Principals' Message
Hello White Oaks Community,
We have enjoyed a remarkable week filled with special events that highlight the vibrant spirit of our community! Last Friday, the PTA hosted a fabulous Bingo Night at Lake Braddock Secondary School. The event was incredibly well-attended, and it was wonderful to see so many families enjoying themselves. A huge shout-out goes to Mr. Hartzell for his fantastic work as the Master of Ceremonies, and a sincere thank you to the many staff members who came out to show their support.
The momentum continued into the weekend as our White Oaks orchestra students took the court at George Mason University. They delivered a stunning performance of the National Anthem, and it was truly inspiring to see our students rise to the occasion on such a large stage. We are so grateful for the outstanding leadership and teaching of Mr. Johnson-Stawarz and Mr. Bixler, who provided our students with this wonderful opportunity to perform publicly and showcase their hard work.
On Sunday, our community gathered for a deeply meaningful cause as the PTA hosted the Paxton Kolb Rock Painting Birthday Party. Paxton was a very special student who loved painting rocks with his family; to honor what would have been his 9th birthday on February 20, the community came together to create beautiful additions for his Kindness Garden. We extend a heartfelt thank you to the PTA for ensuring that Paxton’s legacy of kindness continues to thrive within our school.
Finally, we wrapped up our week of celebrations on Wednesday with our annual Multicultural Night. It was a spectacular evening that truly honored the diverse cultures that form our White Oaks family. From the interactive stations and global cuisine to the brilliant live performances, the night was a beautiful reflection of our community. We are incredibly appreciative of the committee for making the evening both educational and entertaining, with a steadfast focus on creating a true sense of belonging for everyone.
Have a POSITIVE weekend!
Melanie, Neena, & Josh
Proud Principals
Upcoming Events
- Monday, March 9th
- 5:00pm: SEPTA Meeting - A155
- Wednesday, March 11th
- 5:30pm: Watch D.O.G.S. Info Meeting - Cafe
- 6:30pm: PTA Meeting - Cafe
- Saturday, March 14th
- Wednesday, March 18th
- 1:00pm: 3-Hour Early Release
- 6:30pm: Kindergarten Information Night
- Friday, March 20th
- Friday, March 27th
- 2:00pm: 2-Hour Early Release
- Monday, March 30th - Friday, April 3rd
- Monday, April 6th
- No School - Teacher Workday
- Friday, April 10th
- No School - School Planning Day
- Wednesday, April 22nd
- 1:00pm: 3-Hour Early Release
- 2:00pm: Kindergarten Orientation
It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
Kindergarten helps children learn and practice the social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives.
Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, in the spring. Eligible children can be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps schools prepare and ensure they have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school.
If your child will attend our school, please gather necessary documents and complete registration forms as soon as possible.
FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, please visit the FCPS Registration webpage.
Family Engagement Survey to Open March 9
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.
FCPS CARES
Has a White Oaks staff member gone above and beyond for your child or family? If so, we invite you to recognize their efforts through the FCPS CARES Program. This program allows parents and community members to celebrate employees who demonstrate exceptional care for their students, colleagues, and the community. Please share your story below to help us acknowledge the dedicated staff members who make White Oaks so special.
PTA Corner
 National PTA School of Excellence
Nominations Committee
We are still seeking nominations for PTA positions. There are several vacant positions and we need your help to have a successful PTA next year. Looking to know a little more about the roles? Listen to what a few of our current board members have to say:
- "I really enjoy working closely with our admin team to have input and make decisions about our school, that comes with any board position. As far as fundraising goes, I love partnering with area businesses and finding creative ways to make money. It’s exciting when we have a successful event because that money can be used to fund a free, community-building event for our school. I love making connections and bringing people together and I’m looking forward to sharing all I’ve learned with our next VP of fundraising. " -Allie Shrieves, VP of fundraising
- "I've loved the camaraderie not just with my fellow board members, but with the committee chairs, admin team, and White Oaks staff. I feel that I'm truly part of a community/village. To see how much everyone really loves and cares has ignited and encouraged me to engross myself more into it. I've learned that everyone has something special to offer or contribute to our community! People want to help but often need to be personally invited or asked. We worked so hard to learn guidelines, regulations, and ask questions. We've learned a lot and are eager to share with our new board members so they can be successful as they transition in and build on our momentum." -Christina Taylor, PTA President
- "Walking down the halls and seeing people/students I would never have really known, and now having a relationship/closeness to them has been heartwarming. I like being able to see students and being recognized by them, seeing teachers and staff and feeling like we are on the same side working towards the same goal. It's rewarding to know that I can and am able to make positive changes instead of just talking about it. It's empowering and what makes the White Oaks community like nothing else. Even though I may not be officially in the role next year, I am always a text away to help out. You are not alone in this. I am not here just for the success of the PTA/school, but for YOU as well."- Natalie Ledford, Communications Secretary
- "The PTA Treasurer role is one of the most important positions we have — there’s no PTA without someone keeping the books — but it’s also one of the most flexible. The bookkeeping can be done on your own time, whenever works for you, and typically runs about 2-3 hours a month outside of regular PTA meetings. There are a number of moving parts to keep track of, but once you get a feel for the rhythm of it, it’s very manageable. And you won’t be starting from scratch — I’ll be available to answer questions and walk you through anything that comes up, for as long as you need. If you’ve been looking for a way to make a real contribution without locking yourself into a rigid schedule, this is a great fit. Feel free to email me if you have any questions!" -Lauren Risi, Treasurer
- "Being Vice President of School Support has been such a wonderful experience. I loved working with both the admin team as well as the PTA this year. I helped support both groups by coordinating communication between them. My work felt both manageable and meaningful. I will absolutely be here to support anyone interested in taking over my role!" - Liz Casteel, VP of School Support
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"Serving as the Recording Assistant for the PTA has truly been such a joyful experience for me. I have especially enjoyed being part of the board and working alongside such dedicated parents and staff who care deeply about our school community.It has taught me how much every voice matters, and I’m grateful to play a small role in helping strengthen that connection.
