FCPS

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Cougar Calendar

March 17th: 6th Grade Class Photo 

March 18th: Chick-Fil-A Restaurant Night 

March 20th: 3rd Quarter Family Book Club 8:15 am

                   Family Math and Literacy Night 5:30-7:00 PM (flyer below)

March 27th: Spring Picture Day

March 28th: End of Quarter 3

March 31st: Eid-al-Fitr- Student Holiday

April 1st Teacher Workday- Student Holiday

April 7th: Kindergarten Orientation 5:00 PM

April 9th: Military Family Breakfast 8:30-9:00 RSVP , Purple Up! Day

April 14th-18th: Spring Break- Student Holiday

April 16th: Iron Chef Restaurant Night

April 21st: 3 hour early release-1:05 PM

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

Our first graders had an incredible time celebrating the 120th day of school this week!

Our 4th, 5th, and 6th graders brought the fun to Pi Day by showcasing their incredible memorization skills! Those who mastered the most digits of Pi had the honor of pie-ing Mrs. Malkowski, Ms. Milliron, and their teachers in the face! Thank you to our dedicated students and staff for making learning so much fun!

Notes from the Administration

Dear CWES Families,

What a fantastic week it's been! We had a blast celebrating the wonder of Pi on Pi Day, and the 120th day of school was filled with creative and engaging activities for our first graders!

Nex week Thursday, March 20th is a busy day at CWES! We're starting the day with our 3rd Quarter Family Book Club, a perfect way to connect over a shared love of reading. Then, join us that evening for our eagerly anticipated Family Math and Literacy Night! We'll have a building full of fun, interactive activities designed to help families discover simple and effective math and literacy games they can easily use at home. Last year's family engagement survey clearly showed your desire for practical ways to support your children's learning, and we're thrilled to provide this opportunity. We can't wait to see you at both events for a day of learning, fun, and family connection!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Leslie Malkowski, Kristi McGeehan, and Mindy Milliron

CWES Administrative Team

 

Cougars, Let's Stock the Lounge Again!

It's our second Stock the Lounge! The first one was so successful that we are bringing it back. As the THIRD quarter winds down, we are appreciating and loving on our amazing staff and faculty who work around the clock by stocking their faculty lounge with snacks, candy, coffee, drinks- you name it.  Drop off items in the front office between March 24-27th and mention this is for Stock the Lounge. Questions? Contact Linda, [email protected]. 

Sign up here

The 2025 Spring SOL testing schedule runs throughout the month of May. Please make every effort to avoid scheduling appointments or absences on the days your child is testing.

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.

Kindergarten Registration

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is open!

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment. Please contact Amy Decatur  our school registrar to schedule an appointment. 
6. Kindergarten Orientation is scheduled for Monday, April 7th. No need to wait until then to register, you can register now! 

 

 💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account.

PTA: Baroody Spring Enrichment Opportunity

Spring is almost here, and it’s the final opportunity of the school year to enroll your kids in Baroody's before and after enrichment classes! Registration opens on Wednesday, March 12 at 10:00 AM and closes on Sunday, March 23 at 11:59 PM.

You can find the available classes and register here:

https://bc-ffx-canterbury.jumbula.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawI1v8JleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeYUGTiwAjK7GSS7T53A_BkRAbVLA2zDqZWLd-gtC4c5jOO4dKuL6lLNTg_aem_EF864q_BQr_EKZ4DuctQ0A

News From FCPS FCPS Budget — Our Students Deserve the Best

More than $240 million of FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget is dedicated to increasing compensation for our teachers and staff to stay competitive and reduce turnover. Currently, FCPS ranks fifth out of eight neighboring districts in regards to starting salary for teachers with a master’s degree. 

Our families expect — and our students deserve — the best teachers.

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The next steps in the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process include the School Board presenting the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22, and then the Board of Supervisors will conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak. 

Visit the county government website to view the Fairfax County FY 2026 Advertised Budget. The community is also invited to complete an online survey to provide feedback on the county’s FY 2026 Advertised Budget. 

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process.

Reminder to Sign Up Weekly for Student Fasting Meal Kits

Students who are fasting during the school day between now and March 28 can take school meal kits home at the end of the day. Families must fill out a separate request form for each week and for each student in order to receive school meal kits. To receive meal kits for the week of March 24, please fill out this form by March 17. 

Please remind your child to pick up their meals each day at our school’s designated location. Visit the Food and Nutrition Services webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

 

🛑 Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms

Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”). 

Warnings for drivers will begin on Wednesday, April 9. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.

According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction (unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped). They should remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus is moving. 

We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with us to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more information about the stop arm cameras and all of the ways that we work with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.

📍 The Comprehensive School Boundary Review Process Explained

Want to learn more about the ongoing Comprehensive School Boundary Review process? Watch this video for explanations of terms such as attendance zones, attendance islands, split feeders, and other factors that affect school boundaries. The video will also be available in other languages soon.

 Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information and sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter.

 

4910 Willet Drive, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.764.5600
Attendance: 703.764.5656 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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Cougar Calendar

March 10th: 3 hour early release-1:05 PM

March 17th: 6th Grade Class Photo 

March 18th: Chick-Fil-A Restaurant Night 

March 20th: 3rd Quarter Family Book Club 8:15 am

                   Family Math and Literacy Night 5:30-7:00 PM (flyer below)

March 27th: Spring Picture Day

March 28th: End of Quarter 3

March 31st: Eid-al-Fitr- Student Holiday

April 1st Teacher Workday- Student Holiday

April 7th: Kindergarten Orientation 5:00 PM

April 14th-18th: Spring Break- Student Holiday

April 16th: Iron Chef Restaurant Night

April 21st: 3 hour early release-1:05 PM

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

3rd graders had a great field trip this week! 

The Woodson Math Honor Society provided an interactive after-school math experience for fourth and fifth-grade students this week! The students had a blast!

Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour! As a result of the time change, many students will be walking to school or to bus stops in the dark. Help your child stay safe by having them wear reflective clothing and bright or light colors, or add reflective items to their backpacks or clothes. Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up and not to run into the street or cross between parked cars.

Notes from the Administration

Dear CWES Families,

March 2-8 is National School Social Work Week. We extend our sincere gratitude to our two exceptional school social workers, Ms. Laura Dailey and Ms. JaQuese Hawkins. We are incredibly fortunate to have Ms. Dailey and Ms. Hawkins on our team. Their dedication and compassion make a profound difference in the lives of our students. They are not just social workers; they are an integral part of the CWES family. Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential. Social workers are assigned to every school and center in the school system. Most social workers serve one to two sites. Learn more about the role of social workers in FCPS. 

