FCPS

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WSES Staff started this day spreading holiday cheer by singing loud for all to hear! A Note from the Principal's Desk

Dear Willow Springs families,

What a festive and joyful week this has been as we have all counted down the days to Winter Break! Students at every grade level have had many opportunities to celebrate learning, friendships, family, and more! Our celebrations have been made possible by outstanding support from parents and our PTA. This exceptional support is a hallmark of our WSES school community. We appreciate all you do to make our school such a special place for all!

On behalf of our staff, we express sincere and heartfelt appreciation for all of the gits and treats you have showered us with.

Staff and students have worked so hard this year and everyone now deserves some time to rest and enjoy a break.

To all who celebrate Christmas or Chanukah, we wish you much joy & light!

We wish all of you a safe and warm weekend!

Dylan Taylor, Principal

Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal

Laura Tapper, Assistant Principal

Winter Break Office Hours

Our Willow Springs school office will be closed from December 23rd-January 3rd.  Normal office hours will resume on Monday, January 6th at 8:00am.

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions. 

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform. 

WSES' Outstanding Employee Award Winners

We recently had the pleasure and honor of announcing this year's recipients of outstanding employee awards (see photos below). We are very honored to work with such passionate and talented educators. We are so proud of them and of all of our nominees! These winners will go on to be considered for the Fairfax Pyramid awards.

After Winter Break, we will give parents an opportunity to provide input to include in the nomination packets for these teachers.

Willow Springs' Outstanding Teacher:  Adriel Ignacio, 6th Grade Teacher Willow Springs' Outstanding New Teacher:  Christien Shehat, Special Education Teacher Spring 2025 SOL Testing Calendar

We know that when Winter Break ends, many of us turn our attention to planning our spring and summer activities and travel. As you make plans for the warmer months, please keep in mind that our 3rd - 6th grade students will be taking standardized tests (SOLs) in May and June.

If you can avoid traveling or appointments that will keep your child out of school on a scheduled testing date, that would be greatly appreciated and will benefit your child. Students tend to prefer taking these tests in their classrooms and learning spaces with their peers and their usual teachrs. When students are absent on a testing day, they are eligible for a makeup opportunity, but the makeup test will be given by any available staff and it will not take place in the classroom.

The calendar is linked here. Please know the schedule is subject to change.

We will be sharing more information about testing in the new year. Please stay tuned and attend PTA meetings if possible.

Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. 

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

  Fairfax High School Science Fair Judges needed

Fairfax High School is recruiting judges for their upcoming school Science Fair which will be on February 1st.

Our school and our community is part of the Fairfax High School Pyramid and a valued member of our community, we hope you can help out.

Your support will play a crucial role in making this event a success for our students. Please refer to the image above or the informational flier linked here for more information on becoming a volunteer judge.

Important Dates

December 23-January 3: Winter Break

December 25: Christmas and Chanukah (during winter break)

Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas.

Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25. See the complete school year calendar.

January 10: PTA Movie Night

January 20: Holiday - MLK Day & Inauguration Day

January 29: Teacher Workday

February 24: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

March 17: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

April 28: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

May 19: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

Quick Links

• Willow Springs Website

• FCPS School Year Calendar

• School Events Calendar

• PTA website 
• Previous Newsletters

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

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WSES' Outstanding Employee Award Winners Willow Springs' Outstanding Teacher:  Adriel Ignacio, 6th Grade Teacher Willow Springs' Outstanding New Teacher:  Christien Shehat, Special Education Teacher A Note from the Principal's Desk

Dear Willow Springs families,

This was a cold and rainy week, but in our building there was a lot of sunshine and good energy! On Monday, we had the pleasure and honor of announcing this year's recipients of outstanding employee awards (see above). We are very honored to work with such passionate and talented educators. We are so proud of them and of all of our nominees! These winners will go on to be considered for the Fairfax Pyramid awards.

Also on Monday, we had a 3 hour early dismissal and our staff used the time in the afternoon to engage in meaningful staff development and professional learning (see photos below). We truly need and value this time to continue developing our knowledge and skills, especially in regards to literacy and our new literacy curriculum, Benchmark.

This week we also enjoyed the gift of music via the strings concert, band concert and the "Holiday Sharing" musical event this morning in which various grade levels had the opportunity to perform a song for their peers. We saw lots of smiles and students singing and moving along to the music. It was a joyous event and a wonderful holiday gift to each other.

If jackets, sweaters, hats, and more don't make it back home, please check the Lost and Found area in our front lobby. It is already FULL of unclaimed clothing and more!

We wish all of you a safe and warm weekend!

Dylan Taylor, Principal

Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal

Laura Tapper, Assistant Principal

WSES Staff engage in professional learning here in school on early dismissal Mondays. Full Time AAP Referrals

Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Willow Springs’ Advance Academics Resource Teacher (AART), Ashley Raymond, no later than December 15, 2024. Please email digital paperwork to [email protected].

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Ashley Ramyond at 

[email protected].

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Here are links to the referral form:

Arabic

English

Korean

Spanish

Spirit Week: December 16-20

Starting on Monday, there is just one week until Winter Break! We will count down the days with Spirit Week and a different theme for each day. All are invited to join in the fun.

• Monday - wear red and white
• Tuesday - wear bright colors
• Wednesday - white out
• Thursday - wear hats and sweaters
• Friday - Pajama Day!

Spring 2025 SOL Testing Calendar

We know that when Winter Break ends, many of us turn our attention to planning our spring and summer activities and travel. As you make plans for the warmer months, please keep in mind that our 3rd - 6th grade students will be taking standardized tests (SOLs) in May and June.

If you can avoid traveling or appointments that will keep your child out of school on a scheduled testing date, that would be greatly appreciated and will benefit your child. Students tend to prefer taking these tests in their classrooms and learning spaces with their peers and their usual teachrs. When students are absent on a testing day, they are eligible for a makeup opportunity, but the makeup test will be given by any available staff and it will not take place in the classroom.

The calendar is linked here. Please know the schedule is subject to change.

We will be sharing more information about testing in the new year. Please stay tuned and attend PTA meetings if possible.

Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. 

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Work for FCPS Student Monitors Needed at WSES

Willow Springs is looking to hire student monitors. This is a full-time position that provides supervision of students throughout the school day to include, but not limited to, the classroom, hallways, lunch, recess, specials and at arrival/dismissal. Monitor helps maintain order and discipline and assists in managing the behavior of students. Monitors must feel comfortable operating technology and performing administrative and noninstructional duties and can expect to work with both individual and small groups of students during the day. It is another great entry point into a career in FCPS!

