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November 16, 2020
Ms. Willison's 2nd-grade classroom (pictured above) and Ms. Betsill's 6th-grade classroom were selected to participate in the FCPS Pilot Program.
Dear Willow Springs families,
Happy belated Veterans Day! WSES staff is honored to pay our respects to those who have served. Thank you to our families and community members for their service. We appreciate your bravery, your commitment, and your sacrifice.
Last week we were given the green light to welcome back students in two classrooms! Our two pilot classrooms will use various technology setups and describe their successes and challenges using the FCPS concurrent instruction model. We are eager to learn from our teachers' and students' experiences as we continue to plan for more students to return in the coming days.
This month, we also welcomed students who participate in our ESOL program and students in our Enhanced Autism program. We are so very grateful to our staff who made the first days of these programs a success. We are also very thankful to our families for their cooperation, support, and flexibility while we try various things to support our students.
Having students back at Willow Springs has been a joy that is difficult to put into words. Tomorrow we have the privilege of welcoming kindergarteners into their WSES classrooms for the very first time!
We remain steadfast in our commitment to hold ourselves to the highest safety, partnership, and transparency standards with all of you. Please continue to reach out with questions.
Enjoy the beautiful week ahead.
Dylan Taylor, Principal
Lesley Hassen, Assistant Principal
Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal
New Information
Family Resources
Return to School Updates
Kindergarten Bus Information
Families of Kindergarten students who are returning in-person beginning Tuesday, November 17, will receive information regarding bus stop/times on Monday. Thanks for your patience as we finalize details with our transportation office to ensure a smooth return to school.
Updated Dates for Grades 1 and 2
The Return to School date for Grades 1 and 2 (Group 6) has changed to December 8. As a result, there were some changes to the Asynchronous Learning Dates for those grade levels. The new asynchronous dates for grades 1 and 2 are November 30 and December 3, 4, & 7. We will share additional information in the next week regarding this groups return.
Updated Dates for Grades 3-6
The Return to School date for Grades 3-6 (Group 7) has changed to January 12. As a result, there were some changes to the Asynchronous Learning Dates for those grade levels. The new asynchronous dates for grades 3-6 are January 4, 7, 8 & 11. We will share additional information over the next weeks regarding this groups return.
Please see this page for complete updates from FCPS leadership, including info on health metrics for determining when to phase in or out of in-person learning.
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FCPS Employee Awards
The FCPS employee award season is here again and your help is needed! We hope you'll nominate WSES employees for the following categories:
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Outstanding Teacher
- Must have at least 3 years of experience as a classroom teacher, special area teacher, or librarian
Outstanding New Teacher
- Must be within the first three years as a classroom teacher, special area teacher, or librarian
Outstanding Professional Employee
- Instructional Coach, Resource Teacher, SBTS, School Counselor, Technology Support Specialist, Social Worker, Speech/Language Pathologist
Outstanding Operational Employee
- Administrative and Office Assistants, Bus Driver, Bus Attendant, Custodial staff, Food Service, Instructional Assistant, PHA, PHTA, Parent Liaisons
Outstanding Leader
Outstanding Principal
NOMINATION PROCESS:
Please click the link below and nominate any staff member at Willow Springs Elementary School that you think is doing an awesome job serving our students and community.
STAFF NOMINATION FORM
Note: The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 20, 2020.
- You may nominate as many employees as you wish during the nomination window.
- School winners from previous years may be nominated again.
- You must include your name when you nominate the person.
- Each nomination must include a brief paragraph stating why you believe this person is deserving of this honor.
- Winners at the county level receive a cash prize.
- After all nominations have been received, voting will take place if there is more than one nominee in a category.
If you nominate someone and they win you will have to complete a nominator form and/or letter of recommendation to help this person win at the pyramid, region, and county levels. Please do not nominate someone if you cannot help with this part of the process.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Willow Springs Award Liaison, Krystal Styles at krstyles@fcps.edu.
School Monitors and Substitutes Needed at Willow Springs ES |
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We will not be allowed to use volunteers in the school building, but we are looking to hire at least four school monitors to support teachers and students Tuesday - Friday once they return. Please email our administrative team if you are thinking about these opportunities, and we can discuss more details.
New employment opportunity in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)!
FCPS schools and centers will be hiring classroom monitors to provide in-person classroom assistance for students when a staff member remains virtual. If you would like more information about the position, please review the job description and qualifications online and apply if interested. Please feel free to share information about this opportunity with anyone else you think may be interested.
FCPS is seeking individuals to serve as substitute teachers!
Are you or somebody you know interested in substitute teaching with FCPS? Apply here or attend one of our Friday information sessions to learn more! To sign up for a session, visit our substitute information page here. Say Yes, 2 FCPS!
Curbside Library Book Pickup
Our next curbside pickup is Monday, November 23trd. To select books, you have to place holds in Destiny Discover (log in using the blue side or click here to see directions for placing a hold) by Thursday, November 19th. Families should receive a generated email on the 20th to select a pickup time if the books selected are available. Students in grades 3-6 receive the email in their school Gmail accounts, while lower grades will have the email sent to the enrolling parent or guardian. Be sure to check your junk mail for these email notices. Please email Amy Hurley at achurley@fcps.edu if we need to make other arrangements for you to receive the library books. We are happy to do so.
