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The Dunne Dispatch (Back to School Edition) - 08/06/2024

School Board Mount Vernon District3 months 2 weeks ago

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The Dunne Dispatch (Back to School Edition) - 08/06/2024

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We are rapidly approaching the first day of school on Monday, August 19, so I would like to share the following information with you.

School Attendance

We are fortunate to live in a time and place where the Constitution requires the State to provide “a system of free public elementary and secondary schools for all children of school age” and “ensure that an educational program of high quality is established and continually maintained.” Fairfax County Public Schools is an exemplar of public education, but each child’s educational attainment and ability to realize their potential is contingent on regular school attendance.

During the pandemic, our children lost the habit of attending school every day. Chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 18+ days (or 2 days per month) in the school year—nearly doubled compared to pre-pandemic levels. This is a universal phenomenon, affecting students at all income levels in every region of the country. It is also highly destructive. Chronic absenteeism has been linked to reduced student achievement, social disengagement, and feelings of alienation because students miss out on opportunities to learn, to build friendships, to get involved in their school communities, and to pursue their interests.

There is no grade level at which school attendance should be considered optional. For example, students who are chronically absent in Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade fall behind in learning to read. At every age level, chronic absenteeism can make it difficult for students to keep up with the pace of learning. Once students fall behind, it can be hard for them to catch up, especially if they have limited resources. If we learned anything from the pandemic, there is no substitute for being in the classroom.

Virginia is in the process of enacting school accreditation standards that will penalize schools with higher chronic absenteeism rates. FCPS is going above and beyond to ensure students attend school every day, but it is imperative that we work together as a community to reduce absenteeism and ensure every child receives a world-class education.

Back to School Resources

I was excited to co-sponsor a Back to School Community Day with Supervisor Dan Storck at the Lorton Community Center on Saturday, August 3. It was an awesome community celebration with abundant games, music, and snow cones. Hundreds of families received free backpacks and school supplies. I am extremely grateful to Supervisor Storck and his team for organizing this tremendous event, which was attended by 2,000+ community members. Thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers for everything you did to make this event an incredible success!

I am pleased to announce that additional resource fairs are scheduled in the Mount Vernon District:

The Mount Vernon Pyramid will host a Back to School Resource Fair on Thursday, August 8 at 1:00-4:00 PM for all students attending schools in the MVHS pyramid. Free backpacks and school supplies will be available. In addition, parents and guardians can learn about support services to assist their families.
Bryant HS will host its Back to School Open House and Resource Fair on Monday, August 12 at 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. Free school supplies will be available. In addition, students, parents, and guardians can receive class schedules and can learn about support services to assist their families.

Pyramid Advisory Councils

I am planning to establish a Pyramid Advisory Council for each of the high schools located in the Mount Vernon District: Mount Vernon HS, South County HS, and West Potomac HS. The objectives of the Councils are enhance community engagement, increase coordination within pyramids, and provide stakeholders with a voice in the direction and operation of their pyramids.

Each Council will be comprised of one representative from each elementary school, two representatives from each middle school, and three representatives from each high school. In addition, the principal (or their designee) from each school will be invited to participate. Meetings will be held at least quarterly, though they could occur more frequently as necessary.

If you are interested in serving, please submit your resume to my Staff Aide Nelda Brown ([email protected]) along with a brief explanation of your interest and relationship to FCPS (such as parent/guardian, student, or community member).

Back to School Events

Each school will host an Open House and Back to School Night. I am providing you with the current schedule, but it is subject to change. Please monitor communications with your school to ensure you have the most accurate information.

