MPMS COUGAR PRIDE NEWS
April 7, 2024
MPMS Focus
Solar Eclipse
On Monday, April 8, 2024 Manassas Park will experience a solar eclipse. This is when the moon covers the sun. In this year, we are expecting approximately 87% coverage at the peak. While this is an exciting event, it is also a time to be cautious. The solar eclipse in Manassas Park begins around 2:03 p.m. and ends at 4:32 p.m. with a maximum coverage at 3:19 p.m.
We want to remind you about the importance of discussing sun safety with your children, especially during an eclipse. While it's always risky to look at the sun, during an eclipse, the danger increases because eye damage can occur without you realizing it. Without proper precautions, observing the sun can harm your child's eyes and yours.
At MPCS, we urge parents and guardians to talk to their children about the eclipse and the risks of looking directly at the sun. Please remind your child about these dangers.
In other news, please note that there will be no school for students on Wednesday, April 10th. Additionally, we extend our warm wishes to all families celebrating Ramadan.
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, including announcing more details for our Athletics - check out the beautiful new graphics highlighting the Winter II schedule, Helpful Tips, January Cougar PRIDE Students of the Month, news about Course Scheduling for 24-25, the latest from the library, 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
4/6 - Quarter 3 Report Cards Now Available Online in the PowerSchool Parent Portal
Manassas Park City Schools is requesting that parents review their student’s report card and digitally sign that the report card has been reviewed.
Directions to Access Online Report Cards: https://bit.ly/mpcsonlinereportcards
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4/8 – Solar Eclipse at 3:18PM For More information go to: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/where-when/
4/8 – Spring Sports Kick Off. See below for more information.
4/9 – 8th grade Field Trip to Richmond Science Museum. Students not participating should report to school.
4/9 – PRIDE Schedule for SEL lesson
4/10 – No School, Division Closure, Eid al Fitr
4/10 – MPCS Family Market
4/11 – PRIDE Schedule for Academic and Career Plan lesson (ACP)
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4/15 – 4/20 - STAR Math Testing
4/16 – PRIDE Schedule for SEL lesson
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4/21 – 5/3 - History & Science Interim Benchmark testing window
4/23 – PRIDE Schedule for SEL lesson
4/25 – Last Day of MPMS After School Cougar Tutoring
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4/21 – 5/3 - History & Science Interim Benchmark testing window
4/30 – PRIDE Schedule for SEL lesson
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5/6-5/10 – Staff Appreciation Week
5/8 – 7th & 8th Grade Band Concert
5/9 – 6th Grade Band Concert
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5/13-6/4 - SOL Testing Window
5/15 – 6th Grade Choir Concert
5/16 – 7th & 8th Grade Choir Concert
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5/13-6/4 - SOL Testing Window
6/4 – 6th grade End of Year Ceremony, Time TBD
6/4 – NJHS Ceremony, 5PM
6/5 – 7th grade End of Year Ceremony, Time TBD
6/6 – Last Day of School, Early Dismissal @ 10:45AM
6/6 – 8th grade End of Year Ceremony, Time TBD
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Check out more Family Market Dates below!
We are pleased to share, Mr. Darnell Greene, MPMS Math Teacher, has been awarded the 2025 Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year (Region 4) by the Virginia Department of Education. This honor was presented by Dr. Lisa Coons, State Superintendent, during a surprise ceremony for middle school students and staff on Thursday, April 4th.
Dr. Saunders shared, "This recognition is a testament to Mr. Greene’s exceptional teaching skills, his ability to inspire young minds, and his tireless efforts to remain focused on his “why”. His classroom is not just a place of learning; it is an environment where dreams are encouraged, and futures are shaped."
As many of you know, Mr. Greene goes above and beyond by understanding the individual needs of their students, encouraging their talents, and fostering their self-esteem while pushing them to achieve their highest potential. His students appreciate him for creating an engaging and enjoyable learning environment. We are honored to celebrate Mr. Greene for this significant recognition!
Congratulations, Mr. Greene! Cougar PRIDE!
Quarter 3 Report Cards Now Available Online in the PowerSchool Parent Portal
Manassas Park City Schools is requesting that parents review their student’s report card and digitally sign that the report card has been reviewed.
