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May 15, 2026
Dear Waynewood Families,
We officially crossed a major finish line this week as we concluded SOL testing with our 5th-grade Science and Algebra assessments! To our students in grades 3 through 6: congratulations! We know how much effort you poured into these exams, and we are so incredibly proud of your stamina and hard work. While these scores provide one snapshot of learning, they can never fully capture the kindness, creativity, and spirit you bring to our school every day. At the same time, our K–2 Owls are currently participating in their End of Year assessments. Our youngest learners have grown tremendously since they walked through our doors last August.
Beyond the classroom, our second graders had a field trip adventure this week at Huntley Meadows Park. They spent the day exploring the wetlands and learning about our local wildlife firsthand. There is nothing quite like spotting a heron or a turtle in its natural habitat! That same energy is carrying into this evening, as our 3rd–6th grade students in the Running is Elementary program head to West Potomac High School for their track meet. If you see a student in their running gear today, please give them a "hoot" of encouragement!
Our PTA held their elections this week, and I am thrilled to welcome our new board for the 2026–2027 school year. Please join me in congratulating Stephanie Angle (President), Meghan Matteson (Vice President), Erin Fegely (Secretary), and Rachel DeMarco (Treasurer). We are looking forward to a fantastic year ahead under your leadership. I also want to extend a deeply heartfelt thank you to our outgoing board members, Mary Frances Daly and Sara Samford. Your tireless dedication, late nights, and unwavering support of our Owls have left a lasting legacy at Waynewood. We truly appreciate everything you have done for us.
As we look toward the fall, we are still seeking volunteers for two vital roles. If you have a rising 6th grader, we are looking for a dedicated individual to lead our 6th Grade Committee to help make our oldest Owls' final year unforgettable. We are also seeking a Military Family Liaison to help support and welcome our many connected families. If you feel called to serve in either capacity, please reach out to the PTA.
Thank you for being such an integral part of our nest. I hope to see many of you at the track tonight cheering on our runners!
Sincerely,
Katie Cachine, Principal
Alyssa Bonner, Assistant Principal
On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.
This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell.
High school students will no longer be able to use cellphones and personal devices during lunchtime. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.
Other SR&R Changes for the 2026-27 School Year
Visit the FCPS website or the School Board agenda to learn about additional updates, including:
- Added guidance and procedures for in-school and out-of-school suspensions and discipline investigations, including supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners.
- Expanded guidance and standardized disciplinary procedures (“Universal Grade Matrices”) related to harassment, hate speech, discriminatory behavior, and Title IX reporting requirements.
- Responses to incidents involving intimate images, fighting, physical aggression, object throwing, and drug policy violations.
On Friday, May 8, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid provided an update on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget. FCPS receives the majority of its funding from the Fairfax County Government and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Fairfax County Government recently adopted its FY 2027 Budget, and at the funding levels provided, there is currently a $28 million budget gap. In addition, the state budget has not been finalized. At last Thursday's School Board meeting, the superintendent proposed adjustments that would balance the FCPS budget.
Read Dr. Reid’s message to the community for more information on the budget process and budget priorities.
Thank you to everyone who supported the Waynewood PTA this year! We truly couldn’t do it without our amazing volunteers, families, and staff who help make our school community so special.
We’re looking for volunteers for our final event of the year — International Night! Sign up to help here: International Night Volunteer Sign-Up
We’re also starting to plan for next year and are looking for volunteers for several PTA roles, including Bingo Co-Chair, Junior Spelling Bee Chair, Military Families Liaison, Sixth Grade Committee, Back to School Picnic Committee, and School Supplies Co-Chair (Spring 2027). Interested in helping? Let us know here: PTA Volunteer Interest Form
Questions? Contact Mary Frances Daly at president@waynewoodpta.org.
Wednesday, May 20: 3 Hour Early Release
Thursday, May 21:PTA International Night
Friday, May 22: SCA Spirit Day--Disney Day
Monday, May 25:Wednesday May 27-No School for Students
June 17-Last Day of School for Students, 2 hour early dismissal
See the complete school year calendar
West Potomac Boys Basketball Camp
July 6-10 9 am- 3 pm ( Ages 6-16)- $225
July 20-24 9 am- 3 pm (Ages 6-16)- $225
July 27-29 10 am- 2 pm (Ages 12-16)- $150
Registration: https://www.supportwestpotomac.com/summer-camps.html
- To increase skill level & develop as an individual player
- 5-on-5 League Competitions
- Campers grouped by age and ability levels
- 1 on 1 competition
- Individual and Team awards
- Camp T-Shirt
- Shooting games & competitions
- A chance to play one-on-one with and be taught by the current & former West Potomac players
- Enjoy the game of basketball and HAVE FUN!!!
Basketball Camp will be held at West Potomac HS in the main gym and aux gym
Camp Directors: David J. Houston III and Tyrone Strother
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