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WSES' Outstanding Employee
Award Winners
Willow Springs' Outstanding Teacher:
Adriel Ignacio, 6th Grade Teacher
Willow Springs' Outstanding New Teacher:
Christien Shehat, Special Education Teacher
A Note from the Principal's Desk
Dear Willow Springs families,
This was a cold and rainy week, but in our building there was a lot of sunshine and good energy! On Monday, we had the pleasure and honor of announcing this year's recipients of outstanding employee awards (see above). We are very honored to work with such passionate and talented educators. We are so proud of them and of all of our nominees! These winners will go on to be considered for the Fairfax Pyramid awards.
Also on Monday, we had a 3 hour early dismissal and our staff used the time in the afternoon to engage in meaningful staff development and professional learning (see photos below). We truly need and value this time to continue developing our knowledge and skills, especially in regards to literacy and our new literacy curriculum, Benchmark.
This week we also enjoyed the gift of music via the strings concert, band concert and the "Holiday Sharing" musical event this morning in which various grade levels had the opportunity to perform a song for their peers. We saw lots of smiles and students singing and moving along to the music. It was a joyous event and a wonderful holiday gift to each other.
If jackets, sweaters, hats, and more don't make it back home, please check the Lost and Found area in our front lobby. It is already FULL of unclaimed clothing and more!
We wish all of you a safe and warm weekend!
Dylan Taylor, Principal
Ipsa Stringer, Assistant Principal
Laura Tapper, Assistant Principal
WSES Staff engage in professional learning here in school on early dismissal Mondays.
Full Time AAP Referrals
Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024
Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Willow Springs’ Advance Academics Resource Teacher (AART), Ashley Raymond, no later than December 15, 2024. Please email digital paperwork to alraymond@fcps.edu.
The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually. Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted.
Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement. Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Ashley Ramyond at
alraymond@fcps.edu.
For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.
Here are links to the referral form:
Arabic
English
Korean
Spanish
 Spirit Week:
December 16-20
Starting on Monday, there is just one week until Winter Break! We will count down the days with Spirit Week and a different theme for each day. All are invited to join in the fun.
- Monday - wear red and white
- Tuesday - wear bright colors
- Wednesday - white out
- Thursday - wear hats and sweaters
- Friday - Pajama Day!
Spring 2025 SOL Testing Calendar
We know that when Winter Break ends, many of us turn our attention to planning our spring and summer activities and travel. As you make plans for the warmer months, please keep in mind that our 3rd - 6th grade students will be taking standardized tests (SOLs) in May and June.
If you can avoid traveling or appointments that will keep your child out of school on a scheduled testing date, that would be greatly appreciated and will benefit your child. Students tend to prefer taking these tests in their classrooms and learning spaces with their peers and their usual teachrs. When students are absent on a testing day, they are eligible for a makeup opportunity, but the makeup test will be given by any available staff and it will not take place in the classroom.
The calendar is linked here. Please know the schedule is subject to change.
We will be sharing more information about testing in the new year. Please stay tuned and attend PTA meetings if possible.
Preparing for Winter Weather
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.
 Work for FCPS
Student Monitors Needed at WSES
Willow Springs is looking to hire student monitors. This is a full-time position that provides supervision of students throughout the school day to include, but not limited to, the classroom, hallways, lunch, recess, specials and at arrival/dismissal. Monitor helps maintain order and discipline and assists in managing the behavior of students. Monitors must feel comfortable operating technology and performing administrative and noninstructional duties and can expect to work with both individual and small groups of students during the day. It is another great entry point into a career in FCPS!
If you are interested in becoming a Student Monitor and would like to learn more, please check out this link HERE and contact Assistant Principals Ipsa Stringer at: ibstringer@fcps.edu or Laura Tapper at latappper@fcps.edu.
December 16-20: Spirit Week
- Monday - wear red and white
- Tuesday - wear bright colors
- Wednesday - white out
- Thursday - wear hats and sweaters
- Friday - Pajama Day!
December 23-January 3: Winter Break
January 10: PTA Movie Night
January 20: Holiday - MLK Day & Inauguration Day
January 29: Teacher Workday
February 24: 3 Hour Early Dismissal
March 17: 3 Hour Early Dismissal
April 28: 3 Hour Early Dismissal
May 19: 3 Hour Early Dismissal
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