Timberwolf Time - January 8, 2024
T. Clay Wood - Facts at your Fingertips
Welcome to T. Clay Wood ES
Welcome Back to School - 2023-2024
"It's A Great Day to be a Timberwolf""
Dear Timberwolf Families,
I hope everyone has a wonderful week!
Please note - Friday, January 26 is a PWCS Early Dismissal Day for all Elementary Schools. T. Clay Wood will dismiss at 12:40pm.
Please be sure you send your students in to school with a coat! We cannot send students out without their coats during the really cold days especially when it is below 32 degrees. Please make sure they come to school each day wearing their coat.
I want to take a quick moment to send out some reminders when dropping students off in the morning or picking students up in the afternoon and when driving through our parking lot. Please understand all these reminders are to keep our students, staff, and families safe.
Please remember to:
- Drive carefully and alert - please do not drive while texting, etc. So much happens in our parking lots that just looking down for one quick second could lead to an accident.
- Follow all posted speed limits.
- Enter through the enter lane and exit only through the exit lane. Do not enter through the exit lane. Other cars are exiting.
- Come to a complete stop before letting students in or out of your vehicle.
- Please buckle up your students. If your student needs help, you can choose to help him or her buckle up in the car line OR pull over to the side.
- In the morning, please do not just drop off students in the front until the doors open. There is no one to supervise your student until the doors open.
- If the doors are closed, you will need to park in the parking lot and walk your student to the office and sign them in as tardy.
- Do not just drop your student off in the parking lot. Instead you will need to park and walk the student at least to the cross walk while there is still staff outside.
Again please note, we have cars and day care vans exiting from the back parking lot, buses coming around from the bus loop, families exiting from the main parking lot, pick ups/drop offs coming into the main entrance, and staff and students from Patriot driving through our parking lot. It is important all drivers remain vigilant at all times. Thank you
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”
PARENT TEA- Timberwolf Talk on Proactive Parenting
Let's ring in the new year with some new habits!
Please join us for our next parent tea on Friday, January 12th at 10 AM.
Our School Counselors and Mental Health Team will be focusing on Proactive Parenting: Developing Habits and Fostering Leadership at Home.
Our students have a head start on being Proactive since it's Habit 1 of our 8 Habits of Happy Kids, but let the count down begin for a Proactive happy home too!
😀😃😀😃😀😃😀😃😀😃
Please RSVP to Dr. Buchheit at buchhear@pwcs.edu
Outstanding Educator of the Year Nomination
Dear T. Clay Wood Elementary Families,
We are excited to announce nominations for the PWCS Teacher and Support Employee of the year are now open. These awards are an opportunity to recognize the hard work and commitment of our staff. To nominate a teacher and/or support employee who goes above and beyond and excels in their profession, please complete the Microsoft Form by Friday, January 26, 2024 https://forms.office.com/r/esQtK3AeYQ
Support Employees include teacher assistants, clerical, transportation, food and nutrition, custodial and maintenance, security, technical staff.
Operation Pajamas and SOCKS
Our Service Leadership Team is organizing OPERATION PAJAMAS, starting January 8, 2024 through January 26, 2024.
We will collect NEW pajamas and socks of all sizes (newborn through adult) to donate to our SERVE shelter. Help us share the warmth this winter! Thank you for your generosity.
To kick off this collection - Monday, January 8 will be PJ day and Crazy Sock Day!
School Wide Information
January 2024
T. Clay Wood Elementary School is commemorating Braille Literacy Month! Throughout January, TCWES is raising awareness to champion braille literacy. The school is introducing braille to all students, emphasizing the significance and benefits of braille literacy. Braille, a tactile code devised by Louis Braille, consists of raised dots arranged in patterns to symbolize letters, numbers, words, and punctuation. This tactile system empowers individuals who are blind, granting them access to information and ensuring their environment is inclusive.
During library sessions, students will engage in various activities related to braille literacy. They will read books about braille, learn how to write names and short phrases in braille, explore tactile books and activities, participate in entertaining games adapted with tactile elements and braille, use a braille writer, and even take home a braille bracelet!
To learn more about braille, visit the following websites!
https://www.wsblind.org/blog/2022/1/19/6-facts-about-braille-for-braille-literacy-month
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/january-is-braille-literacy-month/
https://www.wsblind.org/blog/2023/1/30/reasons-to-learn-and-use-braille-braille-literacy-month
https://www.perkins.org/celebrating-braille-literacy-month/
January 9, 2024 - Our School Counselors have arranged for the Blue Sky Puppet Theater to present the puppet show: Super Pig. Students will learn anti-bullying techniques, recognize the importance of helping others, see everyday people doing helpful things, and understand the importance of reading and writing. For more information - click here: http://www.blueskypuppets.com/superpig_storyboard.html
April 23, 2024 - We will hold our annual I Can Assembly. The focus will be on reminding students that they can if they work hard, try their best, and persevere.
