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April 26, 2019
Dear Willow Springs,
It has been a wonderful week back after a restful and rejuvenating Spring Break for our Willow Springs Family! The weather is beautiful and our students are excited to continue their learning as we continue into the fourth quarter of the school year.
Our sixth graders enjoyed their exciting and engaging field trip to The Edge at George Mason, where they had the opportunity to communicate, collaborate, and continue to build leadership skills. These unique team building opportunities allow students to continue to build on their 21st Century Skills, which aligned with FCPS Portrait of a Graduate.
Medieval Day was a success, and 5th graders paraded around the school for everyone to see on Thursday. Our 5th graders have showcased their medieval shields along the walls of the hallways, and continue to show their knowledge in a variety of ways.
We were excited to see so many new families join us for our Advanced Academics Placement Orientation Night. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this night such an informative and successful event!
Our Willow Springs Chorus is gearing up for their spring performance of Disney Through the Decades. Students are rehearsing and are excited to showcase their musical talents for our Willow Springs Family!
Next week we will be enjoying our annual rotational BBQ lunch. The rotational BBQ will occur during students’ normal lunch times, and the lunch menu will be provided.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Dylan Taylor, Principal
Rashida Green, Assistant Principal
Lesley Hassen, Assistant Principal
The WSES Silent Auction starts today, Friday, April 26th and will conclude the following Friday, May 3rd. We have amazing items up for bid! From summer camps to restaurant nights, sports memorabilia, sporting events, priceless grade level teacher donations, and so much more! Check your child's Thursday folder this week for a Silent Auction flyer with all of the details.
*It is important to note that every 6th grader will receive 2 tickets for the end of the year promotion ceremony. If your family would like an opportunity to purchase additional tickets, this is the auction for you! Please contact Ms. Wheeler in our main office for further details or questions.
#POSITIVELYFAIRFAX Spirit Week
April 29 - May 3
Click here for details!
Willow Springs Elementary is proud to take part in #PositivelyFairfax along with all elementary, middle, and high schools in the Fairfax Pyramid. The purpose is to promote positivity and wellness throughout the Fairfax Pyramid across all grade levels. Here are the themes for the week:
Monday: Mindful Monday – Wear comfy clothes/PJs!
Tuesday: Think Positive Thoughts Tuesday – Share your positive vibes!
Wednesday: Wellness Wednesday – Wear workout clothes!
Thursday: Thoughtful Thursday (Acts of Kindness)
Friday: Feel Good Friday (Self Care) – Wear your favorite outfit or what makes you feel good.
Willow Springs Elementary School Class Assignment Input for 2019-2020
The school year 2019-2020 planning has begun! To assist in this process, we would like to invite you to provide some information about your child.
Your child’s current and 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.
Please complete the information below and submit the form by May 3!
At the expo we will provide opportunities for students and adults to gain more understanding about individuals with Autism by participating in various sensory experiences. We need your help to lead stations and support the students. All materials and directions will be prepped. Please consider volunteering at the expo by clicking here.
If you have any questions, contact Jessica Boger (jmboger@fcps.edu) or Michelle Chambers (mjchambers@fcps.edu)
Students Observing Ramadan
This year Ramadan falls from May 5 - June 4, which corresponds with many end of the year events. In order to accommodate and meet the needs of all students, we would like to gain an understanding of who might be fasting. If you are celebrating Ramadan during this time, please fill out the quick form by Wednesday, May 1st so that we can work together to provide students choice and flexibility throughout the day. If you have any questions please reach out to Rashida Green (rjgreen1@fcps.edu).
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Band and Strings Registration Now Open for 2019-2020
ATTN: Rising 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade Students
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Registration is now open for the 2019-2020 strings and band programs! Strings is open to any student who will be in 4th, 5th, or 6th grade next school year. Band is open to any student who will be in 5th or 6th grade next school year. Students have received more information about these music programs in their Thursday folders. The online forms for strings and band are now available. Paper registration forms are available upon request—please ask your child’s classroom teacher if you need a paper copy. The deadline to register is Friday, May 10. If you have any questions, please contact our strings teachers Ms. Aban (ecaban@fcps.edu) and Ms. Venne (kavenne@fcps.edu) or our band teacher Ms. Van Horne (klvanhorne@fcps.edu)
Opportunity for Student Musicians Ages 8-17
As part of the Voce Chamber Singer’s 30th anniversary (voce.org) , Voce is producing a FREE community production of Benjamin Britten's Noye's Fludde on Sunday, May 19th at The Falls Church Episcopal in Falls Church.
Voce is in need of both youth singers and youth instrumentalists. This is a tremendous opportunity for our most enthusiastic students to work alongside professional musicians. No auditions are required. All of the registration information may be requested by contacting Ms. Berra at mmberra@fcps.edu.
