Jan
19
9:00 AM09:00
Jan
26
9:00 AM09:00
Feb
3
6:30 PM18:30
Feb
4
6:00 PM18:00
Planetarium Training
Planetarium Dome Training for Volunteers.
In-person event at WAES Planetarium. Connect with other volunteers and learn best practices!
If you are a new volunteer or want to sharpen up your skills, you are welcome to attend this training session.
Session will run 6pm to about 7:30pm.
Feb
6
8:00 AM08:00
MARTHA'S TABLE COLLECTION
Wood Acres PTA proudly supports Martha’s Table and the hundreds of our D.C. neighbors it serves daily who are experiencing hunger or homelessness by increasing access to healthy food. This is an easy and impactful way for kids to directly help their community on a regular basis.
SHARE: A short video you can watch with your children to learn about Martha’s Table.
WHAT:
Nut-free trail mix (for example, chex mix, granola, dried fruit, goldfish, low-sugar cereal)
Meat and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread (no condiments)
Sunflower butter and jelly sandwiches (no peanut butter)
Dry/canned goods (for example, canned vegetables, canned fruit, pasta, pasta sauce, cans or pouches of chicken/tuna, low-sugar cereal, black beans, white or brown rice
· Reminders: Please have your items in a grocery bag.
WHEN & WHERE: Drop off bins will be placed by the Kiss-n-Go loop entrances from 8:00-9:15 a.m. Alternatively, you can drop off your donations Thursday evening before drop off dates at the Committee Chair’s residence (see PTA newsletter for address).
Thank you, Wood Acres!
Feb
14
6:30 PM18:30
SKATE NIGHT
Grab your skates and get ready for Wood Acres Skate Night!
When: Saturday, February 14th, from 6:30pm-8pm
Where: Cabin John Ice Rink
The online store is live and you need to purchase your tickets in advance – they’re now available HERE
Cost:
Tickets: $10
Skate rentals (if needed): $5
Pro tip: This event usually sells out, so buy your tickets now!
Siblings and parents can skate (with tickets) and spectators are welcome to watch (no ticket needed).
If your family could use assistance covering the cost of a ticket, please contact our counselor, Andrea Solazzo, at andrea_c_solazzo@mcpsmd.org or 240-740-1120.
Questions? Email Cristy Heffernan Seth or Jennifer Lim, PTA Skate Night Committee Co-Chairs
Feb
16
to Feb 17
Feb
20
6:30 PM18:30
Feb
23
to Feb 27
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
Scholastic Book Fair February 2 – February 6
Get ready! Wood Acres Elementary School’s Scholastic Book Fair is coming our way (YAY!) Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them to become Bolder, Prouder, and Stronger Readers. AND—as always—every book they buy earns rewards for our school.
Here’s what you need to know about the Fair, which will take place from February 2 - February 6 in our Media Center.
You can use cash or parents can set up an eWallet—your child’s digital payment account. Before the Fair, set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases. Anyone can contribute! Share each child’s eWallet so friends and family can add funds and give your kids more books to enjoy. Note: Leftover, unused funds can be used at Scholastic.com or rolled over to a future Book Fair.
If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop at our school’s Online Book Fair. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Your online orders will also benefit our school.
Feb
25
5:30 PM17:30
SCIENCE FAIR
Get ready for the 2026 Science Fair!
The Science Fair will be Wednesday, February 25th, from 5:30-7:00pm in the Wood Acres Cafeteria.
Register here and start brainstorming! No idea is too small - it is all about curiosity and creativity! Just help your kid come up with a hypothesis and test it! Kids can work solo or in groups.
We're looking forward to seeing all of the great projects! The links below have some fun ideas for science experiments:
https://www.eia.gov/kids/for-teachers/science-fair-experiments/
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science-projects
https://www.education.com/science-fair
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/activities/science-fair-project/
Students can work solo or in groups!
Follow the scientific method—>all you have to do is ask a question, make a prediction, and test it.
