Woodburn Newsletter - January 9, 2026

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو


Students play their violin

We love that our 3rd graders get to start learning violin! They are sounding excellent and will be ready to perform for an audience in the spring! 


Dear Woodburn Families,

With everything happening in the news recently, I know many in our community may be feeling unsettled, worried, or simply overwhelmed. I want to acknowledge that these moments can weigh heavily on all of us—parents, caregivers, students, and staff. As a mother and a member of this diverse community, I have felt that weight too.

Woodburn is a place where our families come from many backgrounds and experiences, and that is one of our greatest strengths. In times like these, it becomes even more important that we care for one another, extend kindness, and ensure our children feel safe, supported, and connected at school.

Please know that our staff remains committed to creating a welcoming and secure environment every day. We are here for your children, and we are here for you. If you or your child need support, a listening ear, or additional resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for being part of a community that looks out for one another. Together, we will continue to lead with compassion and support each other through uncertain times.

Warmly,

Mrs. Iyer

Principal


A student sits on the carpet reading a book

Students engaged in independent reading this week back.


Upcoming Events

January 15 - PTA Food Truck - Empanadas de Mendoza 

January 19 - No School, MLK Day 

January 28 - 2-hr Early Release, Quarter End 

January 29 - No School, Staff Development Day 

January 30 - No School, Teacher Workday 

February 5 - PTA Membership Meeting 


Woodburn Happenings and Highlights

🎤 The ROAR Report

Roar Report image

We are continuing our new monthly podcast available in English and Spanish. Our podcast will feature important news, helpful reminders, and exciting things happening around the school. This month’s episode features Ms. Coury and Ms. Cummings, our school counselors, who share helpful strategies for families on resetting routines and expectations after winter break.

Check out our January episode!


Math Olympiad Sign-Up Open!

Does your child love math? Does your child show potential in math and needs someone to change their mindset about their abilities? Then Math Olympiads might be for them! We are looking for 5th and 6th graders that would like to join our Math Olympiad club on Thursdays after school. Our favorite Math Tutor, Ms. Taylor will be leading students in problem solving strategies and test taking skills in order to participate in a nationwide math contest together. Students will have the opportunity to compete with students’ nationwide and earn awards.

If your child would like to sign up, please contact the front office, or our math coach, Chelsea Ettere at ceettere@fcps.edu.


LJ Curriculum Night 

Luther Jackson Middle School invites families to attend Curriculum Night on Tuesday, January 21, from 6:00–8:00 PM. This event is a great opportunity to learn about the academic programs, courses, and opportunities available for your student.

📍 Location: Luther Jackson Middle School
📞 Main Office: 703-204-8100

A Pre-Event AAP Session will be held from 5:30–6:00 PM.

We look forward to welcoming students and families!

LJ

FCPS CARES Recognition 

Congratulations Ms. Nadel, Ms. Burd, Ms. Booth, and Ms. Frazier for being recognized in December's FCPS CARES Feature. You can read the submission on the FCPS CARES December Webpage. January recognitions will be shared at the end of the month! 

FCPS CARES Logo

 

The FCPS CARES Program allows parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees who go above and beyond to help others and show they care about their students, colleagues, and the community. Learn more about how to recognize staff in FCPS on the FCPS CARES Webpage


Two students sit on the carpet completing a science assignment

5th Graders are putting their observation skills to the test and observing different rock formations in science. 


Woodburn PTA

Guapo’s Fundraiser Night – January 13

Support Woodburn PTA by dining out at Guapo’s Restaurant in Merrifield on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 5:00–10:00 PM!

20% of food sales from participating families will be donated back to Woodburn Elementary.

📌 Important Reminder:
Families must present the printed flyer when ordering. Digital copies will not be accepted.

📍 Location:
Guapo’s Restaurant – Merrifield
3052 Gate House Plaza
Falls Church, VA 22042

Thank you for supporting our Wildcats and the Woodburn Elementary PTA. We hope to see you at Guapo’s!

Guapos

FCPS Be in the Know

Healthy Habits to Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs

Fairfax County is seeing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. Visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings.

Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs.


Apply for Your Child to Learn Two Languages

FCPS’ 2026-27 Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program lottery opens on Monday, January 12. The program offers students in kindergarten and first grade the opportunity to learn in English and another language — French, German, Japanese, Korean, or Spanish — for half of each instructional day.

The online, countywide lottery is open to Fairfax County residents. Families must have a SIS ParentVUE account. Students not currently enrolled in FCPS should register at their base school before applying for the immersion program

Families applying for first grade must do so by Thursday, February 12, at 4 p.m. Those applying for kindergarten must do so by Monday, March 2, at 4 p.m.

Informational meetings will begin in January. View dates and details on the FCPS calendar. If you have questions, please contact Brigid Williams at 571-423-4600.

Student cuts out a piece of paper

Happy 2026! Our 1st graders celebrated the new year by setting some goals.

Happy 2026! Our 1st graders celebrated the new year by setting some goals.


Sleepy Hollow Preschool Open House


Sleepy Hollow Preschool will be hosting an Open House on January 21 from 9:30–11:15 a.m. for families with children ages 2–5. The event includes guided tours, opportunities to meet current parents, and a Q&A with school leadership. Children are welcome, no RSVP is required, and applications are accepted. A snow date is scheduled for January 28.

Sleepy hollow

FCPS In Case you Missed It

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • The FCPS Budget Process
  • Course Selection
  • Language Immersion Lottery

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  


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FCPS CARES

Do you want to celebrate a Woodburn employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way, or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.


Falls Church