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February 15, 2021
New Bell Schedule Begins Tomorrow, February 16
FCPS will implement a new bell schedule on February 16 due to social distancing requirements which limit capacity on school buses. The new bell schedule is a significant change for ALL WSES students, whether they chose to remain virtual or return to in-person learning. Our new bell schedule is 9:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
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Dear Willow Springs families,
We hope everyone had an outstanding Presidents' Day weekend and a happy Valentine's Day filled with love and fun. As we wrap up a long weekend, we are excited to welcome some of our students back into the building tomorrow. We are thrilled to have our students return to in-person learning while also staying engaged and connected with our remaining virtual students.
Our teachers are hard at work in preparing for students to return while continuing to provide top-notch instruction. The newly painted hallways are beginning to buzz with excitement as we ensure everything is in place for a safe and exciting return to the building.
Please remember that our new bell schedule starts tomorrow, February 16th, for all Willow Springs students. Please reach out to our admin team, office staff, or your child's homeroom teacher if you have any specific questions regarding the bell schedule change.
Thank you for your partnership, and we look forward to all of the excitement ahead!
See you tomorrow,
Dylan Taylor, Principal
Lesley Hassen, Assistant Principal
Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal
What is Concurrent Instruction?
WSES will be using the concurrent model for students who receive in-person instruction. This means that students who elect in-person instruction will receive two days of teacher-led instruction in the school building and two days of teacher-led instruction at home. Students who elect all-virtual learning will continue to receive four days of teacher-led instruction at home.
Take a look inside West Springfield High School and Kings Park Elementary School, two of the first schools to welcome students back to FCPS buildings, to see how the concurrent instruction model works.
Return to In-Person Learning Timeline
Groups 1-4 Special Education February 16
Group 5 Kindergarten February 23
Group 6 Grades 1 and 2 March 9
Group 7 Grades 3, 4, 5, and 6 March 16
Library Book Curbside Pickup
Our next curbside pickup is Monday, February 22nd. Interested students should place their holds by Thursday, February 18th. Click here for help on how to put a hold in Destiny Discover. Emails for pick up times will be sent on Friday, February 19th. As always, we are happy to accommodate families who would like to make other arrangements. Email Amy Hurley at achurley@fcps.edu if you need assistance.
Need to drop off books? There is always a library return bin sitting out by the school's front doors so that you can return books at any time.
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Cloth Masks and Face Coverings
If your child will be returning in person, please review the types of masks that are approved for student use. Students must wear a mask to school. We recommend students have an extra mask in their backpack.
The following cloth masks/face coverings are NOT supported by FCPS:
- Gaiters with a single layer - NEW
- Face masks/face coverings with exhalation valves/vents
- Cloth masks/face coverings with a single layer - NEW
The following cloth masks/face coverings are acceptable and supported by FCPS:
- Gaiters with 2 or more layers - NEW
- Cloth masks/face coverings with 2 or more layers – NEW
Please refer to the following resources for detailed information: Your Guide to Masks.
Fairfax County Public Library
On Monday, February 22nd at 2:30 p.m., the Fairfax County Public Library hosts a virtual event with New York Times Bestselling and Newbery Award-winning Children’s and Young Adult Author Kwame Alexander. Click here to register for this fantastic opportunity or to learn more.
Parent/Student Tech Support Portal
To support families who are working with their children during distance learning, Fairfax County Public Schools is launching a new Parent Technology Help Desk. The number is 1-833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS). It will be answered by staff 7 a.m.to 11 p.m., seven days a week. If the help desk is unable to solve the issue on the phone with the parent or guardian, they will enter a ticket on the parent’s behalf and the request for help will be transferred to the appropriate FCPS team.
Parents or guardians who need help in a language other than English should let help desk staff know, and a interpreter will join them on the line. (FCPS also has existing parent information phone lines, available in eight different languages, that can assist with general questions about FCPS.)
FCPS has also set up an online portal to allow older students and parents and guardians to request technology help directly.
Get more information about the new Parent Technology Help Desk.
WSES Follows 5 Key Mitigation Strategies
To ensure a healthy environment, we follow five key mitigation strategies: masks, social distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene, cleaning/disinfecting, and contact-tracing documentation. Before students return to school in person, please watch the safety videos to emphasize our protocols.
Quick Links:
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. Be sure to check it! Also, for the latest and greatest, up to date information find us on Facebook. Be sure to “like” the Willow Springs Elementary PTA page and follow us.
Looking Ahead at WSES |
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February 16 - WSES Bell Schedule Changes 9:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
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February 17 - Monthly PTA meeting 7 p.m. - Click here to join virtually
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March 4-5 - Asynchronous Learning Days for Grades 1-2 in preparation for Group 6 phased in learning
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March 5 - Two-Hour Early Release for Students. Students will be released at 2:15 p.m.
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March 8 - Staff Development Day - No School for Students
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March 11-12 - Asynchronous Learning Days for Grades 3-6 in preparation for Group 7 phased in learning
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March 29-April 2 - Spring Break - No School
2020-21 Standard School Year Calendar
Visit the Willow Springs Elementary PTA website.
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