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Dear Pine Spring Families and Community,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! We hope your summer has been filled with opportunities to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with the people you love.
As we prepare to welcome our Bobcats back, we are filled with excitement and gratitude. Pine Spring is a special place because of the partnership among our students, staff, families, and community. Together, we create a school where every child is known, valued, challenged, and supported.
We begin this new year with much to celebrate from the 2025–2026 school year. Our students demonstrated significant academic growth in both reading and math, positioning Pine Spring to be recognized as a VDOE Distinguished School. We are incredibly proud of our Bobcats!
These results reflect the hard work of our students, the expertise and dedication of our staff, and the ongoing support of our families. We are proud of this progress while recognizing that our work continues until every Bobcat experiences success.
During the 2026–2027 school year, we will build upon this momentum by continuing to provide engaging instruction, strengthen student voice and ownership, and support every child’s academic, social, and emotional growth. Through the Zones of Regulation, Responsive Classroom, AVID, and our focus on student agency, we will help our Bobcats develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.
We look forward to reconnecting with returning families and warmly welcoming those who are new to Pine Spring. Please join us for Open House on Thursday, August 20, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. This will be a wonderful opportunity for students and families to meet their teachers, visit classrooms, and begin feeling at home in our school community.
Thank you for trusting us with your children and for being an essential part of the Pine Spring team. We cannot wait to see our hallways filled with the energy, curiosity, and joy of our students again.
Here’s to another year of learning, growth, and Bobcat pride!
Warmly,
Nikki Yacubovich, Principal
Melissa Wallace, Assistant Principal
Jennifer Ganci, Assistant Principal
The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep you connected and informed, directly from your smartphone. Download the FCPS mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
With the app, you can:
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View school calendars. See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
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Check school menus. See what’s for lunch and breakfast each school day.
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Tap to contact. Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
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Stay up to date. Get the latest news from FCPS.
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Access key links. Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.
No need to log in, just download and go! Learn more about the FCPS mobile app.
On Tuesday, July 28, a new ParentVUE mobile app became available in the Apple and Google app stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. The current “classic” app will remain active for about six months. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their child’s school data.
In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature.
Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.
FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children ages 6 weeks to 4 years living in Fairfax County with economic and educational risk factors.
- The pre-K program prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children who will be 3 years old by September 30.
- Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from expectant mothers and parents/guardians of children 6 weeks to 2 years old.
Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. However, space is limited and provided based on need, not on a first come, first served basis. Applications are accepted online, by email, by postal mail (printable application), or in person at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).
Make sure your child has all of their required immunizations before the first day of school. Check their immunization records to see what they might be missing. You can:
- Request immunization records online through the Virginia Immunization Information System (a free service).
- If your child was immunized outside of Virginia, get records from those states’ systems.
- Request records from your health care provider. Some may charge for copies.
Review school-required immunizations to verify that your child is up to date.
Where to Receive Immunizations
If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your family’s healthcare provider or one of the following immunization events.
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.
If you do not have a healthcare provider, visit a Health Department clinic. Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) clinics offer immunizations to all Fairfax County students, as well as those who are behind on their scheduled immunizations or need a booster.
Summer back-to-school immunization clinics are also available. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. FCHD offers limited walk-in hours for immunization services on a first-come, first-served basis. Immunizations are also available by appointment.
Inova Cares Back to School Pediatric Health Fairs provide children ages 5 and up with free school physicals and immunizations. Weekend clinics are available in July and August. These health fairs are for VA Medicaid or Uninsured Inova registered patients only. Appointments are required. Call 703-698-2550 to make an appointment. Bring vaccine records to the appointment.
Local immunization clinics and additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and from the FCHD.
Across all grade levels, cellphones, cellphone accessories, and all smart devices must be off and personally stored for the duration of the school day. Watches that serve a dual purpose (like a smartwatch) must be off and personally stored for the duration of the school day, too. Personal devices that connect to a cellphone or cellphone accessory or operate as a smart device must also follow the FCPS Cellphone Policy.
This policy does not apply to school-issued devices. However, school-issued devices must be used in accordance with FCPS Regulation 6410, Acceptable Use Policy, which allows the use of school-issued devices for educational purposes. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.
