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December 5, 2025
Dear Waynewood Owls,
I hope this newsletter finds you warm and well! What a joy it has been to welcome our students back into the rhythm of learning this week after the Thanksgiving break.
Speaking of weather, we certainly started our Friday with a lovely surprise! I hope the extra two hours of sleep was a nice treat for our students after the snowy start to the morning.
This week, we celebrated a truly unique milestone: the 67th day of school! Throughout the day, students engaged in activities revolving around the number 67, culminating in a very special scavenger hunt. Our children had a blast trying to locate the 67 hidden pictures of Mrs. Cachine tucked away throughout the school. We celebrated our success with a 6-7 minute dance party.
We also want to send a huge wave of congratulations to all our talented students who are participating in the Alexandria Community Nutcracker performance at West Potomac High School this week and into the weekend! They have been working incredibly hard during rehearsals, dedicating their time and passion to this beautiful tradition.
Right before the holiday break, we announced our new Student Council Association (SCA) officers. These bright young leaders have already sprung into action and made their first official decision regarding an upcoming spirit day. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 17th, which will be Peppermint Day. Students are encouraged to wear the festive colors of red and white, or creatively interpret the peppermint theme in any way they choose. We love seeing their school spirit shine! Please check the upcoming dates at the end of the newsletter for more information about the other spirit days that week.
Finally, as the year winds down, please remember that our Winter Break is quickly approaching. There will be no school for students from Monday, December 22nd, through Friday, January 2nd. Classes will resume on Monday, January 5th. Please note that the school office will also be closed during this time. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support of Waynewood Elementary. We are truly a caring community, and I feel so fortunate to be your principal. I wish you all a weekend filled with warmth and good cheer!
Sincerely,
Katie Cachine, Principal
Alyssa Bonner, Assistant Principal
Allison Ovalle, Assistant Principal
We are thrilled to announce that Waynewood Elementary has been awarded a competitive grant from Educate Fairfax! Educate Fairfax is a 501 (c)3 non profit that works to make a positive difference in the lives of FCPS students.
This exciting funding will be used to implement an innovative communication board for the playground. Our plan ensures that every student, especially those who are non-verbal, speech-delayed, or Multi Language Learners, will have equitable access to express themselves and fully participate in the school community.
The project will officially launch in early 2026 with a multi-tiered student and staff education plan. Students and staff will work together to introduce and model the use of the board on the playground.
Out of 258 applications, the largest number in Educate Fairfax's history, our proposal was selected for its compelling and innovative approach to student support. We are incredibly proud to partner with Educate Fairfax to bring this vital resource to life for our students.
A huge congratulations to our School Based Technology Specialist, Melissa Sullivan, who came up with the idea and submitted the proposal.
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- At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school.
Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid are underway across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. We encourage you to attend, share your thoughts, and ask questions about FCPS. Events are planned for the following dates from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
Click on a date above to register. Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Community Conversations are open to all. Please check FCPS’ website for additional updates.
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter. View the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities across the division. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must:
- Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS.
- Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS.
- Sign in and out of schools using our visitor kiosk.
Individuals can complete a volunteer orientation on the Volunteer FCPS website. View Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the volunteer levels.
Recent Updates to Volunteer Opportunity LevelsDue to the overwhelming response from our community, FCPS is temporarily pausing fingerprint requirements for most Level 3 volunteers. Those who have already been fingerprinted will be processed to be eligible for all Level 3 opportunities.
As part of the application, all volunteers sign a statement confirming they have not been convicted of violent crimes, crimes against children, or other serious misconduct.
Field trip chaperone opportunities are now classified as Level 2 (not requiring a comprehensive background check).
When our schools have the resources they need, all of Fairfax County succeeds!
FCPS is one of Fairfax County’s largest employers, and every paycheck we issue helps support local businesses, services, and housing markets. FCPS’ annual operating budget flows through our local economy — supporting jobs, purchasing goods and services, and contributing to regional stability.
Learn more about the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and how FCPS supports the Fairfax County economy.
Fairfax County Joint Budget Committee Meeting
The School Board met with the Board of Supervisors on December 2 to discuss the budget forecast. View the meeting materials and learn more about FCPS' FY27 budget.
Monday, December 15: Full Time Advanced Academic Program Referral Deadline (grades 2-6 only)
December 15-19: School Spirit Week
- Monday (15)-Winter Break Vibes
- Tuesday(16)- Hat or Crazy Hair Day
- Wednesday(17)-TBD: SCA Choice: Peppermint Day (wear red and white)
- Thursday(18)- Waynewood Gear or Colors
- Friday(19)-Pajama Day, Schoolwide Movie: Camp Rock 2
Wednesday, December 17: 3 hour Early Release
December 22- January 2: Winter Break (no school, front office closed)
Tuesday, January 13-PTA Meeting
You can access the full 2025-26 calendar here. Days that are shaded pink or blue are holidays for students. Orange days are NOT school holidays.
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