FCPS

Mark Your Calendar!

Monday November 11: Veteran's Day - Student / Staff Holiday

Friday November 15: Complete Your Federal Impact Act Survey

Monday November 18: 3-Hour Early Release

Saturday, November 16: IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair

Thursday November 21: Thanksgiving Lunch 

Wednesday November 27 - Friday November 29: Thanksgiving - Holiday

Monday December 23 - Friday January 3: Winter Break 

3-Hour Early Release Monday November 18

Thank you for letting us know if your child goes home at 1pm or 4pm. 

We will use the dismissal preferences you specified in September and October for November.    

Woodlawn ES will have their early release Mondays on the following dates:

• November 18
• February 10
• March 10
• April 21
• May 12

Veteran's Day Celebration

We had such a good time celebrating our military service members and veterans on Friday, November 8th Thank you for coming and and thank you for your service to our country!

More pictures have been uploaded to the Woodlawn website here.

Thanksgiving Lunch

• Join your child on Thursday, November 21st for Thanksgiving Lunch!
• Cost: $4.75 for each adult meal and $3.25 for any small children you may bring with you. Payable by cash or check.
• Please fill out this google form (bit.ly/3YJYqFQ) to help our cafeteria staff prepare for the event. 
• On November 21st, you will sign in at the office and pay for your lunch. You will receive a Thanksgiving lunch ticket that you will turn in when you go through the lunch line in the Cafeteria. 
• Lunch times have been moved around a bit to accommodate parents coming in to eat with their child(ren).  See the schedule below.

*Questions?  Please contact the Woodlawn Main Office at 703- 619‑4800.

Wildcat's Nest Thrift Shop

• The Wild Cat’s Nest is a FREE thrift store for Woodlawn students and families.
• It is stocked with clothes, jackets, school supplies, books, and an abundance of other personal and household items.
• The Wild Cat’sNest is open to parents and guardians on Fridays from November 8th to December 20th, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
• To reserve your time slot, please text Ms. Bueno, our family liaison, at 571-363-0397.

Logging into Clever At Home

• We encourage our students to continue learning at home using some  digital tools such as Lexia, ST Math (grades K-2), iXL Math (grades 3 -6), and iXL science (grade 5). 
• Students can access these tools on a platform called Clever. 
• Below are directions for how to log into Clever at home.
• Directions for Logging into Clever for Parents (English)
• Directions for Logging into Clever for Parents (Spanish)

IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair

• Parents/caregivers, school staff, and students over the age of 14 are invited to attend an interactive event celebrating the individualized education program (IEP) process.
• The IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Jackson Middle School.
• Register in advance. 
• The event is sponsored by Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). Activities include simulated IEP meetings, break-out sessions on the various parts of an IEP, and a resource fair to learn more about community supports. 

Need to Register for SIS ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your impact aid survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket.

• Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu
• Type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description.
• Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277. 

Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

8505 Highland Lane, Alexandria, VA 22309  | Main Office: 703-619-4800
Attendance: 703-619-4848 | Web | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

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October 27, 2024

Dear Woodlawn families,

It is Parent-Teacher Conference time!  Teachers are scheduling conferences now.  Please be on the lookout for an invitation to schedule a time to meet about your child.  These conferences are a valuable opportunity for us to discuss your child's progress, strengths, and areas for growth.

We encourage you to attend these conferences as they provide a chance to:

• Discuss your child's academic and social development
• Ask questions and share concerns
• Collaborate on strategies to support your child's learning

We understand that schedules can be busy, and, we believe that attending these conferences in person, virtually, or by phone is an important investment in your child's education.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Sincerely,

Laura C. Elliott

Principal

Mark Your Calendar!

Monday October 28: Parent Coffee (optional event for parents/guardians

                                    9:30am Woodlawn Community Room

Thursday October 31: 2-Hour Early Release, Students dismissed at 2:05pm

Friday November 1: Diwali and Dia de los Muertos- Student Holiday

Monday November 4 - Tuesday November 5: Student Holiday

Friday November 8: Veteran's Day Parade (optional event for parents/guardians)

Monday November 11: Veteran's Day - Student / Staff Holiday

Friday November 15: Complete Your Federal Impact Act Survey

Thursday November 21: Thanksgiving Lunch - More information coming!

Wednesday November 27 - Friday November 29: Thanksgiving - Holiday

Parent Coffee - October 28

• Optional monthly event for parents / guardians to connect with each other and Woodlawn staff over complimentary coffee and pastries.
• Location:  Woodlawn ES Community Room (near Door 9 - Cafeteria), 9:30am
• This month we will discuss immunizations, keeping your child healthy, and the importance of attendance with members of the administrative, clinical, and health team
• Small children are welcome! 
• Please call Julie Bueno, our family liaison, for more information at 571-363-0397.

Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th - Student Holiday

The day will be observed as a holiday for students and a teacher work day.

For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections webpage.

Veteran's Day Parade

Military families, we invite you to join your students at Woodlawn for a special parade. We want to celebrate, YOU, our nation's heroes!

