Principals' Message
Hello White Oaks Community,
White Oaks was filled with a wonderful energy this week. It was a perfect blend of student learning, festive fun, and winter celebrations.
December has been a vibrant month for the musicians of White Oaks! Our community recently had the pleasure of attending the 5th and 6th Grade Winter Concert. Under the wonderful direction of Mrs. Gridneva and Mrs. Elder, our chorus truly captured the spirit of the season. The musical festivities continued this morning as some of our talented strings players greeted arriving students with holiday favorites.
Today, we said a heartfelt goodbye to a dedicated educator who has left a lasting impact on our community. Chelsey Elder will be embarking on the next chapter of her journey after winter break. While she will be deeply missed, we are incredibly grateful for the time and talent she shared with us. Please see below for a message from Mrs. Elder.
We wish you all a wonderful winter break filled with rest, relaxation, and quality time with loved ones. We look forward to seeing you in 2026 as we continue to collaborate to support our amazing students!
The front office will be closed for the duration of the winter break. Should you need assistance during this time, please feel free to reach out to Mr. Douds (jtdouds@fcps.edu).
Have a POSITIVE winter break!
Melanie, Neena, & Josh
Proud Principals
Upcoming Events
- Sunday, December 21st
- 3:00pm: Kings Park Band Holiday Concert - LBSS
- Monday, December 22nd
- No School - Start of Winter Break
- Monday, January 5th
- 1st Day of School After Winter Break
- 5:00pm: SEPTA Meeting - A155
- Friday, January 9th
- 4:30pm: Multicultural Night Meeting - A155
- Tuesday, January 13th
- 4:30pm: PTA Bingo Planning Meeting - A155
- Wednesday, January 14th
- 6:30pm: PTA Meeting - Cafe
- Friday, January 16th
- 4:30pm: Multicultural Night Meeting - A155
- Monday, January 19th
- No School - Martin Luther King, Jr Day
- Friday, January 23rd
- 6:00pm: Multicultural Night Rehearsal - Cafe
- Wednesday, January 28th
- 6:00pm: Multicultural Night
- Thursday, January 29th
- No School - School Planning Day
- Friday, January 30th
- No School - Teacher Workday
- Wednesday, February 4th
- 7:00pm: Winter Band Concert - Cafe
A message from Mrs. Elder
Dear White Oaks Families,
As I prepare to close this chapter after ten wonderful years at White Oaks, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the privilege of teaching your children. Serving this community has been one of the joys of my career and I am so thankful for the trust, support, and kindness you have shown me throughout my time here.
Watching your children learn, grow, create, and discover their voices—both musical and personal—has been an honor. Each rehearsal, performance, and everyday moment in the classroom has shaped me into the educator I am today. I am deeply proud of the community we’ve built together and the strong tradition of creativity, curiosity, and care that defines White Oaks.
While I am beginning a new journey officially after winter break, please know that leaving this community is not easy. Your children have inspired me daily with the memories and music we’ve shared which will always hold a special place in my heart.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your children’s growth! I will always cherish the last decade and the bonds we’ve formed along the way. Don’t worry, your children will be in good hands and will continue to make beautiful music while upholding the excellence of FCPS’s outstanding music program. Thank you all!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Elder
General Music/6th Grade Chorus
 White Oaks received Common Sense recognition on December 9th for their commitment towards creating a positive culture for digital learning. Students received lessons on healthy digital habits, privacy and safety, digital footprint and identify, digital relationships and communication, and information literacy. We will continue to support and teach our White Oaks community how to navigate the digital world as it develops.
PTA Corner
 National PTA School of Excellence
🔬 Join the Science Olympiad Club!
We have got some exciting news about the Science Olympiad club starting this January!
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Who can join? Students in 3rd through 5th grade are eligible.
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What is it? We'll enter one or two teams into the competition (each team has up to 15 students).
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When does registration start? It's first come, first serve, so sign up soon! Registration closes on January 7, 2026.
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What's the cost? The club is $55.
The club will meet for 10 sessions on Wednesdays from 4:15–5:15 PM (but not on early release days).
The dates are: January 14 - April 15. (Please note there are no classes on January 28, February 18, or March 18—that's due to early release or Spring Break).
Parent Volunteers Needed!
We need a minimum of 2 parent volunteers per team (15 students) to help the kids learn and prepare. If you are interested in helping out, please consider volunteering!
Congratulations to our Reflections Art Contest Winners
All student artwork that received "Outstanding Interpretation" will move onto the Fairfax County PTA Reflections level.
Primary (K-2) Visual Arts
Outstanding Interpretation - Athena Muse
Award of Excellence - Angelly Alburquerque
Intermediate (3-5) Music
Outstanding Interpretation - Ziya Achara
Intermediate (3-5) Photography
Outstanding Interpretation - Lauren Phillips
Award of Excellence - Leana Kang
Intermediate (3-5) Visual Arts
Outstanding Interpretation - Daniel Bowers
Award of Excellence - Sky lu, Kaitlyn Kreider
Award of Merit - Ava Aman
Honorable Mention - Marshall Bian
Intermediate (3-5) Literature
Outstanding Interpretation - Leana Kang
Middle (6) Literature
Outstanding Interpretation - Zara Acharya
Middle (6) Music
Outstanding Interpretation - Zara Acharya
Congratulations again!
SEPTA Committee Meeting
Monday, January 5 from 5-6 pm in room A155.
LEGO Mini-Figure Day!
Get ready to Show Your Creativity at White Oaks Elementary!
We are hosting a LEGO Mini-Figure Day on Friday, January 9, 2026!
Students are invited to dress up as their favorite LEGO® Astronauts, Artists, or even a LEGO® Brick!
Please Note: For everyone's safety, no masks or weapons are allowed as part of the costumes.
We can't wait to see all the amazing mini-figures!
White Oaks Elementary Multicultural Night!
Mark your calendars for an evening of cultural celebration! The White Oaks Elementary School PTA is hosting Multicultural Night on Wednesday, January 28th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM!
Join us to celebrate the different cultures that form our community!
You can:
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Explore various displays.
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Engage with interactive stations.
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Sample foods from around the world.
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Enjoy live performances.
Important Note: This is not a drop-off event. Parents are required to attend and supervise the children in their care.
Please Scan the QR Code on the flyer to RSVP!
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