 

Reminder: Just a reminder: Monday, March 10th is an early release day. Students will be dismissed at 1:05 PM, following the same dismissal procedure as February 10th. If you need to change your student's dismissal plans, please call the office at (703) 764-5600. The online transportation change form is unavailable.

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Leslie Malkowski, Kristi McGeehan, and Mindy Milliron

CWES Administrative Team

The 2025 Spring SOL testing schedule runs throughout the month of May. Please make every effort to avoid scheduling appointments or absences on the days your child is testing.

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.

Kindergarten Registration

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is open!

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment. Please contact Amy Decatur  our school registrar to schedule an appointment. 
6. Kindergarten Orientation is scheduled for Monday, April 7th. No need to wait until then to register, you can register now! 

 

 💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account.

PTA: Baroody Spring Enrichment Opportunity

Spring is almost here, and it’s the final opportunity of the school year to enroll your kids in Baroody's before and after enrichment classes! Registration opens on Wednesday, March 12 at 10:00 AM and closes on Sunday, March 23 at 11:59 PM.

You can find the available classes and register here:

https://bc-ffx-canterbury.jumbula.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawI1v8JleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeYUGTiwAjK7GSS7T53A_BkRAbVLA2zDqZWLd-gtC4c5jOO4dKuL6lLNTg_aem_EF864q_BQr_EKZ4DuctQ0A

Woodson Pyramid News Woodson SGA/Sports Leadership Mulch Sale

The annual Woodson Mulch Sale has arrived.  Freshen up your flower beds and support the Woodson High School Leadership and Sports Leadership Classes at the same time.  The Leadership Classes are once again offering high quality shredded hardwood mulch for purchase. 

Orders for 3-cubic foot bags of mulch must be received by Thursday, March 13, for pick-up at Woodson or delivery to your home on Sunday, March 23.   When placing an order for 10 or more bags, delivery is an option.  All mulch will be delivered on Sunday, March 23, beginning at 8:30 AM.  The proceeds benefit the Woodson High School Leadership and Sports Leadership Classes and support their activities. For more details or for an order form, please check out our web link. 

This year you can also order and pay on-line at MySchoolBucks. 

Need more info?  Send an email to [email protected]

Join Us for FanQuest Basketball!

Woodson Unified Sports is hosting Fanquest Basketball on Friday March 14.  Tailgate starts at 5:30pm and the game starts at 6:30pm.  Here's the flyer!

FanQuest Flyer 2025.pdf

News From FCPS Developing a Strong Academic Foundation, Curiosity, and Joy for Learning

• The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan. 

A strong start for every student is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan. Pre-K classrooms are making a difference in our community. In this video, we explore the importance of bringing children under the age of five together, regardless of abilities.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date and learn about opportunities to provide feedback to Fairfax County and FCPS.

💬 Share Your Input on the County Budget

The Fairfax County government presented its Fiscal Year 2026 Advertised Budget Plan to the Board of Supervisors on February 18. The community is invited to share feedback through an online survey, email, phone calls, or by attending Budget Town Hall meetings.

 

 

Our littlest learners deserve a strong start! 💛 That’s why we're continuing our commitment to early childhood education and expanding our inclusive preschool program. 

The FCPS FY 2026 Budget dedicates $2 million and 22 new positions to make this happen next school year. This program combines existing classes of income eligible students with preschool students receiving special education services.

We are now in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback.

✅ Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Budget and see the budget timeline: bit.ly/FCPS-FY26-Budget

#InvestInExcellence

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 with economic and educational risk factors ages 6 weeks to 4 years living in Fairfax County. 

Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children 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 for 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 “first come, first serve.” Applications are accepted online, by email, by postal mail, or in person at our office 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 (Spanish).

2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)

Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

This event will feature: 

• Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
• Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.

• Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
• Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process.

4910 Willet Drive, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.764.5600
Attendance: 703.764.5656 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Cougar Calendar

March 10th: 3 hour early release-1:05 PM

March 18th: Chick-Fil-A Restaurant Night 

March 20th: 3rd Quarter Family Book Club 8:15 am

                   Family Math and Literacy Night 5:30-7:00 PM (flyer below)

March 28th: End of Quarter 3

March 31st: Eid-al-Fitr- Student Holiday

April 1st Teacher Workday- Student Holiday

April 7th: Kindergarten Orientation 5:00 PM

April 14th-18th: Spring Break- Student Holiday

April 21st: 3 hour early release-1:05 PM

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

3rd graders kicked off their soil unit in science with outdoor learning, taking full advantage of the sunshine!

5th Graders had a fun-filled and educational experience at the Natural History Museum this week!

Notes from the Administration

Dear CWES Families,

We've had a beautiful week with spring-like weather, and our students have been making the most of it!

We want to express our sincere gratitude to our PTA and all our volunteers for your incredible support in making our Bingo night last Friday such a resounding success! We were absolutely thrilled with the fantastic turnout, and it was truly heartwarming to see so many families and community members come together for an evening of fun and laughter.

Get ready for a day of learning and fun on March 20th! First, we'll kick off the morning before school with our 3rd Quarter Family Book Club. Please sign up using the link in the calendar above so we know you're coming. Then, in the evening, we're excited to host our Family Math and Literacy Night! This will be a wonderful opportunity for families to learn and play together, discovering simple and effective math and literacy games they can use at home. We know from last year's family engagement survey that many families were looking for ways to support their children's learning at home, and we think this will be a great way to do just that! We hope to see you at both events.

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Leslie Malkowski, Kristi McGeehan, and Mindy Milliron

CWES Administrative Team

The 2025 Spring SOL testing schedule runs throughout the month of May. Please make every effort to avoid scheduling appointments or absences on the days your child is testing.

Read Across America Day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading. Learn more about Equitable Access to Literacy in this video.

Ramadan begins at sundown on Friday, February 28. This day is an evening-only observance day. There is school on these days, but certain activities that cannot be made up can not take place after school. See the complete school year calendar.

Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact their child’s principal regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.

Kindergarten Registration

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is open!

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment. Please contact Amy Decatur  our school registrar to schedule an appointment. 
6. Kindergarten Orientation is scheduled for Monday, April 7th. No need to wait until then to register, you can register now! 

 

 💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account.

