May 16, 2013...Manassas City Public Schools and the City of Manassas were honored May 15, 2013 at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Business Awards. The annual awards banquet was held at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.  The two organizations were given a business award for Innovative Practices or Partnerships for the joint Capital Improvement Plan process between the city and the schools. The group also won a 2013 Award for Excellence in Local Government from the Alliance for Innovation in Government (public sector) for the joint CIP process.

May 7, 2013…The City of Manassas School Board has approved new start and dismissal times for division schools beginning September 2013.  During the FY 2014 budget process, due to decreased funding by the state, a cost reduction took place in transportation that will affect school and transportation schedules for next year.

As part of this schedule change, the daily instructional time is increased in the division's elementary schools by ½ hour per day and in the middle school by 15 minutes per day. 

The chart below highlights the times for each school. 

The school division will release bus schedules in August on the division and school websites.  The walk-zones for each school will remain as they are currently; however, some school bus stops may be adjusted to accommodate the bus runs.

April 30, 2013...Thanks to the Ellen DeGeneres Show and online photo-sharing site, Shutterfly, students at Weems Elementary School, received a generous $50,000 check to be used towards their school-wide uniform effort.  Principal Angela Burnett was flown to Los Angeles to appear on the show after school librarian Rachel Kirkland wrote to the show about the students and the new uniform initiative the school is taking on next year. 

"Rachel wrote the Ellen Show on behalf of the school, and the next thing I knew, I had tickets to go see a show," Burnett said.  "I was so surprised!" 

The show, which aired April 30^th on NBC, also featured a surprise live feed from Manassas so Weems students and their families could witness the presentation.  DeGeneres expressed how proud she was of the students and their efforts.  As she closed her remarks, she announced that Shutterfly was also giving each student at the school a free yearbook.

An avid viewer of the show, Burnett says one of the highlights of the experience was having the opportunity to dance with DeGeneres. 

It's been an exciting month for Burnett.  In early April she was named the 2013 Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leader for Manassas City Public Schools.

Dr. Michaelene Meyer, Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction has been named Superintendent of Tazewell County Public Schools. "Dr. Meyer has been a part of the MCPS family for the past six years and we wish her much success in her new role as superintendent for Tazewell," Magouyrk says.  Meyer will begin her position as superintendent July 1.

The truth of the matter is parents, family members and even neighbors are the first teachers children encounter. The adage that "it takes a village to raise a child" is still true. This is why Manassas City Public Schools recently launched a new initiative called, "Be There".

Be There is a multi-media campaign designed to inspire families to become more involved in their children's education. While parent involvement in the school building is very important, Be There focuses on the benefits of parental involvement at home. Research shows that family and community involvement makes a huge difference in student achievement. Basically, we can't do it without you, whether you are a parent, a sibling, a mentor or a supportive community member and taxpayer. The home environment is the strongest indicator of student success.

We are reaching out to families with the Be There campaign based upon solid research. National surveys show schools where teachers reported high levels of outreach to parents, test scores grew considerably higher than in schools where teachers reported low levels of outreach. Research indicates the following benefits of family and community involvement for students:

• Higher grades and test scores

• Better attendance and more homework done

• Higher graduation rates

You may think it's difficult to be involved because your days are full. We understand. As I mentioned, the Be There campaign takes a little different approach to traditional parent involvement. Simply engage your child in a conversation about what happened each day at school. Ask specific questions about teachers, friends and extra-curricular activities. No matter your child's age, use everyday moments - like trips to the bank, grocery store or gas station - to teach your child about money matters, reading food labels or conserving energy. Turn routine trips into games. For more information and ideas, visit www.betheremcps.org.

As our division's Strategic Plan is being developed, community engagement and family involvement have been deemed as a top priority. The Be There campaign is an excellent way to put this in action.

Published on manassaslocal.com, April 14, 2013

EVENT FLYER

City of Manassas, VA . . . Many parents wonder what their teenage son or daughter is posting online to one of the many social media sites.  More importantly, they wonder who is watching what is posted and how to keep their children safe.

On Tuesday, April 30 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Osbourn High School Auditorium, the Manassas City Police Department is partnering with Manassas City Public Schools to hold a candid discussion about the dangers of social media. Topics will include online sexual predators, general online safety, and unsafe behaviors such as cyber-bullying and "sexting."  Parents will learn how they can play an active role in their children's social media experience, while keeping safety in mind.  The session is open to parents of any aged teen.

For more information, visit www.manassascity.org/police<http://www.manassascity.org/police> or call Manassas City Police Crime Prevention at 703-257-8064.

