.  All mulch will be delivered on Sunday, March 23, beginning at 8:30 AM.  The proceeds benefit the Woodson High School Leadership and Sports Leadership Classes and support their activities. For more details or for an order form, please check out our web link. 

This year you can also order and pay on-line at MySchoolBucks. 

Need more info?  Send an email to [email protected]

Woodson HS Youth Football Camp

The Woodson High School coaching staff and players will be hosting a Youth Football Camp June 16-20th, 2025!  The camp will run at the Woodson HS stadium on these dates between 9-3pm.  This event is open to ages 6-14, and registration is required.  The cost for the week is $250 and this includes daily lunch. Pick up a flyer from the main office or contact [email protected] for more information or to register.

FCPS News National Women’s History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.

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. 

Give Your Kids a Strong Start: Apply for Early Childhood Education Programs 

FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors ages 6 weeks to 4 years living in Fairfax County. 

Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children 3 years old by September 30. Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from expectant mothers and for children 6 weeks to 2 years old.

Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, however, space is limited and provided based on need, not “first come, first serve.” Applications are accepted online, by email, by postal mail, or in person at our office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.  

If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).

Quick Contacts & Links

Linda Shannon, Principal [email protected]

Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal [email protected]

Chris  Webster, Interim Assistant Principal [email protected] 

Susan Palomino, Administrative/Finance Assistant [email protected]  

Mergie Kakouris, Student Information Assistant, [email protected]   

Jane Dunfee, SBTS, Testing Coordinator, [email protected] 

Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant,  [email protected]

Judy Toy, Office Assistant, [email protected]

Luis Uribe Gamboa, Family Liaison, [email protected] 

• School Calendar
• FCPS Calendar
• Contact us
• Meet our mental health team
• Mantua PTA
• Parent Information Lines (Available in 8 languages)
• Technology Support

9107 Horner Court, Fairfax, VA 22031 | Main Office: 703-645-6300

Attendance: 703-645-6363 | Web | Twitter

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Message from Ms. Shannon

Dear Mantua Families,

Get ready to dive into exciting stories! Our Read-a-Thon begins on March 3rd, and we're thrilled to see our students take their reading to the next level. Your child has received all the details about the Read-a-Thon and prizes from their teacher. Remember, all reading counts, and we encourage family reading time to log those minutes together! To add to the fun, we're hosting a Reading Spirit Week – see the schedule below!

This week, classroom teachers and administrators have been reviewing "The Mantua Way" with all students to share examples of how students can be safe, kind, and responsible.  We continually encourage students to remember the ways to make Mantua a welcoming school community. 

This week, we also celebrate National School Social Work Week. We want to extend a huge thank you to Mr. Austin Swift, our incredible social worker. He works tirelessly with students across all grade levels, fostering their potential and building strong relationships. His positive presence is truly appreciated! Please join us in thanking Mr. Swift for his dedication and impact.

We also bid a fond farewell and express our heartfelt gratitude to Karen Ray, our beloved cafeteria supervisor, who retired on February 28th. For 18 years, Karen served our Mantua children with unwavering dedication and love. She will be deeply missed!

Take good care, 

Ms. Shannon, Mrs. Vaughan, and Mr. Webster

Important Upcoming Dates

March 7: Sensory Friendly Movie Night, Woodson HS, 5:30pm

March 9: Daylight Savings Time begins (clocks forward one hour)

March 10: Early Release Monday

March 12: Planning Fair for Students in Special Education, Luther Jackson MS

March 13: Class Picture Day, PTA meeting 5:30 PM, Live Stream

March 28: End of the Quarter

March 29: 6th grade All-County Choral Festival, Mount Vernon HS

March 31: Eid-al-Fitr, Staff and Student holiday

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.

Mantua News Read-a-Thon Spirit Week Schedule

• Tuesday-Reading knocks your socks off! Wear fun socks

• Wednesday-Reading is a Superpower! Wear a Superhero shirt or cape

• Thursday-Hats off to Reading!  Wear a wacky or favorite hat

• Friday-Curl up with a Good Book - Wear your favorite pajamas

Feature Friday

Feature Friday is the way we spotlight Mantua's incredible staff on a regular basis! Each week, we recognize a group of staff members. Check them out on Mantua ES Instagram.  

Our 2/24 featured staff will be Mr. Swift, our School Social Worker, Ms. Marmol, our School Librarian, Ms. Donat our Library Assistant, Ms. Bontzos, our Reading Specialist,  and Ms. Dec our Reading Resource Teacher. Please take a moment to share a positive message for the teams using the Google form, which is open until 3/8. 

Thank you for helping us to make Feature Friday a fun and engaging way to celebrate our school community and for your continued enthusiasm and support of our staff!

PTA Meeting - Family Information Session

At Mantua, our mission is to ensure ALL students learn at high levels and we take steps to ensure that happens. If you are interested in taking a “peek behind the curtain” to learn how we address the needs of students when they need additional support, join us at the March 13th PTA meeting to hear from members of our support staff and have an opportunity to ask questions. 

 

The Positivity Project.

This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Love of Learning. Love of learning means enjoying the process of learning new things, whether in school or on your own.

People with a love of learning are motivated because they find joy in learning itself, not just for rewards like grades or prizes. They are driven by the excitement of discovering and mastering new skills.

Developing a love of learning is important for students because it helps them stay motivated and engaged. It can also improve their mental and physical well-being as they take pride in overcoming challenges and growing.

To practice and encourage the character strength of Love of Learning at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Pre-K–K

Grades 1–2

Grades 3–5

Grades 6–8

Grades 9–12

It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

Do you have a rising Kindergartener, or know someone who does? We are excited to prepare for our newest students! It is important to register all rising kindergarten students at your earliest convenience. We want to ensure a great start to your child’s schooling and registering your child early helps us to secure the appropriate staffing.  Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer.

Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

FCPS & Woodson Pyramid News Woodson SGA/Sports Leadership Mulch Sale

The annual Woodson Mulch Sale has arrived.  Freshen up your flower beds and support the Woodson High School Leadership and Sports Leadership Classes at the same time.  The Leadership Classes are once again offering high quality shredded hardwood mulch for purchase. 

Orders for 3-cubic foot bags of mulch must be received by Thursday, March 13, for pick-up at Woodson or delivery to your home on Sunday, March 23.   When placing an order for 10 or more bags, delivery is an option.  All mulch will be delivered on Sunday, March 23, beginning at 8:30 AM.  The proceeds benefit the Woodson High School Leadership and Sports Leadership Classes and support their activities. For more details or for an order form, please check out our web link. 

This year you can also order and pay on-line at MySchoolBucks. 

Need more info?  Send an email to [email protected]

National Women’s History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids. 

National School Social Work Week

March 2-8 is National School Social Work Week. Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential. Social workers are assigned to every school and center in the school system. Most social workers serve one to two sites. Learn more about the role of social workers in FCPS.

Read Across America Day

Read Across America Day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading. Learn more about Equitable Access to Literacy in this video.

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.

In Case You Missed It

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Summer Camps and Learning Opportunities
• Supporting Academic Growth 
• Preparing for Tough Conversations With Your Child

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

Quick Contacts & Links

Linda Shannon, Principal [email protected]

Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal [email protected]

Chris  Webster, Interim Assistant Principal [email protected] 

Susan Palomino, Administrative/Finance Assistant [email protected]  

Mergie Kakouris, Student Information Assistant, [email protected]   

Jane Dunfee, SBTS, Testing Coordinator, [email protected] 

Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant,  [email protected]

Judy Toy, Office Assistant, [email protected]

Luis Uribe Gamboa, Family Liaison, [email protected] 

• School Calendar
• FCPS Calendar
• Contact us
• Meet our mental health team
• Mantua PTA
• Parent Information Lines (Available in 8 languages)
• Technology Support

9107 Horner Court, Fairfax, VA 22031 | Main Office: 703-645-6300

Attendance: 703-645-6363 | Web | Twitter

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Message from Ms. Shannon

Dear Families,

This week was filled with amazing learning adventures for our students!

