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October 20-27 NGAT Testing (Grade 2 and some 3-6)
October 21 - 3 hour early release
October 22- Picture Day
October 29- Fall Fest
October 30- 2 hour early release
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Reminder: Wednesday, October 21st is a 3-hour early release day for W.M.E.S.
Please call the main office in advance if you need to change or confirm your initial dismissal selection.
Book Character Day – Friday, October 30!
Get ready for a fun-filled day celebrating our love of reading! On Friday, October 30, Washington Mill students and staff are invited to dress up as their favorite book characters! Whether it's a beloved classic or a new favorite, we can't wait to see our Wolves bring their favorite stories to life. We encourage families to get creative and have fun with costumes. Please remember that costumes should be school-appropriate, with no masks or toy weapons. Let's make it a wonderful day of reading, imagination, and school spirit! One Pack. One Purpose!
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) uses the online Naglieri General Ability Tests (NGAT) to learn more about students’ reasoning skills in different areas.
Students in Grade 2 and some students in grades 3-6 are scheduled to take the NGAT between October 13 and November 13. It is important that your student attends school on these days, if possible. A later date will be available if your student misses this test and needs an ability test score. Students are not expected to prepare like they would for an achievement test, and they are not expected to know answers to all the questions. However, students will have opportunities to practice sample items before taking the test.
The NGAT is an abilities test. Its purpose is to provide information about your student's cognitive strengths and areas of growth. It has three parts that give information about different strengths: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning. Some questions may ask students to find an object that is different from others within a group. Other questions may ask students to complete puzzles by rotating a shape.
An abilities test is one of several tools that schools use to better understand a student’s reasoning strengths and learning profile. Teachers review results with other information to help plan instruction and support. Results can also help determine if a student needs advanced academic services. Score reports are provided to families once results become available. Typically, these reports are available within about one month of the end of the testing window.
If you have any questions about this test, please contact the school test coordinator, Jasmine Piernas (jmpiernas@fcps.edu), at our school. For more information on the advanced academic services and the referral process, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academic-programs). You may also contact our school’s Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Jennifer Morris (jmmorris1@fcps.edu).
NGAT Testing Days
Tuesday, October 20
Thursday, October 22
Monday, October 26
 Get ready—the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to WMES!
Dates: October 26-30th
Location: WMES Library
Family Event schedule and location: October 29, 5:30-7:30 School homepage: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/washingtonmillelemschool
This is a great opportunity to build your child’s home library with new books that will get them excited about reading, while also earning funds for our school.
The easiest way to let your child shop the Fair independently is by creating a Book Fair eWallet through our school homepage. It’s easy to set up and easy for family and friends to add funds.
With eWallet, you’ll also have the chance to contribute to Share the Fair™—the giving program that supports students at our school who need help buying books. Consider participating so that no child leaves the Fair empty-handed!
Preview the books coming to the Fair by taking a 360° virtual tour via our school’s Book Fair homepage and explore the titles, watch video book trailers, and more.
We can’t wait to see you at the Fair and help every student discover a book they’ll love!
Happy reading!
¡Prepárense! ¡La Feria del Libro de Scholastic llega a nuestra escuela!
Fechas: 10/26-10/30
Lugar: WMES Biblioteca
Día, hora y lugar del evento familiar: 10/29, 5:30-7:30
Página web de la escuela: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/washingtonmillelemschool
Esta es una excelente oportunidad para ampliar la biblioteca de sus niños con libros nuevos que despertarán su interés por la lectura y, al mismo tiempo, recaudar fondos para la escuela.
La forma más sencilla de que sus niños compren de manera independiente en la Feria es crear una eWallet de la Feria del Libro a través de la página web de la escuela. Es fácil de configurar y es fácil que los familiares y amigos aporten fondos.
Con una eWallet, también tendrán la posibilidad de colaborar con Share the Fair™, el programa solidario que apoya a los estudiantes de nuestra escuela que necesitan ayuda para adquirir libros. ¡Considere participar para que ningún niño o niña se vaya de la Feria con las manos vacías!
Echen un vistazo a los libros que habrá en la Feria realizando un recorrido virtual de 360° a través de la página web de la Feria del Libro de nuestra escuela y exploren los títulos, miren los avances en video de los libros y mucho más.
