FCPS

Learn more about the Willow Springs Elementary School renovation project.

Boosterthon Recap

Please hear us say a HUGE “Thank you!” to our students, staff, and donors for this incredible Willow Springs Fun Run fundraiser.

Here are our final stats:

We raised over $56,000 for field trips, teacher support, and free community events. This will directly impact our students and staff!
Our students crushed the Shamrock Fun Run!
We celebrated our community coming together and created unforgettable memories at our Willow Springs Fun Run event.

Thank you for your support of our school. We’re grateful for our Willow Springs Elementary community!

P.S. Giving will remain open for one more week. If you’d like to continue to give and share, head to MYBOOSTER.COM today.

Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day on Tuesday, March 21

On Tuesday, March 21 we will raise awareness for Down Syndrome by wearing fun socks! Individuals who have Down Syndrome have an extra (3rd/ “Tri”) Chromosome on the 21st pair of chromosomes. Instead of having 46 total chromosomes, individuals with Down Syndrome have 47. Individuals with Down Syndrome have varying degrees of developmental disabilities and certain recognizable physical features. The idea of wearing mismatched/crazy socks was started several years ago by a man with Down Syndrome because chromosomes under the microscope are shaped like knee socks. Please also consider viewing these videos, “Just Like You- Down Syndrome” and “More Alike Than Different” for more information.

PTA Meeting - Tuesday, March 21

Our March PTA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21 from 6:45 - 8 p.m. in the Willow Springs Elementary School library.

Please click HERE to join our meeting via Zoom.

WSES Spirit Night - Friday, March 24

It's back and it's going to be great!

Our Spirit Night will take place Friday, March 24 at Centreville High School. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the program starts at 6:30 p.m. Centreville Athletic Boosters will be selling concessions and the WSES PTA will be selling Spiritwear.

It's going to be a great night that you won't want to miss - color presentation by Cub Scout pack 1858, national anthem by the Orchestra, performance from our Fox Ropers AND the Faculty Basketball game.

Come cheer on your teachers and faculty! Who do you think will win?

Introducing your team rosters: BLUE VS GREEN

Picture Day Volunteers Needed - Wednesday, March 29

Are you interested in volunteering on March 29? Click HERE for a great opportunity for parents, grandparents, and family members to become helpers to ensure a fun and flawless Picture Day at Willow Springs. Here are some of the things volunteers do to make sure every photo turns out great:

Organization: Volunteers assist with getting children to the gym on time and orderly.
Clothing: Make sure shoes are tied, buttons are buttoned, and collars lie flat.
Accessories: Straighten hair clips and ensure jewelry clasps are behind the neck.
Hair and face: Check that hair is neat and that noses and faces are clean.

***Each volunteer will receive a $25 credit voucher toward your child's pictures***

Willow Springs Elementary School Renovation Community Meeting is Rescheduled

The community meeting at Willow Springs Elementary School on March 22, 2023 @ 6:30 p.m. is being rescheduled.

Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process outlined for parents looking to register their child for kindergarten:

Determine eligibility.
Identify your local school.
Fill out the Intake Form on the Student Registration Page on the Willow Springs Website.
Gather documents.
Fill out forms.

After the forms and supporting documentation are received at the school, the student will be enrolled and ready to apply for Bridge to Kindergarten, or any other introductory event hosted at Willow Springs. Read more about the registration process.

Yearbook Sales and Cover Design

Yearbooks are on sale now! Only $26. Hardcover.

Don't wait to order your yearbook. This year's yearbook is even more special because our new yearbook club is designing and putting the yearbook together. Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and use our school code: 25528.

Is your child interested in designing this year's yearbook cover? Click HERE to learn more! Artwork is due no later than March 28.

WSES Watch D.O.G.S.

We are excited to see new and familiar Watch D.O.G.S. in the building! Please click on the link to learn more about the Watch D.O.G.S. program here at Willow Springs and sign up for a time to volunteer in your child's class.

Please reach out to Jason Fullen with any specific questions.

Celebrating Arts in Our Schools

The Council for Art Education (CFAE) administers Youth Art Month. Youth Art Month encourages support for quality school art programs, and promotes art material safety. The program provides a medium for recognizing skills developed through visual arts experiences unlike any other curriculum subjects, including:

Problem solving

Creativity

Observation

Communication

Art shows, special exhibits, fundraisers, and school and community activities take place annually, traditionally during March, to celebrate visual art education for grades K-12.

March has also been designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®), the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community, and to display the benefits that school music brings to students of all ages.

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

This year, spring break is April 3-7. We will be eager to welcome your children back in school on Monday, April 10. Their attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong. Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.

Proposed Updates to Student Rights and Responsibilities

The Department of Special Services will be hosting two virtual meetings for the FCPS community regarding proposed updates to the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Regulation. Please join one of the meetings below via Zoom (click the date to register):

Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the suggested updates and ask questions via Zoom Chat. Language interpretation will be available in Spanish. A certified deaf interpreter will be available as well.

Beginning Monday, March 20, families and staff will also be able to provide feedback on proposed updates to the SR&R via a short survey. Please stay tuned for details. Visit FCPS’ website for more information.

Community Meeting on the Dangers of Fentanyl

Monday, March 13, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid and Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis hosted nearly 400 families, staff, and community members for a conversation on the dangers of fentanyl. During this impactful event, audience members heard testimonials from individuals affected by the opioid epidemic and learned facts from medical experts and law enforcement representatives. The conversation will continue on Monday, April 24, with our next community meeting on the critical topic of fentanyl danger and opioid awareness. More information is coming soon. Visit our Opioid Awareness webpage for updates as they become available. Visit the Fairfax County Government webpage on opioids for information on how you can take action and how to get help for yourself or loved ones.

FCPS Strategic Plan

Virtual Strategic Planning Community Forums Coming Soon

FCPS is hosting a virtual community forum to discuss the first draft of proposed goals for the new Strategic Plan. Forums are scheduled for:

Monday, April 10, at noon.
Tuesday, April 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (in Spanish).
Monday, April 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

FCPS Strategic Planning Survey Closes March 20

If you haven’t already, please take a moment to share your perspectives on the current draft of FCPS’ new Strategic Plan. Your input is important to this work and will help ensure a thriving future for each and every FCPS student.

Parents and caregivers of current FCPS students, please check your email for a message from FCPS dated Tuesday, March 14. For community members who do not currently have a student enrolled in FCPS, please use this link to participate.

All responses are anonymous. Visit our Strategic Planning webpage for more details.

FCPS CARES

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for families, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees at Willow Springs Elementary. We love our staff members; let's tell them how we feel!

Looking Ahead at WSES

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March 21 Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day
March 21 PTA Meeting at 6:45 p.m. in the WSES library or via Zoom
March 24 Willow Springs Spirit Night from 6-8 p.m., at Centreville High School.
March 29 Spring Portraits and Class Picture Day
April 3-7 Spring Break - No School
May 5 - Yearbook Order Deadline

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

Willow Springs Elementary School News and Information

GovDelivery1 week 6 days ago

For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the Willow Springs website.

March 13, 2023

March PTA Meeting - Postponed

We postponed our March PTA meeting until next week (March 21 or March 22).

