We have partnered with Fairfax County’s Revitalize, Restore, Replant! (R3) program to enhance the area near our playground and create a hands-on environmental learning space for our students.
This past week 4th through 6th grade students installed new native plant around a storm drain next to our playground. These plantings are much more than landscaping, they are part of an educational initiative that teaches students about stormwater management, local watersheds, and environmental stewardship. Through this program, students work alongside Fairfax County stream ecologists to learn how native plants help reduce polluted stormwater runoff before it reaches local streams and waterways.
The new plants not only beautify the playground area but also provide important habitat and food sources for local wildlife. Most importantly, the project gives students a meaningful opportunity to “get their hands dirty” while learning how they can make a positive impact on the environment and improve local water quality.
The R3 program has already engaged more than 8,000 students across Fairfax County and resulted in the installation of nearly 42,000 native plants countywide. We are proud for West Springfield Elementary to be part of this important initiative and look forward to watching our new planting area grow and thrive alongside our students.
School-Wide Picnic - Join us!
 Join us for our School-wide Picnic: Friday, May 29 at 11:30
Last Day to Nominate: WSES Annual Award Nominations
Please take a moment to nominate a staff or community member! Please use this form to nominate staff, students or community members for one of our four end of the year awards.
Rising 5th and 6th Grade Safety Patrol Application
If your student is a rising 5th or 6th grader and interested in one of the 35 available patrol positions, please complete the Google Form to indicate their interest. After applications are received, Mr. Aleman will gather teacher recommendations to support the selection process. These recommendations typically reflect qualities important for Safety Patrol, such as responsibility, punctuality, attendance, behavior, leadership, and the ability to follow directions.
Students who apply but are not initially selected will be placed on a waiting list based on areas of need, such as walker or bus duties. If openings become available, families and students on the waiting list will be notified promptly.
Safety Patrol members are expected to arrive at school by 8:35 AM and be at their assigned post by 8:40 AM and remain through dismissal at 3:40 PM. If a student needs to leave early, they should notify a patrol captain or Mr. Aleman in advance so coverage can be arranged. Frequent absences, tardiness or missed duties may result in warnings, suspension, or removal from the program.
For questions or additional information, please contact Mr. Aleman.
Outside Food Policy Reminder
West Springfield does not allow outside food deliveries for students. This includes purchased and parent delivered fast food and all third-party services like DoorDash or Starbucks. These deliveries cause significant disruption to our cafeteria and office staff. Future in-person and food deliveries will be denied. Thank you for your support in keeping our campus secure and efficient!
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Now Available
Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of March, 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, we will share copies with you directly.
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.
Visiting our school anytime soon?
Avoid frustration and pre-register!
Raptor Safe is our new visitor management system. This will be the standard way to sign in at all FCPS schools.
The new system allows you to pre-register via the Raptor Safe app, saving you valuable time when checking in for school visits or events! We strongly encourage all family members to download the app and complete their registration today, it will only take a couple of minutes to complete the process!
Registration Options:
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Via the App: Search "Raptor Safe" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You can also visit raptortech.com/raptorsafe-app/ for direct links.
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In Person: If you are unable to register ahead of time, you can still complete the process at the school kiosk. Please ensure you have a valid photo ID with you to check in
Get Ready for Field Day!
📅 The Game Plan - Friday, May 29
Don't forget water, snack and sunscreen!
Grades 3rd – 6th: 9:10 AM – 11:10 AM
Grades K – 2nd: 12:30 PM – 2:10 PM
Volunteer Sign-Up
Do you have a rising 4th, 5th or 6th Grader? Welcome to the West Springfield Elementary School music programs! Whether your child wants to master an instrument or find their voice in a choir, we have wonderful opportunities available for our students.
Band and Strings (4-6)
Eligibility & Options
- 4th Grade: Students may enroll in Strings.
- 5th & 6th Grade: Students may choose either Band (woodwinds, brass, or percussion) OR Strings.
Schedule & Instruction
- Classes occur once a week during the "Specials" rotation.
- No missed instruction: Students attend music while their peers are in other special rotations.
