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The Dunne Dispatch (Report Card Edition) - February 20, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am pleased to share updates and highlights of my ongoing work. It is also an honor to share highlights of the daily excellence of our schools, particularly those Mount Vernon District students attend. From our classrooms to the athletic fields, the incredible achievements of our students and staff remind us why our community is so special.

Very Respectfully,

Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District Representative

Inside this issue: 

• In the Community
• On the Board
• Working for You

School/District Highlights and Activities

• Celebrating Mount Vernon District Students
• Celebrating Mount Vernon District Schools and Staff
• FCPS Champions
• Community Activities and Announcements

• Mount Vernon Virtual Town Hall on School Boundaries. Thank you to everyone who attended my recent Virtual Town Hall on school boundaries. It was a productive session, and I am deeply grateful to the many parents, staff, and community members who took the time to ask thoughtful questions and share their unique perspectives. Navigating boundary adjustments is a complex process, but hearing your concerns firsthand is essential to ensuring our decisions reflect the needs of all our families. Your feedback is vital as we work to ensure every student has access to a world-class education. 

Fort Belvoir Upper School 10th Anniversary Proclamation Presentation. I visited Fort Belvoir Upper School to celebrate the school’s 10th Anniversary! I was proud to present the proclamation to Principal Jessica Peterson and CSM Reginald L.C. Smith to honor the students, faculty, and military families who make this school such a vital part of our community. Watch our photo reel highlights here.

Mount Vernon HS 85th Anniversary Proclamation Presentaiton. It was a true honor to visit Mount Vernon HS community to present a formal proclamation and certificate to Principal Cary Dimmick honoring the school’s 85th Anniversary. Mount Vernon HS continues to be an important cornerstone of our community. Congratulations to the students, faculty, and alumni who have built this legacy over the decades. Here’s to many more years of success and daily excellence! Once a Major, Always a Major. Check out the photo highlights here.

39th Annual Mount Vernon District Town Meeting. I was honored to participate in the 39th Annual Mount Vernon District Town Meeting, hosted by Supervisor Dan Storck. It was a fantastic morning of community engagement, featuring updates from our local leaders and even a special guest appearance from Mount Vernon’s very own George Washington! This long-standing tradition is a testament to the strength of our district, providing a vital space for elected officials to hear directly from the neighbors and constituents who make our community so special. Thank you to everyone who attended. I truly value the opportunity to listen and learn from you as we work together for our students and schools. Watch a few highlights from the event here!

World Languages Forum

I co-sponsored with at-large member Ryan McElveen, a School Board Forum on revitalizing the world languages program. Access to world languages is inequitable across high school pyramids. There are currently 9 pyramids without an immersion program, including Lewis HS and South County HS. Some high schools offer classes in 6 or more world languages, while others such as Lewis HS and Mount Vernon HS, offer only 3 distinct languages. Finally, some regions have Foreign Language in Elementary Schools (FLES) programs in more than a dozen schools, while others like Region 6, have programs in only 4 schools.

FCPS has not evaluated or updated the world language program in more than a decade. As a result of the Forum, my fellow School Board members agreed to schedule a work session on the world languages program. I believe world languages, including the availability of immersion programs, are an integral part to making FCPS a world-class school district. I want FCPS to use best practices in teaching world languages and see these programs expanded to serve more students.

School Boundaries Update

On January 22, the School Board voted 8-3 to adopt the Superintendent's recommended boundary revisions. To see how these changes affect Mount Vernon District students, you can read my recent newsletter. To understand Why I Voted No on the proposed boundaries, please read my explanation here.

School Board Passes CIP

I sponsored the motion to approve the draft 2027-31 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The CIP provides a roadmap for how FCPS will spend school bonds over the next 5 years. It includes updated capacity and enrollment projections, as well as budget projections on major renovations and new construction in the district. I was pleased to see many of the projected construction costs have decreased since the last CIP due to the alignment with Green Globes certification. I am committed to environmental stewardship but also mindful of rising construction costs and recognize the need to ease the burden on taxpayers.

