Springfield Estates ES News You Choose - March 6, 2026


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Notes from the Nest

From the Principals’ Desk

As we wrap up another week at SEES, we want to thank our families for your continued partnership and support. Seeing our students learn, grow, and show kindness to one another reminds us every day how special our community is. We hope you enjoy a restful weekend with your families, and we look forward to seeing our Eagles back ready to SOAR next week.

With appreciation,

April Martin, Proud Principal & Kassandra Flading, Assistant Principal


Dates & Reminders

  • March 11: Coffee & Conversation for Parents/Guardians. 9:30 a.m., SEES Cafeteria. Topic: Nutrition 101 - Get a clear overview of how to build balanced meals, support steady energy, and reduce stress. 
  • March 17: Family Math Night. See flyer below for details! 
  • March 18: PTA Restaurant Night at Silver Diner.  Details coming soon.
  • March 20: Eid al-Fitr Holiday. School is closed for staff and students. 
  • March 25: Three Hour Early Release. Students will be dismissed at 1:05 p.m. unless we have already received notification from their families that they should stay until 4:05 p.m.
  • March 26: Coffee & Conversation for Parents/Guardians. 9:30 a.m., SEES Cafeteria. Topic: Advance Academic Program Information. 
  • March 27: Two-hour early release/End of 2nd quarter. All students will be released at 2:05 p.m.
  • March 30 to April 3: Spring Break Holiday. School is closed for staff and students.
  • April 6: Teacher Workday. School is closed for students. 
  • April 8: Coffee & Conversation for Parents/Guardians. 9:30 a.m., SEES Cafeteria. Topic: Fitness 101 - This talk breaks down the basics of safe, effective movement for all ages and fitness levels. Participants will learn how to create simple, sustainable activity routines that support strength, energy, and overall well-being.
  • April 10: School Planning Day. School is closed for students. 

Click here to see the full 2025-2026 FCPS calendar.


🦅 SOAR Shout-Outs

Mr. Tenenbaum recognized

Congratulations to Aaron Tenenbaum, who was recognized as a Region 6 FCPS CARES of the Month recipient for Winter (December–January). The FCPS Employee Recognition Team visited Springfield Estates to present him with a certificate and keepsake honoring his commitment to students and families.

In the nomination, a parent described Mr. Tenenbaum as “an extraordinary special education teacher” and “one of the most deeply reflective practitioners I have ever encountered.” The parent also shared that what sets him apart is “his genuine love and concern for his students,” noting that “parents feel safe in entrusting their students to his care.”

We are proud to celebrate Mr. Tenenbaum and grateful for the care and dedication he brings to the SEES community.


✨ Literacy Spotlight

What’s happened in Fifth Grade Reading this week?

FCPS Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence: Benchmark

5th grade reading

Fifth Grade Unit 5 Essential Question

What value does technology bring to people’s lives?

In this unit, fifth graders explore how technology impacts society by reading poems, informational texts, and narrative nonfiction. They consider the question, What value does technology bring to people’s lives? and learn that innovation can have both positive and negative effects, with costs and benefits that are not shared equally. Students also examine how engineering makes work more efficient, how technology supports economic growth in the United States, and how the Industrial Revolution brought rapid changes to society.


➕ Math Spotlight

What’s happened in Second Grade Math this week?

FCPS Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence: Student Centered Engagement

2nd grade math

Second Grade Focus for This Week:

Second grade mathematicians are off to an exciting start as they dive into building fluency with numbers all the way up to 999! Our students are strengthening their number sense by predicting patterns while skip counting by 2’s to 50 and by 5’s and 10’s to 200. Through engaging choral counting activities, vibrant visual representations, and coloring number patterns on hundreds charts, they are discovering how numbers connect and grow. It’s amazing to see their confidence increase as they recognize patterns, explain their thinking, and develop strong foundations for future math success!


🏡 Community Corner

Family Engagement Survey to Open March 9

FCPS is administering our Family Engagement Survey, which will be open from Monday, March 9, to Monday, March 23. Your feedback is critical in helping us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools. 

Survey topics include:

  • Welcoming environment.
  • Communication.
  • Student success.
  • Advocacy.
  • Family and school partnerships.
  • Community partnerships.

The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. 

Parents/caregivers will receive a survey link via email from FCPS on March 9. A survey link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys will be available at each school. Please stay tuned for more information.


Fairfax County Health Department Measles Update

Measles is a highly contagious virus that infects 9 out of 10 people who are exposed, if unvaccinated or not immune. It has been in the news lately due to cases in Northern Virginia and among people who have traveled through local airports. 

If your spring break or summer plans include traveling abroad or to an area in the United States with high measles activity, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages you to ensure your family is protected. Children 12 months and older should have 1 or 2 doses before traveling. Depending on your specific travel plans, your health care provider may also advise you to vaccinate infants 6 to 11 months old. Read more about these recommendations


Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on: 

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.


2026 Special Education Family Conference: Rescheduled

FCPS’ 2026 Special Education Family Conference has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marshall High School. Updated conference details are now available on the Special Education Family Conference webpage. Please register for the event. If you registered before, please re-register for the new date. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this date change may cause and appreciate your understanding.


Countdown to Kindergarten: Supporting a Smooth Transition

Is your child heading to kindergarten this fall? Join FCPS staff for Countdown to Kindergarten, a virtual event designed to help families prepare for this exciting transition! The webinar will take place on Friday, March 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

During this webinar, families will learn practical tips and essential information to support their child's smooth and successful start to kindergarten in Fairfax County Public Schools. Register to receive the event link


Kindergarten Registration

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

  1. Determine eligibility. 
  2. Identify your local school. 
  3. Gather documents. 
  4. Fill out forms. 
  5. Schedule an appointment (the student and one caregiver must be present).

Read more about the registration process

Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.


Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.

Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes. 

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.