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The Green Team is proud to see their Eco flag flying high over our school. Come join the Green Team Fall Clean-up on October 30th at 1:30 pm.
October 19: Fall Picture Day (individual photos)
October 22: Kindergarten Field Trip - Cox Farms
October 23: PTA Howling Fun Run - 9:30 am
October 23: Woodson Homecoming Parade - 4:30 pm @Woodson
October 27: G6 Field Trip - National Portrait Gallery (Impens/Nicely)
October 29: G6 Field Trip - National Portrait Gallery (Kellams/Stahl)
October 30: 2-Hour Early Release - end of quarter - 1:25 pm
October 30: Green Team Fall Cleanup - 1:30 pm
November 11: SAVE THE DATE - Veteran's Day Breakfast/Performance
November 20: SAVE THE DATE - Thanksgiving Luncheon
Dear Wakefield Forest Families,
I hope you have all had a wonderful week! As we wrapped up another busy and inspiring week at Wakefield Forest, I wanted to share some exciting updates and highlights from across our school.
Investing in Our Staff & Student Success
Our staff started the week actively engaging in meaningful professional development during our school planning day. Our educators dedicated time to two key areas that directly impact our students' daily experience:
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Restorative Circles & Student Wellness: Teachers practiced implementing Restorative Circles, a key practice we are bringing into our classrooms this year. Creating a strong sense of belonging and prioritizing student wellness are essential components of building a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where every child can thrive.
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Academic Intervention Practices: Staff also participated in specialized training focused on targeted intervention strategies in both reading and math to ensure we continue meeting the individual learning needs of all our students.
Celebrating Excellence: Wakefield Forest Named a Distinguished School
I am incredibly proud to share that this week Wakefield Forest was officially named Distinguished under Virginia’s School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF)! Based on performance data from the previous school year, this top rating reflects that our school is exceeding the state’s high expectations for student achievement and growth. This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our students, the dedication of our amazing staff, and the strong partnership we share with our family community.
Hands-On Learning in STEAM
Our students have also been busy putting their critical thinking and creativity to work! In STEAM class this week, our 6th graders designed and launched bottle rockets as part of the Arm & Hammer Rocket Day. It was fantastic to see our oldest students collaborate, experiment, and bring science and engineering concepts to life in such an engaging way.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in making Wakefield Forest such a wonderful place to learn and grow.
Warmly,
Sharyn Prindle
Principal
Picture Day is Monday!
Individual student photos will be taken. Go to the Strawbridge web site to order:
- Go to Strawbridge.net
- Click “Order Pictures & Yearbooks” Button
- Enter code: PX526543
- Click “Find” Button
- Place your order by logging in, or registering if you are a new family.
Accessing K-6 Family Life Education (FLE) Materials
K-6th grade classes will be participating in Family Life Education (FLE) lessons beginning in December. (Be on the look out for communication from teachers regarding the specific dates).
For your convenience, the lessons and materials are available for families to view at your own pace on the All Parents/Guardians: Wakefield Forest Elementary School Schoology Course. Detailed instructions on how to access these materials can be found HERE.
Additionally, the Woodson Pyramid will be hosting a Virtual Parent Preview Night for FLE on Wednesday, October 21 from 5:30-6:00PM. This event provides an opportunity to ask questions and receive assistance in accessing the materials virtually. If you want to opt your child out of these lessons the form is due by October 23rd.
Join us using this link: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/93938963976?pwd=IHjKylFG1cXWapiZ25LcSruyS2l9Ba.1
We invite you also to learn more about Fairfax County's elementary FLE program on the FCPS website.
Please reach out to Amy Williams at alwilliams1@fcps.edu with any questions.
Our PTA is at it again! Every year, their Howling Wolf Fun Run funds programs our students love, and this year it matters more than ever. County budget cuts have hit specials teachers, support staff and programs, so the PTA has set a goal of $40,000 in two weeks (about $70 per student) to help fill the gap.
Ways to help
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Give or share: Donate or share your student’s page at wfesfunrun.com (Student Code is on the envelope). Can’t give this year? Sharing counts just as much.
