Dear Mustang Families,

At George Mason High School we believe strongly in the IB philosophy of building well rounded, reflective students who challenge themselves and take risks in their learning. Education focuses on a wide range of learning aspects that extend beyond knowing and understanding the content. At GMHS we pride ourselves on setting a high standard of learning that includes authentic real world application and analysis, communication skills needed for students to share how they understand and opportunities for reflection on what they have learned.

We as faculty are reflective in our instructional practices. Throughout the first semester in our *SBG cohort, teachers and administrators have had multiple opportunities to collaborate and determine specific areas where we can improve. The identified areas that we will work to strengthen our practice include:

Communication. We aim to strengthen our practice through direct communication between the classroom and families above and beyond a number in a gradebook. As our teachers work to improve and enhance their communication to families, we implore families to build a stronger partnership by reaching out directly to teachers with questions about learning.

Feedback. We aim to strengthen the ways in which teachers communicate to students about their progress in learning through clear and targeted feedback. Examples of forms of feedback you may expect in classes are:

• Teacher in-class response to discussion comments

• Scores on quizzes or practice assignments

• Marked rubrics on summative assessments

• Whole class instruction and review of rubrics

• Conferencing with the teacher

• Teacher comments left on an assignment

• Peer review and workshopping

• Self-reflection

We are committed to establishing a fair and equitable learning environment that is aligned to the IB/MYP curriculum and supports all learners.

We appreciate your continued support.

Team Mason

*ELECTIVES: Chorus, Theater, TV/Media Production

GRADE 9: Algebra I, Language & Literature, PE/Health, World History II

GRADE 10: AP Government, Chemistry, Earth Science, Geometry

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This year, our FCCPS Central Office was fortunate enough to have an intern from George Mason High School. This current Senior - who is a wonderful model for how IB prepares students to be inquirers and thinkers - has spent the past six months researching best practices for homework. In an effort to gain a better understanding of homework practices in our FCCPS schools, we would like for all parents, students, and staff to participate in this homework survey. Each survey is specific to the following groups:

1. Parent Survey
2. Teacher Survey
3. Secondary Student Survey
4. Student Survey for Grades 2-5
5. Student Survey for Grades K-1

We are asking parents of students between grades K-12 to support your student with the completion of this survey. Principals will be sending the survey to their staff. Secondary students will be receiving the survey via Schoology. The survey is opened through Thursday, February 6.

We anticipate the feedback will be collected, analyzed, and shared with the School Board in a presentation by the student at the March 17th work session. The survey should take less than ten minutes to complete. To maintain anonymity and confidentiality, please do not include student or teacher names in your response. If you have questions about this survey, you may direct them here: homework@fccps.org

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Date: Wednesday, March 18th

8:30-9:30 - Parent Coffee: Introduction of Speaker, Nils Ahbel, and opportunity for question and answer session.

9:48 - 10:48 Auditorium Talk All 11th and 12th graders (limited space for parents)

“The Truth about Alcohol and THC - Facts that Can Save Your Life!”

Description: Come see Mr. Nils Ahbel discuss how your body metabolizes THC and Alcohol over time. Mr. Ahbel is a skilled speaker and master teacher who is passionate about educating young adults and communities so that they may better understand the effects of THC and alcohol. This interesting and informative talk could potentially save lives.

If you you have any questions in regards to the presentation or if you would like to opt out your child, please contact Dave Serensits at dserensits@fccps.org.

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The Northern Virginia Graduate Center and Camelot Services are offering parking permits to our students on a monthly basis with an access card which will provide quicker exiting of the parking lot. To purchase the $60 per month parking access card, please follow these instructions provided to us by clicking on Parking at the Northern Virginia Grad Center.

After purchasing your parking permit, please see Mr. Jerry Nelson at the Grad Center to pick up your access card. Mr. Nelson is available Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. You can reach Mr. Nelson by phone at 703-532-7056.

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Time is running out for your Senior Yearbook Ad order. You may place an order for full, partial, or multifamily (share the space, fun, and cost!) page ads. Your purchase helps support the GMHS Yearbook while having a special place in the yearbook celebrating your child.

2/13 - Last day parents can order an ad from (www.jostensadservices.com)

• No extensions

2/13 - Final copy count for this year’s yearbook. We cannot guarantee a book for your child after this date.

Thanks again...CW

C. Coulter Weaver III

IB CAS Coordinator

NHS Sponsor

GMHS Yearbook Advisor

US Government

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February 5

PTSA Joint Meeting

7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Henderson Cafetorium

February 12

Early Release

12:10 p.m. -- Dismissal

February 14

Happy Valentine's Day

February 17

President's Day Holiday

No School

February 20

College 101- An Overview of the College Process

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Mustang Café

College 101 will be an information session aimed at Juniors and their parents but all GM students and parents are welcome to attend. An overview of the basic timeline for the college admissions process for junior year and senior year will be explained

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Mulch Madness Fundraiser Sponsored by the GMHS Athletic Boosters Association

Order now at the Mason Fan Shop (MASON FAN SHOP). Top quality double-shredded hardwood mulch delivered by Mustang Athletes directly to your home! Bags are $5 each for 3 cu. ft. Delivery date to Falls Church area homes is Saturday, March 28th. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Please help support the GMHS Athletic Boosters in our mission to support Mason Athletics. Deadline to order mulch is March 18th.

For questions, please contact our Mulch Co-Chair Laura Hodges at laura.hodges@hotmail.com.

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Does your student need a tutor or a quiet place to study? Check out the link below:

Saturday Learning Lounge

Click here to subscribe to the PTSA Newsletter

Download the free FCCPS APP

You can find current and past issues of the GMHS Hitching Posts from Principal Hills on the GMHS website at the link below:

Principal's Newsletter