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Happy fall, Woodley Hills families,
It has been wonderful to see our students so fully engaged in their learning as we approach the midpoint of the first quarter. We have an exciting week ahead of us with several events happening.
First, please remember that school will be closed on Tuesday, September 23, in observance of Rosh Hashanah. I wish a happy and healthy New Year to all of our families who are celebrating.
Next, get those smiles ready! Picture Day is this Wednesday, September 24. If you haven't already preordered pictures, please check your child's backpack for the order forms that were sent home.
Finally, I'm personally looking forward to seeing you at our annual Family Picnic on Friday, September 26, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. We'll have food from the grill ready for you, so just bring your chairs and blankets, and come enjoy a relaxing evening with our wonderful school community. This event will occur rain or shine.
Thank you for everything you do to support our students and our school. We can't wait to see you this week!
Thank you,
Dr. LaChelle R. Williams, Principal
Mr. Brandon Davis, Assistant Principal
September 23 - No School (Cultural Observance- Rosh Hashanah)
September 24 - Fall Picture Day
September 26 - Family Picnic 6-7:30pm
October 1 - PTA Meeting 6-7:30pm
K-12 School Start Times Survey
Take the K-12 School Start Times Survey
FCPS is continuing to explore options for adjusting school start times, with the primary goal of starting the middle school day at 8 a.m. or later. In order to minimize any cost for this project, elementary and high school start times would need to shift as well.
Providing feedback opportunities for the community is a critical part of this effort. Since 2024, FCPS’ consultant has hosted five community forums and administered two surveys. That feedback helped in developing two options for adjusting school start times. The options are designed to support student well-being, align with research, and balance transportation logistics.
We invite you to provide input on the two options by taking a short survey. This voluntary survey will close on Tuesday, September 30. Visit the FCPS website for more information on adjusting school start times.
Fall Picture Day
We are excited to see our wonderful students dress up for our upcoming Fall Picture Day that will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
The cost of the pictures will range from $5.00 to $36.50.
Below you have been provided a QR code where parents may sign up to order pictures online and receive updates via email regarding your child's portraits. The updates include promotions, additional deals and the ability to order more pictures at a later time.
When entering your child's information, please enter your child's name as it appears on their school file.
Family Picnic - 9/26/2025 6-7:30pm
 
🎤 Join a Community Conversation with Superintendent Dr. Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life.
A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. These events are also a chance for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events are planned for the following dates:
- Monday, September 29, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at McNair Upper Elementary School
- Friday, October 3, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Annandale Terrace Elementary School
- Friday, December 5, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Churchill Road Elementary School
- Tuesday, December 9, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Fairhill Elementary School
- Thursday, December 11, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Bull Run Elementary School
Registration links will be shared soon. Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all.
📚 Discovering Character in Language Arts 📚
Benchmark Unit 2 in Language Arts is about characters who are faced with difficult choices. Sixth grade students will learn about characters who are changed and inspired by others.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: Have you ever disagreed with a friend? How did you see things differently?
- Activity: Have your child write a diary entry from the perspective of a book character.
At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.
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✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
Goal 5 focuses on preparing every student for life after graduation with the skills they need to thrive. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.
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🏗️ What Is a Bond?
To pay for large-scale construction and renovation work, Fairfax County sells bonds, which allows the county to pay for these projects over time, like a home mortgage. By maintaining its triple-A bond rating, Fairfax County bonds are purchased by institutional investors at very low rates, saving the county considerable amounts of money that might otherwise be paid in interest. The county estimates that the triple-A rating has saved taxpayers at least $1 billion in financing costs.
FCPS uses bonds to fund all of its capital improvement projects – the projects that are focused on the infrastructure of schools and facilities. From important renovations to new safety features like security vestibules, this work is paid for by bonds.
FCPS will have a bond referendum on the ballot this Election Day, Tuesday, November 4. Bonds can make a difference that represent an investment in public education now and in the future.
Read more about the FCPS 2025 Bond Referendum. And learn more about registering to vote and making a voting plan.
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FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- 🏆 262 FCPS Students Named 2026 National Merit Semifinalists
- 🎓 Resources for Life After High School
- Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens About Fentanyl
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
PTA Meeting
Our first PTA meeting of the year will be held on October 1, from 6-7:30pm in the library. Pizza and childcare will be provided. During our time together we will:
- Enjoy pizza and socialize
- Receive "State of the School" updates from administration
- Meet the PTA board and hear more about the ways the PTA plans to support the WHES community this school year
- Provide families with concrete strategies for supporting their children's success in school
- Engage in a service project of organizing some closets in dire need of a good FALL CLEAN-UP
Please RSVP using this form so we can plan for childcare, food, and interpretation services.
Those of you wishing to join via zoom can use this link and plan to join virtually from 6:20-7:00pm:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/96026656837?pwd=xBC6cNELhzFW76blUgwO61sH8ijnAo.1
Meeting ID: 960 2665 6837
Passcode: 066556
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