Mustang Memo 5.27.22

field day

Thank you to our many parent volunteers, PE teachers and staff for a successful field day!


Note from Dr. Sheers

We want you to know that safety is our highest priority as school leaders and staff, and it is a responsibility that we think about every single day. Hopefully you received our community email on 5.25.22 reviewing our safety protocols as well as the FCPS safety protocols in place to continue to support our students and their safety at West Springfield. Please make sure you enter the school building with your driver's license to ensure a smooth check-in process.

Our school counselors and clinical team are always willing to support any student who may feel anxious or afraid in light of the recent events. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance as needed. 

  • Kimberly O'Connor (school counselor)
  • Jill Wolverton (school counselor)
  • Jen Lynch (social worker)
  • Tessa Dean (school psychologist)

News and Notes

Mustang Night - Reflection
We hope you enjoyed learning about the rich diversity of our Mustangs at Mustang Night! If you have any feedback on our evening as we plan for next year's Mustang Night, please email Dr. Sheers.

Join our New Parent Ambassador Committee!
We are looking for volunteers to serve as Parent Ambassadors for the 2022-2023 school year. At the start of a new school year (and throughout the school year), WSES welcomes many new families from around the world - both near and far - to our school. While our staff is always available to help new families with whatever they may need, sometimes it is helpful for a new family to be connected with another WSES parent who can help answer questions, connect them with local resources, and provide support. By volunteering to be a Parent Ambassador you will help us support our families (both new and returning) by being a valuable link to our school. Please sign up here. Questions? Contact our Family Liaison, Karen Lathrop.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1obpWgl3r31LuzQ4quX1yS2KTRtvjUv2fqFf9O9dHhnc/edit

WSES Panoramic Photo is online! ORDERS DUE TUESDAY!
Any student who has not had a chance to order a Panoramic photo, it’s not too late! All orders using the link below will direct ship to a home address entered at checkout.  https://vando.imagequix.com/g1000911751

6th Grade Panoramic
To place an order for the 6th grade pano, you don’t need an online code just cut & paste the link into a new browser, enter in your email address and Happy Shopping! Free shipping link to Tuesday, May 31, 2022 (close of business) https://vando.imagequix.com/s1259600443

Outdoor Lunch Volunteers
Below is a Sign Up Genius to help monitor our students during outdoor lunch.

Please sign up if you are able to help us out. On days that it is raining, we will eat inside and will not need your help. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B084DACA922AB9-wses

Patrol Application
Is your child a rising 5th or 6th grader and interested in applying to be a patrol for the 2022-23 School Year? Apply here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1L_Dvtiqm8u2EBlppkvKVUnj0zD3uzf-CNaFy8EtS-wA/edit?usp=sharing

Student Score Reports
ParentVUE Document Tab: The following score report letters are centrally published on the dates below which parents can access:


Rising 4/5/6 Music Electives Sign Up

Attention Students in rising grades 4, 5, and 6!
Now is the time to enroll in your music electives for the 2022-2023 school year. Deadline to enroll is Friday, June 10.

Band or Strings (Rising Grades 4, 5, and 6)
In grades 4 – 6, students have the opportunity to start/continue an instrument. Fourth graders can choose strings, Fifth and Sixth graders can choose band OR strings. Students will receive one band/strings class a week. They will still have two general music classes and will not miss any other instruction.

Enroll here: HERE

Important information to know about the music programs:

  • Classes will meet once during specials.
  • This choice is a year-long commitment.
  • Students will be expected to participate in performances.
  • Students are expected to participate fully in class, follow all class rules, and practice regularly to learn their music.
  • Parents of Band and Strings students are expected to rent an instrument for their child.

Choir (Rising 5 and 6)
In grades 5 and 6, students can also join the choir program at West Springfield Elementary! Students have the option to participate in choir while also playing an instrument in either band OR strings. Choir will be held for 30-45 minutes once a week for both 5th and 6th grade students.

  • Students will be responsible for purchasing a choir polo (~$15-18), black pants/skirt and black closed toe shoes.
  • Students are expected to make up schoolwork they miss during instruction when attending weekly chorus.

SIGN UP HERE!

Questions about the programs?
Band Teacher - Leah Hellier at lmbandman@fcps.edu
Strings Teacher – Harlie Krug hikrug@fcps.edu 
Choir Teacher – Sarah Sullivan at sbsullivan@fcps.edu

Please sign up by Friday, June 10! https://forms.gle/qTaNoix8r7E5gY3y9


Parent Resources

FCPS is hosting a new, free webinar for military families on Friday, June 3 from 10:00 – 11:30 am.

Preparing for a Military Move? What Every Military Family Needs to Know

Using tools from her book, “Seasons of My Military Student,” Stacy Allsbrook-Huisman will offer relevant tips and strategies for managing new challenges.

  • Registration and withdrawal process
  • How to use the Education Binder
  • Why goodbyes are important
  • Resources within FCPS for military families

To register for the workshop, use this link: Challenges of the Military Family

Attend free family and educator webinars to learn the latest information to help your child succeed. Find out more here.


Save the Date

Monday, May 30 - Memorial Day (Holiday)

Thursday, June  7 - PTA Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 9 - 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony 10:30 a.m.

Friday, June 10 - Last Day of School/Early Release