Mustang Memo 10.11.24

bully

Note from Dr. Sheers 

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition. 

Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”

For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school.

If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at West Springfield, please contact school administration so that they can support you and most importantly your student. 


WSES Heritage Night

Heritage Night - October 24
We are excited and proud to host our annual Heritage Night on Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 

There are many ways to be involved in Heritage Night to include showcasing a tradition, your culture and/or talent at our Student Showcase, creating a Heritage Night Display showcasing about your culture and you, as well as contributing food! Sign up below to participate:

Student Showcase
Students showcase their heritage and/or talents through dance, song, poem, instrument performance, or special interest. We have limited slots available, so sign up today! Complete the form by October 11, 2024.  

Food Sign Up
Bring sample-size of your favorite foods that reflects your family's traditions or cultural background. Sign up here

Display Sign Up
Showcase information, photos, and interesting facts about your culture, tradition, and, of course, yourself. This could take the form of a poster, trifold, or any creative presentation you prefer. Sign up here.


News and Notes

coffee

Are you new to West Springfield and looking to connect with other new families?

Join us for a New Family Coffee Meetup with Principal Dr. Sheers on Friday, October 18, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the school cafeteria. It's a great opportunity to connect, chat, and get to know each other and the school community. We look forward to seeing you there!

Contact Ms. Howard, our Family Liaison, at ahoward@fcps.edu if you have questions.


On Unity Day, we wear Orange.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Unity Day on Wednesday, October 16. Unity Day is a nationwide initiative dedicated to promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Unity Day serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all. By wearing orange, which is a symbol of safety, we demonstrate our commitment to preventing bullying and fostering a culture of acceptance, where every student can feel a sense of belonging.  

unity

Parent Volunteer Needed
Our part-time art teacher is looking for a parent volunteer who can help frame and hang artwork on Tuesdays from 9:00 - 10:00. If you are interested and available, please email our family liaison, Andrea Howard.

The Book Fair is Coming!
The Fall Book Fair is almost here. The fair will run Monday, October 21st through Friday, October 25th during the school day and will be open on Thursday night as part of our Heritage Night event.  Students will visit the library for a book preview and may purchase books during any school day that week or Thursday evening during Heritage Night.

As always, we are asking for volunteers to help us run the fair.  Sign up here!

Scholastic is again offering families the chance to create eWallets — a digital payment account. Before the Fair, set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases.  Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping.

Pickup for appointments
When picking up your student we will require a photo ID from any person picking up a child during the school day.  Also, any person picking up a child during the school day must either be the custodial parent or stepparent with whom the child resides, or have written permission from the custodial parent.

Coffee & Candy
Thank you for your donations of coffee and candy!   A caffeinated staff is a happy staff!  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 to replenish our supply.

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.). Please reach out to Andrea Howard if you are interested in volunteering and your interests. She will work with you to match you to volunteer opportunities in our school.  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.


Advanced Academics Program Info

AAP Parent Overview Presentation Slides
If you were not able to attend the AAP Parent Overview Meeting on Monday, October 7th, the slides have been posted on the WSES website and can also be accessed here. If you have any questions about AAP or screening for Full-Time Services, please contact Caryn Seiler, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at csseiler@fcps.edu.

Fall Full-Time Referral Deadline
Fall screening for Full Time AAP Services is available for students who are new to FCPS since January 2024. The fall screening referral deadline is October 15, 2024.

The referral form and optional parent questionnaire for Fall referrals can be submitted to Mrs. Seiler at csseiler@fcps.edu.

AAP One-Time Retake Request Deadline
Parents in 1st – 6th grade can request a one-time retake of either the CogAT or NNAT if you feel your child’s score does not reflect their ability. If you would like to request a retake, please email our School Test Coordinator, Jason Potten, jepotten@fcps.edu, by September 15th for the CogAT and October 15th for the NNAT. 

Fall AAP 2024 Newsletter
Fall 2024 Newsletter


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. 

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


Save the Date

Monday, October 14 - Student Holiday

Wednesday, October 16 - Unity Day

Monday, October 21 - Friday, October 25 - Book Fair!

Monday, October 21 - 3-Hour Early Release at 12:30

Thursday, October 24 - Heritage Night 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 31 - 2-Hour Early Release

Friday, November 1 - Student Holiday, No School


 WSES 3-Hour Early Release Mondays:

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

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