Important Guidelines:
Do not bring anything flammable or liquid into the gym. Also, no food, allergens, or anything potentially messy. However, you are more than welcome to include these aspects in your experiment! Just do so *at home* and document in your poster with images and words (or even video!).
Feb
27
12:55 PM12:55
Mar
6
8:00 AM08:00
MARTHA'S TABLE COLLECTION
Wood Acres PTA proudly supports Martha’s Table and the hundreds of our D.C. neighbors it serves daily who are experiencing hunger or homelessness by increasing access to healthy food. This is an easy and impactful way for kids to directly help their community on a regular basis.
SHARE: A short video you can watch with your children to learn about Martha’s Table.
WHAT:
Nut-free trail mix (for example, chex mix, granola, dried fruit, goldfish, low-sugar cereal)
Meat and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread (no condiments)
Sunflower butter and jelly sandwiches (no peanut butter)
Dry/canned goods (for example, canned vegetables, canned fruit, pasta, pasta sauce, cans or pouches of chicken/tuna, low-sugar cereal, black beans, white or brown rice
· Reminders: Please have your items in a grocery bag.
WHEN & WHERE: Drop off bins will be placed by the Kiss-n-Go loop entrances from 8:00-9:15 a.m. Alternatively, you can drop off your donations Thursday evening before drop off dates at the Committee Chair’s residence (see PTA newsletter for address).
Mar
6
to Mar 8
WOZ PERFORMANCES
The 21st Production of
The Wizard of Oz
Starring Wood Acres' own 4th graders and directed by Mrs. McNeil
SHOWTIMES (TBD):
- Emerald Cast - 7:00 pm
- Ruby Cast - 7:00 pm
- Emerald Cast - 7:00 pm
- Ruby Cast - 2:30 pm
Mar
20
9:00 AM09:00
Mar
30
to Apr 6
Apr
9
to Apr 10
Apr
10
8:00 AM08:00
MARTHA'S TABLE COLLECTION
Wood Acres PTA proudly supports Martha’s Table and the hundreds of our D.C. neighbors it serves daily who are experiencing hunger or homelessness by increasing access to healthy food. This is an easy and impactful way for kids to directly help their community on a regular basis.
SHARE: A short video you can watch with your children to learn about Martha’s Table.
WHAT:
Nut-free trail mix (for example, chex mix, granola, dried fruit, goldfish, low-sugar cereal)
Meat and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread (no condiments)
Sunflower butter and jelly sandwiches (no peanut butter)
Dry/canned goods (for example, canned vegetables, canned fruit, pasta, pasta sauce, cans or pouches of chicken/tuna, low-sugar cereal, black beans, white or brown rice
· Reminders: Please have your items in a grocery bag.
WHEN & WHERE: Drop off bins will be placed by the Kiss-n-Go loop entrances from 8:00-9:15 a.m. Alternatively, you can drop off your donations Thursday evening before drop off dates at the Committee Chair’s residence (see PTA newsletter for address).
Thank you, Wood Acres!
Apr
10
6:00 PM18:00
Apr
15
9:00 AM09:00
Apr
27
to May 1
May
1
8:00 AM08:00
MARTHA'S TABLE COLLECTION
Wood Acres PTA proudly supports Martha’s Table and the hundreds of our D.C. neighbors it serves daily who are experiencing hunger or homelessness by increasing access to healthy food. This is an easy and impactful way for kids to directly help their community on a regular basis.
SHARE: A short video you can watch with your children to learn about Martha’s Table.
WHAT:
Nut-free trail mix (for example, chex mix, granola, dried fruit, goldfish, low-sugar cereal)
Meat and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread (no condiments)
Sunflower butter and jelly sandwiches (no peanut butter)
Dry/canned goods (for example, canned vegetables, canned fruit, pasta, pasta sauce, cans or pouches of chicken/tuna, low-sugar cereal, black beans, white or brown rice
· Reminders: Please have your items in a grocery bag.
WHEN & WHERE: Drop off bins will be placed by the Kiss-n-Go loop entrances from 8:00-9:15 a.m. Alternatively, you can drop off your donations Thursday evening before drop off dates at the Committee Chair’s residence (see PTA newsletter for address).