Directions to Access Online Report Cards: https://bit.ly/mpcsonlinereportcards
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
Cougar PRIDE Students of the Month - February
Varsity Tutors for Schools - A Great Resource!
Through our partnership with Varsity Tutors for Schools, Manassas Park City School students can now use a variety of resources to support their academic achievement and personal enrichment. Some of the many resources included are:
· 24/7 On-Demand Chat Tutoring, with a highly qualified expert tutor, day
or night in K-12 math, language arts, social studies, and science.
· On-Demand Essay Review
· Group content classes and study halls
· Enrichment classes
· PSAT, SAT, and ACT Prep
Varsity Tutors for Schools is available to all students via ClassLink.
At MPMS, Attendance Matters!
For more information, please see the helpful information below and/or contact your child's school counselor.
Welcome to MPMS Counseling Department
Scheduling Information for 2024-2025
Please be sure to reach out to your grade level counselor if you have any questions about next year's course offerings!
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
Ext. 17131
Camille Bumbera
7th Grade School Counselor
Ext. 17129
Kelly Brickey
8th Grade School Counselor
Ext. 17130
Here is one coping skill you can try!
Coping skills are techniques we use to help regulate our emotions. Please follow the image below to practice the technique “square breathing” and imagine a square in your mind while you inhale and exhale.
Care Solace - A Great Resource!
If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health or substance use, Care Solace can help you quickly find treatment options matched to your needs regardless of the circumstance. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential service provided to students, staff, and their families by Manassas Park City Schools. Care Solace’s team is available 24/7/365 and can support you in any language.
If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
Call 888-515-0595 available 24/7/365
Visit www.caresolace.com/mpark and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
Manassas Park City Schools partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of our community. If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health or substance use, Care Solace can help you quickly find treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of the circumstance. This is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service provided by Manassas Park City Schools. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a mental health care provider:
- Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365.
- Visit www.caresolace.com/mpark and either search on your own or click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
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!
Pictures from March 13th 7th and 8th Grade Men's and Women's Choir Concert
Congratulations to the 8th Grade Choral Ensembles!
Congratulations to the 8th Grade Choral Ensembles and Ms. Burcher for completing their Judged Assessments on March 20th!
Both groups achieved high overall scores for their performances.
8th Grade Women’s Choir: Overall Score – I – Superior
8th Grade Men’s Choir: Overall Score – II – Excellent
Additionally, thank you to all 8th grade student helpers who managed the event & building logistics! MPMS has served another year as the host for the District IX Choral Event and celebrates all choral ensembles’ performances in the greater area!
Congratulations to the 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Concert Bands
Congratulations to the 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Concert Bands for representing Manassas Park Middle School so very well at the annual District IX Band Assessment held at Woodbridge Senior High School in March.
All three groups put on spectacular performances with the 6th Grade Concert Band earning the highest rating of 1(Superior) from each of the three judges for their on-stage performance, the 7th Grade Concert Band securing the second highest rating of 2(Excellent) from each of the three judges for their on-stage performance and a 1(Superior) rating from the sight-reading judge. The sight-reading portion consists of analyzing a piece of music for only seven minutes before performing it. The 8th Grade Concert Band also earned the highest rating of 1(Superior) from each of the three judges for their stage performance followed with a 1(Superior) in sight-reading.
This was such as wonderful learning experience for them, and they deserve to be honored for their hard work and dedication.
We are so proud of our young musicians and what they have been able to accomplish.
Go Cougars!
MPMS Library News
Get Connected with MPMS
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
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,
MPMS is proud to kick off Spring sports this week! We wish our Softball, Baseball, Girls, Soccer, and Boys Track all the best this season! See the above flyer for events scheduled April 8-19, 2024.
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
Spring Sports: March 18 - May 24
- Baseball
- Girls Soccer
- Softball
- Boys Track
Tryouts for Spring sports will begin in mid March 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
MPCS Strategic Plan
Community Resources & Events
FAMIS - Virginia's Health Insurance Program for Children
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
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!
MPCS Family Market
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.
4:30 Late Run Buses - use for MPMS After School Activities
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
We hope you will consider joining our team. For questions, call 703-361-5044.
Principal Kip Tuttle
Email: kip.tuttle@mpark.net
Website: https://mpms.mpark.net/
Location: 8202 Euclid Avenue, Manassas Park, VA 20111
Phone: 703-361-1510