WFES News You Choose, Friday, February 14, 2025
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In this Week's Issue...- Important Upcoming Dates
- Letter from the Principal
- PTA Spelling Bee Winners
- Addressing School Boundary Rumors
- ❄️Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings
- 🤧 Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu
- Internet Safety Presentation
- Ramadan Observance
- 2/19 - Inaugural Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration at Woodson
- Frost Family Festival - February 20
- Family Culture Night - February 27
- T-shirt Deadline Extended to 3/4!
- 2/22 - Truro Parkland Cleanup with the WFES Green Team
- Student Experience Survey G3-6
- 3/4 - Registration Opens for Magnet School Application and Lottery Information
- Save the Date! New Building Open House - April 9th
- Order WFES Yearbook Today Deadline 4/21
- 🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
- Fairfax County Government Department of Family Services
- 5/17 - Register Now for TJ TECHSTRAVAGANZA
- Get Your Free Tree!
- Give Wakefield Forest a Follow!
- Contact Us
February 17: Presidents Day - School Holiday / No School
February 19: Picture Day for Clubs/Candids
February 22: Green Team - Parkland Cleanup @Truro
February 27: WFES Family Culture Night - 6:30 pm
March 10: Three Hour Early Release
Letter from the PrincipalDear Wakefield Forest Families,
Whether you were rooting for the Eagles, Chiefs or just the half time show on Sunday it was an interesting way to end the season. Growing up locally I’ve been a home team fan since watching the Redskins as an elementary schooler. The game reminded me that we can’t always predict what will happen.
We know that there is a lot of instability in the world and in our own community right now. We have families worried about potential changes to our school boundaries, fear of a family member losing their job and potential impacts from changes in government practices.
We are here to support your family if you are experiencing a challenging time. If you or your child needs support, please reach out to any adult with whom you feel comfortable.
Thank you.
Sharyn Prindle
Principal
PTA Spelling Bee WinnersThis year's WFES PTA Spelling Bee was such an amazing display of spelling by so many fantastic students from grades 3-6, and went 21 rounds! The last 7 rounds were a back and forth between the two finalists...and Meena from Mr. Impens' 6th grade class came out on top. Runner up went to Mihir, also from Mr. Impens' class. Congrats to all students who participated on a job well done! Thank you to Ms. Amy Rapuano (pictured with Meena and Mihir) for continuing to run a fantastic spelling bee each year, and to everyone who helped make the event possible.
Addressing School Boundary RumorsThis information was shared in Rachna Sizemore-Heizer's newsletter:
First, I want to try to address rumors and misinformation circulating throughout the community regarding the Boundary Review Project.
Please understand there have been no formal discussions about scenarios, maps, or specific changes to any boundaries thus far. There are no secret maps nor are there imminent plans to change boundaries. The consultant, the Superintendent, and the Advisory Committee are still gathering information and community feedback and working through the process. I encourage you to share your thoughts and concerns and stay up-to-date on the project by signing up for the Boundary Project newsletter.
The project is still in the data collection/public engagement phase.
The tentative timeline is as follows:
- First round of draft scenarios by June, followed by additional public input on those draft scenarios.
- The consultant will then create updated draft scenarios taking into account that public input in the fall/early winter of 2025. These would be made publicly available.
- The board approval process would be completed in the spring of 2026.
- You can see the full consultant’s timeline (slide 5, page 11) and presentation.
No decisions have been made about potential changes, nor are any decisions imminent.
You can find more information about the process, the School Board policy guiding it, and opportunities for public engagement on the Boundary Project website.
FCPS is in a 42 year school renovation cycle, which is well beyond the best practices of 25 years and we need to maximize the use of our resources and minimize the use of trailers. This is the first time in four decades that boundaries have been looked at holistically across the county. We are hoping to address capacity concerns, shorten transportation times (and thus allow for better student sleep), keep neighborhoods together to promote student and family engagement, and improve access to programming. In addition, I hope this review will open the door to the possibilities of new programs and better access to educational opportunities and advancements.
The goal of this boundary review is not to undo changes of the past nor change boundaries just for the sake of changing boundaries. The purpose is to take a holistic and county wide look at school boundaries to best set us up for the future. We are committed to doing our best to minimize the impact on students, keep communities together, and work together and transparently with the community throughout this review process.
❄️Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/ClosingsWatch 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.
🤧 Protect Yourself and Your Community From the FluFairfax 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.
Internet Safety PresentationThank you to those who braved the slushy snow to attend the Internet Safety Presentation!
We have created a Digital Citizenship for Families page on the WFES website under family resources. There you can find a copy of the presentation, family media agreements, and so much more.
Ramadan ObservanceAs we prepare for Ramadan, we want to ensure we are meeting the needs of our students and families while maintaining a structured and consistent school environment. Please complete this form to let us know how we can support your child during Ramadan.
Direct link to form: https://forms.gle/1497ympAQpy8RhXk6
2/19 - Inaugural Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration at WoodsonThe Office of the Chief Equity Officer invites you to join us for our Inaugural Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration!
Theme: “From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future”
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 (rescheduled from February 5) Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Join us for a reception with light refreshments at 5:30 PM. Formal program begins at 6:00 PM. Location: Carter G. Woodson High School 123 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22031
Together, we will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. Our celebration will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. This promises to be a memorable evening for students, staff, families, and community members! Let's honor our past and shape a brighter future together!
