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May 8, 2026
Dear Waynewood Owls,
I want to start by commending our students in grades 3-6 for their incredible focus and perseverance as we continued our SOL testing with the Math assessments this week. Standardized testing can be a stressful time, but our Owls approached their work with calm determination. We are so proud of the way they have applied their learning and shown what they know.
While some students were busy crunching numbers, our fourth graders were out on the water for a truly unforgettable experience. Thanks to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, our students climbed aboard the workboat Bea Hayman Clark. They became scientists for the day, testing water samples, performing plankton studies, and even trawling for fish! Learning about the delicate ecology of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers in such a hands-on way is a memory they will carry with them for years to come.
Back on land, our youngest athletes represented us beautifully at the Running is Elementary track meet for grades K-2. It was such a joy to watch our junior running club members compete against other schools in the West Potomac High School pyramid. They demonstrated wonderful sportsmanship, cheering for their peers and giving their absolute best effort in every race. We are already looking forward to next week, Friday, May 15, when our students in grades 3-6 take to the track for their meet. We know they will bring that same Owl pride and competitive spirit!
Our K-3 students also enjoyed an author visit from Laurel Snyder, thanks to Old Town Books. Ms. Snyder is the author of the Charlie & Mouse series, Orphan Island, among others. Students were able to order autographed copies of her latest book, Shrinking Violet.
Finally, I want to share a deeply heartfelt thank you to our amazing PTA and all the families who contributed to Teacher Appreciation Week. To say our staff was "spoiled" would be an understatement! From the thoughtful treats to the kind notes, you made our educators feel seen, valued, and celebrated. Your generosity fuels our passion for teaching, and we are so grateful for this partnership.
As we head into the weekend, I hope you find time to relax and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. We hope all the Waynewood Moms have a wonderful Mothers Day!
Sincerely,
Katie Cachine, Principal
 On their field trip this week, Waynewood 4th graders got to participate in hands-on learning experiences while aboard the workboat Bea Hayman Clark. In these pictures they are taking data, exploring the ecology and conducting experiments.
Thursday, May 14-Grade 5 Science
Thursday, May 28-Wednesday, June 3-Expedited Retakes
As we look toward the finish line of a fantastic school year, we are gearing up for our annual end-of-year classroom pack-up! This year, we are turning our logistics into a lesson on sustainability.
How You Can Help
We are asking for your help in collecting medium and large cardboard boxes. By sourcing these from our community, we are working together to:
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Support "Get to Green": Reusing existing boxes directly supports our environmental goals, keeping extra waste out of our local systems.
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Reduce Costs: Every box donated allows us to save money on classroom pack up supplies.
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Empower Students: Our SCA leaders will be spearheading the advertising and organization of this drive, giving them a hands-on role in school operations. Your child can be on the lookout for boxes to be a part of our efforts.
What We Need
We are specifically looking for sturdy, clean boxes such as:
- Chewy boxes
- Standard Moving boxes
- Medium to large Amazon boxes
Timing
Please save those boxes at home for now! We will begin collecting them immediately following the Memorial Day student holiday through June 5. Thank you for being on the lookout and for helping us make our end-of-year transition both eco-friendly and cost efficient. We couldn't do it without our amazing community!
May is Food Allergy Awareness Month. The FCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to safe and nutritious school meals. Since 1 in 13 children in the U.S. has a food allergy, FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school.
To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.
Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a safe menu for students.
- The following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year.
All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
- To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
- To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 and 12 or as early as 9 years old.
- Parents/guardians may decide that their child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and health care providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.
Immunization Events for FCPS StudentsFCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents/guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.
Many parents/guardians are interested in having a role in their child’s class placement. You have the best overall knowledge of your children and their unique traits. The class placement process is approached very carefully and thoroughly. In order to provide the best environment for students, we seek input from both staff and parents/guardians. Please share your thoughts on the needs of your child by answering the questions in this form. When completing the form, I ask that you:
- Share the qualities of a teacher and classroom environment that would best meet your child’s needs.
- Let us know if you feel that your child should be separated from another student, we will take that request into consideration. Please remember that best friends do not necessarily belong in the same instructional group. • PLEASE DO NOT REQUEST A TEACHER BY NAME. We cannot honor requests for specific teachers.
- Please do not include negative information about past teachers, as the teachers may read these forms when assisting with class assignments. If you are interested in sharing this information, please complete the form below and submit it by May 15, 2026.
There are many factors that are considered when classes are formed. We consider the parent/guardian information when making class placement decisions, but cannot guarantee that all parent/guardian requests can be honored.
Use this Google Form to submit your feedback.
People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
Grade 3-6 Track Meet is Friday, May 15
PTA Meeting on Tuesday, May 12
International Night is Thursday, May 21
WANT TO HELP?
Volunteer to help out with Running is Elementary track meet here!
Sign up to host a country booth at International Night!
Tuesday, May 12: PTA Meeting
Friday, May 15:Grades 3-6 Running is Elementary Track Meet
Wednesday, May 20: 3 Hour Early Release
Thursday, May 21:PTA International Night
Monday, May 25:Wednesday May 27-No School for Students
June 17-Last Day of School for Students, 2 hour early dismissal
See the complete school year calendar
 West Potomac Dance Team Summer Camps
This summer, your dancer will learn a pom, hip hop, and jazz dance straight from our team! Make new friends, enjoy fun crafts and games, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Open to boys and girls in K-8th grade!
Time:
9:00AM-2:00PM at West Potomac High School
Dates:
July 6th-9th
July 20th-24th
July 27th-31st.
Have any questions? Email Coach Zandy at zsosa@fcps.edu
 Carl Sandburg Middle School presents Shrek the Musical Jr.
Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the Book by William Steig
Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, Music by Jeanine Tesoti
Friday, May 8th at 7pm
Saturday May 9 at 2pm and 7pm
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