Timberwolf Times -Summer 2024

Reminder - Dismissal Today, June 7, 2024 at 12:25 pm

SUMMER EDITION OF THE TIMBERWOLF TIMES

Dear Timberwolf Families,

"At T. Clay Wood, Everyone Belongs"

THANK YOU FOR A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR!

Let’s take a moment to give our teachers, students, and all our families a round of applause for successfully completing this school year! You all ROCKED!!

We have had an amazing year together. I am proud of all our students and their hard work and efforts this school year. All of our students strived to make a positive difference at school and to be Quality Leaders and Learners each day. Everyone tried their best!. We have the BEST students.

I also want to take a moment to say Thank You to all our supportive and involved parents and community members. All of you help out each day in so many ways. We couldn’t do what we need to do without your help. I appreciate all of your support. Thank you!

Finally, I need to give a shout out to our incredible staff!! They are Awesome!! All our teachers work hard to ensure all of our students are learning to their fullest potential in a safe, respectful student-centered learning community!! I feel lucky that I get to work with them each day. There is not a better group of educators anywhere.

I want to encourage all parents to remind your students to read this summer. Research shows this is the most important activity students can do when not in school to build, strengthen and enhance their skills. Just 20-30 minutes a day would make a huge difference.

This year we are sending our Flat Timberwolf home with all students. Take some pictures of your student reading or enjoying summer activities with family and friends. You can email them to me at buchhear@pwcs.edu. You can also tag it on our school's Social Media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter yourself with #TimberwolvesROCK.

I want everyone to have a fun and safe summer break. I wish all of our students who are leaving our school the best of luck and encourage them to come back and visit us. I look forward to seeing all of our returning students next year!!! It will be a great year!!!

We truly do everything better together as a Community of Leaders and Learners Achieving Excellence. At T. Clay Wood, "Everyone Belongs"

Sincerely, Andrew Buchheit,

The Always Proud Principal of T. Clay Wood E.S.

“Because YOU are here, ANYTHING is possible”

END OF YEAR MEDICATION PICK UPEND OF YEAR MEDICATION PICK UP

Dear Parent/Guardian,

All medications must be picked up from the school clinic by 12:00 pm on June 7. Medications not picked up will be discarded. No medications are held in the school clinics over the summer.

New Medication Administration Forms and/or Health Treatment Plans are required each school year. Forms may be obtained from your school or https://www.pwcs.edu/departments/student_services/student_health/index

Please contact Ms. Ousley at ousleykr@pwcs.edu or 703.594.3990 with any questions.

PWCS will be providing meals free of charge for all children (ages 18 and younger) this summer at designated school sites as part of the Summer Food Service Program.

Meal service is Monday-Friday during the dates listed (except as noted below). Meals are served on a first-come, first-served basis, and must be consumed on-site.

2024 Summer Meals Program Locations, Dates, And Times

See Below

We are excited to announce our partnership with Rooted In Education (RIE), a Haymarket-based 501(c)3, to sponsor the newest location in their Fare Harvest Community Garden network. RIE is passionate about providing access to enriching educational opportunities and fresh food so that all children may share their talents and passions to inspire our communities.

In July, we will have the garden open on the weekend for community members to pick their own fresh vegetables and food. There will also be open hours during the week after school is out - please see the information in Rooted for Education Facebook page for dates the Community Garden will open. We are happy to be able to work in partnership to help give back to our community.

Lots of plans to incorporate the garden into the 23-24 school year to offer enriching learning opportunities for our students are underway! In the meantime, we encourage you to check them out at @rootedineducation on Facebook and Instagram for updates about educational programs and harvest updates at our T. Clay Wood garden and surrounding locations.

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

Dear Timberwolf Families - T. Clay Wood

Preschool Program at T. Clay Wood for 2024-2025,

The Prince William County Public School Preschool Special Education Program has a General Education Preschool Inclusion Program opportunity at T. Clay Wood Elementary School. Our Inclusion Program will serve children ages three and four years old with developmental delays, along with their appropriate peer models. Children must be at least 36 months old by September 30, 2024, and live in the T. Clay Elementary school attendance area.

If you feel your child has a developmental delay, please contact PWCS Child Find at 703.791.8974

If you would like your preschool student to attend as a general education peer in the program, please contact Kristin Baker at bakerkl@pwcs.edu for more information.

There is a cap for both programs so it is important to register asap. There is no cost for the program.

Thank you

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

Report Cards will be available to parents of K-5 students in ParentVUE in PDF format in the Documents Tab

To access student report cards, through ParentVue, please follow these steps:

1. Log into the ParentVUE app or the ParentVUE website using your ParentVUE UserID and password.
   
2. Once logged into ParentVUE, click the Documents button on the left side of the screen.

• If you need assistance with accessing your ParentVUE account, please contact your school.

