Principal Message
Dear Washington Mill families,
We are excited to share that our Back to School Night on Thursday, September 5 was a huge success! Teachers had the opportunity to meet many families and review essential information about our school, the instructional schedule, our new basal, and the updated math standards. It was wonderful to see so many of you, and we are truly grateful for your participation.
Looking ahead, please note that Monday, September 16, will be our first 3-hour early release day. Families can choose to have their children go home early or stay at school if child care is needed. Our school staff is reaching out to confirm your preferences. If you have not yet informed the school, please let your child's teacher know or call the main office as soon as possible.
We are also excited to announce that our first PTA meeting of the school year will be held on Wednesday, September 18, at 6:00 p.m. in the school library. We hope you can join us as we kick off a new year of collaboration and support for our students and school community.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support!
Sincerely,
Brad Bennink
Principal
Estimadas familias de Washington Mill,
Estamos emocionados de compartir que nuestra Noche de Regreso a la Escuela el jueves, 5 de septiembre ¡fue un gran éxito! Los maestros tuvieron la oportunidad de conocer a muchas familias y repasar información esencial sobre nuestra escuela, el horario de instrucción, nuestro nuevo basal, y los estándares actualizados de matemáticas. Fue maravilloso ver a tantos de ustedes, y estamos realmente agradecidos por su participación.
Mirando hacia el futuro, tenga en cuenta que el lunes, 16 de septiembre, será nuestro primer día de salida temprana de 3 horas. Las familias pueden elegir que sus hijos se vayan a casa temprano o quedarse en la escuela si necesitan cuidado de niños. Nuestro personal de la escuela está en contacto para confirmar sus preferencias. Si todavía no ha informado a la escuela, por favor, hágaselo saber al profesor de su hijo o llame a la oficina principal tan pronto como sea posible.
También estamos muy contentos de anunciar que nuestra primera reunión de la PTA del año escolar se llevará a cabo el miércoles 18 de septiembre a las 6:00 pm en la biblioteca de la escuela. Esperamos que puedan unirse a nosotros en el inicio de un nuevo año de colaboración y apoyo para nuestros estudiantes y la comunidad escolar.
¡Gracias por su continua colaboración y apoyo!
Sinceramente,
Brad Bennink
Director
IMPORTANT INFO
2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities
FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R.
Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30.
You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.
Safety Drills During the School Year
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.
The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.
Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.
⚠️ Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.
If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
🎤 Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns regarding Fairfax County Public Schools. Your voice matters! Community Conversations will be held this Fall 6:30-7:30 p.m. on:
-
Monday, September 9, at Holmes Middle School
-
Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
-
Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary
-
Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary
-
Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary
-
Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle
Click the date above to register. Registration is not required but helps with planning. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s This Week at FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
Cell Phones Off, Learning On
Thank you for helping to support the FCPS cell phone policy by waiting to call or text your child about non-urgent matters until the school day is over. In case of an emergency, it is always best to contact the school’s front office to reach your child during class time.
Visit the FCPS Cell Phone Policy webpage to read more about usage policies by grade level and to share your feedback on the current cell phone policy.
🙋 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
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. Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
OBSERVANCES
- Attendance Awareness Month
- 11 - Sept. 11 Commemoration/Patriot Day
- Sept. 15-Oct. 15 - **National Hispanic Heritage Month
- 17 - Constitution Day
- 21-29 - Blue Star Welcome Week
QUICK LINKS
Health and Safety Guidance Webpage
Visit Washington Mills Website
Positivity Project
Report Absences
Student Links
|
