CWES Weekly Happenings

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Families,

Today, in the pouring rain, 70 new patrol trainees joined 80 current patrols at dismissal time to begin learning the ropes for the patrol program.

Our amazing patrol sponsor, Debbie Rozek, works hard to ensure our students bring a high level of dedication, excellence and efficiency to the routines and procedures for arrival and dismissal each day.

We had a record number of applicants this year, and ALL students who met the criteria were accepted into the program.

Criteria include application form, teacher recommendation, signed parent permission and third quarter progress reports that reflect on-time school attendance and excellent Life, Work and Citizenship skills.

If your child didn't meet the criteria for this program this spring or didn't submit an application in time, they will have another opportunity to apply for this program in the fall.

With rivulets of rain water cascading down her face, one new fourth-grade trainee proclaimed, "this is the best day of my life!" If you welcomed home a slightly damp and exceedingly proud member of our patrol program this afternoon, please pass along our thanks for their service to the Canterbury Woods community!

Warm regards,

Diane Leipzig, Dr. L


May is Jewish American Heritage Month

In May, people all over the United States celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the diverse perspectives, experiences, and contributions of Jewish Americans year-round, and Jewish Heritage Month is one opportunity to honor these important stories.

jewish

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions.

AAPImonth

Register for Dr. Reid's Town Hall TOMORROW

On Tuesday, May 17, incoming superintendent Michelle Reid, Ed.D. will join staff, families, and students for a multilingual virtual town hall, from 7 to 8 p.m. Register online.

Dr. Reid will be hosting additional engagement sessions throughout the county after her official start date on July 1. Stay informed about community engagement opportunities by visiting our website. 

Spanish:

El martes, 17 de mayo, la superintendente entrante Michelle Reid, Ed.D. se unirá al personal, las familias y los estudiantes para un ayuntamiento virtual multilingüe, de 7 a 8 p.m.  Regístrese en línea.

La Dra. Reid organizará sesiones de participación adicionales en todo el condado después de su fecha de inicio oficial el 1 de julio. Manténgase informado sobre las oportunidades de participación comunitaria visitando nuestro sitio web.


Spring Health and Safety

FCPS has seen a recent increase in COVID-19 cases and outbreaks and we understand families and staff have concerns and questions. Our commitment is to provide students with the education and support to help them succeed while maintaining a safe environment for in-person learning. 

Our layered prevention strategies have served us well throughout this school year, and are fully supported by the U.S. Department of Education and Northern Virginia Health Departments. 

Vaccinations are available for school-age children five and up and are proven to reduce the severity of illness. Everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated or boosted.

Currently, masks are optional for all students, staff, and visitors. We encourage families and staff to consider wearing a mask when reports of COVID cases are high or if they or a family member is at high risk. CDC advises individuals to wear a mask when there is a lot of COVID in your community. See a full list of masking recommendations on the CDC website.

If Fairfax County transitions to high community level, FCPS will require all students, staff, and visitors to wear a face covering when indoors (except while actively eating/drinking) on school property (to include the buildings, school buses and other school provided vehicles). 

In alignment with the Code of Virginia, the parent/legal guardian of any child enrolled in an FCPS school may elect for such child to not wear a face covering while on school property (to include FCPS buildings). No reason or documentation will be necessary to elect for your child to not wear a mask.

One of the most important things we can all do is check for mild, cold-like symptoms each day, such as fever, runny nose, cough, or shortness of breath. Parents and guardians are advised to keep their students home if sick and get them tested to stop further spread from occurring. Employees are also advised to stay home and get tested when feeling sick.

The most up to date information is available on the Health and Safety Guidance Document webpage. If you have questions or concerns unique to your child’s situation, please contact your school. 

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our schools safe and healthy so all our students have the opportunity for engaging in-person learning.


Woodson HS Grad Walk, May 25

A beloved pre-pandemic tradition is making a welcome comeback this year. Woodson High School Seniors who attended Canterbury Woods in their elementary years are invited to process through the halls of CWES and be cheered on by staff and students alike! 

On Wednesday, May 25, our staff and students will line the hallways to celebrate these accomplished young men and women as they complete their K-12 education!

Seniors should meet outside Door 1 in caps and gowns at 2:15 PM. Parents of graduating seniors are welcome to come take pictures of this special event.  


LAST CHANCE: Parent Input for 22-23 Class Placements

If your child will be enrolled in CWES next year, please take a moment to fill out this Google form THIS WEEK to provide us with information that will set your child up for success. Please submit one entry for each of your rising Cougars!

Responses will be accepted through Friday, May 20, 2022.


SOL Schedule

This week we complete last of the whole group testing sessions.

Please be sure your child gets a good night's sleep, and please try to avoid scheduling appointments on your student’s testing days. 