When: November 8, 2024 at 9:30 am 

Where: Woodlawn Elementary

Feel free to wear your military uniforms, if you would like!

Immunizations Information

• The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for elementary students on:

  • Monday, November 18, 2:00pm - 7:00 pm
  • Clinic Locations: Mount Vernon District office, Joseph Willard Health Center, Springfield District Office

    • Learn more about these clinics. 

  • All school-required immunizations will be free of charge at Health Department clinics by appointment only. 
  • Schedule an appointment by calling  703-246-7100. 

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS needs your help! Please fill out the Federal Impact Aid Survey for each school-aged child in your household.

• The form is available online in SIS ParentVUE.
  •  If you need a paper copy, we'll have them in November.
• Please be sure to return them by Friday, November 17. 

This survey helps us get more money from the U.S. Department of Education to support all Fairfax County schools.

• Last year, this survey resulted in $4 million in funding!

Watch this video or visit our website for more info.

Need to Register for SIS ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your impact aid survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket.

• Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu
• Type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description.
• Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277. 

November is National Family Engagement Month

Families are a child's first teachers.

FCPS has resourcesto help families support their kids' learning and well-being.

Every school has a family liaison who can help families understand the school and connect them to resources. 

The family liaison at Woodlawn is Julie Bueno.  If you have any questions or you would like more information, reach out to Mrs. Bueno.  Her email is [email protected]. 

Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events

• Good attendance is crucial for student success.
• Plan trips around weekends or school holidays.
  • Refer to the FCPS calendar
• Every day of learning counts.
• Absences add up quickly: 10% absence rate is considered chronic.
• Schedule appointments outside of school hours.
• Report absences when necessary.
• Learn more by visiting the Attendance webpage and watching this video with tips on understanding the FCPS school year calendar

  The 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 4: Equitable Access to Opportunities

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

The fourth goal ensures all students have the same access to opportunities, no matter what school they attend. This includes academics and other programs that inspire and engage students and allow them to explore their passions and talents. See how Goal 4 is being put into practice.

8505 Highland Lane, Alexandria, VA 22309  | Main Office: 703-619-4800
Attendance: 703-619-4848 | Web | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Mark Your Calendar!

Monday October 14: Indigenous People's Day- Student Holiday

Monday October 21: Three Hour Early Release (Students released at 1pm)

Tuesday October 22: Fall Picture Day

Monday October 28: Parent Coffee (optional event for parents/guardians)

Thursday October 31: 2-Hour Early Release, End of Quarter 1

Friday November 1: Diwali- Student Holiday

Monday November 4 - Tuesday November 5: Student Holiday

Monday November 11: Veteran's Day - Student / Staff Holiday

Wednesday November 27 - Friday November 29: Thanksgiving - Holiday

 Early Release Mondays in 2024-2025

Thank you for letting us know if your child goes home at 1pm or 4pm. 

We will use the dismissal preferences you specified in September for October.    

Woodlawn ES will have their early release Mondays on the following dates:

• October 21
• November 18
• February 10
• March 10
• April 21
• May 12

Immunizations Information

• The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for elementary students on:

  • Monday, October 21, 2:00 - 7:00 pm
  • Monday, November 18, 2:00 - 7:00 pm
  • Clinic Locations: Mount Vernon District office, Joseph Willard Health Center, Springfield District Office

    • Learn more about these clinics. 

  • All school-required immunizations will be free of charge at Health Department clinics by appointment only. 
  • Schedule an appointment by calling  703-246-7100. 

• Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on:  
  
  • Saturday, October 12, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Monday, October 28, 3:00 - 7:00 pm

  • Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged.

  • A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent.

  • Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

Fall Picture Day- October 22

• Fall Picture Day is Tuesday October 22. 
• We sent order forms home with your student this week. 
• Every child takes a picture, but you do not have to buy them unless you would like to. 

Parent Coffee - October 28

• Optional monthly event for parents / guardians to connect with each other and Woodlawn staff over complimentary coffee and pastries.
• Location:  Woodlawn ES Community Room (near Door 9 - Cafeteria)
• This month we will discuss immunizations, keeping your child healthy, and the importance of attendance with members of the administrative, clinical, and health team
• Small children are welcome! 
  • near  Julie Bueno, our family liaison, at 571-363-0397.

Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events

• Good attendance is crucial for student success.
• Plan trips around weekends or school holidays.
  • Refer to the FCPS calendar
• Every day of learning counts.
• Absences add up quickly: 10% absence rate is considered chronic.
• Schedule appointments outside of school hours.
• Report absences when necessary.
• Learn more by visiting the Attendance webpage and watching this video with tips on understanding the FCPS school year calendar

Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions.

Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

• Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary School.
• Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary School.
• Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle School.

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

  The 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 4: Equitable Access to Opportunities

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

The fourth goal ensures all students have the same access to opportunities, no matter what school they attend. This includes academics and other programs that inspire and engage students and allow them to explore their passions and talents. See how Goal 4 is being put into practice.

