Note from Dr. Sheers
As we step into a brand new school year, let's embrace the excitement of new beginnings, fresh opportunities, and endless possibilities. Whether you’re returning to familiar faces or new, we look forward to supporting you and your child(ren) shine, grow, and achieve great things.
Let’s make this year the best one yet—full of learning, laughter, and lots of success!
During the first week of school, parents are welcome to escort their child to their classroom if they choose.
Let’s make it a fantastic year!
The 3-Hour Early Release Mondays - Deadline Monday
We assume students are going home, but to ensure our students are safe, we need to confirm with you!
Please complete this form: https://forms.gle/QtwXRPatfmc727h29 for each of your children who are enrolled at West Springfield Elementary. The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 16, 2024 and October 21, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms.
Since our instructional staff will be in professional development and will not be available, so we need to plan for student supervision and ask that you complete the survey by Monday, August 19.
Online Verification Update (OVU)
The 2024-25 Online Verification/Update (OVU) packet is available in ParentVue. Please log in to ParentVue to verify your student’s emergency contact information. Instructions and detailed information are available at the following sites: SIS ParentVUE Online Verification/Update (OVU) Packet. Parents should contact the school directly for data corrections that they are not able to update or submit a Parent Support Request ticket for technical assistance in ParentVUE.
Parent Digital Consent
Student consent forms currently on ParentVUE were moved to the Parent Digital Consent System (PDC).
Families can log in to the PDC using their ParentVUE credentials to complete consent forms assigned to their child. School staff will have access to view consent status and edit consent with permission from the family.
Forms available in the PDC starting in the 2024-2025 school year include:
- School Counseling Opt-Out
- Digital Resources Consent
- SEL Screener Opt-Out
- Consent for Release of Student Records in Support of Postsecondary Applications
- Denial of Access to Military Recruiters
- Family Life Education Opt-Out
- SOL Retest Permission
- Hazel Health
- BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Opt-Out
- SOS Screener Opt-Out
- Objection to Release of Information to Outside Organizations
- Objection to Release of Directory Information to the Public
https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/technology/digital-resources/consent
Student Arrival
Parents are welcome to walk their child(ren) to their classroom the first week of school. As a reminder, doors open at 8:45 a.m. Students should not arrive before 8:40 a.m. as there is no adult supervision until then. We do not have a Kiss and Ride. If you are driving, please make sure you park in the neighborhood, legally, and walk your student to school.
New Attendance Reporting Feature Launching in ParentVUE for 2024-25 School Year
FCPS is excited to announce an important update beginning with the start of the 2024-25 school year. Parents and caregivers will have the option to submit their student’s attendance directly through ParentVUE starting the first day of school, August 19, 2024. ParentVUE offers a more secure and reliable platform for managing students' attendance information. How to Report an Absence Through ParentVUE
FCPS Family Vision Group - Parent Volunteers Requested
The FCPS Family Vision Group, spearheaded by Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid aims to bring parents and caregivers together to share diverse perspectives, ensuring that FCPS continues to provide the best possible education for every student.
The Family Vision Group is an essential part of our 2023-2030 Strategic Plan, focusing on excellence, equity, and opportunity. Members will engage in meaningful conversations with Dr. Reid and other stakeholders, providing input on major topics that impact our schools.
This fall, Dr. Reid will kick off this year’s Family Vision Group, and we need two parent or caregiver representatives from each school and program.
We are seeking WSES parent representation to ensure that the voices of all FCPS students are heard.
Key Responsibilities:
- Participate in regular meetings with Dr. Reid to discuss important educational issues.
- Act as a liaison between your school community and FCPS leadership.
- Help support the Superintendent's outreach efforts.
- Commit to advocating for the interests of every student in our schools.
Details:
- Meetings will be held every other month, beginning in September.
- Childcare, language interpretation, and transportation will be provided as needed.
Please email Kelly Sheers if you are interested in serving on the committee.
Student Lunch
Online payment for student fees and school store items are available through the MySchoolBucks School Store. This online payment service provides a quick and easy way to pay for school-related purchases. You will be able to pay for a variety of school fees using credit/debit cards or electronic checks.
Free and Reduced Meals
Families who earn less than 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible for free meals and those with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of poverty level qualify for reduced-price meals. Families can apply here.
Year at a Glance
Find out what your child will learn throughout the school year by reviewing FCPS' Year at a Glance.
Community Flyer Distribution
West Springfield Elementary School offers the opportunity for nonprofit organizations to make their materials available to students and parents. Fliers will be sent home in student’s backpacks. Fliers, sorted into 24 groups of 25, need to be at the school by 12:00 p.m. on the Friday before the below date.
For more information, review here.
At this time of year, we often receive complaints from our neighbors about parking and driving behaviors when visiting the school (just yesterday, I received one with a picture of a car blocking a mailbox). Let's work together to respect our neighbors, ensure the safety of our students, and follow the rules outlined below:
- If you are a walker, please walk. This helps reduce the amount of traffic to and from school.
- Do not block driveways or mailboxes when parking and visiting the school.
- There is no Kiss and Ride and our parking lot is full. If driving and visiting, you must park in the neighborhood.
- Do not make U-Turns in the middle of the road.
- Please honor the speed limit.
- Do not stop and drop your child on the side of the road. You must pull over first if you choose to do so.
Save the Date
Friday, August 23 - PTA Ice Cream Social
Friday, August 30 and Monday, September 1 - Student Holiday
Monday, September 16 - Three Hour Early Release at 12:30 pm
Thursday, September 19 - Back to School Night (adult only)
- 5:30 - 6:15 Kindergarten and First Grade
- 6:15 - 7:00 Second, Third Grade and Fourth (*time change for 4th)
- 7:00 - 7:45 Fifth and Sixth Grade
WSES 3-Hour Early Release Mondays:
- September 16
- October 21
- November 18
- February 10
- March 10
- April 21
- May 12
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