 We are thankful for the many West Springfield High School student volunteers who support WSES! From our students in Teachers 4 Tomorrow, regular volunteers, and students in the Work Awareness and Transition Program, we appreciate you!
As we approach this festive time of year, we are reminded of the many wonderful traditions and celebrations that our students and families observe. It is a season rich with opportunities to embrace the diversity that makes our school community so diverse and vibrant.
At West Springfield, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and respected. Recognizing that this season holds different meanings and traditions for each family, we encourage and support thoughtful conversations about holidays and celebrations from around the world.
To enrich our students' understanding and appreciation of these traditions, we warmly invite families to share their unique cultural or holiday practices with their child’s class. If you would like to visit and speak about your holiday traditions, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher to arrange a time.
We look forward to celebrating this season of learning and connection together!
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors.
Cold Weather Policy at WSES:
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"Feels like" 20°F or lower: Recess will be canceled.
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"Feels like" 20°F to 25°F: Teams may choose to take students outside if they’ve communicated this policy in advance. Teams will also notify parents in their upcoming newsletter if they plan to take students outdoors.
- If your child needs a coat, please reach out to our family liaison, Andrea Howard.
Yearbook Orders
Yearbooks are now on sale for $20.00! You can order your yearbook through January 31, 2025. Keep our West Springfield Elementary order number 21854 handy when you log on. Place your order online at https://yearbookordercenter.com
Thank You!
A heartfelt thank you to our PTA and families for generously donating pies for our staff! Thanks to your kindness, each staff member was able to take a pie home for Thanksgiving. We truly appreciate your thoughtfulness!
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School-Wide Field Trip: Museum Madness!
We’re excited to announce this year’s school-wide field trip, scheduled for Thursday, February 27! Students will explore various museums tailored to their grade level and curriculum:
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PreK - Grade 3: Natural History Museum
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Grade 4: African American Museum
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Grade 5: DC Air and Space Museum
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Grade 6: Army Museum
Chaperone Sign-Up:
Families will receive the chaperone sign-up link on Thursday, January 9, at 9:00 AM. Spots fill up quickly, so don’t forget to mark your calendars!
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Coming Soon
Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of October, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.
For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.
Tonight! From the Music Department -“A Tasty Holiday”
All 1st grade students, 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
Distribution of Community Fliers
West Springfield Elementary School offers the opportunity for nonprofit organizations to make their materials available to students and parents. Community fliers can be sent home in the student’s backpacks on February 6. Procedures are found on our school website.
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.
Fairfax County Winter Camps
The registration period for winter camps is now open! The Fairfax County Park Authority is excited to offer diverse camp options to suit every child's interests. Their winter camps encompass a wide array of subjects, including sports, culinary arts, outdoor exploration, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) experiences, performing arts, and much more! Don't miss out on this opportunity for your child to learn, grow, and make new friends during the winter break. Click here to explore the comprehensive Winter Camp Guide for 2025 and find the perfect program for your little one!
Camp Dates:
- Monday, December 23
- Thursday-Friday, December 26-27
- Monday-Tuesday, December 30-31
- Thursday- Friday, January 2-3
- Monday, January 20
- Wednesday, January 29
- Monday, February 17
Save the Date
Thursday, December 19 - Winter Band/Strings Concert at West Springfield Elementary School
Friday, December 20 - Read in 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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