Thank you, Wood Acres!
May
2
8:00 AM08:00
May
4
to May 8
May
13
6:30 PM18:30
May
13
6:30 PM18:30
May
25
9:00 AM09:00
May
27
9:00 AM09:00
Jun
17
9:00 AM09:00
Jan
9
8:00 AM08:00
MARTHA'S TABLE COLLECTION
Wood Acres PTA proudly supports Martha’s Table and the hundreds of our D.C. neighbors it serves daily who are experiencing hunger or homelessness by increasing access to healthy food. This is an easy and impactful way for kids to directly help their community on a regular basis.
SHARE: A short video you can watch with your children to learn about Martha’s Table.
WHAT:
Nut-free trail mix (for example, chex mix, granola, dried fruit, goldfish, low-sugar cereal)
Meat and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread (no condiments)
Sunflower butter and jelly sandwiches (no peanut butter)
Dry/canned goods (for example, canned vegetables, canned fruit, pasta, pasta sauce, cans or pouches of chicken/tuna, low-sugar cereal, black beans, white or brown rice
· Reminders: Please have your items in a grocery bag.
WHEN & WHERE: Drop off bins will be placed by the Kiss-n-Go loop entrances from 8:00-9:15 a.m. Alternatively, you can drop off your donations Thursday evening before drop off dates at the Committee Chair’s residence (see PTA newsletter for address).
Jan
6
to Jan 7
Planetarium Training
Planetarium Dome Training for Volunteers.
In-person event at WAES Planetarium. Connect with other volunteers and learn best practices!
If you are a new volunteer or want to sharpen up your skills, you are welcome to attend one of the two training sessions Tuesday Jan 6th OR Wednesday Jan 7th.
Sessions will run 6pm to 8pm.
Dec
24
to Jan 2
Dec
19
9:00 AM09:00
Teacher & Staff Cookie Exchange
We’ll be collecting cookies for our teacher and staff cookie exchange.
Cookie Sign Up: Please sign up for a general slot (any cookie goes!) or a nut-free/gluten-free slot that is allergy friendly. Then, send in or drop off your cookies during morning arrival on Friday, December 19th. We’ll be collecting at the bus loop and front entrance. Don't forget to label the main ingredients of all treats. Please sign up HERE
Container Pick Up: We also have an assortment of last year's cookie bins/containers that can be used again for this year's collection. Please swing by the school's front entrance Wednesday, December 17th, 8:30-9am and pick one up!
Thank you for helping us carry on this fun holiday tradition!
Adrienne Olson, Anne Cynamon, Alice Cho, Margueritte Harlow, Jenny Sarma
The WAES PTA, Staff Appreciation Committee
Dec
16
7:00 PM19:00
PTA MEETING
Our PTA General Membership will vote on the Wood Acres PTA Bylaws (link to meeting was shared on Dec 10th PTA newsletter). Every three years, the Wood Acres PTA must adapt our bylaws to meet the current template provided by FreeState (state level PTA organization). We incorporated all previously approved amendments into the current document.
The entire document can be found through the link below:
Dec
14
9:00 AM09:00
Holiday Gift Drive ENDS
Last day EXTENDED to Dec 14th! We are excited to kick off another year of the Holiday Gift Drive to support our sister schools, New Hampshire Estates ES, Oak View ES, and Eastern MS! Please help us fulfill the holiday wishes of a child from these communities in need by signing up HERE to contribute a gift.
Most of the requests this year are gift cards for specific stores (e.g., Amazon, Costco, Target, etc.), which gives families the flexibility to purchase according to their own needs. To allow us enough time to organize and deliver all gifts before the holiday break, this year’s gift delivery deadline has been extended to Sunday, December 14th.
Questions? Please first visit our FAQ page .
For additional assistance you may email one of our Committee Chairs: Tricia Cuna Weaver, Maria Burton, and/or Elizabeth Kelley.
Many warm thanks for your support this holiday season!