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Access ebooks
Your child can also check out ebooks on Mackin Via, where our digital library collection sits. Willow Springs currently has over 1,500 titles for grades K-6 available. You can also download the Mackin Via app if you want to read books offline.
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Library Equity Access Pass Information
October 1st marks the start of our Library Equity Access Pass program. The LEAP program provides every FCPS student with access to book checkout at any Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) branch. Click here for more information.
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Students, log in to your @fcpsschools.net Google account, and check out the Willow Springs STEAM Landing Page. Go to Grade Level Challenges and click on your grade level to find the current STEAM challenge. Have fun exploring the different resources!
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#WSESGratitude
November is Gratitude Month! Please use this form to recognize someone in the Willow Springs ES community (staff, parent, volunteer, student or community member) that you are thankful for and why. We encourage you to share on social media as well: #WSESGratitude
Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other. -Randy Pausch |
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Digital Citizenship at WSES
This year more than ever, we must work together as a community to highlight what a digital citizen is. Our staff will have conversations about digital citizenship all year, but families can help by keeping the conversation going home. One way is to discuss your media rules at home. Click here to see a family media agreement template and adapt it to make it work for your family.
You can also check out these tips for how kids can balance media and their well being. Click here.
Virtual Learning Playlist
The virtual learning playlist includes several videos about digital citizenship, technology tips, and how to keep your FCPS laptop and other features ready for student success. Go to the virtual learning playlist.
Congratulations to our Pumpkin Decorating Contest Winners
Thank you to all of those who entered our PTA Pumpkin Decorating Contest! We had a fantastic collection of creative pumpkins submitted. After over 100 votes, we would like to congratulate our winners!
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4-6 Winner: Leah Batts and her "Unicorn at Midnight" pumpkin
K-3 Winner: Natalie Aman and her "Ghost of 2020" pumpkin
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Online store will be open until Nov 23rd
Foxes, our Spirit War Store is officially OPEN! Shop a variety of t-shirts, hoodies, facemasks, and more with new student-approved designs. This is an excellent opportunity to support our Fox Family and show your Willow Springs Pride. Our online store will only be open until Monday, November 23rd, so get those orders in ASAP. Click here to access our Willow Springs Spirit Wear Store.
Easy Volunteering Opportunities
Help us show our hard-working teachers some love. PTA needs your help with two upcoming events. We are planning a back to school breakfast on 11/16 for the teachers. If you can help out, please email vpvolunteers@willowspringspta.net. The PTA is providing teachers with game bundles as an end of the year, "thank you." We need help with the bundle assembly. If you are interested, please sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040c4aa8ac2aa13-ptateacher.
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New this Year - Gingerbread House Contest
Enter your most creative gingerbread creations in the inaugural PTA Gingerbread House contest! Construct your house in any medium- food, Legos, a drawing- the possibilities are endless! Keep an eye out for entry details in November.
Please plan to submit your pictures in late November, with voting in early December. The contest is open to K-6 AND teachers, with prizes for the winners. Start brainstorming now!
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Mod Pizza Restaurant Night
November 19 (All Day)
Chipotle Restaurant Night
December 14 (4 - 8 p.m.)
Science Olympiad offers students the opportunity to improve their understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and work together to learn new skills. Virginia Science Olympiad (VASO) is a non-profit organization engaging and challenging students in these disciplines through team-based competitive tournaments in Virginia. Events are carefully chosen by the National Science Olympiad organization to reflect national educational standards and are changed or revised every year to allow students to learn new things. This year The Olympiad will be virtual.
If your child is interested in joining the team and more information, please fill out the Science Olympiad Division A Family Interest Form. Forms are due by 12/5.
Students with or without prior chess experience are invited to join the VIRTUAL Willow Springs Chess Club. Club members will receive live online lessons with U.S. Chess Center teachers twice a week, allowing students to participate interactively in real-time. Additionally, they will play matches five times per week with FCPS students from Willows Springs and other schools. Students are placed in groups by the ability for chess lessons. Registration for the club is rolling—there is no official start date. However, no matter when you register, the discounted fee is $120 for online classes (use discount code "SUBC" at registration) that run through the end of January—so register soon!
The registration website is https://www.chessctr.org/online-lessons-fall-registration.
Stay Connected
Our new and improved website has launched, find us at www.willowspringspta.net. Here you can access important information on memberships, upcoming events and activities, and volunteer opportunities. Also, for the latest and greatest, up to date information, please find us on Facebook. Be sure to “like” the Willow Springs Elementary PTA page and follow us.
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Looking Ahead at WSES |
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November 19 Mod Pizza - All Day, 11048 Lee Highway, Fairfax
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November 23 Spirit Wear Order Deadline Willow Springs Spirit Wear Store
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November 23 Curbside Library Book Pickup *Holds due by Nov 19
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November 25 - November 27 Thanksgiving Break
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November 30 Girl Scout Troop Virtual Formation Meeting; RSVP 7 p.m.
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December 1 Level IV AAP referral and optional materials deadline
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December 5 Science Olympiad Family Interest form due Science Olympiad Division A Family Interest Form
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December 14 Restaurant Night, Chipotle, 4-8 pm, 11939 Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax
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December 21 - January 01, 2021 Winter Break
2020-21 Standard School Year Calendar
Visit the Willow Springs Elementary PTA website.
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