|
April 10, 2026
Dear Waynewood Owls,
It has been such a joy to see our hallways filled with life and laughter once again as we welcomed our students back from Spring Break. The energy in the building was palpable this week as children reunited with friends and shared wonderful stories of their adventures over the holiday. Whether they traveled far or enjoyed a quiet staycation at home, it is clear that everyone returned with a refreshed spirit and a readiness to dive back into learning.
This week we kicked off the Month of the Military Child with some special guests. It was an honor to host the Navy Ceremonial Color Guard for a whole-school assembly. Watching them present the colors with such precision and dignity was a moving experience for students and staff alike. Following the presentation, our students had the unique opportunity to participate in a Q&A session. I was so impressed by the thoughtful questions our Owls asked. At Waynewood, we are incredibly proud of our military-connected students and the resilience they show every day.
In addition to celebrating our current students, we also looked toward the future this week during our Kindergarten Orientation. It was a delight to welcome so many rising kindergarteners to "The Nest." Meeting these newest members of our community and their families is always a highlight of my year. There is something truly magical about seeing the mixture of nerves and excitement on those little faces as they explore their future classrooms. We are already counting down the days until we can officially get to know our new Owls next year!
As we continue our celebration of the Month of the Military Child, we have an exciting Spirit Week planned for this coming Monday through Friday. We invite all students and staff to participate as we show our support for those who serve. On Monday, please wear your favorite service shirt. Tuesday is "Wear RED" day, an acronym for Remember Everyone Deployed. Wednesday is our big "Purple Up!" day, where we wear purple to represent all branches of the military. Thursday is "Hats Off to the Military," so feel free to wear your favorite hat, and we will conclude the week on Friday by wearing yellow to show our support for the troops.
It is a privilege to lead a school community that is so inclusive, supportive, and full of heart. Thank you for your continued partnership and for all you do to make Waynewood Elementary such a special place for children to grow. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend filled with rest and sunshine.
Sincerely,
Katie Cachine, Principal
Alyssa Bonner, Assistant Principal
There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.
FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on April 21 at participating schools. The meals must be eaten on site, and enrichment activities will be available. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage.
Mark your calendars for the 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony and Picnic!
The Promotion Ceremony will be on Friday, June 12 at 9:30 am in the Waynewood gym. Due to space limitation, the Promotion is limited to a maximum of 4 guests per child. There will be a small reception following the Promotion Ceremony in the courtyard. After the reception, students may choose to stay at school or be checked out by parents. More logistical information will be available closer to the Promotion date.
The Promotion Picnic is scheduled for Monday, June 15 at Fort Hunt Park. Students will come to school as usual that day and walk to the park with their class. After the picnic, the kids will return to school for an afternoon movie.
As required by the Code of VA, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend at a Virginia public school.
In addition, all students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations:
- Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older;
- Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older;
- A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents or guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Immunization appointments are available. Inspire Health Alliance will be providing immunizations for currently enrolled FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Visit the Inspire Immunization Events Student Registration webpage to schedule an appointment.
Additional Immunization Resources are also available.
Screening for Subject Specific and Part-Time Services
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners.
Screening for Subject Specific and Part-Time Services
Students can be screened for subject specific and part time AAP services at any time in the school year. In the spring, schools review data on all students to determine services for the start of the next school year.
- Parents or guardians can initiate the screening process by submitting the AAP School-Based Services Referral Form to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) or Assistant Principal by April 15, annually.
- The AAP School-Based Services Referral Form may be found at https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academic-programs-aap/advanced-academic-program-aap-forms or by searching “AAP Forms” at https://www.fcps.edu/.
- Parents or guardians who submit a referral will be notified by the local elementary school of their student’s eligibility status by early June.
Screening Process for Subject Specific and Part-Time Services
Multiple criteria are reviewed holistically to determine eligibility for all FCPS advanced academic services. Committees consider student work from opportunities with AAP lessons, examples of student reasoning or gifted behaviors from class discussions and activities, progress reports, achievement and ability scores, and parent or guardian input. Committees consider whether students have access to a group of students with similar academic needs to support academic conversations and growth in the classroom.
Appeals Process for Subject Specific and Part-Time Services
If a parent or guardian wishes to appeal an ineligible decision, they may submit an appeal with new data for consideration by the local school screening committee. This new information should be submitted to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher or Assistant Principal.