Dec
5
8:00 AM08:00
MARTHA'S TABLE COLLECTION
Wood Acres PTA proudly supports Martha’s Table and the hundreds of our D.C. neighbors it serves daily who are experiencing hunger or homelessness by increasing access to healthy food. This is an easy and impactful way for kids to directly help their community on a regular basis.
SHARE: A short video you can watch with your children to learn about Martha’s Table.
WHAT:
Nut-free trail mix (for example, chex mix, granola, dried fruit, goldfish, low-sugar cereal)
Meat and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread (no condiments)
Sunflower butter and jelly sandwiches (no peanut butter)
Dry/canned goods (for example, canned vegetables, canned fruit, pasta, pasta sauce, cans or pouches of chicken/tuna, low-sugar cereal, black beans, white or brown rice
· Reminders: Please have your items in a grocery bag.
WHEN & WHERE: Drop off bins will be placed by the Kiss-n-Go loop entrances from 8:00-9:15 a.m. Alternatively, you can drop off your donations Thursday evening before drop off dates at the Committee Chair’s residence (see PTA newsletter for address).
Dec
2
to Dec 3
Planetarium Training
Planetarium Dome Training for Volunteers.
In-person event at WAES Planetarium. Connect with other volunteers and learn best practices!
Please attend one of the two training sessions Tuesday Dec 2nd OR Wednesday Dec 3rd.
Sessions will run 6pm to 8pm.
Nov
29
9:00 AM09:00
Holiday Gift Drive CONTINUES
…Running NOW until Wednesday December 10th!
We are excited to kick off another year of the Holiday Gift Drive to support our sister schools, New Hampshire Estates ES, Oak View ES, and Eastern MS! Please help us fulfill the holiday wishes of a child from these communities in need by signing up HERE to contribute a gift.
Most of the requests this year are gift cards for specific stores (e.g., Amazon, Costco, Target, etc.), which gives families the flexibility to purchase according to their own needs. To allow us enough time to organize and deliver all gifts before the holiday break, this year’s gift delivery deadline is Wednesday, December 10th.
Questions? Please first visit our FAQ page .
For additional assistance you may email one of our Committee Chairs: Tricia Cuna Weaver, Maria Burton, and/or Elizabeth Kelley.
Many warm thanks for your support this holiday season!
Nov
26
to Nov 28
Nov
25
12:55 PM12:55
Nov
24
12:55 PM12:55
Nov
17
to Nov 21
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
Beginning Monday 17th and continuing through Friday 21st, the PTA will be collecting non-perishable foods to donate to Bread for the City. A list of suggested food donations is below.
The PTA will also be collecting $25 Safeway/ Giant gift cards during this time to help out local families and families at our sister schools.
Food drive collection bins will be in the kiss and go loop during morning drop off.
-canned or dry beans
-peanut/ other nut butters
-rolled oats
-canned fruit in juice (not syrup)
-low/no sodium canned vegetables
-low-sodium soups, broth or stock
-canned tuna or chicken in water
-brown rice
-quinoa
-unsalted nuts and seeds
-shelf stable milk and milk substitutes
-whole grain pasta
-low-sodium pasta sauce
-popcorn kernels (not microwave popcorn)
-canned stews
-unsweetened applesauce
-whole grain, low-sugar cold cereals
-olive or canola oil
-canned tomatoes
-dried fruits, no sugar added
-honey
Questions? Please contact Paul Cornoni, PTA Thanksgiving Food Drive Chair
Nov
15
9:30 AM09:30
Warm Clothing Distribution
After the success of our clothing drive, volunteers are needed for the distribution event on Saturday, November 15th, when community members will “shop” for their new items. It’s truly heartwarming to see the joy your donations bring!
Event Details:
New Hampshire Estates Elementary School Gymnasium, Silver Spring
Volunteers needed from 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. to help set up the “sale.”
SSL hours are available!
Thank you again to every member of the Wood Acres community who donated and supported this wonderful initiative. Your kindness is making a real difference!
Interested in volunteering or have questions? Contact Beth Mueller and Amory Barnes
Nov
13
9:00 AM09:00
Holiday Gift Drive BEGINS
…Running NOW until Wednesday December 10th!
