Dear Manassas Park Middle School Cougar PRIDE Families,

Welcome to September! It has been a great first three weeks of school at MPMS!

Please take a few minutes to check out our newsletter. Included in this issue are important upcoming dates, Fall Picture Day Information, Helpful Tips, Attendance Matters, and so much more!

Feel free to contact us with any questions, comments, or concerns by calling our school at 703-361-1510 or you can reach out to me via email at kip.tuttle@mpark.net. I look forward to working with you and assisting each student to meet their learning goals.

With Cougar PRIDE,

Kip Gansneder Tuttle, Principal

Tuesday-Friday, Sept. 5-8 - Achieve Testing in English Language Arts Classes

Tuesday, Sept. 5 - First day of ReThinkEd Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Lessons

Monday-Friday, Sept. 11-15 - STAR Math Testing in Math Classes

Thursday, Sept. 14 - 1st Competitions of the Fall Athletic Season

Monday, Sept. 18 - Virginia Growth Assessment - Reading

Thursday, Sept. 21 - Virginia Growth Assessment - Math

Friday, Sept. 22 - Quarter 1 Interim

Monday, Sept. 24 - Yom Kippur - No School

Friday, Sept. 29 - Fall Picture Day

Check out the Family Market Dates below!

MPCS Online Returning Student Data Verification for 2023-2024 is now open in the PowerSchool Parent Portal at https://mpark.powerschool.com/public.

Please see the attachment below for more information.

Online Returning Student Data Verification 23-24 Eng and SP.pdf

MPCS Online devolver la verificación de datos de los estudiantes para 2023-2024 ahora está abierto en el portal para padres de PowerSchool en https://mpark.powerschool.com/public.

Consulte el archivo adjunto para obtener más información.

Online Returning Student Data Verification 23-24 Eng and SP.pdf

We want your student to achieve their maximum potential. To do this, we need to make sure the school day and instructional time are safe and focused, and distractions are limited. Please partner with us and talk with your student about following these important Expectations of Excellence:

• Cell phones / airpods are to be off and away. As needed, students may utilize the front office phone to communicate with parents. Our front office team is happy to assist.

• Hats and hoods are not to be worn while in the school building.

Students and Parents/Guardians,

We would like you to have quick access to our MPMS Student Handbook. This is a great resource for students and parents regarding expectations and how to show Cougar PRIDE!

Thank you!

MPMS Staff

Attendance

• Parents - Quick TIP about Absences: If your child will be absent from school, please email us at MPMSAttendance@mpark.net and include the reason for their absence in your email. If you have a document associated with the absence, you can attach it to the email. As always, you can also call us at 703.361.1510.

Beginning of the Day

• Car riders - Safety Tip: Be sure to exit /enter your car on the sidewalk in front MPMS.

• MPMS Front Doors open at 6:45AM.

• Free Lunches and Grab and Go breakfasts are available to all students.

• Remember - please do not bring or send outside food to students during the school day. We have great lunches here but students are also welcome to bring a packed lunch with them each day.

• In the morning, students are welcome to pick up breakfast as early as 7:00AM.

• Students will pick up their breakfast in the Commons and take it to their 1st block class to eat.

• At 7:05AM, all students should head directly to their 1st block class.

• Start the day off right! Be on time. The tardy bell rings at 7:17AM.

End of Day Tips

• Students will be dismissed at 2:15PM by staff after the bell sounds.

• Bus riders should report directly to their buses.

• Walkers should proceed home.

• Car riders should wait at the car rider line for the car to come through the loop. Please do not walk through the parking lot or out to Euclid Avenue to meet your car.

• Students waiting for the double-run buses need to wait in the MPMS Commons area until the buses arrive.

• Athletes should report directly to practice per their coach's instructions.

At Home Tips

• Please make sure your child charges their Chromebook every night and has it and their charging cord in their backpack as they head off to school each morning.

• Create a designated study space and time for learning at home.

MPMS Cougars Show their PAWS for PRIDE!

Students across MPMS do amazing things and we want to recognize them when they go above and beyond to be an amazing Cougar representing Cougar PRIDE: Positive, Responsible, Inspirational, Determined, and Engaged.

What is PAWS for PRIDE?

PAWS for PRIDE is a way for individual students to be recognized for going above and beyond to represent their individual Cougar PRIDE while earning PAWS for their grade level. When a student earns a PAWS for PRIDE recognition from their teacher, at lunchtime, they can stop by the office to turn it in. The PAWS for PRIDE earner will receive a small reward instantly, and their name will then be placed in our weekly drawing for a goodie bag. At the end of every quarter, the grade level with the most PAWS for PRIDE will receive a reward.

How can our students earn PAWS for PRIDE?