Woodson Pyramid News Woodson SGA/Sports Leadership Mulch Sale

The annual Woodson Mulch Sale has arrived.  Freshen up your flower beds and support the Woodson High School Leadership and Sports Leadership Classes at the same time.  The Leadership Classes are once again offering high quality shredded hardwood mulch for purchase. 

Orders for 3-cubic foot bags of mulch must be received by Thursday, March 13, for pick-up at Woodson or delivery to your home on Sunday, March 23.   When placing an order for 10 or more bags, delivery is an option.  All mulch will be delivered on Sunday, March 23, beginning at 8:30 AM.  The proceeds benefit the Woodson High School Leadership and Sports Leadership Classes and support their activities. For more details or for an order form, please check out our web link. 

This year you can also order and pay on-line at MySchoolBucks. 

Need more info?  Send an email to [email protected]

Woodson High School Movie Night News From FCPS 📖 Supporting Academic Growth and Reading on Level by Third Grade

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan. 

Across FCPS, teachers, staff, parents, and even older students are invested in helping our youngest learners grow their love of reading from a strong foundation. 

The goal is for students to move from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” by the end of the third grade. Reading on grade level is connected to other Strategic Plan goals, including completing advanced coursework and graduating on time. 

Last fall, FCPS introduced a new reading curriculum that emphasized the science of reading. Between fall and winter, reading screener results show more than a 4% increase in the number of students in kindergarten to third grade approaching or meeting expectations. Similarly, 3.4% more third graders demonstrate strong foundations of reading and 8.4% more third graders are mastering grade-level standards. 

Discover how an elementary school employs a science-based approach, including phonics, to supercharge students' reading.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date.

🗣️ Connect With Your Kids: Simple Steps to Stronger Communication

Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. How do you connect with your children and really know what's going on in their lives? How can you become “unskippable”?

Effective communication can build trust and understanding, but it takes thought, planning, and effort. 

The latest Healthy Minds Blog offers practical strategies to improve communication and build strong, lasting relationships:

• Ditch distractions and create a safe space where your child feels comfortable opening up.
• Listen actively and validate their feelings, even if you don't agree.
• Ask "how" questions instead of "what" questions to get them talking about their experiences.

For more tips and techniques, read the full article on the Healthy Minds Blog, which shares information related to youth mental health and wellness.

For support on talking with your teen about difficult subjects like fentanyl, discover how to Become Unskippable.

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration will be available soon for summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps.

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes. 

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)

Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

This event will feature: 

• Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
• Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.

• Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
• Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process.

4910 Willet Drive, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.764.5600
Attendance: 703.764.5656 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Cougar Calendar

February 21st: CWES Bingo Night! 

March 10th: 3 hour early release-1:05 PM

March 18th: Chick-Fil-A Restaurant Night 

March 20th: Family Math and Literacy Night 5:30-7:00 PM

March 28th: End of Quarter 3

March 31st: Eid-al-Fitr- Student Holiday

April 1st Teacher Workday- Student Holiday

April 7th: Kindergarten Orientation 5:00 PM

April 14th-18th: Spring Break- Student Holiday

April 21st: 3 hour early release-1:05 PM

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

Our Young Scholars explored the wonders of architecture and design at the National Building Museum this week!

Notes from the Administration

Dear CWES Families,

We hope to see many of you tonight for Bingo Night! Doors open at 5:45 PM, first game at 6:15 PM. Get ready for an exciting evening with celebrity callers, and fantastic prizes! Our SCA will also being selling snacks, cash only. Hope to see you soon! 

This week, during their specials block, we met with each grade level to review student rights and responsibilities as part of our midyear process. We also revisited our PAWS values (Persevere, Accept responsibility, Work together, Show respect), which guide our behavior and create a positive learning environment. Reconnecting with our students this week provided a valuable opportunity to reinforce shared expectations and build a stronger school community as we head into the second half of the year.

 

Join us for the Quarter 3 Family Book Club: CWES Loves Sports on Thursday, March 20th at 8:15 am in the library and/or art room. An adult must be in attendance with their student. 

We are so excited to have the author of A Long Pitch Home, Natalie Lorenzi, join us for this upcoming book club! Students and families can choose from one of 2 books: the picture book: Dancing the Tinikling or the chapter book: A Long Pitch Home. Families are encouraged to read the books alongside their students. You can sign up using the flyer found in Tuesday Folders or the following link: CWES Family Book Club - Quarter 3. Please contact Mona Mouneimne ([email protected]) if you have any questions

Have a wonderful weekend!

Leslie Malkowski, Kristi McGeehan, and Mindy Milliron

CWES Administrative Team

The 2025 Spring SOL testing schedule runs throughout the month of May. Please make every effort to avoid scheduling appointments or absences on the days your child is testing.

Kindergarten Registration

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is open!

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment. Please contact Amy Decatur  our school registrar to schedule an appointment. 
6. Kindergarten Orientation is scheduled for Monday, April 7th. No need to wait until then to register, you can register now! 

 

 💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account.

Woodson Pyramid News Woodson SGA/Sports Leadership Mulch Sale

The annual Woodson Mulch Sale has arrived.  Freshen up your flower beds and support the Woodson High School Leadership and Sports Leadership Classes at the same time.  The Leadership Classes are once again offering high quality shredded hardwood mulch for purchase. 

Orders for 3-cubic foot bags of mulch must be received by Thursday, March 13, for pick-up at Woodson or delivery to your home on Sunday, March 23.   When placing an order for 10 or more bags, delivery is an option.  All mulch will be delivered on Sunday, March 23, beginning at 8:30 AM.  The proceeds benefit the Woodson High School Leadership and Sports Leadership Classes and support their activities. For more details or for an order form, please check out our web link. 

This year you can also order and pay on-line at MySchoolBucks. 

Need more info?  Send an email to [email protected]

News From FCPS 📐 Breaking Down the Budget: Supporting Academic Growth and Algebra by Eighth Grade

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan. 

Since the 2023-24 school year, FCPS has seen a 9.5% increase in eighth graders taking Algebra I or more advanced math and a 6.8% increase in fifth graders in advanced math.

Studies show that students who complete algebra in middle school have more opportunities to take advanced math and science courses in high school. This can open up new academic paths for students! Watch a video that shows why eighth grade algebra matters. 

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget.

VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 

• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

FCPS CARES

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

4910 Willet Drive, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.764.5600
Attendance: 703.764.5656 | Web | Twitter

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Cougar Calendar

February 17th: Presidents Day-Student Holiday 

February 21st: CWES Bingo Night! 

