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December 19, 2025
Dear Waynewood Owls,
There is a special kind of magic that settles over our hallways the week before winter break. The air was filled with a mix of excitement, laughter, and that unmistakable sense of community that makes Waynewood Elementary such a wonderful place. It’s a joy to watch our students embrace the festive spirit, and I find myself reflecting on just how much we have accomplished together since the first day of school.
Our Spirit Week provided a wonderful outlet for the students’ energy as we counted down the days to winter break. Throughout the building, classrooms have been buzzing with special celebrations and activities that allowed our students to bond and celebrate their hard work so far this year. These moments of joy are so important, as they build the lasting memories that children carry with them long after they leave elementary school.
A true highlight of our week was the spectacular Winter Concert. To see our choir, band, and strings students take the stage with such confidence and skill was amazing. It is a testament to their dedication and the hours of practice they have put in behind the scenes. We owe a debt of gratitude to our incredible music teachers: Mrs. Becker, Mr. Reigner, Ms. Clark, Ms. Williams and Ms. McMahan. Their passion for the arts and their commitment to our students’ growth were on full display, and we are so fortunate to have them guiding our young musicians.
I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our phenomenal PTA. This week, the staff was treated to a delicious lunch from El Paso, which was such a wonderful gift during a very busy week. We are constantly humbled by the generosity of our parent community. Your support makes our staff feel truly seen and appreciated, and it fuels the work we do every day.
As we prepare to transition into the holiday season, please take note of our upcoming schedule. Waynewood Elementary will be closed for winter break starting Monday, December 22, through Friday, January 2. Our front office will also be closed during this time to allow our staff to rest and recharge with their own families. We look forward to welcoming all of our students back to the building on Monday, January 5, refreshed and ready for a brand-new year of learning.
On behalf of the entire staff, I wish you a peaceful and happy winter break. Whether you are traveling or staying cozy at home, I hope the coming weeks are filled with warmth, rest, and the company of those you love most. May your New Year be bright and full of hope. We look forward to seeing you in 2026!
Sincerely,
Katie Cachine, Principal
Alyssa Bonner, Assistant Principal
Allison Ovalle, Assistant Principal
As part of their winter celebration, 4th grade students made care packages for Be the Good Project. Be the Good Project is a local non-profit whose mission is to connect volunteers with ways to feed people in the community who are food insecure. They also made cards to include in the care packages. We are proud of our 4th grade students for helping to make a difference in the community!
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Overdue notices were sent to families this week via the email address listed when enrolling at WWES. We are trying to get all overdue books back so we can start fresh in January. Books can be returned to the book drop in the front lobby, classroom bins, or to the library directly. Thank you – happy holidays!
Engaging in literacy activities over winter break helps students maintain the reading, writing, and speaking skills they built during the first half of the school year. Even a little daily practice, such as these 10 fun family activities, helps ensure they return to school confident and ready to continue growing in literacy. Enjoy these literacy adventures as a family!
Waynewood’s annual Spelling Bee competition will be held on Thursday, February 5th, beginning at 6:00 PM. Please sign up to test your spelling skills!
The Junior Bee (Grades K-2) will take place in the Cafeteria and the Senior Bee (Grades 3-6) will take place in the Gym.
The 2026 Study List will be shared with all registered participants by December 20th and upon registration thereafter.
Registration is open from December 15, 2025 - January 28th, 2026.
Register here.
Please contact the Spelling Bee Co-Chairs at spellingbee@waynewoodpta.org with any questions.
In her latest Weekly Reflections, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid thanked every member of our community for supporting FCPS as it remains fully accredited. Referencing a news release on accreditation, Dr. Reid noted how FCPS needs funding to support and maintain this excellence.
As we shared last week, Waynewood Elementary was recognized as being Distinguished, the top ranking.
Visit the Budget Story webpage to learn more about the FCPS budget and the funding challenges that schools across Virginia, not just FCPS, face because of outdated state funding formulas.
Read more of Dr. Reid’s Weekly Reflections.
Make Your Voice Heard!
Look for opportunities to share your ideas about funding public education and encourage your neighbors, friends, and community members to follow the FCPS budget process. Several key decision dates and engagement opportunities are listed below:
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Thursday, December 18, 2025 - The Virginia Governor introduced the Fiscal Years 2026-28 state budget.
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Wednesday, January 7, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m. - There will be virtual regional public hearings on the governor’s proposed 2026-28 biennial state budget.
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Thursday, January 22, 2026 - Dr. Reid will present the proposed FCPS budget to the School Board.
Visit the FCPS budget webpage for more information.
December 22- January 2: Winter Break (no school, front office closed)
Monday, January 5: School Resumes
Tuesday, January 13: PTA Meeting
Monday, January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday, No School
Wednesday, January 28: Last Day of 2nd Quarter; 2 hour early release
Thursday, January 29-Friday, January 30: Teacher Work Days, No School for Students
Thursday, February 5: Spelling Bee
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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