Wild Cat ROAR! March 8, 2026
Steuart W. Weller Elementary Weekly Newsletter
20700 Marblehead Dr. Ashburn Va 571-252-2360
Help Us Launch a New Communications Tool: Rooms (Apptegy) - Pilot Program
TOMORROW!
Pilot Program
As part of our ongoing efforts to improve communication with our families, our school is participating in a Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) pilot program for a new two-way communication tool, Rooms (by Apptegy). Families can easily access Rooms right in the LCPS app to message teachers, get school updates and more, streamlining school communications – just what staff, students and families want.
Important: Rooms is similar to Remind and will replace Remind and ClassDojo during this pilot. This pilot program will launch on Tuesday, February 24.
How do I get started?
- On Monday. March 9, check your inbox and/or text for a message from Apptegy. Follow the steps/prompts. (Please note: The email will come from accounts@thrillshare.com.)
- Download the LCPS app by searching for “Loudoun County Public Schools” in your phone’s app store.
- Select “Allow Notifications” when prompted on initial download to ensure you receive notifications.
- Click on “Rooms” or “Messages” to sign in to Rooms.
We know change isn’t easy, but with the Rooms robust platform that already integrates with the LCPS app and your school’s website, it’s a win!
This pilot program is a learning process and your feedback is important for the successful implementation of Rooms to all schools at the beginning of the next school year (2026-27 school year).
Please share your feedback and questions via this form.
Thank you for your support!
Ms. Burton
Youth Art Month Showcase at Riverside : Evening with the Arts
Mark your calendars for this year's Evening with the Arts at Riverside High School! Join us beginning at 6:30 PM on March 18th in the main lobby to celebrate some of our very own Weller Artists. All are welcome to come to this event to support featured artists from Steuart Weller Elementary, Belmont Ridge Middle, and Riverside Highschool. There will be musical performances along with displayed artwork from a variety of grade levels. It will be a memorable evening to celebrate the arts with our cluster group!
Yearbooks are on Sale now!
Weller Odyssey of the Mind Team Wins Regional Competition
The Odyssey of the Mind Team, comprised of 4th and 5th graders, have once again won this year’s Regional Competition. It was held on February 21st at Park View High School. This team will be advancing to the State Competition on March 14th! Their creativity, teamwork, and dedication truly paid off, and we are so proud of their hard work.
Good luck at the competition this weekend to Sachi, Nithya, Carmel, Shriya, and Whitney!
Ramadan Meal Service 2026
School Nutrition Services (SNS) is pleased to inform you that the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has received USDA approval for a special waiver during Ramadan 2026. SNS will provide this option to students observing Ramadan from February 18 to March 19, 2026, allowing them to take their meals home at the end of the day, instead of eating at school.
How does the waiver work: Ramadan Meals
Students are allowed one breakfast and one lunch each day. If they choose to eat their meal on campus, they cannot take a meal home. This program ensures that all students have access to one nutritious breakfast and/or lunch meal while respecting their religious fasting practices. It promotes inclusivity and supports the diverse cultural and religious needs of our school community.
- Students in attendance on the day meals are distributed will be eligible to receive a non-congregate meal.
- Students observing Ramadan can go through the service line daily during their regular breakfast or lunch meal periods and request a "to-go" meal from the cashier to be picked up after school. Alternatively, they can order through the SNS website before 10 am each morning. Parents can also order on behalf of their students on the SNS website before 10am each morning. Students will be charged at the point of service for these meals: breakfast, lunch, or breakfast and lunch.
- The meal will be charged to student meal accounts according to their typical meal eligibility status.
- Students’ meals are charged as they normally qualify for school meals, free (no cost) or paid. If the student is in the paid category for breakfast and lunch, their account will be charged accordingly.
- Meals purchased will be provided, no refund if the student does not pick up the meal.
- Students who have requested a meal will come to the cafeteria to pick up their meal. We ask for your support with distribution, if there are fewer than 10 meals ordered.
