Newsletter

Jan 30 | PTO Game Night 5-7pm

Feb 2 | Urban Air PTO Spirit Wear Day 4-8pm

Feb 3 | Formal Uniform Day, Graduation Photos 8th & Kindergarten, Board Meeting 6:30pm

Feb 6 | Lion King Musical Performance 6pm

Feb 7 | Lion King Musical Performance 2pm

Feb 10 | Final Day to Purchase Gala Tickets

Feb 12 | Early Dismissal 12pm, Parent Teacher Conferences

Feb 13 | Parent Teacher Conferences, No School

Feb 16 | Presidents' Day No School

Feb 17 | Mardi Gras Celebration, Wear Traditional Cultural Costume reflecting the heritage being celebrated or Formal Uniform

Feb 18 | Shake Shack Spirit Day, Cultural Spirit Day

Feb 20 | End of Trimester 2

DCSD is committed to implementing equitable practices to increase access to advanced/gifted learning opportunities. Based on state and national recommendations and requirements, we implement Universal Screening for students in 2nd grade (February).

2nd Grade Universal Screen

As part of this process, ALL students in 2nd grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of February 3rd. This assessment indicates the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates. These general reasoning abilities, which start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school.

If your child is already identified for gifted programming, they will not participate in this universal screen testing. Your Gifted Education Facilitator will contact you directly with information about this process.

Kindergarten/ 1st Grade Gifted Identification Referral Testing

If your child is in K or 1st grade and you believe he/she needs evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may refer your child for testing by initiating the Gifted Identification Process.
NOTE: Requesting this assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification.

Please request CogAT testing for your child by reaching out to Kate Parker, our gifted facilitator, by January 28th.

3 Day Preschool Enrollment 2026-27

It's time for 2026-2027 Preschool registation. Registration Link

First Round Preschool Enrollment (Priority for Current Families)

Opens: Monday, January 26, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.
Closes: Friday, January 30, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Second Round Enrollment

Opens: Monday, February 9, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.
Closes: Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Please reach out to our Preschool Director Kacie Strohman via email with any questions.

Tickets are now available for the K-4 production of the Lion King Jr. WCA is excited to offer concession items, flower and gifts provided by Ambrosia Flowers, and limited last minute tickets sales at the event. Please note that this will be a cashless event; cash will not be accepted.

The Lion King FRIDAY Night Ticket February 6 @ 6pm

The Lion King SATURDAY Ticket February 7 @ 2pm

Please screenshot your confirmation of purchase to show for ease entry.

PK-4th Grade

Select a time from the Teachers Google Sign-Up Sheet for a scheduled conference. Parents should only sign-up with the homeroom teacher. Homeroom teachers will have progress updates for all core subjects.

Middle School 5th-8th Grade, Specials/Electives and Foreign Language

Thursday, February 12, is open conferences. Parents will be able to connect with teachers in the school gym. 1:30pm-6:00pm
Friday, February 13, is reserved for scheduled conferences. Teachers will reach out to families to invite participation in these conferences if they have specific concerns about a student’s progress or well-being. If parents have concerns of their own and feel that a scheduled conference would be more appropriate, we encourage you to reach out directly to your student's teacher(s) to arrange a time to meet. Your involvement is important, and we’re here to support your child’s success!

Cultural Celebration Days
On designated cultural celebration days (such as Hispanic Heritage Month, Chinese New Year, and Mardi Gras), students may wear either traditional cultural attire that reflects the heritage(s) being celebrated or the school’s formal uniform.

For Mardi Gras, formal dress representing any French-speaking nation is appropriate. Examples may include Mardi Gras colors (green, gold, and purple), batiks, beads, berets, or kaftans.

Jeans, T-shirts, and sweatshirts-even if they include language from the celebrated culture or reflect contemporary casual clothing from that culture-are not considered traditional cultural attire and are not permitted on cultural celebration days.

The purpose of these guidelines is to honor and respect the cultures we study. Increasing the formality of dress on these days serves as a sign of respect and appreciation for the cultural traditions being celebrated.

Join Us for A Night in Paris!

We’re looking forward to celebrating with you at our third annual fundraiser gala, A Night in Paris on Friday, Feb. 20, from 6–11 p.m. at The Oaks at Plum Creek — and we have another great reason to get your tickets!

We’re excited to partner with Ninja Intensity to offer childcare during the gala, making it easier for families to attend. Childcare registration is now available through our website.

Gala ticket sales close Feb. 10, so be sure to purchase yours soon! Tickets are available for WCA families and community members, and you may also sponsor a ticket for a WCA staff member as a meaningful way to show your support.

We're looking for a reliable and friendly Lunch Aid to support students during lunchtime at our school. Responsibilities include monitoring safe and positive behavior in the lunchroom and in the outdoor play area, assisting with lunch distribution as needed, and ensuring a welcoming environment. Ideal candidates are patient, responsible, and enjoy working with kids. Must be available during school lunch hours 9:45am-2:00pm. Training provided. Join our team and help make mealtimes safe and enjoyable for all! Apply on the WCA website.

Friendly Competition

Mr. Harbula and Joel's pushup contest in the hall between classes drew quite the crowd of students. Congratulations Joel on your VICTORY!!

6th Grade Ancient Rome Museum

Sixth graders brought history to life with an immersive Ancient Rome Museum, showcasing vibrant, hands-on projects they’ve crafted after the completion of the Roman civilization unit.

Crochet for a Cause Club

Register today!! Starting February 5, our Crochet Club meets every Thursday in Room 214 through the end of the school year! Open to students in grades 4–8—no experience needed! All supplies are provided.

Learn fun, beginner-friendly crochet skills and make cozy hats and scarves, all donated to a local homeless shelter. It’s a chance to get creative while giving back!

While the items made in the club stay for donation, students take home the skills to keep crafting on their own.

WCA Spelling Bee Champion

Congratulations Shreyas on being the WCA spelling bee champion!! Great job Cole 2nd place and Praneesh 3rd place. Thank you to all who participated and to our amazing GT professional, Kate Parker.

WCA 24-HOUR WORLD TOUR: APPLICATIONS DUE

WCA 24-HOUR WORLD TOUR APPLICATION IS NOW AVAILABLE!
The student application for our inaugural 24-Hour World Tour is now available! Students should be prepared to explain how they will benefit from participating, how the event will prepare them to be global citizens, and how they will make the event better for others. This memorable experience will be fun, but will also be a lot of work and a test of mental endurance.
The application deadline is next Tuesday, January 27. Click here to access the application.

Special Staff Treat from PTO

Thank you, Sojourn Coffee, for bringing your wonderful coffee and warmth to WCA in December!

We’re so grateful for the delicious treats you provided for our staff—it was a thoughtful and energizing gift from our amazing PTO.

Your kindness didn’t go unnoticed, and we truly appreciate you being part of our school community.

Landsharks Running Club

CV Football Information Meeting

DC Cheer Tryouts

Interest Form

At WCA, we hold our alumni close to our hearts and are always delighted to hear about their accomplishments and adventures! We celebrate our alumni's successes and are proud to have been a part of their journey. Keep soaring, Cougars, and don't forget to keep us updated on your latest achievements! Go Anywhere! Do Anything!