Principal Message
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
Regular attendance is crucial for the academic success of all students. Studies have repeatedly proven that students with better attendance records perform better in school and are more likely to graduate high school on time.
Did you know?
- Starting in kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
- Missing 10% (or about 2 days per month) can make it harder to learn to read.
- Attending school even if your student arrives late is valuable for their academic success.
I understand that there may be obstacles preventing students from attending school regularly, such as illness or personal circumstances. That’s why it is so important for our school team to work together with our students and families to remove any barriers. We all belong here!
Please encourage your student to arrive on time every day and maintain regular attendance until the last day of school. Together, we can work toward increasing school attendance rates and improving academic outcomes for all our students.
How You Can Help:
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
- Don’t let your child stay home unless they are truly sick. Keep in mind that complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
- If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning. For support, please contact our school counselors, Jennifer Melz, at 703-619-2500 jamelz@fcps.edu or Damita Levy 703-619-2520 dlevy@fcps.edu .
- Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.
Let's start the school year strong!
Sincerely, Brad Bennink Principal
IMPORTANT INFO
Notes from the Library
Greetings from the WMES Library! We are off to a great start, students have already checked out over 3,000 books since school began. The checkout period is three weeks, after which a book is considered overdue. Overdue notices will be sent out periodically throughout the year. Students may return books any day of the week, they do not need to wait for their library checkout day.
During checkout students are given the freedom to choose books that appeal to them. If there is something specific you would like your child to check out, please have that conversation with them. Students may choose books they wish to enjoy independently or have someone read to them. The benefits of reading aloud to children are numerous, including:
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Emotional bonding: Strengthens the emotional bond between the child and reader.
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Language development: Enhances vocabulary
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Cognitive development: Improves focus, concentration, and memory.
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Listening skills: Helps children develop better listening and comprehension abilities.
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Imagination and creativity: Stimulates creativity by introducing new ideas and stories.
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Social skills: Teaches empathy, cooperation, and social understanding through story characters and scenarios.
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Critical thinking: Develops problem-solving skills by introducing new perspectives and challenges in stories.
Cultural awareness: Exposes children to different cultures, traditions, and worldviews.
Advance Academics Announcement
Dear Washington Mill Families,
I am excited to share some important information about our upcoming Advanced Academics Parent Information Meetings. These sessions are designed to help you better understand the Advanced Academic Programs offered by Fairfax County Public Schools and the opportunities available for your children.
We will be hosting two informative sessions:
- Advanced Academic Programs: Parent Information Meeting
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Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2024
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Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Location: Washington Mill ES Library This session is for all Kindergarten through 6th-grade parents interested in learning more about the Advanced Academic levels of service and the deadlines for referring your child for screening.
- Information Night for Screening and Identification for Full-Time AAP Services
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Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
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Time: 6:00 pm
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Location: Washington Mill ES Library This meeting is for families of students in grades 2-6 and will cover how students are screened for Full-Time AAP services, including an overview of the continuum of services, the referral process, preparation of screening files, and testing and identification timelines.
I encourage all parents interested in understanding more about the Advanced Academic Programs to attend these meetings. Your involvement and understanding are crucial in supporting your child’s academic journey.
If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact me at 703-619-2500 or via email at jmmorris1@fcps.edu. I look forward to seeing you there!
Warm regards,
Jennifer Morris Advanced Academics Resource Teacher Washington Mill Elementary School
Dear Washington Mill Families,
I am excited to share some important information about our upcoming Advanced Academics Parent Information Meetings. These sessions are designed to help you better understand the Advanced Academic Programs offered by Fairfax County Public Schools and the opportunities available for your children.
We will be hosting two informative sessions:
- Advanced Academic Programs: Parent Information Meeting
-
Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2024
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Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Location: Washington Mill ES Library This session is for all Kindergarten through 6th-grade parents interested in learning more about the Advanced Academic levels of service and the deadlines for referring your child for screening.
- Information Night for Screening and Identification for Full-Time AAP Services
-
Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
-
Time: 6:00 pm
-
Location: Washington Mill ES Library This meeting is for families of students in grades 2-6 and will cover how students are screened for Full-Time AAP services, including an overview of the continuum of services, the referral process, preparation of screening files, and testing and identification timelines.
I encourage all parents interested in understanding more about the Advanced Academic Programs to attend these meetings. Your involvement and understanding are crucial in supporting your child’s academic journey.
If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact me at 703-619-2500 or via email at jmmorris1@fcps.edu. I look forward to seeing you there!
Warm regards,
Jennifer Morris Advanced Academics Resource Teacher Washington Mill Elementary School
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:
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Monday, September 9, at Holmes Middle School
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Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
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Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary
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Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary
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Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary
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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
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