Woodbridge Elementary School
Woodbridge Families 2026-27 - Newsletter #10
October 10, 2026 - A Message from the Principal
Dear Woodbridge Families,
As we continue through October, I want to thank our families for your continued support, patience, and partnership. We are so proud of the progress we are making as a new school community. Each week brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and strengthen our Woodbridge Phoenix family!
We have several exciting updates and reminders to share with you this week.
π Dismissal Updates β More Learning Time, Less Time on the Bus!
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to refine our dismissal procedures. Our priority is ensuring that every student gets home safely while maximizing valuable instructional time.
Beginning Tuesday, October 13, we will implement an updated dismissal process.
All students will now dismiss directly from their classrooms rather than gathering in common areas to wait for buses.
These adjustments will allow us to:
- Increase instructional time so students spend more time learning in their classrooms.
- Reduce time spent sitting on buses waiting for other students to board.
- Create a safer and more organized dismissal process for all students.
We know that opening a new school comes with opportunities to evaluate and improve our procedures. We appreciate your flexibility, feedback, and partnership as we continue making decisions that put student safety and learning first.
π November Family Conferences β Sign Up Today!
November family conferences are just around the corner!
We are asking every Woodbridge family to schedule a conference with their child's teacher.
These conferences are an important opportunity to celebrate your child's progress, discuss academic and social-emotional growth, and work together to establish goals for continued success.
Conferences may be held in person, by phone, or virtually through Zoom, depending on what works best for your family. Language interpretation services are available for families who need them.
If you have not yet scheduled your November conference, please reach out directly to your child's teacher to select a time.
Our goal is to connect with 100% of our Woodbridge families! Your partnership makes a difference, and we look forward to celebrating your child's success together.
π₯ Back-to-School Night House Bingo Results Are In!
Our first Back-to-School Night was filled with excitement, school spirit, and Phoenix pride! Thank you to all of our families who participated in our House Bingo activity.
Our House Leaders have officially tallied the Bingo boards, and the results are in!
π Back-to-School Night House Bingo Points
House Points Earned
β€οΈ Ignite 432
π Radiant 375
π Forge 371
π€ Ember 365
π Ascend 244
Congratulations to Ignite for earning the most points during Back-to-School Night! β€οΈπ₯
These points will be added to our House Point totals as we continue building excitement around our House System!
We are thrilled to see our students embracing their House identities and demonstrating the values that make our school community special:
- β€οΈ Ignite: Proactive
- π Ascend: Perseverant
- π€ Ember: Resilient
- π Forge: Innovative
- π Radiant: Inspiring
Thank you to our House Leaders for counting the Bingo boards and to our families for participating!
Ask your child about their House and how they can earn points by demonstrating positive character, leadership, and kindness.
Our House System is about so much more than competition. It is about creating a sense of belonging, celebrating positive choices, and building a school community where everyone feels connected.
Five Houses. One Phoenix Family. Together We Rise!
π Families Are Welcome for Lunch!
We are excited to welcome our families to join their children for lunch at Woodbridge Elementary!
Sharing lunch is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with your child and be part of our school community.
Please review the lunch schedule below to find your child's assigned lunchtime.
We ask that families check in through the front office when arriving at school. We look forward to welcoming you to our cafeteria!
π Important Reminder β No School Monday!
Monday, October 12, 2026 β No School for Students
Monday is a Teacher Professional Learning and Workday. Our teachers will spend the day participating in professional learning, collaborating with colleagues, and preparing for continued student success. Students will return to school on Tuesday, October 13.
ππ§‘ Together We Rise!
As we continue building the traditions and culture of Woodbridge Elementary, I am incredibly grateful for the families, staff, and students who make our school such a special place.
Thank you for your continued trust, support, and partnership. We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every Phoenix can thrive.
Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend! We look forward to welcoming our students back on Tuesday for another great week of learning.
Together We Rise!
Brooke LeVecchi
Principal
October School Calendar
No School- Monday October 12
There will be no school this upcoming Monday October 12 for all students, in observance of Indigenous Peoples and Columbus Day.
Trunk Or Treat ππ
PWCS Title I Family Camp
Join Us for PWCS Title I Family Camp!