• Third Grade's Silk Road Journey: We were so fortunate to have a parent share their family's incredible travels along the Silk Road. Their engaging presentation brought history to life, showing us the fascinating stories and treasures of this ancient trade route. A huge thank you to them for sharing their experiences!
• A Day of Discovery at the Natural History Museum: Our third graders also embarked on an exciting field trip to the Museum of Natural History! They explored the wonders of the animal kingdom, marveled at dinosaur skeletons, and learned about human origins. It was a day filled with awe and discovery!

Important Notes for Rising 7th Grade Families:

• As your child prepares for middle school, please remember to check the Commonwealth of Virginia's immunization requirements. We've included helpful information below to guide you. Ensuring your child is up-to-date will help them have a smooth transition to their new school.

Celebrating Ramadan:

• We extend our warmest wishes to all our families observing Ramadan, the most sacred month in Islam. This year, Ramadan begins at sundown on February 28th and continues until sundown on March 29th. We recognize the importance of this time for spiritual reflection, prayer, and community.
• Throughout the year, we are committed to supporting all our students and families in observing their cultural and religious holidays. If your family requires any accommodations, such as adjustments to lunch, prayer or meditation spaces, or other support, please don't hesitate to contact our front office at [email protected]. We are here to help!

We appreciate your partnership in making our school a vibrant and supportive learning community.

Take good care, 

Ms. Shannon, Mrs. Vaughan, and Mr. Webster

Important Upcoming Dates

February 27: Math Workshop 4th and 5th grade (registration required)

February 28: Ramadan begins, Religious and Cultural Observance (evening)

March 5: Class Picture Day

March 7: Sensory Friendly Movie Night, Woodson HS, 5:30pm

March 10: Early Release Monday

March 12: Planning Fair for Students in Special Education, Luther Jackson MS

March 28: End of the Quarter

March 31: Eid-al-Fitr, Staff and Student holiday

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.

MANTUA News Feature Friday

Feature Friday is the way we spotlight Mantua's incredible staff on a regular basis! Each week, we recognize a group of staff members. Check them out on Mantua ES Instagram.  

Our 2/24 featured staff will be Jennifer Price (4th), Emily Smith (IA), Michele Sullivan (5th), and Jennifer Schwenzer (5th).

Please take a moment to share a positive message for the teams using the Google form, which is open until 3/1. 

Thank you for helping us to make Feature Friday a fun and engaging way to celebrate our school community and for your continued enthusiasm and support of our staff!

The Positivity Project

This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Humility. Humility means not seeking attention and letting your actions speak for themselves. Humble people understand their abilities and achievements without underestimating them. They can admit mistakes, accept advice, and are open to new ideas. They don't show off their successes or possessions.

Developing humility helps people reflect on how they can improve and work well with others. It allows them to grow and become valuable team members.

To practice and encourage the character strength of humility at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Pre-K–K

Grades 1–2

Grades 3–5

Grades 6–8

Grades 9–12

Religious and Cultural Celebrations and Observances

Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact\ the front office staff,[email protected],  regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation, silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.  We strive to make sure that every student feels valued and respected, and we will make every effort to assist your students with their specific needs. 

We want to recognize all our community members who observe Ramadan, the most sacred month of the year in Islam. Ramadan this year is from February 28th at sundown to sundown March 29th. In Islam, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this month, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset each day while striving to increase their spirituality through prayers, charity, and good deeds. 

We anticipate that some students may need accommodation during this time, and we encourage you to let your child’s teacher know and reach out to the front office [email protected]  for any specific needs.

It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, between January and April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. 

Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

Middle School Transition Fair for Students in Special Education

Join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school!

It’s never too early or too late to start preparing for your future. We want to help you start planning for a successful transition from school to life as a young adult.

Ensuring postsecondary success of our students with disabilities is dependent on what is known as transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for an evening focused on planning for the future.

You will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions of representatives from CTS programs and services for students with disabilities, as well as 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 two speakers who will discuss IEP transition planning, special education services, and postsecondary options for younger students as they navigate FCPS and plan for their future. A questions/answer session will follow.

VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders 

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 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 

• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians 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 7th grade immunization requirements.

FCPS & Pyramid News Woodson SGA/Sports Leadership Mulch Sale

The annual Woodson Mulch Sale has arrived.  Freshen up your flower beds and support the Woodson High School Leadership and Sports Leadership Classes at the same time.  The Leadership Classes are once again offering high quality shredded hardwood mulch for purchase. 

Orders for 3-cubic foot bags of mulch must be received by Thursday, March 13, for pick-up at Woodson or delivery to your home on Sunday, March 23.   When placing an order for 10 or more bags, delivery is an option.  All mulch will be delivered on Sunday, March 23, beginning at 8:30 AM.  The proceeds benefit the Woodson High School Leadership and Sports Leadership Classes and support their activities. For more details or for an order form, please check out our web link. 

This year you can also order and pay on-line at MySchoolBucks. 

Need more info?  Send an email to [email protected]

Woodson High School Movie Night 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.

Learn More About How Your Child Feels at School

The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-12 in March. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop the skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who do not have a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage

Quick Contacts & Links

Linda Shannon, Principal [email protected]

Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal [email protected]

Chris  Webster, Interim Assistant Principal [email protected] 

Susan Palomino, Administrative/Finance Assistant [email protected]  

Mergie Kakouris, Student Information Assistant, [email protected]   

Jane Dunfee, SBTS, Testing Coordinator, [email protected] 

Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant,  [email protected]

Judy Toy, Office Assistant, [email protected]

Luis Uribe Gamboa, Family Liaison, [email protected] 

• School Calendar
• FCPS Calendar
• Contact us
• Meet our mental health team
• Mantua PTA
• Parent Information Lines (Available in 8 languages)
• Technology Support

9107 Horner Court, Fairfax, VA 22031 | Main Office: 703-645-6300

Attendance: 703-645-6363 | Web | Twitter

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Message from Ms. Shannon

Dear Families,

Happy President's Day! We hope you are enjoying a relaxing three-day weekend.

It's hard to believe we are already in the middle of February!  Between the early releases, a snow day, the 100th day of school, and Valentine's Day, it feels like we've experienced a month's worth of events in just few days. We had a fantastic and festive evening during our Math and Literacy Night! It was wonderful to see so many students and families engaged in the interactive games and activities. From Boggle and Roll-a-Story to making sticker sentences and playing Dunkin’ Dominoes, the energy was contagious! The smiles on everyone's faces truly made the night special. Thank you to everyone who participated in this wonderful event! We've included some photos below so you can see all the fun.

Our strings and chorus students recently shared their musical talents with us!  At the Choral Cookie Concert on Thursday, students and families enjoyed a diverse selection of music while sharing cookies and hot chocolate. These events are such a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, enjoy some entertainment, and connect with one another. 

Finally, we are absolutely thrilled to announce that Amanda Bontzos, our Reading Specialist, has been honored as the Region 5 Outstanding Professional Employee! This is a well-deserved recognition of Amanda's incredible talent and tremendous dedication to our staff and students. We are so fortunate to have her at Mantua.  You can read more about this exciting achievement below. Congratulations, Amanda!

We hope you have a wonderful and restful long weekend!

Take good care, 

Ms. Shannon, Mrs. Vaughan, and Mr. Webster

Important Upcoming Dates

February 20: Frost Family Festival, Frost Middle School, 5:30-7:30 PM

February 27: Math Workshop 4th and 5th grade (registration required)

February 28: Ramadan begins, Religious and Cultural Observance (evening)

March 28: End of the Quarter

March 31: Eid-al-Fitr, Staff and Student holiday

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.

Mantua News Congratulations!

We are thrilled to share that Amanda Bontzos, our Reading Specialist, has been recognized as the Region 5 Outstanding Professional Employee! This is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to her dedication, expertise, and the incredible impact she has on our students and staff. Her selection by the regional panel is truly an honor, and we could not be more proud of her!  Amanda’s nomination will now advance to the district level award considerations.  Congratulations, Amanda, on such a well-deserved award!  We are very grateful to have you on the Mantua team!

Feature Friday

Feature Friday is the way we spotlight Mantua's incredible staff on a regular basis! Each week, we recognize a group of staff members. Check them out on Mantua ES Instagram.  