We will send out more information to families this week.

Boosterthon Spirit Week is Happening NOW Tonight's Boosterthon Challenge

Tonight’s Challenge: The Top Class on mybooster.com will earn a Game Time hosted by the Booster team!

We’re on our way to reaching our goal of $40,000 for Field Trips, Teacher Support, and Free Community Events but we need YOUR help!

Register your student(s) on mybooster.com. (They’ll get a FREE reward!)
Create your Student Star Video on mybooster.com. (If you haven’t already, check these out, they’re awesome!)
Share your student star video with friends and family.

If you are able, please consider donating to our school. (Reminder: all students get to participate in our fundraiser, no matter your ability to give!)

Our students are so excited, thanks for helping make our fundraiser great!

Friday, March 17 - Shamrock Fun Run Schedule

Families are welcome to join us from the sidelines to help cheer on our Foxes on Friday, March 17, for our Boosterthon Shamrock Fun Run.

Please see the schedule above for specific grade-level times.

Willow Springs Elementary School Renovation Community Meeting - March 22

Planning and design for the renovation of Willow Springs Elementary School is underway and we would like to hear from you. Join us for a community meeting on Wednesday, March 22 to learn more about the project and design process to date and share your views on the project and design process. Public feedback will be shared with the Fairfax County Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, School Board, and FCPS staff on the community’s view of the project and design process to date. Please be aware, at this stage in the design and construction process, no major changes may be made but small adjustments may be considered.

The March 22 community meeting will be in the school cafeteria, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Language interpretation will be provided based on the availability of interpretation staff.

Learn more about the Willow Springs Elementary School renovation project.

Save the Date: March 29 is WSES Spirit Night

Willow Springs Spirit Night is an opportunity for our community to come together and promote school spirit. Our students will start the night off by performing the National Anthem. Staff will entertain fans with friendly basketball, and our Fox/Student Jump Rope Team will amaze the crowd with routines filled with great stunts. There will be a concession stand with food snacks and drinks. Be sure to mark your calendar and join us for a fun-filled evening.

Please reach out to our Physical Education Teachers, Derek Burda, and Nate Silvis for more information.

Picture Day Volunteers Needed - March 29

Organization: Volunteers assist with getting children to the gym on time and orderly.
Clothing: Make sure shoes are tied, buttons are buttoned, and collars lie flat.
Accessories: Straighten hair clips and ensure jewelry clasps are behind the neck.
Hair and face: Check that hair is neat and that noses and faces are clean.

***Each volunteer will receive a $25 credit voucher toward your child's pictures***

Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process outlined for parents looking to register their child for kindergarten:

Determine eligibility.
Identify your local school.
Fill out the Intake Form on the Student Registration Page on the Willow Springs Website.
Gather documents.
Fill out forms.

Yearbooks Are on Sale Now

Yearbooks are on sale now! Only $26. Hardcover.

WSES Watch D.O.G.S.

Please reach out to Jason Fullen with any specific questions.

Language Translation on FCPS Websites

In a continued effort to prioritize access for our diverse communities, FCPS is launching a language translation feature that will be available on every division and school webpage. The feature has been added to the header at the top of the page and will scroll with the user as they navigate the page. Learn more about our new translation feature.

Opioid Awareness Meeting Tonight: The Dangers of Fentanyl in Our Community

Substance abuse and related behavioral health problems can have a major impact on students, families, and communities. These impacts have become even more serious because of the increasing prevalence of fentanyl in drugs and other substances. Fentanyl is an incredibly powerful and dangerous opioid. Small amounts of fentanyl can easily lead to life-threatening overdoses. In 2021, fentanyl was identified in 77.14% of U.S. adolescent overdose deaths. There is nothing more important to us than the safety and wellbeing of our students, families, and communities. Fairfax Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to join her for a community meeting on opioid awareness, Monday, March 13, 6:30-8 p.m., at Fairfax High School.

Dr. Reid will be joined by Chief Kevin Davis of the Fairfax County Police Department, in welcoming the community to engage in this important conversation. Major Thea Pirnat of the Fairfax County Organized Crime and Intelligence Bureau will share information about drug trends in Fairfax County.

The Overdose Prevention Initiative: Outreach on Invisible Dangers, led by the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Virginia in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, will present testimonials from individuals affected by the opioid epidemic, medical experts, and law enforcement representatives.

Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions about how Fairfax County agencies are working together to address these opioid issues in our community.

Watch the video and learn more on our website.

Review Draft Goals for FCPS’ New Strategic Plan

Please take a moment to share your perspectives on the draft work-to-date related to the development of FCPS’ new Strategic Plan. Your input is important to this work and will help ensure a thriving future for each and every FCPS student.

FCPS emailed the survey link to all parents and caregivers on Monday, March 6. Please check your email, if you haven't had a chance to take the survey yet. If you are a community member who does not have a student enrolled in FCPS, please use this link to participate.

The survey is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Korean, Chinese, Urdu, and Vietnamese. All responses are anonymous and confidential. Information from the survey will be shared with and analyzed by Performance Fact, Inc. (PFI), the company FCPS hired to help create our Strategic Plan. Visit our Strategic Planning webpage for more details.

Summer Camp Opportunity FCPS CARES

Looking Ahead at WSES

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March 13 Opioid Awareness Meeting from 6:30-8 p.m., at Fairfax High School
March 17 Boosterthon Shamrock Fun Run Event Day
March 22 WSES Renovation Community Meeting from 6:30-7:30 p.m., in the WSES cafeteria
March 24 Willow Springs Spirit Night from 6-8 p.m., at Centreville High School.
March 29 Spring Portraits and Class Picture Day
April 3-7 Spring Break - No School

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

Willow Springs Elementary School News and Information

GovDelivery3 weeks 6 days ago

For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the Willow Springs website.

February 26, 2023

We are excited that Mr. Philip Reid is the 2022-2023 Fairfax Pyramid Outstanding New Teacher award winner! Click here to read more about Mr. Reid and his impact at WSES and FCPS. #WillowPride

Dear Willow families,

We hope this newsletter finds you all healthy and safe. We are thrilled to announce that one of our teachers, Philip Reid, has won the Fairfax Pyramid Outstanding New Teacher award. Congratulations, Mr. Reid, on this well-deserved recognition! We are proud to have you as a part of our team, and we appreciate your dedication and hard work in making a difference in our students' lives.

As we move into March, we are excited to announce that Boosterthon registration is now open. Our school will kick off the event on March 9, and we encourage all families to participate in this fun and exciting fundraiser. Boosterthon is an excellent opportunity for our students to get active, have fun, and raise funds for our school's programs and initiatives. We appreciate your continued support, and we are confident that this year's event will be a success.

March is also designated Women's History Month by presidential proclamation. This month honors women's contributions to American history. We will step back in time and listen to our 4th graders interview inspirational and trailblazing women from the past. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women's History Month in National Geographic Kids.

As always, we want to remind our community members to stay informed and engaged with our school's activities and initiatives. Please continue to check our website for important updates and announcements. We are committed to providing our students with the best education and learning experiences, and we value your input and feedback.

Reminder, students have an early release on Thursday, March 2. Students will begin dismissal at 2 p.m. Please remember to use PickUp Patrol if you plan on making alternate arrangements. There is no school for students on Friday, March 3, for a school planning day.

Thank you for being so supportive, and we look forward to a great week as we welcome the month of March.

Thank you,

See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.

March 2 is Read Across America Day

Read Across America Day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading.

Learn more about Equitable Access to Literacy in this video.

Calendar Reminder - March 2 and 3

Reminder, students have an early release on Thursday, March 2. There is no school for students on Friday, March 3, for a school planning day.

Boosterthon: It’s GO time! Don’t wait to join!

You can now register for our Willow Springs Fun Run! Our goal is to raise $40,000 for Field Trips, Teacher Support, and Free Community Events. Registering is easy and free!

⭐️ Register Now On MYBOOSTER.COM ⭐️

Be sure to check out the easy sharing functions on MYBOOSTER.COM to let others know how they can help support our school.

Thank you for working with us to make our school stronger. We are grateful for your support!

Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process outlined for parents looking to register their child for kindergarten:

Determine eligibility.
Identify your local school.
Fill out the Intake Form on the Student Registration Page on the Willow Springs Website.
Gather documents.
Fill out forms.

Yearbooks Are on Sale Now

Yearbooks are on sale now! Only $26. Hardcover.

WSES Watch D.O.G.S. are back!

We are excited to share that our Watch D.O.G.S. are back for the second semester! The first semester brought in so many wonderful male adults to our classrooms. Thank you to all who joined us in the Fall, and we are looking forward to seeing some new faces as we close out the Winter months and into Spring. Please read some of our reminders, updates, and changes found below before clicking on the sign-up link.

Please sign up at least one week before the date you would like to volunteer to allow our teachers time to plan and prepare.
Consider reaching out to the classroom teacher to determine if a date conflicts with additional activities or events (i.e., in-classroom assessments, field trips, etc.).
Please limit volunteering to one time per semester (per child) to allow opportunities for other Watch D.O.G.S. to volunteer.
Teachers will have one volunteer per week in their classroom. Please look at the entire week you would like to sign up to see if a volunteer is already signed up. Feel free to contact Jason Fullen or Lesley Hassen if there is a significant conflict.
Please adhere to the provided schedule while volunteering and communicate with the homeroom teacher and staff members should a plan be altered.
Please do not take photos of other students while volunteering in classrooms.
Remember to come to the front office when you arrive, pick up your schedule, and take a photo with your child. You will then be featured on our WSES Morning News Show and head to class with your child.
Should you choose to participate for half of a day please make sure to communicate with the homeroom teacher ahead of time.

We look forward to another great semester with our Watch D.O.G.S. Click HERE to access the sign-up link. Please reach out to Jason Fullen with any specific questions.

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after spring break. Please make sure your child is in school every day until vacation starts. Our teachers will be teaching, and our students will be learning. Visit our website for more attendance resources.

Parental Notifications and Policy 3290: Sexually Explicit Content

A Virginia law passed in spring 2022 requires schools to create a policy for parental notification of sexually explicit content/materials. In December 2022, the School Board adopted FCPS Policy 3290: Parental Notification Regarding Instructional Materials with Sexually Explicit Content.

FCPS has had policies in place for many years regarding the review of instructional materials, communication with parents, and options for alternative instructional materials.

An expectation of this new policy is the 30-day parental notification requirement of sexually explicit content in instructional materials assigned or selected by teachers. After reviewing the notification letter, parents or caregivers who prefer to choose alternative instructional materials for their child must submit this form to the appropriate teacher within the 30-day notification window. View Policy 3290 for more information.

FCPS CARES

Looking Ahead at WSES

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March 2 2-hour early release (2 p.m. dismissal)
March 3 Student Holiday and School Planning Day
March 9 Boosterthon Kick Off
March 12 Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward)
March 14 PTA Meeting in the WSES Library or via Zoom at 7 p.m.
March 17 Boosterthon Fun Run Event Day
March 29 Spring Portraits and Class Picture Day

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

Willow Springs Elementary School News and Information

GovDelivery1 month ago

For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the Willow Springs website.

February 20, 2023

All students in grades K-6 participated in our pep rallies throughout the day on Wednesday! The Mason Softball team joined our Foxes for fun and games! #WillowPride

Dear Willow families,

Happy Presidents Day! We are excited to share some updates from this week and upcoming happenings here at Willow Springs.

Firstly, we want to thank everyone who helped make our 100th day of school a huge success! The day was filled with excitement and celebration as our students and teachers marked this milestone achievement. We are so proud of our school community for all the hard work and dedication that has brought us to this point.

Our recent SCA-sponsored spirit week was also a tremendous success! From dress-up days to fun activities, our students showed off their school spirit and enthusiasm for learning. We were delighted to see everyone get involved and show their pride in our school.

We also want to give a special shout-out to the Mason softball team, who joined us for a fox-tastic pep rally. The student-athletes introduced themselves, defined their team motto: #BeDauntless, and competed in fun activities against our students. It was truly inspiring to see everyone come together with pride and celebration. Please consider supporting the Mason Softball team as their Spring season has begun. Click here for their schedule.

We hope everyone had a great Valentine’s Day and enjoyed the festivities. We were delighted to see the many creative ways our students and teachers showed their love and appreciation for one another.

On Saturday many of our students performed in the Woodson Pyramid Stringapalooza. Thank you to Ms. Plunkett and Ms. Venne for providing our students opportunities to showcase their musical talents throughout the school year.

As we look ahead, we want to remind families that the Boosterthon fundraiser is right around the corner. The Boosterthon is an important event that helps to support our school, students, staff, and families. We encourage everyone to get involved and help make this fundraiser a success.

Finally, we hope everyone enjoyed the long Presidents Day weekend and spent time with family and friends. Learn more about Presidents Day in Britannica.com. Classes will resume tomorrow, Tuesday, February 21. Click here to see the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.

Thank you all for your continued support of our school. We are proud to be part of such a wonderful community and look forward to all the exciting events and activities ahead of us.

Thank you,

What's happening at WSES?

Our SCA hosted a successful spirit week full of love, joy, and cheer! Students showed off their favorite teams with their jerseys, Valentine's Day spirit, love for Mason with green and gold, teachers' favorite colors, and #WillowPride.

Valentine's Day activities happened throughout the school. 1st-graders participated in various rotations, including BINGO and a fun math walk. 3rd-graders took part in their annual "Manners Day," where they had the choice to dress fancy for the day.

There was lots of green and gold on Wednesday as students showed their love for George Mason University. Many of our students have connections to Mason through family members and friends, and we love that all of our students stay connected through our Adopt-a-School partnership with the Mason Softball team.

Students showcase their musical talents at the Woodson Pyramid Stringapalooza!

February 22 is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

Thank you, WSES school bus drivers, for safely getting our students to and from school!

We are grateful for the positive relationships our bus drivers build with our students, as they are essential to our students' day.

We love our bus drivers!

Boosterthon: Registration opens soon!

Willow Springs Elem families!

Our Willow Springs Fun Run fundraiser will kick off in just 3 weeks on 03/09/2023. Our goal is to raise $40,000 for Field Trips, Teacher Support, and Free Community Events and to strengthen our school community.

Key dates to remember:

REGISTRATION OPENS - 02/23/2023

Register on MYBOOSTER.COM

Willow Springs Fun Run Kick Off - 03/09/2023
Event Day - 03/17/2023

Donations will go toward supporting our school and can be given throughout the entire experience. There is no pressure to give, but we invite you to help our school by sharing our fundraiser with your family and friends!

Thank you for supporting Willow Springs Elem through the Willow Springs Fun Run.

WSES Watch D.O.G.S. are back!

Please sign up at least one week before the date you would like to volunteer to allow our teachers time to plan and prepare.
Consider reaching out to the classroom teacher to determine if a date conflicts with additional activities or events (i.e., in-classroom assessments, field trips, etc.).
Please limit volunteering to one time per semester (per child) to allow opportunities for other Watch D.O.G.S. to volunteer.
Teachers will have one volunteer per week in their classroom. Please look at the entire week you would like to sign up to see if a volunteer is already signed up. Feel free to contact Jason Fullen or Lesley Hassen if there is a significant conflict.
Please adhere to the provided schedule while volunteering and communicate with the homeroom teacher and staff members should a plan be altered.
Please do not take photos of other students while volunteering in classrooms.
Remember to come to the front office when you arrive, pick up your schedule, and take a photo with your child. You will then be featured on our WSES Morning News Show and head to class with your child.
Should you choose to participate for half of a day please make sure to communicate with the homeroom teacher ahead of time.

We look forward to another great semester with our Watch D.O.G.S. Click HERE to access the sign-up link. Please reach out to Jason Fullen with any specific questions.

School Board Approves 2023-24 School Year Calendar

The Fairfax County School Board approved a calendar for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years at their February 9 meeting. Learn more about the approved calendar.

The first day of the 2023-24 school year will be Monday, August 21, and the last day will be Wednesday, June 12.

Developing a school year calendar is a balancing act, involving multiple factors that must be considered. Community input is one of those factors, and we appreciate our community for being involved in the calendar development process.

Share Your Thoughts with Us!

What keeps you optimistic about FCPS? What are your concerns? Answer these and two other questions on our Strategic Plan Feedback Form, and help shape our school division’s future.

FCPS CARES

Looking Ahead at WSES

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February 20 Holiday - Presidents Day
February 21 PTA Meeting in the WSES Library or via Zoom at 7 p.m.
February 23 Boosterthon Registration Opens
March 2 2-hour early release
March 3 Student Holiday and School Planning Day
March 9 Boosterthon Kick Off
March 14 PTA Meeting in the WSES Library or via Zoom at 7 p.m.
March 17 Boosterthon Fun Run Event Day

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

Willow Springs Elementary School News and Information

GovDelivery1 month 1 week ago

For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the Willow Springs website.

February 13, 2023

Happy 100th Day of School and Jersey Day

Our SCA kicked off our spirit week with Jersey Day! We also celebrated the 100th day of school today, and kindergarteners showed off their 100th day of school pride with all sorts of creative ideas.

Students and families lined the hallways as our kindergartners marched in their annual 100th-day parade.

This Week is Spirit Week WSES Watch D.O.G.S. are back!

Please sign up at least one week before the date you would like to volunteer to allow our teachers time to plan and prepare.
Consider reaching out to the classroom teacher to determine if a date conflicts with additional activities or events (i.e., in-classroom assessments, field trips, etc.).
Please limit volunteering to one time per semester (per child) to allow opportunities for other Watch D.O.G.S. to volunteer.
Teachers will have one volunteer per week in their classroom. Please look at the entire week you would like to sign up to see if a volunteer is already signed up. Feel free to contact Jason Fullen or Lesley Hassen if there is a significant conflict.
Please adhere to the provided schedule while volunteering and communicate with the homeroom teacher and staff members should a plan be altered.
Please do not take photos of other students while volunteering in classrooms.
Remember to come to the front office when you arrive, pick up your schedule, and take a photo with your child. You will then be featured on our WSES Morning News Show and head to class with your child.
Should you choose to participate for half of a day please make sure to communicate with the homeroom teacher ahead of time.

We look forward to another great semester with our Watch D.O.G.S. Click HERE to access the sign-up link. Please reach out to Jason Fullen with any specific questions.

Yearbooks Are on Sale Now

Yearbooks are on sale now! Only $26. Hardcover.

Mark Your Calendars for Our Boosterthon Event

Willow Springs Elem families!

We are excited to kick off our Willow Springs Fun Run on 03/09/2023. Our goal is to raise $40,000 for Field Trips, Teacher Support, and Free Community Events and to strengthen our school community.

Our school has always relied on fundraising to provide exceptional opportunities to enhance student learning, and we need YOUR HELP in registering your student(s) and sharing with friends and family.

Mark your calendars for the Willow Springs Fun Run fundraiser kicking off soon!

Key dates to remember:

REGISTRATION OPENS - 02/23/2023

Register on MYBOOSTER.COM

Willow Springs Fun Run Kick-Off - 03/09/2023
Event Day - 03/17/2023

We are grateful for our Willow Springs Elem family! Thank you for your support this year.

Looking Ahead at WSES

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

February 13-17 Valentines Spirit Week
February 15 Mason Softball Pep Rally in the gym (various times during school hours)
February 15 Beginning Band Concert in the WSES cafeteria from 7-8 p.m.
February 20 Holiday - Presidents Day
February 21 PTA Meeting in the WSES Library or via Zoom at 7 p.m.
March 2 2-hour early release
March 3 Student Holiday and School Planning Day
March 10 Boosterthon Fun Run

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

Willow Springs Elementary School News and Information

GovDelivery1 month 2 weeks ago

For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the Willow Springs website.

February 8, 2023

Thank you to Ms. Seminario and Ms. Shelton for all they do for our children and families. Happy National School Counseling Week! #WillowPride

Dear Willow families,

The second quarter is in full gear, and we are excited to share a few updates, celebrations, and events happening next week.

First and foremost, this week is National School Counselor Week, and we want to take a moment to recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of our school counselors, Ms. Seminario and Ms. Shelton. They play a crucial role in supporting our students, and we are grateful for their continued efforts in helping our school community thrive. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.

February also marks Black History Month, and we encourage all members of our school community to learn about and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to our country. There will be learning opportunities and activities throughout the month to help educate our children and community about black history and culture.

Next week is our SCA Spirit Week, and we encourage everyone to participate and show their school spirit by dressing up each day with a different theme. It's a great way to build community and have some fun!

In addition, Monday marks the 100th day of school, a special milestone for our students and staff. To celebrate, our kindergarteners will participate in the annual 100-Day Parade.

Next Tuesday is Valentine's Day which aligns with next week's Positivity Project character strength which is LOVE. We encourage our students to spread love and kindness to those around them.

Finally, on Wednesday, we will have a pep rally in partnership with our adopt-a-school partners, the George Mason Softball Team. The pep rally is an exciting opportunity for our students to meet and interact with the student-athletes who have been visiting our classrooms throughout the first semester.

We are looking forward to a fun and exciting week ahead. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you,

WSES' Global Classroom and Podcast Studio

The above photos are pictures taken of our new WSES Podcast Studio. Ms. Williams' 5th-grade classes are participating in the Global Classroom Project. They will utilize our new podcast studio to work with peers worldwide on authentic tasks and challenges. This studio is an excellent opportunity for our WSES students to share their voices and participate in meaningful learning experiences. Thank you to Clawes Carpet in Clifton for donating the carpet for our podcast room. Students made phone calls to obtain donations. Ms. Lennon (SBTS) supported students with writing a script, and Ms. Flaherty (registrar) practiced with them before reaching out to local businesses. Two students were excited that their 7th phone call sealed the deal! The students wrote a thank you card and delivered it to Clawes when they picked up the carpet. We are so excited to share this vision becoming a reality at Willow Springs!

There are always new and exciting things happening at WSES! Remember to check out our Features on the WSES homepage. Some features include the Kindness Campaign and the Winter at WSES.

February is Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month.

Fairfax High School Pyramid Night Is Back Mason Basketball - Super Reader - February 11 SCA Presents: Spread the Love Valentine's Spirit Week WSES Clubs and Activities

Please click here to find updated information about our clubs and activities. Registration for various clubs and activities occurs throughout the school year.

Upcoming club registration:

RunFit Kidz

The Tech Adventure Camp is also open for registration.

Filling Your Child’s Emotional Bank Account

Read the latest Healthy Minds blog to understand why relationships are like savings accounts, and how you can help build trust and security with your children.

Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible Students

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to lower internet costs for families with children who have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals within the last 12 months. A qualifying household will receive $30 per month toward internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Families can check their eligibility and register at AffordableConnectivity.gov or by calling 877-384-2575.

Strategic Planning

Share Your Thoughts with Us!

What keeps you optimistic about FCPS? What are your concerns? Answer these and two other questions on our Strategic Plan Feedback Form, and help shape our school division’s future.

Have Your Say on Our Future!

Remaining Strategic Planning Community Forums will take place:

Wednesday, February 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m., in Spanish, virtual.
Thursday, February 9, 12 to 1:30 p.m., virtual.
Saturday, February 11, 9 to 10:30 a.m., virtual.
Wednesday, February 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at West Springfield High School.
Thursday, February 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Hunters Woods Elementary School.

Click the date above to register for that forum, or check out the full schedule of Community Forums and register for one that is convenient for you. Childcare will be provided at in-person forums. Language interpretation will be provided, as available, at all events. Please register today.

Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!

Do you have questions or concerns about Fairfax County Public Schools? The Office of the Ombuds is an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource for employees, parents/caregivers, students, and/or the community. Staff members in the office are eager to listen and assist with navigating the school division. They will also offer options and/or resources to help resolve challenges.

Contact the Office of the Ombuds at 571-423-4014, [email protected], or via the “Submit a Question” button at www.fcps.edu/ombuds. The team looks forward to serving you!

Find Free COVID-19 Testing in Your Community

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a COVID-19 Testing Locator website, which allows consumers to search for free testing sites near them. Testing is available at pharmacies, commercial laboratory sites, community sites, and retail locations. Results are typically provided within 24-48 hours.

FCPS CARES

Looking Ahead at WSES

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

February 6-10 National School Counseling Week
February 9 Frost Family Festival at Frost Middle School from 5:30-7:15 p.m.
February 10 Fairfax High School Pyramid Night at FHS from 6-8:30 p.m.
February 13-17 Valentines Spirit Week
February 15 Mason Softball Pep Rally in the gym (various times during school hours)
February 15 Beginning Band Concert in the WSES cafeteria from 7-8 p.m.
February 20 Holiday - Presidents Day
February 21 PTA Meeting in the WSES Library or via Zoom at 7 p.m.
March 2 2-hour early release
March 3 Student Holiday and School Planning Day
March 10 Boosterthon Fun Run

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

Willow Springs Elementary School News and Information

GovDelivery2 months ago

For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the Willow Springs website.

January 25, 2023

5th-graders created an Ancient Greece and Rome 3D amusement park. #WillowPride

Dear Willow families,

The end of the quarter is here, and we wanted to remind you that today, Wednesday is the last day of the current quarter and a 2-hour early release for our children. We want to take this opportunity to express our pride in our students, staff, and community for their hard work and dedication. Your support and commitment to our school are greatly appreciated.

Creativity and literacy fill our classroom daily, and many of our students finished their poetry units as we closed the semester. Here is a limerick poem from our admin team to you:

At Willow Springs,
where the foxes reside,
The students and teachers all strive.
With knowledge to gain,
And challenges to train,
Their success is sure to come alive.

Please note that Thursday is a staff development day, and there will be no school for students. Teachers will be participating in professional development to continue to enhance their skills and knowledge to serve our students better.

Friday is a teacher work day, and there will be no school for students. Teachers will use this day to plan and prepare for the upcoming quarter.

We hope you have a great end of the quarter, and we look forward to another wonderful semester.

Thank you,

Watch a recording of the Work Session.

Quarter End, Early Release, and Student Holiday/Staff Development/Teacher Work Day

As a reminder, Wednesday, January 25, is the last day of the quarter and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools are closed for students on Thursday, January 26, for a staff development day and Friday, Jan. 27, for a teacher workday. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar. FCPS Weekly Progress Reports will not be sent to parents Monday, January 23, through Monday, February 6, during second quarter grading and report card generation.

Additionally, the GradeBook and Report Card modules in ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed Wednesday, January 25, at 4 p.m. until Monday, February 6, at 6 a.m.

Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year is a holiday that marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar, which is the calendar traditionally used in many east Asian countries including China, Vietnam, Singapore, and South Korea. In these and other Asian countries, it is one of the most important holidays of the year. The Lunar New Year is all about ushering in luck and prosperity with family.

Read more about Lunar New Year and its animal symbols in National Geographic Kids.

School Board Reviews Draft School Year Calendar Options

At their January 17 work session, the School Board discussed draft calendars that were created for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years. Draft calendars were developed using the following criteria as a framework:

Federal, state, and Virginia Department of Education guidance.
Superintendent’s priorities.
School Board input.
Student absentee data.
Staff absentee data.
Surrounding jurisdictions’ calendars.
Survey results.
Calendar Feedback Committee input.

You may view the draft calendars and other related documents in Boarddocs. The calendars will be presented as new business during the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 26. The Board is scheduled to vote on the calendars during their meeting on Thursday, February 9.

Get information on FCPS' calendar development process.

FY 2023-24 Proposed Budget Highlights

At the January 12 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid proposed a budget for FY 2024 that focuses on attracting and retaining teachers and staff, initiatives aimed at closing the achievement gap for all students, and gives our youngest learners a strong start, including investments for special education students impacted during the pandemic.

The FY 2024 Proposed Budget totals $3.5 billion—a net increase of $249.6 million or 7.6% over the FY 2023 Approved Budget. Nearly 86% of the budget is targeted at instruction. The Proposed Budget focuses on several key areas:

Innovative investments that close the achievement gap for all students:

Equitable access to literacy.
Increased access to PreK programming.
Supports for students with special education needs.
Funding for students in Advanced Academic Programs.
Changing student enrollment needs.
Increase in student and family supports, including access to middle school athletic opportunities that support student well-being.

Continuation of green investments.
Increased security measures.
Proposed increases in employee compensation.

Watch Dr. Reid’s presentation to the board. Access the presentation slides on Boarddocs.

Strategic Plan: Make Your Students’ Voice Count!

Strategic Planning is in process and will incorporate feedback from school staff, families, students, and community partners and organizations. Please encourage your students to participate in this unique opportunity to share their voices.

FCPS is currently seeking secondary students in grades 7-12 who are interested in participating in a Strategic Plan focus group. This focus group provides an opportunity to share feedback in a small group with other FCPS students and a trained facilitator. FCPS is hosting four virtual focus groups for secondary students in February and March:

February 9, 3:30-5 p.m. or 5:30-7 p.m.

March 16, 3:30-5 p.m. or 5:30-7 p.m.

Interested students should check their email for a form to sign up for the focus groups. Students will be asked to provide their student ID, so their parents/caregivers can be identified and contacted to ask for consent to participate.

If you have any questions about the student focus groups or you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact [email protected]

Register Now to Attend a Community Forum!

Check out the schedule of Community Forums and register for the one that is most convenient for you. Community Forums will provide every resident an opportunity to participate in and influence the direction of FCPS’ Strategic Plan, prior to its completion and formal adoption by the School Board. Learn more about our strategic planning process.

Attendance: Does Your Child Refuse to Go to School?

Each year, nearly 5% of youth experience school refusal. This refers to a child refusing to go to school on a regular basis or remain in school throughout the day due to significant emotional distress. School refusal includes kindergarten students with relatively mild separation anxiety and more severe cases where a student misses weeks or months of school because of debilitating anxiety or depression. Read how to get your child back to school in the Healthy Minds Blog or learn more about attendance policies.

National Mentoring Month

Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are.

Learn more about Mentoring Month.

Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor.

All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.

FCPS’ MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Please contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at [email protected].

FCPS CARES

Looking Ahead at WSES

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

January 25 2-Hour Early Release and End of the 2nd Quarter
January 26 Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)
January 27 Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)
February 2 String Winter Concert from 6-8 p.m. at Katherine Johnson Middle School
February 20 Holiday - Presidents Day
February 21 PTA Meeting in the WSES Library or via Zoom at 7 p.m.

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

Willow Springs Elementary School News and Information

GovDelivery2 months 1 week ago

For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the Willow Springs website.

January 15, 2023

Smiles from our students as we close out a "fox-tastic" week! #WillowPride

Dear Willow families,

We hope everyone had a wonderful week. As we navigate these challenging times, we want to remind everyone of the importance of school safety. We have strict protocols to keep our students and staff safe, and we all must do our part to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone.

One of the most important things you can do to help keep our school safe is to report anything you see or hear that may be concerning. If you see or hear something that doesn't seem right, please let us know immediately. We take all reports seriously and investigate any concerns as quickly as possible.

Here at Willow Springs, we take pride in the diversity within our Willow community, and we find it necessary to honor and recognize the unique backgrounds that our families bring. Daily instruction in our classroom embeds the importance of cultural appreciation and diversity. We celebrate our student news crew for their efforts in creating this morning's student-led news show that highlighted the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the ongoing fight for civil rights and equality. Their hard work and dedication in educating their peers and staff about the importance of diversity and inclusion inspire us all. This morning's show was a great example of how we can unite as a community to educate and empower one another. Let us continue to celebrate and embrace the diversity within our community and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Additionally, we want to remind everyone that our school has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination. We are a diverse community, and we must respect and value the differences that make us unique. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action as indicated in the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities.

As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. This federal holiday honors the life and legacy of one of America's most influential civil rights leaders. Let us take this day to remember the critical work of Dr. King and continue to strive for equality and justice for all. Use this link to learn more about Martin Luther King Jr.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Together, we can keep our school safe and inclusive for all. We hope everyone has a beautiful weekend, and we look forward to seeing our children back in our building on Tuesday, January 17.

Thank you,

Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Monday, January 16

As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.

FCPS students continue to find incredible ways to serve their community while building Portrait of a Graduate skills such as becoming an ethical and global citizen. FCPS is excited to collaborate again with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service, Saturday, January 14, to Monday, January 16. This service opportunity helps empower individuals and strengthens communities while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Volunteer Fairfax will host several ways for the community to get involved including volunteer activities for students and adults of all ages. To learn more about the MLK Jr. Weekend of Service and the specific service activities, visit Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

Mason Basketball Offer - Monday, January 16

Click on the image above or click here for more information.

WSES Clubs and Activities

Please click here to find updated information about our clubs and activities. Registration for various clubs and activities occurs throughout the school year.

Upcoming club registration:

Good News Club

COVID-19 Compensatory Education Plan Meetings for Families of Students with Disabilities

Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to implementing a plan for COVID-19 compensatory education as part of its obligation to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities. Please join us at an informational meeting for parents/guardians and other stakeholders:

Tuesday, January 17, 7-9 p.m.

Wednesday, January 25, 7-9 p.m.

Visit our website to see what language interpretation services will be available at each meeting and to learn more about the COVID-19 Compensatory Education Plan.

Tutor.com for Test Prep

Did you know Tutor.com can help with more than just homework? This free, on-demand tutoring service also offers a comprehensive range of resources that include exam prep for AP, SAT, and ACT tests.

Students can take practice quizzes at any time, and if they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately connect to a live tutor through voice or chat options for help. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com website.

Strategic Planning

Why Do We Need a Strategic Plan?

The Strategic Planning process is well underway, with the Community Forums beginning in less than three weeks. But why do we need a new strategic plan?

Similar to a roadmap, a strategic plan clearly defines the best route for us to take in the years ahead to reach our goals. Our students are preparing for careers that don’t exist today. In order to keep pace with these needs, we need to rethink our plans for the future—and how we will best serve our students for this new era.

Register Now for Community Forums!

Visit our Strategic Planning webpage for the schedule of Community Forums. Register for the one that is most convenient for you and get more information on our exciting Strategic Planning process!

FCPS CARES

Looking Ahead at WSES

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

January 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
January 17 Winter Virginia Growth Assessments (4th-grade math)
January 17 PTA Meeting at 7 p.m. in the WSES library or via Zoom
January 18 Winter Virginia Growth Assessments (3rd-grade math)
January 25 2-Hour Early Release and End of the 2nd Quarter
January 26 Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)
January 27 Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)

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

Willow Springs Elementary School News and Information

GovDelivery2 months 2 weeks ago

For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the Willow Springs website.

January 6, 2023

3rd-graders enjoy math games with Ms. Eichinger during Math Workshop rotations. #WillowPride

Dear Willow families,

We hope this email finds you well. We wanted to take a moment to reflect on the week and share some updates with you.

First and foremost, we are thrilled to see the students back in our classrooms and to hear the energy and excitement in the hallways. It was a great first week back from winter break, and we are grateful to have such a dedicated and talented staff who worked hard to ensure a smooth transition for our students.

We also wanted to let you know that the Student Council Association (SCA) met this week. The SCA plays a vital role in representing the student body and providing opportunities for leadership and service. We are excited to see what projects and spirit days/weeks the SCA will undertake throughout the rest of the year.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend. As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you,

Mason Basketball Offer - Monday, January 16

Click on the image above or click here for more information.

Capital Improvement Projects

Building and Renovation Plan Focuses on High Quality Facilities

Fairfax County Public Schools outlined plans to build three new elementary schools and to acquire land that will be used for a new high school during the School Board meeting on December 15.

Other projects include three new and/or repurposed school facilities, the renovation of 25 schools, and the relocation of modular buildings. Timelines for capital projects will be posted on CIP project web pages, where you can follow the progress of each approved project.

The proposed CIP will be discussed at the January 10 School Board work session. A public hearing is scheduled for January 12. The School Board is scheduled to take action on February 9. Read more in the CIP news release.

School Improvements Supported by County Bonds

Capital projects reflect a $205 million investment approved by Fairfax County voters in the November 2021 bond referendum.

Funding allocations to FCPS from bond sales have increased in recent years due to positive collaboration and partnerships between the Joint CIP Committee of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the School Board. FCPS appreciates the continued support from Fairfax County leadership.

Voters will have the opportunity to approve additional bond funding for school projects included in the CIP in November 2023, which will support the division’s ability to continue to work through construction and renovation needs.

Youth Substance Use Presentations

Substance Use Presentations

FCPS is dedicated to providing parents and community members with the most accurate and up-to-date information on youth substance use, prevention, addiction, interventions and available supports. Please join us and our partners from the Fairfax County Police Department and Community Services Board as we discuss these topics as well as the ongoing opioid crisis. Attendees will walk away with an understanding of:

Alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioid.
List what you can do as a caregiver.
How to identify and connect with community resources.

Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities

SEPTA, the Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association, was created to empower and connect families, students, and educators to ensure students with disabilities develop their full potential as individuals and community members. Learn more or become a member on the SEPTA website.

The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is a state mandated Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). Parents/guardians, students, teachers, administrators, staff, and others interested in special education at FCPS are welcome and encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and/or public comment related to the unmet needs of students with disabilities.

FCPS’ Office of Special Education Procedural Support provides guidance to staff, families, and students in areas related to the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.

Families of students in special education programs can find more resources in the Special Education Handbook for Parents. (Translations are available from the Parent Resource Center (PRC).)

The PRC offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Their YouTube channel includes videos of workshops and webinars for families and educators to support student success. Sign up for their newsletter to receive information on upcoming webinars and other resources. Please contact the PRC with any questions at [email protected] or call 703-204-2941.

Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to parents/caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Staff in the Office of the Ombuds believe that by being transparent and connecting families with available supports and services, children with special needs can equitably access public education.

Contact the ombuds by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing [email protected]

Strategic Planning Community Forums Scheduled

Beginning January 30, FCPS will host a series of community forums as part of our Strategic Plan development process. The schedule and locations for the sessions are posted on FCPS' Strategic Planning webpage. Planning teams, which include a diverse range of voices from the FCPS community, are continuing to review student achievement, access, and survey data; and crafting a collective vision for the school division. Key communicators will soon receive strategic planning materials to share with their groups and networks. Preparations for division wide student focus groups are underway, and there will be opportunities for employees to engage in a survey and “reality check” sessions in the upcoming months. For the latest information, please visit the Strategic Planning web page and check it often.

FCPS CARES

Looking Ahead at WSES

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

January 10 Winter Virginia Growth Assessments (3rd and 4th-grade reading)
January 11 Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (6th-grade advanced math students)
January 12 Yearbook Candids
January 13 Yearbook Clubs Picture Day
January 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
January 17 Winter Virginia Growth Assessments (4th-grade math)
January 17 PTA Meeting at 7 p.m.
January 18 Winter Virginia Growth Assessments (3rd-grade math)
January 25 2-Hour Early Release and End of the 2nd Quarter
January 26 Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)
January 27 Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)

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

Willow Springs Elementary School News and Information

GovDelivery2 months 3 weeks ago

For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the Willow Springs website.

January 3, 2023

Happy New Year from our fabulous foxes! #WillowPride

Dear Willow families,

Happy New Year! We hope every one of you had a wonderful winter break and are ready to start the new year with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

As we begin a new year, it is a natural time to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. At Willow Springs, we are committed to helping our students grow and learn to reach their full potential. Whether it is a deeper self-reflection, becoming more involved in extracurricular activities, or simply paying kindness forward, we encourage our students, staff, and families to set personal goals for themselves and work towards achieving them.

We also want to remind everyone of the importance of being a positive member of our school community. Let's make it our resolution to be empathetic, accountable, respectful, and safe towards one another and to work together to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

We are confident that, with the hard work and dedication of our students, parents, and staff, we will have a successful and productive year. Let's make it a great one!

Thank you,

Looking Ahead at WSES

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

Did you know? When you open the events calendar on the WSES website you can open the chevron next to the Event Calendar on the far right side and check the type of events(s) you are looking for.

January 10 Winter Virginia Growth Assessments (3rd and 4th-grade reading)
January 11 Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (6th-grade advanced math students)
January 12 Yearbook Candids
January 13 Yearbook Clubs Picture Day
January 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
January 17 Winter Virginia Growth Assessments (4th-grade math)
January 17 PTA Meeting at 7 p.m.
January 18 Winter Virginia Growth Assessments (3rd-grade math)
January 25 2-Hour Early Release and End of the 2nd Quarter
January 26 Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)
January 27 Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)

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

Willow Springs Elementary School News and Information

GovDelivery3 months 1 week ago

For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the Willow Springs website.

December 12, 2022

Students closed out our Spirit Week showing off their pajamas. Happy Holidays! #WillowPride

Dear Willow families,

We hope you all have a safe and joyful holiday season! We will surely miss you all over the next two weeks. As we enter this winter break, we are proud of our students and staff.

Thank you to our amazing families for supporting our classroom celebrations this week and partnering with us daily. We could not do it without you.

On behalf of our entire WSES faculty and staff, we wish you a lovely winter break full of family, friends, festivities, and fun. We look forward to seeing everyone again on January 3, 2023, as we kick off another new year.

Thank you,

Looking Ahead at WSES

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

December 19 - January 2 Winter Break (No School)
January 3 Students Return to School
January 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
January 25 2-Hour Early Release
January 26 Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)
January 27 Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)

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

Willow Springs Elementary School News and Information

GovDelivery3 months 2 weeks ago

For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the Willow Springs website.

December 12, 2022

Congratulations to our 22-23 WSES winners, Ms. Vila (Outstanding Teacher), Mr. Reid (Outstanding New Teacher), and Ms. Hassen (Outstanding Leader). #WillowPride

Dear Willow families,

December is a time for celebration as we prepare for Winter Break and the New Year. Celebration comes in many shapes and sizes, and we hope you take the time to celebrate your child's successes thus far. They may have met a new friend, reached an academic milestone, or earned special recognition. Whatever that success may be, we encourage you to celebrate in a way that will continue to inspire our children to take risks and strive to reach their potential.