Subject Specific and Part-Time Services Overview
Subject Specific and Part-Time Services in Elementary School
FCPS offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in Grades K-12. The continuum of services approach allows for a focus on matching services to students’ needs rather than labeling students. Students have:
- Multiple entry points for deeper learning opportunities in specific areas of need as they develop.
- A cluster group of students with similar academic needs to support student learning and growth.
Teachers, administrators, and Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AARTs) work together to provide the following levels of school-based services at the elementary level:
Access to Rigor, Grades K-6
All students have opportunities to think critically, reason, and problem-solve.
- All teachers use critical and creative thinking strategies in their lessons
- Classroom teachers provide opportunities using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework a minimum of once per quarter.
Because Access to Rigor services are for all FCPS students, there is not a screening process.
Subject Specific Advanced Differentiation, Grades K-6
Some students require differentiation beyond the needs of age-level peers in their class in at least one specific subject area. Classroom teachers may adjust instruction for students in these areas by:
- Providing different assignments and resources in those subjects,
- Grouping students by their strengths, interests, and readiness, and
- Providing additional challenges using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework.
Student needs for subject specific differentiation are re-evaluated each year at the local school.
Part-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-6
Some students have advanced academic abilities in multiple subject areas and require differentiation beyond the needs of age-level peers in their class in multiple content areas.
- Students work with other students that have similar academic needs through weekly pull-out classes or weekly co-taught lessons with the AART and classroom teacher.
- Teachers provide frequent opportunities to use materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in Language Arts, science, social studies, and/or mathematics.
Part-Time services continue through Grade 6. Students do not need to be evaluated each year.
Screening for Full-Time Services
Screening Timeline for Full-Time Services
Screening for Full-Time AAP services happens at the district/central level rather than by local schools. For your planning for next school year, please know that screening for Full-Time services occurs during two specific screening cycles:
- Fall screening is available for students who are new to FCPS since January.
Fall referrals are due October 15, annually.
- Spring screening is available for any Grade 2-7 FCPS-enrolled student.
The referral window is from the first day of school - December 15, annually.
For more information, please visit the AAP website at: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/advanced-academics-identification-and-placement/current-fcps-students.
Full-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-8
Some advanced learners need a Full-Time advanced academic program with differentiated instruction in all four core content areas (Language Arts, mathematics, social studies, and science).
Students eligible for Full-Time AAP services are cluster grouped on a Full-Time basis and receive:
- Full-Time use of materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and
- Curriculum that is differentiated through acceleration, depth, and complexity of content.
Full-Time services continue through Grade 8. Students do not need to be evaluated each year.
We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 6 in Language Arts! Across grade levels, students have explored stories involving quests, challenges, and problem-solving.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: Which character has been your favorite from this unit and why?
- Activity: With your child, brainstorm a brand-new invention to solve a problem, like shoelaces that tie themselves or a clothes dryer that folds clothes. Ask your child to tell or write a story about someone using the invention.
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.
About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. There are several upcoming opportunities to provide feedback to the county on its budget before final adoption in May. This includes public budget hearings (April 14-16) and an online survey. Learn how the FCPS budget helps us sustain our excellence.
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on:
Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but it helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
Waynewood PTA – What’s Coming Up!
We have lots of exciting events and opportunities ahead—mark your calendars and get involved!
Spring Fling – Join us for a fun-filled evening on April 16 from 6:00–7:30 PM on the school grounds! Volunteers are needed to help make this event a success.
Buy your wristbands here.
Volunteers needed - sign up here!
2026–27 PTA Officer Nominations We are looking for candidates interested in serving as officers next year! Open positions include Secretary and Vice President. If you’re interested—or know someone who would be a great fit—please send nominations to nominate@waynewoodpta.org.
PTA Meeting – Save the date for April 14 and stay connected with what’s happening in our school community.
We truly can’t do it without you—thank you for your support!
Monday, April 13-Friday, April 17: Month of Military Child Spirit Week
Tuesday, April 14: PTA Meeting
Thursday, April 16: PTA Spring Fling
Tuesday, April 21: No School for Students (Statewide Election)
See the complete school year calendar
|
