Mustang Memo 9.6.24

green team

Our Green Team has started planting! Excited to see our Sensory Garden bloom!


Note from Dr. Sheers 

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Back to School Night on September 19. This event is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet your child's teachers, learn about the curriculum for the year, and gain insights into the daily routines and expectations.

What to Expect:

  • Classroom Visits: Meet the teachers and see where your child spends their day.
  • Curriculum Overview: Learn about the key subjects and activities your child will be engaging in.
  • Q&A Sessions: Ask any questions you may have about the school year.

Times:

  • 5:30 - 6:15 Kindergarten and First Grade
  • 6:15 - 7:00 Second, Third Grade and Fourth Grade
  • 7:00 - 7:45  Fifth and Sixth Grade

Required Back to School Actions

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 into 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.

https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/technology/digital-resources/consent 


News and Notes

2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities 
FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30

You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.

🎤 Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns regarding Fairfax County Public Schools. Your voice matters! Community Conversations will be held this Fall 6:30-7:30 p.m. on:

  • Monday, September 9, at Holmes Middle School 
  • Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
  • Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary 
  • Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary 
  • Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary 
  • Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle 

Click the date above to register. Registration is not required but helps with planning. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s This Week at FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid

Donations Requested - Thank you!
We are looking for the following donations to support our students and/or staff:

  • Board Games - Gently used games such as board games, cards, uno, etc. Please drop off the office.
  • K Coffee Cups and Candy - A caffeinated staff, is a happy staff! And, they love a sweet treat as a pick me up throughout the day. Please drop off any K-Cup or candy donations to the office.

Back to School Night
Please secure a babysitter and plan accordingly for our Back to  School Night on Thursday, September 19.

Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome parent volunteers in the classroom and school in a variety of capacities (i.e. guest reader, library helper, cafeteria helper, assist during Language Arts, etc.). If you have any interest in volunteering, please let me know when and in what capacity you can help by filling out this Google Form. All volunteers must review the WSES Volunteer Procedures and complete the agreement form before volunteering.

Parent Handbook
Our Parent Handbook is linked here with frequently asked questions on our website here.

School Picture Day
School Picture Day is coming Friday, September 20, 2024.  Picture day serves as an opportunity to capture your child’s current grade in school.  Each child will be photographed, but if your child is out there will be a makeup/retake day.  A pre-order link will be shared soon, and you will have the opportunity to order before or after picture day.


Resource Reminders

Submit Absences
Parents can submit daylong absences through SIS ParentVUE. Log in and click “Report Absence.” Note: Partial day absences and changes of transportation should still be reported directly to the school front office. 

Don’t Have a SIS ParentVUE Account Yet? Contact our school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage

New Attendance Reporting Feature Launching in ParentVUE 
How to Report an Absence Through ParentVUE

Student Lunch
Online payment for student fees and school store items are available through the MySchoolBucks School Store. 

Free and Reduced Meals
Families can apply here.

FCPS policy on Smart Watches and Cell Phones in elementary school is the following:

  • Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Cell phones may be used on campus before and after school only.
  • Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
  • Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency.
  • With the approval of the principal or their designee, teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool; however, one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs.

Family Liaison Resources

By Andrea Howard

As your family liaison, my goal is to keep you informed about the valuable resources, events, and family engagement opportunities available through WSES, FCPS, and the community.

If you have questions about navigating the school, learning about FCPS resources, or getting your student set up for success, I'm here to help. Please email or call 703-912-4409 to set up an appointment. 

Visit the WSES Family Liaison homepage for additional information and resources.


Save the Date

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

Friday, September 20 - Fall Picture Day

Wednesday,  October 9 - Walk to School Day


 WSES 3-Hour Early Release Mondays:

  • September 16
  • October 21
  • November 18
  • February 10
  • March 10
  • April 21
  • May 12