Mark your calendars for an exciting day of learning and fun at the PWCS Title I FamilyCamp on October 17, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at George M. Hampton Middle School, 14800 Darbydale Avenue, Woodbridge, VA 22193. This event is designed to bring families together to explore educational activities, engage with teachers, and discover new ways to support your childβs learning journey.
What to expect:
Interactive workshops for parents and students
Fun educational games and activities
Opportunities to connect with other families and educators
Free resources to take home
Bus transportation will be available for families attending the event.
- Pick-up will be at Potomac View Elementary School at 8:00 a.m. and at the Bayview Apartment Leasing Office (1293 Bayside Ave., Woodbridge, VA 22191) at 8:10 a.m.
Annual Title I Meeting Presentation
October Family Engagement Series/ Parent Resource Center
Finding Calm Together: Supporting Through Big Feelings
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Live Zoom Webinar
Target Audience: Preschool Families
Learn how to stay calm and connected during your child's biggest emotions while building the skills they need to regulate feelings and behaviors.
- Learn the Conscious Discipline Brain State Model used in our preschool classrooms.
- Discover how your mindset and composure shape your childβs emotional responses.
- Gain practical strategies to navigate big feelings and challenging behaviors.
All requests for interpretation are due by October 7, 2026.
Sibshops Family Information Session
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 6-7 p.m. | Live Zoom Webinar
Target Audience: Grades 2-5 Families
We are pleased to invite you to an informational online session to learn more about Sibshops, a unique and supportive program for students in grades 2-5 who have siblings with disabilities and are enrolled in Prince William County Public Schools.
During this session, you will learn about the purpose of Sibshops, the benefits the program offers, and how it helps children connect with peers, build understanding, and navigate the unique experiences of having a sibling with a disability. Following the presentation, families will have the opportunity to register their child for this rewarding and enriching program.
All requests for interpretation are due by October 7, 2026.
Building Strong Readers at Home: Practical Supports for Students with Disabilities
Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 11 a.m.-Noon | Live Zoom Webinar
Target Audience: Grades Pre-Kβ8 Families
Families are essential partners in helping students with disabilities develop strong literacy skills. This session will focus on easy-to-implement strategies that parents and caregivers can use at home to support reading growth.
You will learn:
- How to make reading engaging and accessible for students with diverse needs.
- Activities that reinforce phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension.
- Tips for using everyday routines and materials to build literacy skills.
- Guidance on leveraging assistive tools and collaborating with your childβs school team.
Join us to discover practical, family-friendly approaches that empower your child to thrive as a reader!
All requests for interpretation are due by October 11, 2026.
Focus: Specialty Programs Information Session for Middle School Students
6:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 β Live Zoom Webinar
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families in grades 5-7
Join us on Tuesday, October 20, for an informative webinar designed to help families learn about PWCS Specialty Programs and the opportunities available for middle school students.
During this session, families will explore the variety of Specialty Program opportunities available to students, learn about the application process and important deadlines, and discover the resources and support available to help students and families make informed decisions. Parents and guardians will leave with the information and resources needed to explore program options and navigate the application process with confidence.
Presenters for this session: Jennifer Cavanaugh, Supervisor of Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs; Dr. Laura Evans, Coordinator of Dual Enrollment; and Dr. Jessica Doiron, Coordinator of Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs, with Prince William County Public Schools
All requests for language accommodations are due by October 15, 2026.
Building Confident Readers
Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 6-7 p.m. | Live Zoom Webinar
Target Audience: Grades Pre-Kβ6 Families
Learn how to help your child become a confident reader by fostering a growth mindset, celebrating their strengths, and building student self-advocacy skills. Parents will gain practical strategies to encourage resilience, confidence, and independence while supporting reading success at home and school.
All requests for interpretation are due by October 19, 2026.
Building Strong Foundations: Proactive Strategies that Support Learning, Independence, and Positive Behavior
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 6-7 p.m. | Live Zoom Webinar
Target Audience: Grades Kβ12 Families
Every child has a unique learning profile that influences how they learn, communicate, and interact with the world. In this introductory session, families will learn how proactive, evidence-based strategies can support learning, foster independence, and promote positive behavior at home and in the community.
All requests for interpretation are due by October 25, 2026.