March 10th: 3 hour early release-1:05 PM

March 20th: Family Math and Literacy Night 5:30-7:00 PM

March 28th: End of Quarter 3

March 31st: Eid-al-Fitr- Student Holiday

April 1st Teacher Workday- Student Holiday

April 7th: Kindergarten Orientation 5:00 PM

April 14th-18th: Spring Break- Student Holiday

April 21st: 3 hour early release-1:05 PM

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

What an exciting week! The Region 5 leadership team surprised us with a visit to announce that kindergarten teacher Ms. Jennifer Rose is the Region 5 Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year! Join us in celebrating Ms. Rose for this well-deserved honor.

100 Days of Loving Kindergarten!

Notes from the Administration

Dear CWES Families,

What a week it has been! Between two early releases, a snow day, the 100th day of school, and Valentine's Day, it feels like we've experienced a month's worth of events in just five days.

A special shout-out to our kindergarteners who celebrated their 100th day of school! It was a day filled with excitement, creativity, and a whole lot of counting. We're so proud of our kindergarteners and their dedication to learning. Congratulations, kindergarteners, on reaching 100 days of school!

At CWES, we also celebrated Virginia Kindness Week this week, and while it was a short week, we were thrilled to see our students demonstrating so many acts of kindness. We encourage you to ask your child, "How were you kind this week?" or "What's one thing you did this week that made someone else feel good?" We're so proud of their compassion and know they are the future of kindness.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Leslie Malkowski, Kristi McGeehan, and Mindy Milliron

CWES Administrative Team

Friday Buddy Class Fun! 

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, for the Presidents Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.

Kindergarten Registration

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is open!

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment. Please contact Amy Decatur  our school registrar to schedule an appointment. 

 

 💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account.

Rising 7th Grade Frost Family Festival

Frost Family Festival 

On February 20, Frost Middle School and the Frost Middle School PTA will welcome rising 7th graders and their families for the Frost Family Festival. The PTA will be selling pizza, concessions and spirit wear and we need your help! 

Frost Family Festival 2025.pdf

Nominations Open for First-Class Awards

• 🏅 Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards

First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education. 

Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have a positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.

Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.

Budget

Breaking Down the Budget: Investing in Our Classrooms

Did you know that more than 85% of FCPS’ budget stays in our classrooms? Currently, 92.5% of FCPS staff are school-based, more than neighboring school districts. We are in the middle of FCPS’ annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. Learn more about the proposed FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget and see the budget timeline.

🤧 Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department. 

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:    

• Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school.

Student Fasting Meal Kits

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day.Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits.

A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student.

To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

Family Webinars from the FCPS Family Resource Center

Boost your knowledge and skills with free webinars on a variety of topics! Registration opens one month before each session. Sign up for the Family Resource Center's News You Choose newsletter to receive registration notifications and a reminder when it's time to register. A webinar link will be emailed to all registrants the morning of the event. Need an interpreter? Request one in your preferred language when you register.

Here's a snapshot of some upcoming sessions:

• Parenting an Anxious Child: Counterintuitive yet Evidence-Based Skills and Strategies: February 21, 1-2:30 p.m. - [Registration Link]
• SibShops: February 22, 10 a.m.-1:00 p.m. - [Registration Link]

Click here for a full list of upcoming sessions and to register.

Visit the Family Resource Center website for more information.

4910 Willet Drive, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.764.5600
Attendance: 703.764.5656 | Web | Twitter

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Cougar Calendar

February 10th: 3 hour early release-1:05 PM

February 13th: Restaurant Night- Panera Bread/ Rolling Road 4:00-8:00 PM

February 17th: Presidents Day-Student Holiday 

February 21st: CWES Bingo Night! 

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

Celebrating our incredible school counselors, Ms. Wilson and Ms. Mihalick! Their hard work and compassion make a difference every day.

February 3-7 is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career. School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.

Our staff wore red today for American Heart Month! 

Notes from the Administration

Dear CWES Families,

We've recently completed our mid-year assessments, providing valuable insights into student learning and growth. Over the past two weeks, our teachers engaged in half-day grade-level team meetings dedicated to analyzing this data. These sessions provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many successes we've seen so far this year, as well as to identify trends and make informed instructional decisions moving forward. This collaborative work ensures we are best meeting the needs of all our students.

We are incredibly proud of the amazing progress our students have made! An impressive over 80% of our students at CWES have already met their expected end-of-year growth target in reading by the mid-year mark. In math, more than half of our students have achieved this milestone! These achievements are a testament to the hard work of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the support of our families.

Looking ahead, we're thrilled to announce a Math and Literacy Family Night in March! This engaging event will provide families with fun and practical ways to support their children's learning at home. We'll be sharing more details about this event soon!

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Leslie Malkowski, Kristi McGeehan, and Mindy Milliron

CWES Administrative Team

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.

Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month.

 

Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.   

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community. 

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

Second Step Update

This year Canterbury Woods is using the research-based Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum, Second Step, as Tier 1 instruction. This means that all students in grades 1-6 have been participating in weekly lessons with their homeroom class. Kindergarten is also participating in Tier 1 SEL using the research-based Kimochis curriculum.

We are halfway through this year’s curriculum and encourage you to engage in conversations with your children at home regarding their developing SEL skills. You can ask them some of the following questions and be sure to share your own answers as well!

Growth Mindset and Goal Setting

• What is a goal that you’ve set for yourself?
• What challenges have you encountered or what mistakes have you made as you’ve worked towards your goal?
• What helpful thoughts have you used to help you meet your goal?

 

Emotion Management

• Ask your child what emotions they felt today.
• How did they know that they were feeling this emotion?
• What information did they get from those emotions?
• Did you use a coping skill today? What was it and how did it work?

 

Guiding Principles (6th grade only)

• What did you choose as your guiding principles? Why?

 

Be on the lookout for Home Links to be sent home with your child in conjunction with each unit!

Lexia Parent Nights

Lexia will be offering Parent Nights throughout the 24-25 SY. The next Lexia Parent Night will be held on February 12, 2025. Information regarding the Lexia Parent Nights can be found on Family Academy Site or you can print these translated fliers to share with families.

Kindergarten Registration

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is open!

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment. Please contact Amy Decatur  our school registrar to schedule an appointment. 

 

 💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account.

Nominations Open for First-Class Awards

• 🏅 Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards

First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education. 

Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have a positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.

Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.

