 As we head into the final few weeks of school, we want to thank our students, families, and staff for the incredible progress we have made together this year. Our chronic absenteeism rate has decreased by 4.8% from last year, and we are currently at 3.4%. This is something to celebrate!
These last weeks are filled with important learning, end-of-year activities, celebrations, and opportunities for students to stay connected and successful.
We encourage all families to continue prioritizing daily attendance, arriving on time, and keeping students engaged through the last day of school. Together, we can continue building positive habits and strong outcomes for every student.
Thank you for your partnership and support.
School-Wide Picnic - Join us!
 Join us for our School-wide Picnic: Friday, May 29 at 11:30
Staffing Adjustments
As the school year comes to a close, we are faced with one of the more difficult parts of this season, staffing. Due to projected enrollment numbers being lower than our current enrollment, staffing adjustments were made through the HR process based on district staffing guidelines and seniority.
Please join us in thanking and saying goodbye to several incredible Mustang staff members who have made a lasting impact on our school community: Kindergarten teacher Jessica Cochrane, First Grade teacher Katie Denisar, STEAM teacher Mary McLaren-Wood, and Instructional Assistants Meghan Fort, Katarina Wassel and Ember Taylor.
We are deeply grateful for their dedication, care, and contributions to our students and school community. Please join us in wishing them all the very best at their new schools.
Summer Laptops
This summer, students are able to check out an FCPS laptop/tablet for home use. This opportunity ensures every student has continued access to personalized learning tools - like Benchmark Universe and ST Math. By having their device available during the summer, students can:
- Continue learning initiated during the school year.
- Access high-quality, personalized educational resources.
- Build important digital literacy and responsibility skills.
- Practice routines that support their growth as learners.
What You Need to Know
Students are not required to check out a device for the summer. If you wish your student to have a device for the summer, please complete the google form to the school no later than Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Summer checkout devices will be ready for pick up the following week.
The device should be used for assigned learning activities only. FCPS firewall and internet content filtering will be active on all devices during the summer. Access to games and gaming sites on FCPS devices is prohibited.
We encourage you to:
Student/Parent Responsibilities:
- Student are expected to adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy and other FCPS policies and procedures applied to technology during the summer.
- Devices are to be used for learning only. Access to games and gaming sites on FCPS devices is prohibited.
- Students are responsible for the proper care of the laptop and AC Adapter.
- Any device returned to the school damaged or missing an AC Adapter, may require the parent to reimburse the school for replacing and/or repairing the device.
- Parents must ensure the device is returned to the school no later than July 31, 2026.
International Use
Digital learning resources utilized during the school year remain accessible globally throughout the summer. However, for students traveling abroad, devices must be logged into the FCPS network prior to departure. This ensures the necessary credentials and security protocols are cached for remote use.
NOTE: Access to FCPS resources is prohibited in the following countries due to security protocols: Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine.
E-Bikes Safety Reminder
We are asking for families’ support in reinforcing safe e-bike use for all students. Recently, we have experienced several incidents involving excessive speed, unsafe riding, and misuse of e-bikes on and around campus.
All student bikers are expected to:
- Dismount and walk bikes/e-bikes once on school property
- Ride at safe and controlled speeds
- Yield to pedestrians and avoid crowded walkways
- Use e-bikes responsibly and respectfully
Student safety remains our top priority, and unsafe behavior may result in school consequences and loss of riding privileges. Please take time to review these expectations with your student, including middle and high school-aged riders.
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.
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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Summer Camp Program Opportunity—Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA)
Registration is currently open for the Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) program. This is a dynamic summer enrichment program serving students currently in grades K–5. Registration closes June 5th.
E-IFTA is a welcoming, supportive arts enrichment program where students experience Art, Music, Theatre, and Dance each day in a fun and engaging environment designed to nurture creativity and confidence. This enrichment camp program is staffed with FCPS Instructional Assistants (IAs), Public Health Training Assistants (PHTAs), and Special Education Resource Teachers. To ensure access for all families, we provide:
- Tuition assistance
- Transportation
- After care options
For more information on these summer programs click here. To register for E-IFTA please click here.
Sibshops/SibTeen Summer Camp (Monday, June 22 and Tuesday, June 23)
Sibshops and SibTeen will hold a two-day summer camp for children who have a sibling with a disability. Each day participants will participate in a variety of fun recreation and art based community building activities and discussion related to their shared experience and access peer support. Lunch will be provided each day.
Sibshops is open to children in grades 2nd through 5th. SibTeen is offered to children in grades 6 through 9.
Date: Monday, June 22 and Tuesday, June 23
Time: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location - Fairfax Villa Elementary Register here
Save the Date
Monday, May 25 - Wednesday, May 27 - No School
Friday, May 29 - Field Day and School-Wide Picnic 11:30 - noon
Friday, June 5 - House Spirit Day
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
Tuesday, June 16 - EOY House Celebrations
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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