April 24, 2026

Dear Waynewood Owls,

This week was one for the Arts! 

Last weekend we had 8 sixth grade students participate in the All County Choir concert.  These students were selected to represent our school along with student representatives from all other FCPS schools.  Thank you to  Mrs. Sandy Becker, one of our general music teachers, for her efforts to prepare these students for this wonderful opportunity. 

Our school was also well-represented this week at the West Potomac Pyramid Art Show, and I must say, the level of talent on display was truly amazing. It was a joy to see the pride beaming from our students' faces as they stood beside their masterpieces, showing off their hard work to family and friends. This wonderful showcase would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of our art teachers, Mrs. Natalie Thomas and Mrs. Janet Laisch. Their passion for fostering creativity and providing a safe space for self-expression is a gift to our school community. Thank you, Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Laisch, for helping our students find their unique voices through art.

Our third graders also had an adventure to remember this week as they traveled into the city for a field trip to the National Zoo. These experiences outside the classroom walls are so vital for sparking curiosity about the natural world, and I am so grateful to our teachers and parent chaperones for making this trip such a seamless and educational success.

Looking ahead, I want to make sure you have a very special date marked on your calendars. Wednesday, May 6, is "Walk, Bike, or Roll to School Day!" This event encourages healthy habits and gives us a chance to appreciate the beautiful neighborhood we call home. We encourage all of our families to participate if you are able. Whether you are lace-up your sneakers, hopping on a bicycle, or grabbing a scooter, it is a wonderful way to start the school day with fresh air and a sense of community spirit. For those who live a bit further away, perhaps you can park a few blocks away and walk the final stretch to join in the fun!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Katie Cachine, Principal

Alyssa Bonner, Assistant Principal

Grades 3-6 SOL Testing Dates

Thursday, April 30-Grades 3 and 4 Reading SOL

Friday, May 1-Grades 5 and 6 Reading SOL

Wednesday, May 6- Grade 3 Math and Grade 4 (Gagliardi, Garcia, Thompson) Math

Thursday, May 7-Grades 5 and 6 Math, Lafayette (4) Math

Thursday, May 14-Grade 5 Science

Thursday, May 28-Wednesday, June 3-Expedited Retakes

Last Chance for a Yearbook!

The Waynewood Yearbook can be purchased directly from Lifetouch at ybpay.Lifetouch.com through Monday, April 27, 2026. 

Use code 14417526 or search for “Waynewood” on the Lifetouch ordering website. The cost for a yearbook is $15.25. Lifetouch offers packages for inserts at an additional cost.  

Please spread the word, yearbook sales close on Monday, April 27, 2026. To secure your copy, order by April 27!

We do not order extra copies of the yearbook, so don't miss out!

If you have questions about the yearbook, please email Janet Laisch at jclaisch@fcps.edu. 

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th Graders

The following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year. 

All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 

• To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
• To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
• To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 to 12 or as early as 9 years old. 
•  As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.

All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older. 

Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.

Immunization Events for FCPS StudentsFCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. 

Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available. 

Class Placement Feedback Form

Many parents/guardians are interested in having a role in their child’s class placement. You have the best overall knowledge of your children and their unique traits. The class placement process is approached very carefully and thoroughly.  In order to provide the best environment for students, we seek input from both staff and parents/guardians.  Please share your thoughts on the needs of your child by answering the questions in this form. When completing the form, I ask that you:

• Share the qualities of a teacher and classroom environment that would best meet your child’s needs.  

• Let us know if you feel that your child should be separated from another student, we will take that request into consideration.  Please remember that best friends do not necessarily belong in the same instructional group. • PLEASE DO NOT REQUEST A TEACHER BY NAME. We cannot honor requests for specific teachers.

•     Please do not include negative information about past teachers, as the teachers may read these forms when assisting with class assignments.   If you are interested in sharing this information, please complete the form below and submit it by May 15, 2026.

There are many factors that are considered when classes are formed.  We consider the parent/guardian  information when making class placement decisions, but cannot guarantee that all parent/guardian requests can be honored.

Use this Google Form to submit your feedback.

Our Office of the Ombuds Is at Your Service!

Ombuds staff engage with FCPS staff, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Ombuds staff do not make or change decisions, policies, or regulations. They do not take sides, and they do not provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may submit a question.

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