If you are interested in becoming a Student Monitor and would like to learn more, please check out this link HERE and contact Assistant  Principals Ipsa Stringer at: [email protected] or Laura Tapper at l[email protected].

Important Dates

December 16-20: Spirit Week

• Monday - wear red and white
• Tuesday - wear bright colors
• Wednesday - white out
• Thursday - wear hats and sweaters
• Friday - Pajama Day!

December 23-January 3: Winter Break

January 10: PTA Movie Night

January 20: Holiday - MLK Day & Inauguration Day

January 29: Teacher Workday

February 24: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

March 17: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

April 28: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

May 19: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

Quick Links

• Willow Springs Website

• FCPS School Year Calendar

• School Events Calendar

• PTA website 
• Previous Newsletters

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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6th Grade Learning 6th grade students recently performed Readers' Theater as part of the social studies unit of study on European Explorers in the Americas. A Note from the Principal's Desk

Dear Willow Springs families,

What a change we have all experienced this week with the frigid temperatures! Suddenly, it feels like winter and before you know it, we could be talking about snow days. Please see the information below about preparing for winter weather and please make sure your child comes to school dressed to participate safely and comfortably in outdoor recess.

If jackets, sweaters, hats, and more don't make it back home, please check the Lost and Found area in our front lobby. It is already FULL of unclaimed clothing and more!

We wish all of you a safe and warm weekend!

Dylan Taylor, Principal

Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal

Laura Tapper, Assistant Principal

3 Hour Early Dismissal

Monday will be a 3 hour early dismissal day and students will be dismissed at 1:00 PM. Parents, please make sure PickUp Patrol is updated to accurately reflect the dismissal plans for your child. 

Students who will be staying until the 4:00 PM dismissal time should come to school with a snack and a drink. They should also be prepared to participate in a variety of activities to include PE games and art lessons.

Monday specials will be held on Tuesday the 10th. Please make sure your child comes to school on Tuesday prepared for Monday specials.

For your planning purposes, here are the remaining 3 Hour Early Dismissal Dates:

• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results 

FCPS students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of October, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.

For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.

Full Time AAP Referrals

Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Willow Springs’ Advance Academics Resource Teacher (AART), Ashley Raymond, no later than December 15, 2024. Please email digital paperwork to [email protected].

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Ashley Ramyond at 

[email protected].

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Here are links to the referral form:

Arabic

English

Korean

Spanish

Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. 

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Work for FCPS Student Monitors Needed at WSES

Willow Springs is looking to hire student monitors. This is a full-time position that provides supervision of students throughout the school day to include, but not limited to, the classroom, hallways, lunch, recess, specials and at arrival/dismissal. Monitor helps maintain order and discipline and assists in managing the behavior of students. Monitors must feel comfortable operating technology and performing administrative and noninstructional duties and can expect to work with both individual and small groups of students during the day. It is another great entry point into a career in FCPS!

If you are interested in becoming a Student Monitor and would like to learn more, please check out this link HERE and contact Assistant  Principals Ipsa Stringer at: [email protected] or Laura Tapper at l[email protected].

Important Dates

December 8: Bodhi Day

Happy Bodhi Day to those in our community who celebrate! Bodhi Day is a Buddhist holiday that recognizes the day that Buddha achieved enlightenment through meditation under the Bodhi tree.

December 9: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

December 10: PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM

December 11: Strings Winter Concert, Katherine Johnson Middle School

December 16-20: Spirit Week

• Monday - wear red and white
• Tuesday - wear bright colors
• Wednesday - white out
• Thursday - wear hats and sweaters
• Friday - Pajama Day!

December 23-January 3: Winter Break

January 20: Holiday - MLK Day & Inauguration Day

January 29: Teacher Workday

February 24: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

March 17: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

April 28: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

May 19: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

Quick Links

• Willow Springs Website

• FCPS School Year Calendar

• School Events Calendar

• PTA website 
• Previous Newsletters

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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3 Hour Early Dismissal

The next early dismissal day is Monday, December 9th,

one week from today.

We have saved your dismissal plan from our last early release day and will plan on sending your child home the same way they went home last time.

If your plans have changed in one of the ways listed below, please email our administrative assistant, Amanda McCabe, at [email protected] and let her know what the new plan for your child will be. The deadline for emailing regarding a change is Thursday at 3:00 PM.

1. Your child did not stay at school but WILL stay this time. Email Mrs. McCabe and let her know how your child should be dismissed at 4 p.m.
2. Your child stayed at school after the Early Release but WILL NOT stay this time. Email Mrs. McCabe to let her know that your child will not be staying at school. You also need to update PickUp Patrol with the preferred way home.

If your child will be staying at school after dismissal, please send them with a snack and in clothes and shoes that are appropriate for physical activity and artwork.

Important Dates

December 9: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

December 10: PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM

December 23-January 3: Winter Break

January 20: Holiday - MLK Day & Inauguration Day

January 29: Teacher Workday

Quick Links

• Willow Springs Website

• FCPS School Year Calendar

• School Events Calendar

• PTA website 
• Previous Newsletters

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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Fast Foxes About 60 WSES students recently participated in the RunFit Kidz 5K race and we couldn't be prouder of them and all of their hard work in preparing for the race. Thank you COACHES for all of the early morning support and encouragement. Way to go, Foxes! A Note from the Principal's Desk

Dear Willow Springs families,

If you are like us, you are ready to head into the Thanksgiving holiday and long weekend spent enjoying time with family and friends and surrounded by good food and fun. We all have so much to be thankful for and for us that includes our dynamic staff, our joyful students, and our super supportive parents.

However you and your family celebrate the holidays, we send you our gratitude and sincere wishes for health and happiness. 

Don't forget that school is closed on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. We will see everyone back here on Monday, December 2nd.

We hope all of you have an enjoyable and memorable weekend!

Dylan Taylor, Principal

Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal

Laura Tapper, Assistant Principal

Virginia Science Olympiad On Saturday, November 16, 2024, forty of our Willow Springs students proudly represented our school at the 2024 Division A Virginia Science Olympiad held at Thomas Jefferson High School. Our students had fun and demonstrated outstanding knowledge and team spirit. Twenty-four of our students won medals! Way to go Foxes Full Time AAP Referrals

Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Willow Springs’ Advance Academics Resource Teacher (AART), Ashley Raymond, no later than December 15, 2024. Please email digital paperwork to [email protected].

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Ashley Ramyond at 

[email protected].

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Here are links to the referral form:

Arabic

English

Korean

Spanish

Work for FCPS Student Monitors Needed

Willow Springs is looking to hire student monitors. This is a full-time position that provides supervision of students throughout the school day to include, but not limited to, the classroom, hallways, lunch, recess, specials and at arrival/dismissal. Monitor helps maintain order and discipline and assists in managing the behavior of students. Monitors must feel comfortable operating technology and performing administrative and noninstructional duties and can expect to work with both individual and small groups of students during the day. It is another great entry point into a career in FCPS!

