 Congratulations to our Mustang Graduates!
We are seeking two parent/caregiver representatives to serve on the Superintendent's Family Vision Group for the 2026–27 school year. This FCPS advisory group provides families with an opportunity to share their perspectives, strengthen school-home partnerships, and help inform divisionwide decisions.
Representatives will attend six in-person evening meetings (6:00–7:30 p.m.) throughout the school year. We encourage families from all backgrounds and experiences to apply, especially those whose voices may not traditionally be represented in school leadership groups.
Meeting Dates: September 9, October 21, December 9, February 24, April 14, and May 5.
If you are interested in serving or would like more information, please contact Dr. Sheers. Additional details are available on the Superintendent's Family Vision Group webpage.
🎨 Support The Crayon Initiative – Recycle for a Cause! 🖍️
Do you have old, broken, or unwanted crayons lying around? Don’t toss them—donate them!
Our school is collecting used crayons to support The Crayon Initiative, a nonprofit that recycles crayons into new ones and donates them to children’s hospitals across the country. This program not only helps reduce landfill waste but also brings color, creativity, and joy to kids in need.
📦 Collection Dates: June 4 - June 17, 2026
📍 Drop-Off Location: Wses Lobby
Let’s work together to make a big impact with something as small as a crayon!
For more information, visit www.thecrayoninitiative.org
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Irving Summer Academy
Irving Summer Academy is a transition program designed to give students a “jump start” into middle school. The program equips students with some of the skills they need to be successful in middle school, as well as gives them an opportunity to meet peers and ask questions about Irving. Enrollment is open to all WIMS rising 7th graders. Students will attend a one-day in-person program, on EITHER Wednesday, August 5th, Thursday, August 6th, Friday, August 7th, from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm. Transportation is not provided, but lunch and t-shirt will be provided for all participants. During their program day, students will be able to tour the building and participate in activities in the following topics: Middle School Success, Team building, Schoology, and All About Irving. The program will be run by Irving staff members. In addition to the in-person sessions, we will be sharing a variety of resources with students to help with their transition to middle school.
Registration began on Wednesday, May 20th, and a complete registration includes:
- Filling out this Google Form
- A fee of $15 to be paid via MySchoolBucks, Irving Academy will be available in your student's elementary MySchoolBucks store.
You will be asked to indicate your preference for which day your child attends, but preference cannot be guaranteed. Program day preference is given on a first come, first registered basis. Registration will close on Friday, July 31st. Remember, preference for program day is given on a first come, first registered basis. Register now to ensure your child’s place! An email confirming your child’s program date, further details and reminders will be sent the last week of July or as soon as more information is available. For questions, please email our After-School Specialist, Natalie Duncan (naduncan@fcps.edu).
Please Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance
It’s a busy time of year, and we know many priorities are on your plate. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to check your student’s MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.
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.
Third Annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt Encourages Active Family Fun
The Solving Fun Puzzle Pals have been busy getting ready for the 3rd Annual Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt, and it kicks off in only three weeks!
This free event is open to solvers of all ages and is a great way to keep students and families engaged in fun, creative problem-solving over the summer. It also teaches bike and pedestrian safety and encourages active transportation.
New this year: The school with the most solvers will win a special visit from Sue Doku! Sign up for the Puzzle Hunt!
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
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).
Contact Our Music Department
If you have questions, please reach out to our team:
Summer Laptop Opt-In
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. Please refer to the May 22, 2026 Mustang Memo for more information and expectations.
FCPS Food and Nutrition Services Summer Meals
Fairfax County Public Schools will provide free summer meals to all children through the Summer Food Service Program. Meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis at designated locations, and children must remain onsite while eating.
No meal service June 18–19, 2026, and July 3, 2026)
Summer Meals Program flyer
Inova Cares Back-to-School Pediatric Health Fairs Summer 2026
Free physicals and immunizations for children (ages 5+, Medicaid or uninsured only). June 27 – Inova Cares Manassas July 25 – Inova Cares Falls Church Call 703-698-2550 (appointments required; no walk-ins) Flyer with more information
Fairfax County Health Department – Public Health Center Services
The Fairfax County Health Department continues to offer a wide range of public health services for children, adults, and families at locations throughout Fairfax County. Walk-ins and appointments are available at Annandale, Herndon-Reston, Mount Vernon, and Franconia-Springfield locations.
Public Health Center Services Flyer
Click here for more information or call 703-246-7100
If you have any additional questions please email rachase@fcps.edu
Save the Date
Friday, June 12 - Inflatable Costume Race and Human Sundaes of Dr. Sheers and Mr. Potten ~9:30 AM
Monday, June 15 - 6th Grade Promotion at 10:00 am, Doors open 9 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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