Woodburn Elementary PTA – Supporting advocacy and enrichment programs for our students

January 12, 2020January 12, 2020

5 Guys on Jan. 29 | Woodburn Restaurant Night!

Visit 5 Guys on Wednesday, Jan. 29 between 5 pm – 9 pm for Woodburn Restaurant Night!

Merrifield FIVE GUYS
8130 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA
Wednesday, Jan. 29 | 5-9pm

Dine-in or take-out — be sure to show this post or mention “Woodburn” when placing your order so that our PTA will get full credit. Five Guys will donate 20% of your purchase to Woodburn PTA.

Get the word out to friends, families, and colleagues! We’ll see you Wednesday, Jan. 29, between 5pm-9pm at Merrifield Five Guys (in Yorktowne Shopping Center)!

Merrifield FIVE GUYS
in Yorktowne Shopping Center
8130 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA
Wednesday, Jan. 29 | 5-9pm

The Woodburn PTA thanks you for all your support throughout the year!

January 5, 2020

Student contests from VA PTA

There are few great student contests that run throughout January 2020. Read on and click the links below for full details.

THANK A TEACHER ART CONTEST

The Third Annual Thank a Teacher Art Contest takes place from January 2 – January 31. Public school students can enter their original artwork online for a chance to win a $150 gift card and money for their school’s art department. Learn more here: http://www.thankateacherva.com/

VIRGINIA PTA CITIZENSHIP CONTEST 2019 – 2020

Theme: “What does it take to be a good citizen?”
Due Date: February 1, 2020

Click below for the application, rules, and other details: https://www.vapta.org/programs/citizenship-essay-contest

VA PTA POWER PLATES COMPETITION

Calling all chefs! The VA PTA Health & Safety Committee is seeking young chefs (grades pre-K to 12) to enter the VA PTA Power Plates competition.
Deadline: February 3, 2020
Learn more about the program and how to enter at this link: https://vapta.org/programs/health-and-safety/power-plates-hs

Good luck students!

January 5, 2020January 6, 2020

Raise a Reader! | Feb. 21, 2020

In celebration of National PTA’s Take Your Family to School Week in February, the Woodburn PTA and school leadership are hosting Raise a Reader!, an event focused on sharing the joy of reading.

On Friday, February 21^stfamilies are invited to attend a reading hour in their child’s classroom. A special guest reader in each classroom will read a story aloud to students, and family visitors will have a chance to read one-on-one with their children. Tips on encouraging reading at home and reading resources will be available. The event will take place form 10 am to 1 pm (specific class times coming soon).

The PTA and Woodburn School encourage families to read together at home and share photos on social media using the hashtags #woodburnreads and #raiseareader.

Spanish translation will be available on the day of the event and transportation between Woodburn and Fairmont Gardens will be provided.

The PTA is honored to have a received a $1,000 2020 Take Your Family to School Week Grant, sponsored by Office Depot OfficeMax and the National PTA.

January 5, 2020January 5, 2020

Parent Information Relating to Special Education – January 2020

Parent Information Relating to Special Education

All these opportunities are FREE unless noted.

In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.

When other events become available they will be posted at:
https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/upcoming-community-events/

Plan Ahead — Strengthening Families — 14 week course

Mon. Jan 27 – May 18, 5:30-8:00 pm, ARHA Bldg. 401 Wythe St. Alexandria

Parents and youth (ages 6-11) can strengthen family bonds through discussion, games, roleplaying, and family projects. Free dinners & Childcare (for ages 2-5).

Plan Ahead — Developmental Disability Advocacy Day — Bus to Richmond

Tue. Jan. 28, 7 am-3 pm, The Arc of Nova, 2755 Hartland Ave. #200, Falls Church

This is an annual bus trip to Richmond where we will advocate in coordinated groups meeting with legislators who represent the region. Return bus trip included.

Fairfax Prevention Coalition Meeting

Wed. Jan. 8, 1-3 pm, Thom. Jeff. Lib. 7415 Arlington. Blvd, Falls Church

Learn about strategies to prevent drug misuse and addiction, including vaping, opioids, and underage drinking, along with connections to treatment.

Info: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/events/2020-01-08-coalition

Neuropsychological Evaluation

Wed. Jan. 8, 7-9 pm, Auburn Sch. 3800 Concorde Pkwy. #500, Chantilly

Learn about the information that a neuropsychological evaluation provides, and how it can be used to implement appropriate interventions at home and school.