Mount Vernon District School Open Houses

School Name

Open House Date

Start

End

Bryant HS

Monday, August 12

10:00 AM

2:00 PM

Quander Road School

Monday, August 12

8:30 AM

1:30 PM

John R. Lewis HS

Tuesday, August 13

5:00 PM

7:30 PM

Twain MS

Wednesday, August 14

3:00 PM

7:00 PM

South County MS

Wednesday, August 14

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Key MS

Wednesday, August 14

2:30 PM

6:00 PM

TJHSST

Thursday, August 15

9:00 AM

12:00 PM

TJHSST

Thursday, August 15

9:00 AM

12:00 PM

Belle View ES

Thursday, August 15

4:00 PM

5:00 PM

Bucknell ES

Thursday, August 15

3:00 PM

5:00 PM

Edison HS

Thursday, August 15

9:00 AM

11:00 AM

Fort Belvoir Upper School

Thursday, August 15

3:00 PM

5:00 PM

Fort Hunt ES

Thursday, August 15

2:00 PM

3:00 PM

Mt. Vernon HS

Thursday, August 15

4:00 PM

7:00 PM

Pulley Career Center

Thursday, August 15

9:00 AM

11:00 AM

Riverside ES

Thursday, August 15

4:00 PM

5:30 PM

Stratford Landing ES

Thursday, August 15

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

Waynewood ES

Thursday, August 15

9:00 AM

11:30 AM

Woodlawn ES

Thursday, August 15

1:30 PM

3:30 PM

Woodley Hills ES

Thursday, August 15

2:00 PM

3:00 PM

Laurel Hill ES

Thursday, August 15

3:00 PM

5:00 PM

South County HS

Thursday, August 15

1:00 PM

3:00 PM

Hayfield Secondary

Thursday, August 15

4:00 PM

6:00 PM

Island Creek ES

Thursday, August 15

4:00 PM

6:00 PM

Key Center School

Thursday, August 15

11:00 AM

1:00 PM

Lorton Station ES

Thursday, August 15

4:00 PM

6:00 PM

Saratoga ES

Thursday, August 15

4:30 PM

5:30 PM

Fort Belvoir Primary

Thursday, August 15 &

Friday, August 16

1:00 PM

4:00 PM

Bush Hill ES

Friday, August 16

2:00 PM

4:00 PM

Cameron ES

Friday, August 16

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

Hollin Meadows ES

Friday, August 16

2:00 PM

4:00 PM

Mount Eagle ES

Friday, August 16

9:00 AM

10:00 AM

Sandburg MS

Friday, August 16

12:00 PM

3:00 PM

Washington Mill ES

Friday, August 16

9:00 AM

10:00 AM

West Potomac HS

Friday, August 16

3:00 PM

5:00 PM

Whitman MS

Friday, August 16

1:00 PM

2:30 PM

Halley ES

Friday, August 16

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

Newington Forest ES

Friday, August 16

8:30 AM

9:30 AM

Silverbrook ES

Friday, August 16

9:30 AM

12:00 PM

Gunston ES

Friday, August 16

9:00 AM

10:00 AM

Hayfield ES

Friday, August 16

9:00 AM

12:00 PM

Mount Vernon District Schools Back to School Nights

School Name

BTSN Date

Start

End

Bryant HS

Monday, August 12

10:00 AM

2:00 PM

TJHSST

Tuesday, August 27

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Edison HS

Tuesday, August 27

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Stratford Landing ES

Tuesday, August 27

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

Silverbrook ES

Tuesday, August 27 &

Wednesday, August 28

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

Cameron ES

Wednesday, August 28

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Mount Eagle ES

Wednesday, August 28

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

Waynewood ES

Wednesday, August 28

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

South County HS

Wednesday, August 28

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

Island Creek ES

Wednesday, August 28

5:45 PM

7:00 PM

John R. Lewis HS*

Wednesday, August 28

6:00 PM

8:30 PM

Lorton Station ES

Wednesday, August 28

5:30 PM

7:00 PM

Newington Forest ES

Tuesday, September 1 &

Wednesday, September 11

6:00 PM

8:30 PM

Bucknell ES

Tuesday, September 3

6:00 PM

7:00 PM

TJHSST

Wednesday, September 4

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Bush Hill ES

Wednesday, September 4

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Sandburg MS

Wednesday, September 4

6:00 PM

9:00 PM

Fort Belvoir Primary

Thursday, September 5

6:30 PM

7:30 PM

Twain MS

Thursday, September 5

6:30 PM

8:30 PM

Washington Mill ES

Thursday, September 5

6:45 PM

8:00 PM

West Potomac HS

Thursday, September 5

4:00 PM

7:00 PM

South County MS

Thursday, September 5

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Gunston ES

Thursday, September 5

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

Saratoga ES

Thursday, September 5

5:00 PM

6:30 PM

Whitman MS

Tuesday, September 10

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Halley ES

Tuesday, September 10

5:30:00 PM

7:30 PM

Fort Hunt ES

Wednesday, September 11

6:00 PM

7:00 PM

Woodlawn ES

Wednesday, September 11

6:30 PM

8:00 PM

Woodley Hills ES

Wednesday, September 11

6:00 PM

7:45 PM

Key MS

Wednesday, September 11

5:00 PM

8:00 PM

Hayfield Secondary

Monday, September 16

5:30 PM

7:30 PM

Hollin Meadows ES

Wednesday, September 18

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Riverside ES

Wednesday, September 18

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Laurel Hill ES

Wednesday, September 18

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Belle View ES

Thursday, September 19

6:30 PM

8:00 PM

Mt. Vernon HS

Thursday, September 19

5:00 PM

7:00 PM

Pulley Career Center

Thursday, September 19

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Quander Road School

Thursday, September 19

6:30 PM

8:30 PM

Hayfield ES

Thursday, September 19

6:00 PM

7:00 PM

Fort Belvoir Upper School*

Wednesday, September 25

5:30 PM

7:00 PM

Key Center School

Thursday, October 17

5:00 PM

6:30 PM

*Hybrid event (In-person with a link for parents who choose to attend virtually).

