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March 6, 2026
Dear Waynewood Owls,
It has been a wonderful week here at Waynewood Elementary!
Our sixth graders represented our school beautifully during their field trip to the Smithsonian American Art Museum. It was a joy to see them engaging with masterpieces and expanding their creative horizons. The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District visited with our third graders here at Waynewood. They learned about the vital role we all play in protecting our local environment—lessons that I know many of them will bring home to share with you.
In addition to our academic adventures, we spent time this week focusing on our school culture. We have been reinforcing our rules and procedures in the cafeteria to ensure it remains a safe, respectful, and pleasant space for everyone to enjoy their lunch and socialize with friends. Our students have done a wonderful job rising to these expectations, making our midday breaks smoother for everyone.
Looking ahead, the anticipation is building for one of our favorite weeks of the year: the Book Fair! Please remember that the funds generated from our Book Fair go directly toward enhancing our library collection.
If you’d like your child to shop independently without worrying about handling cash, please don’t forget to add money to their eWallet account this weekend. You can add funds here. We are also thrilled to host our late-night shopping event on Tuesday, March 10, when the fair will remain open until 7:00 pm. It is a wonderful opportunity to browse together as a family.
As the weather warms up, please note that students are expected to follow their regular dismissal home directly after school each day. Any student remaining on the school grounds after dismissal to play on the playground or school grounds needs to be directly supervised by an adult. Thank you for your help with this!
Thank you for your continued partnership and for sharing your wonderful children with us every day. I hope you have a restful weekend filled with laughter and, perhaps, a good book.
Sincerely,
Katie Cachine, Principal
Alyssa Bonner, Assistant Principal
Allison Ovalle, Assistant Principal
The West Potomac Pyramid Montessori Program at Bucknell ES is now accepting applications for Pre-K and Kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year.
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The Approach: Multi-age classrooms focused on discovery, independence, and hands-on learning.
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No Tuition: New PreK students will attend tuition-free for the 2026-27 school year.
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Key Dates: The lottery is now open. Apply by March 20 for initial consideration.
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Eligibility: Open to eligible students living in the West Potomac Pyramid.
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Information Sessions and Tours for New Families: Sign up through the webpage for available info sessions and tours this month.
Explore the program and apply today at www.fcps.edu/montessori.
Questions? Email Montessori@fcps.edu.
FCPS is administering our Family Engagement Survey, which will be open from Monday, March 9, to Monday, March 23. Your feedback is critical in helping us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools.
Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment.
- Communication.
- Student success.
- Advocacy.
- Family and school partnerships.
- Community partnerships.
The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Parents/caregivers will receive a survey link via email from FCPS on March 9. A survey link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys will be available at each school. Please stay tuned for more information.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that infects 9 out of 10 people who are exposed, if unvaccinated or not immune. It has been in the news lately due to cases in Northern Virginia and among people who have traveled through local airports.
If your spring break or summer plans include traveling abroad or to an area in the United States with high measles activity, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages you to ensure your family is protected. Children 12 months and older should have 1 or 2 doses before traveling. Depending on your specific travel plans, your health care provider may also advise you to vaccinate infants 6 to 11 months old. Read more about these recommendations.
The 2026 Special Education Family Conference has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School.
Updated conference details are now available on the Special Education Family Conference webpage. Please register for the event.
If you registered before the date change, please re-register for the new date. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this date change may cause and appreciate your understanding.
The National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep Awareness Week is March 8 to 14. The observance highlights the critical link between sleep and health, both physical and mental. Read more about sleep health and sleep strategies you can try at home.
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. (unless otherwise noted) on:
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Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School.
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Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School.
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Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
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Monday, April 20, at Westgate Elementary School.
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Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.
Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but 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.
Is your child heading to kindergarten this fall? Join FCPS staff for Countdown to Kindergarten, a virtual event designed to help families prepare for this exciting transition! The webinar will take place on Friday, March 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
During this webinar, families will learn practical tips and essential information to support their child's smooth and successful start to kindergarten in Fairfax County Public Schools. Register to receive the event link.
Kindergarten Registration
There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment (the student and one caregiver must be present).
Read more about the registration process.
 Join us at Waynewood for Kindergarten Orientation on April 10 from 3:00-4:00. Meet the teachers, tour the school, and see a classroom!
The Waynewood Yearbook can be purchased directly from Lifetouch at ybpay.Lifetouch.com through Monday, April 27, 2026.
Use code 14417526 or search for “Waynewood” on the Lifetouch ordering website. The cost for a yearbook is $15.25. Lifetouch offers packages for inserts at an additional cost.
Please spread the word, yearbook sales close on Monday, April 27, 2026. To secure your copy, order by April 27!
We do not order extra copies, so secure your copy now!
If you have questions about the yearbook, please email Janet Laisch at jclaisch@fcps.edu.
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.
Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
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