Wild Cat ROAR! February 22, 2026

THANK YOU!! Because of all the generous donations of the Weller Families, we were able to provide Loudoun Hunger Relief with 1, 939 boxes of cereal. Thank you to Amber Port, 2nd Grade teacher, who oversaw the event and coordinated with some notable NFL players to start our cereal box domino of kindness chain reaction. We were also joined by the Loudoun COunty Sherrif's DepatMembers of the PTA were on hand to help set up and pack up all the boxes.

The staff lounge was transformed into a beautiful space of celebration thanks to a stunning and generous Ramadan spread provided by several thoughtful Weller Staff members. The display was as visually striking as it was delicious, featuring an elegant white and gold theme that truly captured the spirit of the month.

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!

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?

• In the next few weeks, 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

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.

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

Empathy & Kindness Unit

To begin this unit, grades K & 1 will learn about the importance of kindness. Grades 2 & 3 will define empathy and how it plays a role in friendship. Finally, grades 4 & 5 will be covering concepts such as being kind when learning about different points of view and practicing kindness in the school community.

K - Ask your child to tell you about the kind acts they and their classmates have been doing for one another at school this week.

1 - Ask your child to tell you about the kind acts they and their classmates have been learning about at school this week.

2 - Ask your child what member of their school community they had empathy for and what kind act they chose to do for that person.

3 - Ask your child what questions they can ask to find out how someone feels and what they may want or need. Discuss how checking in on someone’s feelings is a great way to show you care about them.

4 - Ask your child to describe a time when learning more about a different point of view changed their own thoughts or actions. Tell your child about a time when this happened to you.

5- Point out a problem in your neighborhood that affects other people. With your child, make a list of possible solutions to the problem. Ask your child how different groups in the community might feel about each solution.

• 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