May 9, 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.
Specialty Program Applications due February 1
- Student acceptances will be communicated in mid-to-late February, and families must accept an offered seat by March 5, 2024.
Help Sessions - Jan. 17, 22, 24, 26, 29, and 31 on ZOOM.
Save the Date
Heritage Night
Join us for a special evening celebrating our diverse family heritages at T Clay Wood Elementary! On February 22, 2024, from 6:00 - 7:30, come and explore a cultural journey showcasing traditions, foods, music, and more from around the world. This event promises an enriching experience for the entire family. Let’s celebrate our roots together! We look forward to seeing you there.
Attendance - Why is it important?
Transfer Requests
Transfer requests can be made for students in grades 1 through 5 between January 2, 2024- April 30, 2024 Kindergarten transfer requests can be made starting from the first day of Kindergarten registration through 30 days after the kindergarten student registers. Please contact your child's school for more information.
What's Happening at T. Clay Wood during the week of January 8 - 12, 2024
Operation Pajamas and Socks -Jan. 8 - 26, 2024
To kick off the PJ and Sock Collection Today - - Monday, January 8 will be PJ day and Crazy Sock Day!
Tuesday, January 9,, 2024 - Day 5
8:15 am - Chorus
Wednesday, January 10, 2024- Day 6
Thursday, January 11, 2024 - Day 1
Friday, January 12, 2024 -Day 2
LEADER IN ME CORNER
Habit Five - The Habit of Mutual Understanding
People who seek first to understand, then to be understood try to completely understand another person before presenting their own point of view. Habit 5 means balancing courage and consideration and expressing our views with clarity and respect.
Kid Language
Listen Before You Talk: I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking.
Ways to practice Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood:
- Try to go one whole hour without talking even once. Instead, just watch the people around you and listen to what they are saying. Good luck!
- Think of someone in your life who you think is a good listener. What do they do that makes them a good listener?
- The next time one of your friends is sad, notice his/her eyes or the way he/she holds his/her body. Tell him/her you know he/she is sad and that you want to help.
Bus Information
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 the Transportation Website -
PTO CORNER
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!
December 4-8 - Penguin Patch Holiday Shop
January 10 - Chipotle Spirit Night
January 18 - Advisory Council/PTO Meeting
Join Zoom Meeting
https://pwcs-zm-edu.zoom.us/j/84553248885?pwd=Z3hQMUhCSFc2ZG91Z3pOdjF1SEx1UT09
Meeting ID: 845 5324 8885
Passcode: Advisory
Please visit the PTO Facebook page and PTO website for updates and more info: https://www.tclaywoodpto.com/
Email tclaywoodpto@gmail.com for more information!
PTO Membership is still open!
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!
T. Clay Wood - Statement of Civility
We are reminding all our School Community to treat our school staff, our students, and one another with civility. Our students are always watching!
Code Orange - Parents/Guardians - make sure you can access internet at this time
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.
Visitors and Identification
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.
Change in Transportation Home
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.
Code of Behavior, FLE Objectives and Opt Out and Calendar Now Online
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
Insurance for your student's device
For Grades 3-5 Students in grades 3-5 this year have HP 360 Windows laptops. If students damage the device, they are responsible for any repairs or replacement for the device. The cost for a total replacement is prorated based on the age of the device and maxes out at $308. Students are also responsible for the case and the charger issued with the device. Insurance is available to cover any damage or total loss of the device. The cost of the insurance is $29.95 and you can purchase it through Securranty. (https://securranty.com/pwcs) We strongly recommend the insurance for the Windows laptops, as they can be susceptible to drops and water damage. Contact Mr. Taylor, our Technology Coach, if you'd like more information or have questions (taylorbi@pwcs.edu).
Students in grades K-2 have iPads this year. Our iPads are Generation 9 and use Lightening charge cables; they are brand new devices this year, fresh out of the box! All iPads come with AppleCare included at no additional cost to families. AppleCare will cover any physical damage to the iPad so long as you return the damaged device to your teacher. AppleCare does not cover total loss the device. If your child loses their iPad, they will be responsible for a replacement cost. Since all devices are new this year, they will not be prorated and the replacement cost will be $285. Insurance is available to cover loss of the iPad. Keep in mind that damage to the iPad is already covered, so insurance would only be beneficial if your child loses their iPad. Insurance is $29.95 and is available through Securranty. Contact Mr. Taylor, our Technology Coach, if you'd like more information or have questions (taylorbi@pwcs.edu).
For Grades K-2
T. Clay Wood Continuous Improvement Plan
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.
Information about T. Clay Wood ES
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