Students can earn PAWS for PRIDE by going above and beyond what is expected of them. PAWS for PRIDE are earned by students who are recognized for truly showing their Cougar PRIDE - they are Positive, Responsible, Inspirational, Determined, and Engaged!

Our PAWS for PRIDE Program is always a ROARING Success!

We would like to emphasize the critical importance of good school attendance for your middle school students. Regular attendance not only sets the stage for academic success but also helps them develop essential life skills such as responsibility, time management, and discipline. It enables our teachers to provide the best possible support and instruction tailored to your child's needs. Moreover, consistent attendance fosters a positive attitude toward learning and future educational pursuits. Your active involvement in ensuring your child's attendance can significantly contribute to their overall well-being and future opportunities. Together, let's prioritize attendance to help our middle school students thrive.

For more information, please see the helpful information below and/or contact your child's school counselor.

MPMS has Expectations of Excellence for Academic Success. Below, please find our school's grade scale, grade dates for the year, and information about the MPMS Honor Roll Regulations.

Numeric Scale - Letter Grade

90-100 - A

80-89 - B

70-79 - C

60-69 - D

59 and Below - F

Interim and Quarter Dates for 2023-2024

Sept. 22 - Quarter 1 Interim

Oct. 26 - Quarter 1 Ends

Nov. 3 - Quarter 1 Report Cards Available

Dec. 8 - Quarter 2 Interim

Jan. 18 - Quarter 2 Ends

Jan. 26 - Quarter 2 Report Cards Available

Feb. 23 - Quarter 3 Interim

March 22 - Quarter 3 Ends

April 5 - Quarter 3 Report Cards Available

May 3 - Quarter 4 Interim

June 7 - Quarter 4 Ends

June 14 - Quarter 4 and Year Report Cards Available

Honor Roll Recognitions

MPMS has established a tradition for excellence in academic performance. The honor roll is a recognition of students who achieve high grades during identified reporting periods during the school year.

There are two levels of honor roll achievement:

Superintendent’s List – All A’s or a 4.0 grade point average

Principal’s Honor Roll – 3.5 to 3.99 grade point average

Honor roll ceremonies will be held at the completion of each semester. The end-of-year honor roll ceremony will be based on the first three quarters of grades.

Manassas Park Middle School Counselors

Please use the link above to learn more about the Middle School Counseling Department and the support available to students, families, and the community!

Anna Osborne

• 6th Grade School Counselor

• anna.osborne@mpark.net

• Ext. 17131

Camille Bumbera

• 7th Grade School Counselor

• camille.bumbera@mpark.net

• Ext. 17129

Kelly Brickey

• 8th Grade School Counselor

• kelly.brickey@mpark.net

• Ext. 17130

Regular Schedule - Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays

PRIDE Block Schedule - Tuesdays

Please make sure your student is in school and in class by 7:17AM so they are on time for learning. Thank you! #CougarPRIDE

As part of our school safety procedures, your child will be participating in an age-appropriate ALICE safety lesson in their classroom a few times this school year. This is how our school meets the state requirement for a lockdown drill. It is important that our children are aware and prepared for emergencies.

More information can be found at https://www.mpark.net/programs/school_safety

Thank you for your support,

MPMS Cougar PRIDE Staff

At MPMS, we pride ourselves on respecting our digital resources and devices. Students are responsible for the care, cleanliness, and current condition of their Chromebook and charger.

For your learning success, please remember to:

1. Charge your Chromebook each evening so it is ready for school the next day

2. Bring your device and charging cord with you every day

As you are surfing the Internet and exploring our digital world, let’s remember to be good Digital Citizens and be mindful of our screen time.

A great resource for families is Common Sense Media. They have a wide collection of resources in both English and Spanish to help support our tweens and teens.

Greetings from the Athletic Department,

Our fall season is off and running! Please come out and support the MPMS Cougars in their upcoming competitions! Looking for schedules head to www.mparkathletics.com

If you are planning on participating in sports for the upcoming Winter and/or Spring seasons, it's time to start preparing! The physical and other required forms and any information about MS Athletics can be found on the Athletic Website Under Athletics. Please submit your paperwork to Ms. Cuellar in the MPMS Main Office.

Season Dates for 2023-24:

Fall: August 28 – November 3

Winter 1: November 13 – January 19

Winter 2: January 22 – March 16

Spring: March 18 – May 24

Fall Sports: August 28 – November 3

• Football
• Girls Track
• Boys Soccer
• Volleyball
• Cheerleading

Tryouts for winter sports will begin in November and students must have the following to participate:

• Current Physical
• Concussion form
• Both forms can be found and should be TURNED INTO Ms. Cuellar in the front office.
• You may not participate if these forms are not turned in and are fully complete.

Students will be given a student conduct form at tryouts that must be signed and returned that will have behavior, academic, and participation information to be eligible to participate in athletics.