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Angela Burnett, principal of Weems Elementary School, has been named the 2013 Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leader for Manassas City Public Schools.

Burnett is in her sixth year as principal at Weems. She has been lauded for her strong leadership and the way she inspires her staff.  As a highly effective manager, she provides the goals, direction, motivation and guidance required for the overall success for her building.  She sets high standards for others to follow and leads by example. 

Not only has Weems shown high academic success, Burnett has set the bar high for creativity and innovation at the school. Under her leadership, the schools' Enrichment Program has expanded to offer new opportunities for students ranging from Culinary Arts to Creative Writing.  Even traditional courses like Fractions or Mysteries are taken to a new level through rich performance tasks, cooperative activities, hands on learning, and other creative approaches.  The goal of these courses is to allow all students to find, develop, and demonstrate a talent or gift that is often hidden in traditional school subjects as well as to cultivate a depth of knowledge that rekindles a passion for learning. Parents, students, colleagues and community leaders alike commend Burnett for her work ethic, innovative educational initiatives and boundless enthusiasm. 

Burnett will be honored at the Washington Post's annual award ceremony in Washington, DC on May 7^th and at the school division's "Night of Excellence" (formerly Salute to Excellence) on May 11^th.

En Español

Manassas City Public Schools

Kindergarten Registration
May 1 & 2, 2013

Students who turn five on or before the last day of September 2013 are eligible to register for Kindergarten.  Parents should register their child at the school at which their child is assigned to attend.  Attendance is determined by address.  If you are unsure of your school, please call one of the elementary schools and they will assist you.  

DOCUMENTATION:   The following documents are required for registration:

• Child's original birth certificate
• Child's social security number (requested but not required)
• Parent/guardian's proof of residency
  • Copy of settlement papers or current lease plus two of the following:
    • Driver's license
    • Home telephone bill
    • Utility bill
    • Car registration
    • City property tax bill/information
    • Car insurance documentation

IMMUNIZATIONS/PHYSICAL: Before your child may begin school in September a complete Virginia State Physical and current immunizations MUST be on file in the school office.  The physical must have been done within twelve months of starting school in September.

Complete and current immunizations are as follows:

• 4 DTaP or DTaP - at least one dose of DTaP or DTP on or after 4^th birthday
• 4 Polio - at least one dose on or after 4^th birthday
• MMR - a minimum of 2 measles, 2 mumps and 1 rubella with the first dose given on/after the child's 1^st birthday
• Hep B - 3 doses required
• 2 Varicella - one dose on/after 12 months of age and the second dose before starting kindergarten

(A 4-day grace period may be applied to all vaccines.)  

A tuberculosis screening is required for children who have been out of the country for a period of three or more consecutive months within the past five years. 

Immunizations may be completed through your private physician or at the local Health Department located at 9301 Lee Avenue, Manassas.  Information can be obtained by calling 703-792-6300.  

PRE-ASSESSMENT: All children will be asked to participate in a Kindergarten Pre-Assessment. You will be assigned a date and time for the Pre-Assessment when you register for Kindergarten.  

Please contact the school office with any questions. 

Baldwin Elementary School: 571-377-6100

George C. Round Elementary School:  571-377-6400

R. C. Haydon Elementary School: 571-377-6200

Weems Elementary School: 571-377-6500

Jennie Dean Elementary School:  571-377-6300

Las Escuelas Públicas de La Ciudad de Manassas

Registración Para Kínder
el 1 y 2 de mayo de 2013

Estudiantes que cumplen cinco años en ó el último día de septiembre de 2013 son elegibles para registrar para Kínder. Padres deben registrar a su hijo(a) en la escuela que le correspondan. Su escuela elementaria es determinado por su domicilio. Si usted no está seguro(a) de la escuela que le corresponde, por favor de comunicarse con una de las escuelas elementarias y ellos los asistirán.  

Documentación: Los siguientes documentos son necesarios para registración:

• Partida de Nacimiento- Original
• Numero de Social del estudiante (requerido pero no es necesario)
• Prueba de residencia del padre/guardián
  • Copia de escritura de propiedad (casa) o arrendamiento (contracto de renta) mas DOS de los siguientes:
    • Licencia de conducir
    • Factura de teléfono de casa
    • Factura de utilidad
    • Registro de vehículo
    • Factura de impuesto de propiedad
    • Documentación de seguro de automóvil

Inmunización/Físico: Antes que su hijo(a) pueda asistir a la escuela en septiembre la oficina de la escuela TIENE que tener los siguientes documentes: Físico Completo del Estado de Virginia y corriente registro de inmunizaciones.

