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Mount Vernon

Community School PTA

PTA de la Escuela Comunitaria Mount Vernon

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Member Meeting�September 16, 2025

Reunión de Miembros�16 Septiembre, 2025

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AGENDA

Welcome and Introduction of Board
Update from Ms. Hamilton
Presentation from Student Support Team (SST)
PTA Fall Calendar and Ways to Get Involved
PTA Budget and Member Vote

Bienvenida y Presentación de la Junta Directiva
Actualización de la Sra. Hamilton
Presentación del Equipo de Apoyo Estudiantil (SST)
Calendario de Otoño de la PTA y formas de participar
Presupuesto de la PTA y voto de los miembros

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Your PTA Board -

El Junta Directiva de su PTA

President - Evan Wilson

mvcsptapresident@gmail.com

Treasurer - Victoria Chang

mvcsptatreasurer@gmail.com

Secretary - Elisha Garvey

VP Membership-Spanish - Deysy Maradiaga

VP Membership-English - Carrie Heath Phillips

VP Fundraising - Meg Calnan and Lizzie Ludwig

VP In-school Enrichment - Ryan Miller

VP Programs - Lisa Quandt and April DeRome

mvcsptaprograms@gmail.com

VP Community Engagement - English - Maria Lotito

VP Community Engagement - Spanish - Mily Perez

VP Dual Language - Kita McCord

VP Advocacy - Russ Anderson

mvcsptaadvocacy@gmail.com

VP Communications - Nicole Tailleart

Past President - See “President”

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Update from Principal Hamilton

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MVCS PTA Updates

September 16

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Important September/Early October Dates

Wednesday, Sept. 24: Dinner with the Principal- Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital World (5:30-7:00 pm at Casa Chirilagua)
Tuesday, Sept. 23: No School (Rosh Hashanah)
Thursday, Oct. 2: No School (Yom Kippur)
Friday, Oct. 3: PTA Meeting (6:00 pm) & Hispanic Heritage Month Fiesta (6:30 pm)

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MVCS SY 25-26

We currently serve 877 students!

Kindergarten- 6 classes
1st Grade- 6 classes
2nd Grade- 7 classes
3rd Grade- 6 classes
4th Grade- 7 classes
5th Grade- 5 classes

We have 120 staff members! This year, we have welcomed new staff from all over the world, including Honduras and Spain.
We are awaiting our accreditation results under the VDOE’s new system, but assessment results and chronic absenteeism results are available in our school quality report on the VDOE website.

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School Improvement Priorities

Continue to improve academic outcomes in language arts, math, science and social studies for all students through the lens of the three pillars of dual language education:

High levels of grade-level academic achievement in both program languages
Bilingualism and biliteracy
Sociocultural competence

Continue to improve attendance through established Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports developed over the last 2 years: daily attendance calls, grade-level attendance recognitions/ competitions, building strong home-school partnerships, Enrichment Tuesdays, LEAP home visits program

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Enrichment & Tutoring Programs

All programs begin the week of October 6:

Girls on the Run (Tuesdays + Thursdays)
Chess (Tuesdays).
Art Club (One day/week, Tues.-Thurs.)
Theatre Club (Tuesdays)
Tutoring (Mondays, Wednesdays + Thursdays)

Permission forms go home by next week for students selected to participate in grades 1-5.

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Facilities Update

Completed Summer Projects:

Resurfacing of both playgrounds and installation of turf on K-2 playground
Pipe replacement and regrading of field on K-2 playground
Installation of modernized building access system
Removal of carpeting and installation of new flooring in classrooms (some carpeting remains in offices)
Staining and sealing of auditorium floor
Replacement of old cafeteria tables and some classroom furniture

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Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Requests

MVCS has made the following requests; families can also support these requests by completing the annual CIP request form:

Removal and replacement of all old flooring
Repainting of building interior
Replacement of all outdated fan coil units

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New and Continued Partnerships

MVCS is the first Project ADAM heart safe-certified public school in northern VA!
New vision partnership with the Prevent of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington
Washington Commanders Blessings in a Backpack donation

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Principal’s Coffee:

Getting to know MVCS & Advocating for your child!

Mount Vernon Community School

August 28, 2025

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School Family Support Team

Role	Name
Principal	Jennifer Hamilton
Assistant Principal(s)	Linda Ricks (K-2) Ericea Davis-Buchanan (3-5) Julanne Keil (Special Education)
Counselor(s)	Olga Anderson (K-2) Leslie Keller (3-5) Amanda Herrup (W/Th/F)
School Nurse	Jennifer Malone
School Psychologists	Giselle Mignott Eduardo Del Valle (Th/F)
Technology Integration Specialist (TIS)	Katie Kessinger
School Social Worker	Lesley Barajas
Family Liaison	Rosa Landeros

Student Support Team

School Principal

The lead administrator at the school and is the person to go to when you have questions about school policy and procedures.
You should see the principal when you have questions about your child’s education that your child’s teacher and other members of the student support team have been unable to answer.
To make appointments, call the school administrative assistant Be sure to let the administrative assistant know if you will need a language interpreter at the meeting.