Focus: Navigating Digital Citizenship for Families
6:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026 β Live Zoom Webinar
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Join us on Thursday, October 29, for a webinar focused on helping children become safe, responsible, and confident users of technology.
During this session, families will learn practical tips for helping children evaluate information they find online, communicate safely and respectfully, use technology and artificial intelligence responsibly, and maintain a healthy balance between screen time and everyday life. We will also share how PWCS supports digital citizenship and protects student data privacy, while providing resources and strategies families can use at home to guide their children's technology use. Parents and guardians will leave with tools, resources, and practical strategies to help their children navigate the digital world safely and successfully.
Presenters for this session: Dr. Sean Ward, Instructional Technology Coach, and Patrick Heath, Coordinator for Instructional and Information Technology Training, with Prince William County Public Schools
All requests for language accommodations are due by October 26, 2026.
October Spirit Day- Wednesday October 14
π Breast Cancer Awareness- Pink Out
Join us on Wednesday, October 14, for our October Spirit Day! Students and staff are encouraged to wear pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to show support for those affected by breast cancer.
Community Pop-Up Event @Freedom HS
School Vision & Hearing Screening π
During the month of October and November, Woodbridge Elementary will conduct hearing and vision screenings for all kindergarten students, third-grade students, and students who are new to Prince William County Schools.
Please help your child prepare by ensuring they wear their prescribed glasses daily, especially during the screening period.
Screening Dates:
- Kindergarten: October 13th - 16th
- 3rd Grade: October 19th - 23rd
- Students New to PWCS: November 2nd - 4th
EL Newsletter
English Language Development
- How is my child progressing in English?
- What are my childβs strengths in speaking, listening, reading, and writing?
- Which area of English is most challenging for my child right now?
- Is my child becoming more comfortable speaking English in class?
- How does my childβs English compare with what is expected at their current language-proficiency level?
Academic Progress
- How is my child doing in reading, writing, math, science, and other subjects?
- Does my child understand the grade-level content even when English is difficult?
- What skills should my child focus on improving?
- Is language development affecting my childβs grades or assessment results?
- What progress have you noticed since the beginning of the school year?
Classroom Participation
- Does my child participate in class discussions?
- Does my child ask for help when they do not understand?
- Does my child work comfortably with classmates?
- Does my child seem confident at school?
- Are there times when my child seems hesitant to participate because of English?
Support at School
- What English-language support is my child receiving?
- What strategies are teachers using to help my child understand new vocabulary and concepts?
- Are there additional resources or programs available?
- How are classroom teachers and English-language teachers working together to support my child?
- How will I know whether my child is making appropriate progress?
Supporting Learning at Home
- What can we practice at home?
- Should we read together in English, our home language, or both?
- What books or activities would you recommend?
- What vocabulary would be helpful to practice at home?
- Is it okay for us to use our home language when helping with homework?
- What is one thing we can work on at home before the next conference?
Looking Ahead
- What are the most important goals for my child this quarter?
- What would successful progress look like?
- When will my childβs English proficiency be assessed again?
- How will you communicate my childβs progress to me?
- What should we celebrate about my childβs progress so far?
π§₯ Lost and Found
If your child is missing a personal item, please have them check the Lost & Found area in the cafeteria. We have several jackets, water bottles, lunch containers, and other items waiting to be reunited with their owners!
π Lunch Visits & Volunteer Opportunities
We are excited to welcome families and special guests to join their students for lunch beginning October 1st! More information about lunch visit procedures will be shared as the date approaches.
We are also looking for volunteers to help make this school year a success. Opportunities include assisting during lunch, supporting our monthly Family Food Markets, helping with the Book Fair, Field Days, and other school events throughout the year. If you're interested in volunteering, please complete the Volunteer Interest Form linked below.
Please note: All volunteers must complete the required volunteer training and school division volunteer requirements before participating in any volunteer activities.
USE THE BUTTON BELOW TO FILL OUT THE INTEREST FORM
π Extra Clothes Reminder
To help students return to learning quickly after an accident or spill, please send a complete change of clothes for your child to keep at school. Our nurse's clinic will not have extra clothing available.
We recommend including:
- Shirt
- Pants/shorts
- Underwear
- Socks
Please place the items in a labeled Ziploc or reusable bag with your child's first and last name, and update them throughout the year as your child grows and seasons change.
