Willow Springs Elementary School News and Information

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


March 20, 2023


Boosterthon

Friday was full of fun and smiles as our students participated in the Boosterthon Fun Run. Our administrators camped out on the roof and cheered on our foxes all day. We are a #WillowPride community!


Dear Willow families,

We are writing to express our heartfelt gratitude for the fantastic success of our Boosterthon fundraiser last week. Thanks to your generous contributions and support, we raised over $56,000 for our school, which will go a long way in supporting our students, staff, and community.

In addition to March being Women's History Month, it is also Disability Awareness Month, and we are proud to be participating in various activities and events to celebrate and raise awareness for these important causes. Tomorrow, we will be "rocking our socks" for World Down Syndrome Day, and we encourage everyone to join us in showing their support and solidarity.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, we are proud to share that Assistant Principal Lesley Hassen, former Division 1 student-athlete on the George Mason University Softball Team, is featured in a Title IX video for the City of Fairfax Commission of Women. The video celebrates the impact of Title IX and its importance in giving women equal opportunities in athletics and the professional environment. You can check the video out HERE. (You can listen to Ms. Hassen at 25:25 in the video.) 

Finally, we look forward to seeing our WSES community this Tuesday for our monthly PTA meeting and on Friday, March 24, as our WSES PTA hosts our Spirit Night. Our Spirit Night is an evening you won't want to miss. Students will showcase their talents while our staff competes in a friendly basketball game at Centreville High School.

We look forward to seeing our families there! 

Thank you,

Dylan Taylor, Principal

Lesley Hassen, Assistant Principal

Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal

 


Boosterthon Recap

Boosterthon Thank You

Please hear us say a HUGE “Thank you!” to our students, staff, and donors for this incredible Willow Springs Fun Run fundraiser.

Here are our final stats:

  • We raised over $56,000 for field trips, teacher support, and free community events. This will directly impact our students and staff!
  • Our students crushed the Shamrock Fun Run!
  • We celebrated our community coming together and created unforgettable memories at our Willow Springs Fun Run event.

Thank you for your support of our school. We’re grateful for our Willow Springs Elementary community!

P.S. Giving will remain open for one more week. If you’d like to continue to give and share, head to MYBOOSTER.COM today.


Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day on Tuesday, March 21

WDSD

On Tuesday, March 21 we will raise awareness for Down Syndrome by wearing fun socks! Individuals who have Down Syndrome have an extra (3rd/ “Tri”) Chromosome on the 21st pair of chromosomes. Instead of having 46 total chromosomes, individuals with Down Syndrome have 47. Individuals with Down Syndrome have varying degrees of developmental disabilities and certain recognizable physical features. The idea of wearing mismatched/crazy socks was started several years ago by a man with Down Syndrome because chromosomes under the microscope are shaped like knee socks. Please also consider viewing these videos, “Just Like You- Down Syndrome” and “More Alike Than Different” for more information.


PTA Meeting - Tuesday, March 21

PTA image

Our March PTA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21 from 6:45 - 8 p.m. in the Willow Springs Elementary School library.

Please click HERE to join our meeting via Zoom.


WSES Spirit Night - Friday, March 24

PTA  Spirit Night

It's back and it's going to be great!

Our Spirit Night will take place Friday, March 24 at Centreville High School. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the program starts at 6:30 p.m. Centreville Athletic Boosters will be selling concessions and the WSES PTA will be selling Spiritwear.

It's going to be a great night that you won't want to miss - color presentation by Cub Scout pack 1858, national anthem by the Orchestra, performance from our Fox Ropers AND the Faculty Basketball game.

Come cheer on your teachers and faculty! Who do you think will win?

Introducing your team rosters: BLUE VS GREEN

Teams Green and Blue

Picture Day Volunteers Needed - Wednesday, March 29

Are you interested in volunteering on March 29? Click HERE for a great opportunity for parents, grandparents, and family members to become helpers to ensure a fun and flawless Picture Day at Willow Springs. Here are some of the things volunteers do to make sure every photo turns out great:

  • Organization: Volunteers assist with getting children to the gym on time and orderly.
  • Clothing: Make sure shoes are tied, buttons are buttoned, and collars lie flat.
  • Accessories: Straighten hair clips and ensure jewelry clasps are behind the neck.
  • Hair and face: Check that hair is neat and that noses and faces are clean.

