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

January

• 20th - Schools Closed for Holiday
• 24th - 100th Day of School

We want to make sure you’re staying informed about important updates from Winchester Public Schools. Our district communicates with parents via text messages and phone calls.

In July, WPS sent out a text offering parents the option to sign up for this communication service. If you did not sign up at that time, you are currently not receiving these updates.

If you missed the opportunity to sign up earlier, we’re offering another chance now! On January 17th, we sent a text with instructions on how to sign up for the service. If you’re not currently enrolled, please check for the message and follow the easy steps to sign up.

Parents who are already signed up did not receive the January message, so no action is required.

Check out the fliers below for information on our Literacy Glow Night. This will be a fun WPS event that will be held at DMIS. Come support Ms. Bailey and Ms. Anderson who will be hosting the event.

Ms. Gonzales' class had a blast making the most of the recent cold weather by creating snow volcanoes! It was a fun, hands-on activity that the students really enjoyed, and they were thrilled to watch the exciting results!

Nurse Joyner is in need of donations for her clothes closet. Our primary need is pants for both boys and girls but tops will also be helpful. If you have clothes that your child no longer uses and you would be willing to donate them, please send them to school with your child, or drop them off in the front office. While we appreciate donations we are only looking for specific items. Please see the list below of what can accept. Once items are sent in, Nurse Joyner will go through the items. She will keep items that she needs and send items that we do not need, back home with your child. We appreciate your help with this!

What we need:

• Pants that are stretchy: sweatpants, leggings, pants with an elastic waste
• Shirts for both boys and girls
• Clothes should be clean and in good condition with not major rips or stains

What we don't need

• Jeans
• Shoes
• Dress Clothes
• Socks or Underwear
• Bathing Suits
• Clothes that are not in good condition

It's time to order your child’s yearbook for the 2024-2025 school year! Last week, students brought home information and order forms. Right now, the yearbook costs $10. After February 13th, the price will go up to $12, and the last day to order is March 18th.

You can order the yearbook online or through the school office. If you choose to order through the office, please return the order form along with the payment. Cash is preferred, but checks are also accepted. We kindly ask for exact cash.

Don’t miss out on this special keepsake!

Winchester Public Schools will be hosting a family session that will focus on assisting families of children with disabilities in navigating the process of supporting their children in their transition from school to life beyond the K-12 environment.

Please see the flier below for more information.

Cold weather is here, please review the following guidelines regarding outdoor recess.

• Outdoor recess will be held if the "real feel" temperature is above 32°F at the time of recess, not the temperature earlier in the day.
• Students must be dressed appropriately for the weather. Please ensure that your child brings a jacket, hat, gloves, etc., as needed.

As we are moving closer to the winter months and inclement weather becomes more of a possibility, please see the WPS Inclement Weather Plan below.

Please see the flier below for information on the Equity Advisory Committee