Timberwolf Times - April 29, 2024

Welcome Back to School - 2023-2024

"It's A Great Day to be a Timberwolf""

Dear Timberwolves,

Once again, I am reminded about how proud I am to be a Timberwolf and part of our T. Clay Wood School Community. As I shared yesterday we had a bomb threat left on our answering machine that we heard yesterday morning. I had to make a decision to stay in place or evacuate the building. Since we had a big event at our school the previous evening, I felt it would be best to have a thorough sweep of our school. Out of an abundance of caution, I made the decision to evacuate our entire school after we did a security perimeter check around the school and the police arrived. The safety of our students and staff was paramount in my decision making.

Our teachers and staff rose to the challenge and took great care of all our students. Our students were simply amazing throughout the entire day. We tried to keep everything positive for them and I think they enjoyed eating at the high school. (Lots of positive comments about the food).

Patriot HS staff were incredible! They welcomed us and were ready to accommodate us as soon as we arrived. Patriot HS students were also great. They adapted to their changed schedule and their entire day and had to hold in place during some parts of the day and avoid areas of the school where our students were. Yet, every Patriot Pioneer HS student I came across was positive and friendly and often were looking out for their siblings. The PWC police were also very responsive and were quick to arrive and secure and check out our building with their trained dog.

The entire PWCS school division were also responsive and supportive. Food and Nutrition made sure we had enough food for our Timberwolves at Patriot. The Communication department kept in contact with me and sent out messages as the situation changed. During an evacuation, communication is sent from our central office and not directly from the individual school, although we are in continued contact with them. It is important to all of us to give updates as the situation changes in order to keep everyone informed.

Some of my favorite comments from our students that I overheard yesterday or were shared with me are:

• "Could we go to college now that we have been to high school?" - asked of the Patriot Principal
• “See you in a few years” one of our students said as they were leaving to a Patriot staff member
• “The meatballs are great” (Heard this a few times)
• “Can we come back tomorrow?” (Especially from our younger students)
• A few students even checked in on me as I was moving back and forth and checking on lunch, recess, and getting everyone in line. “Dr. Buchheit, how are you doing?” After I asked a group of students how they were doing.
• “Are you going to come back to our school with us? You aren’t staying here, right?” As some groups were bring brought back to school while I was waiting for everyone else.
• “Do you need some water?” (One of my favorite comments).

What awesome and kind students we have. I bet each teacher heard comments of caring from their students as well.

When we returned to school, I took some time to talk to all the students over our televised broadcast to tell them what a great job they did and how much we all care for them. I explained to them generally what happened and let them know everything and everyone were safe here at school.

It always makes me sad when we have to respond to events like this because our elementary students should not have to be worrying about these types of things. However, it is reassuring for me to see how professional, dedicated, and caring all our staff were. Their primary concern was for each of their students throughout the entire day. I would same the same thing about all the other PWCS staff at Patriot and from our central office. Everyone made sure that all our Timberwolves were looked after and safe.

Today, when I came in I saw that our families had come in overnight to write positive messages on our sidewalk with side walk chalk. I was very touched and I know all our teachers and staff will be as well. What wonderful messages our students will see when they come in today. I'll add some pictures below. Thank you to everyone who helped start our new day off on a very positive note.

Thank you to all our parents and families for your support through this situation. We truly do Everything Better together as a “Community of Leaders and Learners achieving Excellence”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is Volunteer Appreciation Week. T. Clay Wood is so thankful for all the amazing volunteers who help our our teachers, students, office, and school in so many ways. We truly could not do everything we want to do for our school community without the support of our volunteers. THANK YOU TO ALL our TIMBERWOLF VOLUNTEERS.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We truly do Everything Better Together as a Community of Leaders and Learners Achieving Excellence.

I hope you all have a wonderful week.

Dr. Andrew Buchheit

Principal

#TimberwolvesROCK

“At T. Clay Wood, Everyone Belongs”

Kindergarten Registration is now open for the 2024-2025 school year. Please register your rising kindergarten students using the below link as soon as possible.

If you have neighbors and friends who have rising kindergarten students for next school year, please let them know as well.
We look forward to meeting all our new Kindergarten Timberwolf Pups.

https://www.pwcs.edu/departments/student_services/registration__new_students_and_transfers_/kindergarten_registration/index

5th grade Timberwolf Families,

We are once again offering the opportunity to order yard signs for your rising 6th grade students. They can be delivered to your door or you can choose to pick them up from the company. This year you can also get a generic sign if you do not want to put your child's name on the yard sign. These are optional.

Here is the link - https://orionpros.com/shop/ols/products/t-clay-wood-2022

The TCW 2023/2024 Yearbooks are officially on sale! The cost of each book is $25, and they will be delivered to your student's classroom during the last week of school. The deadline to order is April 30, 2024.