Budget

 

FCPS Proposed Budget Progress

The Fairfax County School Board discussed the FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at their work session on February 4. They discussed details regarding student enrollment and investments in students requiring additional support, market comparison data for surrounding school divisions, and an update on progress toward achieving the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence. Baldrige is a framework used to assess and improve organizational performance across various sectors, including education. 

The School Board also held a public hearing on February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the proposed budget.

On Tuesday, February 18, the Fairfax County executive will present the county’s Advertised Budget, and the School Board will hold a work session on FCPS’ FY 2026 Proposed Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar.

Breaking Down the Budget

More than 85% of the budget is dedicated to instruction and reflects the needs of our community’s young people in response to the changing world around us. Budget priorities include providing competitive compensation for all employees, including a 7% salary increase for all staff.  

Our families want their children in high-quality schools with the best teachers who provide rigorous academic experiences. FCPS must provide competitive compensation to attract and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students. 

The proposed 7% salary increase would likely move FCPS to the highest starting salary for teachers with a master's degree among our neighboring counties and greatly improve our recruitment efforts amidst an ongoing teacher shortage. Visit the Budget webpage for more information.

Immunizations

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE. 

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

4910 Willet Drive, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.764.5600
Attendance: 703.764.5656 | Web | Twitter

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Cougar Calendar

February 6th:  Woodson Pyramid Get2Green Movie Event 6:30-8:15 PM (flyer below)

February 10th: 3 hour early release-1:05 PM

February 13th: Restaurant Night- Panera Bread/ Rolling Road 4:00-8:00 PM

February 17th: Presidents Day-Student Holiday 

February 21st: CWES Bingo Night!

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

What an incredible Culture Night! So many families and staff shared their heritage through delicious food, beautiful displays, and amazing performances. A true celebration of our diverse community!

Our 6th graders are one step closer to middle school after their visit to Frost this week! They explored, learned, and even saw some siblings. So many exciting things to look forward to!

 4th Graders Celebrate Lunar New Year! Ms. Branch's class recently learned about Lunar New Year, thanks to two student experts, and celebrated by making red envelopes and paper lanterns.

So proud of all our band students who performed at BandFest at Frost last weekend! Dr. Kohut shared they sounded incredible and it was so great to see so many former students!

 

Woodson Pyramid Get2Green Event

Get2Green Event at Woodson:

Are you interested in being an environmentally conscious citizen? Are you concerned about food waste?  If so, you are invited to attend a FCPS Get2Green event at Woodson H.S., sponsored by Canterbury Woods E.S. and Woodson H.S.  We will be showing an abbreviated version of the documentary Just Eat It, followed by a panel discussion by experts from Food for Others, Hands on Harvest, FCPS students and more!

 

Where: Woodson High School.  Please park by the front of the school and enter through door 18. 

When: Thursday, February, 6th 6:30 pm-8:15

 

*If a Cued Language Transliterator (CLT) or sign-language interpreter is required please contact Lauren Kinne: [email protected]

Kindergarten Registration

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is open!

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment. Please contact Amy Decatur  our school registrar to schedule an appointment. 

 

 💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account.

Nominations Open for First-Class Awards

• 🏅 Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards

First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education. 

Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have a positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.

Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.

Budget

 

Proposed Budget Presented to School Board

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 23. Watch a video of the presentation. 

As Dr. Reid noted in her January 24 letter to families, “The budget is fiscally responsible and invests in excellence — not just for FCPS, but for all of us in Fairfax County who want a strong community with successful young people, dedicated educators and support staff, and a thriving economy.” 

The proposed budget reflects the needs of and FCPS’ commitments to Fairfax County students, families, and community members. It focuses on competitive compensation, including a 7.0% salary increase for all staff to recruit and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students; investing in students who require additional support; and continuing multiyear initiatives such as inclusive preschool and safety and security updates.

Learn more on the Budget webpage.

4910 Willet Drive, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.764.5600
Attendance: 703.764.5656 | Web | Twitter

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Cougar Calendar

January 24th: Family Culture Night 6:00 PM -Tonight-hope to see you soon!

January 28th: End of Quarter 2, Pajama Day! 

January 29th: Teacher Workday- Student Holiday

February 6th:  Woodson Pyramid Get2Green Movie Event 6:30-8:15 PM (flyer below)

February 10th: 3 hour early release-1:05 PM

February 17th: Presidents Day-Student Holiday 

February 21st: CWES Bingo Night!

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

We had a great turnout for our 2nd quarter family book club this week! Families enjoyed sharing a beloved family dish and talking about the books. We are already looking forward to the 3rd quarter!

4th graders having a blast in STEAM this week, exploring the world of robotics using Ozobots! 

Notes from the Administration

Dear CWES Families,

After the recent bitter cold, we're all looking forward to some warmer temperatures next week, and hopefully, this snow will finally melt!

Last year we rolled out our behavior matrix called PAWS, Cougars can Persevere, Accept responsibility, Work together, Show respect. PAWS represent our core values and expectations for student behavior across all areas of the school. We're excited to announce 'PAWsitive Principal Recognition'! Starting in the third quarter, teachers will nominate one student per month who exemplifies our school's behavioral expectations in all areas. Identified students will be recognized on the morning news and receive a certificate to celebrate their achievements in their Tuesday folders. We are excited to continue promoting our work with positive behavior.

 

Tonight, we're excited to celebrate our diverse community at our Family Culture Night! Join us for an evening of delicious food as families share their favorite dishes from their cultures. We'll also enjoy wonderful performances and a  parade to culminate the festivities. We can't wait to see you there!

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Leslie Malkowski, Kristi McGeehan, and Mindy Milliron

CWES Administrative Team

Lunar New Year falls at quarter end on Wednesday, January 29. The day will be a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.

Yearbook Cover Contest Woodson Pyramid Get2Green Event

Get2Green Event at Woodson:

Are you interested in being an environmentally conscious citizen? Are you concerned about food waste?  If so, you are invited to attend a FCPS Get2Green event at Woodson H.S., sponsored by Canterbury Woods E.S. and Woodson H.S.  We will be showing an abbreviated version of the documentary Just Eat It, followed by a panel discussion by experts from Food for Others, Hands on Harvest, FCPS students and more!

 

Where: Woodson High School.  Please park by the front of the school and enter through door 18. 