Honoring Our Graduates

2024 Military Graduates. I would like to honor 25 Mount Vernon District students who graduated in June and committed to serve in the military. Our Class of 2024 Mount Vernon District "Military Graduates" include:

Mount Vernon HS: 4 graduates;
West Potomac HS: 3 graduates;
South County HS: 11 graduates;
Hayfield SS: 4 graduates;
Edison HS: 2 graduates; and
Lewis HS: 1 graduate

While I cannot disclose their names for privacy reasons, I sent each one a letter last month to thank them for their courageous service and for helping to protect our Nation!

2024 Honor Graduates. I would also like to recognize the Mount Vernon District students who were Honor Graduates in June. This is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence.

Mount Vernon HS 2024 Honor Graduates

Makayla Adams
Rachel Adu
Farjan Ahmed
Jovana Allotey
Zane Ammar
Teya Banford
Virginia Grace Belzer
Ryan Chicoine
Frisky Senior Dorgbadzi
John Eckardt
Mohammed El-Ghazali
Sara El-Ghazali
Cristina Garcia-Montalvo
Ashley Gonzales-Rojas
Phillip Ha
Hannah Hamilton
David Hammond
Zermah Jafri
Alanna Lee
Chloe Leiterman
Elie Lervik
Garrett Lien
Godwin Mensah
Imoen Murphy
Angelee Christine Nelson
George Ofori
Anna Ovsijenko
Oliver Pabich
David Runkle
Savannah Russell
Welid Saed
Haithem Salmi
Natalie Santangelo
Emanuel Serrano
Zaybish Tariq
Morgan Tilghman
Madelyn Torres
Alec Vaughan
Wilman Vlach
Olivia Whitridge
Mark Wilson

South County HS 2024 Honor Graduates

Zaynab Abdulquddos
Saron Abebe
Dinah Addisalem
Marjan Afzal
Ariana Ahmadzai
Amir Al-Husainawi
Mustafa Ali
Stella Alpaugh
Issac An
Michael Ardrey
Emmanuel Asamoah
Helen Ayalew
Arman Bajwa
Claire Baringer
Lillian Barry
Ellie Bartee
Natalie Beasley
Margaret Claire Behan
Betanya Binyam
Ryan Birrell
John Cabrera
Riley Cameron
Harris Choudhary
Ramla Chowdhury
Sean Cousins
Caury Crusoe
Ryan Dang
Haylee Delew
Hannah Diep
Minh Do
Danielle Edwards
Fatma Elsayed
Madelyn. Emert
Eden Fikru
Syan Garg
Sanaa Gates
Philip Gigrich
Steven Gigrich
Caitlin Gross
Pavini Gupta
Abdul-Raheem Haroon
Henry Hunt
Victoria Hurtado Frackiewicz
Justin Hyun
Theodore Jones, III
Esther Jung
Nayan Kasperowski
Khushdeep Kaur
Christian Kim
Sera Kim
Ethan Ko
Queenster Koranteng
Varun Korisapati
Mark Krynski
Taylor Kurz
Thu Le
Ian Lee
Siu Yan Lee
Jaime Lopez
Kyla Luby
Ethan Lugo
Kaitlin Luong
Maryam Mahmoodi
Judith Malley
Lydia Malley
Olivia Marlowe
Marcus Martinez-Breitenstein
Ashley McCoy
Zoe McDowell
Holly Miska
Sophia Mitchell
Viraj Multani
Khastur Munkhtur
Vance. Nguyen
Giovanni Ortuso
Kush Patel
Reese Pavlak
Taylor Pavlak
Khloe Peacock
Reagan Peresta
Julius Person
Noah Pflugrath
Kathy Pham
Kevin Pham
Jackson Plummer
Ariana Rahman
Nimah Rahman
Adam Ressom
Lukas Richardson
Luis Rivera Lopez
Meklit Samuel
Mateo San Diego
Alton Schilling
Eshaan Shah
Ayaan Shaikh
Adhiraj Sharma
Jack Shifflett
Alexandra Silva
Natazya Simunyola
Shreya Singh
Delaney Spradlin
Mikael Tefferi
Carolyn Telford
Joseph Thibodeau
Luc Tran
Sophia Uriostegui
Abigail Van Gilder
Miguelangel Velez Aviles
Jada Wallace
Matthew Walsh
Michael Waugh
Caelan Wommack
Mora Wyllie
Aileen Zheng
Shaun Ziadie