If you are interested in becoming a Student Monitor and would like to learn more, please check out this link HERE and contact Assistant  Principals Ipsa Stringer at: [email protected] or Laura Tapper at l[email protected].

Important Dates

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday

December 9: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

December 10: PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM

December 23-January 3: Winter Break

January 20: Holiday - MLK Day & Inauguration Day

January 29: Teacher Workday

Quick Links

• Willow Springs Website

• FCPS School Year Calendar

• School Events Calendar

• PTA website 
• Previous Newsletters

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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Football Fun 4th graders participated in the annual Turkey Bowl football game with Mr. Spicer and Mr. Campen. A Note from the Principal's Desk

Dear Willow Springs families,

Over the past week, we have been so fortunate to welcome families into our school for Bingo Night, Thanksgiving Lunch, Family Engagement Night and Family Book Fair. These events have given us opportunities to come together and strengthen our relationships with each other. Our students benefit greatly from these strong, healthy relationships. It isn't Thanksgiving yet, but we are so thankful for our supportive and involved community!

We know many of you will be traveling soon and we wish you safe and happy travels. Don't forget that next week is a short week. Students will only be in school on Monday and Tuesday.

We hope all of you have an enjoyable weekend!

Dylan Taylor, Principal

Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal

Laura Tapper, Assistant Principal

Thankful!

Yesterday was such an exciting day as we welcomed HUNDREDS of parents and family members for Thanksgiving lunch! Both our bellies and our hearts were full. We are so thankful for all of our students and families.

Work for FCPS Student Monitors Needed

Willow Springs is looking to hire student monitors. This is a full-time position that provides supervision of students throughout the school day to include, but not limited to, the classroom, hallways, lunch, recess, specials and at arrival/dismissal. Monitor helps maintain order and discipline and assists in managing the behavior of students. Monitors must feel comfortable operating technology and performing administrative and noninstructional duties and can expect to work with both individual and small groups of students during the day. It is another great entry point into a career in FCPS!

If you are interested in becoming a Student Monitor and would like to learn more, please check out this link HERE and contact Assistant  Principals Ipsa Stringer at: [email protected] or Laura Tapper at l[email protected].

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

All families should complete a Federal Impact Aid Survey as soon as possible. The form is available in ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Only the enrolling parent can complete the form online.

We have sent home paper copies to all families who have not completed the form in ParentVUE.

A week ago, 291 WSES families had completed the online survey, as of today 625 forms have been returned or completed online. Thank you to all families who have responded.

New forms have been sent again to the 200 families we have not heard from.

Please complete the form for each school-aged child in your household as soon as possible.

Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. The funds support all Fairfax County public schools and centers. Visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page to learn more.

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child.

Falling into Great Books

Our school was full of energy and excitement this week as we enjoyed the annual fall book fair. The highlight of the week was our Family Engagement Night and Family Book Fair Night. This is always such a popular event that brings our community together to support literacy.

Important Dates

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday

December 9: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

December 10: PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM

December 23-January 3: Winter Break

January 20: Holiday - MLK Day & Inauguration Day

January 29: Teacher Workday

Quick Links

• Willow Springs Website

• FCPS School Year Calendar

• School Events Calendar

• PTA website 
• Previous Newsletters

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Be Our Guest

We are really looking forward to welcoming families for lunch this Thursday. We know this will be an exciting day for you and our students. It will also be a busy day as we are expecting LOTS of guests! To help us plan, please RSVP by the end of the day TODAY using this Google form:

https://forms.gle/xQ3w1ZfM3kPPD6VBA

We will be adjusting the lunch schedule slightly for this event and you can view the schedule here.

Here is some helpful information to make your visit enjoyable:

• We are expecting a lot of guests, so please arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your child's scheduled lunch time. 
• If the parking lot is full, there is plenty of parking down the road at Patriot Park North. From there, it is a short walk to the school. 
• There will be a table with sign in sheets and visitor stickers in front of the entrance doors. All visitors should sign in.
• If you plan on purchasing a lunch, please be prepared to pay with cash or a check. We don't have the ability to accept Apple Pay or credit cards.
• We expect a large turnout so an overflow seating area will be available.
• Parents who come for lunch are welcome to visit the book fair while here.

We hope you will be able to join us!

Book Fair The WSES Book Fair is HERE and open this week only, Nov. 18-22! If you will be joining your child for lunch on Thursday, you are welcome to stop by the Book Fair in the library either before or after lunch. Books make great holiday gifts!

Our preferred payment method for student purchases during the school day is eWallet. Using eWallet allows students to make cashless purchases. You choose the maximum amount your child can spend on the eWallet account and will only be charged what is actually spent. Use the link to sign up and create an eWallet for your child. Note: eWallet requires you to print and send in a paper for us to scan. If using your phone, turn the phone to landscape mode to see the “print ewallet” button. We also accept cash or credit cards (adults only).  

Family Engagement Night

Family Engagement Night is planned for Thursday, November 21st from 5 - 7:30 PM. We will have a book fair, food trucks, guest readers, a parent information session, and more!

Important Dates

Thursday, November 21: Thanksgiving Lunch and Family Engagement Night

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday

December 9: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

December 10: PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM

December 23-January 3: Winter Break

January 20: Holiday - MLK Day & Inauguration Day

January 29: Teacher Workday

Quick Links

• Willow Springs Website

• FCPS School Year Calendar

• School Events Calendar

• PTA website 
• Previous Newsletters

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Learning with Ozobots & Blue-Bots 3rd grade students worked on developing their coding skills using Ozobots and Blue-Bots during a recent visit to the library. A Note from the Principal's Desk

Dear Willow Springs families,

Now that Quarter 1 has ended, progress reports are available to view in SIS ParentVue and most of you have met with your child's teacher. If you haven't been able to meet, it isn't too late to reach out to your child's teacher to have a conversation about how your child is doing. Our goal is to work in partnership with ALL of our families. 

Beginning with Bingo Night tonight and continuing next week with our Thanksgiving Lunch and Family Engagement Night, we are excited about opportunities to bring parents and families into our school. When parents are involved in school, students do better and our community is stronger. We look forward to seeing many of you!

We wish all of you a safe and enjoyable weekend!

Dylan Taylor, Principal

Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal

Laura Tapper, Assistant Principal

Calling All Families!

The Willow Springs PTA invites all families to join us today

for BINGO NIGHT in the cafeteria. Doors open at 6:00 PM and

games begin at 6:30 PM. It will be a great night of fun!

