Read Across America Day, which was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading was observed this year on March 3rd. Our Twain library, led by our librarians Vicki Howard and Dionne Silver, work tirelessly to engage our students in reading not just on this date, but throughout the school year. This week our 8th grade students took the Integrated Reading and Writing (IRW) exam, required by the Commonwealth, to measure their reading and writing skills. We are grateful for the reading instruction and practice that occurs not only in our English Language Arts classrooms, but in all our classrooms every day. Reading truly is a part of all learning we do and central to our students’ success in their academics and life.
Please have a safe and restful weekend – maybe with a book?
Sincerely,
Matt
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, March 17: Anchor Day Schedule
Tuesday, March 18: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, March 19: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, March 20: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, March 21: Even Day Schedule
Twain’s After School Program Schedule
Date First Block Second Block Scheduled Cancellations
3 – 17 - 25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40
3 – 18 - 25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No Open Gym
3 – 19 – 25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40
3 – 20 – 25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No Drama Club
3 – 21 -25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No After School / Tiger Night!
PTA Updates
PTA General Membership Meeting : March 18th!
Mark your calendars for our next PTA membership meeting on Tues, March 18th @ 7:30pm. Click this link to join us: PTA Zoom Link
We will have many details to share about the Spring Tiger Night scheduled for Friday of that same week. See you there!
Spring Tiger Night @ Twain : Friday, March 21st!
7 DAYS until Tiger Night! NEXT FRIDAY, March 21st from 6 – 8pm at Mark Twain.
We are in URGENT!need of more volunteers to sell tickets to students during lunch next week and to volunteer their time to chaperone and sell concessions during the event from 6-8pm at the middle school (Volunteer arrival time is 5:30pm). This is a PTA sponsored event organized and run by parents, guardians, and community members in partnership with our amazing Mark Twain MS administrative team.
The Tiger Night event can only happen with a lot of volunteers.
Please use this SignUp Genius link to offer your support and learn more about this popular student social event: Tiger Night Sign Up Genius
Volunteers are typically parents, guardians, and community members.
Activities that need coverage include concessions, chaperones in the board & video game room, dance floor, and help with karaoke, improv, volleyball, ping pong and the basketball tournament.
If you have questions about the event or volunteering, please contact Robin Christman and Sarah Rodgers (Tiger Night Co-Chair) at mtmspresident@gmail.com.
Robin L. Christman Sarah Rodgers Stacy Day
Mark Twain MS PTA President Tiger Night Co-Chair Tiger Night Co-Chair
Spirit Night: Chipotle @ Kingstowne : March 12th!
Thank you to the families who joined us at the Kingstowne Chipotle last night. The evening was an overwhelming success. Personally, it was great to catch up with friends and see everyone enjoying the night.
Twain PTA on Social Media
Follow us on Facebook at Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram at twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA.
Support Twain NJHS with Paisano’s Pizza! 🍕
Craving pizza? Mark Twain NJHS is hosting a Pizza Fundraiser at Paisano’s in Kingstowne on Saturday, March 8, 15, and 22 – all day long!
📢 How to Participate: ✅ Order online, by phone, or in person ✅ Mention "Mark Twain Fundraiser" when placing your order ✅ 25% of the proceeds will support Twain NJHS!
🌐Under “Special Instructions”, put "Mark Twain Fundraiser"
📍 6937 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310
Every slice counts! Thank you for supporting Twain NJHS. 🍕❤️
Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms
Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”).
Warnings for drivers will begin on Wednesday, April 9. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.
According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction (unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped). They should remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus is moving.
We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with us to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more information about the stop arm cameras and all of the ways that we work with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.
In March people throughout the United States will celebrate Women’s History Month. Women’s history is a foundational part of our history as a country, and as a world. Our students, both female and male, benefit from learning about the amazing contributions and stories of famous women like Mae Jemison, Susan B. Anthony, and Sonia Sotomayor as well as every day female role models in their lives in their mothers, teachers, neighbors and mentors.
International Women’s Day has been observed for 50 years and falls on this Saturday, March 8th. In celebration of this day, and the entire month, please consider engaging in conversations with your students about the impact of strong, talented, and brave women in our history, and in their lives.
Please have a safe and restful weekend.
Sincerely,
Matt
Daylight Saving Time Begins - Spring Forward
Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour!
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, March 10: Anchor Day Schedule
Tuesday, March 11: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, March 12: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, March 13: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, March 14: Even Day Schedule
Twain’s After School Program Schedule
1st Block 2nd Block Scheduled Cancellations
March 10 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40
March 11 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No Open Gym
March 12 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40
March 13 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No Drama Club
March 14 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No Late Buses
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
For the safety and security of all students and in support of Twain’s arrival and dismissal procedures, we ask that all parents safely utilize the Kiss and Ride line for drop off and pick up. We acknowledge this line can be long at its busiest time, however dropping students off across the street in the neighborhood, in the staff parking lot, in the bus loop, or illegally pulling over to the side of Franconia Road causes safety issues for students, faculty, and other commuters. If an option, utilizing the FCPS provided school bus as often as possible will lessen the impact on the Kiss and Ride line. If you need information on your child’s school bus number and route, please check SIS StudentVue and SIS ParentVue. As a reminder, after school buses for our students taking part in our after-school program depart at approximately 4:50 pm and these bus numbers and drop off locations may be different, but the information is also available in SIS StudentVue and SIS ParentVue.
Support Twain NJHS with Paisano’s Pizza! 🍕
Craving pizza? Mark Twain NJHS is hosting a Pizza Fundraiser at Paisano’s in Kingstowne on Saturday, March 8, 15, and 22 – all day long!
📢 How to Participate:
✅ Order online, by phone, or in person
✅ Mention "Mark Twain Fundraiser" when placing your order
🌐Under “Special Instructions”, put "Mark Twain Fundraiser"
📍 6937 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310
Every slice counts! Thank you for supporting Twain NJHS. 🍕❤️
Integrated Reading and Writing SOL: Wednesday, March 12
Our first SOL is Wednesday, March 12. The Integrated Reading and Writing SOL (IRW) is for 8th graders but all students will follow a modified bell schedule that that day. Students should come to school after a good night’s sleep with a fully charged laptop and should bring their charger with them if they can.
The bell schedule for March 12 is:
4th period: 7:30 – 10:31
6th period: 10:35 – 12:35
2nd period: 12:39 – 1:25
8th period: 1:29 – 2:15
Lewis HS Leadership Program
We are excited to share an opportunity for rising 9th grade students to apply for full-time transfer to Lewis High School to participate in the John Lewis Leadership Program, a new program that provides personalized leadership development through field trips, guest speakers, service projects, specialized coursework, internships, and university partnerships.
Interested Twain Middle School parents, guardians, and students are encouraged to attend our information session to learn about the program and transfer process. This session will take place on March 11th, 6:30-7:30 PM. Questions about information sessions? Email dmmarch@fcps.edu.”
AVID 8 is hosting the last FUNDrive of the school year on March 29 from 10:30-12:00 pm. All proceeds will go to help pay for a charter bus to visit James Madison University. Here are the items that we will be collecting to donate:
SMALL HOUSEHOLD GOODS: kitchen items (such as pots/pans, dishes, silverware, glasses, serving pieces and hand-held appliances), home decorative items, knick-knacks, toys, games, and small electronics
BOOKS & MEDIA: paperback, hard cover - all genres. no encyclopedias or text books
Developing a Strong Academic Foundation, Curiosity, and Joy for Learning
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.