School Psychologist

They address cognitive, behavioral, social, emotional, safety and alternative educational needs of students within the Student Support Team

School Counselor

The school counselor provides guidance lessons for all students. Lessons focus on character education as well as skills, study skills and career education.
In middle and high school, the school counselor continues these activities and helps students select classes to plan an academic path.

School Nurse

The school nurse delivers health care services to students and staff.
Discuss health concerns you may have about your child with the school nurse.

Technology Integration Specialist

The technology integration specialist or TIS is the person who can assist you technology-based issues

School Social Worker

The school social worker serves as a vital link among home, school and community.
If you need community resources, have concerns related to family relationships, or need behavioral support for your child, contact your school social worker.

Family Liaison

The family liaison can help provide assistance to parents in efforts to get involved in their child’s education and/or volunteer in your child’s school.

The Parent/Caregiver

You are an important part of your child’s support team

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Student Support Team/ Equipo de Apoyo Estudiantil

Lesley Barajas

School Social Worker

Olga Anderson

K-2 Counselor

Leslie Keller

3-5 Counselor

Rosa Landeros

Bilingual Family Liaison

Jennifer Malone

Nurse

Giselle Mignott

School Psychologist

Amanda Herrup

Counselor (W/Th/F)

Eduardo Del Valle

.4 School Psychologist (Th,F)

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District Family Support Team

Resource	Function
Parent Resource Center - 703-831-7865 703-399-4819	Special Education Resources
FACE Center 703-619-8055 \| face@acps.k12.va.us	Family and Community Resources
Transportation 703-461-4169	Bus Schedules and Routes

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How are you feeling today?

18 | Alexandria City Public Schools

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RULER Tools

Mood meter- Identify and label our emotions, understand why we may be feeling that way
Charter- An agreement between a group such as a family or a classroom
Meta-moment- Pausing and thinking of one’s best self to extend the time between an emotion and response
Blueprint- Use of previous experiences to anticipate and plan for how to handle situations in the future

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Creating a charter and/or a home matrix.
Please review the handout for more examples.

Helpful Home Tools - RULER at Home

Amanda Provide a quiet place for your child to study. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16-oDrgeqVdHtN45YFXuQrt-drpFSkYy9

Create a space that is comfortable, well lit and free from distractions where your child can study.

Monitor your child’s progress.

Watch for progress reports or report cards.
Make an appointment with your child’s teacher or school counselor if you need assistance understanding your child’s progress report or report card.

Helping with homework.

Encourage your child to write down homework assignments in the journal provided by the school.
Monitor television viewing and establish a specific homework time.
Praise your child’s efforts.
Encourage your child to get help from his/her teacher if the problem is one you cannot help with.
Make sure your child has completed all questions on homework assignments.
Remind your child to always turn in assignments.
Ask to look at your child’s homework once it has been marked and returned.

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Bridging communication between families and staff
Referring to community resources
School supplies/backpacks
School uniforms
Hygiene items
Jackets/winter clothing

How the Family Liaison Can Support You

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You can volunteer to help teacher, administrators, students and/or other parents at your child’s school:

All volunteers must complete an application, review, and sign the ACPS Code of Conduct.
Sign in and out when volunteering.
Join the MVCS Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

Volunteering at Your Child’s School

English Application

Solicitud en español

Rosa

Volunteers may include parents/guardians and other family members and our partners and members of the community interested in supporting education and have any interest in investing their time and talents to support students in Alexandria.

Volunteers must follow current district health guidelines.

Volunteer Instructions

Volunteer Form English

Volunteer Form Spanish

Application Process

Read and sign the mandatory online Code of Conduct that is part of the application. Once you have completed the volunteer application, the code of conduct will be able to be viewed. It needs to be reviewed in its entirety and signed. This is required for any volunteer (parent, community member, or partner) who regularly supports schools, chaperones a field trip, etc., and is available in multiple languages. Completion of the code of conduct guarantees that you as the volunteer understand the expectations of our organization.
Complete the Volunteer Application Form. This form serves as an introduction to yourself and your interests and availability. The application process is managed online and through the secure online platform that we use for the Visitor Management System, Raptor Technologies. The application process includes a criminal and sex offender background check. Applicants will be asked to identify the activities they are interested in supporting, the school(s) where they want to volunteer, and if they are volunteering on behalf of a partner organization. Once your application is received, you will receive a generated email confirming receipt.When filling out the application, please note that applicants are required to complete all fields that are marked with an asterisk.

