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Principal's Message |
Greetings Twain Families!
What a fantastic start to the school year we have had over the first two weeks! Our Tigers continue to impress me with their motivation to learn, care for each other, and resilience in the face of the inevitable challenges that come with the start of a new school year. I am especially impressed with how quickly our 7th grade students have acclimated themselves to their new learning environment. As a reminder, school will be closed on Friday, September 4th, and Monday, September 7th, in observance of Labor Day.
When we return, we will continue our routine safety drills, including fire, bus evacuation, and lockdown practices. While these are standard procedures, they are an essential part of keeping our school community prepared, secure, and confident in any situation. We approach these drills with care and age-appropriate instruction to ensure students feel safe, not overwhelmed. Thank you for your continued partnership and support—we are looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!
I hope your family enjoys a safe, relaxing long weekend to recharge.
Sincerely,
Matt
Twain’s Weekly Schedule
Monday, September 7: No School - Labor Day Holiday
Tuesday, September 8: Odd Day Schedule
Wednesday, September 9: Even Day Schedule
Thursday, September 10: Odd Day Schedule
Friday, September 11: Even Day Schedule
After School Program
The first day of the After School Program will be Tuesday, September 22. More information to come.
Calendar Reminders
Labor Day
Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.
September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance
 With the upcoming 25th anniversary of the tragedy of September 11, 2001, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.
All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. X2VOL is an online tool that FCPS middle and high schools use to support students with finding, tracking, and verifying service hours. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into Schoology to access their x2VOL account.
Twain Back to School Night
Back to School Night will be on Thursday, September 17th from 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Visit the FCPS Attendance web page for tips and strategies.
Anonymous Safety Tip Line
If you or your child have concerns or information related to feeling unsafe in any way at school, please report them to the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line. You can access it anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).
If your tip is an emergency and you need immediate assistance, please dial 911.
Students, staff, parents and caregivers, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.
If you have concerns about programs, regulations, policies, or other topics that do not impact the safety of our schools, please contact the FCPS ombuds online, at 571-423-4014, or ombuds@fcps.edu.
Save the Date for the Annual Special Education Family Conference
 The Annual Special Education Family Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS and community partners, its theme — Connected Communities, Thriving Students — highlights the power of partnerships that support student success. This no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch for all participants. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for the latest information.
Call for Presenters: Share Your Expertise!
Do you have strategies, resources, or expertise that our FCPS families could benefit from? FCPS staff members are invited to lead breakout sessions on topics that inform, support, and empower families. MyPDE credit will be awarded to presenters.
Submit a session proposal by Friday, September 18.
Call for Exhibitors: Showcase Your Program or Resources!
FCPS programs and community partners are invited to host a table in the exhibitor hall and connect our families with valuable services, programs, and resources.
Register to be an exhibitor by Friday, October 30.
Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
Family Life Education Parent Preview
During Health and Physical Education (HPE) classes beginning on November 19th, students will cover the Family Life Education (FLE) curriculum that will be outlined during our parent preview night. The FLE Parent Preview will be held on Thursday, September 17th at 5:30 pm in Gym 1, prior to Twain's Back to School Night. The Family Life Education curriculum and resources will also be available to view on our Twain’s All Parent Schoology Course. You can read the Parent Preview Family Letter that details the agenda and items covered.
Opt-out forms may be found on the Middle School FLE page. Nothing needs to be completed unless opting out of lessons. Please email your student’s Health and Physical Education teacher if you have any questions or concerns.
Blue Star Welcome Week
Our community and FCPS are proud to participate in Blue Star Welcome Week, a special event dedicated to welcoming military-connected families to the area. From September 26 through October 4, 2026, various events and activities will be held throughout FCPS schools and the region to show support and appreciation for military-connected families.
Blue Star Welcome Week is an annual event hosted by Blue Star Families, a non-profit organization that empowers military-connected families and strives to help them integrate into civilian communities. This week-long celebration offers newcomers the opportunity to connect with local resources, meet other military-connected families, and engage with the community. Please visit the National Capital Region Chapter to learn more about the events Blue Star Families and their partners will be hosting.
FCPS wishes a warm welcome to our military-connected families! We are honored to have you as part of our community, and we thank you for your service.
World Language Credit By Exam
Can your student read, write, and speak in another language? If so, they can earn up to 3 high school world language credits through the WLCBE. Students in grades 7-12 are offered the opportunity to take the World Languages Credit By Exam (WLCBE). The WLCBE assesses language proficiency in languages other than English and recognizes the strengths that our students bring as effective communicators in multiple languages. This assessment may be used to award world language credits towards graduation, determine course placement for language courses offered in FCPS.
The exam will be offered on November 6th this year at Twain MS. A student may participate in the exam a total of a total of two times per language between grades 7 and 12. Students who wish to take the exam should be able to proficiently understand and communicate in the testing language, and will be asked to listen, read, speak, and either write/type or, for American Sign Language, sign/interpret. More information can be found on the FCPS WLCBE page including a list of testable languages.
If you would like your student to participate in the next available WLCBE, they should meet with their school counselor by October 16th. No late registrations will be accepted.
Lewis HS Choir Boosters invite you to a DC United Game
Mark Twain MS families are invited to join the Lewis HS Choir at their upcoming fundraiser, John Lewis High School Night at D.C. United on Saturday, September 19, 2026! The game will be at 7:30pm against Charlotte.
The Lewish HS Choir group will be working alongside the La Liguita Soccer program, where athletes from the program will be taking part in the big night as the ball kids on the field! Tickets are available online and everyone will be in the same section for this Pyramid event!
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