For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the Willow Springs website.
April 2, 2023
Congratulations to Ashvin Saini, Bailey Maltese, and Yaesung Kim. They are this year's winners of The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) and JASON Learning 2022-2023 Annual Youth Recycling Video and Poster contest. These three students and their 5th-grade teacher, Ms. Williams, will be honored at the national convention in Nashville, TN, April 17-18. We are excited to celebrate them when they return! #WillowPride
Dear Willow families,
As we begin spring break, we are reminded of the tragedy in Nashville this past week. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this terrible event. We want to take this opportunity to reassure you that we take the safety of our students and staff very seriously. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that our school is a secure and safe environment. We will continue working with all stakeholders to ensure our students are always protected.
We hope our families have the opportunity to relax and spend quality time with loved ones this week. Spring Break is a time to unwind and recharge, and we encourage our students to enjoy the break to its fullest.
When we return to school on Monday, April 10, we have many exciting things planned for our students. Fun events are on the calendar, including the Mason softball game, Student Innovation Expo, spirit week, field trips, Field Day, and more.
We are grateful for our students, staff, families, and community. Together, we can continue to create a positive and nurturing environment for our students. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you after the break.
Enjoy your time off, have fun, and stay safe!
Thank you,
Dylan Taylor, Principal
Lesley Hassen, Assistant Principal
Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal
Introducing the Willow Waves Podcast
We are introducing Willow Waves, the exciting new podcast created by Willow Springs Elementary School students! Join us as we explore various topics, from geothermal energy to plastic-free futures, International Women's History Day, and everything in between. With engaging and insightful conversations, our K-6 students are leading in amplifying their voices and sharing their stories with the world. Our podcast provides a unique opportunity for authentic learning and encourages our students to develop their communication and critical thinking skills. Each episode is packed with fascinating insights and thought-provoking discussions that will leave you inspired and informed. So, please tune in to Willow Waves on our WSES YouTube channel and be a part of the conversation as we continue to showcase the incredible talent and creativity of our students, staff, and community.
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WSES Spring Break Office Hours
The WSES staff wishes everyone a happy and relaxing Spring Break. We encourage you to take this break to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate truly.
During this break, we encourage you to spend quality time with family and friends, engage in activities that bring you joy or enjoy the peace of well-deserved rest.
The WSES main office will be open Monday, April 3, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
The main office will be closed from April 4-7.
If you need assistance, please email Amanda McCabe at anmccabe@fcps.edu
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What to Expect After Portrait Day
- Shortly after we return from Spring Break, parents will have the option to order online. Victor O’Neill Studios is pleased to offer free shipping once images are online for two weeks.
- WSES will notify you and our community when images are ready to be viewed.
- Please direct questions regarding picture day or online ordering to selennon@fcps.edu.
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Support the Mason Softball Team on Sunday, April 16
Month of the Military Child Spirit Week
Join us by showing your spirit April 17-21 as we celebrate the month of the military child.
WSES Student Innovation Expo 2023 - April 18
WSES Student Innovation Expo 2023
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Event Open to public – 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Investigate 30+ Student Passion Projects Discover Wellness exploration with family portraits, animals, music, art, and more!
Volunteer Hours 5 - 7 p.m.
Volunteers Needed!
Student Facilitator Sessions 6 - 7 p.m.
Student Facilitator Request Form
This is a free, student-centered outreach event, hosted by Willow Springs Elementary School for our families and community! More than 30+ student volunteers have agreed to facilitate sessions and showcase "passion projects" that will engage families in learning and creativity!
Fairfax Pyramid Wellness & Safety Fair - April 25
WSES SOL Schedule for Grade 3-6
The WSES SOL tests schedule is listed above by grade level. If you have questions about state assessments, contact your child’s teacher or Ipsa Stringer, the school test coordinator.
Stay Connected - Parent Resources
Screen Activity Reports - Did you know? Parents can get information about their child's activity on their FCPS laptops. Sign up to receive a weekly Parent Report from Lightspeed, our internet content filtering service, listing the top sites the child visited that week.
Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports Lightspeed Report Request Portal.
Parent SIS(ParentVue) & Schoology Accounts
SIS ParentVue Account provides access to your child's student information, including attendance, report cards, class schedules, grade book (for Middle and High School students), course history, discipline, health, and school information. You can also update your child's Emergency Care Information through weCare @ school.
Schoology Parent Account provides access to view your child's courses, groups, assignments, and calendar. Parents can also check messages, adjust their notification settings, and access additional groups or courses if they are enrolled as members.
Directions to create/activate your Parent Accounts
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Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…
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:
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WSES Farmer's Market
The Farmer’s Market will return to the blacktop from 4-4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 14!
They will also join us at our Student Innovation Expo on Tuesday, April 18.
The Farmer’s Market is always looking for volunteers – please contact cfishermalte@fcps.edu if you’re interested!
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Yearbook Sales and Cover Design
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.
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.
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Proposed Updates to Student Rights and Responsibilities
The Department of Special Services will host a virtual meeting for the FCPS community regarding proposed updates to the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) regulation on Monday, April 10, from 6 to 7 p.m.
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. Please register online.
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Community Meeting on the Dangers of Fentanyl
Last month, the division hosted 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, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Woodson High School. Transportation will be available from select schools throughout the county. View the registration page for details.
Visit our Opioid Awareness webpage for more information. 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.
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Strategic Planning Virtual Community Forums
We are excited to show you the most recent version of proposed goals for the new Strategic Plan. Join us for a virtual community forum and see how your survey feedback has helped inform the latest draft of the plan. Community forums are open to parents/caregivers, staff, students, and community members. Please register by clicking on one of the following dates:
We appreciate your continued involvement throughout every step of this important process. Together, we will help ensure a thriving future for each and every FCPS student. Visit our Strategic Planning webpage.
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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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April 3-7 Spring Break - No School
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April 13 End of the Third Quarter (2-hour early release at 2 p.m.)
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April 14 Student Holiday (Teacher Work Day)
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April 16 George Mason Softball Game at 1 p.m. at the Mason Softball Complex
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April 17-21 Month of the Military Child Spirit Week
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April 18 WSES Student Innovation Night from 5:30-7 p.m.
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April 18 PTA Meeting at 7 p.m. in the library or via Zoom
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April 19 Purple Up Day! (Military Child Appreciation)
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April 19 Fairfax Pyramid Art Show from 6:30-8 p.m. at Fairfax HS
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April 21 School Holiday - Eid al Fitr
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April 25 Fairfax Pyramid Wellness & Safety Fair from 6-8 p.m. at Fairfax HS
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April 27 Field Day (April 28 - Rain Date)
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April 27 Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Level IV Orientation from 5-6:30 p.m.
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May 3 Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day
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May 5 Yearbook Order Deadline
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