  • 4th Grade:  Math on Tuesday, May 17th
  • 5th Grade:  Math on Wednesday, May 18th
  • 6th Grade:  Math on Thursday, May 19th

SEL Small Group Parent/Guardian Coffee Talk, May 18

Come grab a cup of coffee at our SEL Coffee Talk! All CWES parents and guardians are invited to engage with teachers, school counselors, psychologist, and social workers on Wednesday, May 18th at 11:00 – 11:45 A.M. or at 5:00 -5:45 P.M.  

During the session, you will learn about the various small group curriculums we use for students who require support such as Zones, Unstuck and On Target, Kimochis, and Mind UP. These curriculums are a part of CASEL – Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning. Click this link CASEL to learn more about CASEL.


Panera Restaurant Night, May 18

When: 05/18/22 4:00pm-05/18/22 8:00pm
Where: 6230 W Rolling Road, West Springfield, VA 22152
What: CWES PTA receives 20% of sales:
*Order online at panerabread.com and enter code PRFUND at checkout.
*Bring the attached flyer or show a digital version to the cashier when ordering to ensure CWES PTA gets a portion of the proceeds.
panera

Woodson High School's Relay for Life, June 4

Come out and have fun while supporting an important cause! Come to Woodson's Relay for Life!

Relay for Life is a club at WT Woodson HS that partners with the American Cancer Society, a non-profit organization, to raise money to fund cancer research and other ACS programs that help support cancer patients. More information about the club can be found on our club's website (accessible through FCPS email accounts). We spend the year fundraising and planning a large event that takes place at the Pat Cunningham stadium at WT Woodson High School on Saturday, June 4th from 12 pm to 12 am (anyone may come or leave at any time!) Here is our event website on the American Cancer Society! 

We plan to have live music, games, challenges, and of course, the luminaria ceremony to remember those we have lost to cancer. We think this is a great opportunity for students from our feeder schools and other members of the community to get involved with: to fundraise for a great cause, interact with students, experience Woodson's clubs, and just have fun!

WHS

Mental Health and Parenting in 2022

Join other Woodson Pyramid parents for a free virtual seminar with licensed professional counselor, Whitney Houston, on June 1st from 7-8:30PM and for Spanish Speakers on June 6th from 7-8:30PM.   

The presentation will discuss:

  • Your role as a parent
  • Setting boundaries
  • Defining expectations for your child and yourself
  • Finding flexibility
  • Mental health and mental health problems
  • Signs and symptoms of mental illness
  • When and how to find help, from whom, and what to do when waiting for professional help

Location: Zoom

English 6/1 Meeting Link: https://bit.ly/LRES6-1

Spanish 6/6 Meeting Link: https://bit.ly/LRES6-6

Please submit questions prior to the presentation here: https://forms.gle/6ihJTz9XMq1te38E8


About Mrs. Houston: Whitney has over ten years of experience working in the behavioral health field providing clinical mental health counseling to individuals and families.  She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia, and a clinical supervisor in both states working with pre-post graduate counseling residents.  In her clinical work she has extensive experience working with parents helping to develop boundaries and limitations. She is also a trauma informed clinician that has experience training professionals in understanding the impact of trauma.  Whitney is a mother of two (one child with developmental delays) and a sibling to a sister with mental illness.

Please reach out to Brittany Belscher (bbelscher@fcps.edu) with any questions you have prior to the presentation!


SPECIAL OF THE MONTH: P.E.

Spring has sprung! Many of our classes are enjoying the outdoors as we ride bikes, play soccer, and begin to play baseball. Check out what we have been doing in more detail below!

PEpix

Our upper grades had a strong focus on safety during the bike unit.  They enjoyed the experience of riding on our makeshift “Canterbury Beltway''.  Lots of students brought in their own bikes to use and show to their peers. Our lower grades have been working on tossing and catching with a variety of equipment. We learned the fundamentals skills needed to use frisbees, paddles, scoops, and Smak-A-Ball!

PEpix2

Soccer was a huge hit for all!  You could see that this unit is a favorite of many kids.  We learned how to properly dribble and pass the ball.  Of course, scoring goals was the most fun skill to learn and see in action!

As we finish out the year strong, we want to remind everyone to bring a water bottle to class and to wear athletic shoes.  In addition, wearing a hat or applying sunscreen in the morning is a good choice to protect against the harmful UV rays. 

Thank you for all your support of the Physical Education program this year!

Mrs. Trzcinski and Mr. Healey


Mark Your Calendars

Wednesday, May 18, 11 AM and 5 PM: SEL Parent/Guardian Coffee Talks; Panera Restaurant Night 

Wednesday, May 25, 2:30 PM: Woodson HS Grad Walk

Thursday, May 26: In-person Nighttime Concerts for Band and Strings

Friday, May 27: Virtual Daytime Concerts for Band and Strings

Monday, May 30: Memorial Day Holiday. No school.

Thursday, June 2: Outdoor A Capella Chorus Concert

Saturday, June 4: WT Woodson's Relay for Life 12 noon - 12 midnight

Thursday, June 9, 2:30 PM: Sixth Grade Promotion at Woodson High School

Friday, June 10: Last day of school