This week’s featured staff are members of our 4th grade team, Ms. Hardesty, Ms. Lemke, and Mr. Withington. In recognition and appreciation of their work, please take a moment to share a positive message for them using the Google Form, open through 02/22. 

Thank you for helping us to make Feature Friday a fun and engaging way to celebrate our school community and for your continued enthusiasm and support of our staff!

The Positivity Project.

This week, our school community will focus on the Other People Mindset of Cheering Others’ Successes. This means when someone else does well, we are happy for them and show our support.

It's normal to sometimes feel jealous or envious when others succeed, but learning to genuinely celebrate their accomplishments can improve our own happiness and relationships. Supporting others not only helps them feel good but also strengthens our community and creates a positive environment.

Encouraging your child to be happy for others can start with simple actions, such as congratulating a friend, noticing feelings of envy and asking why, or learning from others’ successes. These steps build a supportive culture in families, teams, schools, and communities.

To practice and encourage this Other People Mindset at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Pre-K–K

Grades 1–2

Grades 3–5

Grades 6–8

Grades 9–12

It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, between January and April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. 

Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan. 

Religious and Cultural Celebrations and Observances

Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact the front office staff, [email protected], regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation, silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.  We strive to make sure that every student feels valued and respected, and we will make every effort to assist your students with their specific needs. 

We want to recognize all our community members who observe Ramadan, the most sacred month of the year in Islam. Ramadan this year is from February 28th at sundown to sundown March 29th. During this month, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset each day while striving to increase their spirituality through prayers, charity, and good deeds. 

We anticipate that some students may need accommodation during this time, and we encourage you to let your child’s teacher know and reach out to the front office [email protected]  for any specific needs.

FCPS News Nominations Open for First-Class Awards

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.

Breaking Down the Budget: Investing in Our Classrooms

Did you know that more than 85% of FCPS’ budget stays in our classrooms? Currently, 92.5% of FCPS staff are school-based, more than neighboring school districts. We are in the middle of FCPS’ annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. Learn more about the proposed FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget and see the budget timeline. 

FCPS’ Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

The Fairfax County School Board approved the annual update to FCPS’ FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at their regular board meeting last week. A CIP is a working budget document that shows the timing and costs of improvement to school buildings, such as renovations, additions, and new schools. Learn more about planned improvements. Fairfax County Public Schools’ updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the CIP. Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.

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.

Learn More About How Your Child Feels at School

The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-12 in March. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop the skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who do not have a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage

In Case You Missed It

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Flu Prevention
• Students Spread Joy
• Investing in our Classrooms

Quick Contacts & Links

Linda Shannon, Principal [email protected]

Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal [email protected]

Chris  Webster, Interim Assistant Principal [email protected] 

Susan Palomino, Administrative/Finance Assistant [email protected]  

Mergie Kakouris, Student Information Assistant, [email protected]   

Jane Dunfee, SBTS, Testing Coordinator, [email protected] 

Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant,  [email protected]

Judy Toy, Office Assistant, [email protected]

Luis Uribe Gamboa, Family Liaison, [email protected] 

• School Calendar
• FCPS Calendar
• Contact us
• Meet our mental health team
• Mantua PTA
• Parent Information Lines (Available in 8 languages)
• Technology Support

9107 Horner Court, Fairfax, VA 22031 | Main Office: 703-645-6300

Attendance: 703-645-6363 | Web | Twitter

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Message from Ms. Shannon

Dear families,

As we begin the second half of the school year, I know many of us are carrying a heavy heart. The recent tragedy in Washington, D.C. has affected us all, and I want to acknowledge the sadness and grief that many in our community are experiencing. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of those lost.
It's during these difficult times that we must lean on each other for support. Please know that our school community is here to support your students in any way that we can.
Even amidst sorrow, we must continue to nurture hope and look forward. We have an exciting semester ahead, filled with opportunities for learning and growth.

Take good care,
Ms. Shannon, Ms. Vaughan, and Mr. Webster

Important Upcoming Dates

February 4 - Tonight: 4th, 5th, and 6th grade Strings concerts, beginning at 5:45 PM

February 6: Family Math & Literacy Night, 6:00 PM

February 10: Early Release Monday, 1:05 PM dismissal

February 13: 6th grade chorus Cookie Concert, 7pm in the cafeteria

February 17: President’s Day, school holiday

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.

MANTUA News Feature Friday & National School Counseling Week

Feature Friday is the way we spotlight Mantua's incredible staff on a regular basis! Each week, we recognize a group of staff members. Check them out on Mantua ES Instagram.  

This week’s featured staff is our counseling and student support staff members Mr. Jones-Hang and Mrs. Song in recognition of National School Counseling Week 2025 (#NSCW25). The theme is: School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive. National School Counseling Week, presented by ASCA, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. In honor and appreciation of their work, please take a moment to share a positive message for Mr. Jones-Hang and Mrs. Song using the Google Form, open through 02/08. 

Thank you for helping us to make Feature Friday a fun and engaging way to celebrate our school community and for your continued enthusiasm and support of our staff!

Family Math & Literacy Night

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Family Math and Literacy Night thisThursday, February 6 at 6PM. Our staff has been hard at work creating fun and meaningful activities for families to engage in together. On the night of the event, programs will be available in the lobby to find out the locations of the activities best suited for your child’s age range. Classroom doors will open at 6:00. This is an “open house” style event, so feel free to stop in anytime between 6:00 and 7:30 PM. Remember – all activities are meant for children and adults to complete together! We can't wait to see our families having fun while they learn! For easy dinner options, a food truck will be on site with food available for purchase.

Early Release Mondays

Communication for the next Early Release Monday is being sent to families for plan changes only.  Please complete the survey only if you have plan changes for your child.  FCPS communications have shared with families that students who stay at school between early release and regular dismissal will not be with their regular teacher and will not receive instruction during this time. Students enrolled in PM SACC will attend SACC at 1:05 PM. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Shannon through Ms. Palomino at [email protected] .  

Here is a list of the remaining Early Release Mondays for the 2024-25 calendar year:

• February 10
• March 10
• April 21
• May 12

FCPS News FCPS’ Proposed Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

Fairfax County Public Schools updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the proposed FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.

The proposed CIP was presented to the School Board at the January 14 work session. A public hearing was also held January 14. The School Board will take action on the proposed CIP at its Thursday, February 6, meeting.

FCPS Boundary Study

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

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

Language interpretation will be available. 

Virtual meetings will follow the same format as in-person meetings that were recently held and the same information will be shared. 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.

Quick Contacts & Links

Linda Shannon, Principal [email protected]

Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal [email protected]

Chris  Webster, Interim Assistant Principal [email protected] 

Susan Palomino, Administrative/Finance Assistant [email protected]  

Mergie Kakouris, Student Information Assistant, [email protected]   

Jane Dunfee, SBTS, Testing Coordinator, [email protected] 

Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant,  [email protected]

Judy Toy, Office Assistant, [email protected]

Luis Uribe Gamboa, Family Liaison, [email protected] 

• School Calendar
• FCPS Calendar
• Contact us
• Meet our mental health team
• Mantua PTA
• Parent Information Lines (Available in 8 languages)
• Technology Support

9107 Horner Court, Fairfax, VA 22031 | Main Office: 703-645-6300

Attendance: 703-645-6363 | Web | Twitter

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Message from Ms. Shannon

What a treat it was to hear the musical talents of our 5th and 6th-grade band students on Thursday evening! They were fantastic! We're already looking forward to more wonderful performances from our strings and choral students in the coming weeks. A huge thank you to all the parents and families for your incredible support in helping your children shine both academically and artistically! While we were disappointed to see the Commander’s season come to an end last night, they gave us an exciting season! On a brighter note, we're so excited to finally see some warmer weather this week after a few chilly weeks! Looking ahead, some of our rising 7th graders will be visiting Frost Middle School for a sneak peek at middle school life! And don't forget, Luther Jackson will be hosting a curriculum night for rising 7th graders planning to attend LJMS on January 30th.  Mark your calendars for 7th graders' transition activities.