Thank you,

DOCUMENTS

Documents

06/07/2024

2024-2024 ES-MK4 Report Card

Report Card

“Adventure Begins at Your Library” is the theme for Summer Reading this year at Prince William Public Libraries, June 10 - August 11.

With more than 150 in-person and virtual programs to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Check out our Online Events Calendar to see the lineup of programs at our libraries and virtually all summer long.

Be on the lookout! More information to come.

https://www.pwcva.gov/department/library

School Supplies - https://www.pwcva.gov/department/library

Thank you for your input about our photography company. We had both positive and less than positive feedback. We have met with the photography company. And also reviewed the feedback we received over the years about the prior company. Based on the input and other factors, we are continuing with Barksdale again for next year. If you have any specific questions about Barksdale, please follow up with Mrs. Baker at bakerkl@pwcs.edu

This year we are sending our Flat Clay home with all students. Take some pictures of your student reading or enjoying summer activities with family and friends. You can email them to me at buchhear@pwcs.edu. You can also tag it on our school's Social Media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter yourself with #TimberwolvesROCK.

Are you looking to keep your child engaged and practice reading, math, and more this summer? Your child has access to dozens of apps through their Office365/Clever account. For more information about these apps and instructions on how to login, please click here.

Students can also continue working on Lexia - see below

Students will have access to Lexia Core 5 over the summer! Please make sure to remind them of the "red apple" and that they should choose another activity to work on if they receive it when working in the program. This will prevent frustration and ensure they keep making progress on the other skills they can progress through independently.

Family Resource Center - https://help.lexialearning.com/s/families - for a lot of information about LEXIA - resource center.

Lexia Summer Reading Tips-Great ideas for families to support their readers at home this summer including our Summer Reading Bingo Challenge (found by grade level in English and Spanish on the myLexia Resource Hub>School to Home)

Lexia is a program to help your student with reading. We are encouraging all students to use Lexia for 10-20 minutes per day. (at least 40-60 minutes a week). Lexia is engaging and works at your students personalized reading level.

All students have been shown how to access Lexia. Please help your student remember to log on to Lexia and work on Lexia each day.

Below are the 3 step directions to access Lexia:

1. Go to https://clever.com/in/pwcs

Log in - Clever

https://clever.com/trust/privacy/policy. https://clever.com/about/terms

clever.com

2. Log in with Office36

3. In Clever, scroll down until your see the blue globe for Lexia Core 5- Click on the Lexia

Students who attended summer school or the enrichment summer programs and had one of our school devices, should return both the laptop/Ipad and charger after Summer School is over in July. Students can bring the devices in any day between 9am - 3pm Monday -Friday after July 12, 2024.

Immunization Reminder: Submit proof of immunization to the school clinic by Thursday, August 15, 2024.

• Kindergarten and new students will need Physical and Immunization records on file prior to the first day of school or they will not be allowed to start school on the first day
• Returning students who are missing any of the required immunizations, will not be able to start the first day of school without proof of the immunizations.
• For students that require medication or health treatment plans please note that we need a new health treatment plan for the new school Year.
• All over the counter medications must be unopened and a medication authorization form must be filled out by the Parent/ or guardian. Prescription medication must be in the original container with the pharmacy label and a medication authorization form must be filled out by the physician. Please do not send medication in with your student, an adult must drop it off to the office per PWCS policy

You may drop off medications/health treatment plans starting 08/14/2023 for the new school year.

Clinic Wish List

• Boys/Girls underwear,
• Pants/shorts with elastic waist
  
• Socks.
• Select a size paper towel,
• Tissues
• Dixie cups
• Snack size zip lock bags
• Gallon size Zip Lock Bags

Your school counselors wish you a happy and healthy summer break! Summer is a great time to relax, recharge, and do things that bring you joy. Please take a look at some of these quick resources to boost your mental health and help you navigate any challenges you may face during your time away from school!

Mental Health Boosters and Calming Strategies:

Boost Your Mental Health Strategies.pdf

CalmingStrategiesToUseAtHomePacket.pdf

Problem-Solving:

Problem Solving Star.doc

ABugandaWishPosterProblemSolvingStrategy-1.pdf

Amy Cunningham, M.Ed.

Professional School Counselor

Our school hours are 9:20 am - 4:00 pm. Doors open at 9:10 am. Students Tardy at 9:20 am.

All dates are subject to change – please monitor your email).