When: Thursday, February, 6th 6:30 pm-8:15

 

*If a Cued Language Transliterator (CLT) or sign-language interpreter is required please contact Lauren Kinne: [email protected]

Woodson HS Dessert on Broadway

Please join the CG Woodson Chorus at its 36th annual Dessert on Broadway.  Students choreograph and preform numbers from classic and modern musicals.  

January 24 at 7:00 p.m.

January 25 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Dessert is served starting 1 hour before show time.

 

Tickets for the show and dessert can be purchased Here or at the door.

 

See you then!

📍 Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

If you have not been able to attend a Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:

 

• Saturday, January 25, 9:30-11 a.m. 
• Monday, January 27, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Tuesday, January 28, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Monday, February 10, 6:30-8 p.m. 

 

Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Please note that each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

📈 Virginia’s Student Assessment Summary for Families

This month, families of students who took any Standards of Learning (SOL) test between school years 2015-16 and 2023-24 will receive a Student Assessment Summary Report. The report shows a student’s state percentile ranking for each test. This allows families to see how their child ranked compared to all Virginia students who took the same test that year. 

Reports are available now in SIS ParentVUE Documents. They will be distributed by schools this month to students whose families do not have ParentVUE access. Learn how to access ParentVUE. 

The report is intended to help families reflect on how their child performed across all tested subjects over the years. Our schools and staff are committed to working with families to support every student to succeed at their highest potential. Learn more about student assessments in FCPS.

4910 Willet Drive, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.764.5600
Attendance: 703.764.5656 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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Cougar Calendar

January 20th: Martin Luther King, Jr’s Birthday- Student Holiday

                        Restaurant Night at Dave & Busters 4-7 PM

January 23rd: Family Book Club 8:15 AM (library) 

January 24th: Family Culture Night 6:00 PM 

January 28th: End of Quarter 2, Pajama Day! 

January 29th: Teacher Workday- Student Holiday

February 6th:  Woodson Pyramid Get2Green Movie Event 6:30-8:15 PM (flyer below)

February 10th: 3 hour early release-1:05 PM

February 17th: Presidents Day-Student Holiday 

February 21st: CWES Bingo Night!

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

Go Club is officially underway! We were thrilled to welcome School Board Member at Large, Mr. Ilryong Moon, to our first meeting.

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday

Notes from the Administration

Dear CWES Families,

We've had a fantastic first full week back in 2025! It's wonderful to see our students settling back into their routines and engaging enthusiastically in their learning.

The end of the second quarter is approaching; it is hard to believe. Throughout the next few weeks, students will be completing midyear assessments. These assessments will help us track student progress and guide our instruction moving forward.

With the cold weather upon us, please ensure your child comes to school prepared for all weather conditions. We've been enjoying limited outdoor recess when the weather permits, so please make sure your child has a warm coat, hat, gloves, and appropriate footwear. We hope everyone enjoys the upcoming long weekend and stays warm!

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Leslie Malkowski, Kristi McGeehan, and Mindy Milliron

CWES Administrative Team

Congratulations to our Chorus students on a fantastic Winter Concert this week! 

Cougars, Let's Stock the Lounge

It's our first ever Stock the Lounge event! As the second quarter winds down, we are appreciating and loving on our amazing staff and faculty who work around the clock by stocking their faculty lounge with snacks, candy, coffee, drinks- you name it.  Drop off items in the front office between Jan 21-24th and mention this is for Stock the Lounge.

Questions? Contact Linda, [email protected].

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F4FAFA629A6F58-53709084-cwes

Yearbook Cover Contest Woodson Pyramid Get2Green Event

Get2Green Event at Woodson:

Are you interested in being an environmentally conscious citizen? Are you concerned about food waste?  If so, you are invited to attend a FCPS Get2Green event at Woodson H.S., sponsored by Canterbury Woods E.S. and Woodson H.S.  We will be showing an abbreviated version of the documentary Just Eat It, followed by a panel discussion by experts from Food for Others, Hands on Harvest, FCPS students and more!

 

Where: Woodson High School.  Please park by the front of the school and enter through door 18. 

When: Thursday, February, 6th 6:30 pm-8:15

 

*If a Cued Language Transliterator (CLT) or sign-language interpreter is required please contact Lauren Kinne: [email protected]

Woodson HS Dessert on Broadway

Please join the CG Woodson Chorus at its 36th annual Dessert on Broadway.  Students choreograph and preform numbers from classic and modern musicals.  

January 24 at 7:00 p.m.

January 25 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Dessert is served starting 1 hour before show time.

 

Tickets for the show and dessert can be purchased Here or at the door.

 

See you then!

4910 Willet Drive, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.764.5600
Attendance: 703.764.5656 | Web | Twitter

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Cougar Calendar

January 14th: Chorus Concert 6:30 PM

January 16th: Yearbook Club Photos 

January 20th: Martin Luther King, Jr’s Birthday- Student Holiday

                        Restaurant Night at Dave & Busters 4-7 PM

January 23rd: Family Book Club 8:15 AM (library) 

January 24th: Family Culture Night 6:00 PM 

January 28th: End of Quarter 2

January 29th: Teacher Workday- Student Holiday

February 10th: 3 hour early release-1:05 PM

February 17th: Presidents Day-Student Holiday 

February 21st: CWES Bingo Night!

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

Building snow forts, making snow angels, and sledding down hills – our students made the most of their snow days!

Notes from the Administration

Dear CWES Families,

Happy New Year! It was wonderful to welcome our students back to school today after the extended winter break. We enjoyed hearing their exciting snow day stories and witnessing their enthusiasm as they settled back into their routines.

As we embark on a new year, we are excited to support our students in setting and achieving their academic and personal goals. We look forward to a productive and rewarding remainder of the school year filled with learning, growth, and success for all.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Leslie Malkowski, Kristi McGeehan, and Mindy Milliron

CWES Administrative Team

Family Book Club 2nd Quarter!

 

Join us for the Quarter 2 Family Book Club: CWES Loves Food on Thursday, January 23rd at 8:15 am in the library and/or art room. An adult must be in attendance with their student. 

Students and families can choose from one of 2 books: the picture book: Lunch from Home or the chapter book: A Place at the Table. Families are encouraged to read the books alongside their students. You can sign up using the flyer found in Tuesday Folders or the following link: CWES Family Book Club - Quarter 2.

Please contact Mona Mouneimne ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

Family Culture Night

CWES will host Family Culture Night on Friday, January 24th from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Please share your family’s culture and traditions with the CWES community! All families and cultures are welcome!