Please be on the lookout for our survey for the next Early Release Monday, taking place on February 10.  This survey communicates changes to your child’s dismissal schedule.  Please fill out the survey ONLY if you have plan changes.  If you have questions about Early Release Mondays or your child’s schedule, please reach out to Susan Palomino at [email protected].

This is a gentle reminder about our teacher workday and student holiday on January 29.  Teacher workdays allow time for staff to post grades and receive staff development training.  We will return to classes on January 30.

Take good care, 

Ms. Shannon, Mrs. Vaughan, and Mr. Webster

Important Upcoming Dates

January 24: Turnpike Night, Woodson High School

January 28: End of the Quarter (no early release)

January 29: Lunar New Year, Student Holiday, Teacher Workday

January 30: Curriculum Night, Luther Jackson (rising 7th graders), 6-8 PM

February 4: 4th, 5th, and 6th grade Strings concerts, beginning at 5:45 PM

February 6: Family Math & Literacy Night, 6:00 PM

February 10: Early Release Monday, 1:05 PM dismissal

February 13: 6th grade chorus Cookie Concert, 7pm in the cafeteria

February 17: President’s Day, school holiday

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.

MANTUA News Feature Friday 

Feature Friday is the way we spotlight Mantua's incredible staff on a regular basis! Each week, we recognize a group of staff members. Check them out on Mantua ES Instagram.   This week’s featured staff will be staff members  Ms. Brant, Ms. Baugher, and Ms. Kabbani.   Please take a moment to share a positive message for the teams using the Google Form, open through 2/1/25. 

Thank you for helping us to make Feature Friday a fun and engaging way to celebrate our school community and for your continued enthusiasm and support of our staff!

Family Math & Literacy Night

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Family Math and Literacy Night next week on Thursday, February 6 at 6PM. Our staff has been hard at work creating fun and meaningful activities for families to engage in together. On the night of the event, programs will be available in the lobby to find out the locations of the activities best suited for your child’s age range. Classroom doors will open at 6:00. This is an “open house” style event, so feel free to stop in anytime between 6:00 and 7:30 PM. Remember – all activities are meant for children and adults to complete together! We can't wait to see our families having fun while they learn! For easy dinner options, a food truck will be on site with food available for purchase.

The Positivity Project

This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Social Intelligence. Social intelligence means understanding other people's thoughts and feelings and why they act the way they do.

Social intelligence helps us build good relationships by being aware of others’ emotions and behaviors. It is different from "book smarts" and grows with experience. It also allows people to connect, form friendships, and protect themselves from being taken advantage of. It also helps us read facial expressions and understand what motivates others.

To practice and encourage the character strength of social intelligence at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Pre-K–K

Grades 1–2

Grades 3–5

Grades 6–8

Grades 9–12

Early Release Mondays

Communication for the next Early Release Monday is being sent to families for plan changes only.  Please complete the survey only if you have plan changes for your child.  FCPS communications have shared with families that students who stay at school between early release and regular dismissal will not be with their regular teacher and will not receive instruction during this time. Students enrolled in PM SACC will attend SACC at 1:05 PM. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Shannon through Ms. Palomino at [email protected] .  

Here is a list of the remaining Early Release Mondays for the 2024-25 calendar year:

• February 10
• March 10
• April 21
• May 12

Transition to Middle School - Notices from Frost MS & Luther Jackson MS FCPS News FCPS’ Proposed Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

Fairfax County Public Schools updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the proposed FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.

The proposed CIP was presented to the School Board at the January 14 work session. A public hearing was also held January 14. The School Board will take action on the proposed CIP at its Thursday, February 6, meeting.

 

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.

 

FCPS Boundary Study

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

• 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. 

Virtual meetings will follow the same format as in-person meetings that were recently held and the same information will be shared. 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.

Other FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• SOL Score Reports
• Upcoming Budget Presentation
• Science Fair Judges Needed

Quick Contacts & Links

Linda Shannon, Principal [email protected]

Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal [email protected]

Chris  Webster, Interim Assistant Principal [email protected] 

Susan Palomino, Administrative/Finance Assistant [email protected]  

Mergie Kakouris, Student Information Assistant, [email protected]   

Jane Dunfee, SBTS, Testing Coordinator, [email protected] 

Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant,  [email protected]

Judy Toy, Office Assistant, [email protected]

Luis Uribe Gamboa, Family Liaison, [email protected]

• School Calendar
• FCPS Calendar
• Contact us
• Meet our mental health team
• Mantua PTA
• Parent Information Lines (Available in 8 languages)
• Technology Support

9107 Horner Court, Fairfax, VA 22031 | Main Office: 703-645-6300

Attendance: 703-645-6363 | Web | Twitter

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Message from Ms. Shannon

Dear Mantua Families,

We hope you are keeping warm on this winter day and enjoying the day off in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s tremendous contributions to society and recognition of today's Inauguration. 

We were so impressed by how smoothly our amazing students adjusted to returning to the classroom this week! They were even champs about having indoor recess. Thankfully, the warmer weather on Friday let us get back outside for some fresh air and fun. To ensure our students stay warm and comfortable while enjoying outdoor activities like recess and PE, please remember to send them to school with a warm coat, hat, gloves, and other appropriate cold-weather gear. We closely monitor weather conditions, including low temperatures, wind chill advisories, and warnings, to determine if outdoor activities need to be adjusted for student safety and well-being.

In the week ahead, we will have the opportunity to hear our band students perform their winter concert on January 23rd, beginning at 6:30 PM.  Our students have worked diligently to prepare for this event, and we look forward to hearing their musical talents! Students at all grade levels are participating in iReady assessments which are valuable tools for understanding student progress.  Reach out to your child’s teacher if you have questions about testing.

Finally, mark your calendars for our upcoming Math and Literacy Night!  This event will be held on February 6, beginning at 6 PM.  This is a wonderful chance to participate in interactive learning activities as a family!  See the flyer below.

Take good care, 

Ms. Shannon, Mrs. Vaughan, and Mr. Webster

Important Upcoming Dates

January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr Day, staff and student holiday/Inauguration Day

January 23: 5th & 6th Grade Band Concert, 6:30 PM, Mantua Gym

January 24: Turnpike Night, Woodson High School

January 28: End of the Quarter

January 29: Lunar New Year, Student Holiday, Teacher Workday

January 30: Curriculum Night, Luther Jackson (rising 7th graders), 6-8 PM

February 4: 4th, 5th, and 6th grade Strings concerts, beginning at 5:45 PM

February 6: Family Math & Literacy Night, 6:00 PM

February 10: Early Release Monday, 1:05 PM dismissal

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.

MANTUA News Feature Friday 

Feature Friday is the way we spotlight Mantua's incredible staff and classrooms on a regular basis! Each week, we recognize a group of staff members. Check them out on Mantua ES Instagram.   This week’s featured staff will be 3rd grade Lawson Sperapani, Kim Thomas, Kristen Volosin, and Tricia Murphy.  Please take a moment to share a positive message for the teams using the Google Form, open through 1/25. 

Thank you for helping us to make Feature Friday a fun and engaging way to celebrate our school community and for your continued enthusiasm and support of our staff!

Mantua PTA Wish Fund

We have extended the deadline to submit an application for the PTA Wish Fund.  The new date is, tomorrow, Tuesday, January 21st at 5 PM.

The generous support of Mantua ES families, community supporters, faculty, and staff enables us to operate the Mantua PTA Wish Fund, an internal grant-awarding program founded in 2014. 

This grant is designed to fund valuable projects that benefit our school. A few of the past awarded projects are the outside track, installed refillable water stations, balls and equipment for recess, snap circuits for science classes, and supplies for the Garden Committee. 

Please check out the PTA Wish Fund website for more information.

http://www.mantuapta.org/wishfund.html

The Positivity Project

This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Perseverance. Perseverance means completing what you start despite obstacles. It means never giving up.

People who show perseverance keep trying, even when they face challenges. They stay focused on their goals and work hard, even when things don't go as planned. Those who persevere often achieve great things because they don't quit. They also learn a lot and get better at what they do.

