Timberwolf Times -Summer 2026

Please drive carefully

SUMMER EDITION OF THE TIMBERWOLF TIMES

Dear Timberwolf Families,

“Our Students, Our Future: Growing Tomorrow's Leaders Today”

Thank you for an AMAZING School Year

Let’s take a moment to give our teachers, students, and all our families a round of applause for successfully completing this school year! I am Thankful for all of you!

We have had an AWESOME year together. I am proud of all our students and their hard work and efforts this school year. All of our students strived to make a positive difference at school and to be Quality Leaders and Learners each day. Everyone tried their best!. We have the BEST students.

I also want to take a moment to say Thank You to all of our supportive and involved parents and community members. All of you help out each day in so many ways. We couldn’t do what we need to do without your help. I appreciate all of your support. Thank you!

Finally, I need to give a shout out to our incredible staff!! They are Awesome!! All of our teachers work hard to ensure all of our students are learning to their fullest potential in a safe, respectful student-centered learning community!! I feel lucky that I get to work with them each day. There is not a better group of educators anywhere.

I want to encourage all parents to remind your students to read this summer. Research shows this is the most important activity students can do when not in school to build, strengthen and enhance their skills. Just 20-30 minutes a day would make a huge difference.

Summer with Clay. We are sending home with everyone - a picture of our Friend Clay. Similar to Flat Stanley. Take pictures this summer on your vacation or just reading at home and send them into me at buchhear@pwcs.edu or tag them in Facebook with @TClayWoodES and #TimbewolvesROCK We will post them on our Social Media Sites. Completely optional.

You can take some pictures of your student reading or enjoying summer activities with family and friends.

I want everyone to have a fun and safe summer break. I wish all of our students who are leaving our school the best of luck and encourage them to come back and visit us. I look forward to seeing all of our returning students next year!!! It will be a great year!!!

We truly do everything better together as a Community of Leaders and Learners Achieving Excellence at T. Clay Wood.

Sincerely,

Dr. Andrew Buchheit,

The Always Proud Principal of T. Clay Wood E.S.

“Because YOU are here, ANYTHING is possible”

If your student won’t be returning next school year, please stop by the office when you have a moment to return the two car tags or drop them off on the last day of school at the car rider line. Thank you so much for your help and support!

All medications must be picked up from the school clinic by 12:00 pm on June 12. Medications not picked up will be discarded. No medications are held in the school clinics over the summer.

New Medication Administration Forms and/or Health Treatment Plans are required each school year. Forms may be obtained from your school or https://www.pwcs.edu/departments/student_services/student_health/index

Please contact Ms. Ousley at ousleykr@pwcs.edu or 703.594.3990 with any questions.

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Location: Harris Pavilion, Manassas

We launched our first rally in July 2025, and thanks to incredible community support, we collected over 2,400 pounds of food and raised $5,500 for local food pantries. Local leaders joined us to help present the donations, and the energy in that room was something special. Check out this link from last year.

This year, we're bringing everyone back together: food pantries, service organizations, PWCS school pantries, and community members. We'll have guest speakers, a food and donation drive, and a fundraising dunk tank.

We're adding a twist this year with a social media competition to decide who gets dunked, and we're hoping it gets students and staff fired up to participate. Principals have the chance to compete against their counterparts at other PWCS schools. If you're willing to compete for a spot in the tank, fill out this form.

I've attached the event flyer with full details, as well as a screenshot of our approval letter for flyer distribution from Carmen Sorto of PWCS. If your school is interested in participating, whether by promoting the rally, organizing a collection, or attending as a group, we'd love to connect and talk through options.

Thanks for everything you do for our community. We hope to see you there!

Check out this link for more information of the locations for free summer meals for children: https://www.pwcs.edu/support_services/meals/summer_meals

To-Go Summer Meals Location, Dates, and Times

• To-go summer meals are available for all children 18 years of age and younger.
• Participating students receive a meal kit with 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches.
• Meal kits are served on the following Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m. at Colgan High School: June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, and July 29.
• Meal kits are served on a first-come, first-served basis.
• If a child is receiving meals in person at one of the summer school locations listed below, they should not also receive to-go summer meals.
• To-Go Summer Meals Menu

In-Person Summer Meals Locations, Dates, and Times

• Meals are available for all children 18 years of age and younger.
• Meal service is Monday-Friday at the locations, dates, and times listed below.
• Meals are served on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Children must remain on-site while consuming their meals.
• Summer School Menu

Two commonly used apps by PWCS families are being replaced by new versions from their respective vendors: ParentVUE and EZ A2B (now EZArrival).