What People with Autism Have to Teach the Rest of Us About Sexuality and Gender

Wed. Jan. 8, 7-9 pm, Temple Sinai 3100 Military Rd. NW Washington, DC

Augmentative and Alternative Communication: AAC Partner Training Strategies

Wed. Jan. 15, 6:30-8:00 pm, TCW HS 3330 King St. Alexandria

Learn about various AAC tools and how to use them to enhance your child’s ability to communicate at home, at school, and in the community.

Register by Jan. 8: janet.reese@acps.k12.va.us or phone 703-824-0129

Raising Tweens: 10 Key Skills Kids Will Need in Middle School and Beyond

Thu. Jan. 9, 11:45 am-1:15 pm, StudyPro, 6849 Old Dominion Dr. #200, McLean

Learn how we can help our tweens to navigate key issues: making good friend choices, negotiating conflict, regulating emotions, and self-advocating.

Financial Planning for Special Needs Families — With Webinar & Recorded Options

Fri. Jan. 10, 10:00 am-noon, The Arc of Nova, 2755 Hartland Ave. #200, Falls Church

Learn general financial planning principles and special considerations for the unique needs of families with special needs children and young adults.

Mental Health and Wellness Conference

Sat. Jan. 11, 8 am-1 pm, Independence HS 23115 Learning Cir. Ashburn

This conference for parents includes concurrent breakout sessions, presentations by school, community, and regional experts, and a resource fair.

Watch Party for a Presidential Form on Disability Issues

Mon. Jan. 13, 11 am, The Arc of Nova, 2755 Hartland Ave. #200, Falls Church

Join others to watch the live-stream coverage in Austin, TX of Elected for Inclusion: A Presidential Forum on Disability Issues.

SEPTA Advocacy Event & General Membership Meeting

Tue. Jan. 14, 7-9 pm, Gatehouse Admin. Cafe 8115 Gatehouse Rd. Falls Church

Learn the steps in how to advocate to bring about change for yourself, your child, and our community.

Beyond Learning Differences and Executive Functioning Challenges: How to Solve Any Academic Problem with Study Skills and Time Management

Wed. Jan. 15, 7:30-9:00, Lab Sch. 4759 Reservoir Rd, NW, Wash. DC

This talk will highlight simple, practical ways to help your students improve their study skills and time management.

Evidence-based Interventions for Children with FASD — Webinar

Thu. Jan 16, 6:30-8:00 pm

The various interventions to be covered will target behavior and self regulation, social skills, family support, and academic skills.

Who Gets to Tell Your Story: Disability and Identity in a ‘Perfect’ World

Thu. Jan. 16, 7 pm, McLean Sch. 8224 Lochinver Ln. Potomac, MD

Disability advocate, John Sharon will explore how a person’s limitations impact who they are and how they are seen by those around them.

Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents: Assessment, Treatment, and Research Update

Tue. Jan. 21, 10 am-noon, Parent Resource Ctr. 2334 Gallows Rd. Door 1, Dunn Loring

Learn about diagnostic criteria, signs and symptoms in children and adolescents, and treatment options, resources and collaborations.

Parenting Youth in LGBTQ+ Adoptive Families — Webinar

Thu. Jan 23, 7-8 pm. Cost varies.

Managing ADHD Medications

Fri. Jan. 24, 10 am-noon, 6849 Old Dominion Dr. #200, McLean

Learn how to manage ADHD medications, including how to manage side effects, uneven coverage, and stoping medication. Bring your questions.

Strengthening Families — 14 week course

Mon. Jan 27 – May 18, 5:30-8:00 pm, ARHA Bldg. 401 Wythe St. Alexandria

Parents and youth (ages 6-11) can strengthen family bonds through discussion, games, roleplaying, and family projects. Free dinners & Childcare for ages 2-5.

Tue. Jan. 28, 9 am-noon, Providence Community Ctrr. 3001 Vaden Dr. Fairfax

OR Gum Springs Community Center 8100 Fordson Rd, Alexnadria

These workshop are for brothers and sisters of children with special needs.

Developmental Disability Advocacy Day in Richmond! — Bus There and Back

Tue. Jan. 28, 7 am-3 pm, The Arc of Nova, 2755 Hartland Ave. #200, Falls Church

This is an annual bus trip to Richmond where we will advocate in coordinated groups meeting with legislators who represent the region.