• The culture of your home country
• The culture of the country or countries of your ancestral heritage or that you’ve lived in or visited
• The culture of a city or state in the U.S. where you have lived or visited
• Your family’s traditions and celebrations
• Any culture to which you feel connected!

If you would like to share about your family’s culture, Please fill out the Google Form by Friday, January 10th. If you have any questions, contact Mona Mouneimne at [email protected].

Yearbook Cover Contest CWES Go Club

 

 Are your kids seeking a fun game that promotes cognitive development, cultural awareness, social skills, and emotional growth? CWES is launching a Go Club for 5th and 6th graders, starting January 16, 2025. The club will meet every Thursday after school for an hour. No experience with Go? Don't worry! Two CWES faculty members and a Go instructor will be there to teach your child. We’re also looking for parent volunteers to help with the club—no prior knowledge of Go required, as you'll learn alongside the students. If you're interested in signing up your child, please complete the Google form. Space is limited!  Please contact Joyce Colobong@ [email protected] with questions. 

Transition to Middle School - Message from Frost MS 🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for FCPS’ Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2024-25 school year. 

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting held at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program Registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and the DLI Program Registration webpage.

Community Boundary Review Meetings

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:

• Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. 

• Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 

• Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 

• Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

4910 Willet Drive, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.764.5600
Attendance: 703.764.5656 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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Cougar Calendar

December 23rd-January 3rd: Winter Break-Student Holiday

January 14th: Chorus Concert 6:30 PM

January 20th: Martin Luther King, Jr’s Birthday- Student Holiday

January 23rd: Family Book Club 8:15 AM (library) 

January 24th: Family Culture Night 6:00 PM 

January 28th: End of Quarter 2

January 29th: Teacher Workday- Student Holiday

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. School and the office will be closed. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

Congratulations to Jennifer Rose, who has been named the Woodson Pyramid Outstanding Teacher!

Congratulations to Martha Berlowitz on your retirement! Wishing you all the best!

Notes from the Administration

Dear CWES Families,

It's been a wonderful week at CWES! Our students had a blast celebrating the holiday season with a fun-filled Spirit Week organized by our SCA.  Classrooms were brimming with joy as students participated in festive activities. The SCA also hosted a successful donation drive for the Ronald McDonald House. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, students were able to put together over 80 care kits and collect many additional donations.

4th-6th Graders:

All 4th, 5th and 6th graders have been invited to participate in the annual Woodson Pyramid Area Chorus day! The event takes place at Frost Middle School on Saturday January 11th, 9:45 AM-1PM. Students will learn music from the Frost and Woodson Chorus teachers, play games, sing and be served pizza! It is a fun way to meet students from all over the pyramid and have fun singing together as a community! To register, please use this link: https://forms.gle/PGKuJfbjKD8hT8vu6  and pay the $12 fee on www.myschoolbucks.com by December 20th. 

 

Congratulations to Jennifer Rose, who has been named the Outstanding Teacher for the Woodson Pyramid! This well-deserved recognition highlights her dedication and impact on our students.

We bid a fond farewell to Martha Berlowitz, a beloved educator in our deaf/hard of hearing program for nearly 30 years. We celebrated her contributions this week and wish her all the best in her retirement. She will be deeply missed.

We hope everyone enjoys a restful and rejuvenating break with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school in 2025!

Happy Holidays and Warm Wishes for the New Year!

Leslie Malkowski, Kristi McGeehan, and Mindy Milliron

CWES Administrative Team

Family Book Club 2nd Quarter!

 

Join us for the Quarter 2 Family Book Club: CWES Loves Food on Thursday, January 23rd at 8:15 am in the library and/or art room. An adult must be in attendance with their student. 

Students and families can choose from one of 2 books: the picture book: Lunch from Home or the chapter book: A Place at the Table. Families are encouraged to read the books alongside their students. You can sign up using the flyer found in Tuesday Folders or the following link: CWES Family Book Club - Quarter 2.

Please contact Mona Mouneimne ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

Family Culture Night

CWES will host Family Culture Night on Friday, January 24th from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Please share your family’s culture and traditions with the CWES community! All families and cultures are welcome!

• The culture of your home country
• The culture of the country or countries of your ancestral heritage or that you’ve lived in or visited
• The culture of a city or state in the U.S. where you have lived or visited
• Your family’s traditions and celebrations
• Any culture to which you feel connected!

If you would like to share about your family’s culture, Please fill out the Google Form by Friday, January 10th. If you have any questions, contact Mona Mouneimne at [email protected].

Yearbook Cover Contest CWES Go Club

 

 Are your kids seeking a fun game that promotes cognitive development, cultural awareness, social skills, and emotional growth? CWES is launching a Go Club for 5th and 6th graders, starting January 16, 2025. The club will meet every Thursday after school for an hour. No experience with Go? Don't worry! Two CWES faculty members and a Go instructor will be there to teach your child. We’re also looking for parent volunteers to help with the club—no prior knowledge of Go required, as you'll learn alongside the students. If you're interested in signing up your child, please complete the Google form. Space is limited!  Please contact Joyce Colobong@ [email protected] with questions. 

Transition to Middle School - Message from Frost MS Middle School Start Time Study

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions. 

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform.

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for FCPS’ Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2024-25 school year. 

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting held at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program Registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and the DLI Program Registration webpage.

Family Resource Center Webinars and FCPS Family Academy

🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Overcoming School Refusal and Resistance
• Virtual Meeting for Siblings of Children with Special Needs
• FCPS Math Week
• Supporting Your Child’s Executive Functioning Skills
• Depression in Teens
• Understanding Trauma in Your Child/Comprendiedo el Trauma en su Hijo (presented in Spanish)

Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.

 

Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.

Community Boundary Review Meetings

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:

• Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. 

• Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 

• Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 

• Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

4910 Willet Drive, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.764.5600
Attendance: 703.764.5656 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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Cougar Calendar

December 15th: AAP Full Time referrals due 

December 16th: Band Concert 6:30 PM

December 23rd-January 3rd: Winter Break-Student Holiday

January 14th: Chorus Concert 6:30 PM

January 20th: Martin Luther King, Jr’s Birthday- Student Holiday

January 23rd: Family Book Club 8:15 AM (library) 

January 24th: Family Culture Night 6:00 PM 

January 28th: End of Quarter 2

January 29th: Teacher Workday- Student Holiday

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

 2nd and 3rd graders had a blast exploring the world of math with Woodson Math Honor Society students. They tackled statistics, addition, subtraction, place value, and estimation through engaging activities and games!