Necesarias inmunizaciones completas y actuales: 

• 4 DTP o DTaP - por lo menos una dosis de DTaP o  DTP antes o después  de cumplir 4 años
• 4 Polio - por lo menos una dosis antes o después de cumplir 4 años
• MMR - un mínimo de 2 dosis para el sarampión (cisticercosis), 2 dosis de paperas y 1 dosis de rubéola con la primera dosis dada el/después que el niño(a) cumplió 1 año
• Hep B - 3 dosis requerida 
• 2 Varicella - 1 dosis al/después que cumplió los 12 meses de edad y la segunda dosis antes de comenzar kínder

(Una extensión puede ser aplicada por 4 días para todas las vacunas.)

Un examen de tuberculosis es requerido para todos los niños que han salido afuera del país 3 meses o más consecutivo en los últimos cinco años.   

Inmunizaciones pueden ser obtenidas por su médico familiar o El Departamento de Salud localizado en 9301 Avenida Lee  Manassas, VA 20110.  Para más información pueden llamar al  703-792-6300.  

Pre-Evaluación: Todos los niños participaran en una evaluación de Pre-Kínder. El día de registración usted será asignado un día y hora para su evaluación de Pre-Kínder.  

Por favor de comunicarse con la oficina de su escuela si tiene preguntas. 

Escuela Elementaria Baldwin: 571-377-6100

Escuela Elementaria George C. Round: 571-377-6400

Escuela Elementaria R. C. Haydon: 571-377-6200

Escuela Elementaria Weems: 571-377-6500

Escuela Elementaria Jennie Dean: 571-377-6300

Escuela Elementaria Baldwin: 571-377-6100

The MCPS Education Foundation is preparing to assess scholarship applications for graduating Osbourn High School seniors as well as for Manassas City Public School students participating in summer enrichment programs. Scholarship applications are due on April 5, and applications can be found at www.mcpsedfoundation.org/scholarships .

Please "CLICK" on the Scholarship that you are interested in to download below:

Completed scholarship applications are due April 5, 2013.
Summer Enrichment Applications due May 15, 2013.

Delegate Harry J. Parrish Community Service S cholarship $2,000  (sponsored by Mayor Parrish and family)
• 3.0 GPA • Must be a graduating senior from Manassas City Public Schools • Attend a four-year college • Participate in community and school activities during high school • Held a Leadership position in two or more different organizations while in high school • Must submit recommendations from one teacher and one community service representative • Write a 500 word essay on why community service is important. Application due by April 5, 2013.

Fine Arts Scholarship $2,000 (MCPSEF) 
• 3.0 GPA • Must be a graduating senior from Manassas City Public Schools • Plan to pursue a degree in their artistic field (Theater, Music, Art, etc) • Attend a four-year college • Participate in community and school activities • Must submit a recommendation from one teacher or employer • Write a 500 word essay. Application due by April 5, 2013.

Superintendent Scholarship $2,000  (MCPSEF)
• 3.0 GPA • Must be a graduating senior from Manassas City Public Schools • Attend a four-year college • Pursue teaching as a career • Participate in community and school activities • Must be a graduating senior from Manassas City Public Schools • Write a 500 word essay.Application due by April 5, 2013.

STEM Scholarship $8,000 (4 @ $ 2,000 ea)   (sponsored by Micron and Lockheed Martin)
• 3.0 GPA • Must be a graduating senior from Manassas City Public Schools • Attend a four-year college (or a two-year college with a plan to enroll in a four-year college) to pursue a degree in the field of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) • Participate in community and school activities • Must submit a recommendation from one teacher or employer • Write a 500 word essay. Application due by April 5, 2013.

Vocational/Trade School Scholarships $2,000 (1 @ $ 2,000 ea)   (sponsored by Micron and NOVA SySTEMic Solutions)
• 2.5 GPA • Must be a graduating senior from Manassas City Public Schools • Enroll in a vocational training program or trade school • Participate in community and school activities • Write a one page essay about career aspirations. Application due by April 5, 2013.

Summer Enrichment Scholarships $1,000 (maximum award per student is $250)  (available for sponsorship)
• For all students grades K-12 in MCPS • Grant offering of up to $250 annually per student • Students in grades K-4 must obtain teacher or administrator recommendation • Students grades 5-12 will write an essay expressing why they want to participate in this program • Include information about the program • Application due by May 15, 2013.