• Placement will be tentatively updated by August 12 in the Hub.
• Rising Kg student – “BookSicles” -Book, Playground, and Popsicles –August 8, 6pm –
• Wednesday, August 14; Kindergarten and Preschool Parent Information Night (JUST for KG and Preschool parents/guardians) at 6pm.
• Thursday, August 15 at 9:00am – Kindergarten and ECSE Preschool Open House
• Thursday, August 15 at 10:30 am – New 1st-5th grade NEW Student Orientation in the gym/café.
• Thursday, August 15 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Open House for 1st-5th graders with last name beginning with A-L and all New Students (1st-5th)
• Thursday, August 15 from 1:30 pm -2:30pm. Open House for 1st-5th graders with last name beginning with M-Z
  
• Monday, August 19- First Day of School. (School Hours 9:20am- 4:00pm)
• Tuesday, September 24- 3rd, 4th, and 5th Back to School Night, 6:00 pm
• Thursday, September 26 - Kg, 1st, 2nd grade Back to School Night; 6pm

Families will now be able to log into their ParentVUE accounts and see their student’s SOL test scores. Test scores from the current test administration (Spring 2023 SOL Non-Writing) will be posted to ParentVUE sometime in June. In addition to scores being listed in ParentVUE, T. Clay Wood Elementary School will be emailing the SOL test results as they become available to the email address listed in the Hub. Please note that it may take a few days after your child takes the SOL for the scores to be available and emailed. If you have any questions, please contact our test coordinator, Melissa Yuditsky at yuditsml@pwcs.edu.

1. Saying Goodbye – As the year is ending, it is time to say good bye to some of our staff members. We have had a number of staff members moving to new homes or new positions: Mrs. Bateman, Mrs. Brandenburg, Mrs. Edwards, and Mr. Dove. I know you join me in wishing them all the best and thanking them for their service and dedication to T. Clay Wood ES and our students.

and

Saying Hello - please welcome our new staff members: Mrs. Tarnovsky (returning as one of our ECSE Preschool teachers), Mrs. West (as a part time reading specialist), Mrs. Agostini (ECSE Preschool Teacher Assistant) and Mrs. Hildreth (Gifted Resource Teacher).

and

Some Changes - Mrs. Schumann will be moving from 5th grade to 4th grade and Mrs. Miller will be moving from Kindergarten to our new ECSE Preschool Program).

2. Please have your students continue to read all summer long.

Research shows many students experience “summer slide” when they are not in school or learning in the summer and reading levels can drop when they return to school in September.

One of the best ways to prevent this summer slide is to have students read each day. Please have your students read for at least 20-30 minutes (and more) each day. This time can be split up into chunks. Reading can include participating in the Public Library Summer Reading Program or reading the comics, a guide book, and so on.

In addition, I encourage all students to keep a journal during the summer to write about their day and experiences during the summer. This is a wonderful way to get students to think and to write.

3. Summer Reading Challenge /Flat Timberwolf Pictures– please take part in our summer reading challenge –#TimberwolvesREAD If you would like to participate either email me (Dr. Buchheit) at buchhear@pwcs.edu with the subject line #TimberwolvesROCK or post your pictures directly on to Twitter with the hashtag #TimberwolvesROCK It could be a picture of your student reading at the pool, in the back yard, in the car, at their grandparent home, on a plane, on a boat, by the Grand Canyon or the Washington Monument and so on. Let’s get #TimberwolvesRock to trend on Twitter.

4. Car Rider Tags

Students not returning next school year- If you were issued a car rider tag, please return both tags to the front office at the end of the school year. These can be recycled for next year's students.

Returning students- please keep your assigned car rider tags. The same number will be valid for next year. Please contact the front office if you have any questions or would like to apply for a car rider tag.

5. Summer Time Routines and New Experiences –

Summer is an exciting time to get a much needed break from the demands of school and structure. However, it can be difficult for many children who have come to rely on the routine and familiarity of coming to school each day. We have put together some tips to help ease the transition into summer and help children who might be anxious about new experiences and activities!

· Talk to your child about changes to daily schedules and routines. Let your child know what is on the agenda each day and what will be expected of him or her in advance. Set guidelines for free time, screen time, meals and snacks, and new bedtimes.

· If your child will be attending a new all-day daycare program, be sure to visit the facility and allow time for your child to ask questions and feel comfortable in this new setting. Review the daily and weekly schedules planned for the camp or center.

· Talk to your child about summer rules at home and in the neighborhood, as well as consequences. Discuss summer safety for the pool, bike, and stranger awareness.

· If your child is feeling anxious about going to camp or a class, help your child get excited by involving them in the preparation. Take her shopping for new gear and focus on the fun things she can anticipate. Avoid asking your child if he is nervous but focus on concrete details instead. If your child is concerned or upset, don’t trivialize his concerns by saying “There is nothing to worry about.” Instead, show that you have empathy and acknowledge the concerns.

