Washington Woods Family Newsletter
August 24, 2026
Washington Woods Elementary School
Website: https://wwe.wws.k12.in.us
Location: 19750 Grassy Branch Road, Westfield, IN, USA
Phone: 317-867-7900
Facebook: Washington Woods Facebook
What a wonderful start we have had for this school year!
After months of planning, preparing, and wondering what those first few days would look like, it has been so much fun to see our school come to life.
Our first few days have been filled with new beginnings, new routines, new friendships, and lots of smiles. Most importantly, we are already seeing our students and staff begin to build the kind of community we want Washington Woods to be.
Building Our Communities
One of my favorite parts of the first few days has been watching classrooms become communities. Teachers and students have spent time getting to know one another, learning routines, practicing how to work together, and creating spaces where everyone knows they belong.
And our students are already showing us The Woods Way!
We have seen students helping classmates, including others in games and conversations, taking responsibility for their belongings and learning, working through challenges, and showing perseverance when something doesn't go exactly as planned. These may seem like small moments, but those small moments are what build a strong school community.
A Cafeteria Full of Woods Way
Our cafeteria has also been a great example of everyone working together. With a full cafeteria and multiple lunch groups moving through the space, our students have done an amazing job learning the routines, taking care of their space, and making those transitions happen quickly.
There is a lot of moving and coordinating that happens behind the scenes to make lunchtime run smoothly, and I am so proud of how our students and staff have jumped in and worked together. A full cafeteria can be a busy place, but our students are learning how to make it work!
Keeping Our Classrooms Safe
We are also settling into our new approved snack list. Thank you for helping us make this transition! Sending a snack from the approved list is one simple way families can help us create classrooms that are safe and welcoming for students with food allergies.
Working Together to Get Home
Dismissal is another area where teamwork has really stood out. Getting hundreds of students safely where they need to go takes students, teachers, support staff, office staff, bus drivers, and families all working together. Please make sure you sign up for School Dismissal Manager, if you haven't already. If you are having trouble, please contact the office so we can assist you.
We are continuing to practice and refine our routines, and I appreciate everyone's patience as we get those systems running smoothly. Every day, we are getting a little more efficient!
A Quick Woods Way Reminder
Last week, we introduced The Woods Way and our four big ideas:
🌲 Be Safe — Regulation & Self-Discipline
🌲 Be Kind — Collaboration, Communication & Connection
🌲 Be Responsible — Independence & Adaptability
🌲 Grow — Lifelong Learning, Problem-Solving & Perseverance
We will continue looking for and celebrating these behaviors throughout the year. When staff members see students going above and beyond, they may receive a Showing the Woods Way recognition, which is shared with our school community and sent home to families.
We also know that learning expectations takes practice. When students need additional support after multiple reminders for a lower-level behavior, staff may use a Fix It Ticket. These are intended to teach, communicate, and partner with families—not to punish. Our goal is always to help students reflect, understand the expectation, and know what they can do differently next time.
We are looking forward to our first full week ahead. Please mark your calendars for our first PTO meeting at 6:00 on September 1 and our Parent Information Night for grades 1-5 on September 3. There will be two sessions, one from 6:00-6:25 and another from 6:35-7:00. You can attend either one.
Mrs. Libby Baud
Principal, Washington Woods Elementary
The Powerschool Parent Portal is an essential part of every WWS student's journey. Please visit and bookmark the link below for easy access. New families should have received a Parent Portal Letter via email, so please check for that (check Spam too!). You can alwaus email our Secretary at garverr@wws.k12.in.us for help. Also, you can now find your student's ID number in the upper right hand corner of Powerschool!
Log into Your PowerSchool Parent Portal Here
ATTENTION 4TH AND 5TH GRADERS!
After an incredible inaugural season, Rhythm Rocks! is returning this fall for another exciting year of music-making!
Last year, fourth and fifth graders from across Westfield came together to learn, laugh, make new friends, and perform on the stage at the Westfield High School Holiday Festival. From their very first rehearsal to their final standing ovation, our students discovered the joy of creating something bigger than themselves.
Now it's your turn!
If your child loves music, enjoys a challenge, and wants to experience playing xylophones, glockenspiels, drums, and other percussion instruments in a fun and engaging ensemble, Rhythm Rocks! is the place to be.
Open to all Westfield 4th and 5th graders.
No auditions.
Perform at the Westfield High School Holiday Festival.
Enrollment is limited to 50 students to ensure every musician has an instrument and an active role in the ensemble.
Registration is open now through September 11! We can't wait to welcome our newest musicians! Click here to learn more.