This year we will have four 3 hour early release days at the elementary level. Pine Spring releases students at 12:30 PM on 3-hour early release days. We ask that you indicated your plan in ParentVUE before August 18th. For additional information, please visit https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/safety-and-transportation/limited-early-release-wednesdays.
Pine Spring three-hour early release days will be:
- September 30
- November 18
- January 13
- April 7
 Image description: The flyer features green decorative lines and an illustration of four smiling children playing together on a playground structure with a slide and zip line.
Incoming kindergarten families, get ready to press start on an amazing year at Pine Spring! The Pine Spring PTA invites you to our Kindergarten Playdate, where our newest Bobcats can meet new friends, explore the playground, and begin their journey of “leveling up” for school.
This is a perfect opportunity for children to meet new friends and for parents and caregivers to get to know one another before the first day of school!
📍 Where: Pine Spring Elementary Playground
🕙 When: Saturday, August 22, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
 A Pine Spring Elementary PTA flyer with the heading “Get Involved: Join a PTA Committee!” The flyer uses black text with green decorative shapes and includes a QR code and the committee sign-up link. At the bottom, an illustration shows hands with a variety of skin tones reaching toward a red heart, representing community, inclusion, and volunteer support.
Pine Spring Elementary PTA needs your help to make the 2026–2027 school year amazing! Families and community members are invited to get involved by joining a PTA committee. Whether you can contribute a little time or take on a larger role, your ideas, talents, and support can make a meaningful difference for Pine Spring students, staff, and families.
To learn more and sign up, scan the QR code in the flyer or visit: https://forms.gle/7qmrrEKzb2VJqCcN9
A green, gold, and white Pine Spring Elementary Open House flyer with a soccer theme and bobcat mascot. Open House is Thursday, August 20. Kindergarten attends from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. and enters through Door 1. First, third, and fifth grades attend from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. First grade enters through Door 1, third grade through Door 6, and fifth grade through the trailers near the rear parking lot. Second, fourth, and sixth grades attend from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. Second grade enters through Door 1, fourth grade through the trailers near the playground, and sixth grade through Door 6. Preschool and Early Childhood meet at 12:00 p.m. in the library.
Thursday, August 20
Each year, we welcome families into the building on the Thursday before school begins. We are excited to continue this tradition and give you and your child an opportunity to meet their teacher, visit the classroom, and explore the safe and welcoming environment our incredible teachers have created.
Open House Schedule
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9:30–10:00 AM — Kindergarten
Enter through Door 1
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10:00–10:30 AM
1st Grade — Door 1
3rd Grade — Door 6
5th Grade — Trailers near the rear parking lot
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10:30–11:00 AM
2nd Grade — Door 1
4th Grade — Trailers near the playground
6th Grade — Door 6
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12:00 PM — Preschool/Early Childhood
Meet in the library
Families are welcome to bring their child’s school supplies so students do not have to carry them on the first day. If you purchased supplies through the PTA, they will be delivered to your child’s classroom before school begins.
We understand that the schedule may not be convenient for every family. It was designed to provide all children with a safe, organized, and low-stress opportunity to enter the building before the first day of school. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Please note that only teachers assigned to each scheduled time will be in their classrooms. All other teachers will be helping families locate their new classrooms. Students must remain with their caregivers throughout the Open House.
If you cannot attend, staff members will be available on the first day of school to help students find their classrooms. Teacher and classroom information will also be available in your ParentVUE account.
We look forward to welcoming our Bobcats and their families back to Pine Spring!
Students will be welcomed into the building promptly at 8:30 AM, with the late bell ringing at 8:45 AM. We will release all students starting at 3:30 PM each day.
Additionally, please note that Kiss and Ride will close at 8:40 AM after the first week of school. This adjustment will provide students with a valuable 5 minutes to travel to their classrooms and be fully prepared for a productive day of learning. While students will not be tardy until 8:45 AM, you will need to park your car in a parking space and bring your child to the front office to be signed in by an adult.
The first day is always a special day for our students. To ensure a smooth start, we kindly request your cooperation with a few important guidelines:
- Please have your child arrive at school using their regular transportation method on the first day. Consistency helps establish a positive routine from day one.
- Discuss with your child their planned method of transportation for going home. Clear communication ensures a successful dismissal process.
- It's essential for all children to confidently share their first and last names to ensure we can guide them to the correct morning location. For students in grades K and 1, please write their first and last name inside their backpacks using the name provided during registration. For example, if your child's name is John Robert but goes by JR, please write John Robert in the backpack. This will help to eliminate any confusion.
