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For a translated version of this newsletter, please visit the Willow Springs website.
April 23, 2023
 Our 3rd-grade team kicked off the week wearing yellow to support our troops in honor of the Month of the Military Child. Ms. Martin's 4th-grade class learned about plants alongside Master Gardeners from Fairfax County and 4H. Ms. Stough's 5th-graders used hands-on methods to explore light. #WillowPride
Dear Willow families,
We hope everyone was able to stay warm and dry this weekend. As we close out the weekend, we want to acknowledge the celebration of Earth Day with great enthusiasm and appreciation for our planet. It is the perfect time to reflect and consider ways we can contribute towards a sustainable and healthy environment.
Last week, our students made us proud with their excellent participation in various events, including the WSES Student Innovation Expo, FCPS Global Classroom Fair, and Fairfax Pyramid Art Show. Witnessing our students showcase their talents and diversity at these events was a joy. It was also an honor to celebrate our military children and their sacrifices during our spirit week and throughout the Month of the Military Child.
As we gear up for Field Day this week, let's continue to support our students and encourage them to participate wholeheartedly in this fun-filled event. We understand that SOLs are fast approaching, and our students are working diligently to prepare for them. We are confident in their abilities and encourage them to stay focused and confident as they approach these culminating tests.
As the school year winds down, we still have much in store for our students. We look forward to upcoming events such as additional field trips, end-of-year celebrations, and our 6th-grade promotion. We appreciate the support of our community in these events, and we look forward to celebrating with you.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to an exciting and fulfilling remainder of the school year.
Thank you,
Dylan Taylor, Principal
Lesley Hassen, Assistant Principal
Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal
WSES Highlights from this Week
 Hundreds of families came to our WSES Student Innovation Expo as we promoted our journey to wellness and social-emotional learning through many exciting activities. Thank you to our student presenters for showcasing their passion projects and to our many volunteers who engaged in meaningful interactions with our community.
 We want to give a huge shout-out to 5th-graders Isabelle and Baya for presenting at Tuesday's FCPS Global Classroom Fair. WSES is proud to partner with Romania this year with a focus on climate action. Click here to learn more about the Global Classroom Project at Willow Springs and how our students have utilized our Willow Waves Podcast to amplify their voices.
 Congratulations to our WSES students who had artwork featured at the Fairfax Pyramid Art Show. Click here to see the complete list of WSES students represented.
 We were excited to feature Bailey Maltese, Yaesung Kim, and Ashvin Saini at our Student Innovation Expo as they were streaming live in Nashville, TN, after receiving their award. Click here to view their winning video and to learn more about ISRI and JASON Learning. Thank you to one of our 5th-grade teachers, Ms. Logan Williams, for facilitating their learning and finding engaging opportunities for our students.
Student Portraits are Available Online
Spring Portraits are available to view and order online. All orders include free shipping through Tuesday, April 25.
Click on the image above for viewing and ordering details.
Autism Acceptance Spirit Week - April 24-28
WSES Field Day - April 27
Click the link above to volunteer and click here to visit our website.
Fairfax Pyramid Wellness & Safety Fair - April 25
WSES Homepage
Please remember to visit our WSES homepage often. Updates are made daily to include the following:
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Willow Waves Podcast
Click on the image above to listen and learn more.
Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…
WSES Yearbook Sales
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.
The deadline to order yearbooks is May 5.
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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Tutor.com Services for All Students
Does your student need help with homework or preparing for a test? Don’t forget, FCPS students still have no-cost access to Tutor.com 24/7. Do you have questions about the service? View this FAQ.
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Dangers of Fentanyl
New Event: Fentanyl and Other Drugs in FCPS - A Community Conversation with Free REVIVE! Narcan Training
Last month, FCPS hosted a conversation on the dangers of fentanyl. Most fatal overdoses in Fairfax County in recent years involved fentanyl.
FCPS will hold a second event with new information focused on the opioid crisis in Fairfax County Public Schools. The conversation will continue on Monday, April 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Woodson High School. Families and students will learn how, as a community, we can partner to reduce the impact of these harmful—and often deadly—drugs. All attendees will receive a free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County.
Childcare will be available. Transportation will also 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 get help for yourself or loved ones.
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Register for the Special Education Conference
The FCPS Special Education Conference will take place on Saturday, April 29, from 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. This year's theme is Unity Within Our FCPS Community. Registration is now for this virtual event. Watch this short video to learn more about the event, including guest speakers. We encourage registrants who need language assistance to call the Parent Information Phone Lines.
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Save the Date! Safety and Security Town Hall
On Monday, May 8, FCPS will hold a town hall to discuss our approach to safety and security and the work we do every day to keep our schools safe. FCPS staff and experts will review our risk assessment processes, the physical measures we already have in place to protect our students and staff, pilot programs to detect vaping, and how we communicate and collaborate with our partners when there is an incident at our schools. Please stay tuned for additional details.
ESSER Online Feedback Form
FCPS received Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) Funding in the fall of 2021. The funds are being used to support the safe operation of schools and address the impacts of COVID-19 on students.
ESSER III focus areas include:
- ensuring continuity of learning services and addressing students’ academic needs.
- maintaining the health and safety of students, educators, and other staff.
- addressing student wellness including their social, emotional, mental health, and other needs.
FCPS would like your feedback on how well the school division is responding to the areas above. Please complete this Online Feedback Form, which will be open through Friday, May 5. Your input will inform the School Board and FCPS staff on the community’s view of our work.
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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