The message below will be sent divisionwide on May 18. Schools are encouraged to include reminders to download these new apps in their school newsletters. Please note that the public webpages will be updated on Monday, May 18.

Effective June 30, 2026, two apps commonly used by PWCS families—ParentVUE and the EZ A2B bus tracking app—are being updated by their respective vendors. The current versions of both apps will no longer work after June 30.

ParentVUE

ParentVUE is transitioning to a new version of its app. Families should download the version labeled “ParentVUE (New)” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You can also download directly here.

EZArrival

The EZ A2B bus tracking app has been renamed EZArrival. Families should search for “EZArrival” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or download it directly here.

To be prepared for summer school and/or the 2026-27 school year, families are encouraged to download both new apps as soon as possible to ensure uninterrupted access to grades, attendance, and transportation information.

Thank you for helping us keep families connected.


#SLAB2026 #AdministratorAction2026 #PWCSPulse2026

SUPPLY LISTS - 2026-2027

We are continuing our partnership with Rooted In Education (RIE), a Haymarket-based 501(c)3, to sponsor the newest location in their Fare Harvest Community Garden network. RIE is passionate about providing access to enriching educational opportunities and fresh food so that all children may share their talents and passions to inspire our communities.

You’re invited to visit the T Clay Wood Fare Harvest Community and Learning Garden!

Students have been working hard this spring to fill our garden with seeds and seedlings to grow healthy food for the community. We are growing bush beans, peppers, snap peas, cucumber, onions, herbs, tomatoes, watermelon, garlic, lettuce, swiss chard, and more!

Please follow @rootedineducation on Instagram and Facebook for updates as the food becomes ready to harvest. Bags, snippers, and a scale for weighing are located in the garden cabinet. We ask that you please weigh your harvest so that we may track our abundance using the QR code above the garden cabinet.

The garden, located in the side yard nearest the school office, is open to the community during the school year Monday through Friday from 4:30 until dusk; weekends, no school days and summer break, it is open dawn to dusk.

Nadia M Stewart, Executive + Creative Founder

Phone: 703-447-6214

Web: @rootedineducation.org

Socials: @rootedineducation

Parents/Guardians: Do you have a kindergarten student to enroll? Registration is required for all new students. Begin your online registration now. Please visit the PWCS Kindergarten Registration webpage.

Padres/tutores: ¿Tienen un estudiante de kindergarten que necesitan inscribir? Se requiere la inscripción de todos los nuevos estudiantes. Comiencen la inscripción en línea ahora. Por favor visite: https://www.pwcs.edu/registration/kindergarten
We look forward to meeting all our new Kindergarten Timberwolf Pups.

Report Cards will be available to parents of K-5 students in ParentVUE in PDF format in the Documents Tab

To access student report cards, through ParentVue, please follow these steps:

1. Log into the ParentVUE app or the ParentVUE website using your ParentVUE UserID and password.
   
2. Once logged into ParentVUE, click the Documents button on the left side of the screen.

• If you need assistance with accessing your ParentVUE account, please contact your school.

Thank you,

Documents

06/12/2026

2025-2026 ES-MK4 Report Card

Report Card

Unearth a Story During Summer Reading, June 15–August 16

This summer, Prince William Public Libraries invites you to dig a little deeper. With this year’s theme, “Unearth a Story,” readers can uncover hidden worlds, explore the past, and discover something new with every page. From dinosaurs to gardening and everything in between, PWPL is offering more than 350 free programs to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection for all ages.

Sign up for Summer Reading in person or online and track your reading progress. After you read for 500 minutes, pick out a free book to keep and be entered in a prize drawing. Prizes are available while supplies last. Learn more at pwcva.gov/SummerReading.

