Willow Springs Elementary School News and Information

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.

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.

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

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***

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!