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For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the Willow Springs website.
January 6, 2023
 3rd-graders enjoy math games with Ms. Eichinger during Math Workshop rotations. #WillowPride
Dear Willow families,
We hope this email finds you well. We wanted to take a moment to reflect on the week and share some updates with you.
First and foremost, we are thrilled to see the students back in our classrooms and to hear the energy and excitement in the hallways. It was a great first week back from winter break, and we are grateful to have such a dedicated and talented staff who worked hard to ensure a smooth transition for our students.
We also wanted to let you know that the Student Council Association (SCA) met this week. The SCA plays a vital role in representing the student body and providing opportunities for leadership and service. We are excited to see what projects and spirit days/weeks the SCA will undertake throughout the rest of the year.
We hope you have a wonderful weekend. As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Dylan Taylor, Principal
Lesley Hassen, Assistant Principal
Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal
Mason Basketball Offer - Monday, January 16
 Click on the image above or click here for more information.
Capital Improvement Projects
Building and Renovation Plan Focuses on High Quality Facilities
Fairfax County Public Schools outlined plans to build three new elementary schools and to acquire land that will be used for a new high school during the School Board meeting on December 15.
Other projects include three new and/or repurposed school facilities, the renovation of 25 schools, and the relocation of modular buildings. Timelines for capital projects will be posted on CIP project web pages, where you can follow the progress of each approved project.
The proposed CIP will be discussed at the January 10 School Board work session. A public hearing is scheduled for January 12. The School Board is scheduled to take action on February 9. Read more in the CIP news release.
School Improvements Supported by County Bonds
Capital projects reflect a $205 million investment approved by Fairfax County voters in the November 2021 bond referendum.
Funding allocations to FCPS from bond sales have increased in recent years due to positive collaboration and partnerships between the Joint CIP Committee of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the School Board. FCPS appreciates the continued support from Fairfax County leadership.
Voters will have the opportunity to approve additional bond funding for school projects included in the CIP in November 2023, which will support the division’s ability to continue to work through construction and renovation needs.
Youth Substance Use Presentations
 Substance Use Presentations
FCPS is dedicated to providing parents and community members with the most accurate and up-to-date information on youth substance use, prevention, addiction, interventions and available supports. Please join us and our partners from the Fairfax County Police Department and Community Services Board as we discuss these topics as well as the ongoing opioid crisis. Attendees will walk away with an understanding of:
- Alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioid.
- List what you can do as a caregiver.
- How to identify and connect with community resources.
Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
SEPTA, the Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association, was created to empower and connect families, students, and educators to ensure students with disabilities develop their full potential as individuals and community members. Learn more or become a member on the SEPTA website.
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is a state mandated Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). Parents/guardians, students, teachers, administrators, staff, and others interested in special education at FCPS are welcome and encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and/or public comment related to the unmet needs of students with disabilities.
FCPS’ Office of Special Education Procedural Support provides guidance to staff, families, and students in areas related to the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
Families of students in special education programs can find more resources in the Special Education Handbook for Parents. (Translations are available from the Parent Resource Center (PRC).)
The PRC offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Their YouTube channel includes videos of workshops and webinars for families and educators to support student success. Sign up for their newsletter to receive information on upcoming webinars and other resources. Please contact the PRC with any questions at prc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-2941.
Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to parents/caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Staff in the Office of the Ombuds believe that by being transparent and connecting families with available supports and services, children with special needs can equitably access public education.
Contact the ombuds by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
Strategic Planning Community Forums Scheduled
Beginning January 30, FCPS will host a series of community forums as part of our Strategic Plan development process. The schedule and locations for the sessions are posted on FCPS' Strategic Planning webpage. Planning teams, which include a diverse range of voices from the FCPS community, are continuing to review student achievement, access, and survey data; and crafting a collective vision for the school division. Key communicators will soon receive strategic planning materials to share with their groups and networks. Preparations for division wide student focus groups are underway, and there will be opportunities for employees to engage in a survey and “reality check” sessions in the upcoming months. For the latest information, please visit the Strategic Planning web page and check it often.
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FCPS CARES
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for families, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees at Willow Springs Elementary. We love our staff members; let's tell them how we feel!
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Looking Ahead at WSES
Visit our WSES website
2022-23 Standard School Year Calendar
News You Choose
Visit our WSES PTA website
WSES PTA Facebook
WSES Twitter.
WSES Events Calendar
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January 10 Winter Virginia Growth Assessments (3rd and 4th-grade reading)
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January 11 Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (6th-grade advanced math students)
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January 12 Yearbook Candids
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January 13 Yearbook Clubs Picture Day
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January 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
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January 17 Winter Virginia Growth Assessments (4th-grade math)
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January 17 PTA Meeting at 7 p.m.
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January 18 Winter Virginia Growth Assessments (3rd-grade math)
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January 25 2-Hour Early Release and End of the 2nd Quarter
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January 26 Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)
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January 27 Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)
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