Pizza and concessions will be available for purchase.

Please consider donating goods for our Food Drive to benefit Food for Others. Please see the flier above for a list of preferred items.

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

All families should complete a Federal Impact Aid Survey as soon as possible. The form is available in ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Only the enrolling parent can complete the form online.

As of today 291, WSES families have completed the online survey, out of 821 enrolled students.

Paper forms have been sent home with students who did not submit one through ParentVUE.

Please complete the form for each school-aged child in your household as soon as possible.

Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. The funds support all Fairfax County public schools and centers. Visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page to learn more.

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child.

Be Our Guest

We are really looking forward to welcoming families for lunch on Thursday the 21st. We know this will be an exciting day for you and our students. It will also be a busy day as we are expecting LOTS of guests! To help us plan, please RSVP by Monday the 18th using this Google form:

https://forms.gle/xQ3w1ZfM3kPPD6VBA

We will be adjusting the lunch schedule slightly for this event and you can view the schedule here.

Here is some helpful information to make your visit enjoyable:

• We are expecting a lot of guests, so please arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your child's scheduled lunch time. 
• If the parking lot is full, there is plenty of parking down the road at Patriot Park North. From there, it is a short walk to the school. 
• There will be a table with sign in sheets and visitor stickers in front of the entrance doors. All visitors should sign in.
• If you plan on purchasing a lunch, please be prepared to pay with cash or a check. We don't have the ability to accept Apple Pay or credit cards.
• We expect a large turnout so an overflow seating area will be available.
• Parents who come for lunch are welcome to visit the book fair while here.

We hope you will be able to join us!

Book Fair

The WSES Book Fair is coming soon! The book fair will be open Nov. 18-22.

Our preferred payment method for student purchases during the school day is eWallet. Using eWallet allows students to make cashless purchases. You choose the maximum amount your child can spend on the eWallet account and will only be charged what is actually spent. Use the link to sign up and create an eWallet for your child. Note: eWallet requires you to print and send in a paper for us to scan. If using your phone, turn the phone to landscape mode to see the “print ewallet” button. We also accept cash or credit cards (adults only).  

Our book fair could use some volunteers!  Interested?  Please see the book fair hours and use the sign-up link to volunteer. We need everything from working the registers to helping primary students make wish lists. Email Amy Hurley at [email protected] if you have any questions.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F4DACA72CAA8-52723701-2024

Family Engagement Night

Family Engagement Night is planned for Thursday, November 21st from 5 - 7:30 PM. We will have a book fair, food trucks, a parent information session, and more!

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. 

Important Dates

Thursday, November 21: Thanksgiving Lunch and Family Engagement Night

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday

December 9: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

December 10: PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM

December 23-January 3: Winter Break

January 20: Holiday - MLK Day & Inauguration Day

January 29: Teacher Workday

Quick Links

• Willow Springs Website

• FCPS School Year Calendar

• School Events Calendar

• PTA website 
• Previous Newsletters

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the

Willow Springs website.

Fall Spirit Day

Tomorrow is Fall Colors Spirit Day. Students are invited to wear their favorite fall colors.

The correct flier has been added to this announcement. Fairfax High School Fall Festival 

All families are invited to this special event tomorrow at Fairfax High School. Join the community in this special celebration!

• Date: November 15th, 2024
• Time: 4:30 -6:30 pm
• Location: Fairfax High School Field house at door 21

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the

Willow Springs website.

Fall Spirit Day

Tomorrow is Fall Colors Spirit Day. Students are invited to wear their favorite fall colors.

Fairfax High School Family Festival 

All families are invited to this special event tomorrow at Fairfax High School. Join the community in this special celebration!

• Date: November 15th, 2024
• Time: 5:30 -6:30 pm
• Location: Fairfax High School Field house at door 21

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

This week 5th grade students went on a field trip to the Children's Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall. They had a great time engaging in hands on learning. A Note from the Principal's Desk

Dear Willow Springs families,

This week marks the beginning of Quarter 2. This is a good time to reflect with your child/children on how school is going and set a new goal or goals for the quarter. Quarter 1 report cards will be sent home on Tuesday and grades will be available in SIS ParentVue that same day.

Our November PTA meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday and we hope to see many of you there. 

As we head into this long weekend, we are thankful for the service and sacrifice of all of our veterans. Thank you for your service!

Dylan Taylor, Principal

Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal

Laura Tapper, Assistant Principal

Thank you, Veterans!

Willow Springs thanks the veterans in our community for their service today and every day. #FCPSHonorsVeterans

Please remember that schools will be closed on Monday in observance of Veterans Day.

Attention WSES Families!

FCPS is asking all families to complete a Federal Impact Aid Survey as soon as possible. The form is available in ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Hear from FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid and Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander Col. David Stewart about why this federal program is so important for our schools.

Please complete this form for each school-aged child in your household. Willow Springs has received 181 completed forms out of 821 students. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. The funds support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

Please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child.

You Are Invited

Our cafeteria will serve the annual Thanksgiving Lunch on Thursday, November 21st. Parents are invited to join their children for lunch that day.

More information including a revised lunch schedule and an RSVP form will be sent home next week. 

Book Fair

The WSES Book Fair is coming soon! Each student will come in for a preview  between 11/15 and 11/20. The book fair will be open Nov. 18-22.

Our preferred payment method for student purchases during the school day is eWallet. Using eWallet allows students to make cashless purchases. You choose the maximum amount your child can spend on the eWallet account and will only be charged what is actually spent. Use the link to sign up and create an eWallet for your child. Note: eWallet requires you to print and send in a paper for us to scan. If using your phone, turn the phone to landscape mode to see the “print ewallet” button. We also accept cash or credit cards (adults only).  

Our book fair could use some volunteers!  Interested?  Please see the book fair hours and use the sign-up link to volunteer. We need everything from working the registers to helping primary students make wish lists. Email Amy Hurley at [email protected] if you have any questions.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F4DACA72CAA8-52723701-2024

Fairfax High School Fall Festival 

All families are invited to this special event next Friday at Fairfax High School. Join the community in this special celebration!

• Date: November 15th, 2024
• Time: 4:30 -6:30pm
• Location: Fairfax High School Field house at door 21

Outstanding Employee Award Nominations

Nominations are now open for FCPS’ Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Willow Springs Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one more of the criteria for that award category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. The eligibility requirements are below. Please note that if your nominee is selected to represent Willow Springs ES, you will be asked to help complete the Nomination Packet. 