- SNS will follow proper food handling and safety procedures, including providing reheating instructions if needed.
- Please note: Parents cannot pick-up meals for students.
Strictly Ramadan Meals (Halal)
Kindly let us know how we can work together to ensure the success of this program.
Link to order meals:
https://forms.gle/wbzGY9FYFYNiN9j8
Thank you!
Mulch Sale!
Spring is right around the corner, which means it’s time for the Broad Run Athletic Boosters Mulch Sale!
Delivery Day: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Order Deadline: Friday, March 13, 2026
Order here:
BRHS 2026 Mulch Sale Order
As always, we’re offering both black and natural mulch:
- FREE delivery for local orders within approximately 7 miles of Broad Run High School
- $6.25 per bag
Black Mulch
Premium double-shredded, black color-enhanced mulch
2 cubic foot bags
~14 bags cover 100 sq ft (10' x 10')
Natural Mulch
Premium double-shredded hardwood mulch
3 cubic foot bags
~9 bags cover 100 sq ft (10' x 10')
If you’re planning a spring yard refresh, we’d love to be your mulch source. If you decide to order this year, please know how much we appreciate your support of Broad Run Athletics and our community!
Questions? Contact us anytime at mulch@brboosters.org.
Student Safety is Everyone's Responsibility
If parents are driving their children to Weller, or picking up their children at the end of the day, use the car loop on the gym side of the building. Exchange St. is not a drop off zone. Students are WALKING to school and we MUST consider their safety. The only families who may drop off students near the B-2 door are ones who have received explicit permission from the school because their children need assistance getting to their classrooms. Please follow the drop off and pick up guidelines. Accidents happen very quickly and can result in tragedy. Walkers need to use the crosswalks. Cars need to go to the car loop, not the neighborhood side streets. We appreciate everyone's consideration for all of our children.
Overdue Lunch Balance?
If your child has an outstanding bill on their account, they will not be able to purchase additional items. If you need meal assistance, please contact our Family Liaison, Gladys Palomino.
Or you may submit an online application for free or reduced meals. The online process can be approved typically within 72 hours. The paper application is available in the office, but it takes longer for the approval process.
Use this link: https://linqconnect.com/public/meal-application/new?identifier=243AAV
Supporting Social Emotional Growth at Home
Here are questions you can ask your children about what will be presented this week in their daily SEL lessons
Tattling vs. Telling
Students will learn the differences between tattling and telling, as well as how telling connects to the “reporting” step in bullying prevention. Telling and reporting helping keep yourself or others safe, where as tattling does not help solve a problem and can hurt others’ feelings on purpose.
Grades K - 5
Ask your student to explain the difference between tattling and telling.
News from SWES PTO
- Volunteer!!!
- Staff Volleyball game (April 17)
- Help the PTO organize logistics like tickets, concessions, and spirit wear sales.
- Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8)
- Join a committee to plan a special week for SWES teachers and staff!
- Social Media Coordinator (ongoing)
- Work with the PTO team to regularly post content on social media channels.
- PTO board (ongoing)
- We have vacancies on the PTO board next year. Reach out to discuss what might be a good fit!
- Email infoswespto@gmail.com for more information on any of these opportunities.
- Save the Date!!
- April 8: PTO meeting
- Topic: SOL process & prep
- April 17: SWES staff vs Riverside varsity volleyball game
- 6:00-8:00 pm at Riverside high school
- May 15: Fun Run
- Be on the lookout for information about this special event!
- June 4: PTO meeting
- Topic: schoolyear recap & officer elections
Business Partnerships at Steuart W. Weller
Nightwatch Urgent Care - Mikaela Worley PA-C
Ms.Worley and other wives from the Commanders organization helped support numerous Weller families over winter break.
Weller Business Partners
We appreciate our business partnerships!
McRae Sports Group - Bobby McRae, Owner
Graphics Provided by:
https://www.flaticon.com/free-icons/mulching Mulching icons created by Slamlabs