- Alternative: Students not enrolled in Band or Strings will receive an additional general music class and, depending on staffing, extra time in PE, Library, or the Computer Lab.
Important Dates & Registration
Instrument Rentals
- Need Assistance? WSES has a limited number of school-owned instruments available for families needing financial support. We are committed to ensuring every interested student can participate. Please contact our directors for more information.
Chorus (5-6)
Eligibility & Participation
- Open to all 5th and 6th-grade students.
- No prior singing experience is required!
Schedule & Requirements
- Chorus meets once a week for 30 minutes during the school day.
- Note: Because Chorus occurs during the instructional day, students are responsible for completing any classroom assignments missed during this 30-minute block.
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Sign Up for Chorus
Student Commitments for Band/Strings/Chorus:
Enrollment in these programs is a full-year commitment. Please note that no course changes will be accepted after July 1. Participating students are expected to:
- Practice consistently at home.
- Participate in all scheduled school performances.
- Purchase an official instrumental/music shirt.
- Bring their instrument to school every week (for Band/Strings).
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Contact Our Music Department
If you have questions, please reach out to our team:
Kindergarten Registration
It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
If your child will attend our school, please gather necessary documents and begin the registration process!
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Tri-An-Instrument Day
The West Springfield High School Tri-M Honor Society is excited to invite you and your children to our upcoming Tri-An-Instrument Day on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 9:00–11:00 AM at West Springfield High School (Door 4)!
This fun, hands-on event gives children the opportunity to:
- Try different instruments from band and orchestra
- Explore singing and choir activities
- Learn about the art of music in an engaging and welcoming environment
- Meet student musicians from WSHS
Whether your child is already interested in music or simply curious to explore something new, this is a great chance to discover the joy of making music!
📍 Location: West Springfield High School – Door 4 (Orchestra Room) 📅 Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026 ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
English Empowerment Center Summer 2026 English Classes (Registration Open Now)
The English Empowerment Center is now accepting registrations for Summer 2026 English classes for adult English learners. Classes focus on building practical communication skills to support success at work, at home, and in the community.
In-Person Classes: Available at locations across Northern Virginia, including Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Culmore, Falls Church, Fairfax, Herndon, Lorton, and Mount Vernon. Site-specific flyersin English and Spanish are available.
Online Classes: Open to learners anywhere. Registration link
Cost: Classes are $65 unless otherwise indicated. The English Empowerment Center is committed to ensuring that financial challenges are not a barrier to participation and will work within each learner’s means.
Department of Social Services- Virginia SUN Bucks 2026 (Summer Grocery Assistance Program)Virginia SUN Bucks helps eligible families pay for groceries during the summer months when schools are closed. In 2026, eligible school-age children will receive a one-time $120 grocery benefit.
Who is Automatically Eligible?
Families receiving SNAP or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Students approved for free or reduced-price school meals during the current school year
How Benefits Are Received: Benefits will be added to an existing SNAP EBT card. Families without SNAP EBT will receive a separate Virginia SUN Bucks card by mail that can be used like a debit card at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other locations that accept SNAP EBT.
Additional Eligibility & Applications: Some families may still qualify and may need to apply. Families are encouraged to visit the Virginia SUN Bucks webpage to complete the eligibility quiz and access the application materials.
Important Reminder:
Please ensure your child’s school and local department of social services have your current address, phone number, and email address on file.
Questions or Assistance: The SUN Bucks Call Center will be available June 15–August 31, 2026, from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. at 866-513-1414.
For more information translated into multiple languages please click here.
If you have any additional questions please email rachase@fcps.edu
Save the Date
Thursday, May 21 - 5th Grade Science SOL
Monday, May 25 - Wednesday, May 27 - No School
Friday, May 29 - Field Day and School-Wide Picnic
Friday, June 12 - Inflatable Costume Race and Human Sundaes of Dr. Sheers and Mr. Potten ~10:00 AM
Monday, June 15 - 6th Grade Promotion at 10:00 am
Wednesday, June 17 - Early Dismissal at 1:25 p.m./Last Day of School
Monday, August 24 - First Day of the 2026-2027 School Year!
❓Questions?
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