Mustang Memo 3.8.24

dog

Sgt. Murdock, Pentagon K9 officer, visited our preschool class with his police dog, Chief!


Note from Dr. Sheers

Thank you for the 80 parents/guardians who completed our WSES Parent/Guardian Survey. The feedback for the school was overwhelmingly positive. There is a strong sense of community, active student engagement, and a commitment to student well-being. The project-based learning approach is highly praised for its effectiveness and our staff was celebrated for their focus on kindness, creating a caring environment, and making a significant impact on our students. The overall school culture is described as fun, safe, and inclusive, contributing to a positive learning environment.

The survey identified four main themes, prompting the staff and I to delve into addressing barriers and enhancing performance in three crucial areas:

  1. Enhancing communication regarding specials and understanding students' grades
  2. Enhancing overall communication on student achievement
  3. Ensuring consistency in conference accessibility
  4. Determining optimal support for teachers and classrooms dealing with recurring student behavior challenges.

Moving forward, our attention will be directed towards identifying actionable steps in these four areas. We will collaborate with our Parent DEI Committee, Parent Engagement Walk Through Committee, PTA and staff to find ways to support and improve the mentioned areas for growth and appreciate your feedback. 


Important Information

Pi Day Donations
We invite you to join in the celebration of Pi Day (3.14.24) with our team! We'd love your assistance in making this day special by contributing some delicious pies on Thursday, March 14. If you can drop off a pie in the morning or the day before, it would be greatly appreciated! Feel free to sign up using the link provided, and we sincerely thank you in advance for your generosity!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4BA4AF2CAB9-48437531-piday31424#/

Theft
We have received two reports of bicycle/scooter theft. Please make sure your child is locking up their bike/scooter. Each bike has a unique serial number which helps identify that particular bike. Record the serial number of your bike, which is usually stamped underneath the bottom bracket of the frame. Other places it could be located are the chain stays, headset or seat tube so that this can be shared with the police when filing a report.

FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form
On Monday, March 18, West Springfield parents/guardians and staff will be sent an email containing a link to complete the online FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the VDOE-mandated Performance Evaluation Program for principals and offers parents/guardians and staff an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various topics related to our school. These topics include how the principal demonstrates/impacts instructional leadership, school climate, management, communication and community relations, culturally responsive and equitable leadership, and professionalism within the school.

The questionnaire will be administered between March 18 and April 5. When you receive an email from FCPS Surveys, please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire.

Two Pyramid Art Shows This Year!
Congratulations to our creative and talented Mighty Mustang artists who have been selected to have their artwork displayed in the West Springfield Pyramid Art Shows this year!  Several WSES artists, along with artists from surrounding elementary schools, Irving Middle School and West Springfield High School, will have art displayed at both the Workhouse Arts Center as well as West Springfield High School.  Students that have art displayed will receive a paper invitation with their name on it. 

Reception information:

  • Workhouse Arts Center: Saturday, March 9th from 6-8pm
  • West Springfield High School: Thursday, April 4th from 5-8pm

Read Across America - Book Character Parade
Our Book Character Parade will take place during our Read-in Day on Friday, March 22nd at 9:30!  If your child chooses to participate, please send your child to school wearing a costume of their favorite book/character, with a copy of the book to carry in the parade.

Children should bring a change of clothes in their backpack for after the parade if their costume is uncomfortable. 

All costumes must be school appropriate (no scary costumes, masks or weapons are allowed).  

Parents are invited to assemble along the track on the upper field to view the parade at 9:30 a.m.

Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Screening for Subject Specific (Level II) and Part-Time (Level III) Services
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners. Screening for Subject Specific (Level II) and Part-Time (Level III) Services Students can be screened for subject specific and part time AAP services at any time in the school year.

In the spring, schools review data on all students to determine services for the start of the next school year.

  • Parents or guardians can initiate the screening process by submitting the AAP School-Based Services (Level II-III) Referral Form to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) or Assistant Principal by April 15, annually.
  • The AAP School-Based Services (Level II-III) Referral Form may be found here or by searching “AAP Forms” at https://www.fcps.edu/.
  • Parents or guardians who submit a referral will be notified by our elementary school of their student’s eligibility status by early June.

Please see the AAP Spring Newsletter for more information. If you have any questions, please contact Caryn Seiler, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at csseiler@fcps.edu.

New Date For Yearbook Orders!!!
You can order your yearbook through April 19th. Keep your order number 21854 handy when you log on. All orders are due by Friday, April 19, 2024, and can be placed online: https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/

Tutor.com Can Help With More Than Homework
Tutor.com offers more than help with homework! This on-demand tutoring service also provides a comprehensive range of resources. Students can take practice quizzes at any time. If they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately connect to a live tutor for help through voice or chat options. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com webpage.

Parent Volunteers
WSES is fortunate to have individuals, groups, and organizations who contribute time and energy to students as volunteers. Because student safety is of utmost importance, we ask that our volunteers complete the following prior to volunteering:


March 18 - 22 Spirit Week

spirit week

Rising Kindergarten Families

k

We are excited to begin thinking about 2024-2025!  Do you have a child at home who will be five by September 30th?  Please start your registration now by filling out this intake form.

If you have any neighbors with little ones, please send this information to them as well.  This form simply collects initial information to help us plan for staffing for the next school year.  

Kindergarten Orientation - Tuesday, April 2nd from 3:00 – 4:00 pm

💻 Try Online Registration

Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process

When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account. Please note that passwords should be more than 12 characters long. If you have an existing account and your password is shorter, please update it when you log in.


Save the Date

Tuesday, March 12 - PTA Science Expo

Thursday, March 21 - Spring Portraits and Class Groups

Friday, March 22 - Book Character Parade (9:30 am) and Read-in Day

 


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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

ይህንን ዜና መፅሄት በሌሎች ቋንቋዎች ለማንበብ፤ እባክዎን ድረ ገፃችንን ይጎብኙ

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