Addressing Low Enrollment at Lewis HS and Mount Vernon HS

I was pleased to see FCPS make good on their promise to attend a roundtable at Lewis HS to hear directly from the students on the effect low enrollment has on course offerings, athletics, and extracurricular opportunities. I am closely following this issue and support new program offerings as a way to attract students as well as reigning in students transfers at both Lewis HS and Mount Vernon HS. I am establishing Pyramid Advisory Councils for the Lewis HS and Mount Vernon HS pyramids to define a vision for the future and an action plan to realize that vision, building on their legacy of excellence.

Safe Routes to School After Extreme Winter Weather

The recent winter weather highlighted a critical issue in our community: the lack of consistent plowing and shoveling on sidewalks surrounding our schools. Student safety is my top priority, and it was deeply concerning to see children and families forced to walk in the street because their normal walkways were impassable. I want to extend a sincere thank you to the parents and neighbors who alerted me to these dangerous conditions. Specifically, thanks to the quick outreach from the Fort Hunt ES community, I was able to coordinate directly with the FCPS Facilities team to clear a vital sidewalk on Linton Lane, restoring safe access to the school for our students. There is significant confusion regarding who—FCPS, the County, or Virginia Department of Transportation—is responsible for snow removal on specific roads and walkways. To prevent this from happening again, I am partnering with Supervisor Dan Storck to establish clear protocols and accountability for future storms. Our families deserve clear answers and, more importantly, clear pathways to school when extreme weather hits.

Meet Student Leadership Development Program Representative Nora Fitzpatrick

West Potomac HS junior Nora Fitzpatrick currently serves as the Mount Vernon District Representative to the 2025-2026 School Board Student Leadership Development Program. Nora is working with other students from around the county who are also interested in government and public policy. Nora has been Editor-In-Chief of her school newspaper for two years. She is also serves as Junior Class Vice President for her school's Model United Nations Club. As the Mount Vernon District representative for the School Board Student Leadership Development Program, Nora is learning more about how policy is drafted and is finding new ways to advocate for her fellow students.

Mount Vernon District's Student-Athletes Soar

Congratulations to Mount Vernon HS senior Matt Moret who was named to the VHSL 1st Team All-State as an Offensive All-Purpose Player. Matt finished his season with 20 touchdowns and over 1,700 total yards rushing, receiving, and returns. Several FCPS student-athletes were also selected to the VHSL Class 6 All-State Girls Volleyball team, including West Potomac HS 11th grader Olivia Garey who was named to the All-State First Team.

West Potomac HS Student's Photograph on Display at Dulles Airport

Congratulations to West Potomac HS sophomore Ella Smetana for having her photograph on display at Dulles International Airport. Her piece, titled River Sunsets, is part of the Youth Art Walk at Dulles. Ella was also a 2025 recipient of a Gold Scholastic Award. Next time you are flying through Dulles, stop by and take a look at the outstanding artwork by FCPS students.

Celebrating Mount Vernon District's National Merit Commended Scholars

In case you haven't heard, 848 FCPS students have been named National Merit Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation! I am especially proud to share that 18 of these distinguished scholars are residents of the Mount Vernon District! Please join me in celebrating Mount Vernon District's 2026 National Merit Commended Scholars: 

• Lake Braddock SS: Datta Michael
• Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Technology: Aditi Bhat, Gavin Bhulipongsanon, Amelia Hicks, Rhesa Hicks, Sarah Kangas, Olivia Kim, and Ella Oliver
• Hayfield SS: Marioud Kheir and Lina Kong
• West Potomac HS: Byron Leeth
• South County HS: Alexis Amparo, Nicole Engle, Jason Ha, Lavender, Nicholas Patel, Nathan Pham, and Elizabeth Spencer

Mount Vernon District Students Selected for New ARTiFAX Awards

FCPS launched ARTiFAX, a new art recognition program created exclusively for FCPS teen artists in grades 7–12 enrolled in visual art programs to honor artistic excellence, creative growth, and student voice.

