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Principal's Message |
Greetings Twain Families!
Sadly, on Wednesday our neighbors in the Frost Middle School community tragically lost a student in a traffic accident not far from their campus. Two additional FCPS students were also involved in traffic accidents on the same day. You likely saw this sad news in the email sent by Superintendent Reid Wednesday evening. Our hearts break for the student’s family, friends, and the entire Frost community. The loss of a young person is always a tragedy, especially when it is so avoidable.
I’d like to take this opportunity to reiterate some of the sentiments shared by Dr. Reid. All of us have a responsibility to travel through our shared community safely, attentively, and following established laws and procedures. Last year, FCPS conducted a Traffic & Pedestrian Safety study. That report identified nine priority schools for targeted support and Twain was one of those nine. As I shared in our newsletter a few weeks ago, the primary issue identified was the unsafe drop-off of students along Franconia Road and in the neighborhood across Franconia Road from Twain. This practice, rather than using the established and safe Kiss & Ride route on our campus, puts students and drivers at risk. In the wake of a tragedy that feels too close to home, I feel compelled to speak very frankly to this matter on the following points.
- Please do not drop your student off directly onto Franconia Road. This is both highly unsafe and illegal.
- Please do not utilize the pseudo Kiss & Ride that has been informally established at the intersection of Craft Road and Franconia Road. This creates too much vehicle and pedestrian volume in a short amount of time for it to be safe for both pedestrians and drivers. Our crossing guard is only scheduled until 7:25 AM. Any students arriving after that are crossing without her assistance.
- If you are allowing your child to ride an electric scooter or electric bicycle to school please make sure they do so in a safe and cautious manner. The speed of these vehicles does not match the attention span and skill of adolescents.
- All bike and scooter riders must disembark their vehicle when they enter campus for their safety and the safety of the students and staff walking our sidewalks. Please reiterate this point with your student.
- All bike and scooter riders should be wearing helmets. Please ensure your child is wearing a helmet.
- Please slow down and remain alert and undistracted while driving on or near our campus.
- If riding a bus is an option for your student, please utilize this free, consistent, and safe method for traveling to and from school. Our campus, like most, was not engineered to sustain the number of Kiss & Ride users that we receive each day (approximately 160 in the morning, and 100 in the afternoon). On inclement weather days like today, that number can double.
Thank you for prioritizing the safety of our students, staff and community over efficiency and convenience.
On the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we remember and honor the victims, families, heroes, and survivors of 9/11, and the courage and determination of our nation's first responders. I hope that today, and in the coming days, we all have a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks that occurred on that day.
Go Tigers!
Sincerely,
Matt
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, September 14: Anchor Day Schedule
Tuesday, September 15: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, September 16: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, September 17: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, September 18: Even Day Schedule
After School Program
Updated Start Date: The first day of the Twain After School Program will now be Monday, September 28th. We will run programming for our cross country team on September 15th and September 17th (parent pickup at 3:30 only) and September 22nd and September 24th (both parent pickup at 3:30 and late bus departure at 4:40 options are available). The full after school program will open on September 28th. Students will receive more information about the clubs being offered and after school program expectations through lunches and learning seminar over the next two weeks.
Calendar Reminders:
Rosh Hashanah (evening-only observance)
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday, September 11. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
On September 17 each year, schools honor Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, which commemorates the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, and recognizes “all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.”
Twain Back to School Night
We can’t wait to see you at our Back to School Night on September 17th from 6:30 - 8:30 PM. This is an excellent opportunity to meet your student’s teachers and learn about all the wonderful things they are learning in their classes this school year. You can find all of the pertinent details, including the schedule for the evening at the link to our website below. See you next week!
Twain Back to School Night Announcement
Yom Kippur (holiday)
Monday, September 21, is a holiday, and schools and offices will be closed.
See the complete school year calendar.
Twain XC Team Gets Running on September 15th!
We are excited to get our 3rd season of cross country started next week! Families with interested students should refer to the emails sent by Mr. Fitzgerald this week with the pertinent details. Questions about cross country can be directed to our head coach, Mr. Jacob Marsh at jbmarsh@fcps.edu.
Twain School Improvement and Innovation Plan (SIIP)
Each school year we develop, in collaboration with division and region partners, a plan to address areas we would like to make positive gains over the course of this, and subsequent school years. This year we have goals related to school attendance, inclusion, progress on the WIDA assessment for our multi-lingual learners, English Language Arts and Science Achievement and Algebra 1 enrollment and success. You can view our “SIIP At-a-Glance” on our website at the link below.
Twain MS SIIP At-a-Glance
Twain’s 1st Spirit Week of the School Year is Next Week
Our Student Council Association (SCA) has planned on our first spirit week of the year next week. If you see your kids outfits being out of the ordinary next week - here is why!
Monday, September 14 - Pajama Day
Tuesday, September 15 - Touchdown Tuesday
Wednesday, September 16 - Wacky Wednesday
Thursday, September 17 - Adam Sandler Day
Friday, September 18 - Twain Spirit Day
Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30
The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.
We ask that families please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.
Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.
Cellphones and Personal Devices
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device. Learn more about the student device requirement.
Applications Open October 5 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 2031 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).
The application will be available Monday, October 5, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, with a submission deadline of 4 p.m. Friday, October 30. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information, including a schedule of upcoming information sessions at middle schools.
The Importance of the Flu Vaccine
As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, the health and well-being of our students continues to be one of our priorities. Staying up to date with your child's flu vaccination helps:
- Reduce School Absences: Keeping students healthy means more time spent learning and engaging with peers.
- Protect the Community: Vaccination helps shield vulnerable family members and neighbors from seasonal illness.
- Support Overall Wellness: Routine flu shots are a key component of a proactive student health plan.
Upcoming Flu Shot Events
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will be taking place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.
Importance of Strong Attendance Habits
September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways families can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include:
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
- Laying out clothes and packing backpacks the night before.
- Talking to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning, if they seem anxious about going to school.
- Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to your school’s front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Support Twain NJHS at Chipotle!
Join us for a delicious way to support the Twain National Junior Honor Society!
Where: Kingstowne Chipotle Mexican Grill, 5955 Kingstowne Towne Center, Ste 160, Alexandria, VA 22315
When: Monday, September 14
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Grab dinner for your family and help raise funds for Twain NJHS service projects and school initiatives!Dine in or order online for pickup. For online orders use code: KE8V42D
Bring the attached flyer or be sure to mention Twain NJHS at checkout so your purchase counts toward our fundraiser!
Every burrito, bowl, and taco makes a difference. Thank you!
Yearbook Ordering is open now
Order a yearbook at discounted rate ($33) by Friday, September 18 and cross this one off your list. This is the lowest price of the year - and the only time to save up to $20 on icons with personalization. Use promo code YBKICONS at checkout to claim your savings
Order your yearbook now!
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