Woodburn Newsletter - September 11, 2026

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9.11

On the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we remember and honor the victims, families, heroes, and survivors of 9/11, and the courage and determination of our nation's first responders. #NeverForget


Upcoming Events

September 10 - PTA Membership Meeting, 6:30 – 8:00pm

September 15 - Back to School Night, 6:00 - 7:30pm 

September 18 - PTA, Sate Food Truck 

September 21 - No school - Yom Kippur

September 23 - AAP Continuum of Services, 5:30 - 6:30pm, Woodburn Library

September 25 - Hispanic Heritage Festival, 5:30 - 7:30pm

September 30 - 3-Hour Early Release Wednesday

October 12 - No School, Student Holiday 

October 14 - Full-Time AAP Identification, 5:30 - 6:30pm, Woodburn Library

October 16 - PTA, Egyptian Food Truck 


Woodburn Happenings and Highlights

Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30

The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.

Families, please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.  

Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.


Cellphones and Personal Devices

Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device. Learn more about the student device requirement.


Schools Build Belonging so Students Can Thrive

What does belonging look like in our school? At Woodburn ES, we are creating inclusive, supportive environments where every student feels known, valued, and connected — the second goal of the Strategic Plan. From mentoring to cross-grade collaboration, when students feel safe and supported, they can truly thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice at FCPS. 


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Students enjoyed spending time with our therapy dog, bringing smiles, comfort, and joy to the school day!


The Importance of the Flu Vaccine

As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, the health and well-being of our students continues to be one of our priorities. Staying up to date with your child's flu vaccination helps:

  • Reduce School Absences: Keeping students healthy means more time spent learning and engaging with peers.
  • Protect the Community: Vaccination helps shield vulnerable family members and neighbors from seasonal illness.
  • Support Overall Wellness: Routine flu shots are a key component of a proactive student health plan.

Upcoming Flu Shot Events

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will be taking place at designated FCPS locations. Additional 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.


Student ID Cards for Woodburn ES Bus Riders

Beginning Monday, September 14, students who ride the school bus will have a student ID card attached to their backpack.

Students who have student ID cards should begin tapping as they board and exit the bus. Only students who use FCPS transportation services will be provided with a student ID card at this time.

We ask for your patience! Bus drivers will begin checking in students and may need some extra time at each bus stop while they do this. The transportation team is working hard to minimize any potential delays.

Learn more about the bus navigation and student ID cards.


Importance of Strong Attendance Habits

September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways parents can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include:

  • Setting a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
  • Laying out clothes and packing backpacks the night before.
  • Talking to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning, if they seem anxious about going to school.
  • Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
  • Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.

If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies. 


⏰ Early Release Days for Elementary Schools 

​​​​​​​While we anticipate that most students will be dismissed at 1:05 on early release Wednesdays, we recognize that some families may require childcare. These students will be supervised by school-based staff. No new instruction will take place, as after-school care is strictly supervision.

In order to help us prepare for early release Wednesday’s, we are requesting that families complete our Woodburn Early Release Wednesday Form. Our form includes additional information about student dismissal that will help us in our planning. Your response will be updated by the school in the Parent Digital Consent system. Our Early Release Wednesday days are:

  • September 30
  • November 18
  • January 13
  • April 7

Families need to make their selection by Monday, September 14, to receive care for all early release Wednesdays.

Thank you for your support in helping us plan for Early Release Wednesday's. 


Remember to Complete Permission Forms for School Resources

Families can now easily grant consent for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account login. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of a variety of resources, including online educational tools, school counseling services, and more.

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool

Opt In or Out to Student Devices Being Sent Home for Grades 1-6

New this year, families can opt out of having student laptops sent home with their student. 

  • If you do not want your student to bring their FCPS-issued device home, please toggle the Opt Out button to a check mark and confirm by pressing Save Selection.
  • If you would like your student to bring their FCPS device home, no toggle action is needed. Confirm by pressing Save Selection. 

Students whose families opt out will continue to have access to an FCPS-issued device during the school day. Please reach out to your student’s teacher to understand expectations for homework and any learning activities that may require access to technology outside of the school day.


Advanced Academic Programs

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K-12 and is designed to match services to each student’s unique academic needs.

Identification for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services occurs throughout the school year. Full-Time AAP services have two identification cycles:

  • Fall identification: Students in grades 3-7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15, 2026.
  • Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2-7 may be referred by December 15, 2026.

FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration in the holistic identification process for AAP services.

  • All students in Grade 2 take the Naglieri General Ability Tests (NGAT).
  • Students in Grades 3-6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
  • Students in Grades 3-6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Kelley Dauberman, krdauberman@fcps.edu, and Jessica Nelson, jnnelson@fcps.edu, the School Co - Testing Coordinators by September 30.

Families are invited to attend two AAP information meetings, led by Mrs. Khan our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART):

  • AAP Continuum of Services: Wednesday, September 23 at 5:30 -6:30 in the Woodburn Library. Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students.
  • Full-Time AAP Identification: Wednesday, October 14 at 5:30 - 6:30 in the Woodburn Library. Families will learn about the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Khan, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher , at nhkhan@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website


6th Annual Walkathon for Your Neighbors

Saturday, September 19 | Check-In: 8:30am

The 2Twenty Club invites families to participate in a two-mile walk at Burke Lake Park! The registration fee is $10 per person, and various raffle prizes will be available. All proceeds will help provide weekend meals for children from families in need. Please see the flyer below for registration and additional details.

walk

Woodburn PTA

CKN

Students enjoyed a delicious meal together during our Clean Kitchen Night at Silver Diner!


Chipotle

Clean Kitchen Night at Chipotle in Mosaic District

Tuesday, October 6th | 5:00-9:00pm

Skip the cooking and join us for PTA Clean Kitchen Night at Chipotle in Mosaic District. Bring the whole family, invite friends, and enjoy a delicious meal while giving back. 25% of sales are donated back to the PTA! Please order online for pickup using the code CTNBBCM or show the flyer when ordering in the restaurant.


Be Part of Something Special - Join Our PTA!

Our PTA brings families, teachers, and staff together to support our students and strengthen our school community. Whether you can volunteer often, help occasionally, or simply become a member, everyone is welcome and every contribution matters. Together, we can create meaningful experiences and make Woodburn an even more special place for our students and families.

Please click here to join today! 


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2nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival 

Friday, September 25 | 5:30–7:30pm

The PTA is excited to welcome families to our 2nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival! Come celebrate with an alpaca petting experience, inflatable obstacle course, crafts, a dance performance, a parade of traditional clothing, and more! Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Bus Transportation: Families should meet at the Fairmont Gardens main office entrance at 5:15pm. The bus will make additional trips to Woodburn as needed. Return transportation from Woodburn to Fairmont Gardens will begin at 7:30pm, with additional trips provided if needed.


FCPS Be in the Know

Superintendent Community Conversations

Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events: