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For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the Willow Springs website.
February 8, 2023
 Thank you to Ms. Seminario and Ms. Shelton for all they do for our children and families. Happy National School Counseling Week! #WillowPride
Dear Willow families,
The second quarter is in full gear, and we are excited to share a few updates, celebrations, and events happening next week.
First and foremost, this week is National School Counselor Week, and we want to take a moment to recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of our school counselors, Ms. Seminario and Ms. Shelton. They play a crucial role in supporting our students, and we are grateful for their continued efforts in helping our school community thrive. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.
February also marks Black History Month, and we encourage all members of our school community to learn about and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to our country. There will be learning opportunities and activities throughout the month to help educate our children and community about black history and culture.
Next week is our SCA Spirit Week, and we encourage everyone to participate and show their school spirit by dressing up each day with a different theme. It's a great way to build community and have some fun!
In addition, Monday marks the 100th day of school, a special milestone for our students and staff. To celebrate, our kindergarteners will participate in the annual 100-Day Parade.
Next Tuesday is Valentine's Day which aligns with next week's Positivity Project character strength which is LOVE. We encourage our students to spread love and kindness to those around them.
Finally, on Wednesday, we will have a pep rally in partnership with our adopt-a-school partners, the George Mason Softball Team. The pep rally is an exciting opportunity for our students to meet and interact with the student-athletes who have been visiting our classrooms throughout the first semester.
We are looking forward to a fun and exciting week ahead. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Dylan Taylor, Principal
Lesley Hassen, Assistant Principal
Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal
WSES' Global Classroom and Podcast Studio
 The above photos are pictures taken of our new WSES Podcast Studio. Ms. Williams' 5th-grade classes are participating in the Global Classroom Project. They will utilize our new podcast studio to work with peers worldwide on authentic tasks and challenges. This studio is an excellent opportunity for our WSES students to share their voices and participate in meaningful learning experiences. Thank you to Clawes Carpet in Clifton for donating the carpet for our podcast room. Students made phone calls to obtain donations. Ms. Lennon (SBTS) supported students with writing a script, and Ms. Flaherty (registrar) practiced with them before reaching out to local businesses. Two students were excited that their 7th phone call sealed the deal! The students wrote a thank you card and delivered it to Clawes when they picked up the carpet. We are so excited to share this vision becoming a reality at Willow Springs!
There are always new and exciting things happening at WSES! Remember to check out our Features on the WSES homepage. Some features include the Kindness Campaign and the Winter at WSES.
February is Black History Month
 Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month.
Fairfax High School Pyramid Night Is Back
Mason Basketball - Super Reader - February 11
SCA Presents: Spread the Love Valentine's Spirit Week
WSES Clubs and Activities
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:
The Tech Adventure Camp is also open for registration.
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Filling Your Child’s Emotional Bank Account
Read the latest Healthy Minds blog to understand why relationships are like savings accounts, and how you can help build trust and security with your children.
Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible Students
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to lower internet costs for families with children who have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals within the last 12 months. A qualifying household will receive $30 per month toward internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Families can check their eligibility and register at AffordableConnectivity.gov or by calling 877-384-2575.
Strategic Planning
Share Your Thoughts with Us!
What keeps you optimistic about FCPS? What are your concerns? Answer these and two other questions on our Strategic Plan Feedback Form, and help shape our school division’s future.
Have Your Say on Our Future!
Remaining Strategic Planning Community Forums will take place:
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Wednesday, February 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m., in Spanish, virtual.
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Thursday, February 9, 12 to 1:30 p.m., virtual.
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Saturday, February 11, 9 to 10:30 a.m., virtual.
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Wednesday, February 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at West Springfield High School.
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Thursday, February 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Hunters Woods Elementary School.
Click the date above to register for that forum, or check out the full schedule of Community Forums and register for one that is convenient for you. Childcare will be provided at in-person forums. Language interpretation will be provided, as available, at all events. Please register today.
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Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!
Do you have questions or concerns about Fairfax County Public Schools? The Office of the Ombuds is an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource for employees, parents/caregivers, students, and/or the community. Staff members in the office are eager to listen and assist with navigating the school division. They will also offer options and/or resources to help resolve challenges.
Contact the Office of the Ombuds at 571-423-4014, ombuds@fcps.edu, or via the “Submit a Question” button at www.fcps.edu/ombuds. The team looks forward to serving you!
Find Free COVID-19 Testing in Your Community
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a COVID-19 Testing Locator website, which allows consumers to search for free testing sites near them. Testing is available at pharmacies, commercial laboratory sites, community sites, and retail locations. Results are typically provided within 24-48 hours.
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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February 6-10 National School Counseling Week
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February 9 Frost Family Festival at Frost Middle School from 5:30-7:15 p.m.
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February 10 Fairfax High School Pyramid Night at FHS from 6-8:30 p.m.
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February 13-17 Valentines Spirit Week
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February 15 Mason Softball Pep Rally in the gym (various times during school hours)
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February 15 Beginning Band Concert in the WSES cafeteria from 7-8 p.m.
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February 20 Holiday - Presidents Day
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February 21 PTA Meeting in the WSES Library or via Zoom at 7 p.m.
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March 2 2-hour early release
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March 3 Student Holiday and School Planning Day
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March 10 Boosterthon Fun Run
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