If families need resources for extra clothes, please reach out to our School Social Worker, Cory Cobern CobernCD@PWCS.EDU or our School Parent Liaison, Maite Diaz-Funez, DiazfuMS@PWCS.EDU.
Woodbridge Elementary School Pantry Soft Opening
We are excited to announce the soft opening of our school pantry! As we continue to collect donations and build our inventory, we want to ensure that families experiencing an immediate need for food can access support.
If your family is experiencing a need, please complete the form below. Maite Diaz-Funez, School Parent Liaison, or Cory Cobern, School Social Worker, will reach out to you confidentially to discuss available resources and support.
Mobile Food Market
Capital Area Food Bank Mobile Food Market is coming to Prince William Public Libraries this fall!
Families can receive fresh fruits and vegetables at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring your own grocery bags. Visit the Potomac, Bull Run, or Central Library locations on select dates in September, October, and November for this community resource.
Potomac Library
2201 Opitz Blvd
Woodbridge, VA 22191
Bull Run Library
8051 Ashton Avenue
Manassas, VA 20109
Central Library
8601 Mathis Avenue
Manassas, VA 20110
Woodbridge Family Resources & Quick Links
School Hours
School Safety & Identification Reminders
The safety of our students is always our top priority. When visiting Woodbridge Elementary or picking up a student early, please be prepared to show a valid government-issued photo identification upon arrival.
For security purposes, students may only be released to individuals who present a physical form of identification and who are listed as an approved emergency contact.
Photo or digital copies will not be allowed.
Family Communication with Teachers
Family Communication with Teachers π¦βπ₯
Strong family-school partnerships begin with open, respectful, and consistent communication. Your childβs teacher should always be your first point of contact when you have a question or concern about your childβs learning, classroom experience, assignments, behavior, or classroom routines.
We also ask families to remember that teachers are actively teaching, supervising, planning, and working with students throughout the school day. Their primary focus during these hours must be student learning and safety.
To help our teachers remain focused on students, please limit multiple messages about the same question or concern and allow teachers time to respond. Sending repeated messages through different communication methods can make it more difficult for teachers to manage communication while providing students with the attention they deserve.
Teachers will respond as soon as they are reasonably able. We appreciate your patience and partnership as we work together to support every student.
For questions about attendance, absences, or general school information, please contact the Woodbridge Elementary School office at wdes-office@pwcs.edu.
Thank you for helping us protect instructional time while maintaining strong communication between home and school.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Snapshot
EvaluaciΓ³n de Aprendizaje Socioemocional (SEL Snapshot)
Los estudiantes de PWCS en los grados 3 al 12 participarΓ‘n en la encuesta Socioemocional (SEL) Snapshot, que ayuda a comprender cΓ³mo desarrollan habilidades importantes para la vida. Esta encuesta no se usa para calificaciones, disciplina ni evaluaciones de salud mental. Las familias pueden revisar las preguntas, acceder a los resultados a travΓ©s de ParentVUE y optar por no participar.
Para obtener mΓ‘s informaciΓ³n, escanee el cΓ³digo QR que aparece en el volante adjunto.
Personal Device Reminder
π Woodbridge Elementary Birthday Policy
Birthday Celebrations at Woodbridge Elementary
For the 2026β27 school year, Woodbridge Elementary is committed to promoting school health and wellness and following the PWCS Regulation 275-1 Wellness Plan.
We know birthdays are important to children! Each child will be recognized on the Woodbridge morning announcements on their birthday, or the Friday before a weekend's birthday. Students will also receive a birthday pencil. We will keep the birthday pencils in the library and those will be available beginning Monday, October 12th!
Food celebrations can exclude children with life-threatening food allergies and other dietary restrictions. To help make Woodbridge a healthy, safe, and inclusive place for all our Phoenixes, we encourage families to choose nonfood birthday celebrations.
Alternatives to food treats include:
Pencils, erasers, fun stickers, temporary tattoos, stencils, or stampers
Small puzzles, bubbles, superhero rings, or rubber bracelets
Donating a book to the classroom or school library in your childβs name
Donating a game to the classroom in your childβs name
For safety reasons, please do not send balloons, flowers, or other celebratory bouquets to school. Teachers may distribute birthday party invitations only if the entire class is invited.