¡Esperamos verlos en la Feria y ayudar a cada estudiante a descubrir un libro que le encantará!
Feliz lectura
Get ready to join the fun! The Wolfpack Wobble, our annual school fundraiser, starts October 15. Keep an eye out for more information about fundraiser details, activities, and prizes. We can’t wait to wobble together!
Join us for Fall Fest! Washington Mill Elementary School’s Fall Fest is October 29 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Enjoy Trunk or Treat, games and prizes, food, music, and the Book Fair. Join the Wolfpack by signing up to decorate a car, donating candy alternatives or prizes, or volunteering at the event.
FCPS Is Participating in Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5)
Virginia Quality Birth to Five is Virginia’s system for measuring and supporting quality in early childhood programs so children enter kindergarten ready to learn. VQB5 builds on health and safety standards by measuring the quality of teacher-child interactions and the use of the curriculum. Visit the Virginia Quality Birth to Five website for more information.
FCPS Seeks Community Input on Middle School AAP Centers
FCPS is exploring a plan to offer Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services at every middle school. Under the proposal, students who qualify could attend their neighborhood middle school and take advanced classes with other AAP students. The School Board has approved community engagement at Franklin, Hayfield, Holmes, Key, and Whitman middle schools, where programs could open for the 2027-28 school year. The proposal is still under consideration, and the School Board is expected to make a decision in December.
Each community meeting offers in-person and virtual participation. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for:
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Franklin Middle: Monday, October 5, at 6 p.m.
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Holmes Middle: Thursday, October 15, at 6 p.m.
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Whitman Middle: Thursday, October 22, at 6 p.m.
Current middle school students will remain at their assigned AAP centers through middle school. Learn more and find meeting sign-up forms on the Middle School AAP Centers page.
Join Steamology on Saturday, October 17 AM - 2 PM at South County HS for STEM FEST 2026!
STEM FEST is a fun-filled, educational event that focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for elementary and middle school students. This event provides students with a chance to engage in hands-on activities that are related to STEM fields, featuring high school clubs and vendors, who will set up informational booths or displays related to STEM.
High school students are invited to serve as STEM FEST Volunteers. This is a valuable opportunity for high school students to develop leadership skills, gain community service hours, and potentially inspire younger students to pursue their STEM interests.
Participants can register here. Volunteers can register here.
Need a ride? Free bus service runs from 11 AM to 2 PM, with pick-up and drop-off at Lorton Community Center, Lorton Station Elementary School, and South County High School.
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School (note date change)
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Conversaciones Comunitarias Directamente con la Dra. Reid
Acompáñenos en una serie de Conversaciones Comunitarias que se llevarán a cabo en diferentes lugares de la división escolar. Estas reuniones están abiertas a todos, incluyendo familias, estudiantes, y miembros de la comunidad. Puede asistir al evento que le resulte más conveniente, aunque no se lleve a cabo en su escuela o comunidad. Esta es una oportunidad para compartir sus opiniones, conversar directamente con la Dra. Reid y hacerle preguntas sobre temas importantes para nuestra comunidad de FCPS.
No es necesario inscribirse, pero hacerlo nos ayuda con la planificación.
Annual Special Education Family Conference: We Need You!
Register now to attend FCPS’ annual Special Education Family Conference, Connected Communities, Thriving Students, on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School.
Educators, families, and community members are invited to this in-person event at no cost. Participants can connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Register to attend the conference.
Volunteers Are Needed to Make This Event a Success!
Find out how to volunteer:
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Adult Volunteers: Sign up through Volunteer FCPS.
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Student Volunteers: Sign up through the Student Volunteer Interest Form. Students will receive service hours for their time.
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Student Showcase Opportunities: Students can complete the Student Participation Form to lead a performance or share information about a club or research project. Service hours will be awarded to students serving in these roles.
Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email questions to SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu.
Help Your Child Become a Stronger Reader: Upcoming Family Learning Opportunities
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.
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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!
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FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
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- Facilities Survey
- Transportation Survey
- Health Department Letter on Preventing the Spread of Illness
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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