Willow Springs Elementary School News and Information

For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the Willow Springs website.


January 15, 2023

Recess Photo

Smiles from our students as we close out a "fox-tastic" week! #WillowPride


Dear Willow families,

We hope everyone had a wonderful week. As we navigate these challenging times, we want to remind everyone of the importance of school safety. We have strict protocols to keep our students and staff safe, and we all must do our part to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. 

One of the most important things you can do to help keep our school safe is to report anything you see or hear that may be concerning. If you see or hear something that doesn't seem right, please let us know immediately. We take all reports seriously and investigate any concerns as quickly as possible. 

Here at Willow Springs, we take pride in the diversity within our Willow community, and we find it necessary to honor and recognize the unique backgrounds that our families bring. Daily instruction in our classroom embeds the importance of cultural appreciation and diversity. We celebrate our student news crew for their efforts in creating this morning's student-led news show that highlighted the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the ongoing fight for civil rights and equality. Their hard work and dedication in educating their peers and staff about the importance of diversity and inclusion inspire us all. This morning's show was a great example of how we can unite as a community to educate and empower one another. Let us continue to celebrate and embrace the diversity within our community and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Additionally, we want to remind everyone that our school has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination. We are a diverse community, and we must respect and value the differences that make us unique. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action as indicated in the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities

As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. This federal holiday honors the life and legacy of one of America's most influential civil rights leaders. Let us take this day to remember the critical work of Dr. King and continue to strive for equality and justice for all. Use this link to learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. 

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Together, we can keep our school safe and inclusive for all. We hope everyone has a beautiful weekend, and we look forward to seeing our children back in our building on Tuesday, January 17.

Thank you,

Dylan Taylor, Principal

Lesley Hassen, Assistant Principal

Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal


Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Monday, January 16

MLK Jr Day

As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. 

Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr.

See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.

FCPS students continue to find incredible ways to serve their community while building Portrait of a Graduate skills such as becoming an ethical and global citizen. FCPS is excited to collaborate again with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service, Saturday, January 14, to Monday, January 16. This service opportunity helps empower individuals and strengthens communities while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Volunteer Fairfax will host several ways for the community to get involved including volunteer activities for students and adults of all ages. To learn more about the MLK Jr. Weekend of Service and the specific service activities, visit Volunteer Fairfax’s website.


Mason Basketball Offer - Monday, January 16

Mason BBall MLK

Click on the image above or click here for more information.


WSES Clubs and Activities

Willow Pride

Please click here to find updated information about our clubs and activities. Registration for various clubs and activities occurs throughout the school year. 

Upcoming club registration:

  • Good News Club

COVID-19 Compensatory Education Plan Meetings for Families of Students with Disabilities

Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to implementing a plan for COVID-19 compensatory education as part of its obligation to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities. Please join us at an informational meeting for parents/guardians and other stakeholders:

Visit our website to see what language interpretation services will be available at each meeting and to learn more about the COVID-19 Compensatory Education Plan.


Tutor.com for Test Prep

Tutor

Did you know Tutor.com can help with more than just homework? This free, on-demand tutoring service also offers a comprehensive range of resources that include exam prep for AP, SAT, and ACT tests. 

Students can take practice quizzes at any time, and if they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately connect to a live tutor through voice or chat options for help. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com website.


Strategic Planning

Strategic Planning

Why Do We Need a Strategic Plan?

The Strategic Planning process is well underway, with the Community Forums beginning in less than three weeks. But why do we need a new strategic plan? 

Similar to a roadmap, a strategic plan clearly defines the best route for us to take in the years ahead to reach our goals. Our students are preparing for careers that don’t exist today. In order to keep pace with these needs, we need to rethink our plans for the future—and how we will best serve our students for this new era. 

Register Now for Community Forums!

Visit our Strategic Planning webpage for the schedule of Community Forums. Register for the one that is most convenient for you and get more information on our exciting Strategic Planning process! 


FCPS CARES

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!


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

  • January 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
  • January 17 Winter Virginia Growth Assessments (4th-grade math)
  • January 17 PTA Meeting at 7 p.m. in the WSES library or via Zoom
  • January 18 Winter Virginia Growth Assessments (3rd-grade math)
  • January 25 2-Hour Early Release and End of the 2nd Quarter

  • January 26 Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)

  • January 27 Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)