PTA Updates
Spirit Night: Chipotle @ Kingstowne : March 12th!
Please support the Twain PTA by grabbing dinner on Wed, March 12th, 5-9pm, at the Chipotle restaurant in the Kingstowne Shopping Center (online promo code = P8YYY4B) This will be an in-person and online fundraiser. Eat good food and support your school!
Please mark your calendars for our next PTA membership meeting on Tues, March 18th @ 7:30pm. A zoom link will be posted in next week’s newsletter. We will have many details to share about the Spring Tiger Night scheduled for Friday of that same week. See you there!
Spring Tiger Night @ Twain : Friday, March 21st!
Tiger Night is coming on Friday, March 21st from 6-8 PM. This very much anticipated and popular Twain student social has activities for everyone! Advance tickets will be on sale during lunches March 19-20th for $5.
Adult volunteers and donations are needed to sell tickets during school lunches and work the night of the event. Donations may be dropped off at the main office starting Wednesday, March 19 and ending Friday, March 21 by 3:00 PM.
**NOTE: This event is for Mark Twain Students only. No exceptions.
PTA Nominating Committee
The PTA Board is looking for three PTA members to serve on the nominating committee. This committee is responsible for taking nominations from eligible persons for each vacant office on the PTA Board for the 2025-2026 school year. Please contact Robin Christman at mtmspresident@gmail.com, if you are interested in serving on the nominating committee.
Nominate a Staff Member of the Month
Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before March 31st.
Join the PTA
Did you know? PTA Membership is valid for one year. PTA dues provide for many of the events and programs, including teacher mini-grants, Tiger Night and staff appreciation events.
Follow us on Facebook at Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram at twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA.
Purple Up! Day T-Shirts Available for Purchase
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is gearing up to honor and celebrate its military-connected youth in April, the Month of the Military Child and on Purple Up! Day!
Due to schools being out for spring break, Virginia will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Purple Up! Day is a special day for communities to come together and wear purple as a visible gesture of support for our military-connected youth and their families. The color purple symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the military.
FCPS Purple Up! t-shirts are available for purchase until Friday, March 7, 2025, through Custom Ink.
The shirts highlight our gratitude and appreciation for our over 13,500 military-connected students and their families. #PurpleUpFCPS!
In observance of Ramadan, Twain has made a practice of supporting students who may be fasting over the course of the next month. To support them during this time, we are pleased to offer an alternative location for students who need a space to reflect and manage their fasting schedule.
We will provide a designated area for students who are fasting, where they can go if they need a quieter, more comfortable environment than the cafeteria during their assigned lunch period. This space will allow them to stay focused and participate in school activities while respecting their fasting practices.
Additionally, we want to remind families that Twain Middle School has a Silent Reflection and Meditation Room available for students. This room provides a peaceful space for students to engage in personal reflection, meditation, or prayer. If you would like your student to use this space, we ask that you fill out a permission form, which can be obtained from your student's school counselor.
We are committed to providing a respectful and supportive environment for all our students. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s well-being and success.
Although the 2025-26 school year is months away, we are actively engaged in the recruiting and hiring process for next year’s faculty and staff. FCPS in general, and Twain Middle School specifically, is committed to hiring and supporting a diverse, dedicated, and talented workforce to serve our amazing students and supportive community.
In the coming months the division will be hosting various job fairs for instructional and operational jobs. You can find all the dates here. Whether you or someone you know may be interested in any potential opportunities at Twain specifically or FCPS in general, the choice to work in public education is both challenging and rewarding. You can learn more details about the many job opportunities that FCPS has to offer on the Career Page of the FCPS website.
Please feel free to share these exciting opportunities with anyone you believe may be interested. Have a wonderful weekend and for those who are celebrating the start of Ramadan this evening – Ramadan Mubarak!
Sincerely,
Matt
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, March 3: Anchor Day Schedule
Tuesday, March 4: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, March 5: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, March 6: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, March 7: Even Day Schedule
Twain’s After School Program Schedule
1st Block 2nd Block Scheduled Cancellations
March 3 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40
March 4 No After School Program
March 5 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40
March 6 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No Drama Club
March 7 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40
Farewell to Mrs. Stickler!
Today marks a bittersweet moment for Twain, as we say farewell to Ms. Tammy Stickler as she departs us in order to head to Marshall High School as their newest assistant principal. Tammy has served the Twain student body, faculty and staff, and community for six years and she will be missed. We wish her the best in the next stage in her professional journey. Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger!
Our process for identifying our next assistant principal has begun and we look forward to welcoming a new member of Team Twain in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please note that Mr. Steve Fitzgerald will serve as your administrative point of contact for our World Language Department and Ms. Shanice Roddey will serve as your administrative point of contact for our Science Department. Ms. Stickler’s student caseload will be divided between Ms. Montgomery and Ms. Roddey.
Weekend Snack Program
We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to the generous donations from Food for Neighbors, our school will begin offering snack baggies to any interested student every Friday at dismissal, starting this week. These to-go bags will include nutritious snacks designed to support our students throughout the weekend. Students do not need to sign up in advance—simply stop by the cafeteria when the bell rings at the end of the day to receive a snack bag. We hope this initiative proves to be a valuable resource for your child. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our Family Liaison, Keytlin Soto.
Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28
Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day. Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student. To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.
College Partnership Program
Do you have a student between grades 8 through 11 who wants to go to college? If so, they should consider applying to the College Partnership Program (CPP), which offers support from exploration to application! The deadline to apply is March 7, 2025.
CPP offers programming to help prepare students and families from 9th grade all the way through applying to and enrolling in college, including:
Academic counseling
College visits
Help with completing college and scholarship applications
Monthly meetings
A summer overnight experience on a college campus
News and information related to colleges and careers via Schoology
All students are eligible and encouraged to apply to this program, and are expected to meet the following requirements:
Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher in core classes
Attend monthly CPP meetings
Are willing to pursue advanced coursework
Demonstrate leadership in school or community activities
The goal of the program is to systematically mitigate the impact of barriers to access and opportunity, and support students who are from populations that are historically underrepresented on college campuses. This includes students who are the first in their family to attend college in the U.S., Multilingual learners, students who are economically disadvantaged, and students with disabilities.
The application is only open to students using their FCPS G-Suite account. All 8th graders have been sent an email with the link needed to apply.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Summer Camps
Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts camps (IFTA) will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.
Tech Adventure Camp is a week-long exploratory camp for current K-5 students. It offers a range of activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), as well as in culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing. CTE Summer Academy is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch our video about CTE camps.
IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, Health and Physical Education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater. E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes.
🎓 Earn Credit Towards Graduation This Summer
Eligible middle and high school students can take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration is open. Students must register by Friday, June 6. Mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available.
Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. During the self-directed course, students work independently to complete the requirements. The course is available between Monday, June 23, and Friday, July 25. Registration is open. Students must register by Friday, May 23. Learn more about the Self-Directed Economics and Finance course.
Avoid the Summer Rush: Schedule Required Seventh Grade Vaccinations Today!
As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations:
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
A complete series of two doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent/guardian, at the parent’s/guardian’s sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.