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WSES Student Barbeque Wednesday, May 1st |
As we expect nice weather, our annual barbeque style lunch is scheduled for this Wednesday, May 1st. Students will purchase their lunch from an outside serving line, and then find their assigned table in the cafeteria the same way they are accustomed to. The lunch menu is as follows:
Hamburger on Bun
Cheeseburger on Bun
Turkey Hot Dog
Turkey Half Smoke
Black Bean Burger
Celery Sticks and/or
Baby Carrots
Apple Slices or
Orange Quarters
Uncle Slam's Reading Program
 This year we are participating in the Uncle Slam’s Reading Program. It is easy to participate. Students received an Uncle Slam’s bookmark from their teacher. Any student who wants two tickets to a baseball game should read four books and get a parent or guardian to sign the bookmark. There are four available dates that students can attend, but our Willow Springs designated day is June 9th. The game starts at 1:05 p.m.
Take the bookmark to the ball game on June 9th (or one of the other selected dates) and take part in the Reading Parade before the game begins. The theme of the game is Caped Crusader’s Day. Please see the bookmark for complete details.
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WSES Joins Thousands on Wednesday, May 8th, in National Bike to School Day! |
Willow Springs is participating in National Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 8, 2019. Ride your bike, or walk to school, and visit with members of our school community at the welcome table by the bike racks. Hope to see you there! For more information or questions, please contact Laura Buice @ laurabuice@gmail.com.
World Festival
Our big event is planned for Friday, May 10th at 6:00 p.m.
Our World Festival planners need your help! They are looking for families (or groups of families) to sponsor booths from all of the diverse countries our students represent. If you or your child are interested in hosting a booth, dancing, participating in the fashion show, singing, or would like additional information, please sign up before Friday, April 19th.
We can't wait to see everyone at the event! For any questions, please email Anshul Misra & Sonia Sethi at worldfestival@willowspringspta.net.
To sign up, click the link below: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040445afa62ea13-willow
Now through May 15
https://events.lls.org/pages/nca/Willow-Springs-Elementary-School-Fairfax-2019
Did you know that over the last 50 years, the survival rate for childhood Leukemia has gone from 9% to over 90%? Here at Willow Springs ES we’re getting involved to ensure that number reaches 100%. Starting on April 25h, the SCA is running the Pennies for Patients program to raise funds and awareness for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Your students will receive a small donation box to collect coins and bills to raise funds for a cure. We have set a goal of $750 and are excited to work with you all to reach that goal!
Here is a little information about how our campaign can help others:
- In a typical year, the FDA approves 3-4 new treatments for blood cancers. In the last 2 years, the FDA has approved an INCREDIBLE 40 blood cancer treatments. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society helped advance 34 of those treatments thanks to schools like yours.
- LLS uses funds raised by local chapters to support local families through co-pay assistance, paying for travel costs, and assisting with temporary housing for out of town treatments.
- Additionally, the LLS Office of Public Policy advocates on behalf of blood cancer patients and their families, to enact policies that will address the serious burdens of these diseases.
They fight to:
- Improve medication access
- Promote Insurance access
- Improve Cancer care for pediatric patients
- Accelerate policy supporting new cures and more
WSES SOL Testing Schedule
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. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
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May 20
5th Reading
4th Reading
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May 21
3rd Reading
6th Reading
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May 22
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May 23
5th Math
4th Math
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May 24
6th Math
7th Math
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May 27
No School
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May 28
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May 29
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May 30
5th Science
3rd Math
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May 31
4th VA Studies
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Kindergarten Registration Now Open for 2019-20 School Year |
If you have a child who will reach the age of five on or before September 30, 2019, they are eligible to attend kindergarten for the 2019-20 school year. If your child meets the age requirement and lives within the boundaries of Willow Springs Elementary School they may be registered at this time. Please sign up for a registration appointment. Forms and documents required for registration can be found through this link (scroll down to Student Registration) to the Willow Springs website. Student registrations have a direct impact on teacher staffing so the sooner registrations take place the better able we are to staff accordingly. Please call 703-679-6071 or email Liz Flaherty with any questions.
WSES Looking Ahead
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Friday, April 26th through Friday, May 3rd - WSES PTA Silent Auction
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Monday, April 29th through Friday, May 3rd - #POSITIVELYFAIRFAX
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Thursday, May 2nd - WSES Family Tech Night
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Monday, May 6th - Friday, May 10th - Faculty Appreciation Week
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Wednesday, May 8th - Bike to School Day
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Friday, May 10th - WSES World Festival
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Friday, May 17th - Bus Driver Appreciation Breakfast
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Monday, May 27th - Memorial Day; Student Holiday
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Wednesday, May 29th - Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, Trattoria Villagio, Clifton, 11:30 a.m.
Visit the Willow Springs Elementary PTA website.
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