MPMS COUGAR PRIDE NEWS
November 7. 2023
Dear Manassas Park Middle School Cougar PRIDE Families,
The next two months will be very busy here at MPMS. Please check out the calendar events listed below and on our webpage!
Parent-Teacher Conferences - Recap
Thank you to the many parents who participated in our Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 1st. If you didn't have a chance to meet with your child's teacher, please reach out. They'd love to connect with you! You can find staff emails by clicking this link to the MPMS Staff Directory.
Attendance Matters!
We appreciate your efforts in ensuring that your child is present and punctual each day - this directly contributes to their academic achievements. Attendance is crucial to your child's education, and regular school attendance sets the foundation for their learning and personal development. Students who attend school regularly are more like to perform well in read and mathematics and graduate on time. Below you will find helpful information and resources to support your child's school attendance.
Be in the Know
Our newsletter includes important dates, the latest in Library news, Athletics, Helpful Tips, October Cougar PRIDE Students of the Month, pictures of our Cougars Showing their PRIDE, and so much more! Thank you for taking the time to enjoy our MPMS Cougar PRIDE News!
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
MPMS - Important Upcoming Dates
Tues., Nov. 7 - No School for Students, Election Day. Virtual Teacher Workday
Wed., Nov. 8 - MPCS Family Market, 4:00-5:30PM
Fri., Nov. 10 - School Division Closed for Veteran's Day
Fri., Nov. 17 - Picture Retake Day
Wed., Nov. 22-24 - School Division Closed for Fall Break
Wed., Dec. 6 - 7/8 grade Band Concert, 7PM
Thurs., Dec. 7- 6th grade Band Concert, 7PM
Thurs., Dec. 14 - 7/8 grade Choir Concert, 7PM
Tues., Dec. 14 - 6th grade Choir Concert, 7PM
Wed., Dec. 20 - Early Dismissal, 10:45AM
Thurs., Dec. 21-Mon., Jan. 1 - Winter Break
Check out more Family Market Dates below!
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month - November 1st-30th
Expectations of Excellence: MPMS Grade Scale, Grade Dates, & Honor Roll Recognitions
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.
MPCS Strategic Plan
MPCS is proud to share the 2023 Strategic Plan.
Important - Student Registration Verification
Expectations of Excellence
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.
MPMS Helpful Tips:
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
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.
PAWS for PRIDE
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!
MPMS is Proud to Present Our October Cougar PRIDE Students of the Month - Congratulations Cougars!
Bonus feature above - Siblings BOTH recognized in the same month! WOW!!!
At MPMS, Attendance Matters!
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.
Welcome to MPMS Counseling Department
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
Camille Bumbera
Kelly Brickey
Here is a preview of our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum for the next two weeks:
- November 6-10 - Student Self Assessment
- November 13-17 - Self Care, Self Advocacy
REMINDER: Quarter 2 has just began on Friday 10/27! Be sure to remind students to keep up with all of their assignments on Canvas.
MPMS Celebrates Red Ribbon Week and Students Pledge to Be Drug Free
Parental Notification: 2023 Virginia Middle School Youth Survey
November 7, 2023
Our school will be taking part in the 2023 Virginia Youth Survey. This survey is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth with the support of the Virginia Department of Education.
The survey will take about 45 minutes for the students to complete and will ask questions about the health behaviors of 6th through 8th grade students in areas related to physical activity, nutrition, injuries, tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use.
The survey is voluntary; however, we would like all selected students to take part in it. No action will be taken against the school, you, or your child if your child does not take part. It has been designed to protect your child’s privacy; therefore, students will not put their names on it. Students can skip any questions they do not wish to answer and may stop participating in the survey at any point without penalty. In addition, no school or student will ever be mentioned by name in a report of the survey results.
If your student is selected to participate in the survey, we will notify you in the near future. If you do not wish for your student to participate, please just return the form to us by the date indicated.
With Cougar PRIDE,
MPMS
High School Credit-Bearing Courses Taken in Middle School
At MPMS, we are fortunate to offer high school credit-bearing courses Algebra I, Geometry, and Spanish I to our Middle Schoolers. Below is important information about these credits and student transcripts. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child's school counselor.
