The Panda Periodical

Melissa Maestle, Principal

Michael "Todd" Fannin, Assistant Principal

Frederick Douglass Elementary School

100 W. Cedarmeade Ave.

Winchester, Va 22655

ph. 540-662-7656

• September 2nd - Schools closed for holiday
• September 3rd - No school for students - teacher PD day

Please see the flier below for information on this fall's attendance challenge.

Our Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) will be hosting family sessions quarterly this year. September 17th is our first family session, specifically aimed at working with parents/guardians of K-8 students with disabilities. This session will help families understand how the new Reading program being used by WPS will impact students with disabilities. See the flier attached for more information

We still have several parents who have either not completed the required forms in Power School or who have completed incorrect forms. These forms are essential for us to have the correct information about your child. Please verify that forms are completed and correct ASAP.

A link to the forms is provided below

Our division has implemented a new notification system, BrightArrow, for emergencies, delays/cancellations, and important updates. To ensure you receive these alerts, please opt in by texting YES to 79041. Your phone number must be on file with the school to receive messages. Once opted in, you'll receive confirmation from BrightArrow. Thank you for helping us keep you informed!

This year, we are experiencing a significant increase in the number of families using the car rider line. To ensure this process is as efficient and safe as possible for everyone, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Consider Bus Transportation: If your child can take the bus, please opt for that option to help reduce congestion.
• Pull Forward: When dropping off your child, please pull your car as far forward as possible to minimize the number of vehicles waiting on the road.
• Remain in Your Vehicle: Do not exit your car. Our staff will assist your child with getting out of the vehicle.
• Prepare for Quick Exits: As you enter the parking lot, have your child unbuckled, with backpacks and lunches ready, and say your goodbyes. This will help them exit the vehicle quickly when it’s their turn.
• Encourage Independence: If your child is capable of walking safely down the sidewalk, they can exit the car without waiting for a staff member to open the door.
• Practice Patience and Respect: Please be patient and considerate of other families. Unacceptable behavior or unsafe driving will not be tolerated.

Remember that using the car rider line is a privilege. Families who do not follow these guidelines or fail to cooperate with FDES staff will lose the privilege of using the car rider line for the remainder of the year.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Due to the necessity to replace the existing old water and sewer pipes, Winchester City will be closing National Avenue to through traffic from the traffic circle at the Timbrook Police Station to the intersection with North Pleasant Valley Road (see attached map). The project will begin September 3, 2024 and should take about 4 months. Please be aware we anticipate travel disruptions for WPS bus transportation. Woodstock Lane will be established as the detour route during the project for through traffic. We appreciate your patience as we navigate this disruption to schedules and the associated traffic. New bus stop locations for students living on or near National Avenue, that require a new stop to get to their bus, will be sent home by Wednesday August 28, 2024

If you would like to receive weekly food bags from Bright Futures, you need to complete the bright green form and send it with their child to school.