West Potomac HS 2024 Honor Graduates

Julian Allan
Laura Altwies
Sasha Angielski
Mezgeb Babcock
Benjamin Bachmore
Samantha Barry
Willa Bowers
Maeve Bradley
Natalia Bufano
Jenna Butikofer
Alice Byrnes
Caroline Christensen
Jack Coffee
Jake Cohn
Liam Conmy
Elizabeth Cooke
Gabriella Copty
Quinn Correll
Nora Curtis
Ella DePumpo
Alec Dillaplain
Reagan Dronen
Cassady Dunn
Colin Elsinger
Miles Fazackerley
Joshua Fondriest
Anna Foote
Liliana Fore
Ryan Gamez-Montoya
Georgia Giannetti
Chloe Godbout
Wesley Gonzalez
Kye Greenfeld
Annalise Grindstaff
Olivia Hamilton
Katherine Hardy
Bella Hook
Hana Keenan
Miriam Keller
Lily Kernan
Brielle Keyes
Ayesha Khan
Kathryn Kilbride
Margaret Kretzer
Stephanie Kulinski
Charles Lamb
Jessica Larkin
Jonathan Larkin
Katherine Leibowitz
Riley Long
Jacob Luhman
Ava Mamienski
Lucy Marshall
Nairi Masih
Tess Maxwell-Bundy
Samantha McElwain
Joshua McGuinness
Nora Meadows
Avalon Mikulski
Yordanose Moges
Melanie Molino
Emery Mounts
Joseph Murphy
Dennis Ni
Amanda Nolan
Meredith Odegard
Avery Olsen
Hayden Painter
Monica Palacios
Sophia Papa
Alexander Pece
Ryan Pollio
Jacob Ross
Francesca Russell
Monica Rusten
Phoebe Schultz
Sydney Seyfert
Mina Silwany
Nathaniel Sinn
Julianna Stutts
Tabitha Thomas
Genevieve Tierney
Tyler Tillman
Luke Trumbo
Richard Trumbo
Lillian Try
Miguel Tsang
Cole Wallach
Adam Watterson
Sophia Webster
Molly Weisel
Lydia Welch
Luke Westmoreland
Logan Williams

Hayfield SS 2024 Honor Graduates

Zabir Arham
Chelsea Asante
Princess Atefah
Autumn Avery
Yuriel Ayala
Yohanna Belay
John Berrigan
Destiny Bishop
Griffin Bonner
Callie Boyd
Emma Branca
Scarlett Brown
Annemarie Bulmer
Cadence Candelaria
Aunya Craigwell
Viktoria Cseke
Hasset Daniel
William Egger
Hafiz Elnahas
Ana Escobar
Isabella Fonnegra Carrillo
Jackson Fries
Tinsae Habte
Nessa Holbrook
Nathan Howard
Jasmyn Jagwe
Will Johnson
Ephrata Kassaye
Khadija Khan
Hadyn Kurle
Charles Lyons
Saba Mahgoub
Delena Markos
Bethel Mesfin
Naomi Million
Tigerlily Moran
Phuc Nguyen
Rocco O'Mallan
Kristen Peterson
Vincent Pham
Sana Raheem
Valerie Roblero Andino
Abigail Sanborn
Emily Shepherd
Cameryn Sierra
Jordyn Sooley
Yarely Soto Torrez
Mouhamadou Sow
Myla Toliver
Andre Tran
Jaslyn Truong
Catherine Weingold

Edison HS 2024 Honor Graduates

Abel Addis
Caspar Ahrens
Gabriel Chesney
Agata Colon
Samantha Cowen
Isaiah Green
Mohammed Jaldi
Nebil Mohammed
Khadijah Muhammad
Shaniya Smoot
Paul Simonik
Jenelle Smith
Lily Pflugradt

Lewis HS 2024 Honor Graduates

Michael Banks
Trung Doan
Rafah Iftikhar
Taofia Mehzabin
Kaitlyn Nguyen

Contact me anytime if you have questions, concerns, or comments. I also encourage you to follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

Very respectfully,

The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.

E-mail: Mateo Dunne | Phone: 571-423-1086

Staff Aide: Nelda Brown, 571-423-1049