High School Credit-Bearing Courses Taken in Middle School
For any high school credit-bearing course taken in middle school, parents may request that grades be omitted from the student's transcript and the student not earn high school credit for the course in accordance with policies adopted by the local school board. Notice of this provision must be provided to parents with a deadline and format for making such a request. VSBA Policy JO Student Records; 8 VAC 20-131-90. Please see the MPCS Regulation IKEB-R Acceleration titled: Request to Expunge High School Courses in Middle School for additional information.
Cougars Showing Their COUGAR PRIDE
Ms. Solomon's Language Arts 7A Students Feature Final Projects
MPCS: What's Canvas and How can I become a Canvas Observer?
As our students are engaged in learning we encourage our parents and guardians to become a Canvas Observer. Being a Canvas Observer provides parents the ability to connect, review, and observe student assignments, course announcements, and learning objectives.
As students showcase Cougar PRIDE and Engage in their learning, you as a Canvas Observer can Inspire your student to be successful.
Click Here to Access the Canvas Parent Account Instructions
Please reach out to the MPMS office if you need assistance with this process.
Get Connected with ClassLink!
Manassas Park City Schools is now using ClassLink to make it easier then ever for students to access digital resources at home on their Chromebooks as well as personal at-home devices. The ClassLink LaunchPad allows your child to use just one username and password to access all of our educational applications on personal devices at home as well as on their school-issued Chromebook.
Directions for quick & easy access:
- Use a Chromebook or log into the Google Chrome browser on a personal device using the student’s @mpcs4learning.com user name and password. (This is the same login information they use at school.)
- Once logged into Chrome; go to https://launchpad.classlink.com/mpark and log in with the same username (without the @mpcs4learning.com) and password. You may want to bookmark this URL for the future. Here are some quick help guidelines for even easier ways to get logged in. Parents’ Guide – Easy ClassLink Access
That’s it! Now students can click on the apps they would like to use from their ClassLink Launchpad. You can find out more about the EdTech applications that are used at MPCS by visiting https://mpark.app.learnplatform.com/new/public
Need assistance with connecting to ClassLink? Please email patty.gilham@mpark.net
MPMS STUDENT HANDBOOK
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
MPMS BELL SCHEDULE FOR 2023-2024
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
Chromebook Care
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:
Charge your Chromebook each evening so it is ready for school the next day
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.
MPMS Athletics
Greetings from the Athletic Department,
Our fall season has come to a close and we are getting ready to kick of Winter 1 with tryouts starting November 13th for Boys Basketball.
Looking for the Winter 1 competition dates? Head to www.mparkathletics.com
Remember: 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
Winter 1 Sports: November 13 - January 19
- Boys Basketball
- Cheerleading
Tryouts for winter sports will begin in November 13 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
A Note From MPCS Nursing
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
Community Resources & Events
FAMIS - Virginia's Health Insurance Program for Children
Hylton Center Offering Free Student Tickets
News from MPCS School Food and Nutrition Services
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
More Food Service News: Pin/Student Numbers and Breakfast
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!
Health and PE for All MPMS Students 2023-2024
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 / MPMS Transportation Information
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
MPCS Transportation: ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A CAREER CHANGE?
Whether you are changing careers or just getting back into the job market, this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for.
Manassas Park City Schools Transportation is offering back-to-back workshops throughout the 2023-2024 School Year to help you earn your CDL INSTRUCTION PERMIT.
The classes are free!
To be accepted into our School Bus Driver Training Program, you must have your CDL Instruction Permit in four areas: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, School Buses, and Transporting Passengers. These workshops will help prepare you for the questions you will need to know to obtain your CDL Learner’s Permit.
General Requirements
· You must be at least 21 with at least 5 years driving experience
· You must have a Virginia Driver’s License and a safe driving record
· You must have a clean criminal record; no felonies
· You must be able to pass a DOT physical and drug test
· You must be able to read, write, and comprehend English
· You must be able to commit to study and attend classes
CDL Workshop Sessions for the 2023-2024 School Year
See the schedule below for class dates.
· Session 1 Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30 to 6:00, Sept. 12th through Oct. 5th
· Session 2 Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30 to 6:00, Nov. 14th through Dec. 12th
· Spring Classes to be announced at a later date
The first day of the workshop will include Information and Driver Record Check
Obtaining your Virginia CDL Learner’s Permit is the first step to becoming a School Bus Driver. We hope you will consider joining our team. For questions, call 703-361-5044.
