 Give thanks to a WSES staff member: https://forms.gle/MLbWdaJMeBfj4GCZ8
 We are pleased to announce our Outstanding Employee Nominations for WSES:
- Outstanding Principal: Dr. Kelly Sheers
- Outstanding Teacher: Daryl Yarmolovich, 5th Grade Teacher
- Outstanding New Teacher: Julia Reardon, ESOL
- Outstanding Operational Employee: Marianne Ratana, Enhanced Autism Instructional Assistant
They will move forward to the Pyramid selection process with the hopes that they will continue to move up to receiving top honors for the WS Pyramid, Region 4, and FCPS Honors.
Thank you for nominating our staff! You can always nominate a staff member at anytime through the FCPS Cares Program.
FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize those who go above and beyond to help others and show they care.
We invite you to submit and share your story so we can all acknowledge the outstanding work of FCPS, and more specifically, West Springfield Employees.
 Congratulations to Jennifer Quinn, Third Grade Teacher, who was the FCPS September Cares of the Month Winner!
A parent nominated Ms. Quinn noting her exceptional dedication to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and supportive learning environment. The parent noted that Ms. Quinn goes above and beyond to ensure all students, including neurodivergent learners, feel valued and accommodated by offering flexible seating, tools like chair bands and fidgets, and creating a warm, welcoming space. Her creative teaching methods engage students, while her strong communication with parents and genuine care build trust and support both academic and personal growth.
FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize those who go above and beyond to help others and show they care.
We invite you to submit and share your story so we can all acknowledge the outstanding work of FCPS, and more specifically, West Springfield Employees.
Construction on Vervain Court Path to WSES
This Monday, after student arrival, the walking bath to Vervain Court will be receiving a facelift. The work should be completed by dismissal and we expect full use available by Monday dismissal. time.
WSES Parent University
Thank you to all that attended our Parent University on the new Language Arts Curriculum. The slides are linked here: Parent University- Benchmark November 2024.pdf
From the Music Department - SAVE THE DATE - “A Tasty Holiday”
All 1st grade students, all 3rd grade students, 5th grade chorus, and 6th grade chorus are performing! (A permission slip and details regarding attire will be sent home with student performers)
- 2024 Winter Music Program
- Friday, December 6th at 6:00 pm (Performers arrive at 5:45)
- West Springfield High School Auditorium
We’ve been working hard to put on a special show just for you! All WSES families are invited to attend the concert.
K-6 Performance Fee
To help cover the costs of performance fees, costumes, materials, and supplies, we kindly ask each parent to contribute a $5 Performance Fee. Pay via myschoolbucks.com
Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey
FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.
For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.
Make up/Retake images are now viewable online
Makeup/Retake Day images are now viewable online. Please visit: vosphoto.com/uc, use your student ID when prompted for the online code. For questions regarding school pictures. Please email: underclass@vosphoto.com
National Special Education Day
National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students with special needs, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students
Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month
As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process. Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.
Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Full-Time Referral Deadline
Spring screening is available for any Grade 2-7 FCPS-enrolled student. The spring screening referral deadline is December 15, 2024. If you would like your child screened for Full-Time AAP Services, please do not wait for test scores before submitting a referral.
- The referral form and optional parent questionnaire can be submitted electronically or you can send in a hard copy. Please note the sections to add commentary and/or examples to both the referral and parent questionnaire. The optional work samples guidelines submitted from home are listed here, as well. Scroll down close to the bottom of the page to find this information. Please note no more than two additional pages of student work samples on single-sided 8½” x 11” pages can be submitted. We will work as a school committee to decide on work samples from school that best show student strengths, including critical thinking and problem solving skills. Please send/email all documents together. Referrals and other optional materials submitted after the deadline of December 15, 2024 will not be accepted.
- This parent checklist lists required and optional documentation and important dates.
Andrea Howard, Family Liaison
Special Education Resources for Families
Fairfax County Public Schools has the following resources available to help assist families of students with special needs.
- Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Contact the Ombuds Office by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
Additionally, the Virginia Department of Education has updated the Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education. This state guide was developed to help those involved in special education including families, teachers, school administrators, advocates, and students.
Save the Date
Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29 - Thanksgiving Break
Friday, December 6 - Winter Chorus Concert at West Springfield High School
Thursday, December 19 - Winter Concert at West Springfield Elementary School
Friday, December 20 - Read in Day/Pajama Day
December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break
WSES 3-Hour Early Release Mondays:
- February 10
- March 10
- April 21
- May 12
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