Virginia SUN Bucks is a federal food benefit program through which qualifying households receive $120 per school-aged child to buy groceries during the summer.

The Food and Nutrition Department has included information about SUN Bucks on their phone tree. Families may call 703-791-7314 and choose option five for information. Additional program and application details are available at on the Virginia SUN Bucks webpage.

Optional Activity. We all know the importance of reading and staying connected. If you would like to send pictures of your students reading on summer vacation to be shared on our social media sites, please send me the pictures. You can take some pictures of your student reading or enjoying summer activities with family and friends. You can email them to me at buchhear@pwcs.edu. You can also tag it on our school's Social Media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter yourself with #TimberwolvesROCK

Our Facebook is @TClayWoodES

Students will have access to Lexia Core 5 over the summer! Please make sure to remind them of the "red apple" and that they should choose another activity to work on if they receive it when working in the program. This will prevent frustration and ensure they keep making progress on the other skills they can progress through independently.

How to install Lexia: On a mobile device, the easiest way to get logged in is to install the Lexia Core 5 app (Google Play or Apple App Store), but do not open it. After the app is installed on your device, go to PWCS Portal/Classlink in your browser or Classlink app and login. Tap on the Lexia app while you're on the PWCS Portal website/Classlink app, and it will automatically launch the Lexia app and log you in.

Summer Meals

The Food and Nutrition Department is pleased to participate in the USDA Summer Food Service Program. Meals are served at no cost to any child 18 years of age and younger. Students may visit any meal site and receive a meal.

New This Year: To-Go Summer Meals

Children who are not receiving meals at a summer school location are eligible to receive to-go meal kits from Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School. Parents and/or guardians can pick up these meal kits on behalf of their child(ren) during the designated distribution days and times.

More Information: Summer Meals | Prince William County Public Schools

Tips for Supporting Children's Mental Health During Summer Break

1. Maintain a Routine and High Expectations: While it's important to relax, having a consistent daily routine helps children feel secure and balanced. Remain consistent with rules and expectations. Having a daily schedule and chore charts can help everyone stay on track and accountable.

2. Encourage Physical Activity: Regular exercise can boost mood and reduce anxiety. Activities like swimming, biking, or even family walks can be fun and beneficial.

3. Promote Social Interaction: Arrange playdates or group activities to help children stay connected with friends and develop social skills.

4. Limit Screen Time: Encourage other activities like reading, arts and crafts, or outdoor play to reduce excessive screen time.

5. Create a Safe Space for Emotions: Let your child know it's okay to express their feelings. Be available to listen and provide comfort. Transitioning into summer and back-to-school at the end of summer can be difficult for many children.

6. Engage in Mindfulness Activities: Simple practices like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation can help children manage stress and stay calm. Time for mindfulness helps avoid over-stimulation and potential meltdowns.

7. Plan Family Activities: Spend quality time together through activities like picnics, game nights, or exploring new places. This strengthens family bonds and creates positive memories. Children can keep a summer journal or scrapbook.

8. Encourage Learning: Keep their minds active with educational games, reading, or exploring new hobbies. This can prevent the "summer slide" and keep them engaged. Have your child set a goal at the start of summer and encourage them to work towards it each day. For example, set a goal for the number of books to read or math facts to memorize.

9. Ensure Adequate Sleep: Maintain a regular sleep schedule to ensure they get enough rest, which is vital for mental health.

10. Model Healthy Behavior: Show your child how to manage stress and emotions by modeling healthy coping strategies yourself.

11. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: A balanced diet and staying hydrated can significantly impact mood and energy levels.

12. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you notice signs of persistent anxiety or depression, don't hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional.

By incorporating these tips, parents can help their children enjoy a healthy, happy, and balanced summer break. 🌞

Your school-based mental health team wishes you a happy and healthy summer break! Summer is a great time to relax, recharge, and do things that bring you joy. Please take a look at some of these quick resources to boost your mental health and help you navigate any challenges you may face during your time away from school!