Notes from the Administration

Dear CWES Families,

We are incredibly fortunate to have such talented and committed individuals at CWES! We are thrilled to recognize and congratulate our outstanding employees for the 2024-2025 school year. 

• Outstanding Teacher: Jennifer Rose
• Outstanding New Teacher: Anna Richey
• Outstanding Professional Employee: Fran Migdal
• Outstanding Operational Employee: Martha Berlowitz

 

Reminder:  Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Andrea Warren ([email protected]) and Erin Quinn ([email protected]) no later than December 15, 2024. 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

 

Have a wonderful weekend,

Leslie Malkowski, Kristi McGeehan, and Mindy Milliron

CWES Administrative Team

Family Book Club 2nd Quarter!

 

Join us for the Quarter 2 Family Book Club: CWES Loves Food on Thursday, January 23rd at 8:15 am in the library and/or art room. An adult must be in attendance with their student. 

Students and families can choose from one of 2 books: the picture book: Lunch from Home or the chapter book: A Place at the Table. Families are encouraged to read the books alongside their students. You can sign up using the flyer found in Tuesday Folders or the following link: CWES Family Book Club - Quarter 2.

Please contact Mona Mouneimne ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

Family Culture Night

CWES will host Family Culture Night on Friday, January 24th from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Please share your family’s culture and traditions with the CWES community! All families and cultures are welcome!

• The culture of your home country
• The culture of the country or countries of your ancestral heritage or that you’ve lived in or visited
• The culture of a city or state in the U.S. where you have lived or visited
• Your family’s traditions and celebrations
• Any culture to which you feel connected!

If you would like to share about your family’s culture, Please fill out the Google Form by Friday, January 10th. If you have any questions, contact Mona Mouneimne at [email protected].

Yearbook Cover Contest CWES Go Club

 

 Are your kids seeking a fun game that promotes cognitive development, cultural awareness, social skills, and emotional growth? CWES is launching a Go Club for 5th and 6th graders, starting January 16, 2025. The club will meet every Thursday after school for an hour. No experience with Go? Don't worry! Two CWES faculty members and a Go instructor will be there to teach your child. We’re also looking for parent volunteers to help with the club—no prior knowledge of Go required, as you'll learn alongside the students. If you're interested in signing up your child, please complete the Google form. Space is limited!  Please contact Joyce Colobong@ [email protected] with questions. 

Middle School Start Time Study

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

Woodson HS Winter Wonderland for Families! ⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.

Community Boundary Review Meetings

If you did not get a chance to attend one of the recent community meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review, please consider attending the final meeting in this first phase of the boundary review process. The Region 1 meeting will take place Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m.,in the Madison High School cafeteria. Register today. If you are unable to participate, stay tuned for details about virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings coming early next year.

View FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

4910 Willet Drive, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.764.5600
Attendance: 703.764.5656 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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Cougar Calendar

December 9th: &Pizza Restaurant Night (flyer below)

December 12th: Strings Concert 6:30 PM

December 13th: InCourage Martial Art's Parent's Night Out!    4:00-6:00 PM

December 15th: AAP Full Time referrals due 

December 16th: Band Concert 6:30 PM

December 23rd-January 3rd: Winter Break-Student Holiday

January 14th: Chorus Concert 6:30 PM

January 20th: Martin Luther King, Jr’s Birthday- Student Holiday

January 23rd: Family Book Club 8:15 AM (library) 

January 24th: Family Culture Night 6:00 PM 

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

During Inclusive Schools Week, students expressed their feelings of belonging by completing the sentence stem 'I feel included when...' on cougar paws. These paw-sitive messages will be displayed in our main hallway!

Notes from the Administration

Dear CWES Families,

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. It is hard to believe we only have 10 school days until winter break. We have a variety of fun activities happening, so be sure to look through this entire newsletter!

This past week we celebrated Inclusive Schools Week (December 2-6). Throughout the week, CWES highlighted the diversity of our school community by celebrating the theme “Every Voice Matters.” This theme emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the unique perspectives and experiences of all students. Ask your students what they learned this week!

 

The SCA will be collecting donations to make Care Kits for the Ronald McDonald House of Northern Virginia. Items will be collected now through December 18th, and they will be organized to create Care Kits to bring some comfort and joy to the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House located on the Inova Fairfax campus. Please see flyer for a list of needed items. 

 

Family Culture Night

CWES will host Family Culture Night on Friday, January 24th from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Please share your family’s culture and traditions with the CWES community! All families and cultures are welcome!

• The culture of your home country
• The culture of the country or countries of your ancestral heritage or that you’ve lived in or visited
• The culture of a city or state in the U.S. where you have lived or visited
• Your family’s traditions and celebrations
• Any culture to which you feel connected!

If you would like to share about your family’s culture, Please fill out the Google Form by Friday, January 10th. If you have any questions, contact Mona Mouneimne at [email protected].

 

Have a wonderful weekend,

Leslie Malkowski, Kristi McGeehan, and Mindy Milliron

CWES Administrative Team

AAP Full Time Referrals

Reminder:  Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Andrea Warren ([email protected]) and Erin Quinn ([email protected]) no later than December 15, 2024. 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Andrea Warren ([email protected]) and Erin Quinn ([email protected]).

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Family Book Club 2nd Quarter!

 

Join us for the Quarter 2 Family Book Club: CWES Loves Food on Thursday, January 23rd at 8:15 am in the library and/or art room. An adult must be in attendance with their student. 

Students and families can choose from one of 2 books: the picture book: Lunch from Home or the chapter book: A Place at the Table. Families are encouraged to read the books alongside their students. You can sign up using the flyer found in Tuesday Folders or the following link: CWES Family Book Club - Quarter 2.

Please contact Mona Mouneimne ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

SEL Screener Results

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Available in SIS ParentVUE

Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of October, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.

For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.

Middle School Start Time Study

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

Bodhi Day, Friday, December 8, is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali.

 

Looking for unique gifts this holiday season? Look out for brochures from Display My Art (which have already come home or will next week). You can purchase gifts decorated with your child's art, with proceeds benefitting the Canterbury Woods PTA.

**Free shipping has been extended until Dec. 13!**

If you have questions or don't receive a brochure with your student's personal order code by Tuesday afternoon, you can reach out to Erica Silverstein at [email protected].

Woodson HS Winter Wonderland for Families!

4910 Willet Drive, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.764.5600
Attendance: 703.764.5656 | Web | Twitter