We are excited to kick off another year of the Holiday Gift Drive to support our sister schools, New Hampshire Estates ES, Oak View ES, and Eastern MS! Please help us fulfill the holiday wishes of a child from these communities in need by signing up HERE to contribute a gift.
Most of the requests this year are gift cards for specific stores (e.g., Amazon, Costco, Target, etc.), which gives families the flexibility to purchase according to their own needs. To allow us enough time to organize and deliver all gifts before the holiday break, this year’s gift delivery deadline is Wednesday, December 10th.
Questions? Please first visit our FAQ page .
For additional assistance you may email one of our Committee Chairs: Tricia Cuna Weaver, Maria Burton, and/or Elizabeth Kelley.
Many warm thanks for your support this holiday season!
Nov
7
5:30 PM17:30
BINGO NIGHT - GRADES PEP, K-2
Calling all PEP, Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade Families!
Get ready for Bingo Night on Friday, November 7, from 5:30-7:00pm in the Wood Acres Gym (please enter through the back of the school).
Your favorite teachers will be calling out the bingo numbers, and there will be lots of fun prizes up for grabs!
This event is now SOLD OUT. No additional bingo cards will be sold at the event.
Note: This is not a drop-off event. EVERY STUDENT must have a parent or point of contact for the entire evening. Siblings welcome!
Nov
7
8:00 AM08:00
MARTHA'S TABLE COLLECTION
Wood Acres PTA proudly supports Martha’s Table and the hundreds of our D.C. neighbors it serves daily who are experiencing hunger or homelessness by increasing access to healthy food. This is an easy and impactful way for kids to directly help their community on a regular basis.
SHARE: A short video you can watch with your children to learn about Martha’s Table.
WHAT:
Nut-free trail mix (for example, chex mix, granola, dried fruit, goldfish, low-sugar cereal)
Meat and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread (no condiments)
Sunflower butter and jelly sandwiches (no peanut butter)
Dry/canned goods (for example, canned vegetables, canned fruit, pasta, pasta sauce, cans or pouches of chicken/tuna, low-sugar cereal, black beans, white or brown rice
· Reminders: Please have your items in a grocery bag.
WHEN & WHERE: Drop off bins will be placed by the Kiss-n-Go loop entrances from 8:00-9:15 a.m. Alternatively, you can drop off your donations Thursday evening before drop off dates at the Committee Chair’s residence (see PTA newsletter for address).
Thank you, Wood Acres!
Nov
4
8:30 AM08:30
HALLOWEEN CANDY COLLECTION
Got Leftover Halloween Candy?
Bring it to school during morning arrival next Tuesday, November 4th, for the PTA's candy collection!
Where: Wood Acres School entrances
When: Tuesday, November 4th, 8:40–9:15 a.m.
All candy donations will be shared with our sister schools — Oak View Elementary, New Hampshire Estates Elementary, and Eastern Middle School.
Thank you for your generosity!
Kara Moroscak, WAES PTA, Candy Collection Chair
Nov
3
9:00 AM09:00
Oct
24
6:00 PM18:00
DANCE PARTY - GRADES 3-5
Aloha, 3rd-5th Grade Wildcats!
The WAES Luau Dance Party is happening on Friday, October 24th from 6pm-8pm in the Wood Acres Elementary School Gym! Come dressed in your brightest tropical colors and get ready to dance the night away while our DJ spins today’s hits. Enjoy PTA-provided leis and fun party swag! This is one island celebration you won't want to miss!
Each child must have an adult point person—so grab your friends and come as a group!
Click HERE to pre-order tickets and food!
Please Note: This event is for WAES students only. We appreciate your understanding that non-WAES friends will not be able to attend.
And for our PEP–2nd grade families…stay tuned—Bingo Night tickets will be on sale soon!