Additional Information:

Tickets prices for MS:

• $1 for Middle School and Elementary Students
• $3 for High School Students and Adults
• Kids under 6 and Adults over 60 are free.
• Staff Members with ID Badges are free.

GAME DAY POLICY: Prince William County Schools has implemented a NO BAG policy for spectators. Please leave your bags in your vehicles when attending away events at their schools.

Ticket Prices For HS:

• MPHS game tickets are purchased online through the athletic website or the HomeTown ticket app ($6.00 plus fees).
• The HS will also accept cash at the gate, $7.00.
• Kids under 6 and adults over 60 are free.
• Staff members with ID Badges are free.

GAME DAY POLICY: Prince William County Schools has implemented a NO BAG policy for spectators. Please leave your bags in your vehicles when attending away events at their schools.

Please use our website www.mparkathletics.com to keep up to date with Cougar Athletics. This site provides information about tryouts, schedules, scores, coaches, and more for both our Middle School and High School Teams. In addition to the website, we have a new Athletic Department App which is free to download for both Apple and Android. Finally, you will want to follow us on Twitter @MPCougars. Game day updates or changes will come through Twitter. We also use Instagram (mpcougars).

MPHS/MPMS Athletics!

#WEAREMPARK

Dear Parents and Guardians,

COVID-19 infections are on the rise again; and unfortunately, we have noted an uptick in cases within our MPCS community. Please take extra precautions to keep your children and your family members safe! Remember, our bodily fluids can carry infection, so please encourage all family members to wash their hands frequently. This is especially important after using the bathroom and before a meal or snack. Handwashing is the BEST defense we have in the fight against COVID.

Also, remind your children to tell you about any Covid-like symptoms. And if they are sick, PLEASE keep them at home! Fever = No school. (If uncertain about whether to send your child to school, call the MP clinic nurse to discuss. We can help you decide what to do. And we can advise you about testing and seeking treatment.) We are here for you and your children!

Other resources:

For free vaccinations or boosters, contact the Mason and Partners Clinic at (703) 993-5880.

The www.CDC.gov website has excellent information about precautions AND isolation practices in the home.

MPCS Nursing Team

IMPORTANT BREAKFAST AND LUNCH INFORMATION

We are pleased to inform you that all schools in Manassas Park will continue to participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for school year 2023-2024.

What does this mean for you and your children attending our schools?

Great news for you and your child(ren)! All enrolled students of Manassas Park are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school, at no charge to your household, each day of the 2023-2024 school year. No further action is required of you. Your child(ren) will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit a meal application.

If you have questions or need information, please contact the School Nutrition Office by emailing gregory.taylor@mpark.net or calling 703-361-1510 ext. 17212.

Sincerely,

Greg Taylor, MPCS Food Services Coordinator

Student Pin Numbers - This year students will need to use their Pin Number / Student Number for breakfast and lunch. Students were provided their pin number at the beginning of the year and will need to use it for all breakfast and lunch transactions.

Breakfast - Breakfast will be available beginning at 7:00AM each morning. If a student arrives late (by 8:00AM) to school, they can still pick up breakfast!

Resharing from our August 9, 2023 message to our MPMS Cougar PRIDE Families:

Dear MPMS Parents and Students,

Exciting news! Starting this school year, all middle schoolers will take a semester of Health and Physical Education. The class will cover essential topics such as nutrition, mental health, and fair play, promoting overall well-being and healthy habits.

The Health Education portion of the class will follow the Virginia Department of Education Standards of Learning and will cover a wide range of essential topics, including essential health concepts, healthy decisions, and advocacy and health promotion. Through interactive lessons and discussions, students will gain valuable insights into making informed decisions that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Following the Virginia Department of Education Standards of Learning, the Physical Education portion of the class will focus on motor skill development, anatomical basis of movement, fitness planning, social and emotional development, and energy balance. We are committed to providing a learning environment where every student can discover their strengths, develop their skills, and embrace a healthy lifestyle.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school counselor.

We appreciate your support in embracing this important change for our learners.

With Cougar PRIDE,

Kip Gansneder Tuttle, Principal

MPCS is fortunate to have an outstanding Transportation Department!

Here are key pieces of information regarding getting to and from school via MPCS Transportation:

• All pick-up times are estimated and subject to change.
• Students must be at their designated bus stops five minutes prior to the estimated pick-up time.
• Parents/Guardians are responsible for the safety of their children to and from the bus stops and while waiting at the designated bus stops.
• Transportation to private daycare centers or to any private business is not provided by Manassas Park City Schools.

General Bus Schedules

4:30 Late Run Buses - use for MPMS After School Activities

5:15 Late Run Buses

Need more information? Head to the MPMS Transportation page