Perseverance can also inspire others. When one person in a group keeps going despite setbacks, it can motivate the whole team to keep trying and reach their goals.

To practice and encourage the character strength of perseverance at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Pre-K–K

Grades 1–2

Grades 3–5

Grades 6–8

Grades 9–12

Transition to Middle School - Notices from Frost MS & Luther Jackson MS FCPS & Pyramid News Turnpike Night at Woodson FCPS Boundary Study

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, 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. 

Virtual meetings will follow the same format as in-person meetings that were recently held and the same information will be shared. 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.

FCPS News This Week

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Dress Children Warmly
• Proposed Construction Projects
• Dual Language Immersion Lottery

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

Free Webinars and Events for Families

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

• Overcoming School Refusal and Resistance
• Virtual Meeting for Siblings of Children with Special Needs
• FCPS Math Week
• Supporting Your Child’s Executive Functioning Skills
• Depression in Teens
• Understanding Trauma in Your Child/Comprendiedo el Trauma en su Hijo (presented in Spanish)

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 FCPS 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. 

Quick Contacts & Links

Linda Shannon, Principal [email protected]

Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal [email protected]

Chris  Webster, Interim Assistant Principal [email protected] 

Susan Palomino, Administrative/Finance Assistant [email protected]  

Mergie Kakouris, Student Information Assistant, [email protected]   

Jane Dunfee, SBTS, Testing Coordinator, [email protected] 

Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant,  [email protected]

Judy Toy, Office Assistant, [email protected]

Luis Uribe Gamboa, Family Liaison, [email protected] 

• School Calendar
• FCPS Calendar
• Contact us
• Meet our mental health team
• Mantua PTA
• Parent Information Lines (Available in 8 languages)
• Technology Support

9107 Horner Court, Fairfax, VA 22031 | Main Office: 703-645-6300

Attendance: 703-645-6363 | Web | Twitter

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Message from Ms. Shannon

Dear Parents and Community,

We were so excited to welcome back our students for a short day on Friday and an early start today!  We hope everyone has enjoyed the snow and the time off.  

I want to thank our incredible custodial team, who worked tirelessly to clean and salt our grounds over 3 days. I have worked in many schools and through several snowstorms, and I have never seen grounds so meticulously cleared of snow.  This was no small task, given our expansive multi-level campus! 

I also want to congratulate our exceptional Reading Specialist, Amanda Bontzos, on being selected as the Woodson Pyramid Outstanding Professional Employee. She was selected by the pyramid panel based on the nominations submitted by colleagues and families, who spoke to her extensive knowledge, deep level of care, and gracious efforts always to support teachers and students.  Her nomination will now be considered at the regional level.  Congrats, Mrs. Bontzos. We are so proud of you! 

Please note that there will be no Early Release Monday in the month of January.  The next Early Release Monday will be February 10.  Also of note, the Woodson Area Chorus Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 22nd.  Please contact Anita Aberle at [email protected] for updated information on this event. 

Stay warm this week!

Take good care, 

Ms. Shannon, Mrs. Vaughan, and Mr. Webster

Important Upcoming Dates

January 14: Mantua Club photos (rescheduled)

January 16: Curriculum Night, Frost Middle School (rising 7th graders), 6:30 PM

January 19: Orthodox Epiphany, Religious and Cultural Observance (falls on a weekend)

January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr Day, staff and student holiday/Inauguration Day

January 23: 5th & 6th Grade Band Concert, 6:30 PM, Mantua Gym

January 28: End of the Quarter

January 29: Lunar New Year, Student Holiday, Teacher Workday

February 4: 4th, 5th, and 6th grade Strings concerts, beginning at 5:45 PM

February 6: Family Math & Literacy Night, 6:00 PM

February 10: Early Release Monday, 1:05 PM dismissal

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.

MANTUA News Feature Friday 

Feature Friday is the way we spotlight Mantua's incredible staff on a regular basis! Each week, we recognize a group of staff members. Check them out on Mantua ES Instagram.   This week’s featured staff will be 2nd grade, Cristy Luksik and Heather Taylor, and 3rd grade, Skylar Robins, Jenny Smith, and Renee Hoppis. 

Please take a moment to share a positive message for the teams using the Google Form, open through 1/18. 

Thank you for helping us to make Feature Friday a fun and engaging way to celebrate our school community and for your continued enthusiasm and support of our staff!

The Positivity Project

This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Prudence. Prudence means you plan for the future and achieve your goals by making careful everyday choices.

Prudence is about doing the right thing at the right time for the right reasons. It's a way of thinking ahead, setting goals, making plans, and having the discipline to follow through. It’s more about using your head than your heart.

Prudence helps with managing yourself effectively. Whether aiming for a sports record, getting good grades, or saving for something special, you need to plan ahead and stay focused. Even with a plan, you must resist temptations that might distract you. Prudence gives you the wisdom to use the right strengths at the right time to achieve your goals.

To practice and encourage the character strength of prudence at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Pre-K–K

Grades 1–2

Grades 3–5

Grades 6–8

Grades 9–12

Transition to Middle School - Message from Frost MS FCPS NEWS Family Math Week 

MIND Research is hosting family math week January 13 - January 17. During that time, students are encouraged to log onto the FCPS Family Math website to engage in math activities with their families at home that include stories with mathematical concepts connected to a variety of different math games from around the world. All activities are available in English and Spanish. 

To learn more about Family Math Nights check out this video. Engage as a family and help us reach our goal of logging on for three million minutes as an FCPS community!

Winter Weather

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions. 

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings through emails and text messages! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.  

FCPS Boundary Study

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

• 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. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

Virtual meetings will follow the same format as in-person meetings that were recently held and the same information will be shared. 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.

Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2024-25 school year. 

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting. Meetings are held at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program Registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and DLI Program Registration webpage.

Free Webinars and Events for Families

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

• Overcoming School Refusal and Resistance
• Virtual Meeting for Siblings of Children with Special Needs
• FCPS Math Week
• Supporting Your Child’s Executive Functioning Skills
• Depression in Teens
• Understanding Trauma in Your Child/Comprendiedo el Trauma en su Hijo (presented in Spanish)

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 FCPS 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. 

Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy

Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions! If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our main office at 703-645-6300.

Quick Contacts & Links

Linda Shannon, Principal [email protected]

Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal [email protected]

Chris  Webster, Interim Assistant Principal [email protected] 

Susan Palomino, Administrative/Finance Assistant [email protected]  

Mergie Kakouris, Student Information Assistant, [email protected]   

Jane Dunfee, SBTS, Testing Coordinator, [email protected] 

Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant,  [email protected]

Judy Toy, Office Assistant, [email protected]

Luis Uribe Gamboa, Family Liaison, [email protected] 

• School Calendar
• FCPS Calendar
• Contact us
• Meet our mental health team
• Mantua PTA
• Parent Information Lines (Available in 8 languages)
• Technology Support

9107 Horner Court, Fairfax, VA 22031 | Main Office: 703-645-6300

Attendance: 703-645-6363 | Web | Twitter

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Message from Ms. Shannon

Dear Mantua Families,

We're so happy to welcome our students back to school! We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Winter Break filled with rest and fun.  As you know, due to the ongoing winter weather conditions, school will be closed tomorrow, January 6, 2025. Please continue to monitor local news and the county website for any further updates regarding school delays or cancellations.

We can't wait to see our students' smiling faces soon!

Take good care, 

Ms. Shannon, Mrs. Vaughan, and Mr. Webster

Important Upcoming Dates

January 6: Three King’s Day/Epiphany, Religious and Cultural Observance

January 7: Orthodox Christmas, Religious and Cultural Observance

January 11: Woodson Area Chorus Day (pre-registration required)

January 16: Curriculum Night, Frost Middle School (rising 7th graders)

January 19: Orthodox Epiphany, Religious and Cultural Observance (falls on a weekend)

January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr Day, staff and student holiday/Inauguration Day

January 23: 5th & 6th Grade Band Concert, 6:30 PM, Mantua Gym

January 28: End of the Quarter

January 29: Lunar New Year, Student Holiday, Teacher Workday

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.