Please click the link below to order today!

https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/my/TCW2024

• Wednesday, May 22 - HS Senior Walk Day at 12pm - Bring Cap and Gown and Student ID (if not with the Patriot HS group) This is open to all former TImberwolves who are graduating seniors this year from all high schools. In addition, the entire Patriot HS Senior class will also join the walk.
• Thursday, May 30 - Cold Stone Spirit Night
• Friday, May 31, - Field Day
• Tuesday, June 4 at 5:45 pm (Doors open at 5:30 pm) - Hooray for K
• Thursday, June 6 at 6:00pm - 5th grade promotion ceremony at Patriot HS (Doors open at 5:30pm)
• Friday, June 7 - Last Day of school - Early Dismissal at approximately 12:35pm.

3rd Grade: Reading SOL: Part 1 - 5/2/24 Part 2 - 5/3/24
Math SOL: Part 1 - 5/8/24 Part 2 - 5/9/24

4th Grade: Reading SOL: Part 1 - 4/25/24 Part 2 - 4/26/24
Math SOL: Part 1 - 5/6/24 Part 2 - 5/7/24
Virginia Studies SOL: 5/15/24

5th Grade: Reading SOL: Part 1 - 4/30/24 Part 2 - 5/1/24
Math SOL: Part 1 - 5/13/24 Part 2 - 5/14/24
Science SOL: 5/10/24

April 24- May 5 - 4th and 5th grade will be giving input through the Leader in Me MRA Survey. If you would like to opt your student out of the survey, please let your child's teacher know. The Measurable Results Assessment (MRA) is a powerful tool that supports positive growth through focused, empowered action. Staff, Families, and Students (only 4th and 5th) will be given the opportunity to complete the survey.

May 3, 2024 - The PTO has arranged for a Reptile Assembly. Students will have an opportunity to see a wide variety of reptiles -including snakes.

If you do not want your student to participate in any of these activities or assemblies please let your child's teacher know.

Social Media Reminders: T. Clay Wood ES only puts up photos or videos on the Official T. Clay Wood Social Media Sites - on the T. Clay Wood Facebook, X(Twitter), Instagram, and You Tube.

You will see the following Notice on our Official Site -

“This PWCS social media account has been approved by the PWCS Communications Department.”

Social Media sites have to be approved annually by the PWCS Communication Department. Regulation 790-3 , Section B of the Attachment provides further information as well as information about Opt-Out. When filling out the Back to School Packet, information is included that discusses and references this regulation.

Techstravaganza is a free, public, hands-on STEM activity fair for elementary and middle school students in Northern Virginia. In previous years, we've hosted more than 4,500 students and 70 labs presenting STEM activities. Our exhibitors range from TJHSST clubs and our own TWIST volunteers to organizations like NASA SCaN, Art of Problem Solving, George Mason University, American Society of Naval Engineers, and the National Air and Space Museum. This year, we will be holding the 20th annual Techstravaganza on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10 AM to 4 PM at TJHSST.

Admission is free, food will be for sale, and we hope that you can spread the word in your school. Here is our registration link: https://tinyurl.com/techstrav24, and attached is a flyer (approved for distribution by SPARK) that can be used to advertise this event. We would appreciate you sharing this with families in a newsletter or your school's social media. Please let us know if translating the flyer into other languages will help.

More information about the event can be found on our website at tjtechstrav.org. Thank you so much, and please let us know if you have any questions!

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - Day 4

• 5th grade Reading SOL - Part 1

Wednesday, May 1. 2024- Day 5

• 5th grade Reading SOL - Part 2
• Volunteer Tea

Thursday, May 2, 2024 - Day 6

• 3rd grade Reading SOL - Part 1

Friday, May 3, 2024 -Day 1

• 3rd grade Reading SOL - Part 2
  
• Reptile Assembly

Our 2023-2024 PTO BOARD

President - Kate Case

VP - Kelsey Fisher

Treasurer - Beth Feliciano-Rivera

Asst Treasurer - Cooper Waterman

Secretary - Sandra Oviedo

Director - Amelia Hunter

Teacher Director - Tiana Marshall

Upcoming Dates:

Moving forward we have decided to merge the Advisory Council meetings with the PTO meetings to offer families one combined meeting to get all the information they need for happenings at the school and in the community. Due to this change, some of our meeting dates have changed. Please see the schedule posted for new meeting dates. We hope you'll be able to join us!

Email tclaywoodpto@gmail.com for more information!

PTO Membership is still open!

Membership (tclaywoodpto.com)

As always, keep an eye on our T Clay Wood PTO facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/timberwolvesrock) and our website (https://www.tclaywoodpto.com/) for up to date information

*Every Tuesday - Every Tuesday during the school year Gainesville Papa Johns will give you 40% off your order and donate 10% back to the PTO!

