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September 16, 2021
Lockdown Drill Conducted Today
Every school in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has crisis management and emergency preparedness plan in place. Keeping students and staff safe is a priority. We practice many safety drills throughout the school year, including lockdown drills which help us know what to do if there is a potentially violent intruder inside the school or on school property.
Today, Willow Springs Elementary conducted a lockdown drill, and teachers talked to students to prepare them for the drill. As a part of our safety training, we showed students a video regarding lockdown drills, so they know what a lockdown looks like at WSES.
I am very proud of our students today. They listened to directions and participated in a calm and orderly fashion. Our students did a great job, and I encourage you to discuss the drill with them. Additional guidance on discussions with your child about lockdown drills can be found in the Parent/Guardian tip letter, as well as on the frequently asked questions (FAQs) page.
We develop our emergency preparedness plans in coordination with the FCPS Office of Safety and Security, local law enforcement, emergency management officials, and FCPS mental health professionals. The plans are regularly reviewed and updated and include procedures to respond to critical incidents such as fires, tornadoes, and other events. Students and staff regularly practice safety drills.
We will continue to keep you informed of safety and security measures in place at our school. If you have questions, please call or contact the school office. I appreciate your continued support in these matters.
Farmer’s Market Every Friday at WSES
The Garden/Farm to Table Club students will run the event in conjunction with Piney Meadow Farm. The money students raise through produce sales will go towards the Garden Club and STEAM activities. The market will be set up on the basketball blacktop from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Fridays. Parents are encouraged to park in the adjacent neighborhood and walk over to pick up produce.
Virginia Growth Assessments
Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA) is a new test required for students in grades 3-8. The state legislature introduced this requirement to measure student growth and progress within the school year in reading and mathematics.
For fall 2021, VGA will address content taught in the previous school year. The purpose of this fall's VGA is to identify potential learning gaps resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no "passing" or "failing" outcome for the VGA. Results will provide a starting point to measure growth and offer information about areas of strength and development in reading and mathematics.
Students enrolled in grades 3-8 will take an assessment in both reading and mathematics. Click here to access the Parent Notification Letter.
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Tuesday |
Wednesday |
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Friday |
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9/27
4th Reading
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9/28
3rd Reading
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9/29
5th Reading
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9/30
3rd Math
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10/1
5th Math
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10/4
4th Math
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10/5
6th Reading
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10/6
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10/7
6th Math
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10/8
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Cafeteria Volunteers Needed
Please consider volunteering in our cafeteria this week. No training required, we will give you a bucket with condiments, etc. to pass out as kids raise their hands for help. Monday-Friday, 10:30 - 1:30 p.m. If you're interested in a paid position, please send your resume to Amanda McCabe at anmccabe@fcps.edu.
If you are interested in volunteering this week, please click here to sign up. Hope to see you in the cafeteria!
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PTA Membership Drive
The PTA has started the fall membership drive and is encouraging all families to sign up. The PTA is an excellent way to support the students and teachers, which we do through a variety of activities including Staff Appreciation week, building upgrades, books and games to teachers, Read Across America activities, etc. Plus, the PTA has several specials for the summer and fall sign ups. Sign up by 9/30 to be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card. Sign up here.
Upcoming Clubs
WSES has several clubs that are currently recruiting new members! Interested families may sign up by clicking on any of the links below.
Jump Rope Club
Virtual Math Club Grades 5/6
Zumba
Science Olympiad
Virtual Auction
The PTA has started planning for our virtual auction in November. We would like to reach out to the community for donations for the event. No donation is too small and all is greatly appreciated. Donations are tax deductible. Companies that donate will be featured on our Facebook page and in PTA newsletters. Please contact president@willowspringspta.net for more information.
Fall Volunteer Opportunities
Are you interested in participating more hands on with PTA? Whatever your passion and whatever your time availability, we have a place for you. Only with your support, the PTA can provide more opportunities for fun and learning for our children and maximize assistance to our teachers. Sign up here.
September Restaurant Night
The first restaurant night of the school year will be on 9/20 at On the Border at Fair Oaks Mall. Restaurant Nights are a great way to see your friends, make new ones, and take a break from making dinner. They are also a vital fundraiser for the PTA, helping to pay for a variety of events for the school, such as staff appreciation week and field trips. We can’t wait to see you there.
October Restaurant Night
In October, we’ll be hosting a restaurant night on 10/19 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Fair Lakes Chick-Fil-A, 4516 Fair Knoll Dr. Fairfax, VA 22033. Back by popular demand, we’ll be having the 2021 Nugget Eating contest again. Show us that you can eat more chick’n!
November Restaurant Night
November is a good month for pizza. We’ll have a restaurant night with Fairfax Vocelli’s on 11/6 from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Glow Party
The PTA is planning the glow party for 10/22. Do you have supplies we could borrow or donations for the event? We are looking for black lights, decorations, neon poster board, neon duct tape, lava lamps, and anything that glows, like glow necklaces, glow bracelets, blinky rings, etc. Please contact president@willowspringspta.net if you can help.
Know a student who needs volunteer hours? We need volunteers, sign up here. Volunteer service hours credit will be given.
Harris Teeter Together in Education Sign Up
Super easy fundraising for PTA. Link your VIC card to our school today with code 6390. Link online, through the HT app or in store at checkout. We currently have 2 people signed up (one being me/PTA President.) Sign up out of town family or friends! PTA earned $40 last year from the program, hoping to earn more this year!
Coke Gives
Super easy fundraising! Send in your Coke lids, cardboard carton codes and plastic wrapper codes to school. PTA can earn up to .38 per item!
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