Plan for the Future Today for Students in Special Education
Join Career and Transition Services (CTS) on Wednesday, March 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Jackson Middle School to learn about planning and supports for your student’s life in and after high school.
Meet and ask questions of representatives from CTS programs and services for students with disabilities. Learn about short- and long-term postsecondary supports, employment and postsecondary education considerations, supported decision-making, and student self-determination as an evidence-based predictor of post-school success.
This event also includes speakers discussing individualized education program (IEP) transition planning, special education services, and postsecondary options for younger students as they navigate FCPS and plan for their future. A question and answer session will follow. Register in advance.
✨ Preparing students for a wide range of postsecondary options and successfully navigating their future path is part of FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation.
Eating Disorder Parent Information
According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2023), Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. In the United States, 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives. There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Rather, it is a complex combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that converge and set off an individual’s predisposed genetic vulnerability.
In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a web page with detailed information and resources for parents and guardians. This information may be found at the following website: Eating Disorders.
PTA Updates
PTA General Membership Meeting: March 11th!
Please mark your calendars for our next PTA membership meeting on Tues, March 11th @ 7:30pm. A zoom link will be posted in next week’s newsletter.
Spirit Night: Chipotle @ Kingstowne: March 12th!
Please support the Twain PTA by grabbing dinner on Wed, March 12th, 5-9pm, at the Chipotle restaurant in the Kingstowne Shopping Center (online promo code = P8YYY4B) This will be an in-person and online fundraiser. Eat good food and support your school!
Spring Tiger Night at Twain: March 21st!
Tiger Night is coming on Friday, March 21st from 6-8 PM. This very popular Twain student social has something for everyone! Activities include a dance, basketball tournament, Improv, karaoke, board games, video game, and minute-to-win-it games. Concession will be on sale including pizza, chip, soda, and slushies. Advance tickets will be on sale during lunches March 19-21 for $5.
Volunteers and donations are needed! A SignUp Genius will be published soon. Donations can be dropped off at the main office starting Wednesday, March 19 and ending Friday, March 21 by 3:00 PM.
PTA Nominating Committee
The PTA Board is looking for three PTA members to serve on the nominating committee. This committee is responsible for taking nominations from eligible persons for each vacant office on the PTA Board for the 2025-2026 school year. Please contact Robin Christman at mtmspresident@gmail.com, if you are interested in serving on the nominating committee.
Nominate a Staff Member of the Month
Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before February 28th.
Join the PTA
Did you know? PTA Membership is valid for one year. PTA dues provide for many of the events and programs, including teacher mini-grants, Tiger Night and staff appreciation events.
Thursday evening we celebrated our 2nd Annual Mark Twain Middle School International Night. We packed our cafeteria with student created visual displays and delicious food and enjoyed an exciting fashion and talent show. It was truly an inspiring evening that showcased the great diversity of our Twain community. I was particularly impressed with the courage and pride shown by our students to represent themselves, their families, and their various heritages in front of peers, families, and staff. Our student government, led by Mr. Murphy and Mr. Pfadenhauer, planned and executed this event, which has become a hallmark of our Twain calendar. Thank you to all who attended or supported this event in some way. Go Tigers – you are all welcome here!
Please have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Matt
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, February 24: Anchor Day Schedule
Tuesday, February 25: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, February 26: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, February 27: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, February 28: Even Day Schedule
Twain’s After School Program Schedule
1st Block 2nd Block Scheduled Cancellations
2-24-25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40
2-25-25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No Open Gym & No Ping Pong
2-26-25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40
2-27-25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40 No Drama Club
2-28-25 2:30 – 3:30 3:35 – 4:40
Congratulations Ms. Pennebaker!
Our very own Ms. Kristen Pennebaker was selected as the Region 3 Outstanding Secondary Teacher! This means she is one of 6 secondary teachers in the entire county who has a chance to be named as the FCPS Outstanding Secondary Teacher of the Year in June at the FCPS Honors Event. Congratulations and good luck, Ms. Pennebaker!
Upcoming Student Experience Survey at Twain
Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.
All students in grades 6-12, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 24. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 24, and Friday, March 7. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day.
We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the five equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.
Ramadan
This year, Ramadan will be observed from the end of February to the end of March. We have many students at Twain who will be fasting and some may prefer to not spend their lunch period in the cafeteria. During this month of Ramadan, Twain Staff members will host any student who is fasting and looking for an alternative location during their lunch. Any student interested in an alternative location for lunch should report to Student Services at the beginning of their lunch period (instead of the cafeteria) where they will find the location of the classroom they can report to.
Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28
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.
Upcoming 7th Grade Field Trips
We are excited to share that the 7th grade is going on two field trips this spring! The Science field trip will be to Lake Accotink and the History field trip will be to the DC Memorials. Each team will have a designated day to go on each field trip (see schedule below). In the next few days, your child will receive field trip packets in class. The permission form, emergency care form and fee on My School Bucks (separate for each field trip) are due on March 14, 2025.
We need lots of chaperones and would love for you to join us on either or both trips. If you are interested in being a chaperone, fill out the form in the field trip packets going home with your child or complete the Google Form on your child’s Science and/or History class in Schoology. Please do not hesitate to contact your student’s History or Science teacher with any questions.
Spartans:
Science (Heusinkveld, Lutz, Svilich, Greenwood) field trip: April 7
History (McLean, Bithorn, Lozano) field trip: April 22
Panthers:
Science (Linton) field trip: April 8
History (Marsh) field trip: April 23
Lancers:
Science (Assadi, Zurita) field trip: April 9
History (Foss, Henderson) field trip: April 24
Hokies:
Science (Pigeon) field trip: April 10
History (Besecky) field trip: April 25
TJHSST Bioinformatics Society BioCode Competition
Are you interested in biology or computer science? Do you enjoy competing and working with other students? TJHSST Bioinformatics Society is hosting its annual BioCode competition, with $100s in prizes, and workshops from college professors! To learn more and register, reach out to tjbioinformatics@gmail.com with any questions, and we hope to see you there!
Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
PTA Updates
PTA General Membership Meeting
Please mark your calendars for our next meeting on March 11th. Zoom link will be posted in the coming weeks.
Spring Tiger Night
Tiger Night is coming on March 21st from 6-8 PM. This very popular Twain student social has something for everyone! Activities include a dance, basketball tournament, Improv, karaoke, board games, video game, and minute-to-win-it games. Concession will be on sale including pizza, chip, soda, and slushies. Advance tickets will be on sale during lunches March 19-21 for $5.
Volunteers and donations are needed! A SignUp Genius will be published soon. Donations can be dropped off at the main office starting Wednesday, March 19 and ending Friday, March 21 by 3:00 PM.
PTA Nominating Committee
The PTA Board is looking for three PTA members to serve on the nominating committee. This committee is responsible for taking nominations from eligible persons for each vacant office on the PTA Board for the 2025-2026 school year. Please contact Robin Christman at mtmspresident@gmail.com, if you are interested in serving on the nominating committee.
Nominate a Staff Member of the Month
Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before February 28th.
Join the PTA
Did you know? PTA Membership is valid for one year. If you joined the PTA for the 2023-2024 school year, please renew your membership for the 2024-2025 school year. PTA dues provide for many of the events and programs, including teacher mini-grants, Tiger Nigh and staff appreciation events.
Follow us on Facebook at Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram at twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA.