Mantua News Feature Friday 

Feature Friday is the way we spotlight Mantua's incredible staff on a regular basis! Each week, we recognize a group of staff members. Check them out on Mantua ES Instagram.   This week’s featured staff will be Cristy Luksik and Heather Taylor from 2nd grade and Skylar Robins from 3rd grade.  

Please take a moment to share a positive message for the teams using the Google Form, open through 1/11. 

Thank you for helping us to make Feature Friday a fun and engaging way to celebrate our school community and for your continued enthusiasm and support of our staff!

The Positivity Project

This coming week, our school will focus on the character strength of Optimism. Optimism means that you expect the best from the future and work to achieve it.

Optimistic people have hope and confidence about the future. They believe good things will come and stay positive even when faced with challenges. They turn obstacles into steps toward their goals.

Optimism isn't just seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. It's about focusing on the good in any situation, staying open to opportunities, and managing emotions. Optimistic people make great leaders and can inspire others with their positive outlook and ability to find meaning in difficult times.

To practice and encourage the character strength of optimism at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Pre-K–K

Grades 1–2

Grades 3–5

Grades 6–8

Grades 9–12

  FCPS News Upcoming Winter Weather

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions. 

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings through emails and text messages! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.   

FCPS Boundary Study

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

• 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. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

Virtual meetings will follow the same format as in-person meetings that were recently held and the same information will be shared. 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.

Quick Contacts & Links

Linda Shannon, Principal [email protected]

Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal [email protected]

Chris Webster, Interim Assistant Principal  [email protected]

Susan Palomino, Administrative/Finance Assistant [email protected]  

Mergie Kakouris, Student Information Assistant, [email protected]   

Jane Dunfee, SBTS, Testing Coordinator, [email protected] 

Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant,  [email protected]

Judy Toy, Office Assistant, [email protected]

Luis Uribe Gamboa, Family Liaison, [email protected] 

•  School Calendar
• FCPS Calendar
• Contact us
• Meet our mental health team
• Mantua PTA
• Parent Information Lines (Available in 8 languages)
• Technology Support

9107 Horner Court, Fairfax, VA 22031 | Main Office: 703-645-6300

Attendance: 703-645-6363 | Web | Twitter

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

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Introducing our Interim Assistant Principal

Dear Mantua Families, 

Finding the ideal candidate for the Assistant Principal position is crucial. To ensure we attract the strongest pool of applicants, we've decided to advertise our Assistant Principal vacancy in the spring. In the meantime, we're pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Chris Webster, our current Technology Support Specialist (TSSpec), as Interim Assistant Principal. Mr. Webster has completed his Educational Leadership and Administration program and has experience supporting our school through an administrative capacity numerous times.  We are confident in Mr. Webster's ability to serve our students and community effectively during this interim period and are very excited to work with him in this capacity. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Webster to his new role and take a movement to learn more about him by reading his biography below. 

Take good care, 

Linda Shannon

Mr. Webster has over 11 years of experience in education, most recently spending the last three years here at Mantua Elementary.  Mr. Webster started his career in education teaching eighth grade English in Stafford County.  He has also taught for Hawaii Public Schools as a tenth grade English teacher and then as the Technology Coordinator for a high school on Oahu, Hawaii.  Prior to joining Fairfax County Public Schools, Mr. Webster spent several years serving as an Instructional Technology Coach for Prince William County Schools, utilizing data, research-based practices, and innovative technology to improve staff and student learning.  Over the last five years, Mr. Webster has worked in FCPS as a School Based Technology Specialist, Summer Learning Programs Director, Administrative Intern, and most recently, as the Technology Support Specialist at Mantua Elementary.  Throughout his time in education, Mr. Webster has led numerous school, regional, district, and state-level professional development opportunities on educational technology.  

Mr. Webster holds a Bachelor of Education in Secondary English/Language Arts from The University of Hawaii.  He holds a Master’s of Education in K-12 Instructional Technology from NOVA Southeastern University, as well as a Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration from the American College of Education.  

In his off time, Mr. Webster enjoys spending time with his wife, a Fairfax educator, and taking their two dogs on walks around their neighborhood lake.  His time away from work is often spent playing hockey, hiking, and exploring new places.  

Mr. Webster is excited to serve the Mantua community, staff, and students in a new role.  He aims to utilize his coaching mindset and experience working with diverse communities of learners to help all students succeed and support Mantua’s faculty and staff. 

Quick Links

• School Calendar
• FCPS Calendar
• Contact us
• Meet our mental health team
• Mantua PTA
• Parent Information Lines (Available in 8 languages)
• Technology Support

9107 Horner Court, Fairfax, VA 22031 | Main Office: 703-645-6300

Attendance: 703-645-6363 | Web | Twitter

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

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Message from Ms. Shannon

Dear Mantua Families,

As we prepare for our winter break, we're all hoping for a bit of winter magic. Whether it snows or not, we hope your time is filled with laughter, love, and cherished moments spent with loved ones.  This will be our final newsletter of the year. We look forward to welcoming you back to school refreshed and ready to learn in the new year!

This week’s Reminders:

• Spirit Week starts tomorrow! Help us count down the days to winter break by dressing up for our spirit days!
• Wednesday, December 18, at 4:30 PM, we will host a reception for Mr. Rich Deixler. Please  RSVP Link using this link by tomorrow evening. 
• This is the final week to make donations to our Kids Club Food Drive. A list of items is included.
• December 20th is the last day to register for the Woodson Area Chorus Day, which will take place in January! We have details and a registration link below.

Our school office will be closed over the winter break.  If you require assistance, please email Linda Shannon, Principal [email protected] and Susan Palomino, Administrative/Finance Assistant [email protected].

Take good care, 

Ms. Shannon, Mr. Deixler, and Mrs. Vaughan

Check out our fourth graders having fun on the field and our first graders completing their Shapes Project Based Learning (PBL)!

Important Upcoming Dates

December 18: Farewell for Rich Deixler, 4:30 PM (RSVP requested)

December 25: Christmas (falls during winter break)

December 25: Chanukah (falls during winter break)

December 23-Jan 5: Winter Break for all students

January 1: New Year’s (falls during winter break)

January 6: School resumes

January 6: Three King’s Day/Epiphany, Religious and Cultural Observance

January 7: Orthodox Christmas, Religious and Cultural Observance

January 11: Woodson Area Chorus Day (pre-registration required)

January 16: Curriculum Night, Frost Middle School (rising 7th graders)

January 19: Orthodox Epiphany, Religious and Cultural Observance (falls on a weekend)

January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr Day, staff and student holiday/Inauguration Day

January 28: End of the Quarter

January 29: Lunar New Year, Student Holiday, Teacher Workday

MANTUA News Mantua Spirit Week December Starts Tomorrow!

Monday ~ Grade Level Color Day (See colors below)

Tuesday ~ Team Day (Wear swag from your favorite team)

Wednesday ~ Winter Wednesday (Dress in winter-themed clothes)

Thursday ~ Mad About Plaid (Wear all things plaid)

Friday ~ PJ Day (Wear your pajamas)

Grade Level Colors:

Preschool ~ Pink, K ~ Blue, 1 ~ Green, 2 ~ White, 3 ~ Purple, 4 ~ Orange, 5 ~ Red, 6 ~ Yellow

Feature Friday 

Feature Friday is the way we spotlight Mantua's incredible staff on a regular basis! Each week, we recognize a group of staff members. Check them out on Mantua ES Instagram.   This week’s featured staff will be Joo Kang and Barbara Lewis (2nd grade).  Please take a moment to share a positive message for the teams using the Google Form, open through 12/2. 

Thank you for helping us to make Feature Friday a fun and engaging way to celebrate our school community and for your continued enthusiasm and support of our staff!

Farewell

Join us as we gather to wish Rich Deixler, Assistant Principal, a fond farewell as he moves to the Assistant Principal role at Frost Middle School! The farewell will be held in the library on December 18 from 4:30-5:30 PM. Mr. Deixler has been an integral part of the Mantua community for the past 13 years, and we hope you can join us in wishing him all the best in his new role. Members of the Mantua community are welcome and invited to attend. Please RSVP with this link.  