Submissions were reviewed and judged across a range of categories, including Artistry, Authentic Voice, Collaborative Artwork, Creative Process, Cultural Context, Emerging Artist, Reflective Voice, Senior Portfolios, and Thematic Concept. The award is designed to celebrate both technical skill and meaningful artistic intent. Every school also selected a “Best In School” honoree.

Some of the award-winning ARTiFAX submissions will be exhibited at Northern Virginia Community College’s Ernst Community Cultural Center in Annandale from February 12 through March 13. 

Out of 299 award-winning student artworks, I am proud to share that 27 were earned by talented artists who live right here in the Mount Vernon District. Please join me in congratulating the following student-artists on this incredible achievement:

Celebrating International Baccalaureate Graduates and Award Recipients

Last month, multiple schools serving Mount Vernon District students conducted International Baccalaureate (IB) Awards and graduation ceremonies. I am especially proud to share that Mount Vernon HS has 66 IB graduates. This triples the number the school had just two years ago–more proof of the daily excellence happening in our local schools. I also congratulate all IB graduates and award recipients from Edison HS and Lewis HS.

West Potomac HS Selected for National Music Festival

The Music for All National Concert Band Festival, presented by Yamaha, celebrates outstanding music-making by the nation’s finest high school and middle school scholastic ensembles. The Music for All National Concert Band Festival is an integral part of Music for All’s mission to create, provide, and expand positively life-changing experiences through music for all.

West Potomac HS is one of 24 high school bands from across the country who has been invited to perform. The festival will be held March 26 – 28 in Indianapolis. The boosters are raising funds to help them travel to the festival. If you would like to contribute, click here.

Hayfield SS Names New Principal

FCPS announced that Antonio DiBari will serve as the new Principal of Hayfield Secondary School! I listened closely to the Hayfield community and heard your advocacy for a leader who understands Hayfield and FCPS—someone with a proven track record and the ability to restore stability and trust. I took that message to heart and championed your priorities to ensure we secured a principal who will lead Hayfield to a brighter future. I am thrilled that FCPS selected one of its most experienced and talented leaders to become the Principal of Hayfield SS. DiBari is a seasoned FCPS principal. He has served as Principal of Westfield HS for over 5 years, and he served as Assistant Principal of Lake Braddock Secondary School for 5 years. Moreover, he has served on the Executive Board of the High School Principals Association since 2023. DiBari is familiar with Hayfield SS. In 2018, he served as Principal of Hayfield’s Credit Recovery School, leading 80+ educators and staff to support hundreds of students to achieve a viable pathway to graduation. In 2019, he served as Principal for Hayfield’s Extended School Year program, managing 50+ educators and staff to provide special education and related services beyond the standard school year for students with disabilities. DiBari consistently cultivates positive and inclusive learning environments while maintaining a rigorous focus on academic excellence. He is a highly relational leader who believes in the power of personal connection and understands that student success starts with trust. You will see him every day in the hallways and classrooms, ensuring every student and staff member is known and heard. DiBari believes in the power of collaboration, viewing Hayfield’s diverse community as an essential partner in achieving optimal student outcomes. Mr. DiBari has my full confidence and support, and I know he will deliver on the high expectations of the Hayfield community. As Hayfield prepares for the leadership transition, I want to thank Interim Principal Deirdre Lavery for her dedicated service over the past several months. She has provided steady leadership at a critical time and established a strong foundation upon which Mr. DiBari will build in the coming years.

Celebrating Mount Vernon District's Award-Winning Staff Members

• West Potomac HS won the FCPS Communication Excellence Award for "Best Website!" The FCPS Awards of Communication Excellence celebrate the creation of excellent websites, newsletters, and social media content that inform and engage readers. The winners are examples of the substantial talent within the FCPS school communicator community.