Questions? Please contact Karen Bettencourt and Kathryn Moore, Dance Party Committee Chairs
Oct
21
to Oct 24
WARM CLOTHING DRIVE
The PTA’s Warm Clothing Drive to benefit our sister schools in Silver Spring, New Hampshire Estates (Pre-K - 2nd), and Oak View Elementary (3rd-5th) will be held Tuesday, October 21st to Friday, October 24th.
Start setting aside the following items:
New or gently used children’s coats, hats, mittens/gloves, sweaters, fleeces, pants, scarves and snow boots (size 6 and above).
New or gently used adult coats, sweaters and snow boots (all sizes needed).
Clothes should be clean and in ready-to-wear condition!
Volunteers needed to help collect and sort clothing any day from October 21st-24th and help with the sale at our sister school on November 15th! Please reach out to Beth Mueller if you’d like to volunteer or have questions at maryelizabethwalsh@yahoo.com
Questions? Please contact Beth Mueller or Amory Barnes, Warm Clothing Drive Committee Chairs
Oct
20
9:00 AM09:00
Oct
17
9:00 AM09:00
Oct
8
to Oct 9
DINE OUT TO DONATE
Our Ledo's Dine Out to Donate fundraiser is Wednesday, October 8th and Thursday, October 9th at Ledo Pizza River Road! A portion of the proceeds will support Wood Acres Elementary School
Order takeout online (at this link) and use the code FUNDRAISER or by phone (301-656-5336) or dine in at the restaurant, and Ledo's will generously donate 20% of the proceeds. Be sure to mention Wood Acres when ordering!
Don't feel like pizza? Ledo's has great salads, pastas and other entrees.
Oct
8
8:30 AM08:30
Pedestrian Safety Reflection
(updated Listing)
This year, instead of the traditional National Walk to School Day activities, Wood Acres will observe a Day of Reflection on Wednesday, October 8, focused on reviewing pedestrian safety best practices with students.
To learn more about creating safe routes to school, visit MCPS Safe Routes to Schools.
(archive of old listing)
All Wood Acres families are encouraged to walk or bike school with their kids, friends, and family. There will be music and stickers for everyone upon arrival at WAES before school starts. Please arrive early!
We’ll share fun facts about the importance of walking and biking safely and the benefits of staying active. So, lace up your sneakers and join us for a fun-filled morning!
In the interest of safety, the kiss & go loop will be closed that morning.
Look forward to seeing you all there!
Oct
7
6:30 PM18:30
GENERAL PTA MEETING
AGENDA ITEMS:
Proposal 1
Decision 1
Decision 2
Please save the date for our first General Meeting of the year, on Tuesday, October 7th, from 6:30pm-7pm in the Wood Acres Elementary School Media Center. Learn about the School's 2025-26 Improvement Plan, followed by time for Q&A and a meet and greet opportunity. Bring a friend and meet new people!
**Many thanks to Bar-T for providing childcare at no charge. Pizza for the kids will also be provided. Sign up with this link.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Oct
3
8:30 AM08:30
MARTHA'S TABLE COLLECTION
Wood Acres PTA proudly supports Martha’s Table and the hundreds of our D.C. neighbors it serves daily who are experiencing hunger or homelessness by increasing access to healthy food. This is an easy and impactful way for kids to directly help their community on a regular basis.
SHARE: A short video you can watch with your children to learn about Martha’s Table.
WHAT:
Nut-free trail mix (for example, chex mix, granola, dried fruit, goldfish, low-sugar cereal)
Meat and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread (no condiments)
Sunflower butter and jelly sandwiches (no peanut butter)
Dry/canned goods (for example, canned vegetables, canned fruit, pasta, pasta sauce, cans or pouches of chicken/tuna, low-sugar cereal, black beans, white or brown rice
· Reminders: Please have your items in a grocery bag.
WHEN & WHERE: Drop off bins will be placed by the Kiss-n-Go loop entrances from 8:30-9:15 a.m. Alternatively, you can drop off your donations Thursday evening before drop off dates at the Committee Chair’s residence (see PTA newsletter for address).
Thank you, Wood Acres!
Oct
2
9:00 AM09:00
Sep
26
9:00 AM09:00
Sep
24
8:00 PM20:00