School phone number: (540)828-6081

Good Evening John Wayland Families,

As we come to the final edition of the Jaguar Jiggy Journal for 2025, I find myself reflecting on the journey we began back in August.  When I first started this journal, it felt like a daunting task to try to keep all of our families informed about the many aspects of daily life for the students at John Wayland.  It was something I took seriously from the start, and I truly hope these updates have been helpful, informative, and meaningful for you and your families.

As the holidays approach, there is a natural hustle and bustle (especially with little children filling our homes with excitement and energy!).  My hope is that amid the busy schedules we can all find a few quiet moments to reflect on the good that 2025 has brought and begin preparing our hearts and minds for all that 2026 has to offer.

Thank you for your continued support, partnership, and trust.  It has been a joy sharing our story with you this year.

This final edition of the Jaguar Jiggy Journal also includes a few helpful reminders and updates for families.  You’ll find information about school pictures (while it’s not too late to place an order, please note that photos may not arrive by December 25th).  We’ve also included a few gentle reminders regarding toys, trading cards, shoes, and jackets to help keep our days running smoothly.  Finally, we’re excited to wrap up the year with our last Teacher Feature, where you can learn some fun and interesting facts about Mrs. Docev.

From all of us at John Wayland, we wish you a joyful, restful, and safe holiday season.

Mr. Granger
Principal

School pictures are still available to view and order, and we’d like to remind families that this is a school fundraiser...your purchases help support our students and programs.  School pictures also make wonderful gifts for family members (but please understand that while orders can still be placed, they may not arrive in time for Christmas). Photos can be viewed and ordered online at queencityphoto.gotphoto.com. If you need your student’s access code, you may email staff@qcpva.com
 for assistance.

We kindly ask families to help us by ensuring that toys and trading cards stay at home and are not brought to school.  While these items can be fun, they often become distracting during the school day and can take students’ focus away from learning.  Toys and cards can also easily get lost, which can be upsetting for children.  Additionally, trading cards sometimes lead to conflicts between students when trading, comparing, or disagreements occur.  We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a positive, focused, and caring learning environment for all of our Jaguars.

As a reminder, it is important that elementary-age children wear appropriate shoes to school so they can fully and safely participate in learning and play.  Even on special days when classes might be wearing their PJs to school as a reward, please avoid slippers as students still go outside for recess and participate in gym activities.  We also ask that Crocs be used with caution because when they get wet they can become slippery, and they do not provide the support needed for safe play on the playground or in the gym. 

If your child would like to wear fun or cozy footwear to school it is perfectly fine to bring a pair of safe shoes to change into…just work out the details with your child’s teacher.  Please know that for safety reasons, students may be asked not to participate in certain activities if they are not wearing appropriate footwear.  Thank you for understanding and supporting us in our effort to keep all children safe and active at school!

Now that the colder weather has set in, we want to share a reminder about the importance of students wearing jackets when temperatures drop.  While children often don’t feel cold the same way adults do, their bodies are still affected by cold weather, especially during outdoor activities. Wearing a warm coat helps keep them healthy, comfortable, and ready to learn.  If your child is in need of a winter jacket, please don’t hesitate to let us know. (We are happy to provide one.)  At times, we also receive donated coats, so if your child comes home wearing a coat that is not theirs, please know this is simply part of our effort to make sure every child stays warm and cared for.  Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership.

Interviewee:  Mrs. Docev     Interviewer:  Arra McCall

In school did you have any clubs or after school activities?  Yes, I did Girl Scouts and played different sports like soccer, softball, and gymnastics.

In school did you want to be a teacher? Why or what did you want to be? No, in school I thought I didn’t even like kids, and I thought I would work in a retirement home.

What was your favorite subject to be taught as a child? Reading because I just loved to read.

What is your favorite subject to teach and why?  I like science because of all of the hands-on activities you get to do.

How was your life as a firefighter, and how long were you one?  It was pretty good. You just would get called to put out a fire at any time, so it was very exhilarating. I was a firefighter for 4 years.

Why did you choose firefighter over another option?  Well, I didn't choose fire fighting, fire fighting chose me. I again didn't think I wanted to do it. I really did it because I needed a job, and then I just fell in love with it.

How long have you been at our school?  I have worked at our school for 9 years now (in 2025). 

What is the funniest thing someone has ever said in your class?  “I ripped my amygdala”   

What is the hardest part of being a teacher?  Having to rely on people around me for the things I need for my classroom.   

Breakfast and lunch are available for purchase to every student at John Wayland Elementary School each day.  Daily menus and information about the cost of each meal can be found at: https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=1496945305215 

Monday, December 22-Friday, January 1: No School (Winter Break)

Monday, January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (No School)

Tuesday, January 20: Teacher Workday (No School)

Need a new t-shirt?  Looking for a nice fitting hoodie?  Wondering where all those great looking John Wayland clothes come from?  Look no further.  The University Outpost has created a site you can use to order a number of great items that not only look great, but support the school as well.  The University Outpost will donate 15% of every purchase back to the school.

You can find t-shirts, hoodies, polos and more at this site: https://stores.inksoft.com/john_wayland_elementary_school/shop/products/all?page=1

We are working hard to make sure this year is a great one for your child. I’m energized by the opportunity to partner with you to support your child’s growth—academically, socially, and emotionally.

For updates, reminders, and celebrations throughout the year, be sure to follow John Wayland Elementary School on Facebook.  Also, Rockingham County Public Schools has an incredible new app called the RCPSApp that allows you to stay connected to the latest news and information about our school and the division.