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How Can I Support My Child’s Success at School?

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Provide meals that are filling and don’t raise blood sugar levels. Crashing is hard on students AND adults.
Have a sleep routine that allows 8-10 hours of sleep.
Help your child create a space for their things to keep them better organized.
Children need support from their caregivers coupled with clear rules.
Limit TV, tablet time, and video games.

Supporting Your Child’s Success at School

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Let the school know if your child will be late or absent.
Let the teacher know if there is a concern.
Be aware of policies.
Read all materials sent home from school.

Call the school if you have any questions

Attend parent-teacher conferences.

Communicating regularly with your child’s school helps lead them to success! Teamwork makes the dream work!

Communicating With Your Child’s School

Olga Communicate regularly with your child’s teachers

Know the name of your child’s teachers and how to communicate with them regularly.

Let the school know if your child will be late or absent.

Call the school and notify them on the morning that your child will be late or absent.
Send a note of explanation with your child when he/she returns to school.

Let the school know if there is a concern.

Contact you child’s teacher or the school counselor if your child is not doing well or is unhappy at school.
It is important to address issues as soon as possible so that your child’s education is not affected.

Use Language Line

If your prefer to speak in a language other than English when communicating with your child’s school, notify the school office staff.
They can use “Language Line” to call for an interpreter on the telephone. This is a free service.

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This is one of the most effective ways to learn about your child’s progress in school. Interpreters are available if needed.
Ask questions you are unsure about. (i.e. class schedule)
Have a conversation with your child involving a positive note and action steps they can take to help improve another area.
Arrive a few minutes earlier.
Take notes.
Fall Parent-Teacher conferences will occur on Monday, Oct. 13th

Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences

Olga Involve your child in the conference.

Allows for the opportunity for your child to provide you a review of his/her work
Allows for the opportunity for your child to share in developing the next steps for his/her continued academic growth.

Have a discussion with your child.

Ask your child if there is anything he/she would like you to discuss with his/her teacher(s).

Prepare questions.

“What is my child doing well while he/she is in school?”
“Is my child finishing the work assigned in class?”
“How can I help my child at home?”
“What is the best way to contact you if I need to ask any questions during the year?”

Take notes.

Taking notes helps you remember important points and also assists you in remembering what you and/or your child may need to do at home.

Have a conversation with your child.

Discuss what was shared during the conference with your child.
Make certain that your child knows what is expected of him/her.
Find out of he/she has any follow-up questions for the teacher.

“Questions to ask teachers at Parent Teacher conferences”

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Provide a quiet place for homework completion/studying.
Check notes sent home from teachers and progress reports.
Read with your child and/or encourage reading.
Ask questions specific to your child’s day such as:

What is one thing you accomplished today?
Was there a problem you solved? How did you solve it?
If you couldn’t solve it, we can brainstorm ideas together.

Student Success Begins at HOME

Mignott - Parent engagement with students and school collaboration is highly important for overall success socially and academically

Create a space that is comfortable, well lit and free from distractions where your child can study.

Monitor your child’s progress.

Watch for progress reports or report cards.
Make an appointment with your child’s teacher or school counselor if you need assistance understanding your child’s progress report or report card.

Helping with homework.

Encourage your child to write down homework assignments in the journal provided by the school.
Monitor television viewing and establish a specific homework time.
Praise your child’s efforts.
Encourage your child to get help from his/her teacher if the problem is one you cannot help with.
Make sure your child has completed all questions on homework assignments.
Remind your child to always turn in assignments.
Ask to look at your child’s homework once it has been marked and returned.

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Ways SST Can Support Your Child at School

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Counseling Groups/ Individual Counseling/ Check-ins

Tier 1 (All Students) Classroom lessons SEAL lessons/ RULER Visuals/ Positive School Climate PBIS Restorative Practices	Tier 2 (Additional Supports) Counseling Groups Check-In / Check-Out Behavior Charts	Tier 3 (Intensive & Individual Supports) Individual Counseling* Risk Assessments Special Education Services

Do their social/emotional/behavioral struggles impact their ability to effectively learn at school?

(6 to 8 week duration)

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Encourage a Growth Mindset

A FIXED MINDSET is the belief that intelligence and abilities cannot be changed. Mistakes are seen as failures rather than opportunities to grow and learn.

A GROWTH MINDSET is the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed and improved over time through hard work, dedication, and learning. It can also be called the "power of yet".

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State and District Goal:

Chronic Absenteeism

The state does not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences. Attendance impacts success in school.

If your student is absent, a call must be made to the front office at 703-706-4460, every day there is an absence or tardy. Teachers are not able to place excused tardies or excused absences in the system. Only the office may excuse tardiness and absences.

