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September 3, 2026
Dear Waynewood Owls,
It was wonderful seeing so many of you last night at our Back to School Night! Thank you for taking the time to connect with our teachers and discover all the exciting learning planned for this year. We were especially honored to welcome two distinguished guest leaders from our division: Mount Vernon District School Board Representative Mateo Dunne and Region 3 Assistant Superintendent Ray Lonnett. We deeply appreciate their presence and continued support of our Waynewood community.
Our Owls showed incredible maturity this week as we practiced both our tornado and lockdown drills. Keeping our students safe is always our highest priority, and our children did an outstanding job following instructions calmly and responsibly.
This week our 5th and 6th graders enjoyed a special visit from the West Potomac High School Band and Orchestra programs. The high schoolers gave a fantastic musical demonstration, inspiring many of our Owls to explore their own musical talents this year. It was also fun to see so many former Owls who are continuing their musical journey in our high school programs. Let's Go West Po!
Looking ahead to next week, we have a few important dates to keep on your radar. Please join us for our very first PTA meeting of the school year on Wednesday at 7:00pm in the Waynewood cafeteria. Our PTA does extraordinary work to support our school, and we would love to see a great turnout. You can join and learn more about the Waynewood PTA on their website.
Speaking of our wonderful PTA, our biggest fundraiser of the year—the famous Jog-A-Thon—has officially kicked off! Please visit the Waynewood Jog-A-Thon website to learn more about how you can support this effort. Our community goal is to raise $65,000 before the big event on September 25. Every contribution helps enrich our school programs, and we are grateful for your generosity.
Additionally, next Friday, September 11, we will hold a Red, White, and Blue Spirit Day in honor of Patriot Day. We encourage all of our Owls to wear these colors as we come together as a unified community.
As a quick reminder, there is no school tomorrow, Friday, or Monday, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. I hope this long weekend gives your family a wonderful opportunity to relax, recharge, and make memories together. Thank you for your endless partnership, trust, and enthusiasm!
Have a safe, restful, and happy weekend, Owls!
Sincerely,
Katie Cachine, Principal
Alyssa Bonner, Assistant Principal
Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends.
We welcome you to join your children for lunch starting on Monday, September 14. Please remember to bring a picture ID so you can sign in at the office. We ask for your understanding that, due to the limited space in our cafeteria, only Waynewood students and their adult family members are permitted to join. To ensure our lunchroom remains a safe and manageable space for all of our students, please make arrangements for younger siblings at this time. We know how much it means to share a meal with your child, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life.
A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):
- Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
- Monday, September 28, at Riverside Elementary School
- Monday, October 19, at Spring Hill Elementary School
- Monday, October 26, at Beech Tree Elementary School
- Thursday, October 29, at North Springfield Elementary School
- Friday, November 13, at Colin Powell Elementary School
Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
With the upcoming 25th anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.
All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills.
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday, September 11. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school.
See the complete school year calendar.
The 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 first goal of the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they’re joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success.See how Goal 1 is being put into practice. Learn more about or enroll in FCPS Pre-K or Early Head Start.
Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, many different types of weather events can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff. What does FCPS do during a flood? What about a severe thunderstorm?
Learn how FCPS prepares for and responds to weather events, and find resources to help your family prepare, on the FCPS Weather Safety webpage.
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success by helping them build good habits.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
The Annual Special Education Family Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS and community partners, its theme — Connected Communities, Thriving Students — highlights the power of partnerships that support student success. This no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch for all participants. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for the latest information.
Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
The Advanced Academic Program (AAP) fall referral window is only for students in Grades 3 to 8 who are new to FCPS since January 1, 2026. Parents and guardians who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time AAP services must submit the Full-Time AAP Referral Form to Kathryn Adams, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at khadams@fcps.edu by Thursday, October 15. Late referrals will not be accepted.
For students who are not new to FCPS, the spring Full-Time AAP identification window is open to students in Grades 2 to 7. Families interested in referring their student for consideration during the spring window must submit a referral by Tuesday, December 15.
Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time AAP services.
Other Advanced Academic Services
At the elementary level, all students are screened each spring for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services. Families may also refer their student for consideration for Subject-Specific or Part-Time AAP at any time during the school year. Eligibility decisions are made at the school level, and families are notified of the decision within 30 school days of the referral. The Full-Time AAP referral deadlines do not apply.
At the middle school level, honors courses are open to all students.
For more information, please contact Kathryn Adams, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at khadams@fcps.edu or visit the Advanced Academic Programs webpage.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) offers the opportunity for non-profit organizations to make their materials available to students and parents. Each school principal has the option of how they want to distribute to their individual school. During this school year, there will be two (2) opportunities for community non-profit groups (related to children/families and education) to distribute flyers via Waynewood Elementary School Wednesday Folders (student backpacks).
This year we will send community flyers home in Wednesday folders on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 and Wednesday, February 17, 2027. All materials need to be copied and delivered to the school the Friday prior to the community flyer date.
To ensure that schools remain neutral, do not appear to approve or disapprove of any particular religious or political viewpoint and do not sponsor or endorse the classes or activities sponsored by any community organization, all non-school and non-governmental materials made available through the schools must include the following disclaimer: “These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent or this school.”
Visit our website for everything you need to stay up to date— www.waynewoodpta.org
Looking to get our newsletter? Create an account! Fill in your email and a password, add your partner or spouse to create your family account! It’s free and it’s the easiest way to stay informed.
Looking to become a member? Learn about Membership and Join our PTA
Looking to get involved? Reach out to us! Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form.
Spirit Wear Sale – Don’t miss out! To qualify for FREE SHIPPING to school order by 9/11/26. Order your spirit wear here!
Upcoming Events:
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PTA Meeting– Wednesday, September 9th at 7:00 pm in the cafeteria (note the later time)
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New Family & Military Coffee– Thursday, September 10th at 9:30 am in the Courtyard
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Jog-A-Thon-Friday, September 25th, during the school day, Donate HERE!
Wednesday, September 9-PTA Meeting 7:00pm
Thursday, September 10-New Families and Military Parent Coffee 9:30am
Friday, September 11-Patriot Day: Wear Red, White and Blue
Wednesday, September 16: Wear Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Friday, September 18-Fall Picture Day
Friday, September 25-Jog-A-Thon
See the complete school year calendar.
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