Become Unskippable: Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens
Student well-being is at the heart of everything we do. You each play a role in supporting our students, and that includes equipping their families with the resources they need.
Please take time to review FCPS’ new Become Unskippable campaign. It offers practical guidance for parents and caregivers on how to talk to their teens about difficult subjects, including the dangers of fentanyl.
This upcoming Monday, February 17th is a student holiday in celebration of Presidents’ Day. We hope that everyone has a positive three-day weekend. We will return to school on Tuesday with an odd day schedule (periods 1,3,5,7). Speaking of education and presidents…
“The future belongs to young people with an education and the imagination to create.” – Former President, Barack Obama
At Twain, we endeavor to support our students not only in meeting the state and federal requirements for their public education, but also to encourage a deep, creative, and problem-solving mindset. As an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, and an Advanced Academics Program Center we strive to prepare our students for their future educational and career aspirations within the context of a rapidly evolving society and economy. By placing an emphasis on imagination, inquiry, and innovation we know our Twain Tigers will leave their community, their country, and their world better than they found it. Thank you for your continued partnership in your student’s education.
Please have a wonderful long weekend.
Sincerely,
Matt
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, February 17: No School – President’s Day
Tuesday, February 18: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, February 19: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, February 20: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, February 21: Even Day Schedule
Twain’s After School Program Schedule
Monday, February 17th - School Closed for President's Day
Tuesday, February 18th – 2:30 - 3:35 1st Block Ends, 4:40 2nd Block ends with late buses leaving at 4:50
Wednesday, February 19th – 2:30 - 3:35 1st Block Ends, 4:40 2nd Block ends with late buses leaving at 4:50
Thursday, February 20th – 2:30 - 3:35 1st Block Ends, 4:40 2nd Block ends with late buses leaving at 4:50
Friday, February 21st – One block only from 2:30 – 4:40 - No late buses
🥖✨ Dine for a Cause! ✨
Join Twain NJHS at Panera in Kingstowne on Saturday, February 15th, from 4–8 PM to help us raise funds for our May service project!
Here's how you can support us:
🍞 Dine in or take out? Just mention the Twain Fundraiser when you order. 💻 Ordering online? Use promo code FUND4U at checkout.
Every bite makes a difference—thank you for supporting Twain NJHS!
Transition Corner
Rising 8th Grade:
All rising 8th grade course selections must be submitted by today, Friday, February 14. Mock schedules with student course preferences will be mailed home the week of March 3 with instructions on how to make changes/corrections. Change/correction requests are due by Friday, March 14, 2025.
Rising 9th Grade:
***Please subscribe to your child’s base high school News You Choose messages for the most up-to-date information about 9th grade transition. You can enroll here. Unsure what school your child will attend in 9th grade? Click here to access the FCPS boundary locator.***
Any student who was absent or missed course selection last week with their Edison counselor will be invited to a makeup session next Wednesday, February 19, here at Twain. Information about the rising 9th grade Edison transition and course selection can be found on their Academic Advising/Course Selection site: https://edisonhs.fcps.edu/student-services/academic-advising.
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.
Please Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations
Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!
Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE.
Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!
Protect Yourself and Your Community from the Flu
Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department.
The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:
Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
Clean frequently touched surfaces.
According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school.
Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit
At the event, FCPS students will be invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities.
Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions.
Centering student voice is part of FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.
PTA Updates
PTA General Membership Meeting
THANK YOU for joining us this past Tuesday for our February general membership meeting. It was great to hear from our Thomas Edison High School Administration team!
Please mark your calendars for our next meeting on March 11th. Zoom link will be posted in the coming weeks.
PTA Nominating Committee
The PTA Board is looking for three PTA members to serve on the nominating committee. This committee is responsible for taking nominations from eligible persons for each vacant office on the PTA Board for the 2025-2026 school year. Please contact Robin Christman at mtmspresident@gmail.com, if you are interested in serving on the nominating committee.
Nominate a Staff Member of the Month
Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before February 28th.
Join the PTA
Did you know? PTA Membership is valid for one year. If you joined the PTA for the 2023-2024 school year, please renew your membership for the 2024-2025 school year. PTA dues provide for many of the events and programs, including teacher mini-grants, Tiger Night and staff appreciation events.
This past week, February 3rd through 7th, was National School Counseling Week. The purpose of this week is to focus public attention on the unique contribution made by school counselors in schools across the country. The theme this year was “School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive.” Our talented and dedicated counselors work diligently to support our students’ academic, personal, social-emotional, and future planning needs. Counselors are often the first person students and families interact with as they enter a school and are essential to successful transitions to and from middle school and in partnership with families, support our students in navigating the myriad of challenges and the many successes that come with adolescence. In this way, they aide our students in thriving, not just surviving, in middle school.
Thank you, Ms. Balderston, Ms. Clinton, Ms. Dañosos, and Ms. Pilotti for your tireless efforts in helping our Tigers be the best they can be!
Please have a wonderful Super Bowl weekend.
Sincerely,
Matt
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, February 10: Anchor Day Schedule
Tuesday, February 11: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, February 12: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, February 13: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, February 14: Even Day Schedule
Monday, February 17: President’s Day – School Closed
Tuesday, February 18: Odd Day Schedule
Twain’s After School Schedule
Monday, February 10: Normal Programming
Tuesday, February 11: Normal Programming
Wednesday, February 12: Normal Programming
Thursday, February 13: Normal Programming
Friday, February 14: No After School
Ms. Gadson Honored at FCPS School Board Meeting
Last night at the FCPS school board meeting, Ms. Kim Gadson, our Technology and Engineering teacher was recognized for earning the Middle School Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Technology and Engineering Association. This recognition was part of the celebration for Career and Technology Education, Disability Employment and Adult Community Education Appreciation Month. We are proud of the amazing work Ms. Gadson does for our Tigers every day and are appreciative of this well-deserved recognition!
Ms. Pennebaker selected as the Edison Pyramid Outstanding Teacher of the Year!
On Tuesday at our faculty and staff work session we honored Ms. Kristin Pennebaker, one of our Algebra teachers, who was chosen as the Edison Pyramid Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Ms. Pennebaker now moves forward to be considered for the FCPS Region 3 Outstanding Teacher of the Year and we of course believe she should also earn this award for the talent and dedication she shares with our students here at Twain!
Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)
The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community.
For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.
✨ Dine for a Cause! ✨
Join Twain NJHS at Panera in Kingstowne on Saturday, February 15th, from 4–8 PM to help us raise funds for our May service project!
Here's how you can support us:
🍞 Dine in or take out? Just mention the Twain Fundraiser when you order.
💻 Ordering online? Use promo code FUND4U at checkout.
Every bite makes a difference—thank you for supporting Twain NJHS!
PTA Updates
PTA General Membership Meeting
Please join us on Tuesday, February 11th at 7:30pm for our next general membership meeting. This will be a virtual meeting format. Please click this link to join us!
Attention families of rising 9th graders! Administrators from Edison High School, Principal Amanda Burke, and the Director of Student Services, Deborah Guillen, will speak at our Twain PTA meeting to provide guidance on the Edison HS course selection process. This is a great meeting to attend and a good opportunity to make a connection with this high school team and ask important questions.
