Woodburn Newsletter - December 13, 2024


Students smile for the band concert

6th graders are ready for the band concert! 


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Dear Families,

Hope you are keeping warm and dry as we start venturing into the winter weather. It has been another event filled week. We enjoyed the winter concert and all of the hard work students and teachers put in for this wonderful event. Please continue to ensure students are dressed appropriated for the weather. Should you need anything to support you, please reach out to the office or our counselors and they will be happy to assist you. Have a wonderful weekend and we look forward to a festive week before the winter break!

Ms. Iyer and Ms. Dauberman


Upcoming Events

December 15 - AAP Referrals due 

December 16-20 - Winter Spirit Week

  • Monday: Wear Cozy Socks and Bundle Up in a Scarf
  • Tuesday: Wear Holiday Headewear (headbands, hats, earrings, etc.) 
  • Wednesday: Wear white, blue, silver, glitter, and sparkles to create a winter wonderland! 
  • Thursday: Pajama Day 
  • Friday: Wear Red, Green, Gold, and Blue for Holiday Colors 

December 20 - Annual Gingerbread House Event

December 23-January 3 - Winter Break, No School

January 6 - First Day after Break 


Winter Spirit Week

It's time for that winter spirit! Join us in a fun and cozy week from December 16-20. We love to see our Wildcats spreading cheer this time of year! 

Winter Spirit Days

PTA Gingerbread House Event

The PTA is hosting the annual Gingerbread House Decorating event on Friday, December 20! We need volunteers to help make the event a success. To volunteer in the classroom or help prep for the event, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040449A9A82A1-53537590-2024 . We are also collecting donations of either nut-free decorations or a $1-2 donation. Suggested donations include small colored candy (like Skittle and M&Ms), pastel mints, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, etc. Please send donations by Monday, December 16. 


Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Amanda Manno, acmanno@fcps.edu no later than December 15, 2024

Forms for Full-Time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. Parents/guardians have the option of sending in up to 2 work samples. Work samples are due by January 15, 2025.


A student introduces the chorus song.

The chorus is comprised of 5th and 6th grade students. They did an assortment of repertoire on the concert and even included some recorder playing.


Thank You PTA! 

We wanted to extend a thank you to the PTA for joining us in our winter fun for staff! The PTA provided a delicious, catered lunch from District Taco yesterday as a part of our "10 Days of Winter". 

Teachers enjoying the PTA Catered lunch

Winter Break (Student Holiday)

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.


Holiday Assistance

We are looking to provide families with gift cards from Target, Walmart and Dollar Tree.  Should you be interested in donating a gift card, please send it in a sealed envelope to the school addressed to Melissa Lopez.  Please include your name on the envelope as we want to be sure to thank all who donate. Thank you for helping us make this a special holiday season for our Wildcats.


Student practicing for the band concert

A student warms up before the band concert. 


FCPS CARES 

The FCPS CARES Program allows parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees who go above and beyond to help others and show they care about their students, colleagues, and the community. Learn more about the FCPS Cares program and how you can recognize a member of our Woodburn staff! 

November FCPS Cares Recognition 

"Mr. Secchi is a kind-hearted teacher who strives to instill a love of musical learning in his band students. My son, who practices trombone at home, was offered a chance to learn and play the tuba at school. He's been struggling a bit with it and feeling very down, so Mr. Secchi offered an extra before-school, one-on-one jam session to make sure my son not only was able to get back on track with playing the tuba but also to find his joy in music again. Kudos to Mr. Secchi for his help!"

 

December FCPS Cares Recognition

"Ms. Sage Coury is a counselor at Woodburn ES and has been at the school for the past few years. As a principal new to the building, Sage has kept me informed and supported thoughts and ideas around managing and supporting student behaviors. She is quick to dive in and support students in crisis and shows deep care and empathy. I appreciate her commitment to the school and staff and her willingness to embrace new approaches in making the building a safe place for students. We are so lucky to have her here at Woodburn!"

 

"Kameron Cummings is a school counselor at Woodburn ES. This is her first year as a counselor and I couldn't be more impressed. As a principal new to the building, Kameron has jumped in to listen thoughtfully and take on suggestions and ideas to help support students and families. Her kind and empathetic approach has helped students work through challenges. She has engaged in discussion on ways to be proactive and create strategies for students to be successful. We are very grateful for all that she is doing for Woodburn ES."

 

"Kelley Dauberman is the assistant principal here at Woodburn ES. Kelley has taken on the challenge of leading the school from the beginning of the year as the school searched for their new principal. As a second year AP, she managed multiple programs, led assessments and data discussions, has supported discipline & behavior, and worked to manage the SPED program to ensure the school continues to move forward in compliance. As the new principal, I have noted Kelley's commitment to the school. She has been a tremendous help in guiding me through the ins and outs of the school. Her patience in answering my questions and her willingness to support my thinking and approach has been extremely valuable as I navigate my first few weeks. She is clearly dedicated to the school and cares deeply for students, staff and the community. I look forward to working together and can say that she is a shining star here at Woodburn!"


Students explore a new math computer app during a technology lesson

1st grade students in Ms. Webster's class explored a new app all about shapes in their technology lesson this week.


PTA: Boxtops Fundraiser

First time sign up with referral code (MGXW5JDO) + submitted receipt earns $5! ($2.50 your earnings + $2.50 referral earnings) 

Each Box Tops product earns $0.10. Earn $2.00 more after completing November Challenge (buy 10 Box Tops products)!

Connect your Walmart Account before 11/30/24 for 50 Bonus Box Tops ($5) for our school.

Questions? Contact WoodburnPTATreasurer@gmail.com


Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures. 


Students playing in the band concert

Our 5th and 6th grade strings students directed by Ms. Hoffman.


Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.


FCPS News: In Case You Missed It 

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

  • Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
  • Join Our Teacher Team!
  • Comprehensive Boundary Review Updates

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  


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