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As we head into the final stretch of the school year, there is a lot of excitement—and important work—happening in our classrooms! Here are a few key updates for the coming weeks:
Our students have been working incredibly hard on their state and division assessments. These evaluations help us celebrate their growth and identify how we can best support them. We are so proud of their focus and perseverance! Please help your child do their best by ensuring they get plenty of rest and a good breakfast on testing days.
With the warmer weather and end-of-year events approaching, it can be tempting to start summer vacation early. However, consistent attendance remains vital. These final weeks are packed with essential review, hands-on projects, and closure activities that help students transition successfully to the next grade level. Let’s keep that momentum going right until the final bell!
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education. Let's make these last few weeks the best ones yet!
Sincerely,
Gina O'Neal, Principal
Christine Berry, Assistant Principal
Kevin Heron, Assistant Principal
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May 19- Spring Concert 6:00pm
May 20- Early Release Wednesday, Dismissal at 12:15pm
May 21- Surf Into Summer Family Resource Event- 5:00pm
May 25- Memorial Day, No School
May 26- Teacher Work Day, Student Holiday
May 27- Eid al-Adha, No School
June 1- Family Food Market, 4:00pm
June 16- Kindergarten Promotion, 9:30am
June 16- PreK Promotion, 10:00am
June 16- 6th Grade Promotion, 6:00pm
June 17- Last Day of School, Dismissal at 1:15pm
 Surf Into Summer Family Resource Event
Join us for a special event to help families prepare for summer. There will be a presentation for parents about how to prevent the academic "summer slide" and keep them academically engaged over the summer.
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Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
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Time: 5:00 PM TO 6:30 PM
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Location: Mt Vernon Woods Elementary Library
Following the presentation, there will be a resource fair in the cafeteria with community partners including local summer camps, United Community, The Department of Family Services
All who attend will be entered in a raffle for prizes.
 Finish the School Year With Strong Attendance!
As we enter the final weeks of the school year, Fairfax County Public Schools appreciates your continued partnership in supporting your child’s success. Regular attendance plays an important role in helping students stay engaged in learning, maintain connections with their teachers and peers, and finish the school year strong.
Attending school consistently also helps students build valuable habits such as responsibility, perseverance, and daily routines that support success both in and out of the classroom.
If your child needs to miss school, please remember to report the absence. Full-day absences can be reported in ParentVUE. Families may also report absences by calling the school attendance line or emailing the school-designated attendance address.
If your child is experiencing challenges that are affecting attendance, we are here to help. Please contact your child’s school so staff can partner with you to provide support and resources. Learn more about attendance resources.
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Update
On Friday, May 8, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid provided an update on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget. FCPS receives the majority of its funding from the Fairfax County Government and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Fairfax County Government recently adopted its FY 2027 Budget, and at the funding levels provided, there is currently a $28 million budget gap. In addition, the state budget has not been finalized. At last Thursday's School Board meeting, the superintendent proposed adjustments that would balance the FCPS budget.
Read Dr. Reid’s message to the community for more information on the budget process and budget priorities.
 New Cellphone Policy Starts July 1
On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.
This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell.
High school students will no longer be able to use cellphones and personal devices during lunchtime. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.
Other SR&R Changes for the 2026-27 School Year
Visit the FCPS website or the School Board agenda to learn about additional updates, including:
- Added guidance and procedures for in-school and out-of-school suspensions and discipline investigations, including supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners.
- Expanded guidance and standardized disciplinary procedures (“Universal Grade Matrices”) related to harassment, hate speech, discriminatory behavior, and Title IX reporting requirements.
- Responses to incidents involving intimate images, fighting, physical aggression, object throwing, and drug policy violations.
 Now Hiring: Substitute Teachers for the 2026–2027 School Year for Mt Vernon Woods | Apply Now
Mt Vernon Woods is seeking individuals who can provide continuity of instructional teaching as a substitute teacher. Able to inspire, enable and empower students to meet high academic standards. The position offers:
✔ Flexible schedule ✔ Make a difference in your local community ✔ Great for people with a passion for teaching/assisting students.
Join our team and support student learning!
Apply today! For details, visit the FCPS Substitute Employment Website. When applying, search “Substitute” and select the Mount Vernon pyramid posting.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month is about more than awareness. It’s about showing up for one another. It provides a chance to stand with your community and show that no one struggles alone. Everyone is invited to speak up against mental health stigma. Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website.
Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services
Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services.
Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Additional Mental Health Resources
FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional support can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number.
Recent reports have shared an 11% drop in suicides among young people since the rollout of 988. Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts.
And as always, if your concern is an emergency, you should call 911.
Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas
Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School.
Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family.
For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.
 Jewish American Heritage Month
May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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