May 18, 2018
Dear Families,
Happy Friday everyone! With all the
rain we’ve received this past week, there should be plenty of rainbows ahead
for all of us! The rainbows started early at Willow Springs, as several of our teachers went above and beyond preparing special treats for their students as they started SOL testing this week.
Personalized notes were waiting for many of our students on their desks when they entered
their classrooms wishing them good luck and giving them an extra boost of
confidence on their big test taking day. Ms. Mikesell, one of our 5th grade teachers, organized and brought in nine
therapy dogs courtesy of Caring Angels to help our students relax a bit from
their SOL preparations. Studies show that playing with or petting animals can decrease
stress in humans.
Another rainbow for us this week was the community
coming together to celebrate Staff Appreciation Week. Our PTA parent volunteers
produced an amazing breakfast to show appreciation and gratitude to teachers
and staff here at WSES. The efforts of the PTA are always greatly appreciated,
and the gracious show of thanks this week couldn’t have been done without the
coordination of PTA volunteer Zenobia Geadah. Thank you Zenobia! Gifts
were also a commonplace sight on desks, and in offices, as people chose to say
“thank you” in their own way for the remarkable work that the employees here at
school accomplish each and every day. To everyone here at Willow Springs,
thank you for all the special things you do!
The last rainbow for us this week was that we had
the pleasure of recognizing our fantastic Science Olympiad Team for
representing Willow Springs this year. These students showcase the very
essence of teamwork and thirst for learning that we strive for here at school.
We are thankful for all their hard work and are so very proud of them.
Our kindergartners took a trip to the Colonnade Shopping Center to explore many of our local retail shops. These little adventures for our smallest of Willow Springs Foxes
spark curiosity and instill the passion for learning and teamwork that will
continue to flourish as they grow.
Lastly, please remember that the Parent Input form is due this coming week. If you have information to share about your child, this form will be available until Friday, May 25th.
Everyone have a
wonderful weekend ahead, and thank you all for making this past week here at
Willow Springs a special one.
Dylan Taylor,
Principal
Rashida Green,
Assistant Principal
Sara Van Aalst,
Assistant Principal
SOL Testing Information
The Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) tests
are required of all students in Grades 3-8 across the state by the Virginia
Department of Education. SOL tests measure the extent to which students have
learned the content and skills specified in the Virginia SOLs. In order to
assist your spring planning, the SOL schedule is listed below. Please avoid
appointments that will take your child out of school during testing.
3RD
GRADE
Reading: May 17th
Math: May 23rd
4TH
GRADE
Reading: May 18th
Math: May 24th
VA Studies: May 31st
5TH
GRADE
Reading: May 16th
Math: May 22nd
Science: May 30th
6TH GRADE
Reading: May 21st
Math: May 25th (Includes 5th Advanced)
6TH GRADE
Advanced Math: May 29th
Electronics Device Policy During SOL Testing
VDOE and Fairfax County Public Schools have an electronic device
policy which is to be followed during all SOL testing. To maintain test
security, the possession of these devices (e.g., cell phones/mobile
communication devices, Apple Watch, FitBit) in the testing room is prohibited.
If a student is discovered with a prohibited electronic device while in a test
environment, the student’s test will be stopped, the electronic device will be
confiscated, and the student will be removed from the test environment. School
administrators, consistent with the Acceptable Use Policy and Student Rights
and Responsibilities, have authority to search the “item of personal belonging”
(e.g., the cell phone or mobile device) if it is believed to contain evidence
of a violation of school regulations (in this case, cheating). School
administrators have the right to apply school-based consequences based upon
their investigation of the situation. Please talk to your student about the
electronic device policy and the serious consequences of violating it.
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Parent Input for 2018-19 Class Assignments |
School year 2018-2019 planning has begun! To assist in this process we would like to give you the opportunity to provide some information about your child.
We know that a good teacher-student match and a productive mix of children are ingredients for success, and we carefully consider each child’s strengths and needs during this process. Your child’s current and/or upcoming classroom teachers work together with specialists, and the grade level team to prepare class assignments for the next school year. They will review this form and consider the information relevant to the class assignment. Willow Springs has an incredible staff! Please do not request a specific teacher.
If you have information to share, this form will be available until Friday, May 25th. Please know that input from forms turned in over the summer are difficult to honor since the grouping process may have already started.
This form is optional and is also located on the Willow Springs website.
Congratulations Science Olympiad Team
Thank You, Zenobia & PTA Parents!!
Kindergarten Registration is Open
Children who reach the age of five on or before September 30, 2018 are eligible to attend Kindergarten for the 2018-19 school year. Please go the Willow Springs website for registration information and to sign up for an appointment.
WSES Looking Ahead
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Friday, May 25th – 1st Grade Patriotic Concert, 2:30 p.m.
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Monday, May 28th – Memorial Day; Student Holiday
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Friday, June 1st – Anti Bullying Movie Night, 5:30 p.m.
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Thursday, June 7th – Band Concert, 7 p.m. (WSES Cafeteria)
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Friday, June 8th – Schoolwide Challenge 24 Math Tournament
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Wednesday, June 13th – 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony, 9:30 a.m.
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Friday, June 15th – Last Day of School; 2 hour early dismissal @ 2 p.m.
Visit the Willow Springs Elementary PTA website.
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