Military Families
Information to Support Our Military Families
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and Waynewood Elementary School are committed to supporting our military-connected students and families. We value their service and commitment to our nation and are thankful for everything they do. Waynewood is proud to have been recognized in 2024 by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children with our third Purple Star School recognition. The Purple Star designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families.
Military Club
During the school year Waynewood students with a parent serving in the military can join a grade level Military Club. These clubs are a supportive community for students and provide a space for connection, understanding and growth.
Month of the Military Child
Waynewood is proud to support our military-connected students. Every April, we come together to celebrate their unique experiences. Staff and students participate in Purple Up! events like family displays, military trivia contests, coffees and receptions and spirit days.
Annual Veterans Day Recognition
Each year, Waynewood has a Veterans Day Celebration where we invite veteran members of our community to Waynewood so we can recognize and show appreciation for their service to our country. 
Students, staff and military service members participate in a school wide assembly, enjoy a breakfast reception and a clap out for service members
Student Ambassador Program
At Waynewood, we have a student ambassador program where students from each class learn leadership and communication skills in order to welcome new students and foster student connectedness. Student ambassadors provide tours to new students and support the transitional needs of military connected students. When new students arrive, our student ambassadors introduce students to staff, help them to get acquainted with our school, and serve as a buddy throughout their school day. Their focus is on building relationships with new students and ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging at Waynewood.
Students with Special Education Accommodations
FCPS and Waynewood follow federal guidelines with respect to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and the 504 process and eligibility. Visit the FCPS Navigating Special Education Needs and Parental Rights page for information specific for military families.
Points of Contact
School-based Military Support Point of Contact
- Lauren Heller, School Counselor
School-based Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC)
- Shaista Pirzada, Waynewood ES Military Family Life Counselor
School Division (FCPS) Point of Contact
- Meredith Ayala, Family Partnerships Specialist, 703-204-4305
Military School Liaison Officers (SLOs)
The National Capital Region school liaison officers serve our school district. These school liaison officers are DOD employees. They are available to assist military families in all branches of the military with education-related matters.