Woodlawn News September 7, 2025

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Mark Your Calendar!

Tuesday, September 9  Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)

Tuesday, September 9  No-Cost Meals Available for Students 9a.m. - 1 p.m.,                                          Woodlawn Cafeteria

Thursday, September 11  Toddler and Me Class

Friday, September 12  Wildcat Nest Thrift Shop

Wednesday, September 17  3-Hour Early Release Wednesday

Tuesday, September 23 Holiday Rosh Hashanah, No School 

Tuesday, September 30  HIPPY Event for Families with Children 2-4 years old

Tuesday, October 2  Holiday Yom Kippur, No School

Monday, October 13  Indigenous People's Day, Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)

Wednesday, October 15  3-Hour Early Release Wednesday

Monday, October 20  Holiday Diwali, No School


⚠️Early Release Wednesday Dismissal⚠️

There will be eight 3-hour early release Wednesdays this year. On these 3-hour Early Release Wednesdays, students will be dismissed three hours early at 1:00 p.m. View the 3-hour early release Wednesday dates here. 

  • ‼️Look at the dates for the Mount Vernon Pyramid.

We require your child's dismissal time for all early release days.

  • ‼️Please note that we are unable to change dismissal times on a monthly basis.
  • ‼️If you do not specify your preference for either 1:00 PM or 4:00 PM, please call the Office and share your preference with our office staff.  We must account for the dismissal of every child.

If you have already shared your dismissal time preference, we have entered it in into the Parent Digital Consent system for you. You can view this information on the Parent Digital Consent system.

  • Below is a screenshot of how your Early Release Wednesday information will be presented. 
    • OPTED IN- your child will stay until 4:00 p.m.

    • OPTED OUT- if your child will go home at 1:00 p.m. 

opt in for 4pm dismissal, opt out for 1pm dismissal

🦋This Week's Woodlawn Pause

Enjoy this week’s Woodlawn Pause called BUTTERFLY BREATH.

The Butterfly Breath can be very soothing because it incorporates opening the chest to take in more oxygen and soft, gentle movements of the hands while releasing the breath.It is great for students to do when they need to slow down and pause, especially before or after transitions or when feeling anxious or nervous.It is also helpful after working for longer periods of time.

You can access the video here.


🍴No-Cost Meals Available for Students on September 9

We’re excited to share that Woodlawn ES will be offering lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Tuesday, September 9

As a reminder, all FCPS schools will be closed for students and school staff on September 9 due to a special election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. Many FCPS schools serve as election sites. Since our school is not an election site, we will be able to provide student meals. 

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Lunch and a snack will be served together from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Cafeteria.
  • Meals must be eaten on site at participating schools.
  • Only children 18 and under may receive meals.
  • Each child may receive one lunch and one snack.

We are proud to support our students’ health and well-being, even on days when school is not in session. We hope to see many of our families take advantage of this opportunity! View a list of all school sites that will be providing meals for children on September 9. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800.


🦺Safety Drills During the School Year

Student and staff safety is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan for incidents like fires and tornadoes. By state law, schools must conduct emergency drills, including annual lockdown drills.

Schools are required to notify parents at least 24 hours before a lockdown drill, but they don't have to provide the specific date and time. The first lockdown drill of the school year must happen within the first 20 school days. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from this first drill.

Your child might talk about their drill experience. We encourage you to discuss the importance of being prepared for emergencies with them. Please review these frequently asked questions to help your student before and after these 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 families 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.  


Every Day Counts: Setting Your Child Up for Success

September is Attendance Awareness Month. There are many ways parents and caregivers can help their children create healthy routines and make a habit of getting to school on time every day. 

Some examples include:

  • ⏰ Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
  • 🎒 Pack bags and pick outfits the night before.
  • 💬 Talk through any school worries with a teacher, school counselor, or other parents.
  • 🆘 Make a backup plan for getting to school if something comes up.
  • ✈️ Schedule trips and appointments outside school hours when possible.

Need help in supporting your child's attendance? We have resources! Please contact our school counselor to talk it through.

Visit the FCPS website for more attendance tips and resources. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!


🚨 The Wildcat Nest Thrift Shop is open! 

Need free clothing for your family? We have you covered! The thrift shop, located at Woodlawn Elementary (8505 Highland Ln), is open on Fridays from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm by appointment only.

To make an appointment, please text our Family Liaison, Ms. Bueno, at 571-363-0397. Appointments are required to ensure everyone gets the help they need.

Please note: The thrift shop will be closed on Friday, August 29th, for the Labor Day holiday weekend. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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📚HIPPY Program for Young Learners

Looking for a free educational opportunity to help your preschooler prepare for kindergarten?

The Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program is a free educational opportunity for families with 2, 3, or 4-year-old children.

The program provides supplies, books, and curriculum activity packets to help prepare your child for kindergarten with activities relating to mathematics, reading, science, writing, motor skills, and language development.

The program will run from September 30th until the second week of November, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Woodlawn.

To sign up, text our Family Liaison, Julie Bueno, at 571-363-0397.