The PTA Board is looking for three PTA members to serve on the nominating committee. This committee is responsible for taking nominations from eligible persons for each vacant office on the PTA Board for the 2025-2026 school year. Please contact Robin Christman at mtmspresident@gmail.com, if you are interested in serving on the nominating committee.
Nominate a Staff Member of the Month
Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before February 28th.
Join the PTA
Did you know? PTA Membership is valid for one year. If you joined the PTA for the 2023-2024 school year, please renew your membership for the 2024-2025 school year. PTA dues provide for many of the events and programs, including teacher mini-grants, Tiger Nigh and staff appreciation events.
Tomorrow marks the start of February, and the beginning of Black History Month. This month is a time to highlight and initiate sustainable and meaningful opportunities for our students, and ourselves, to learn about Black and African American experiences and contributions.
Did you know that February was chosen as the timing for Black History Month because two key figures in the emancipation of slaves and the abolition of slavery - Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas - have birthdays in the second week of February?
During his commemoration of Black History Month in February 2016, President Barack Obama said "Black History Month shouldn't be treated as though it is somehow separate from our collective American history or somehow just boiled down to a compilation of greatest hits from the March on Washington or from some of our sports heroes. It's about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America.”
We look forward to celebrating Black History Month at Twain and are grateful for the important contributions made within our community and beyond.
The event begins with a light reception, followed by a formal program, “From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future.” The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community.
For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.
National Junior Honor Society
Calling all Students! Twain NJHS is accepting applications for new membership. Applications will be due by Fri. Feb. 7th. Students must have a B grade average, good behavior, performed service, 2 recommendations, and fill out the Google Form Application found in Schoology. Students will be informed in March if they have been accepted by our Faculty Council to join Twain’s NJHS. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. DeHaven, akdehaven@fcps.edu, or Ms. Roddey, saroddey@fcps.edu.
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.
✨ Ensuring every student experiences an equitable school community is part of the FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 2.
Transition Corner
Rising 8th Grade:
Counselors will visit History 7 classes on Monday, February 3, to present 8th grade course options to students. Students will be given a paper course selection planning sheet to help them map out their course preferences prior to making final selections on the Google form they will receive in their school Gmail accounts that afternoon (email will come from Mr. Fitzgerald). Course selections must be submitted by Friday, February 14. Mock schedules with student course preferences will be mailed home the week of March 3 with instructions on how to make changes/corrections. Change/correction requests are due by Friday, March 14, 2025.
Rising 9th Grade:
***Please subscribe to your child’s base high school News You Choose messages for the most up-to-date information about 9th grade transition. You can enroll here. Unsure what school your child will attend in 9th grade? Click here to access the FCPS boundary locator.***
Lewis High School counselors visited Twain on Friday, January 24, 2025, for rising 9th grade academic advising. Students were advised how to enter their course selections in SIS for the 25-26 school year. The deadline for course entry is Friday, February 28, 2025. Students received a copy of the presentation slides in their FCPS Google email accounts. More information about Lewis Course Selection and 9th grade transition can be found on the Lewis Academic Advising site: https://lewishs.fcps.edu/student-services/academic-advising-0.
Edison High School Director of Student Services, Deborah Guillen, will visit Twain on Monday, February 3, 2025, to present course selection information to all 8th grade students through their Health & PE class period. During the presentation, students will learn about core and elective course offerings for 9th graders, as well as receive a hard copy course selection book to take home. Edison counselors will return the following Tuesday and Wednesday, February 4 and 5, to meet with students individually to make course selections, again through their Health & PE class period. Information about Edison transition and course selection can be found on their Academic Advising/Course Selection site: https://edisonhs.fcps.edu/student-services/academic-advising.
Hayfield Secondary School counselor Eric Williams visited Twain on Friday, January 31, 2025, for rising 9th grade academic advising through Learning Seminar. During this presentation, students learned about required courses and elective options, as well as how to make their course selections for 9th grade. The presentation slides will be shared next week for anyone who missed or would like to review again. More information about Hayfield Course Selection and 9th grade transition can be found at the Hayfield Academic Advising site: https://hayfieldss.fcps.edu/student-services/hs-academic-advising-and-course-selection.
Please continue to check back for more transition updates this winter.
PTA Updates
PTA General Membership Meeting
Please join us on Tuesday, February 11th at 7:30pm for our next general membership meeting. This will be a virtual meeting format. Please click this link to join us!
Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before January 31st.
Join the PTA
Did you know? PTA Membership is valid for one year. If you joined the PTA for the 2023-2024 school year, please renew your membership for the 2024-2025 school year. PTA dues provide for many of the events and programs, including teacher mini-grants, Tiger Nigh and staff appreciation events.
You are an important part of your child’s education! The Family Academy compiles FCPS classes, webinars, workshops, and programs to help you support your child’s needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.
✨ Fostering trusting partnerships with families is included in Pillar B of the FCPS Strategic Plan: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships.
It is hard to believe that we are only 2 days away from completing the 2nd quarter – the first half of the school year has flown by! As students finish their assessments and bring the quarter to a close, they can sometimes experience additional stress as they strive for the highest grades possible. At Twain, we work to grow our students’ executive functioning skills that can help them stay organized while also sharing with them strategies for prioritizing their wellness as they stretch to reach their academic goals. FCPS offers a variety of resources for our students, including these “Eight Easy Ways to Bring Balance into Your Life.”
Due to the teacher workday on Wednesday, our weekly schedule is altered. Please remind your students that when we return to school on Monday, we start with an even day rather than an anchor day.
Have a restful and warm weekend.
Sincerely,
Matt
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, January 27: Even Day Schedule
Tuesday, January 28: Odd Day Schedule–Last day of 2nd Quarter/1st Semester
Wednesday, January 29: Student Holiday – Teacher Workday
Thursday, January 30: Odd Day Schedule-First day of 3rd Quarter/2nd Semester
Friday, January 31: Even Day Schedule
Calendar Reminders
Quarter End/Lunar New Year/Teacher Work Day
Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the second quarter. It is a full school day.
Wednesday, January 29, is Lunar New Year and a teacher workday. There will be no school for students.
The Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.
Congratulations, Ms. Vivian-Beck, on your FCPS Cares Award!
Last week FCPS Human Resources visited Twain to celebrate Ms. Vivian-Beck, who was the Region 3 FCPS Cares Award winner in November. A colleague nominated her and shared, amongst other details:
"Mrs. Vivian-Beck is the CRT (Crisis Resource Teacher) for our school and CSS (Comprehensive Services Site) Program. Much of her job is de-escalating behaviors and providing a safe place for students who are dysregulated and need a calming influence or just a place to cool down. Her intuitive abilities often result in her knowing just what a student needs.” “It is her love and care for all students and the extra love and care for those who have not yet experienced success that makes her a top candidate for FCPS CARES this month and every month."
If you would like to nominate a Twain staff member for this honor in the future, you can do so by clicking on this LINK . It will take just a few moments and will uplift the person being recognized.
National Junior Honor Society
Twain NJHS is accepting applications for new membership. Applications will be due by Fri. Feb. 7th. Students must have a B grade average, good behavior, performed service, 2 recommendations, and fill out the Google Form Application. Students will be informed in March if they have been accepted by our Faculty Council to join Twain’s NJHS. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. DeHaven, akdehaven@fcps.edu, or Ms. Roddey, saroddey@fcps.edu.