Kids Care Club Food Drive  The Positivity Project

This coming week, our school will focus on the character strength of Self-Control. Self-control means having the ability to control your emotions and behaviors. You think before you act.

Having self-control helps people stay calm during tough times and avoid impulsive actions. It doesn’t mean you don’t have thoughts or feelings; it means you can manage them.

When working or gathering in groups, self-control is shown through “self-monitoring.” This means being honest about what works and what doesn’t. Group members adjust their roles to help the group succeed.

To practice and encourage the character strength of self-control at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Pre-K–K

Grades 1–2

Grades 3–5

Grades 6–8

Grades 9–12

Thank you for your continued support!

Transition to Middle School - Message from Frost MS FCPS News Middle School Start Time Study

Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.

Winter Resources from Fairfax County Government Agencies

Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

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. Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!

The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county. 

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.

Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. 

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter

The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:

• Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
• Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
• SEL Screener Results
• New Accessibility Resources
• Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
• Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
• VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
• Executive Functioning Webinars
• Early Literacy Resources
• ESY and Assessment Webinar
• COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options

Subscribe to the Special Education and 504 Newsletter. 

Quick Contacts & Links

Linda Shannon, Principal [email protected]

Rich Deixler, Assistant Principal [email protected]

Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal [email protected]

Susan Palomino, Administrative/Finance Assistant [email protected]  

Mergie Kakouris, Student Information Assistant, [email protected]   

Jane Dunfee, SBTS, Testing Coordinator, [email protected] 

Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant,  [email protected]

Judy Toy, Office Assistant, [email protected]

Luis Uribe Gamboa, Family Liaison, [email protected] 

•  School Calendar
• FCPS Calendar
• Contact us
• Meet our mental health team
• Mantua PTA
• Parent Information Lines (Available in 8 languages)
• Technology Support

9107 Horner Court, Fairfax, VA 22031 | Main Office: 703-645-6300

Attendance: 703-645-6363 | Web | Twitter

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

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Dear Mantua Families,

I am writing to share some exciting news and to express our sincere gratitude.

Our beloved Assistant Principal, Mr. Rich Deixler, has been named the new Assistant Principal at Frost Middle School, effective January 6, 2025.

Mr. Deixler has been an integral part of the Mantua community for the past 13 years, first as a dedicated 5th-grade teacher and then as a supportive and collaborative Assistant Principal. He has been a true partner in all aspects of school life, from enhancing our academic programs to fostering a warm and welcoming school climate.

Mr. Deixler's remarkable ability to build strong relationships with students, families, and staff has been a cornerstone of his success at Mantua. His deep understanding of our school and his unwavering commitment to our students have made a lasting impact on our community.

While we are saddened to see him leave Mantua, we are incredibly excited for this next chapter in Mr. Deixler's career. We know he will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of students, families, and educators at Frost Middle School.

To celebrate Mr. Deixler's contributions to Mantua, we will host a farewell reception for staff and families on the afternoon of December 18th, with more information to follow. Please join us in wishing him all the best in his new role.

Please find Mr. Deixler’s message to the community below.

---------

Dear Mantua School Community,

As I embark on a new chapter in my career, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the past 12 years. It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of this wonderful school community.

From my early days as a teacher to my time as Assistant Principal, I've been consistently inspired by the dedication and passion of our staff, students, and families. Your unwavering support has made a significant impact on my professional growth and personal development.

I'm excited to announce that I will be joining Frost Middle School as Assistant Principal, effective January 6, 2025. While I'm sad to be leaving Mantua, I'm thrilled about this new opportunity to continue serving our community. Frost Middle School is an integral part of our district's pyramid, and by joining their team, I'll still be able to collaborate with many of the talented educators and support staff I've come to know and admire.

I'm confident that my experience at Mantua has prepared me well for this next step in my career. I'm grateful for the lessons I've learned and the relationships I've built, and I look forward to carrying those forward as I transition to Frost Middle School.

With heartfelt thanks,

Rich Deixler

Quick Links

• School Calendar
• FCPS Calendar
• Contact us
• Meet our mental health team
• Mantua PTA
• Parent Information Lines (Available in 8 languages)
• Technology Support

9107 Horner Court, Fairfax, VA 22031 | Main Office: 703-645-6300

Attendance: 703-645-6363 | Web | Twitter

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Message from Ms. Shannon

Dear Mantua Families,

This week at Mantua has been filled with exciting learning opportunities. Our 2nd and 3rd-grade students enjoyed a special Math Workshop led by Woodson students. Our STEAM classes have been busy exploring the world of architecture by building incredible structures with blocks. Our music classes are filling our hallways with the joyous sounds of winter songs, celebrating the diverse voices and traditions of the season. This week and next, our 6th-grade classes are embarking on an exciting journey to the Woodson Planetarium, where they will learn all about the wonders of our solar system and the marvels of space exploration.

Thanks to the work of our PTA, our 3rd through 6th-grade Chat 'n' Chew groups will begin the upcoming week! These wonderful groups allow students to make new connections and discover the joy of reading together. 

We are so proud to announce the 2024-2025 FCPS Outstanding Employee Award School-based winners below. These dedicated teachers and staff members are recognized for their exceptional work, creating an inspiring and supportive learning environment for all our students. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of all our staff members. While these individuals are being formally recognized, we want to acknowledge the valuable contributions of every member of our team in creating a positive and supportive learning environment for our students. Congratulations to all our award winners!

We would also like to extend a huge congratulations to all the talented students who participated in this weekend's Aladdin for Kids Play! Their incredible performances were a testament to their hard work, dedication, and creativity. A special thank you to the PTA's Drama Club for making this magical production possible.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Ms. Shannon, Mr. Deixler, and Mrs. Vaughan

Important Upcoming Dates

December 8: Bodhi Day (falls on a weekend)

December 15: AAP referral deadline

December 25: Christmas (falls during winter break)

December 25: Chanukah (falls during winter break)

December 23-Jan 5: Winter Break for all students

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.

MANTUA News FCPS Excellence Awards for Mantua

Again this year, we had many submissions for the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards.  Thank you to Mrs. Song for her work in collecting the submissions and supporting the Awards Review Committee.  All staff whose names were submitted will receive the wonderful comments shared by families and colleagues. We are pleased to announce our school winners for outstanding employees at Mantua! 

• Outstanding Teacher Kathy VanDyke, Advanced Academics Resource Teacher (AART)
• Outstanding New Teacher Kerry Hill, 2nd Grade
• Outstanding Professional Employee Amanda Bontzos, Reading Specialist
• Outstanding Operational Employee Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant
• Outstanding Leader Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal

December 16-20 is Mantua Winter Spirit Week 

Monday ~ Grade Level Color Day (See colors below)

Tuesday ~ Team Day (Wear swag from your favorite team)

Wednesday ~ Winter Wednesday (Dress in winter-themed clothes)

Thursday ~ Mad About Plaid (Wear all things plaid)

Friday ~ PJ Day (Wear your pajamas)

 

Grade Level Colors:

K ~ Blue

1 ~ Green

2 ~ White

3 ~ Purple

4 ~ Orange

5 ~ Red

6 ~ Yellow

Referral Deadline for Full-time Advanced Academics Program (AAP) Services

Families interested in referring their grade 2 – 6 student for full-time AAP services must submit a referral by December 15, 2024. This is a firm deadline that may not be extended. Families of students who took the CogAt in October should not wait to receive CogAt scores before making a referral.  For questions about the AAP continuum of services, how students are identified for full-time AAP services, or how to access referral forms, please contact Mantua’s Advanced Academics Resource Teacher (AART), Kathy Van Dyke, at [email protected].  Ms. Van Dyke may also be reached through Talking Points.

Woodson Pyramid Area Chorus Day

All 4th, 5th and 6th graders have been invited to participate in the annual Woodson Pyramid Area Chorus Day! The event occurs at Frost Middle School on Saturday, January 11th, from 9:45 AM-1 PM. Students will learn music from the Frost and Woodson Chorus teachers, play games, sing, and have pizza served! It is a fun way to meet students from all over the pyramid and have fun singing together as a community! To register, please use this link: https://forms.gle/PGKuJfbjKD8hT8vu6  and pay the $12 fee on www.myschoolbucks.com by December 20th.

