WMES Newsletter- July 28

Save the Dates

Jul 31- Last Day to Order School Supply Kits

Aug 21- Kindergarten Playdate @ 8:30-9:00 AM

Aug 21- Open House @ 9:00-10:00 AM

Aug 24- First Day of School

Sept 2- Back to School Night @ 6:00 -7:30 PM


Back to School

Dear Washington Mill Families,

I hope you are having a wonderful summer!

We are eagerly anticipating the return of students in just a few weeks. As you prepare for the new school year, I would like to inform you about the upcoming Back-to-School Community Day, hosted by Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, School Board Member Mateo Dunne, and community services. The event will feature free school supplies, complimentary food, a health fair, games, and more.

The event is free of charge and will take place on Saturday, August 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Lorton Community Center, located at 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton.

Please note that the school supplies are for Fairfax County residents only, please bring proof of residency.

Thank you, 

Brad Bennink


School Supply Kits Order Deadline

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO ORDER SCHOOL SUPPLIES!

The ordering deadline for school supply kits has been extended to July 31 for guaranteed school delivery before the first day of school. Avoid the store, earn free supplies for the school and help keep your student’s classroom neat and tidy with uniform supplies delivered direct to the teacher. And don’t forget the hassle free headphone guarantee that will keep your student learning without interruption all year. Order now as your purchase has benefits that extend well beyond the first day of school! www.campussurvivalkits.com/washingtonmill

School Supply Kits

New Student ID Cards

Image of a school bus with a student identification card

New Student ID Cards Coming This Fall 

This fall, every FCPS student will receive a student identification (ID) card as part of a divisionwide effort to modernize school transportation, improve communication with families, and strengthen student safety while traveling to and from school. 

Every student who rides the school bus will need to tap on and tap off the bus every day using their new student ID card. Families can help by reinforcing this new habit with their child.

All students at our school will need to wear their student ID cards throughout the school day. We will be handing out the new student ID cards the first few weeks of school. More details will be shared soon.

Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.


FCPS App

Screenshot of the FCPS app reaguring weekly reflections and two photos of educators

Download the FCPS App Today!

The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep you connected and informed, directly from your smartphone. Download the FCPS mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store

With the app, you can:

  • View school calendars. See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
  • Check school menus. See what’s for lunch and breakfast each school day.
  • Tap to contact. Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
  • Stay up to date. Get the latest news from FCPS.
  • Access key links. Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.

No need to log in, just download and go! Learn more about the FCPS mobile app.


New ParentVUE App

SIS ParentVUE Pic

New ParentVUE Mobile App Launching July 28

On Tuesday, July 28, a new ParentVUE mobile app will become available in the Apple and Google app stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. The current “classic” app will remain active for about six months. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their child’s school data.

In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature.

Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.


Cellphone Policy

Updated Cellphone Policy

Senate Bill 108 is a new Virginia law that went into effect on July 1. It requires that all schools in the state follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy and prohibit cellphone possession and use for the entire school day. The updated FCPS Cellphone Policy aligns with this law, which means high school students are no longer able to use cellphones, cellphone accessories, or smart devices (like smart glasses, earbuds, headsets, and other items connected to the phone) during lunchtime.

Across all grade levels, cellphones, cellphone accessories, and all smart devices must be off and personally stored for the duration of the school day. Watches that serve a dual purpose (like a smartwatch) must be off and personally stored for the duration of the school day, too. Personal devices that connect to a cellphone or cellphone accessory or operate as a smart device must also follow the FCPS Cellphone Policy.

This policy does not apply to school-issued devices. However, school-issued devices must be used in accordance with FCPS Regulation 6410, Acceptable Use Policy, which allows the use of school-issued devices for educational purposes. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.


FRM/Summer Meals

FRM/Summer Meals

Apply Today for Free and Reduced-Price Meals!

According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Studies show that students who eat both school breakfast and lunch tend to have healthier diets than those who don't participate in school meals. 

Families who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals can receive breakfast and lunch for their students at no cost or at a reduced cost. This includes more than one-third of FCPS students. Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM) application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. 

The application for FRM is now available for the 2026-27 school year. Students who were approved for FRM last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.

Access the application and view criteria and up-to-date information on the FRM webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.

Meals for Students Available Through August 21No-cost meals will be provided to students on a first-come, first-served basis through Friday, August 21, at the sites and times listed on the FCPS Summer Food Service Program webpage. Students must remain on site while eating their meals


Pre-K Registration

Give Your Kids a Strong Start: Apply for Early Childhood Education Programs 

FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children ages 6 weeks to 4 years living in Fairfax County with economic and educational risk factors. 

  • The pre-K program prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children who will be 3 years old by September 30. 
  • Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from expectant mothers and parents/guardians of children 6 weeks to 2 years old.

Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. However, space is limited and provided based on need, not on a first come, first served basis. Applications are accepted online, by email, by postal mail (printable application), or in person at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901

Programas para Pre-K y de Atención Integral para la Primera Infancia 

Los programas para Pre-K y de Atención Integral para la Primera Infancia proveen experiencias educativas tempranas de alta calidad a niños que califiquen para ellos, que enfrenten factores de riesgos económicos y educacionales, que estén entre las edades de 6 semanas a 4 años, y que vivan en el Condado de Fairfax. 

  • Los programas para Pre-K priorizan aquellos solicitantes de 4 años de edad, pero también acepta solicitudes para niños que cumplan 3 años antes del 30 de septiembre del mismo año.
  • Los programas de Atención Integral para la Primera Infancia están ubicados en tres escuelas primarias; Clearview, Crestwood y Dogwood, y acepta solicitudes de cupo desde el embarazo y hasta los 2 años de edad.

Animamos a las familias a solicitar cupos lo más pronto posible; el espacio es limitado y se otorga basado en el nivel de necesidad, no en el orden de llegada.

Las solicitudes se aceptan de forma online, por email, por correo, o en persona en la oficina del programa en la dirección 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.  

Si tiene preguntas acerca del proceso de solicitud o sobre el estatus del suyo, por favor llame en inglés al 703-208-7900, o en español al 703-208-7901.


Washington Mill PTA

WMES Logo

Stay connected with the Washington Mill PTA

Our Linktree page (https://linktr.ee/washmillpta) is your one-stop hub for everything happening in our PTA community! From volunteer opportunities to upcoming events and important resources, it’s updated regularly—so check back often as new ways to get involved are always being added.

Don’t miss out—be sure to sign up to receive the PTA newsletter for the latest updates, reminders, and ways to support our amazing Wolf community!



FCPS News

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

  • New Student ID Cards and Bus Navigation System
  • Boundary Changes for Skyview and Western Pyramids
  • Free Mental Health Support for Middle Schoolers

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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