Dear Washington Mill families,
Below is a message from our school support team which is led by our school social worker and counselors. This is a winter break and holiday that will be different from others in the past, but I hope you can see from their message what a special place our school is. It’s special because of our kids, staff, families, neighbors, and community partners. It’s not just one person or group of people that make it that way. Although this holiday will be different and difficult, together we’re remembering and working toward the true meaning of the season. Thank you for being special and such an important part of our community. On behalf of our staff, I wish you a wonderful holiday season and happy new year.
Sincerely,
Brad Bennink
Principal
Good Evening WMES Community,
We want to give a huge thank you to all of you who helped to make sure our WMES families in need were able to receive support this holiday season.
This year has been like no other and we had many more families asking for help. With the generosity of our staff, PTA, community members, Penn Daw Fire Station and the Sacramento Center, we were able to make sure that 46 families, with a total of 71 children received gifts this holiday season! We cannot express enough all the gratitude we have for all of you and the overwhelming love and support you have for our WMES families.
We wish you a wonderful holiday and many blessings to you and your family in the new year!
Happy Holidays from the Washington Mill Staff
On this past Thursday, the WMES Faculty and Staff came together before Winter Break to have some virtual fun. Staff members voted on the 2020 WMES Ugly Holiday Sweaters winners and recognized other co-workers for supporting them in various endeavors.
Staff Planning Day
Monday, January 4 will be a staff planning day. Students will log-in to their classes at 8:30 for morning meeting. Teachers will take attendance and the class will reconnect with morning meeting. Teachers will ensure students understand assignments and students will work asynchronously on the first Monday following winter break. No small groups will take place Monday, January 4.
Virtual Learning Week
The first week back from break, January 4-8 is scheduled to be an all virtual week. All student groups will have virtual learning. Some student groups are currently scheduled to begin returning to school Tuesday, January 12, but please stay tuned for schedule confirmation or updates from FCPS after we return from break.
Winter Break School Office Hours
Support for a WMES Family
Last week we learned about the tragic loss of one of our students and many of you have inquired since about ways you might be able to support. The link below is one possible way. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.
https://gf.me/u/zcg246
New Bell Schedule - Beginning January 12th
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Each year, the Office of Transportation Services reviews the bell schedules for all Fairfax County public schools and makes minor adjustments as necessary to improve on-time arrivals.
As you can imagine, developing this school year’s bell schedule has been extremely challenging due to the pandemic.
You may remember that new school bell schedules were announced in July. Our school’s bell schedule was changed. However, given the all-virtual start to the school year, there was no need to implement the new bell schedule.
At the School Board Work session on December 10, Superintendent Brabrand presented a revised phased- plan to return all students who have selected the in-person option starting in January, 2021. Staff worked to improve start times and end times for all levels.
Barring any changes to the plan that may be impacted by the pandemic, the following bell schedule will be in place effective January 12, 2021 for both virtual and in- person instruction. Our new bell schedule at Washington Mill is designated to be 9:00-3:30 at that time.
Return to School Bell Schedule
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Middle School
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7:30-2:00
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Secondary School
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8:20-2:50
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High School
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8:20-2:50
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Thomas Jefferson
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8:40-3:45
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Elementary School
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9:00-3:30
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9:45-4:15
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We feel this plan is a significant improvement and less disruptive over what was presented in the original plan last summer.
The fifteen reduction in the school day is due to the increased cleaning time required between bus runs. Additionally, as more students return to school, the number of students allowed on each bus will be reduced substantially to meet social distancing requirements. With fewer students able to ride a bus at the same time, FCPS has no choice but to adjust the times that our buses are transporting students.
We understand that changes may present a hardship to some of our families and staff. However, it is the only way we can return all our grade levels to in-person learning, while following the critical guidelines to help keep our students and staff safe.
Thank you for your understanding.
FCPS Grab and Go Meals - Winter Break
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to providing all students access to meals during the FCPS Winter Break. The following plan will be in place from Friday, December 18, 2020 through Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
Friday, 12/18
Grab & Go locations will offer 4 days of breakfast and lunch
Monday, 12/21
No Grab & Go food service
Tuesday, 12/22
Grab & Go locations will offer 14-day meal kits (Be prepared to carry lots of food home with you)
Wednesday, 12/23 through Friday, 1/4/21
No Grab & Go food service
Tuesday, 1/5/2021
Grab & Go locations resume daily meal distribution
Meals will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. As a reminder, it is important to follow social distancing guidelines. Be sure to stand a minimum of 6 feet apart from others and practice regular hand washing, including prior to leaving a residence to pick-up meals, upon returning home, and before consuming food. Please wear a mask when picking up meals.
For more information, visit FCPS' Food Distribution Site.
WMES Staff Ugly Holiday Sweater Winners
1st Place Winner: Mrs. Strittmatter, 3rd Grade Teacher
2nd Place Winner: Ms. Barnes, FECEP Teacher
3rd Place Winner: Mrs. Pascoe, Reading Coach
Honorable Mention: Mrs. Dobson, PE Teacher
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