Frost Family Festival - February 20We hope you can join us in-person, for our Frost Family Festival that takes place on February 20th from 5:30-7:30 PM at Frost Middle School.
All rising 7th graders and their families are invited. This is an open house format with no formal presentation. Families may come at any time and visit locations of interest.
The Frost PTA is offering one and two-slice pizza meals (including 1 drink and 1 baked item) and whole pizzas are available for PRE-PAID order. The PTA will also be selling Frost spirit wear in the lobby!
You may use our online payment option for meal purchase and/or PTA
donation: www.frostmspta.org
NOTE: This is a free event, food pre-orders are ONLY required if you are
planning to have a meal at this event.
We are excited to host our third annual Family Culture Night on Thursday, February 27th from 6:30 - 8:00 PM.
We're proud of the many diverse cultures that make up our WFES community and look forward to celebrating them together. We hope you will participate by attending and/or volunteering your time/talent.
- Food and Displays 6:30 - 7:45 PM
- Performance Spot Lights 6:30 - 8:00 PM
A flyer with information and request for RSVP came home in your child's Thursday folder this week. We need volunteers to help and bring food to make this event a success, please click the link below. https://forms.gle/3ETAaUbqnA2TU38V7
T-shirt Deadline Extended to 3/4!We have extended the deadline for you to order the First Annual GREEN TEAM shirt to March 4th! 🌿💚
This shirt is our way to synergize, motivate and unite the entire school around these important goals. By wearing it, you’re showing your commitment to the cause and helping us build momentum for change!
Get2Green Team Group Order Form - Sign Up Today!
Spread the word! Share the link with friends, family, and neighbors to help us meet the goal!
Together, we can make a BIG difference! 💪👕
2/22 - Truro Parkland Cleanup with the WFES Green TeamThe Truro Parkland Committee will be having its winter clean up on Saturday, February 22nd. Join your WFES Green Team friends as we help with this effort. Meet at the clubhouse at 4146 Elizabeth Lane and bring water, clippers and gloves. Help keep our community clean! Contact Mary Muratore- [email protected] or Julie Howard - [email protected] if you have any questions.
Student Experience Survey G3-6Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.
We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 24, and Friday, March 7. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose.
We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the five equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.
3/4 - Registration Opens for Magnet School Application and Lottery InformationThe Magnet Program registration window will open Tuesday, March 4, 2025, and close Friday, April 4, 2025. No late applications are accepted.
To learn more about the programs and the registration process, families are encouraged to attend one of the Parent Information Nights:
- Hunters Woods Elementary, February 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. (In-person)
- Location is Hunters Woods Elementary School
- Bailey’s Primary Elementary School and Bailey’s Upper Elementary School, February 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. (In-person)
- Location is at Bailey’s Primary Elementary School
-
Click here Magnet School Lottery for more information.
We are nearing the end of our renovation and planning for an open house for the full community on the evening of April 9th. Stay tuned for more information!
Order WFES Yearbook Today Deadline 4/21Don't wait...it is time to order your child's WFES 2024-25 yearbook. Cost is $14.00.
Deadline for yearbook ordering is April 21st.
Click on the link to order now: Order HERE
🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, between January and May. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school.
Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.
Fairfax County Government Department of Family ServicesThe Parenting Education Programs is enrolling participants in virtual and in-person classes for the winter. Check online for more information about our class for parents of 5-11 year olds beginning Feb. 27th and other upcoming classes in English and Spanish. Please visit our website for more information.
Heating Help and Other Crisis Supports from Common Help. If you are facing a heating emergency, Common Help can help with heating equipment repairs, fuel costs, and utility bills. Assistance is available for households with no heat or at risk of losing heat.
5/17 - Register Now for TJ TECHSTRAVAGANZAWe represent the leadership of Tomorrow’s Women in Science and Technology (TWIST), a student organization at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). Each year, we promote STEM through our annual flagship outreach event, Techstravaganza
Techstravaganza is a free, public, hands-on STEM activity fair for elementary and middle school students in Northern Virginia. In previous years, we've hosted more than 4,500 students and 70 labs presenting STEM activities. Our exhibitors range from TJHSST clubs and our own TWIST volunteers to organizations like NASA SCaN, Art of Problem Solving, George Mason University, American Society of Naval Engineers, and the National Air and Space Museum. This year, we will be holding the 21st annual Techstravaganza on Saturday, May 17, 2024 from 10 AM to 4 PM at TJHSST.
Admission is free, food will be for sale, and we hope that you can spread the word in your school. Here is our registration link: https://tinyurl.com/techstrav25
Get Your Free Tree!This spring, the WFES Green Team is thrilled to announce our participation in Neighborhood Forest's 16th Annual Free Tree Program as part of our Earth Week celebrations.
Learn more about this awesome opportunity and register to receive a free tree by going to the link below!
WFES Free Trees for Earth Day!
Give Wakefield Forest a Follow! Contact UsAttendance: 703-503-2323 or [email protected]
Health Room: 703-503-2310
Family Information Phone Lines/Support for families who do not speak English as their first language: Family Information Phone Lines
Technology Support: Resources for Families Using FCPS Technology
Principal: Sharyn Prindle [email protected]
Assistant Principal: Amy Williams [email protected]
WFES PTA: HOME
4011 Iva Lane, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.503.2300
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