Outstanding Teacher  

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding Principal

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)                                

Outstanding Leader 

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal) at their current location

Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

Outstanding Professional Employee 

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership at their current location

Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, After-School Specialist, MTSS Coordinator, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school, Special Education Department Chairs that teach less than 50% of their time, Reading Specialists that do not have a regular course load/do not give grades

Outstanding Operational Employee

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee at their current location

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons

The deadline to submit a nomination is Monday, November 11th.

If you have any questions, please contact assistant principal, Laura Tapper at [email protected].

Elementary School Language Arts Grading Updates

Our teachers have been hard at work teaching with the new Language Arts curriculum, and we are excited to help all of our students become strong readers and writers! This year we also have new assessments, which is how we check if your student needs extra help with reading and writing, and new Standards of Learning (SOLs).

Because of these changes, we are now teaching all of the Language Arts skills your child needs to know (and checking if they need extra help) throughout the whole school year, instead of different skills each quarter. While these skills will be new to your child in the beginning of the year, the goal is for your child to grow strong in all of their new skills by the end of the year.

This means that when you get your child’s progress report next month, it might look different. Your child’s teacher will give you more information on the new progress reporting and how we’re making sure your child is getting any extra help they might need. You can also find more information on FCPS’ Grading and Reporting webpage.

We will also have new ways for you to help your child practice their reading and writing skills at home. These resources are coming soon!

FCPS' Cell Phone Expectations

FCPS' cell phone expectations for students help foster engagement, learning, and positive social behavior in the classroom. The expectations for elementary school students apply to ALL FCPS students in ALL elementary schools. The expectations are as follows:

• Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Cell phones may be used on campus before and after school only.
• Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
• Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency.
• With the approval of the principal or their designee, teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool; however, one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs.

We would also like to ask for your help monitoring your student’s cell phone and device usage.  We are seeing a rise in larger group chats, which inevitably result in some students crossing the line with bad choices.  Please talk to them about the chats they are in, the apps that they are using, etc., to help ensure they are making appropriate choices. 

You can read more about FCPS’ cell phone policy on the website.

Reflections Program: Call for Entries

For over 50 years, National PTA’s Reflections program has helped students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, and develop artistic literacy through creating their own works of art. This year's Reflections Program theme is Accepting Imperfection.

Willow Springs students are invited to create theme-based artwork in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography or visual arts. For more information on how to submit your artwork, please click here. 

Family Engagement Night

Family Engagement Night is planned for Thursday, November 21st from 5 - 7:30 PM. We will have a book fair, food trucks, a parent information session, and more!

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. 

Important Dates

Monday, November 11: Veteran's Day- Holiday (No School)

Tuesday, November 12:  Report Cards sent home and grades posted in ParentVUE.

Wednesday, November 13: PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM

Thursday, November 21: Thanksgiving Lunch and Family Engagement Night

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday

December 9: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

December 23-January 3: Winter Break

Quick Links

• Willow Springs Website

• FCPS School Year Calendar

• School Events Calendar

• PTA website 
• Previous Newsletters

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Honoring Our Veterans

We will honor Veterans Day on Friday, November 8th with Red, White, and Blue Day. Wear outfits that show your patriotism. 

If you have a family member who is a veteran and you would like us to honor them, please consider submitting a photo, name, and information so we can create a slideshow. Here is the link to the Google form where you can submit your information.

Please submit your information by the end of the day on Tuesday, November 12th. Submissions will be put into a slideshow that will be shown on the monitors in our lobby and office. Thank you!

Important Dates

Monday, November 11: Veteran's Day- Holiday (No School)

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday

Quick Links

• Willow Springs Website

• FCPS School Year Calendar

• School Events Calendar

• PTA website 
• Previous Newsletters

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Our Staff Has Character Staff members joined the fun on Book Character Dress Up Day! To see lots more photos of students and staff, check us out on Facebook and Instagram. A Note from the Principal's Desk

Dear Willow Springs families,

Today is the last day of Quarter 1 and we are so thankful for our dedicated staff, inspiring students, and supportive parents. Together, we are accomplishing so much and we will go far this year. 

Students have an extra long 5 day weekend! Tomorrow is a holiday in observance of Diwali and Dia de los Muertos and Monday and Tuesday are Teacher Workdays. We look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday, November 6th as we begin Quarter 2.

We hope all of you have a wonderful & safe weekend.  #WillowPride

Dylan Taylor, Principal

Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal

Laura Tapper, Assistant Principal

Kids Do Good Makes Care Packages for Foster Children

On Tuesday, October 29th, the PTA-sponsored Kids Do Good after school club teamed up with Foster the Family to make care packages for children ages 3-7 entering foster care. As it so happens, the children packed a basket for a 4-year old girl who went into foster care yesterday! Kids Do Good and their families are making an impact all over our community. In addition to this project, over the past five weeks Kids Do Good has cleaned up our school, written letters to the troops and first responders, managed the school's food sharing program, delivered food to the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter, collected snacks and cereal for the Loudoun County Hypothermia Shelter, made blessing bags for the homeless, and collected donations for charity.  

Outstanding Employee Award Nominations

Nominations are now open for FCPS’ Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Willow Springs Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one more of the criteria for that award category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. The eligibility requirements are below. Please note that if your nominee is selected to represent Willow Springs ES, you will be asked to help complete the Nomination Packet. 

Outstanding Teacher  

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding Principal

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)                                

Outstanding Leader 

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal) at their current location

Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

Outstanding Professional Employee 

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership at their current location

Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, After-School Specialist, MTSS Coordinator, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school, Special Education Department Chairs that teach less than 50% of their time, Reading Specialists that do not have a regular course load/do not give grades

Outstanding Operational Employee

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee at their current location

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons

The deadline to submit a nomination is Monday, November 11th.

If you have any questions, please contact assistant principal, Laura Tapper at [email protected].

Elementary School Language Arts Grading Updates

Our teachers have been hard at work teaching with the new Language Arts curriculum, and we are excited to help all of our students become strong readers and writers! This year we also have new assessments, which is how we check if your student needs extra help with reading and writing, and new Standards of Learning (SOLs).

Because of these changes, we are now teaching all of the Language Arts skills your child needs to know (and checking if they need extra help) throughout the whole school year, instead of different skills each quarter. While these skills will be new to your child in the beginning of the year, the goal is for your child to grow strong in all of their new skills by the end of the year.

This means that when you get your child’s progress report next month, it might look different. Your child’s teacher will give you more information on the new progress reporting and how we’re making sure your child is getting any extra help they might need. You can also find more information on FCPS’ Grading and Reporting webpage.

We will also have new ways for you to help your child practice their reading and writing skills at home. These resources are coming soon!

Attention WSES Families!

The Federal Impact Aid Survey is available to families online through ParentVUE.

