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This week, we took an exciting first step in introducing our new Mustang House system to the students! Your child may have already mentioned it, as the video we shared with them generated a lot of energy and enthusiasm. You may now find yourself asking questions such as:
- What is the Mustang House system?
- Why is West Springfield doing this?
- How does the House system work?
- When does it start?
- How can I get involved?
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What is the Mustang House System?
The House system is a positive behavior strategy in which students are grouped into teams, known as Houses. Each House has its own unique chant, handshake, and culture. At WSES, our Houses are also connected to the Portrait of a Graduate skills, emphasizing the knowledge, abilities, experiences, and qualities students need to thrive in life and become "future-ready."
How does Mustang House System Work?
Students from all grade levels are randomly placed into one of four Houses, where they remain throughout their years at West Springfield. Each House has a distinctive name, color, and dedicated staff leaders. By earning House points, students can unlock rewards, participate in special events and activities, enjoy spirit days, and more.
What do I need do?
Today, your child will bring home a wristband indicating the color of their House. Over the weekend, please help your child find a shirt in their House color to wear for our House Kick-Off on Tuesday.
Why is WSES implementing the House System?
Aligned with our school vision, the program supports our commitment to building a Caring Culture and a Strong Sense of Community, making the House system a valuable addition to our efforts. The House system provides students with a sense of belonging by allowing them to be part of a group, team, and family. It fosters unity among students and staff across grade levels and classrooms, while promoting positive behavior through a shared sense of community and culture.
How can I get involved?
Volunteer with us! We're beginning by focusing on positive behavior in the cafeteria (and will soon expand to other areas). We need parents' help to positively recognize students who demonstrate cafeteria expectations and positive behavior, allowing them to earn House points. SIGN UP HERE to volunteer to help us recognize our students in the cafeteria.
 Operation Safe Kids & Child Smart Program
West Springfield Elementary is excited to invite the U.S. Secret Service to our school on Wednesday, February 26 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM to educate our 4th to 6th grade students and their parents/guardians about online safety and responsible internet use. Two programs will be offered at this event.
The Childhood Smart Program
This program, in partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, provides age-appropriate presentations on internet safety, social media etiquette, and cyberbullying, led by trained Secret Service Ambassadors. Parents/guardians will meet in the cafeteria, while students will gather in the library.
Operation Safe Kids
This program enhances child safety by providing parents with a document containing biographical information, a current photograph, and inkless fingerprints for law enforcement use if a child goes missing. Participation requires parental consent, and no information is recorded or shared by the Secret Service. This part of the event will take place after the presentations in the school library. Please RSVP to Andrea Howard at ahoward@fcps.edu
Monday, February 10 - 3 Hour Early Release at 12:30 pm
Our next 3-Hour Early Release is approaching. We assume students are going home their normal route they have been for the past few early releases. If your childcare needs have changed and you need to update your needs here by Wednesday, February 5.
School-Wide Field Trip Deadline Approaching
Please complete your child's permission slip and field trip payment, which includes a schoolwide field trip t-shirt order form through MySchoolBucks by Thursday, February 6th, 2025.
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
Free Webinars and Events for Families In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:
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Depression in Teens: Friday, January 24th, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Practitioners will discuss the prevalence of major depressive disorder and how to identify depression in teenagers as well as elements of recovery and strategies for treatment.
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Understanding Trauma in Your Child/Comprendiedo el Trauma en su Hijo (presented in Spanish): Parte #1: 31 de Enero de 2025 10-11:30 a.m. Aprendemos sobre el trauma en este semanario de web de 3 partes y sobre los diferentes tipos de trauma, las respuestas naturales y los efectos que esto puede tener tanto en los niños como en los padres y estrategias que los padres pueden usar para apoyar a sus hijos de manera efectiva.
Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.
Upcoming Family Academy Events
You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.
Save the Date
Tuesday, January 28 - House Kick Off - Have your child wear their house color
Wednesday, January 29 - Student Holiday
Thursday, January 31 - Yearbook Orders Due
Thursday, February 6 - School-Wide Field Trip Forms DUE
Friday, February 7 - Clubs and Candids Photos for Yearbook
Monday, February 10 - 3 Hour Early Release at 12:30
Friday, February 14 - Happy Valentine's Day - Wear Something You Love
Monday, February 17 - Student Holiday
WSES 3-Hour Early Release Mondays:
- February 10
- March 10
- April 21
- May 12
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