Willow Springs Weekly Update

May 25, 2018

Calendar Reminder

Schools and Offices Closed Monday, May 28th for Memorial Day Holiday

All FCPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 28 for the Memorial Day holiday. Classes will resume on Tuesday, May 29.


Patriotic Play

Dear Families,

Happy Friday! We began the Memorial Day weekend with our First Graders performing a patriotic commemoration concert for their peers and families. It was such an enjoyable event, and one that paid appropriate tribute to the fallen service members that we remember over the coming holiday weekend. And with the Memorial Day weekend here, it is the perfect time to reflect on the things that make our country so wonderful. In line with that, our 6th Graders began their service to others with their end of year food drive. We are so proud of their efforts, and if you are interested in supporting them, you’ll find the donation box located in the front lobby. Any contribution you give is greatly appreciated.

On Wednesday we had a celebration with our Chess Team, in conjunction with their annual Live Chess event. Complete with wardrobes and all, sixth grade teams moved staff and students along the chess board to outsmart their opponent. It was a fun time for all involved, but perhaps the best part was our students being able to be in charge for once and bossing the principal around for a change!

We are two-thirds of the way through SOL testing and are looking to finish up strong with the last of the tests next week. We thank you so much for your support in making sure your child is present and prepared so that they can do their very best during this busy testing time.  And after next week I’m sure everyone will be happy to transition back to the normal learning schedules that our students are so accustomed to.

As we look to continually support the mental health of our students, we want to share with you some guidance that our wellness team in FCPS has put together for students viewing things that might upset them or trigger negative feelings and actions. While this publication deals with the new Netflix season of 13 Reasons Why, we are aware of some of our older students viewing videos on different sites that are in line with this premise.  The link can be found here.

Remember on this Memorial Day weekend to take a moment to honor those that gave themselves for our country, and we hope to see many of you next Friday at our Movie Night.

Have a great weekend everyone and I’ll look forward to seeing everyone again on Tuesday!

Dylan Taylor, Principal

Rashida Green, Assistant Principal

Sara Van Aalst, Assistant Principal


ALL WSES Students are Invited to Participate in the Annual 6th Grade Food Drive

(May 29 - June 14)

Food Drive Photo

Donate food items to this box located in our main lobby, May 29 - June 14.

As part of our end of the year celebration, the sixth graders are asking students to donate food items to support Western Fairfax Christian Ministries. The pantry has a need for nonperishable "Kid Foods" such as:

  • Macaroni and Cheese
  • Pop-top Ravioli
  • Ramen Noodles
  • Cereal
  • Canned Meat
  • Fruit Cups
  • Snacks
  • Treats
  • Juice
  • Non-Refrigerated Milk

All food items donated will be deeply appreciated. The purpose of this project is to instill in our students the idea that as good citizens we help our community. Thank you. If you would like more information or have questions, please contact Mrs. Pierce at rbpierce@fcps.edu.


Willow Springs Live Chess Event

Live Chess Photo

Live chess Photo 2

Chess Photo 3

Kindergarten Ends Childhood Poverty

One Red Nose at a Time

Red Nose Day Photo of students

Library Book Returns

Parents, please check with your student to see if he/she has any overdue library books. More than 150 of our students have at least one overdue library book right now! Students who have overdue books have been told at their weekly checkouts.  Those with long overdue books have been receiving overdue notices or a parent e-mail was sent. All books need to be returned to the library by Friday, June 1. We are happy to send a picture of the book if it is requested. Contact Mrs. Hurley achurley@fcps.edu with any questions.


Lost and Found

Lost & Found Items

All Lost & Found items will be donated to a local organization on June 15th. If you are missing items, please stop by during school hours to check the lost & found rack.


End-of-Year Medication Disposal Guidelines

Per Regulation 2102, all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than 1:00 p.m. on the last day of school, June 15, 2018.  Medication left in the health room after that time will be discarded.  It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian.  Medication cannot be sent home with your student.  Any questions please contact our school clinic at 703-679-6010.


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.


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

    • Friday, May 25th – 1st Grade Patriotic Concert, 2:30 p.m.
    • Monday, May 28th – Memorial Day; Student Holiday
    • Friday, June 1st – Anti Bullying Movie Night, 6:00 p.m.
    • Wednesday, June 6th – Volunteer Appreciation Brunch, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Trattoria Villagio (7145 Main Street, Clifton)
    • Wednesday, June 6th - PTA Budget Meeting, 7 p.m. (WSES Cafeteria)
    • Thursday, June 7th – Band Concert, 7 p.m. (WSES Cafeteria)
    • Friday, June 8th – Schoolwide Challenge 24 Math Tournament
    • Monday, June 11th – Strings Concert, 7 p.m. (Centreville High School Gym)
    • Wednesday, June 13th – 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony, 9:30 a.m.
    • Friday, June 15th – Last Day of School; 2 hour early dismissal @ 2 p.m.


    FCPS 2017-18 School Year Calendar

    FCPS 2018-19 School Year Calendar

    If you are planning ahead for the next school year, check out the 2018-19 school year calendar online. Notable dates include the first day of school, August 28; Thanksgiving break, November 21-23; Winter break, December 24, 2018-January 4, 2019; Spring Break, April 15-19, 2019; and the last day of school, June 13, 2019. 


    pta

    Visit the Willow Springs Elementary PTA website.