Families may still send small food treats to be shared at lunchtime. We discourage donuts, oversized cupcakes, soda, juice, and juice boxes. Smaller options include mini-cupcakes, small bite sized cookies, or sliced fruit and vegetables. All food items must be store-bought and include an ingredient and allergen label. Labels help staff identify potential allergens; they do not guarantee that a food is safe for every student.
We look forward to a happy and healthy school year! Thank you for supporting healthy food and snack choices at home and at school and helping every Phoenix feel included.
Together We Rise!
π Please Take Time to Read the Family Handbook
Thank you to all families who have already reviewed the 2026-2027 Woodbridge Elementary School Family Handbook. If you have not yet done so, please take a few minutes to review it. The handbook contains important information about school procedures, expectations, attendance, safety, and communication. We will continue to update it throughout the year as we grow our new school community together.
USE THE BUTTON BELOW TO ACCESS THE FAMILY HANDBOOK
Woodbridge Elementary House Systems
Students are sorted into one of five houses that represent our core values:
- Ignite β Proactive
- Ascend β Perseverant
- Ember β Resilient
- Forge β Innovative
- Radiant β Inspiring
Stay Connected with Woodbridge Elementary
- Monday, October 12 - Indigenous Peoples/ Columbus Day, School closed for students
- Friday, October 23- Trunk or Treat, 5-7pm
- Friday, October 30- Last day of first marking period
House System - Family Important Dates
- Student House reveal day β Friday, August 28th
- House parade (mini celebration) - Thursday, September 3rd
- Quarter 1 House assembly β Friday, October 30th
- Quarter 2 House assembly β Wednesday, January 27th
- Quarter 3 house assembly β Thursday, April 15th
- Quarter 4 House cup celebration β Wednesday, June 16th
Woodbridge Contact Information
1550 Prince William Parkway, Woodbridge, VA 22191
Main School Phone Number
703.494.3154
Brooke LeVecchi, Principal - leveccbb@pwcs.edu
Emmanuelle Hill, Assistant Principal - CrossEA@pwcs.edu
Latisha Copeland, Administrative Intern - SAMUELLS@pwcs.edu
Ana Salmeron, Financial Specialist - SalmerAL@PWCS.EDU
Delores Ford, Admin Assistant II - FordDS@pwcs.edu
Doris Guzman, Office Assistant - GuzmanDM@pwcs.edu
Maite Diaz-Funez, Parent Liaison - DiazfuMS@PWCS.EDU
Cory Cobern - School Social Worker - CobernCD@PWCS.EDU
Melba Ester - School Nurse - EsterMT@PWCS.EDU
PWCS Vision 2030 Strategic Goals
Woodbridge Elementary Continuous Improvement Plan 26-27
Woodbridge ES CIP Summary with Goals (2026β2027)
Woodbridge Elementaryβs Continuous Improvement Plan focuses on launching a high-performing, inclusive school by strengthening instruction, building a strong culture of belonging, and using data-driven systems to support all students.
Key Priorities
- Increase reading and math achievement for all students
- Close achievement gaps for historically underserved groups
- Establish consistent instructional systems (CLTs, MTSS)
- Build a positive, inclusive school culture and strong family partnerships
Literacy Goals
- 85% of grades 3β5 students will pass the Reading SOL by June 2027
- 80% of Kβ2 students will be in the low/moderate risk range on VALLSS
- 100% of students will show growth on STAR Reading
Mathematics Goals
- 85% of grades 3β5 students will pass the Math SOL by June 2027
- 100% of grades 1β5 students will show growth on Momentum Math
Instruction & Systems Goals
- 100% of teachers implement consistent CLT structures and data-driven practices
- 100% of identified students receive evidence-based literacy interventions
- Design Thinking integrated into instruction across all teams
Positive Clime & Culture
- Improve overall attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism
- 100% of chronically absent students receive mentoring/support
Family & Community Goal
- Establish and operate a school pantry system to support families and remove barriers to learning
Key Strategies
- Deliver strong Tier I instruction with targeted intervention supports
- Implement MTSS for academics, behavior, and attendance
- Use data to guide instruction and monitor progress
- Build a culture of belonging through the House System, PBIS, restorative practices, and family engagement