WWES Friday Updates 2/27/2026

February 27, 2026

Dear Waynewood Owls,

I hope you all enjoyed the unexpected "gift" of a snow day this past Monday! Despite the shorter week, the halls of Waynewood have been buzzing with energy and the joy of learning.

Our 3rd graders had a fantastic adventure this week as they traveled to the Museum of Natural History. Field trips are a wonderful opportunity for students  to explore the exhibits and deepen  understanding of the world around them. Trips like these are so vital for sparking a lifelong love of discovery, and I want to thank our teachers and parent chaperones for making the experience so seamless.

Looking ahead, we are getting ready for one of my favorite times of the year: Read Across America Week! To celebrate the joy of reading, we have a full week of spirit days planned for next week. On Monday, students can wear their favorite sports jersey. Tuesday is a chance to dress for your favorite holiday or celebration. On Wednesday, let’s show our Owl pride by wearing Waynewood gear or our school colors. Thursday is a day for Red, White, and Blue, and we will wrap up the week on Friday with Silly Socks Day!

Speaking of reading, our Spring Book Fair is fast approaching, running from March 9-13. The PTA is currently looking for volunteers to help make this event a success. If you have a few hours to spare, please consider signing up for a shift. The book fair is a direct benefit to our school library, providing the funds we need to purchase new, diverse reading materials that keep our students excited about picking up a book.

Finally, I am thrilled to announce that sign-ups for the Running is Elementary program are now open. This is a special tradition where student-athletes from West Potomac come to Waynewood to coach our students in various track events. It is a wonderful way for our kids to build confidence and fitness, all leading up to a spirited track meet at West Potomac where we compete in a friendly atmosphere against neighboring schools. It is truly a community highlight! Please see more information about registering below. 

Wishing you all a restful and happy weekend!

Sincerely,

Katie Cachine, Principal

Alyssa Bonner, Assistant Principal

Allison Ovalle, Assistant Principal


Kiss and Ride Procedures

We have seen some new faces in Kiss and Ride, so we wanted to take a moment to review the Kiss and Ride procedures for those who may be new to using this system. 

Kiss-and-Ride will be through the parking lot area (see photo below) and will begin promptly at 8:55 a.m. At that time, staff members will arrive to ensure student safety as they exit the vehicles.  Please do not drop students off before 8:55 a.m.  There is no passing other cars while in the Kiss and Ride line, unless directed by school staff. There is no cell phone use in the Kiss and Ride line.

Please make sure your child can enter and exit your car from the passenger side.  We do not want students to walk around your car to enter or exit, as this creates a dangerous situation.

Please make sure your child can buckle themselves in (and out).  Staff is not able to help buckle students in their seats. If you need to help them, please pull up out of the Kiss and Ride Lane and to the side so that our Kiss and Ride can continue to flow smoothly. Please do not get out of your car while in the Kiss and Ride lane. 

Please note that there is no left turn available into Kiss and Ride from Waynewood Blvd.  Cars should go around the block to enter and Kiss and Ride from the other direction.  

 

Kiss and Ride traffic flow

National School Social Work Week

March 2-8 is National School Social Work Week. 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.

Waynewood's school social worker is Nona Bowers. We are grateful for the work she does to support the Waynewood community!

 Learn more about the role of social workers in FCPS.


The Book Fair is March 9-13

Book Fair Flyer

The Waynewood Elementary School Book Fair is March 9-13. 

The hours on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will be 9:30am-5:00pm.

The late night will be Tuesday from 9:30am-7:00pm.  Please use Door 9.

You are add to your child's eWallet here

Please email Valerie Krause with any questions (vkrause@fcps.edu). 


Read Across America Week

Read Across America Week is Next Week! The theme is "Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Learners".   We will have Spirit Days all week to celebrate.  

Monday- Wear a sports jersey

Tuesday-Dress for your favorite holiday or celebration

Wednesday-Wear Waynewood gear or school colors

Thursday-Wear Red, White and Blue

Friday-Wear Silly Socks


Celebrating the Power of School Breakfast

Multiple studies show that school breakfast is important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Also, students who eat school breakfast consume more fruit and fiber than their peers. 

This National School Breakfast Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback. 

Would you like to know what’s for breakfast? View Nutrition Services’ printable menus.


Montessori Program: 2026-27 Lottery Application Now Open

The West Potomac Pyramid Montessori Program at Bucknell ES is now accepting applications for Pre-K and Kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year.

  • The Approach: Multi-age classrooms focused on discovery, independence, and hands-on learning.
  • No Tuition: New PreK students will attend tuition-free for the 2026-27 school year.
  • Key Dates: The lottery is now open. Apply by March 20 for initial consideration.
  • Eligibility: Open to eligible students living in the West Potomac Pyramid.

 

Explore the program and apply today at www.fcps.edu/montessori

 

Questions? Email Montessori@fcps.edu


Pre-K and Early Head Start 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 who will be 3 years old by September 30 of the same year.
  • Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from pregnancy to 2 years old.

Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Space is limited and provided based on need, not on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applications are accepted online, by email, by mail, or in person at the program 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).


National Women’s History Month

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


Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on: 

Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.


Running is Elementary

Running is Elementary Registration is Open!
Register HERE
Volunteer Sign Up HERE

Running is Elementary is back for spring 2026. Practices will begin early April and the track meets will take place May. Registration will close Friday, March 27th. More information about the program and registration is on the PTA website here.


News From the PTA

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