🌟In the Spotlight🌟
From the youngest MES Colts using colorful counters to build number sense to older students manipulating physical models to master complex geometry, these tactile experiences have turned abstract equations into tangible discoveries. 🧩📐 By prioritizing this interactive approach all year long, these learning experiences have helped students bridge the gap between "doing" and "understanding," fostering a deep-rooted confidence in their mathematical journey. 🔢
Today, we celebrate the dedication, organization, and care of our administrative professionals who support students, staff, families, and the entire school community with professionalism and heart. Their hard work behind the scenes makes a lasting impact in every building across our division.
Thank you for all you do—we appreciate you today and every day!
Joining Mrs. Johnson were Key Club president Kylina Morning and members Madison Mallory and Lily Oliver. Madison and Lily shared highlights from attending the Capital District DCON Convention, while Kylina spoke about the meaningful experience of being part of the Kiwanis family of service clubs.
We are proud of these students for representing their school and community through leadership and service.
Congratulations to Middlesex High School senior Katelin Reiner on being named the 2026 Middlesex County Kiwanis Teenager of the Year! 🎉
An honor student and dual enrollment participant, Katelin has truly made the most of her high school experience. Beyond the classroom, she shines through her service at Hermitage Baptist Church, supporting missions for the homeless, migrant camps, and local community efforts.
Katelin is also an entrepreneur and talented silversmith, owning Katelin’s Creations and showcasing her work at local markets—earning the Young Artist Award at Arts in the Middle in 2024! ✨ She also gives back through her involvement with the Upper Middlesex Fire Department Auxiliary, helping plan fundraising events.
Katelin’s dedication, creativity, and heart for service truly blew us away this year. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see all you accomplish next! 💫
We are proud to recognize our VASPA Art Award winners, who were honored at Monday night’s School Board meeting. These talented students were celebrated for their outstanding artistic achievements and dedication to their craft, and were pictured alongside Dr. Tracy Seitz to mark this special accomplishment.
Their creativity is a powerful example of how the arts play a vital role in a well-rounded education, inspiring innovation, expression, and confidence in our students.
Congratulations to Jolie Norris and Liah Preso Rivas—we can’t wait to see what you create next!
Continuing our celebration of Workforce Readiness Month this April! 🌱
Rooted in Public Education, workforce readiness takes many forms—and today, we are proud to recognize our outstanding JROTC students. Through their commitment to leadership, discipline, teamwork, and service, these students are building the skills that prepare them for success in college, careers, and beyond.
JROTC exemplifies how real-world experiences help shape confident, capable leaders who are ready to make a difference in their communities and our nation.
As we highlight pathways to success across our schools, we celebrate the dedication and future-focused goals of our JROTC cadets. The future is bright!
MCPS JROTC Cadets include:
CJ Sears
Garrett Benedict
Caleb Hoegerl
Ian Ogden
Justin Callahan
Mary Wyyne-Ewell
Tristan Selph
Destanie Campbell
These outstanding students were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and achievements as the winners of the annual Friends of Urbanna John Mitchell Map essay contest. We are so proud of each of them for the effort they put in every day to succeed.
They include, front, from left, Rosa Quezada-Ixcot, fourth place; Ela Brooks-Luna, third place; Leylah Smith, first place; Audrey Lorenzino, second place; middle, same order, honorable mention winners, Reagan Mullins, Riley Parrish, Eliza Blanton, Bryleigh Anton, Nicole Kennedy, Charlotte Smith; and back, same order, Dr. James Robusto, Urbanna Town Mayor Bill Goldsmith and Aubrey Hall.
Through months of dedication—reading aloud, partnering with classmates, responding in journals, and diving into engaging book projects—these young readers have reached an incredible milestone: 1,100 pages read together this year! 🎉
Students have even been tracking their progress with a running addition problem, adding pages after each book—turning reading into both a literacy and math celebration! 📖➕
We are so proud of their hard work, excitement, and love for learning. And they’re not done yet… we can’t wait to see how many more pages they’ll read before the year ends! 💙
Way to go, 2nd grade! 👏
The revised 2026–2027 school calendar was approved at the April 13, 2026 School Board meeting. The updated calendar reflects a new start date of August 18, 2026, with the school year concluding on May 28, 2027.
Rooted in Public Education, workforce readiness begins in our schools. Throughout the month, we are proud to highlight the programs, partnerships, and opportunities that prepare students for success beyond graduation—from Career & Technical Education and apprenticeships to internships and industry collaborations.
The photos featured this month showcase members of the Class of 2026 who already have exciting plans in place for life after graduation, demonstrating the impact of career readiness and future-focused learning opportunities in our schools.
Together, we are strengthening the connection between education and career readiness and ensuring every student has the roots for future success.
These outstanding staff members were nominated by their students, colleagues, and community members for the incredible impact they make each day. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence continue to help guide our schools forward.
Dr. Seitz and her team had the pleasure of surprising each honoree with a special visit and a token of appreciation to recognize their hard work and the difference they make in the lives of others.
Congratulations to our Quarter 3 Navigators—thank you for leading with purpose and inspiring those around you every day!
This week, we proudly celebrate the incredible leaders who help our schools run smoothly each and every day. From supporting students and staff to fostering a positive school culture, our assistant principals wear many hats—and they do it all with dedication, compassion, and excellence.
Thank you for being the steady leaders behind the scenes and the champions for success in our schools. We appreciate all that you do! 💙📚
Our HR Specialist visited each school to celebrate our incredible staff—completely out of the blue! ✨
From smiles and laughter to well-deserved recognition, it was a joy to show our appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and heart our staff bring every single day.
Sometimes the best moments are the ones you don’t see coming… and our staff deserved every bit of it! 💫
Good afternoon MCPS families and staff,
House Bill 1455 has been passed by the House and the Senate and is awaiting action from the Governor by April 13, 2026. If approved the law will allow schools to begin 14 days before September 1 (instead of Labor Day) of each year.
For the 2026-2027 school year, this allows our school division to start school on August 18, the same date we started this year, and end before Memorial Day.
MCPS has drafted a revised calendar for the community's consideration.
Calendars developed are in compliance with the Code of Virginia.
We are asking feedback from the community on this revised calendar. Please access the link below to provide your feedback, which is due by Friday, March 26.
https://forms.gle/HZ4bKDQRUqwkzx23A
To submit your nomination, please use the form provided below:
https://forms.gle/RmxTbHuLfQRe9Q1DA
Third grade students are gaining serious momentum as they explore the world of Force & Motion! 🎢
Students are becoming energy experts, learning to spot the difference between Potential Energy (getting ready to go!) and Kinetic Energy (energy in action!). 🔋➡️🏃♂️
Watch out, because these future scientists are on the move! 🚀🧠