· Summer offers a unique opportunity for children to create their own learning experiences. Let your child’s interests be the guide in planning fun and educational activities; from which library books she reads to places you explore as a family!

· Summer Safety - This week is a great week to talk to your students about summer break and what they can do to stay safe during the summer when they are at the pool, or just not at school during the day.

· Encourage outdoor play - Encourage your children to go outside and play and join them! Take a bike ride together, kick the soccer ball around, shoot some hoops, roller blade, or take a nature walk. Whatever type of outdoor physical activity you choose, remember to have fun, stay positive, and keep everyone well-hydrated.

· Take advantage of local resources - Take advantage of your local pools and recreation centers as well as local summer programs and camps that promote physical activity. Many local pools and recreation centers offer summer memberships, which can provide countless hours of physical activity and fun for you and your family. Additionally, look for local programs and camps that promote and incorporate physical activity into their curriculum.

· Plant a garden - Gardening is a wonderful way to stay active, get everyone outdoors to enjoy and appreciate nature, and work together as a family. Although many consider gardening to be a peaceful and leisurely hobby, planting and maintaining a garden requires a lot of work. Involve everyone in the process, from the digging and planting, to watering a weeding. You will be amazed at the amount of pride (and physical activity) that you and your family will get from this rewarding activity.

· Plan an active vacation - While everyone looks forward to a relaxing day at the beach or poolside, summer vacations also often present unique opportunities to try out activities and adventures that your family may not be exposed to on a regular basis. Try something new. Take the family out to explore together while on vacation, whether it be through snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, or another adventure activity that gets everyone excited about being active.

One Last IMPORTANT Reminder

If your email changes, please immediately inform the school office at 703.594.3990 or email Mrs. Baker at bakerkl@pwcs.edu so that you will continue to get our emails during the summer and as we start school.

Also to avoid or emails going to your junk folder, please add the following emails to your contacts: Buchhear@pwcs.edu, NoreplyTCWES@pwcs.edu, NoREPLY@pwcs.edu.

Thank you for entrusting your children to T. Clay Wood Elementary!! I wish our 5th Grade Students the best of luck as they start their middle school journeys. To our families that we have to say goodbye to, it has been a pleasure being a part of your journey in life!! Enjoy your summer!!

Dr. Andrew Buchheit

Dear T. Clay Wood Family,

As the year closes and life moves on, I am reflecting on my 13 wonderful years at T. Clay Wood. I have been truly privileged to be part of this amazing school as the Drama teacher since we opened. I have LOVED seeing all the amazing plays, poems, speeches, silly stories, improvs, and various creative activities performed by T. Clay Wood students! All the T. Clay Wood ES students and families will always have a special place in my heart and I carry treasured memories with me as I move on. I will forever be a Timberwolf and wear my spiritwear with pride (and tears of fondness at times). Thanks for all the kind words, cards, and hugs to close out the year. For those who don't know, I will be at The Nokeville School next year teaching K-5 Drama. Please don't be strangers. My location might be new, but my email will be the same.

KEEP ACTING!!

HOOOWWWWWLLLL!!!!!

Adam Dove

Drama Teacher

T. Clay Wood Elementary School

703-594-3990

Your TCWES PTO has a lot of fun events and projects planned for the year. Come see what this year holds in store for the PTO! Email tclaywoodpto@gmail.com for more information!

T. Clay Wood - PTO Slate of Officers - 24-25

• President: Julia White
• Vice President - Lauren Bell
• Secretary: Crystal MacCallum
• Treasurer: Bethzaely Feliciano-Rivera
• Asst. Treasurer/Past President: Kate Case
• Directors: Amelia Hunter and Tiana Marshall

Current PTO President Kate Case will be available as a board member to provide support and guidance to the new board.

Mark your Calendars:

• The First PTO Fundraiser - Boosterthon will take place starting on September 4, 2024. The Fun Run will be on September 12, 2024.
• The First PTO and Advisory Council Meeting will take place on September 12, 2024 at 6:30pm in our school Art Room.
• PTO sponsored Assembly - BMX Bikes will take place on October 8, 2024
• Fall SEP will take place starting October 21 - December 9, 2024
• PTO Costume Bingo - October 25
• Spring SEP will take place between February 3 - March 21, 2024
• SprINGO - April 4

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 #TimberwolvesRock

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

If your child is registered for summer school, they will keep their device, charger and case.

“Student devices used for summer school should be returned after the last day of summer school between the hours of 9am-3pm (Monday - Friday)

If you have questions about potential lost, damaged, or missing items, or about any potential charges, please reach out to our Technology Coach, Mr. Taylor (taylorbi@pwcs.edu).