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Volunteer: Sign up to donate your time.
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Know a local business that loves our community? Businesses can sponsor a starting line or hydration station and get their name in front of 600+ students, staff and families. Check out the sponsorship opportunities and share with businesses you frequent!
🎁 Prizes, prizes, prizes!
The more donations your student collects, the more prizes they earn. The PTA will hand out prizes after the Fun Run, so keep those envelopes coming!
💪Thanks to last year's Fun Run, our PTA brought WFES:
Capital improvements: Hallway art murals (coming soon!) · Cafeteria security window tinting
Community programs: Kindergarten playdates · Newcomer Buddies · Scripps National Spelling Bee · Teacher, Staff & Bus Driver Appreciation Week · Teacher reimbursements · S.T.E.A.M. Fair, Movie Night & Glow Party
Academic programs: Positivity Project & Mindfulness · 5th & 6th grade electives · Tech upgrades · Student assemblies · After-school programs · Field trip assistance
🎯 This year's big goals: The PTA hopes to provide new rugs for every classroom, plus landscaping and maintenance services to keep our school beautiful!
Key dates:
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Fundraising Starts: 10/9 - Check your kids' backpacks for the donation envelopes!
- Envelopes collected: 10/13–10/22
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Howling Wolf Fun Run: 10/23, 9:30–10:30 (breakfast burritos + coffee will be available for purchase for adults.)
🙌 Thank you to local business sponsors, who’ve already given over $6000!
Andrew Gause's Martial Arts, Burke Family Orthodontics, Complete Chiropractic, Edesign Electric LLC, Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: AJ Skolnitsky, Enlighten Home Inspections, Fairfax Place Therapy, F.L. Putnam Investment Management Company, Hunter Drainfield Design, Kia Real Estate, Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, RAMP Optimal Performance & Wellness, Sean Rotbart Realty, @What'sEricaEatin, With This Ring I Thee Wedd
Window to nominate is October 12 - October 23, 2026
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Outstanding Employee Awards! You can submit a nomination for a Wakefield Forest ES Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below.
- Outstanding Teacher
- Outstanding New Teacher
- Outstanding Principal
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Outstanding Professional Staff Leader
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Outstanding Educational Services Employee
- Outstanding Operational Services Employee
The google form link below has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards and their eligibility requirements. All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category.
You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.) All responses will be kept confidential.
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE SOMEONE
The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, October 23rd. If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Lucas.
Want to better understand how your child learns to read and how you can support them at home? FCPS is offering several free virtual sessions to help families learn about reading instruction, literacy resources, and strategies to build strong reading skills. Explore the opportunities below and register for the sessions that interest you.Lexia Family Information Sessions
Want to learn more about Lexia® Core5 and Lexia® PowerUp? These virtual sessions share how FCPS is using both programs in classrooms across the division this school year to support students’ literacy growth and give families a chance to ask questions.
Every one-hour session covers the same content. Choose the option that works best for your family:
- Wednesday, October 21, at 5 and 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m.
Join a Lexia Family Information Night Session.Literacy Webinar SeriesJoin us for a series of family-friendly webinars designed to help you understand reading assessments, reading plans, and ways to support your child at home. Learn what assessment results mean, how reading plans guide instruction, and practical strategies to strengthen decoding, language, comprehension, and literacy skills, including support for multilingual learners.
- October 20, 2026: Understanding Reading Assessments and Your Child
- December 15, 2026: What Is a Reading Plan?
- February 19, 2027: How Do I Support My Child With a Reading Plan at Home?
- May 14, 2027: Continuing Reading Success Through the Summer
Register for the Literacy Webinar Series.
Introduction to Dyslexia Webinar – What Is It and What Does It Mean for My Student?Participants will look at the definition of dyslexia and its impact on students, including the different types of dyslexia and what support students with dyslexia require. Participants will also leave with activities and tips to support their students at home.Join us on Friday, October 23, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Register for the Introduction to Dyslexia webinar.