We are proud to celebrate our children, day in and day out. Our children have shown up each day ready to learn, have fun, and build relationships with one another throughout the school day.

We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the holidays by participating in our Spirit Week, sponsored by our WSES SCA. Check out the image below to find the theme for each day, and remember to tweet your photos.

As always, thank you for your partnership. We are grateful for such a wonderful community.

Thank you,

Learn more about the ESSER III grant.

What's happening at Willow Springs?

Our Advanced Band and 5th and 6th-grade Chorus evening concert was hugely successful! Thank you to the families who came out and sang with us!

WSES staff show off their festive spirit during the faculty's Days of Cheer.

Kudos to our front office ladies and additional staff members for creating a fabulous Willow Wonderland for all our Willow Family to see! #WillowPride

Our 3rd-grade classes created no-sew fleece blankets during Ms. Maltese's STEAM lessons. Students used text and video evidence to determine a problem, and they used Legos to determine the area and perimeter of their blankets. WSES will donate all blankets to a local homeless shelter.

Don't Forget to Join Our SCA for Spirit Week

Remember to check out our WSES calendar to stay up to date with all that is happening at school.

Free, On-Demand, Online Tutoring

Join our WSES students and try out this great resource. We currently have the highest number of attended sessions in our elementary pyramid.

FCPS students who’ve used Tutor.com have provided positive feedback:

“This tutor was very helpful! She didn't tell me the answers. When needed, she helped me solve them! She was very kind and she really helped me!” –Elementary Math Student
“This was an awesome tutor! She explained why I needed to do specific steps, and she gave me practice problems! Best tutor I have had!” –IB Chemistry Student

Unless they’ve been opted out, students can access Tutor.com through Schoology. Every session is personalized to meet students’ needs from remedial to advanced levels. Sessions focus on conceptual learning and critical thinking—not quick answers.

Learn more on FCPS’ Tutor.com webpage.

ESSER III Community Conversation on December 13

A Community Conversation on ESSER will be hosted on Tuesday, December 13, at 6:30 p.m. The event will be hybrid, offered both on Zoom or in-person at the Gatehouse Administration Building in the café. All are welcome. Please register to attend.

Watch the video above to see how Poe Middle School used funds to support positive behavior interventions, and how fun and games support values of respect, accountability, and positivity.

Full-Time (Level IV) AAP Referral Window Closes on December 15

This is a reminder that the referral window for full-time (Level IV) AAP services will close on December 15. Any parent who would like to have their child included in the spring screening cycle must submit the referral form and any optional materials by December 15.

Please click HERE to learn more about the Advanced Academic Program.

COVID Diagnostic Testing in January

Mark your calendars! COVID diagnostic testing will be available for FCPS teachers, staff, and students at five locations across the county January 3-5 from 5 to 8 p.m. This testing is for those who are either experiencing COVID symptoms or have been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID. Appointments are not required, but registration must be completed before testing. Visit the COVID Testing webpage for more information.

Strategic Planning

Beginning in late January 2023, FCPS will host a series of community forums as part of our strategic planning process. View the schedule on our Strategic Planning website. We will add more details as they become available.

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after winter break. Give your child the gift of education and help build a habit of attendance. Visit our website for more attendance resources.

Looking Ahead at WSES

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December 12-16 SCA Winter Spirit Week
December 15 Level IV Advanced Academic Program Referrals Due
December 19 - January 2 Winter Break (No School)
January 3 Students Return to School
January 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
January 25 2-Hour Early Release
January 26 Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)
January 27 Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)

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

Willow Springs Elementary School News and Information

GovDelivery3 months 2 weeks ago

For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the Willow Springs website.

December 7, 2022

Music assemblies, science experiments, relationship building, newspaper editing, communication, and collaboration are components of why WSES is a fun and exciting place for students to learn. #WillowPride

Dear Willow families,

It was a wonderful week welcoming everyone back from Thanksgiving Break. We hope everyone enjoyed quality time with family and friends. We enjoyed a lot of excitement this week as our advanced band and 5th and 6th-grade chorus students showcased their talents during our school assembly. Students had the chance to listen to their peers' musical talents and participate in a sing along as well!

We are excited for the next couple of weeks before we transition into 2023. Throughout the coming weeks, some of our 6th graders will be touring middle schools as they prepare for the next chapter in their academic journey. Again on a musical note, we are thrilled to have our advanced band, and chorus students perform for our families this evening, December 7, at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria.

Remember to check out our WSES homepage to learn more about our school and keep up with upcoming events! #WillowPride

Thank you,

Mark Your Calendars!

Remember to check out our WSES calendar to stay up to date with all that is happening at school.

ESSER III Community Conversation on December 13

Thanks to everyone who provided input in October on ESSER III funding–federal funding which was allocated to FCPS to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students and student learning. Community feedback indicated that there is a general unawareness of the impact of ESSER funding and a perceived lack of communication around how the funds are being used.

To help address this, Superintendent Reid and Sloan Presidio, chief academic officer, will host a Community Conversation on ESSER on Tuesday, December 13, at 6:30 p.m., at the Gatehouse Administration Building in the Café. Please stay tuned for more details. Visit BoardDocs for a detailed update on ESSER.

Full-Time (Level IV) AAP Referral Window Closes on December 15

Please click HERE to learn more about the Advanced Academic Program.

Multicultural and Language Resources for Families

FCPS’ Office of Family and School Partnerships would like to remind families of some of the many resources available to them:

Did you know that every school has a family liaison? Family liaisons will welcome and orient families who are new to the school and community, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can also help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.
Early literacy programs are available to Fairfax County residents for parents of children up to 5 years old. These programs help prepare children for school and build confidence in parents as their child’s first teacher. They also help parents become active partners in their child’s education. Programs are available in African-Heritage, Arabic, Spanish, and Korean.
Parent Information Phone Lines are available in eight languages for parents who speak languages other than English.
A Multilingual Family Podcast is produced by the offices of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Family and School Partnerships, and Professional Learning and Equity. It covers important information for parents in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Korean.
ESOL services are available in Fairfax County not only for students, but also for adults and families. Information on Spring classes will be posted in March 2023.

Visit the Family Engagement webpage for more resources.

Winter Weather Procedures

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’ inclement weather procedures will remain the same as last year. The first five inclement weather days will be traditional “snow days” with no school activities. After those five days, we will use the flexibility provided by the Virginia General Assembly to have unscheduled virtual learning days, whenever possible, to maintain the continuity of learning. Virtual learning on these days will be synchronous/live instruction, following the inclement weather virtual learning day schedule (includes a two-hour delay).

FCPS’ website is generally the first mode of communication during 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 ahead for the winter season. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in [email protected], bookmark the FCPS website, plan for childcare, if appropriate, and know what items your child may need to take home before a weather event.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Your school’s principal will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. The multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and healthcare.

Strategic Planning

The success of our strategic planning process depends on our entire community being engaged. Watch as some of our amazing elementary students share their hopes and ideas for the future of schools. Also, stay tuned for information on upcoming opportunities to participate in the development of FCPS’ Strategic Plan.

Looking Ahead at WSES