***Each volunteer will receive a $25 credit voucher toward your child's pictures***


Willow Springs Elementary School Renovation Community Meeting is Rescheduled

The community meeting at Willow Springs Elementary School on March 22, 2023 @ 6:30 p.m. is being rescheduled.

Learn more about the Willow Springs Elementary School renovation project.


Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

Kindergarten class playing

There’s an easy five-step process outlined for parents looking to register their child for kindergarten:

  1. Determine eligibility. 
  2. Identify your local school. 
  3. Fill out the Intake Form on the Student Registration Page on the Willow Springs Website.
  4. Gather documents. 
  5. Fill out forms. 

After the forms and supporting documentation are received at the school, the student will be enrolled and ready to apply for  Bridge to Kindergarten, or any other introductory event hosted at Willow Springs. Read more about the registration process


Yearbook Sales and Cover Design

WSES Yearbook

Yearbooks are on sale now! Only $26. Hardcover. 

Don't wait to order your yearbook. This year's yearbook is even more special because our new yearbook club is designing and putting the yearbook together. Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and use our school code: 25528

Is your child interested in designing this year's yearbook cover? Click HERE to learn more! Artwork is due no later than March 28.


WSES Watch D.O.G.S.

Watch DOGS

We are excited to see new and familiar Watch D.O.G.S. in the building! Please click on the link to learn more about the Watch D.O.G.S. program here at Willow Springs and sign up for a time to volunteer in your child's class.

Please reach out to Jason Fullen with any specific questions. 


Celebrating Arts in Our Schools

Arts in Our Schools

The Council for Art Education (CFAE) administers Youth Art Month. Youth Art Month encourages support for quality school art programs, and promotes art material safety. The program provides a medium for recognizing skills developed through visual arts experiences unlike any other curriculum subjects, including:

  • Problem solving
  • Creativity
  • Observation
  • Communication

Art shows, special exhibits, fundraisers, and school and community activities take place annually, traditionally during March, to celebrate visual art education for grades K-12.

March has also been designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®), the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community, and to display the benefits that school music brings to students of all ages.


Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

Students at graduation in cap and gown

This year, spring break is April 3-7. We will be eager to welcome your children back in school on Monday, April 10. Their attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong. Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.


Proposed Updates to Student Rights and Responsibilities

The Department of Special Services will be hosting two virtual meetings for the FCPS community regarding proposed updates to the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Regulation. Please join one of the meetings below via Zoom (click the date to register):

Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the suggested updates and ask questions via Zoom Chat. Language interpretation will be available in Spanish. A certified deaf interpreter will be available as well. 

Beginning Monday, March 20, families and staff will also be able to provide feedback on proposed updates to the SR&R via a short survey. Please stay tuned for details. Visit FCPS’ website for more information


Community Meeting on the Dangers of Fentanyl

Opioid graphic

Monday, March 13, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid and Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis hosted nearly 400 families, staff, and community members for a conversation on the dangers of fentanyl. During this impactful event, audience members heard testimonials from individuals affected by the opioid epidemic and learned facts from medical experts and law enforcement representatives.  The conversation will continue on Monday, April 24, with our next community meeting on the critical topic of fentanyl danger and opioid awareness. More information is coming soon. Visit our Opioid Awareness webpage for updates as they become available. Visit the Fairfax County Government webpage on opioids for information on how you can take action and how to get help for yourself or loved ones.


FCPS Strategic Plan

Students in front of mural

Virtual Strategic Planning Community Forums Coming Soon

FCPS is hosting a virtual community forum to discuss the first draft of proposed goals for the new Strategic Plan. Forums are scheduled for:

  • Monday, April 10, at noon.
  • Tuesday, April 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (in Spanish).
  • Monday, April 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. 

FCPS Strategic Planning Survey Closes March 20

If you haven’t already, please take a moment to share your perspectives on the current draft of FCPS’ new Strategic Plan. Your input is important to this work and will help ensure a thriving future for each and every FCPS student.

Parents and caregivers of current FCPS students, please check your email for a message from FCPS dated Tuesday, March 14. For community members who do not currently have a student enrolled in FCPS, please use this link to participate. 

All responses are anonymous. Visit our Strategic Planning webpage for more details.


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