Enrolling parents will receive an email on Monday from Superintendent Reid explaining the Federal Impact Aid Program, which is designed to assist local school districts that enroll federally connected students.

FCPS is eligible for these grants due to the federal presence in our area and we anticipate receiving approximately $3,000,000 that will become part of FCPS’ general operating budget.

Enrolling parents should fill out the form through their ParentVUE account, your information will be kept strictly confidential.

FCPS' Cell Phone Expectations

FCPS' cell phone expectations for students help foster engagement, learning, and positive social behavior in the classroom. The expectations for elementary school students apply to ALL FCPS students in ALL elementary schools. The expectations are as follows:

• Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Cell phones may be used on campus before and after school only.
• Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
• Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency.
• With the approval of the principal or their designee, teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool; however, one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs.

We would also like to ask for your help monitoring your student’s cell phone and device usage.  We are seeing a rise in larger group chats, which inevitably result in some students crossing the line with bad choices.  Please talk to them about the chats they are in, the apps that they are using, etc., to help ensure they are making appropriate choices. 

You can read more about FCPS’ cell phone policy on the website.

Reflections Program: Call for Entries

For over 50 years, National PTA’s Reflections program has helped students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, and develop artistic literacy through creating their own works of art. This year's Reflections Program theme is Accepting Imperfection.

Willow Springs students are invited to create theme-based artwork in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography or visual arts. For more information on how to submit your artwork, please click here. 

Family Engagement Night

Family Engagement Night is planned for Thursday, November 21st from 5 - 7:30 PM. We will have a book fair, food trucks, a parent information session, and more!

Important Dates

🪔 We wish a fun Diwali to all celebrating! Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs & some Buddhists. The festival represents the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. #OurFCPS

This week we recognize those in our community observing All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos. For Catholics, All Saints Day (November 1) celebrates all those who are with God in Heaven, known and unknown. All Souls Day (November 2), known in Mexico and Latin America as Día de los Muertos, is a day of remembrance and prayer for all those who have died, especially for the souls who may be in purgatory. These special days are celebrated by Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestants throughout the world. #OurFCPS

 

Friday, November 1: Student Holiday (No School): Diwali, Dia de los Muertos, All Saints Day

Sunday, November 3: Daylight Saving Time Ends (turn clocks BACK 1 hour)

Monday, November 4: School Planning Day (Student Holiday-No School)

Tuesday, November 5: Teacher Work Day (Student Holiday-No School)

Monday, November 11: Veteran's Day- Holiday (No School)

Wednesday, November 13: PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM

Thursday, November 21: Family Engagement Night

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday

Quick Links

• Willow Springs Website

• FCPS School Year Calendar

• School Events Calendar

• PTA website 
• Previous Newsletters

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Character Day Reminders

Tomorrow is Book Character Dress Up Day. All outfits/costumes should be school appropriate and related to a book. 

Please remember that masks, fake weapons, and inflatable costumes are not school appropriate and should not be worn.

Let's have a FUN & SAFE time!

2 Hour Early Dismissal Tomorrow

Thursday, October 31st is a 2 hour early dismissal day. ALL students will be dismissed at 2:00 PM.

Important Dates

Thursday, October 31: End of Quarter 1 and 2-Hour Early Dismissal and Book Character Dress Up Day

Friday, November 1: Diwali & Student Holiday

Monday, November 4: School Planning Day (Student Holiday-No School)

Tuesday, November 5: Teacher Work Day (Student Holiday-No School)

Monday, November 11: Veteran's Day- Holiday (No School)

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday

Quick Links

• Willow Springs Website

• FCPS School Year Calendar

• School Events Calendar

• PTA website 
• Previous Newsletters

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Outstanding Employee Award Nominations

Nominations are now open for FCPS’ Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Willow Springs Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one more of the criteria for that award category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. The eligibility requirements are below. Please note that if your nominee is selected to represent Willow Springs ES, you will be asked to help complete the Nomination Packet. 

 

Outstanding Teacher  

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding Principal

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)                                

Outstanding Leader 

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal) at their current location

Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

Outstanding Professional Employee 

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership at their current location

Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, After-School Specialist, MTSS Coordinator, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school, Special Education Department Chairs that teach less than 50% of their time, Reading Specialists that do not have a regular course load/do not give grades

Outstanding Operational Employee

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee at their current location

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons

The deadline to submit a nomination is Monday, November 11th.

If you have any questions, please contact assistant principal, Laura Tapper at [email protected].

Important Dates

Friday, November 1: Diwali & Student Holiday

Sunday, November 3: Daylight Saving Time Ends (turn clocks BACK 1 hour)

Monday, November 4: School Planning Day (Student Holiday-No School)

Tuesday, November 5: Teacher Work Day (Student Holiday-No School)

Monday, November 11: Veteran's Day- Holiday (No School)

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday

Quick Links

• Willow Springs Website

• FCPS School Year Calendar

• School Events Calendar

• PTA website 
• Previous Newsletters

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Such a Treat! Spending time eating ice cream with friends is a great way to end a busy day.  Thank you to our PTA for organizing WSES' Family Night at Bruster's Ice Cream. It was such a treat to see so many students, families, and celebrity scoopers! A Note from the Principal's Desk

Dear Willow Springs families,

What a busy month this has been. The days seem to be flying by and next week will be the end of the 1st quarter. Many teachers are already holding Parent/Teacher conferences. If you haven't scheduled yours yet, please be sure to do so soon. 

Thank you for supporting us at Bruster's on Tuesday! That is such a fun event and we love seeing our community come together.

Don't forget that next Thursday is Book Character Dress Up Day and a 2 hour early release day and Friday is a school holiday in observance of Diwali.

We hope all of you have a wonderful & safe weekend.  #WillowPride

Dylan Taylor, Principal

Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal

Laura Tapper, Assistant Principal

Calendar Reminder

This is a reminder that students will dismissed from school 3 hours early on Monday, October 28th. Dismissal will be at 1:00 PM.

If your child will be staying at school, please be sure to send them with an afternoon snack. For those students, dismissal will be at 4:00 PM.

On Wednesday, 10/30, students will follow the Monday specials schedule and will need to come to school prepared to follow the Monday schedule (instruments, sneakers, etc.).

Attention WSES Families!

The Federal Impact Aid Survey will be available to families online through ParentVUE on Monday, October 21. Enrolling parents will receive an email on Monday from Superintendent Reid explaining the Federal Impact Aid Program, which is designed to assist local school districts that enroll federally connected students. FCPS is eligible for these grants due to the federal presence in our area and we anticipate receiving approximately $3,000,000 that will become part of FCPS’ general operating budget.