Mental Health Boosters and Calming Strategies:

Boost Your Mental Health Strategies.pdf

CalmingStrategiesToUseAtHomePacket.pdf

Problem-Solving:

Problem Solving Star.doc

ABugandaWishPosterProblemSolvingStrategy-1.pdf

Students who attended summer school or the enrichment summer programs and had one of our school devices, should return both the laptop/Ipad and charger after Summer School is over in July. For those students attending summer school on the last day of summer school, the summer school sites should collect the device and charger to send back to our school. If they do not or you student misses that collection date, you can bring them to our school on between 8am - 4pm.

Timberwolves make sure you stay active for at least 60 minutes a day. Try to put down the devices, turn off the tv and go outside and play. Have a healthy summer and we look forward to seeing you in the fall. From Mrs. Harm and Mr. Byer

• Immunization Reminder

• Submit proof of immunization to the school clinic by Thursday, August 14, 2026

  • Kindergarten and new students will need Physical and Immunization records on file prior to the first day of school or they will not be allowed to start school on the first day.
  • Returning students who are missing any of the required immunizations, will not be able to start the first day of school without proof of the immunizations.

  
  

  Medication Policy

  • For students that require medication or health treatment plans please note that we need a new health treatment plan for the new school year.
  • All over the counter medications must be unopened and a medication authorization form must be filled out by the Parent/ or guardian. Prescription medication must be in the original container with the pharmacy label and a medication authorization form must be filled out by the physician. Please do not send medication in with your student, an adult must drop it off to the office per PWCS policy

  You may drop off medications/health treatment plans starting 08/10/2026 for the new school year.

  Clinic Wish List

  • Boys/Girls underwear,
  • Pants/shorts with elastic waist
  • Socks.
  • Select a size paper towel,
  • Tissues
  • Dixie cups
  • Snack size Zip Lock bags
  • Gallon size Zip Lock Bag

2026-2027 Lighthouse Student Leadership

President: Chapman Cortash

Vice President: Joule Strawn

Community Outreach Leaders: Cruz Lizarraga and Vivianne Herald

Communication Leaders: Brayden Bello and Cora Ford

Hospitality Leaders: Brayden Cox and Ella Owusu

Advisory Council Representative: Rowan Fisher

PTO Representative: Quinn Keough

(Broadcast:) Jack Morris, Elisabeth White. Lexi Waters, Quinn Keough

Our school hours are 9:20 am - 4:00 pm. Doors open at 9:10 am. Students Tardy at 9:20 am.

All dates are subject to change – please monitor your email).

• Placement will be tentatively updated by August 14 in ParentVue.
• Rising Kg student – “BookSicles” -Book, Playground, and Popsicles –August 13, 6pm.
• Thursday, August 20 at 9:30 am – New 1st-5th grade NEW Student Orientation in the gym/café.
• Thursday, August 20 from 10:00 am – 11:00 pm. Open House for 1st-5th graders with last name beginning with A-L and all New Students (1st-5th).
• Thursday, August 20 from 12:30 pm -1:30pm. Open House for 1st-5th graders with last name beginning with M-Z.
• Thursday, August 20 Kindergarten and Preschool Parent Information Night (JUST for KG and Preschool parents/guardians) at 6pm.
• Friday, August 21 at 9:00am – Kindergarten and ECSE Preschool Open House.
• Monday, August 24- First Day of School. (School Hours 9:20am- 4:00pm).
• Monday, September 28, - 3rd, 4th, and 5th Back to School Night, 6:00 pm.
• Tuesday, September 29- Kg, 1st, 2nd grade Back to School Night; 6pm.

Families will now be able to log into their ParentVUE accounts and see their student’s SOL test scores. Test scores from the current test administration (Spring 2026 SOL Non-Writing) will be posted to ParentVUE sometime in June. In addition to scores being listed in ParentVUE, T. Clay Wood Elementary School will be emailing the SOL test results as they become available to the email address listed in the Hub. Please note that it may take a few days after your child takes the SOL for the scores to be available and emailed. If you have any questions, please contact our test coordinator, Paul Johnson at johnsopv@pwcs.edu

• Mrs. Yuditsky, our amazing Assistant Principal is moving to my former school as their new Principal
• Miss West, our part time Reading Specialist is moving to another school as their full time Reading Teacher.
• Miss Strosser is moving to Fairfax County
• Mrs. Karl is moving and staying home with her students
• Mrs. Schumann is retiring and moving to Colorado.
• Mrs. Hale is staying home with her new baby.