Friday, October 30th 1:30-3:30 (2-hour early release day)
We will be doing a WFES fall clean-up in the large and small courtyard, monarch waystation, and planters in the front. We need many hands to trim, rake, weed and plant in our outdoor learning spaces to prepare for winter. We will also be picking up trash round the school. Come for all or part of the time! Meet in the large courtyard. Please bring water, gloves, shovels, and rakes. Contact Mary Muratore- mpmuratore@fcps.edu with questions.
Woodson Homecoming Parade - Oct. 23
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Target Audience: Everyone!
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Time: Friday, October 23 4:30–5:30 PM
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Location: Woodson HS neighborhoods
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Activities Included: Set up your chairs on your favorite street and enjoy watching our Marching Cavaliers Band, sports teams, principals, etc march and roll through the local neighborhoods around Woodson HS.
- Parade route:
- Straight across Pickett Rd.
- Straight on Starlit Ponds Dr.
- Right on Pickstone Dr.
- Left on Weirich Rd.
- Right on Olley Ln.
- Right on Chestnut Knolls
- Left on Tartan View Dr.
- Right on Jan View Ln.
- Left on Picket Rd.
- Right on Nutwood Way
- Left on Spode Ct.
- Right on Baccarat Dr.
- Right on Whitacre Rd.
- Parade ends at Woodson Stadium.
🐷Woodson HS Pig Out! - Oct. 23
Woodson High School is hosting Pig Out, a tailgate before its homecoming game, on Friday, October 23rd, from 5:00-6:45. It will be held after the Homecoming Parade in the parking lot in front of the stadium (junior lot). Come for a fun time with food trucks, games, face paint, live music, and a bounce house!
🎃Woodson Leadership Fall Fest - Oct. 31
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Target Audience: Fun for Pre-K through 6th grade!
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Date & Time: October 31, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
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Location: Outdoor basketball courts at Woodson High School
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Activities Included: Games, face paint, crafts, trunk-or-treat, and more!
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Admission: Free!
Military families new to FCPS or moving to FCPS soon may attend this interactive presentation. Families will learn about:
- FCPS programs, school staff, and digital resources
- Strategies to support student success
- Early enrollment for military families
- The Military Interstate Compact
This virtual presentation will be held via Zoom twice a month.
Please fill out the Military GTK registration form to sign up and receive the Zoom link.
Forms are available beginning 10/19 in ParentVUE. Please be sure to complete this important survey as it is directly tied to funding for FCPS!
The Impact Aid Program is a federal program designed to directly compensate local school districts that have been financially impacted by federal activities. The program’s mission is to reimburse local school districts for local revenues lost due to the presence of federally owned, and therefore tax exempt, property.
FCPS is pleased to announce that the Federal Impact Aid Survey will once again be available electronically through your ParentVUE account. For families that do not have access to ParentVUE or prefer to complete a paper form, a printed form will be provided by the school.
Sibshops and SibTeens: Upcoming Session
Join us for a morning of connection, activities, and conversation with peers who share similar family experiences.
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Sibshops is a community-building program for children in grades 2–5 who have a sibling with a disability. Participants can play games, enjoy art activities, and connect with other children. Register here
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SibTeens is a community-building group for students in grades 6–8 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have a sibling with support needs. Through recreational and art-based activities and discussion, students can share about their lives and support one another. Register here
Session details
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Date: Tuesday, November 3
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Time: 9 a.m.–12 p.m. (Sibshops and SibTeens)
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Location: Katherine Johnson Middle School
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Address: 3801 Jermantown Road, Fairfax, VA
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life.
A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):
Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
Attendance: 703-503-2323 or WakefieldForestES.attendance@fcps.edu
Health Room: 703-503-2310
Family Information Phone Lines/Support for families who do not speak English as their first language: Family Information Phone Lines
Technology Support: Resources for Families Using FCPS Technology
Principal: Sharyn Prindle sbprindle@fcps.edu
Assistant Principal: Amy Williams alwilliams1@fcps.edu
WFES PTA: HOME
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