Beavergram

Photo

 

Welcome Back Family!!!

In a few weeks we will begin the new school year and we hope everyone is ready!! The first day of school is Monday, August 26, 2019 and our school hours are still 8:45 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The entire Woodley Hills staff is excited to welcome back the rest of our family!  We are looking forward to continuing to provide all of our students with a rigorous learning environment where conversations and critical thinking are happening daily. We will push each child to reach his or her potential because we know that every student is capable. Please contact us if you have a question, concern or suggestions. We are here and want to work with all of our parents to provide the best experience that we can.

We have included some information below that we hope that you will find helpful but you will also receive a letter in a few days.

See you soon!!! Sharon, Willisa and Theresa

 

OPEN HOUSE and WELCOME TO SCHOOL – August 23rd

On Friday, August 23 we will welcome our family members in 1st through 6th grades from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm.   This is a time for you and your child to meet the teacher and leave any supplies you may have purchased. There will not be a formal presentation so you may drop in anytime between 11:00am and 12:00pm. Please know that we will not be opening the doors until 11:00 am so there is no need to arrive too early. You do not need to gather near the main doors because ALL doors will be opened and staff will be nearby to assist. Feel free to park on the blacktop but be sure not to block any cars.

Our Kindergarten Welcome to School and Orientation is at a separate time for our 1st through 6th grade Open House. We will welcome our new kindergarten students on Friday, August 23 from 12:30am to 1:30pm. To have an easier time parking and entering the building, please try to arrive no early than 12:15pm. This will allow most of our other family members a chance to leave before each of you attempt to park. We will begin the meeting in the cafeteria and after parents and students will have an opportunity to visit the classrooms.

 

STUDENT CLASS ASSIGNMENTS

Class lists will be posted near every entrance the day of Open House. You may also check your SIS Parent Account (Parent Vue) for the name of your child’s teacher on Wednesday, August 21st. You may find additional information at www.fcps.edu/resources/technology/student-information-system-sis-fcps/sis-parent-account-overview . Please know that the staff has put a lot of thought into which students are placed together.  

 

SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST

You can find our 2019-20 school supply lists on our school website at https://woodleyhillses.fcps.edu/

 

ARRIVAL and DISMISSAL

We know that the first day of school is exciting for everyone and we are aware that parents may want to come with their child(ren) and you are welcome. However, we ask that you allow your child to come to school the same way he or she will normally go home. If your child will normally be riding the bus to and from school, allow him or her to do so the first day of school. This will make it less confusing for your child and assist the teacher in getting him or her to the right location or bus at dismissal. We encourage you to meet your child(ren) at the school so we will open the blacktop so there will be plenty of spaces for you to park.

For the safety of our children, parents may not drop off children in the side parking lot or on the sidewalk on Old Mt. Vernon Road. These are high traffic areas and bring potential risks that must be avoided. Anyone attempting to use these areas will be stopped by staff members.

  • BUS - Prior to school starting, you will receive a e-Notify message with your child's bus number, stop location and pick up time.  You can also access this information via Parent Vue starting next Monday, August 19.  During the first week of school, children should arrive at their assigned bus stop a few minutes early until the bus driver establishes a regular routine. It is very important that each student rides his or her ASSIGNED bus. If you feel you have a valid reason for your child to ride a different bus you must submit an exception to ride form. Children are not allowed to ride a different bus until permission has been received by the Transportation Office. Please be aware that we will be sending children home on the bus listed on the Post Card. If you do have concerns you can feel free to contact 703-446-2150. We also need to remind you that FECEP and Kindergarten students are not allowed to walk home by themselves or with a sibling attending Woodley Hills. It is FCPS policy for our youngest students must be met by an adult or a responsible teenager in at least 7th grade.
  • KISS and RIDE – For parents who are transporting their child(ren) to school, staff members will greet students at the “Kiss and Ride” door starting at 8:20 a.m., the doors will close at 8:45 a.m. and at that time you will need to take your child to the main office. The students should be seated in the passenger side of the car so that children are exiting the car onto the side walk.   Please DO NOT attempt to park your car and walk up to the “Kiss and Ride” door because staff members will not release your child.
  • WALKERS – If your child is assigned to a bus, please do not allow him or her to walk before checking with the office. Walkers should enter and exit only from the front of the building and they are expected to walk to and from school in pairs or groups whenever possible. Please make sure you have established and practiced a safe walking route with your child in our community before allowing your child to walk to and from school. We also encourage parents to have children check-in when they arrive home and have a plan just in case the child is unable to get in the house so that he or she is not waiting outside alone.
  • BIKE RIDERS – Students who live within the designated walking area are allowed to ride their bikes to and from school. If you decide to allow your child to ride a bike, please review a safe bike route, ensure they wear a helmet, and know how to lock their bike on a bike rack. Our bike rack is located at the side of school near the tennis courts. Please know that the school is not responsible for bikes and any other equipment. Check out this resource for more information on bike safety: https://www.shapeamerica.org//publications/resources/teachingtools/qualitype/upload/bikeology-parent-guide.pdf 

ATTENDANCE

In order for our students to get the most out of their education they must be in school on time and here every day. The Commonwealth of Virginia has implemented mandatory school attendance laws that we are required to strictly enforce. According to the new laws, students should not miss more than five days during the school year whether it is considered excused or unexcused. The law is designed to ensure our children receive a quality education and to hold parents accountable for students who do not attend school regularly and on time. This is not an issue for our school but we must remind you to be thoughtful of when you allow your child to stay home. If your child must be absent from school, you should always inform the school. The attendance line is 703-799-2020.

 

BREAKFAST and LUNCH

Woodley Hills ES is eligible for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) meal program again this year which provides free breakfast and lunch for every child attending. However, it is still important for families who may be eligible for free and reduced priced meals to apply. There are several advantages if your child is found eligible. The approval letter allows your child and your family to be eligible for discounts on computers, internet service, scholarships for sports teams, classes and so much more. In addition, by applying you will help the school increase the possibility of receiving free lunch for all students again next year. Pre-printed applications were sent to homes the beginning of August. You may also renew or apply online at https://www.myschoolapps.com. Translated applications are available on the food service website https://www.fcps.edu/node/31049. If you need any assistance in filling out the necessary forms, please call 703-799-2000 and ask to speak to one of our parent liaisons.

We will continue to have the salad bar for our students and the entrée is the same menu at CEP schools and non-CEP schools; a la la carte items are still offered, but are not free. Examples of a la carte items are popcorn, cookies, water, and extra purchases of items which are part of the meal. If you want to allow your child to purchase additional items, you can send in can send in money or deposit money into your child’s lunch account by sending in cash or a check made out to Woodley Hills Food Services There is also an option to pay online at www.myschoolbucks.com.  Breakfast and lunch menus are available online and can be reached at http://www.fcps.edu/fs/food/food_at_school/

 


IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Calendar

   

1st – 6th Grades OPEN HOUSE: Friday, August 23 at 11:00 am – 12:00pm

KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION/BACK TO SCHOOL MEETING: Friday, August 23 at 12:30 pm beginning in the Cafeteria

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: Monday, August 26 at 8:25 a.m.

FAMILY PICNIC: Friday, September 6 at 5:30pm