Gun Safety

• Prioritizing Student and Staff Safety: Gun violence continues to impact schools nationwide. FCPS is committed to providing a safe learning environment.
• Parental Engagement: We encourage parents and guardians to reinforce gun safety principles at home and in any environment where children may encounter firearms.
• Resources and Support: The FCPS website offers gun safety resources . See Dr. Reid’s recent letter to the community for more resources. 
• Safe Storage Initiatives: The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has a limited supply of free locking medication boxes and trigger locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. Visit the Lock and Talk website to learn more. 

8505 Highland Lane, Alexandria, VA 22309  | Main Office: 703-619-4800
Attendance: 703-619-4848 | Web | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

REMINDER:

• Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school. 

Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed. 

Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students.

Dr. Reid's Community Conversation

Come and meet Dr. Reid for her Community Conversation on Monday, September 30, 2024 from 6:30pm - 7:30pm at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School.

  National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Early Release Mondays in 2024-2025

Our first Early Release Monday on 9/16 went well!  Thank you parents, for letting us know if your child goes home at 1pm or 4pm.  We will use the preferences you specified in September for October also.    

Woodlawn ES will have their early release Mondays on the following dates:

• October 21
• November 18
• February 10
• March 10
• April 21
• May 12

Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events

Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.

When planning trips or family events, refer to the FCPS calendar and try to use weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.

When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence. 

Watch this video with tips on understanding the FCPS school year calendar and visit the Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

Immunizations

FCPS has partnered with the Fairfax County Health Department to provide immunization clinics on early release Mondays for elementary school students and at middle and high schools this fall. Safeway is also hosting immunization clinics for all FCPS students.

Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

• Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary School.
• Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary School.
• Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle School.

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

  The 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 4: Equitable Access to Opportunities

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

The fourth goal ensures all students have the same access to opportunities, no matter what school they attend. This includes academics and other programs that inspire and engage students and allow them to explore their passions and talents. See how Goal 4 is being put into practice.

Gun Safety

Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage

Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.

In FCPS, lessons on gun safety are built into our curriculum. It is critical that parents and guardians talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in their homes, and in any home they may visit. 

The FCPS website has gun safety resources as well as information about safety and security practices at schools. See Dr. Reid’s recent letter to the community for more resources. 

Safely Store Firearms and Medications

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has a limited supply of free locking medication boxes and trigger locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. Visit the Lock and Talk website to learn more. 

Mark Your Calendar!

Wednesday October 2: Interims Sent Home

Thursday October 3 - Friday October 4: Rosh Hashanah- Student Holiday

Monday October 14: Indigenous People's Day- Student Holiday

Monday October 21: Three Hour Early Release

Friday November 1: Diwali- Student Holiday

Monday November 4 - Tuesday November 5: Student Holiday

Monday November 11: Veteran's Day - Student / Staff Holiday

Wednesday November 27 - Friday November 29: Thanksgiving - Holiday

8505 Highland Lane, Alexandria, VA 22309  | Main Office: 703-619-4800
Attendance: 703-619-4848 | Web | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Early Release Mondays in 2024-2025

This year, elementary school students will be released three hours early on seven Mondays during the 2024-25 school year.  With the adoption of new textbooks, differentiated support plans for students, required professional development for the new Virginia Literacy Act, new reading and math Standards of Learning exams (SOLs) from the state, and other initiatives — teachers have a lot to do in addition to actually teaching! These demands require blocks of uninterrupted, in person, and collaborative time to plan. 

Woodlawn ES will have their early release Mondays on the following dates:

• September 16
• October 21
• November 18
• February 10
• March 10
• April 21
• May 12

We will be sharing more specific information about dismissal on these 7 days, in the coming week!  Thank you for your patience!

Woodlawn Open House 

Mark your Calendars!

Thursday, August 15th from 1:30-3:30pm

Come and meet your teacher and classmates, drop off school supplies, and visit Woody the Wildcat!

School Supplies List 

School supply lists are available on the Woodlawn Elementary School website at https://woodlawnes.fcps.edu/academics/supply-lists-each-grade-level

Woodlawn PreK Program 

The Woodlawn PreK program has 3 spaces left for this year!  Please see below about applying!

The FCPS PreK Program serves students with a no cost, high quality, full-day preschool program here at Woodlawn Elementary School for students with a variety of economic and educational risk factors.

If space is available, your family may qualify through the Virginia Preschool Initiative even if your income is higher than the 200% of the Federal Poverty Level information listed on the online application.  You can complete an application online  or call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish) for more information.  You may also call Woodlawn ES at 703-619-4800 and speak with Mrs. Martinez in the office.

Mark Your Calendar!

August 15 - Open House - 1:30pm - 3:30pm

August 19- First Day of School 

August 30-September 2- Labor Day Holiday 

September 11- Family Back to School Night Celebration!  6:00pm - 8:00pm

8505 Highland Lane, Alexandria, VA 22309  | Main Office: 703-619-4800
Attendance: 703-619-4848 | Web | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube