|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
 |
|
Principal's Message |
Greetings Tiger Families!
Today our students received a learning seminar lesson on the implementation of our new Open Gate Weapons Detection System next week. Our plan for the week includes:
-
Tuesday, 10.21.25 – weapons detection system is up, but not on, so that students can enter school and visualize what that will look like each day
-
Wednesday, 10.22.25 and Thursday, 10.23.25 – weapons detection is up, but not on. Students will practice the entire entrance procedure, to include handing their laptops, metal lunch boxes, umbrellas and other common items that set the alarm off to staff members as they pass through the weapons detection towers.
-
Friday, 10.24.25 – Twain’s Open Gate Weapons Detection system goes live and all students and visitors will pass through this security system upon entering the building each day
Please note that all visitors to the school will also be subject to traveling through the Weapons Detection system. Parents and guardians must be prepared to go through the system and of course not be in possession of any weapons while on campus.
Please take some time to discuss this new layer of security being implemented in FCPS middle schools with your students this weekend. We are confident that our Tigers will rise to the occasion and adjust to this new routine each day in order to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment. In case you missed it last week, I find this video produced by Superintendent Dr. Reid and students at Glasgow Middle School helpful with understanding the benefits of the system as well as being able to picture it in action.
We are so appreciative of the supportive, caring and knowledgeable Twain community we serve.
Sincerely,
Matt
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, October 20: No School - Diwali
Tuesday, October 21: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, October 22: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, October 23: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, October 24: Even Day Schedule
After School Program
For the week of October 20 - 24
|
|
1ST Block
|
2nd Block
|
|
Monday October 20:
|
NO AFTER SCHOOL
|
PROGRAM
|
|
Tuesday October 21:
|
2:30 – 3:35
|
3:40 – 4:40
|
|
Wednesday October 22:
|
2:30 – 3:35
|
3:40 – 4:40
|
|
Thursday October 23:
|
2:30 – 3:35
|
3:40 – 4:40
|
|
Friday October 24:
|
2:30 – 3:35
|
3:40 – 4:40
|
Calendar Reminders: Diwali (Holiday)
Monday, October 20, is a school holiday for Diwali. All schools and offices are closed. See the complete school year calendar. We return to school on Tuesday, October 21st with an Odd Day.
Resources to Support Talking with Kids about Diversity & Disability
October is both Disability Awareness Month and LGBTQ+ History month. In recognition of the importance of being able to speak to our young people about the many ways each of us can be different, we are sharing some resources below. These can help families have meaningful, age-appropriate conversations about differences in ability — how to use respectful language, answer questions honestly, and model inclusive behavior.
FCPS Statement on Nondiscrimination: Americans With Disabilities Policy Notice
Fairfax County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, Title IX, and pregnancy), marital status, religion, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information in its programs and activities. These protections apply to students, employees, and other members of the public.
FCPS is committed to equal access and equal opportunity in all services and employment, including its policies, complaint process, program accessibility, religious accommodations, and other equal employment opportunity matters. FCPS prohibits retaliation against individuals who report allegations of discrimination, file a formal complaint, or participate in the investigative process.
Compliance is coordinated by the directors of the following:
-
Office of Employee Relations, Department of Human Resources, regarding equal employment opportunity, discrimination, and sexual harassment issues. Find contact information on their website.
- Office of Special Education Procedural Support, Department of Special Services, 571-423-4290, regarding programs and activities for students with disabilities.
For more information, visit the non-discrimination policy webpage or the non-discrimination/ADA webpage.
Nominations Now Open for FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards
Nominations are now open for the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Twain Middle School Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through the linked Google forms below (simply click on the award title to access the form).
All that is required is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work. You may nominate up to one employee per category.
Outstanding Teacher
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category.
Outstanding New Teacher
Eligibility: Within their first three years of being a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category
Outstanding New Principal
Eligibility: Has at less than three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)
Outstanding School-Based Leader
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal) at their current location
Positions in this category include Assistant Principal, Associate Principal, Director of Student Services, Director of Student Activities
Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee
Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership at their current location
Positions in this category include Resource Teacher and Special Education Department Chair and Multilingual Learners Department Chair who serve in a non-instructional role for more than 50% of their time, After-School Specialist, Assessment Coach, Athletic Trainer, Career Center Specialist, Career Experience Specialist, College and Career Specialist, Crisis Resource Teacher, Instructional Coach, School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Psychologist, Reading Specialist, Safety and Security Specialist, Social Worker, Speech Language Pathologist, School Counselor, Systems of Support Administrator, or other employee paid as a Resource Teacher who serves in a non-instructional or administrative role in the school)
Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee at their current location
Positions in this category include Administrative Assistant, Office Assistant, Student Information Assistant, Finance Technician, School Finance Assistant, Student Services Assistant, Registrar, Custodian, Building Supervisor, Operating Engineer, Food Services staff, Instructional Assistant, Family Liaison, Public Health Training Assistant, Safety and Security Assistant, and all hourly employees.
The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, October 24th.
If you have any questions, please contact Twain Awards Liaison, Brenda Mejia at bpmejia@fcps.edu.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year.
Immunization clinics will take place from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Willow Oaks Administrative Center on:
A clinic will also take place at Frost Middle School on Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are available. Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment for their student.
When Should Your Child Stay Home?
Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. So when should your child stay home? Visit our site for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and your school to minimize impacts on learning.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify your child’s school and teacher so that assistance can be provided, if needed.
Applications Open Monday, October 20, for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Eighth graders who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2030 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).
The application will be available Monday, October 20, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, with a submission deadline of 4 p.m. Friday, November 14. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information.
National School Lunch Week
This week is National School Lunch Week, which promotes the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has inside and outside of the classroom. View menus for your child’s school to help you plan for the week ahead.
Did you know that families can apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits anytime during the school year?
If a family’s income changes at any point, they may become newly eligible according to federal income guidelines and can apply immediately. This includes income interruptions caused by furloughs, layoffs, or job losses. Once approved, benefits remain valid for the rest of the school year and for up to 30 school days into the following school year, even if the family’s income changes again. See Dr. Reid’s October 1 letter to the community for other resources available to families impacted by the government shutdown.
Thank you to our dedicated cafeteria staff for making sure our students are well fed every day!
Step Into Your Future at the FCPS Operational Career Fair
 On Tuesday, October 28, from 4 to 7 p.m., FCPS will host an Operational Career Fair and Networking Event at the Fairfax County Government Center. This event is a collaboration with Fairfax County Government to showcase current and future FCPS operational job opportunities.
Registration is required to attend. Please register by Friday, October 24. Learn more about the networking event fair.
Questions should be directed to the | 