Social Competence: For Children with Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities

Wed. Jan. 29, 9-11 am, LCPS Admin. Bldg. 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn

Learn strategies for promoting social skill acquisition and tools to help children understand social interactions, expectations, social cues, and social rules.

Protecting Our Youth: A Conversation About Teen Trafficking for Parents and Teens

Thu. Jan. 30, 6:30-8:30 pm, BWHS 22525 Belmont Ridge Rd, Ashburn

A panel of law enforcement will discuss how teens of every gender, race, and means are targeted locally, and the types of situations to look out for.

Strategies to Promote Fine and Gross Motor Development in Young Children

Mon. Feb. 5, 6:30-8:00 pm, TCW HS 3330 King St. Alexandria

In this workshop, parents will learn some practical and fun ways to boost their young child’s fine and gross motor skills.

Register by January 29: janet.reese@acps.k12.va.us or phone 703-824-0129

Portrait of an ADHD Graduate: Overcoming Obstacles While Optimizing Strengths

Fri. Jan. 31, 10 am-noon, Parent Resource Ctr. 2334 Gallows Rd. Door 1, Dunn Loring

Learn how to help your student with ADHD by building on existing strengths, developing executive function skills, and cultivating emotional intelligence.

Plan Ahead — Parenting & Navigating the Teen & Tween Years — 7 week course

Thu. Feb. 13 – March 26, 9-11 am, Riverside ES 8410 Old Mt. Vernon Rd. Alexandria

Join other parents of 10-16 yr olds to address how to set routines, manage conflict and navigate exposure to drugs and tobacco

Plan Ahead — Cecily’s Advocacy Conference 2020

Sat. Feb. 29, 8:30 am-2:00 pm, McLean Sch. 8224 Lochinver Ln. Potomac, MD

Early Bird Registration before Feb. 3: https://www.mcleanschool.org/support/parents-association/cecilys-advocacy-conference-2020/ $50 includes 2 meals

Save the Date — FCPS Special Education Conference

Sat. April 18 Hayfield SS, 7630 Telegraph Road, Alexandria.

Includes a Student Strand for youth ages 14-22.

Support Groups

All these support groups are open to newcomers, and they are free, except where noted. No diagnosis is required to participate. Participants are typically given the opportunity to share their story, experience support, and glean guidance (as desired) from group members regarding both community and school resources. Confidentiality is respected.

Support Groups for Parents

Alpha Moms This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean. Contact: robin4brady@gmail.com

Autism Dads meets one evening monthly in Falls Church. Contact: George Buzby at 571-419-1257 or gbuzby@aol.com

CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Alexandria CHADD Parent Support Group 4th Mon. of each month at 6:30 pm. Contact: Jenny ADHDParentMountVernon@gmail.com or call 703-472-4678.
Burke CHADD Support Group for Parents, Caregivers and Family Members Last Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm. Contact Kim Griffin: kimberlyrgriffin@yahoo.com
Loudoun County CHADD Parent Support 2nd Wed. of the month in Sterling. Contact: Bonnie Little 571-306-2932 or blittle@windingroadcoaching.com
West Fairfax CHADD Evening Parent Support Group 3rd Thur. of each month at 7:30 pm Contact: Sharon clintob@aol.com or 703-716-4646.
West Fairfax CHADD Morning Parent Support Group 1st Tues. of each month at 10:30 am Contact: Sharon clintob@aol.com or 703-716-4646.

CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center 2nd and 4th Wed. of each month 6-8 pm in Alexandria Contact: Samar.Chwairy@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-799-2882.

D.A.D.S. Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome 3rd Tue. each month, 7-9 pm in Alexandria. Contact: George gbuzby@aol.com or call 703- 545-6089.

Fairfax Juvenile Court Parent Support Group for problems including runaway behavior, truancy, alcohol/drug abuse, and serious behavioral problems at home, at school, or in the community. 7:30 pm every Tues. Room 201.1 Fairfax County Courthouse – call 703-246-2495.

Kinship Caregivers Support Group 2nd & 4th Thur. monthly, 6:30-8:00 pm, South County Gov. Ctr. Rm. 220, 8350 Richmond Hgwy, Alexandria. Free dinner and resources. Register 1 week ahead: KFI@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-246-4653

Kinship Café – meets monthly on the 2nd Wed. in Fairfax. Free dinner. Activities for children and discussion for adults. Register 1 week ahead by calling 703-246-4653 or online at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hscode/EReg/Registration.aspx?groupID=27

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness builds better lives for affected families. Arlington Parent Support Group meets two Sundays a month at 7:00-8:30 pm. Contact: Naomi 703-862-9588 verdugo.naomi@gmail.comOCD Family Support Group 1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm. Contact: familygroupocd@verizon.net or call 202-215-5859.