Feature Friday 

Feature Friday is the way we spotlight Mantua's incredible staff on a regular basis! Each week, we recognize a group of staff members. Check them out on Mantua ES Instagram.  

Our next featured staff to be recognized will be members of our Second Grade Team: Kerry Hill, Sarah Grottle, and Teresa Chiffons.

Please take a moment to share a positive message for the teams using the Google form, open through 12/13. 

The Positivity Project

This week, our school community will focus on the Other People Mindset of Supporting Others When They Struggle. This means when other people are struggling, we do our best to help them out.

Supporting other people when they struggle is a critical part of being human. There are many different approaches to helping people who are struggling. These can include listening while they describe an event and their feelings about it, taking action to help people in need, or simply being there and sitting together in silence. Everyone faces tough days and needs support, and this support leads to a chain of prosocial behavior that makes us feel good about ourselves and our group.

To practice and encourage this Other People Mindset at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Pre-K–K

Grades 1–2

Grades 3–5

Grades 6–8

Grades 9–12

Woodson Winter Wonderland

Woodson High School welcomes families to their Winter Wonderland event! Join in the fun on December 14th, 11:00 AM- 3:00 PM.

FCPS News Student Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R

FCPS is working with K12 Insight to host a community forum for families, staff members, and students to provide feedback on the school division’s cell phone policies and practices, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. FCPS is looking for more student participants (grades 3-12) to help ensure diverse perspectives from our community.

The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center. If your student is interested in providing feedback, please visit the Cell Phone Policy Forum registration page to learn more. Families must register their child by Monday, November 25.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school. 

Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. 

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

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.

Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!

The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county. 

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.

Quick Contacts & Links

Linda Shannon, Principal [email protected]

Rich Deixler, Assistant Principal [email protected]

Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal [email protected]

Susan Palomino, Administrative/Finance Assistant [email protected]  

Mergie Kakouris, Student Information Assistant, [email protected]   

Jane Dunfee, SBTS, Testing Coordinator, [email protected] 

Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant,  [email protected]

Judy Toy, Office Assistant, [email protected]

Luis Uribe Gamboa, Family Liaison, [email protected] 

•  School Calendar
• FCPS Calendar
• Contact us
• Meet our mental health team
• Mantua PTA
• Parent Information Lines (Available in 8 languages)
• Technology Support

9107 Horner Court, Fairfax, VA 22031 | Main Office: 703-645-6300

Attendance: 703-645-6363 | Web | Twitter

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Message from Ms. Shannon

Dear Mantua Families,

Our Thanksgiving luncheon was truly memorable! It was wonderful to see so many connections with families, neighbors, staff, and students. Thank you to our cafeteria staff and staff volunteers who worked hard to make this event successful and special for everyone. The bright smiles on our students’ faces spoke volumes about how much they enjoyed spending time with their loved ones.  We couldn’t have created such a strong sense of community without the partnership and love we share with you for our students, families, and school.

Join us for our final Movement Monday of the season tomorrow morning at 8:30.  We want to extend a huge thank you to our PE team for making this event happen each week!

Finally, we are getting ready for the Mantua student performance of Aladdin for Kids on December 6th and 7th!  Our students have been working so diligently on this production, and we can’t wait to see them in action!

• December 6th at 7 PM
• December 7th at 2 PM and 6 PM

Reminder of the student holidays next week:

• Wednesday, November 27 (SACC open for enrolled students)
• Thursday, November 28, Thanksgiving holiday
• Friday, November 29, is the student and staff holiday. School will resume on Monday, December 2.

We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday filled with gratitude, joy, and togetherness.

Take good care, 

Ms. Shannon, Mr. Deixler, and Mrs. Vaughan

Important Upcoming Dates

November 25: Movement Monday (last event until spring)

November 27-29: Thanksgiving, student holiday, offices closed

December 3: Individual photo retakes

December 6-7: Drama Club performance of Aladdin for Kids

December 8: Bodhi Day (falls on a weekend)

December 15: AAP referral deadline

December 25: Christmas (falls during winter break)

December 25: Chanukah (falls during winter break)

December 23-Jan 5: Winter Break for all students

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.

Mantua News Referral Deadline for Full-time Advanced Academics Program (AAP) Services

Families interested in referring their grade 2 – 6 student for full-time AAP services must submit a referral by December 15, 2024. This is a firm deadline that may not be extended. Families of students who took the CogAt in October should not wait to receive CogAt scores before making a referral.  For questions about the AAP continuum of services, how students are identified for full-time AAP services, or how to access referral forms, please contact Mantua’s Advanced Academics Resource Teacher (AART), Kathy Van Dyke, at [email protected].  Ms. Van Dyke may also be reached through Talking Points.

NNAT3 Assessments

Our first graders will be taking the NNAT3 assessment on December 5th.  We want to gently remind families to make sure their child gets a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast on that day.

Woodson Pyramid Area Chorus Day

All 4th, 5th and 6th graders have been invited to participate in the annual Woodson Pyramid Area Chorus Day! The event occurs at Frost Middle School on Saturday, January 11th, from 9:45 AM-1 PM. Students will learn music from the Frost and Woodson Chorus teachers, play games, sing, and have pizza served! It is a fun way to meet students from all over the pyramid and have fun singing together as a community! To register, please use this link: https://forms.gle/PGKuJfbjKD8hT8vu6  and pay the $12 fee on www.myschoolbucks.com by December 20th.

Feature Friday 

Feature Friday is the way we spotlight Mantua's incredible staff on a regular basis! Each week, we recognize a group of staff members. Check them out on Mantua ES Instagram.  

Our next featured staff will be Allie Schenk (Koehler) and Leslie Schiesl during the week of December 2nd. Please take a moment to share a positive message for the teams using the Google form, open through 12/6. 

Thank you for helping us to make Feature Friday a fun and engaging way to celebrate our school community. Thank you for your enthusiasm and support!

The Positivity Project

Over the next few days, our school community will continue to focus on the character strength of Gratitude. Gratitude means being aware of and grateful for good things that happen.

Gratitude is about feeling and showing thankfulness. It helps us see the good in others and in the world. People with gratitude are ready to appreciate and return kindness. Expert Robert Emmons says gratitude strengthens relationships because it makes us recognize how others support us.

Out of all 24 character strengths, gratitude is the single best predictor of individual well-being. It is linked to more energy, empathy, happiness, and optimism. The good news is that gratitude can be practiced and strengthened like a muscle. The more we practice it, the more benefits we get.

To practice and encourage this strength at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Pre-K–K

Grades 1–2

Grades 3–5

Grades 6–8

Grades 9–12

FCPS News Boundary Review Community Meeting on Monday, December 2, at 6:30 PM

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, December 2, 6:30-8 p.m., at Westfield High School Cafeteria. 

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available.  If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Student Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R

FCPS is working with K12 Insight to host a community forum for families, staff members, and students to provide feedback on the school division’s cell phone policies and practices, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. FCPS is looking for more student participants (grades 3-12) to help ensure diverse perspectives from our community.

The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center. If your student is interested in providing feedback, please visit the Cell Phone Policy Forum registration page to learn more. Families must register their child by Monday, November 25.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school.

Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. 

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

 

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Quick Contacts & Links

Linda Shannon, Principal [email protected]

Rich Deixler, Assistant Principal [email protected]

Colleen Vaughan, Assistant Principal [email protected]

Susan Palomino, Administrative/Finance Assistant [email protected]  

Mergie Kakouris, Student Information Assistant, [email protected]   

Jane Dunfee, SBTS, Testing Coordinator, [email protected] 

Fadwa Finaish, Office Assistant,  [email protected]

Judy Toy, Office Assistant, [email protected]

Luis Uribe Gamboa, Family Liaison, [email protected] 

• School Calendar
• FCPS Calendar
• Contact us
• Meet our mental health team
• Mantua PTA
• Parent Information Lines (Available in 8 languages)
• Technology Support

9107 Horner Court, Fairfax, VA 22031 | Main Office: 703-645-6300

Attendance: 703-645-6363 | Web | Twitter