International Night
SCA is hosting this year's International Night on Thursday, February 20th from 6-8 pm in Twain's Cafeteria and Gym 1! We would love to have as many students and families participate or come watch as possible. Students can:
Create posters to share pictures and information about their country
Bring cultural food to share with everyone else
Show off traditional clothing in our fashion show
Perform a cultural song, dance, or other activity
Students should sign up using the Google form in the All School course on Schoology by Friday, January 31st if they want to participate!
Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
Rising 7th-12th grade students are meeting with their counselors to discuss course selection for the next school year. Families are encouraged to actively participate in this important process.
School-life balance is an important consideration for students as they strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.
🎓 Graduation Requirements and Planning
Planning which courses to take next school year — and in future years — must be given considerable thought. Students and families should review the Graduation Requirements and Course Planning webpage to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond.
The Middle and High School Curriculum webpage may also be helpful. Students and families should refer to their school’s website for their school-specific course catalog and course selection information.
Academy Open Houses Continue
FCPS high school academies open houses for interested students continue into February. Open houses are a great opportunity to visit classrooms, labs, instructors, and academy counselors. Academy elective courses provide students with a variety of career experiences, including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses. Students can explore more than a dozen career fields through FCPS academies!
✨ Availability of, accessibility to, and student enrollment in coursework in the arts, STEAM, career and technical education, trades, technology, and world languages is one measure of the FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 4: Equitable Access and Opportunity.
What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse
FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.
What can families do?
Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink.
Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success.
Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage.
Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors.
Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”
Please join us on Tuesday, February 11th at 7:30pm for our next general membership meeting. This will be a virtual meeting format. Stay tuned for the Zoom link!
Nominate a Staff Member of the Month
Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before January 31st.
Spirit Night at Rose Hill McDonald’s
THANK YOU to the families that participated in the Twain PTA’s first fundraiser of the year this Thursday at McDonald’s. We appreciate you and look forward to further supporting our Twain students and staff with this influx to our PTA budget.
Join the PTA
Did you know? PTA Membership is valid for one year. If you joined the PTA for the 2023-2024 school year, please renew your membership for the 2024-2025 school year. PTA dues provide for many of the events and programs, including teacher mini-grants, Tiger Nigh and staff appreciation events.
This coming Monday, January 20th, is a student and staff holiday to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Dr. King’s legacy of nonviolent, yet persistent, activism against racial discrimination during the Civil Rights Movement sets an inspirational example for all of us about how to overcome adversity, establish and stay firm in our beliefs, and to make our voice heard in a way that does not promote violence and serves the needs of others.
FCPS is collaborating with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Students and families can volunteer on Saturday, January 25, at Give Together at the James Lee Community Center. Projects will include food packing, creating care packages, environmental stewardship, and support for animal welfare. This event is free and open to the public but registration is required. Of course, students and families can also elect to find their own way to give to others and honor the legacy of Dr. King.
“The time is always right to do what is right.” – Martin Luther King, Jr., 1965
Certainly, these words are a model of what we expect of and teach our young Tigers every day.
Thank you for your partnership and please have a peaceful extended weekend.
Sincerely,
Matt
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, January 20: School Holiday – Martin Luther King, Jr Day / Inauguration Day
Tuesday, January 21: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, January 22: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, January 23: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, January 24: Even Day Schedule
Calendar Reminders
Martin Luther King Jr. Day/Inauguration (Holiday)
Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday and the Presidential Inauguration.
Quarter End/Lunar New Year/Teacher Work Day
Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the second quarter. It is a full school day.
Wednesday, January 29, is Lunar New Year and a teacher workday. There will be no school for students.
The Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.
Stuff the Bus is a partnership between Fairfax County Government and local nonprofits. Now in its 14th year, Stuff the Bus continues to support food assistance efforts for families and households. Stuff the Bus has collected more than 220 tons of food to feed people experiencing food insecurity in Fairfax County.
You can help stuff the bus at select locations beginning Saturday, January 18. Visit the Stuff the Bus webpage for locations and a full list of requested items.
Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
Winter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. Schools monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact your school’s family liaison. You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.
All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.
Student Rights and Responsibilities and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon
On Tuesday, January 21, all FCPS parents/caregivers and middle and high school students, and FCPS staff will be emailed invitations to participate in a survey that seeks to understand community support for proposed options relating to FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options.
The survey will be available until Monday, February 3. It will also be open to FCPS staff. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help us make informed, inclusive decisions for all our schools.
Order Your Yearbook
Buy your Twain MS Yearbook now! Use our code 8606,
Counselors will be visiting History 7 classes on Monday, February 3, to present 8th grade course options to students. Students will be given a paper course selection planning sheet to help them map out their course preferences prior to making final selections on the Google form they will receive in their school Gmail accounts that afternoon (email will come from Mr. Fitzgerald). Course selections must be submitted by Friday, February 14. Mock schedules with student course preferences will be mailed home the week of March 3 with instruction on how to make changes/corrections. Change/correction requests are due by Friday, March 14.
Rising 9th Grade:
***Please subscribe to your child’s base high school News You Choose messages for the most up-to-date information about 9th grade transition. You can enroll here. Unsure what school your child will attend in 9th grade? Click here to access the FCPS boundary locator.***
Lewis High School counselors will visit Twain on Friday, January 24, 2025, to present 9th grade course options to current Lewis-bound 8th grade students. During this presentation, students will learn about required courses and elective options, as well as other information about freshman year at Lewis. More information about Lewis Course Selection and 9th grade transition can be found at their Academic Advising site: https://lewishs.fcps.edu/student-services/academic-advising-0.
Edison High School Director of Student Services, Deborah Guillen, will visit Twain on Monday, February 3, 2025, to present course selection information to all 8th grade students through their Health & PE class period. During the presentation, students will learn about core and elective course offerings for 9th graders, as well as receive a hard copy course selection book to take home. Edison counselors will return the following Tuesday and Wednesday, February 4 and 5, to meet with students individually to make course selections, again through their Health & PE class period. Information about Edison transition and course selection can be found on their Academic Advising/Course Selection site: https://edisonhs.fcps.edu/student-services/academic-advising.
Hayfield Secondary School counselor Eric Williams will visit Twain on Friday, January 31, 2025, to present 9th grade course options to Hayfield-bound 8th grade students. During this presentation, students will learn about required courses and elective options, as well as other information about freshman year at Hayfield. More information about Hayfield Course Selection and 9th grade transition can be found at their Academic Advising site: https://hayfieldss.fcps.edu/student-services/hs-academic-advising-and-course-selection.
Please continue to check back for more transition updates this winter.
PTA Updates
NEW NIGHT: Spirit Night at Rose Hill McDonald’s
On Thursday, Jan 23rd, 5-8 pm close out inauguration week and let McDonald’s take care of cooking dinner with our first fundraiser of the year. As we like to say, eat good food and support the Mark Twain MS PTA. It’s a win-win! See you there!
PTA General Membership Meeting
Please join us on Tuesday, February 11th at 7:30pm for our next general membership meeting. This will be a virtual meeting format. Stay tuned for the Zoom link!
Nominate a Staff Member of the Month
Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before January 31st.
Join the PTA
Did you know? PTA Membership is valid for one year. If you joined the PTA for the 2023-2024 school year, please renew your membership for the 2024-2025 school year. PTA dues provide for many of the events and programs, including teacher mini-grants, Tiger Nigh and staff appreciation events.