Enrolling parents should fill out the form through their ParentVUE account, your information will be kept strictly confidential.

View Photos Online

Retake/Makeup day images are now online. Families will have received a reminder email to view images from Victor O'Neill Studios. If you do not see your email, please check spam folder. If you need help ordering/viewing contact [email protected]

Let's Stock the Lounge!

As the first quarter comes to an end, the Willow Springs PTA would like thank our teachers for all of their support so far this year. They are about to put in countless hours grading papers, writing progress reports, conducting parent-teacher conferences and getting ready for the second quarter. Let's show them how much we appreciate them by stocking the teachers lounge to help them get through those early mornings and late nights! This year, we are planning to stock the lounge only twice with supplies to last a bit longer; so please consider helping today! 

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0C4AACAC29A6FC1-52456041-fall

FCPS' Cell Phone Expectations

FCPS' cell phone expectations for students help foster engagement, learning, and positive social behavior in the classroom. The expectations for elementary school students apply to ALL FCPS students in ALL elementary schools. The expectations are as follows:

• Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Cell phones may be used on campus before and after school only.
• Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
• Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency.
• With the approval of the principal or their designee, teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool; however, one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs.

You can read more about FCPS’ cell phone policy on the website.

Reflections Program: Call for Entries

For over 50 years, National PTA’s Reflections program has helped students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, and develop artistic literacy through creating their own works of art. This year's Reflections Program theme is Accepting Imperfection.

Willow Springs students are invited to create theme-based artwork in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography or visual arts. For more information on how to submit your artwork, please click here. 

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions at the final community conversation this fall. It will be held Wednesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School. Click the date to register. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Family Engagement Night

Family Engagement Night is planned for Thursday, Thursday, November 21st from 5:00 - 7:30 PM. We will have the book fair, food trucks, a parent information session, and more!

Important Dates

October is National School Principals Month and Disability History and Awareness Month

Monday, October 28: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

Thursday, October 31: End of Quarter 1 and 2-Hour Early Dismissal and Book Character Dress Up Day

Friday, November 1: Diwali & Student Holiday

Monday, November 4: School Planning Day (Student Holiday-No School)

Tuesday, November 5: Teacher Work Day (Student Holiday-No School)

Monday, November 11: Veteran's Day- Holiday (No School)

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday

Quick Links

• Willow Springs Website

• FCPS School Year Calendar

• School Events Calendar

• PTA website 
• Previous Newsletters

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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It's Time for Ice Cream!

TODAY is the day for our WSES families to come out to Bruster's of Fairfax  between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. to enjoy ice cream and support the Willow Springs Elementary School PTA! The evening will feature 'Celebrity Scoopers' from WSES. Bring your families and friends to help support our school! 

Bruster's of Fairfax, 3903 Fair Ridge Drive, 703-801-4452. 

Important Dates

October is National School Principals Month and Disability History and Awareness Month

Tuesday, October 22: Family Night at Bruster's Ice Cream

Monday, October 28: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

Thursday, October 31: End of Quarter 1 and 2-Hour Early Dismissal and Book Character Dress Up Day

Friday, November 1: Diwali & Student Holiday

Monday, November 4: School Planning Day (Student Holiday-No School)

Tuesday, November 5: Teacher Work Day (Student Holiday-No School)

Monday, November 11: Veteran's Day- Holiday (No School)

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday

Quick Links

• Willow Springs Website

• FCPS School Year Calendar

• School Events Calendar

• PTA website 
• Previous Newsletters

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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Digital Citizenship Week

Students and staff enthusiastically participated in daily activities to teach and reinforce important digital citizenship skills. 

A Note from the Principal's Desk

Dear Willow Springs families,

We have had another great week of learning at Willow Springs! There is so much going on in classrooms and school-wide from digital citizenship spirit week, to pumpkin book characters in the library to fieldtrips to the planetarium and a corn party for 5th graders. 

During the PTA meeting on Wednesday, we learned that we exceeded our Boosterthon goal by raising an additional $12,000 dollars. That is incredible! In future meetings, we will share how the funds are being used.

We have many more events scheduled in October and November so stay tuned and stay involved in our Willow community. 

We hope all of you have a wonderful & safe weekend.  #WillowPride

Dylan Taylor, Principal

Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal

Laura Tapper, Assistant Principal

These Pumpkins Have Character!

Check out our book character pumpkin display in the library. Thank you to everyone who sent in a pumpkin. Our students really love looking at them!  We have room for a few more, so if you forgot, you can still get it to the library by Monday, October 21st.

Attention WSES Families!

The Federal Impact Aid Survey will be available to families online through ParentVUE on Monday, October 21. Enrolling parents will receive an email on Monday from Superintendent Reid explaining the Federal Impact Aid Program, which is designed to assist local school districts that enroll federally connected students. FCPS is eligible for these grants due to the federal presence in our area and we anticipate receiving approximately $3,000,000 that will become part of FCPS’ general operating budget.

Be sure to fill out the form, your information will be kept strictly confidential.

Reflections Program: Call for Entries

For over 50 years, National PTA’s Reflections program has helped students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, and develop artistic literacy through creating their own works of art. This year's Reflections Program theme is Accepting Imperfection.

Willow Springs students are invited to create theme-based artwork in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography or visual arts. For more information on how to submit your artwork, please click here. 

Pumpkin Book Characters It's not too late to join in the fall fun and decorate a pumpkin representing a book character! Drop off your pumpkin on Monday the 21st.

Rules:

1) Decorate a pumpkin to represent a book character.

2) We prefer artificial pumpkins. Absolutely no pumpkins with carvings or holes. Real pumpkins that develop holes will be discarded.

3) Be creative in your decoration: paint your pumpkin and use glue.

4) Turn in your pumpkin and a card that lists the book character’s name, title, author of the book, and your name on the front and your teacher’s name on the back. Send pumpkins and cards to the library.

5) Only one pumpkin per student or staff member.

6) Your pumpkins will be returned the week of November 6th.

Note: This is not a contest. This is just for whoever wants to show their pumpkins off.

Calendar Reminder

This is a reminder that students will dismissed from school 3 hours early on Monday, October 28th. If you haven't done so already, please take a few minutes now to fill out this survey to let us know what your plans for your child are.

Let's Stock the Lounge!

As the first quarter comes to an end, the Willow Springs PTA would like thank our teachers for all of their support so far this year. They are about to put in countless hours grading papers, writing progress reports, conducting parent-teacher conferences and getting ready for the second quarter. Let's show them how much we appreciate them by stocking the teachers lounge to help them get through those early mornings and late nights! This year, we are planning to stock the lounge only twice with supplies to last a bit longer; so please consider helping today! 