PWCS has a late bus link for buses that will be late 15 minutes or more - https://www.pwcs.edu/departments/transportation/bus_delays

You can also sign up for the Here Comes the Bus App at - https://www.pwcs.edu/departments/transportation/here_comes_the_bus

For more information about buses - please see the Transportation Website -

https://www.pwcs.edu/departments/transportation/index

We are reminding all our School Community to treat our school staff, our students, and one another with civility. Our students are always watching!

In case of inclement weather when school is closed, PWCS will provide live virtual (Synchronized) instruction to all students through ZOOM. PWCS Expectation is that all students participate. Attendance will be taken. Students must keep their cameras on to be counted as present. Instruction will take place between 9am - 2pm with 1 hour for lunch and recess time.

Prior to late fall/early winter, please make sure you are able to access the internet. Any family needing assistance with home internet should contact their school during the first month of school to receive a school-issued take-home “hotspot.” If you are not able to access the internet, please reach out to Mr. Taylor at taylorbi@pwcs.edu or 703.594.3990.

At T. Clay Wood Elementary School, we love to have visitors and volunteers every day. To help ensure the safety of our students, visitors to Prince William County Schools are expected to report promptly to the school’s main office when entering school buildings. Visitors and volunteers will be asked to provide a valid government issued photo identification. There are no exceptions. Every visitor to our school must bring with them a photo id. Visitors will then be issued a temporary identification badge. We will not permit any visitor or volunteer into the building without this identification. Our main goal is to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff at school.

If a situation occurs which makes it necessary for your child’s transportation home to change, please send in a note with your child in the morning giving clear directions as to how your child should go home at the end of the day. Only a parent/guardian can change their child’s transportation plan for any given day. A note from the parent must be received by the office AND the teacher before noon that day indicating the change. This is for the safety of the children and will alleviate any confusion at the end of the day.

Changing Dismissal Routine – Parents, if you are changing your child’s dismissal, you must send an email/note to the office or notify the office by 3:30 pm. The teacher and bus driver cannot accept a change if a student just tells him or her about the change without a note. In these cases, students are sent home the original way. In addition, please try to avoid changing dismissal procedures in the middle of the day and please send all dismissal changes to our office by calling our office at 703.594.3990 or sending a note in the morning. Emails sent to the teacher in the middle of the day may be missed if there is a substitute that day or if the teacher is not able to check his or her email.

3:30 pm - If you must pick your student up early, please arrive before 3:30 pm. We will not be able to call students to the office after 3:30 pm until all car riders are picked up. Students called for dismissal after 3:30 pm will be sent to the car rider area and will be brought up after all car riders are dismissed with the supervising teachers. This way we can reduce interruptions to the classrooms, provide continual supervision for all our students and give our focus in the office to dismissing students. Parents coming in after 3:30 pm will be asked to wait in the vestibule outside of the office and once their students are brought up to come in and sign their students out.

2023-2024 – Calendar link: https://www.pwcs.edu/calendars/school_calendar/index

You can also subscribe to the PWCS Calendar. To learn how, you can go to this PWCS Site and then follow the directions - How to Subscribe to the PWCS School Calendar

Code of Behavior link: https://www.pwcs.edu/about_us/code_of_behavior/index

Link to Family Life Education objectives and Opt out - https://www.pwcs.edu/academics___programs/science___family_life_education/family_life_education

Please take a moment to view our 2023-2024 T. Clay Wood Continuous Improvement Plan by clicking this link: T. Clay Wood 2023-2024 Continuous Improvement Plan

We have three Academic Goals this year - Increase Reading, Math, and Science Achievement Rates for all students at T. Clay Wood to at least 85% or higher.

We also are focused at increasing student satisfaction rates to 90% or higher and increasing number of active business partnerships at T. Clay Wood.

A Prince William County School of Excellence

“A Community of Leaders and Learners Achieving Excellence”

10600 Kettle Run Road; Nokesville, VA 20181

Andrew Buchheit, Principal - buchhear@pwcs.edu

Melissa Yuditsky, Assistant Principal yuditsml@pwcs..edu

“A Community of Leaders and Learners Achieving Excellence”

School hours: 9:20 am – 4:00 pm

(Office hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Doors Open: 9:10 a.m.

Students tardy after: 9:20 a.m.

Dismissal: 4:00 p.m.

School Phone Number: 703.594.3990

School Fax Number: 703.594.2653

Attendance Email: cwes-timberwolf-attendance@pwcs.edu

Attendance Phone Line:– 703.594.3992

Motto: “I seek to make a POSITIVE DIFFERENCE AT SCHOOL”

Website: http://tclaywoodes.schools.pwcs.edu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TClayWoodES

Twitter @TClayWoodElem

Instagram: tclaywoodelementary

Email: buchhear@pwcs.edu
Website: http://tclaywoodes.schools.pwcs.edu
Location: 10600 Kettle Run Road, Nokesville, VA, USA
Phone: 703.594.3990
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TClayWoodES
Twitter: @TClayWoodElem