Following our weather-extended winter break, we are all energized and excited to see what 2025 brings for our Tigers. I am sure the year will be filled with great victories and important challenges – both of which will make us stronger. As the calendar has turned to 2025 and we continue on the journey of this school year, it is a natural time to make commitments for improvement in our personal and educational lives. This morning I shared with the students my own New Year’s resolutions and challenged them to think about, and identify, areas they would like to improve in the coming year. As you spend time with your Tigers this weekend, please ask them if they have identified any New Year’s resolutions for themselves – whether they be academic or personal.
I would like to close with a quote from Former President Jimmy Carter, who was laid to rest yesterday.
“We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.”
I believe this quote reflects our community – one that blends together the strengths of our great diversity with our unified purpose of academic and personal excellence to form a beautiful Twain mosaic.
Please have a safe and restful weekend.
Sincerely,
Matt
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, January 13: Anchor Day Schedule
Tuesday, January 14: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, January 15: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, January 16: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, January 17: Even Day Schedule
Monday, January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday and Inauguration Day – School closed
Calendar Reminder: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Holiday)/Inauguration
Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday and Inauguration.
FCPS is collaborating with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Students and families can volunteer on Saturday, January 25, at Give Together at the James Lee Community Center.
Volunteer Fairfax invites families to participate in thoughtful, engaging service projects working alongside local nonprofit and government agency partners across a variety of mission areas. Projects will include food packing, creating care packages, environmental stewardship, and support for animal welfare. This event is free and open to the public but registration is required.
There will also be Financial Literacy Workshops offered at Give Together for students in grades 3-12. If you would like to attend one of the workshops, sign up during check-in on January 25.
Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
PTA Updates
PTA General Membership Meeting
Please join us on Wednesday, January 15th at 7:30pm for our next general membership meeting. This will be a virtual meeting format. Click this link to join us!
Your Executive Board, Chairpersons and Committee Members welcome you back from the long break!
Spirit Night @ Rose Hill McDonald’s! Thurs, Jan 16th 5-8pm!
Beat the cabin fever and let McDonald’s take care of dinner on Thursday, Jan 16th. This fundraiser supporting the Mark Twain MS PTA runs from 5-8pm at the Rose Hill Shopping Center McDonald’s. See you there!
Winter Staff Appreciation Luncheon: Call for Food Donations & Volunteers
Thank You to our amazing PTA members who contributed their time, delicious food and party planning abilities to provide a welcoming and delightful environment for our teachers, staff and administrators to enjoy this year’s Winter Staff Luncheon on their last Friday before winter break. The Twain Staff was incredibly appreciative!
The teachers enjoyed a range of crock pots full of soups, and salads, veggies, cheese & cracker trays and a full dessert buffet, all dressed for winter to include pointsettias, holiday decorations and a crackling fire on the library TV.
A big round of applause and thanks should be shared with our organizers, Katy Olsen and Kirsten Little for once again pulling together this wonderful tradition that our school looks forward to each year.
Interested in helping with our Staff Appreciation events next year? Email mtmspresident@gmail.com!
Nominate a Staff Member of the Month
Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before January 31st.
Join the PTA
Did you know? PTA Membership is valid for one year. If you joined the PTA for the 2023-2024 school year, please renew your membership for the 2024-2025 school year. PTA dues provide for many of the events and programs, including teacher mini-grants, Tiger Nigh and staff appreciation events.
Over the past two weeks we enjoyed a number of amazing concerts, a fun winter dance and a generous spirt amongst our community – especially our PTA who celebrated our faculty and staff with a delicious luncheon today. Thank you to all who donated time, food, and money to support our staff! Amidst all of the celebratory spirt, we also continued to have engaging and relevant learning with our students in our classrooms as we head into Winter Break. It truly has been a time that reminds us how fortunate we are to be part of the Twain community. I sincerely hope that all Tigers and their families have a wonderful winter break and I am excited to see what lies ahead in 2025!
As a reminder, our school office will be closed during the winter break and will reopen when school returns in the new year, on January 6, 2025.
Thank you and please have a restful, joyful, and safe winter break.
Sincerely,
Matt
Winter Break Office Hours
Twain’s office will be closed during Winter Break starting on Monday, December 23rd and will reopen when students return on Monday, January 6th.
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Winter Break: December 21 – January 5: Happy Holidays!
Monday, January 6: Anchor Day Schedule
Tuesday, January 7: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, January 8: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, January 9: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, January 10: Even Day Schedule
Free Webinars and Events for Families
In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host the following webinars and events for families:
You are an important part of your child’s education! The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child’s needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.
✨ Fostering trusting partnerships with families is included in Pillar B of the FCPS Strategic Plan: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships.
Congratulations to Kimberly Gadson for being named the PTA Staff Member of the Month! Ms. Gadson was awarded a traveling trophy, a prime parking spot in front of the school, and a gift card to a local restaurant. Hear what was shared about our Technology & Engineering teacher:
“Mrs. Gadson goes above and beyond in her class. From my parent’s perspective, I see her passion for what she does and it seems that she’s accomplishing a lot single handedly. I see at other schools, there is so much more resources (personnel and possibly funding) that goes into this subject. Mrs. Gadson is one of the few teacher I’ve seen that has contributed so much for one person. I’m so happy my child has had the opportunity to be in her class last year and this year. She is very inspiring! Thank you Mrs. Gadson for all you do!”
Please congratulate Kimberly Gadson for making a difference at Twain!
Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before December 31st.
PTA General Membership Meeting
Please join us on Tuesday, January 14th at 7:30pm for our next general membership meeting. This will be a virtual meeting format. Stay tuned for the registration & Zoom link details.
Your Executive Board, Chairpersons and Committee Members wish everyone a wonderful holiday season!
Join the PTA
Did you know? PTA Membership is valid for one year. If you joined the PTA for the 2023-2024 school year, please renew your membership for the 2024-2025 school year. PTA dues provide for many of the events and programs, including teacher mini-grants, Tiger Nigh and staff appreciation events.
This past week we had the pleasure of hosting our annual bookfair in our Twain library. Students were given the opportunity to peruse the shelves and choose new reading material of their liking. Ms. Howard and Ms. Silver, our librarians, planned and executed our fair and subsequently gave our students the chance to expand their own personal library.
Whether it be for escape from the stressors of life, to learn about a new topic, or for simple entertainment, our students benefit from making reading a regular part of their life. You can learn more about FCPS libraries at this link.
Margaret Fuller, 19th century journalist and women’s rights advocate, said “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” We are excited and proud to continue to foster the growth of our community’s future leaders here at Twain!
Sincerely,
Matt
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, December 16: Anchor Day Schedule
Tuesday, December 17: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, December 18: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, December 19: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, December 20: Even Day Schedule
Winter Break: December 21 – January 5
Monday, January 6: Anchor Day Schedule
Tuesday, January 7: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, January 8: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, January 9: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, January 10: Even Day Schedule
What a week of winter concerts!
Congratulations to our talented Twain music program for an impressive series of concerts this week! Our band led by Mr. Kluttz, orchestra led by Mr. Garfield-Levine, and choir led by Ms. Tolpa all put on fantastic shows to showcase our students’ talent and dedication and bring us all into the holiday season! Thank you to all families and friends who came out to support!