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0C4AACAC29A6FC1-52456041-fall

Family Engagement Night

Family Engagement Night is planned for Thursday, Thursday, November 21st from 5:00 - 7:30 PM. We will have the book fair, food trucks, a parent information session, and more!

Save the Date!

Before the cold sets in, come out to Bruster's of Fairfax on October 22, 2024 between 5:00 and 8:00pm to enjoy ice cream and support the Willow Springs Elementary School PTA! The evening will feature 'Celebrity Scoopers' from WSES. Bring your families and friends to help support our school! 

Bruster's of Fairfax, 3903 Fair Ridge Drive, 703-801-4452. 

Important Dates

October is National School Principals Month and Disability History and Awareness Month

Monday, October 21: Impact Aid Survey opens in ParentVUE

Tuesday, October 22: Family Night at Bruster's Ice Cream

Monday, October 28: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

Thursday, October 31: End of Quarter 1 and 2-Hour Early Dismissal and Book Character Dress Up Day

Friday, November 1: Diwali & Student Holiday

Monday, November 4: School Planning Day (Student Holiday-No School)

Tuesday, November 5: Teacher Work Day (Student Holiday-No School)

Monday, November 11: Veteran's Day- Holiday (No School)

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday

Quick Links

• Willow Springs Website

• FCPS School Year Calendar

• School Events Calendar

• PTA website 
• Previous Newsletters

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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Kids Do Good Cleans Up Willow Springs

Did you notice that our school grounds were a little cleaner this week? The PTA-sponsored Kids Do Good after school service club, parent volunteers, and high school student volunteers picked up trash and recycling at Willow Springs on Tuesday, October 8. Thanks Kids Do Good for cleaning up our school!

Kids Do Good is also collecting donations of unopened cereal and snacks for the Loudoun County Hypothermia Shelter through October. To arrange a drop off, please contact [email protected].

A Note from the Principal's Desk

Dear Willow Springs families,

This week we enjoyed returning to our regular schedules and a full week of school, complete with beautiful fall weather and daily recess! We are so grateful for these things, especially in light of what others in our country are experiencing. We hope that your friends and family members are all safe.

We invite all of you to join us for the October PTA meeting on Wednesday from 7-8 PM. You can join us in person in the library or virtually via Zoom. We will send out a new Zoom link on Wednesday that should work for everyone. 

Yom Kippur begins today at sundown and it is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. May all in our Jewish community observing Yom Kippur have an easy and meaningful fast.

We hope all of you have a wonderful & safe weekend.  #WillowPride

Dylan Taylor, Principal

Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal

Laura Tapper, Assistant Principal

Calendar Reminder

This is a reminder that students will not have school on Monday. It is a staff development day and student holiday. 

PTA Meeting

All parents are invited to join our PTA meeting on Wednesday, October 16 from 7-8 p.m. in the Library. There will also be a link to join via Zoom which will be emailed to you on Wednesday.

We are excited to debrief about Boosterthon, talk about volunteer opportunities that are available, and share more about what's to come this year.

Digital Citizenship Spirit Week

Schools across the country and world are participating in Digital Citizenship Spirit Week from October 14-18. This year's Digital Citizenship Week focuses on supporting student's mental and physical health in relation to technology use.

For ideas and resources parents can use to support children at home, visit Common Sense Media.

Willow Writers Club

Willow Writers is a creative writing club open to WSES students in grades 4, 5, and 6. It is a space for students to write and share creatively outside of school assignments with a supportive group.  

When and how will Willow Writers Club meet?

Tuesday mornings from 8:15-9:00am with Mrs. Young & Ms. KiKi in the music room

Fall Session: Tuesday, October 29 - Tuesday, December 10, 2024 (7 weeks) 

Registration will open Tuesday, October 15 until registration is full or on Friday, October 25th.

The session will be capped at 30 students. There will be another session in the spring of 2025.  

There is no fee to participate in Willow Writers.  

We are excited to welcome one of our own staff members, Ms. KiKi as part of our club this year!  In addition to working at our school, Ms. KiKi is obtaining a degree in Professional Writing and she is thrilled to help students find their writing voice!  

How do I sign up?

Registration will open on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 9:00am.  Sign up using the QR Code below OR by typing this link into your URL:  https://forms.gle/kpq7i42qmQMVaHPe6

Questions? Email Ms. Young at [email protected]

National School Lunch Week

National School Lunch Week (NSLW) — October 14 to October 18, 2024 — celebrates the federal National School Lunch Program (NSLP). This program provides millions of children a nutritious meal each school day. 

Balanced nutrition throughout the day contributes to student success in and out of the classroom. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) offers students fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and fat-free or low-fat milk (or dairy substitute) with every school lunch. 

President John F. Kennedy created National School Lunch Week in 1962 to promote the importance of a healthy school lunch in a student’s life and the impact it has made inside and outside of the classroom. 

Save the Date!

Before the cold sets in, come out to Bruster's of Fairfax on October 22, 2024 between 5:00 and 8:00pm to enjoy ice cream and support the Willow Springs Elementary School PTA! The evening will feature 'Celebrity Scoopers' from WSES. Bring your families and friends to help support our school! 

Bruster's of Fairfax, 3903 Fair Ridge Drive, 703-801-4452. 

Important Dates

October is National School Principals Month and Disability History and Awareness Month

Friday, October 11: Yom Kippur

Monday, October 14: Staff Development Day & Student Holiday

Wednesday, October 16: PTA Meeting 7-8 p.m.

Tuesday, October 22: Family Night at Bruster's Ice Cream

Monday, October 28: 3 Hour Early Dismissal

Thursday, October 31: End of Quarter 1 and 2-Hour Early Dismissal

Friday, November 1: Diwali & Student Holiday

Monday, November 4: School Planning Day (Student Holiday-No School)

Tuesday, November 5: Teacher Work Day (Student Holiday-No School)

Monday, November 11: Veteran's Day- Holiday (No School)

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday

Quick Links

• Willow Springs Website

• FCPS School Year Calendar

• School Events Calendar

• PTA website 
• Previous Newsletters

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Spirit Day

Our Digital Citizenship Spirit Week kicks off tomorrow with Pajama Day. All students may wear pajamas to school!

We do our best when we take a REST from technology!

Picture Makeups

Tomorrow is picture makeup day for any students who missed picture day. Pictures will be taken between 9:30 AM and 12:00 PM.

Quick Links

• Willow Springs Website

• FCPS School Year Calendar

• School Events Calendar

• PTA website 
• Previous Newsletters

5400 Willow Springs School Road Fairfax, VA  22030 | Phone: 703.679.6000
Attendance: 703.679.6066 | Web | Twitter