Northern Virginia Tourette Support Group meets the 2nd Sunday of each month at noon at the Chantilly Public Library. Contact: mark.bramer@gmail.com

OCD Family Support Group 1st Monday of each month 7:30 pm . Contact: familygroupocd@varizon.net or call 202-215-5859

Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) meeting times and location posted at: https://poac-nova.org/events/

December 16, 2019December 16, 2019

January 2020 PTA Meeting

Join us on Thursday, January 16, for the next Woodburn PTA meeting.

Date: Thursday, January 16
Meeting topic: Building Literacy at Home, a preview of the PTA’s Raise a Reader activities
Location: Woodburn Cafeteria
Time: 6:45-8pm

Notes: A bus from Fairmont Gardens will pick up at 6:30pm and drop off immediately after the meeting. Babysitting will be provided.

Agenda
6:45-7pm: Dinner (provided by Silver Diner)
7-8pm: PTA Meeting

Meeting details:
This meeting will feature a reading panel with Mrs. Vinisky (school librarian), Ms. Cortes (reading specialist) and Ms. Castelucci (ESOL lead).

They will discuss how to help support a love of reading at home as well as answers questions parents have about literacy development.

The Raise a Reader event takes place Feburary 21.

December 9, 2019December 19, 2019

Winter Enrichment & January events

Winter Enrichment class registration opens Dec. 12, and classes begin Jan. 21.
View classes and to register, Click Here.
(*Note: Arts Club applications are available here: English | Espanol)
Payment for Arts Club will be due online after applications have been processed.

Save the dates for these January events!

January 8: Club and Candid Yearbook Photos – during school hours

January 16: PTA Meeting
Topic: Raise a Reader event preview
Location: Woodburn Cafeteria – 6:45-8pm
Dinner by Silver Diner, bus service and babysitting provided

January 21-23: Enrichment classes begin, before school and after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays

June 7, 2019August 21, 2019

Volunteer with the PTA for 2019-2020 school year!

Interested in helping with the PTA next school year? We have several volunteer positions and we are looking for a few good people to help us with key roles.

Enrichment Chair (board-level position)
Before and after school classes are an important part of school life for Woodburn students and families. They allow students to try out new activities, offer convenience for parents, and give students a chance to participate in activities with friends. The enrichment chair will be in charge of identifying potential classes, obtaining approval for them, helping with publicity, and monitoring registrations. The chair will also oversee the quality of the classes and help to resolve any issues that arise. This position requires approximately 3-4 hours per week most weeks of the school year, but may be less once sessions are running.

Reflections Coordinator
Reflections is an annual art contest sponsored by the National PTA and coordinated by our local school PTA. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their creative potential and unleash their artistic talents! We are looking for someone to coordinate Reflections in 2019. This work takes place from September to December and includes scheduling 1-2 art workshops to introduce the contest and work with interested students on their projects. The coordinator will collect and submit Woodburn’s entries to the County Council PTA and recognize participants and winners. We estimate this volunteer position will require about 20 hours over the three-month period.

Teacher Appreciation Coordinator
One of the most important tasks the PTA undertakes throughout the school year is teacher recognition. The coordinator plans and carries out teacher recognition events, including the teacher welcome breakfast in September, holiday event in December, and teacher appreciation week in May. The chair will work with the PTA president to develop event descriptions, identify volunteers, set up a sign-up genius, and then manage volunteers and the activities during the events. We estimate this volunteer position will require about 20 hours over the year.

Community Business Donation’s Team
This past year many businesses in our community supported Woodburn through donations. Gift cards for volunteers and teacher appreciation, food donations for PTA meetings, and event sponsorships—are a vital part of school and PTA resources. This volunteer role is perfect for parents who do not have much time out of the house or office but can send email requests and follow up. The PTA VP will provide guidance on who to contact as well as request and thank you letter templates. The time commitment required for this volunteer position will vary and be self-directed – you decided how much time each month you can dedicate to soliciting donations.

If you are interested in any of these Volunteer positions, please contact Laura Wright, PTA President at president@woodburnpta.com