One of the most positive things I’ve learned is how much thoughtful planning, collaboration, and heart goes into every decision made to support our students and teachers. Even in a role that may seem behind the scenes, I’ve seen how keeping clear records, supporting events, and helping ensure everyone’s voice is heard truly matters. I would encourage anyone who is considering getting involved to join the PTA being part of the board is not only rewarding, but also a beautiful way to build community and make a meaningful impact together."- Massiel Lopez, Recording Secretary
Spring After School Club Registration is LIVE
Registration for our Spring After School clubs is LIVE. Don't delay, register by visiting https://linktr.ee/woesafterschoolclubs and if you have any questions, please email wopta.club@gmail.com. If you would like to request a scholarship, please contact the school counselors, Ms. Mejia or Ms. Bush.
SEPTA Meeting - Monday, March 9
Does your student have an IEP, 504, or do you believe they would benefit from accommodations or assistance learning? Join our next SEPTA (Special Education PTA) Meeting - Monday, March 9 from 5-6 pm in room A155 to see how you can support efforts at White Oaks to support our students and staff. Questions or concerns? Email woes.septa@gmail.com
PTA Meeting - March 11 from 6:30-7:30 pm in the cafeteria
Join us for our next PTA meeting where we'll celebrate our Reflections Art Contest Winners, learn of our PTA board candidate nominations for next school year, and have a Family Block Building Night to include legos, magnatiles/picasso tiles, and wooden blocks. Please bring your favorite blocks, legos, or magnatile/picasso tiles to share and marvel at the creations our students build while we meet.
Wanted: Dads of Great Students Pizza Kickoff Event
Join us on Wednesday, March 11 from 5:30-6:30 pm in the cafeteria to learn more about WATCH D.O.G.S.
The Dads of Great Students WATCH D.O.G.S.® program is one of the nation’s largest and most respected school-based, family, and community engagement, organizations designed and developed by educators, experts and parent & guardian volunteers over more than two decades. Help us keep White Oaks strong! Join our WATCH D.O.G.S. team to support our students and staff. It only takes one day to make a lasting impact.
Please RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPS4YM7P-081FUDWvVQBWb4gptgzwgnXsq_cveS6TFMHZstg/viewform
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 Join us for our 3rd annual FREE Eagle Trot Fun Run
We're excited to have you join us for our 3rd annual FREE Eagle Trot Fun Run on Saturday, March 14 at 9 am. Register, volunteer, purchase extra raffle tickets, and order your concessions here: https://linktr.ee/woes.eagletrot In the event of inclement weather our make-up date is Saturday, March 21
THANKS TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS for the prizes that will be raffled off and awarded at the end of the run:
- MyGym Burke, InCourage Martial Arts, iCode Burke, OKM Swim & Racquet Club, Kids First Swim School, Halo Fitness Burke, South Block, IHOP, and Potomac River Running.
Summer Arts Camp: Registration is Open!
The FCPS Elementary Institute for the Arts is back this July! Open to all students in grades K-5, this camp is the perfect place for kids to explore their creative side.
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Where: Robinson Secondary School
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When: Weekly sessions from July 6–31 (8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
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Bonus: Early drop-off (7:30 a.m.) and new aftercare until 5:00 p.m. available!
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Cost: $300/week (Tuition assistance available)
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Register By: June 5th at linktr.ee/iftafcps
Don’t wait! Spots fill up fast. For questions, contact Program Director Maeve Nash at mnash@fcps.edu.
The Burke School PTA is hosting a fundraiser and reaching out to our local community for support. Because many of our families live outside the immediate area, we rely on the generosity of our neighbors to help make these events successful.
Please consider supporting us by purchasing a meal at the Wendy’s in Burke Towne Center on March 10 (6056 Burke Commons Road, Burke, VA 22015). Burke School will receive 20% of sales when you say “Burke PTA” at checkout.
Burke School serves FCPS students from across the district and is dedicated to educating children with diverse abilities, needs, and backgrounds. Your support truly makes a difference for our students.
Thank you for supporting our school community!
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