If a student is absent for medical or mental health reasons for more than 3 days in a row or 10 total days, they must bring in documentation from a medical or mental health professional..

Lesley Student success begins with positive school attendance and so a shared goal is for each student to be present at school every day of classes.

Starting in preschool and kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.

• Missing 10%, or about 2 days each month over the course of a school year, can make it harder to learn to read.

• Students can still fall behind if they miss just 1 or 2 days every few weeks.

• Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.

• Absences and tardiness can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help

children catch up.

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.

• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

• Keep your child healthy and make sure your child has the required

shots.

• Introduce your children to their teachers and classmates before

school starts.

• Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up.

Call on a family member, a neighbor or another parent.

• Try to schedule non-Covid-19 related medical appointments and

extended trips when school isn't in session.

• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers,

school counselors and other parents for advice on how to make

your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.

• If you are concerned that your child may have Covid-19, call your

school for advice.

• If your child must stay home due to illness or quarantine, ask the

teacher for resources and ideas to continue learning at home.

If you miss 10 consecutive days you will be disenrolled from the school.

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ACPS students have experienced high levels of chronic absenteeism since the pandemic, as students have across the country. Due to diligent work across ACPS, the divisions’ chronic absenteeism rate has dropped over the last four years.

When students attend school regularly AND on time, they:

Build strong relationships with peers and teachers
Enjoy being a part of the school and classroom community
Receive daily instruction that can’t be made up afterwards
Feel a sense of pride in their school work and all they have learned

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School Calendar

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Our attendance team:

focus on chronic absenteeism data & identify trends
Build positive relationships with families
Daily attendance calls for accurate data and figure out how/when they are returning to school
Explore ideas to keep our students engaged

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Medication and Sickness

Elementary students cannot carry medication at school.

It can get lost.
They want to be helpful and share it.
Reactions
They can have access to it at school through the nurse with a doctor’s order on the ACPS medication authorization form.
Parents can also come to in person and administer mid-day doses if it is short-term (example: pain med for an ear infection).

If student has a fever, they must be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication before returning to school.

ParentSquare is the school nurse’s most efficient way to communicate with families.

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Questions

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Getting to Know MVCS & Advocating for your Child

Conozca MVCS y apoye a su hijo

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Thank you for coming! Gracias por venir!

Popsicles in the Park

Ice Cream Social

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So much more to come! Más que venir!

9/24 - Dinner with the Principal

10/3 - PTA Meeting (MVCS 6-6:30pm and via Zoom), and Hispanic Heritage Fiesta Heritage Month Fiesta (6:30-7:30).

10/8 - Dinner with the Principal

10/13 - Parent Teacher Conferences

10/24 - PTA Pumpkin Patch and Reflections Art Support Event

10/25 - Marine Corp Marathon Fun Run (Jon and Lisa Quandt)

10/30 - Reflections Submissions Due

11/15 - FABULOUS FALL FUNDRAISER

24/9 - Cena con la directora

3/10 - Reunión de la PTA (MVCS, 18:00-18:30 h y por Zoom) y Fiesta de la Herencia Hispana (18:30-19:30 h).

8/10 - Cena con la directora

13/10 - Conferencias de padres y maestros

24/10 - Huerto de calabazas de la PTA y evento artístico "Reflexiones"

25/10 - Maratón del Cuerpo de Marines (Jon y Lisa Quandt)

30/10 - Fecha límite para la entrega de "Reflexiones"

15/11 - FABULOSA FIESTA DE OTOÑO

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Want to learn Spanish? ¿Quieres aprender inglés? We have adult classes AT MVCS!

Tenemos clases en Casa Chirilagua!

Clases de inglés para adultos para padres/tutores de MVCS

Jueves de 10:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m. en Casa Chirilagua.

Para inscribirse, llame a Rosa Landeros al 703-706-4460.

Adult Spanish Language Classes for MVCS Parents/Guardians

Novice classes: Mondays from 3:30 to 4:30pm in Ms. Cordova's Room

Early Beginner classes: Wednesdays from 5 to 6pm.

$100 for the semester (Sept to Jan)

To register, go to https://mvcs.givebacks.com/shop

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How to keep up with PTA? - Como saber los eventos de la PTA?

Fill out your Back to School forms on Powerschool! You can select to get PTA information

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

Visit our website at: www.mvcspta.org

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Fall After School Clubs

Tuesdays 2:45-4:00

Soccer For All (Alexandria Soccer Association) (Grades 4-5) - Begins October 1
Girls on The Run (Grades 3-5) - Begins September 24
Magnus Chess Academy (Grades 1-5) - Begins October 8

Working on Winter/Spring - Suggestions contact ryanjmiller22@gmail.coM

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Vote / Voto

Approve 2025-2026 Budget /

Aprovar Presupuesto 2025-2026