. I know you join me in wishing them all the best and thanking them for their service and dedication to T. Clay Wood ES and our students.

Please welcome our new staff members:

Mrs. Bushey, our New Assistant Principal

Mrs. McMonigle as our new part time instructional coach,

Miss Gordon, as our new 3rd grade teacher.

as our new 5th grade teacher.

• Mrs. Gilbert is moving back to 1st full time
• Mrs. Cotter is moving to Kindergarten.
• Mrs. Tarnovsky is moving to 4 year PK,
• Mrs. Miller is working with the 2 year old and 3 year old PK.

1. Please have your students continue to read all summer long.

Research shows many students experience “summer slide” when they are not in school or learning in the summer and reading levels can drop when they return to school in September.

One of the best ways to prevent this summer slide is to have students read each day. Please have your students read for at least 20-30 minutes (and more) each day. This time can be split up into chunks. Reading can include participating in the Public Library Summer Reading Program or reading the comics, a guide book, and so on.

In addition, I encourage all students to keep a journal during the summer to write about their day and experiences during the summer. This is a wonderful way to get students to think and to write.

2. Summer Reading Challenge /Flat Timberwolf Pictures–Optional Activity. We all know the importance of reading. If you would like to send pictures of your students reading on summer vacation to be shared on our social media sites, please send me the pictures. You can take some pictures of your student reading or enjoying summer activities with family and friends. You can email them to me at buchhear@pwcs.edu. You can also tag it on our school's Social Media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter yourself with #TimberwolvesROCK

3. Car Rider Tags

Students not returning next school year- If you were issued a car rider tag, please return both tags to the front office at the end of the school year. These can be recycled for next year's students.

Returning students- please keep your assigned car rider tags. The same number will be valid for next year. Please contact the front office if you have any questions or would like to apply for a car rider tag.

4. Summer Time Routines and New Experiences

Summer is an exciting time to get a much needed break from the demands of school and structure. However, it can be difficult for many children who have come to rely on the routine and familiarity of coming to school each day. We have put together some tips to help ease the transition into summer and help children who might be anxious about new experiences and activities!

· Talk to your child about changes to daily schedules and routines. Let your child know what is on the agenda each day and what will be expected of him or her in advance. Set guidelines for free time, screen time, meals and snacks, and new bedtimes.

· If your child will be attending a new all-day daycare program, be sure to visit the facility and allow time for your child to ask questions and feel comfortable in this new setting. Review the daily and weekly schedules planned for the camp or center.

· Talk to your child about summer rules at home and in the neighborhood, as well as consequences. Discuss summer safety for the pool, bike, and stranger awareness.

· If your child is feeling anxious about going to camp or a class, help your child get excited by involving them in the preparation. Take her shopping for new gear and focus on the fun things she can anticipate. Avoid asking your child if he is nervous but focus on concrete details instead. If your child is concerned or upset, don’t trivialize his concerns by saying “There is nothing to worry about.” Instead, show that you have empathy and acknowledge the concerns.

· Summer offers a unique opportunity for children to create their own learning experiences. Let your child’s interests be the guide in planning fun and educational activities; from which library books she reads to places you explore as a family!

· Summer Safety - This week is a great week to talk to your students about summer break and what they can do to stay safe during the summer when they are at the pool, or just not at school during the day.

· Encourage outdoor play - Encourage your children to go outside and play and join them! Take a bike ride together, kick the soccer ball around, shoot some hoops, roller blade, or take a nature walk. Whatever type of outdoor physical activity you choose, remember to have fun, stay positive, and keep everyone well-hydrated.

· Take advantage of local resources - Take advantage of your local pools and recreation centers as well as local summer programs and camps that promote physical activity. Many local pools and recreation centers offer summer memberships, which can provide countless hours of physical activity and fun for you and your family. Additionally, look for local programs and camps that promote and incorporate physical activity into their curriculum.

