Mustang Memo 12.13.24

hat

Hats off to a New Year! 


Note from Dr. Sheers

On Monday, December 16, we’d love to give our teachers a well-deserved 60-minute lunch break, and we’re asking for your help to make it happen. Your assistance would involve supervising lunch and helping with transitions to and from an assembly. Thank you in advance for your time and support!

Sign up here and thank you!


News and Notes

WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) is a nationwide program that provides opportunities for fathers and father figures to be involved in their school and community. At West Springfield Elementary, we invite dads, grandfathers, uncles, and other male role models to an informational meeting to learn more about the program and how you can participate.

What Do WATCH D.O.G.S. Volunteers Do? Volunteers take part in a range of activities, including:

  • Greeting students as they arrive.
  • Supervising lunch and recess.
  • Assisting with traffic flow and student safety.
  • Providing mentorship and positive engagement.

Program Goals: The WATCH D.O.G.S. program aims to:

  • Expand volunteer opportunities at our school.
  • Serve as positive male role models who inspire students and promote respectful behavior.
  • Increase adult presence to enhance school safety and create a welcoming atmosphere.

This program builds a stronger school community by fostering collaboration between families and schools.

Join Us for “Donuts with Dads”! Are you a dad, stepdad, grandpa, or uncle interested in becoming a bigger part of our school community? Join us for “Donuts with Dads” on Thursday, January 23, at 8:00 a.m. in the school library. We’ll discuss the WATCH D.O.G.S. program and share how you can get involved.

Please RSVP by January 16, 2025. We look forward to seeing you there! Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/4JU7SnBNjbwioMyk7 *this is an adult only meeting

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

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:

  • PreK - Grade 3: Natural History Museum
  • Grade 4: African American Museum
  • Grade 5: DC Air and Space Museum
  • 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!

Lost and Found
Once again, we have a large number of items in our lost and found.  If your family is missing an item please come and claim your items before Winter Break.  Any items not claimed by the end of the day on Friday, December 20 will be donated.

Winter Break Office Hours
Our 12 month employees will be working, however, the office is closed. Urgent messages/needs can be emailed to Dr. Sheers.

Picture Orders
Retake/Makeup day images are now online. Families will have received a reminder email to view images from Victor O'Neill Studios.

If you do not see your email, please check spam folder. If you need help ordering/viewing contact underclass@vosphoto.com


From our Family Liaison

Student and Family Resources for Winter Break
Fairfax County Public Schools will be closed for winter break from December 23, 2024, to January 3, 2025. The school district has put together a collection of resources for students and their families who may need assistance. For links to academic support, mental health resources, and help with food, clothing, housing, and other county services, please visit the winter resources webpage.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide 
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

 Webinar on Overcoming School Resistance
Does your child resist going to school or refuse to go? If so, join the Family Resource Center’s School Resistance webinar on Friday, January 10, 2025, 10:00-11:30 a.m. The webinar will explore how to take care of yourself in the heat of the moment and set supportive boundaries at home. Register in advance.


Spirit Week 2

WEEK 2

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