Hugh Mercer Elementary School

☀️SCHOOL’S OUT — NOW IT’S TIME TO RESET☀️

Summer is a great time to recharge minds and bodies. This week, try one small wellness activity at home:

✅Take a family walk
✅Create a summer bucket list
✅Practice a screen-free hour
✅Share one thing you’re grateful for each day

Small routines can make a big difference in supporting mental wellness all summer long. 💚

The Hugh Mercer SCA had the pleasure of hosting Delegate Cole. He answered questions about leadership and his career. He also gave advice and inspiring words to our young school leaders.

Have a great Summer!!!

Don't forget, Field Day is tomorrow, Thursday May 28. Here is Dr. Russ bringing the dunk tank. 💦 Wear comfortable shoes 👟 bring labeled water bottles 🥤and put on sunscreen 🧴(teachers cannot apply sunscreen). It's going to be a great day!

Due to the latest forecasted weather conditions, our Field Day originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, will be postponed to Thursday, May 28. If you signed up to volunteer with the PTA and are unavailable please contact the PTA directly at ptahughmercer@gmail.com

Reminder: FCPS schools and offices will be closed Monday, May 25. Students return Tuesday, May 26.

Friday, May 29, is the last day of school and will be an early dismissal day for students. 🎉

The Breakfast Buddies program has been a highlight for years. Here is a picture from this year's last breakfast.

We loved seeing those that were teamed up twins.

☀️ Superintendent’s Summer Scholars Program ☀️

The registration deadline has been extended to June 1, 2026!

Summer Scholars is a great opportunity for students to continue learning through engaging activities, hands-on experiences, and exciting field trips this summer.

📍 Lafayette Elementary School
📅 July 7-24, 2026
(Monday-Thursday only, no Fridays)

⏰ 8:45 AM-12:45 PM
⏰ Mondays, July 13 & July 20: 8:45 AM-3:00 PM

👧 Open to current FCPS K-5 students

💲 Program Cost:
• $100 per student
• $50 per additional child
• Family maximum: $200
• Field trip entrance fees not included

Payment is due at the time of registration unless preapproved payment plans are in place.

❓Questions?
Please contact your school’s summer program administrator:

• Gladys West: Tony Lewis | (540) 372-1140
• Hugh Mercer: Brian Cannavo | (540) 372-1115
• Lafayette: Matthew Bailey | (540) 372-1135

Program Coordinator: Dina Vales
📧 dvales@cityschools.com

By submitting a registration form, you are giving permission for your student to attend all Summer Scholars field trips. Families are responsible for notifying the school of any medical needs prior to the start of the program by emailing the program coordinator.

🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/4dQl7kq

May is Mental Health Awareness Month💚. Starting tomorrow, we are having a district-wide mental health spirit week.

Looking ahead!

Please save the dates for our upcoming Special Education Advisory Committee meetings in October and December.

Students connected math and reading by making words with money. How much are your words worth?

Recently, local school board members were treated to an impressive display of creativity and faced some tough decisions in selecting the 2026 winners in the Virginia School Boards Association’s Northeastern Regional Art Contest on May 12, 2026. Student art from the elementary, middle, and high school levels representing each school division in the competition, were judged at the regional forum for area school board members.

FCPS is proud to celebrate our own 2026 VSBA Art Contest Winners, who will be recognized at the June 8th School Board meeting.

Mental health matters, and you are never alone.

Students and families can reach out to our mental health staff, counselors, and teachers for support.

If you need immediate help, call or text 988. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.

Together, we can support each other and break the stigma. 💚

In January 2025, we launched a new tool called Alongside. This app provides an extra layer of support to provide students with helpful mental health resources and help our staff catch signs that a student might be struggling. It helps by providing access to tools, check-ins, goal setting, and optional chatbot support. It’s meant to supplement, not replace, real human help, like school counselors, therapists, or crisis services.

Since its launch, the app has already helped us identify students in immediate need and connect them with important support services.

Fredericksburg City Public Schools is committed to building relationships with families. Parents and guardians can help by participating in the 2025-2026 FCPS Parent Survey! Share your thoughts around important topics impacting your students’ success. Survey results will be used to develop a plan to improve family and school partnerships in our schools. Please complete the survey by May 29, 2026.

Visit our website to complete the survey👉 https://www.fxbgschools.us/

⚾ Play ball this summer, FCPS!

Registration is now open for the Fred Nats Baseball League, running June 1 through August 31.

Open to boys and girls ages 8–18, this league is a great way for students to learn the game, build confidence, and stay active all summer long.

✔ Scholarships available (free entry for qualifying students)
✔ Local fields at James Monroe High School
✔ Welcoming environment for all skill levels

📲 Register using the link below.
https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/sunshinebaseball