· Plant a garden - Gardening is a wonderful way to stay active, get everyone outdoors to enjoy and appreciate nature, and work together as a family. Although many consider gardening to be a peaceful and leisurely hobby, planting and maintaining a garden requires a lot of work. Involve everyone in the process, from the digging and planting, to watering a weeding. You will be amazed at the amount of pride (and physical activity) that you and your family will get from this rewarding activity.

· Plan an active vacation - While everyone looks forward to a relaxing day at the beach or poolside, summer vacations also often present unique opportunities to try out activities and adventures that your family may not be exposed to on a regular basis. Try something new. Take the family out to explore together while on vacation, whether it be through snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, or another adventure activity that gets everyone excited about being active.

5. Changes to Emails -

If your email changes, please immediately inform the school office at 703.594.3990 or email Mrs. Baker at bakerkl@pwcs.edu so that you will continue to get our emails during the summer and as we start school.

Also to avoid or emails going to your junk folder, please add the following emails to your contacts: Buchhear@pwcs.edu, NoreplyTCWES@pwcs.edu, NoREPLY@pwcs.edu.

Thank you for entrusting your children to T. Clay Wood Elementary!! I wish our 5th Grade Students the best of luck as they start their middle school journeys. To our families that we have to say goodbye to, it has been a pleasure being a part of your journey in life!! Enjoy your summer!!

Dr. Andrew Buchheit

Our Next Advisory Council and PTO Collaborative Meeting will take place Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 6:30 pm in person in the Art Room.

If you need interpretation/translation services, please reach out to Mrs. Riley at rileys@pwcs.edu at least a week before the meeting.

Your TCWES PTO has a lot of fun events and projects planned for the year. Come see what this year holds in store for the PTO! Email tclaywoodpto@gmail.com for more information!

Next PTO Meeting September 17, 2026 at 6:30pm- In Person

Please 'like' our Facebook page for the most up to date information as we navigate through the school year together!

2026-2027 Board

President - Kate Case

Vice-President -Julia White

Secretary - Lauren Bell

Communication and Engagement Director: Jen Farag-Nasser

Treasurer - Bethzaely Feliciano-Rivera

Asst. Treasurer/Past President - Kelsey Fisher

Director (2 positions) - 1. Amelia Hunter and 2. Diane Waters

If you haven't already, please 'like' our Facebook page for the most up to date information as we navigate through the new school year together.

Mark your Calendars:

• The First PTO Fundraiser - Boosterthon will take place starting on September 10, 2026. The Fun Run will be on September 18, 2026
• The First PTO and Advisory Council Meeting will take place on September 17, 2026 at 6:30pm in our school Art Room.
• PTO Costume Bingo - October 30, 2026

A Prince William County School of Excellence

“A Community of Leaders and Learners Achieving Excellence”

10600 Kettle Run Road; Nokesville, VA 20181

Andrew Buchheit, Principal - buchhear@pwcs.edu

Jessica Bushey, Assistant Principal straigj@pwcs.edu

“A Community of Leaders and Learners Achieving Excellence”

School hours: 9:20 am – 4:00 pm

(Office hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Doors Open: 9:10 a.m.

Students tardy after: 9:20 a.m.

Dismissal: 4:00 p.m.

School Phone Number: 703.594.3990

School Fax Number: 703.594.2653

Attendance Email: cwes-timberwolf-attendance@pwcs.edu

Attendance Phone Line:– 703.594.3992

Motto: “I seek to make a POSITIVE DIFFERENCE AT SCHOOL”

Website: http://tclaywoodes.schools.pwcs.edu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TClayWoodES

Twitter #TimberwolvesRock

Email: buchhear@pwcs.edu
Website: http://tclaywoodes.pwcs.schoolfusion.us/
Location: 10600 Kettle Run Road, Nokesville, VA, USA
Phone: 703.594.3990
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TClayWoodES
Twitter: @TClayWoodElem

If your child is registered for summer school, they will keep their device, charger and case.

“Student devices used for summer school should be returned after the last day of summer school between the hours of 9am-3pm (Monday - Friday)

If you have questions about potential lost, damaged, or missing items, or about any potential charges, please reach out to our Technology Coach, Mr. Taylor (taylorbi@pwcs.edu).