FCPS Outstanding Award Winners
This month at our faculty and staff work session, we announced the Twain winners of our FCPS Outstanding employee awards. We are so proud of their recognition by our students, community, and colleagues. All four winners exemplify what it means to be a Twain Tiger in their own way.
Our winners were:
Rosa Rauda Merino (Outstanding Support Employee)
Marie Danosos (Outstanding Professional Employee)
Mariam Assadi (Outstanding New Teacher)
Kristin Pennebaker (Outstanding Teacher)
Thank you to all who nominated someone for these awards!
Winter Break Spirit Week – December 16 – 20!
Moving?
Are you moving or have new neighbors who need to register students for school? Our Registrar’s Corner website is full of helpful information to guide you through not only address updates, but new student registrations and withdrawals as well. Completing these processes as soon as possible helps us to prevent delays in new transportation assignments, enrollment start dates and preparation of records for student who are withdrawing. Feel free to reach out to Christina Spencer, our Student Services Assistant with any questions you might have regarding these topics.
Winter Break Office Hours
Twain’s office will be closed during Winter Break starting on Monday, December 23rd and will reopen when students return on Monday, January 6th.
Bundle Up with Books Over Break
Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered.
‘Tis the season to celebrate (and thank!) our Mark Twain Middle School faculty for all their work this year. We/PTA will be hosting a staff luncheon on Friday, December 20th to express our gratitude.
We are asking Twain Parents/Guardians to consider donating specific foods to help make this luncheon a great success. All needed food is outlined in the below SignUp Genius. If you would like to offer in-person assistance to thank our staff personally, we’d appreciate the manpower to help facilitate the luncheon.
Please drop-off any food items and donations to the front office on either:
Thursday, December 19th (all day) or
Friday, December 20th, no later than 9:30am (need time to set-up for lunch).
Questions? Please reach out to our PTA Twain Teacher Appreciation Co-Chairs, Katy Olsen & Kirsten Little via the contact info in the SignUp Genius.
Spirit Night! Wednesday (12/18) at UNO’s Pizzeria & Grill
Join us at UNO’s Pizzeria & Grill in Kingstowne next Wed. evening, December 18th. UNO’s will donate 20% of your dine-in or takeout sales to the Twain PTA.
Please present the flier to your server or hostess to participate in the fundraiser.
Take the night off from cooking before the holidays. Eat good food and support the PTA!
Nominate a Staff Member of the Month
Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before December 31st.
Congratulations to Ms. Saxena for being named the PTA Staff Member of the Month! Ms. Saxena was awarded a traveling trophy, a prime parking spot in front of the school, and a gift card to a local restaurant. Hear what was shared about our science teacher:
“My child will not stop talking about how amazing of a teacher she is. She is great at explaining whatever topic it is that they’re learning. She’s incredible at including all of her students in experiments, and her experiments are very fun and engaging.”
Please congratulate Ms. Saxena for making a difference at Twain!
PTA General Membership Meeting
Reminder: There is no PTA meeting in December! Your Executive Board, Chairpersons and Committee Members wish everyone a wonderful holiday season.
Join the PTA
Did you know? PTA Membership is valid for one year. If you joined the PTA for the 2023-2024 school year, please renew your membership for the 2024-2025 school year. PTA dues provide for many of the events and programs, including teacher mini-grants, Tiger Nigh and staff appreciation events.
I hope this message finds the Twain community having experienced a positive and restful Thanksgiving. Amidst the excitement and stress of the winter holiday season, we are committed to making sure attendance, academic and behavior expectations remain high throughout the next two weeks.
A point of emphasis we have made this week with our students is the importance of them representing themselves, their families, and their school positively not only while here at Twain, but also while out in our amazing community. John Wooden, one of the greatest basketball coaches in history, has many powerful quotes. One of my favorites popped up in my daily quote calendar this week.
“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”
Each and every day, inside school and outside school, our young Tigers have the opportunity to showcase their character and make sure their reputation matches who they truly are. Thank you for partnering with us in the holistic education of our students – which is a hallmark of Twain being an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IBMYP) school.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Matt
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, December 9: Anchor Day Schedule
Tuesday, December 10: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, December 11: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, December 12: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, December 13: Even Day Schedule
Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Twain MS from December 9-13 and online until December 22nd! It will be open during school hours, plus Thursday evening from 5-7pm before and during the choir concert. All purchases benefit our school library. We accept cash, check, credit cards, and e-wallet. Come discover the joy of reading!
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.
Boundary Review Community Meetings provide a great opportunity for families, staff, and community members to share their thoughts and questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.
The weeks surrounding winter break often include more empty seats in classrooms. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow. Let’s nurture a rock-solid attendance habit.
A big thank you to:
🌟 Students who show up daily and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
👩🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
👨💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging place to grow.
👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who help our learners.
Does your child resist going to school or refuse to go? If so, join the Family Resource Center’s School Resistance webinar on Friday, January 10, 10-11:30 a.m. The webinar will explore how to take care of yourself in the heat of the moment and set supportive boundaries at home. Register in advance.
✨ Student attendance is one measure of Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.
Reminder: Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024
Twain parents/guardians who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Ms. Angela Ramacci, Twain’s Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) at ARamacci@fcps.edu no later than December 15, 2024.
The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually. Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted.
Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Twain will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement. Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Ms. Ramacci at ARamacci@fcps.edu.
Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall.
Join us at Panera Bread in Kingstowne this Friday, December 6th from 4:00 – 8:00pm. Panera will donate 30% of the sales to Twain PTA. Eat good food and support the PTA!
Volunteers needed for the Twain Book Fair
Volunteers are needed to help Ms. Howard and Ms. Silver in the library for the Scholastic Book Fair happening Dec 9 – 13. Please add your name to the SignUp Genius so they know to expect you: Twain MS PTA: PTA Volunteers for Twain MS Scholastic Book Fair
Mark Twain’s Birthday Celebration THANK YOU!
Many thanks to the wonderful volunteers who donated their time and cupcakes for the Mark Twain Birthday Celebration that happened on Monday, Nov 25th. During the celebration, all students and staff were treated to a complimentary cupcake organized by the PTA. We could not have done it without you! We value your support!
Thank YOU for making this day a memorable and yummy day for our students and staff.
Nominate a Staff Member of the Month
Congratulations to Ms. Saxena for being named the PTA Staff Member of the Month for November! Ms. Saxena was awarded a traveling trophy, a prime parking spot in front of the school, and a gift card to a local restaurant. Hear what was shared about our science teacher:
“My child will not stop talking about how amazing of a teacher she is. She is great at explaining whatever topic it is that they’re learning. She’s incredible at including all of her students in experiments, and her experiments are very fun and engaging.”
Please congratulate Ms. Saxena for making a difference at Twain!
Nominate a teacher or staff member for the PTA Staff Member of the Month Award here: Staff Member of the Month Form. Nominations are due before December 31st.
PTA General Membership Meeting
Reminder: There is no PTA meeting in December! Your Executive Board, Chairpersons and Committee Members wish everyone a wonderful holiday season.
Remember to check the FCPS calendar to be aware of adjusted schedules and student holidays on the horizon.
Join the PTA
Did you know? PTA Membership is valid for one year. If you joined the PTA for the 2023-2024 school year, please renew your membership for the 2024-2025 school year. PTA dues provide for many of the events and programs, including teacher mini-grants, Tiger Nigh and staff appreciation events.