 If you are planning to use Kiss and Ride during the school year, we ask that you please have a tag. If you previously had a Kiss and Ride tag, you will continue to use your current number. If you are new to Kiss and Ride, please complete the Kiss and Ride form. Please note that Kiss and Ride will take longer during the first week. We ask that you continue to be patient and allow extra time.
The Kiss and Ride process will remain the same as the last 3 years with one small change.
AM Drop-off
- Cars will pull to the front of the building with their student on the passenger side of the car if at all possible. (We do understand that some families have babies that need to be in that seat.)
- A Pine Spring team member will open your child’s door and ensure your child gets into the building. Please do not get out of your car.
- We ask that you have said goodbye to your child and ensured that your child has everything they need for the day before you get to the drop-off zone. This ensures that all families are able to get through the line in a timely manner.
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This year Kiss and Ride will close at 8:40 AM. Families who come after 8:40 AM will need to bring their child into the building. Children coming after 8:40 must be accompanied by an adult.
PM Pick-up
- Cars will line up in the Kiss and Ride line outside of the main door, where you dropped your child off. We ask that you do not line up for pickup before 3 PM.
- A staff member will collect your tag number (or your child’s name for the first week).
- Once dismissal begins, children will come out of the building in the order of your arrival once you stop at the designated cones.
- Again, a team member will open your door so that your child can get into the car.
- If your child does not come out in time, or if your child still needs support with their seatbelt/car seat you will pull to the designated area so that you can park the car to wait/support your child.
- Please do not go around a car in line unless you are directed by a Pine Spring staff member.
If your child is going to take the bus, you will receive communication from transportation with your child’s bus number, stop, and approximate times. During the first week, your child should arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes early until the bus driver establishes a regular routine. We encourage you to practice going to your bus stop before the first day of school to help eliminate any additional first-day jitters.
Here Comes the Bus®
FCPS knows that knowing when the bus is coming is an important part of your morning and afternoon. You can download the app to know when your bus is approaching your stop. Here Comes the Bus® app is a school bus tracking app that can simplify morning and afternoon routines for parents and students by giving them real-time bus location and text or email notification alerts, helping them get to the bus stop on time. You can get additional information about the app and how to download it here.
Walkers Arrival
- We will welcome PreK-K students starting at 8:30 AM at Door 1.
- We will welcome 1st-6th students starting at 8:30 AM at Door 6.
- We will have staff stationed outside to support the transition.
Walkers Dismissal
- Parents of PreK walkers will be asked to meet their child at outside of the cafeteria.
- Parents of K walkers will be asked to meet their child at the library door across from the flagpole.
Parents of 1st-6th walkers will be asked to meet their child at Door 6 near the playground.
*All students in Kindergarten or younger must be picked up by an adult on their emergency care card each day. Students in kindergarten or younger not picked up by an adult from the bus will be returned to Pine Spring.
- A packet of information will be sent home on the first day of school in our new Wednesday Folder. Please complete all mandatory forms in the folder and return both the folder and the forms to school by Friday, August 23.
- The Wednesday Folder will be sent home each Wednesday. Please be sure that you check these envelopes each week and review the contents with your child. The folder should be returned each week.
Fairfax County Public Schools wants all parents and caregivers to understand its policies regarding surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights.
In its Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms (Annual Notice), FCPS provides explanations of the rights listed above as well as forms that may be used to exercise opt-out choices. Two versions of the Annual Notice are available: a grades K-8 version and a grades 9-12 version. Parents/caregivers with children at different grade levels should read each applicable version of the Annual Notice, because the notices and opt-out rights vary depending on the student’s grade level.
Get more information and view the 2025-26 Opt-Out Booklets.
Pine Spring is working to ensure that families are well connected. We use a variety of platforms to provide you with the type of information you are looking for about your child. Below is a brief explanation of what you can expect from each of these avenues of communication.
eNotify
Critical and timely information will be shared through eNotify. Every family is automatically enrolled in eNotify with the email you provided when you registered your child. This platform is used by both Pine Spring and other FCPS departments to communicate information such as school closures, emergency information, attendance information, and critical health information. Please be sure that your email is up-to-date in your ParentVue account.
SIS ParentVUE
This platform is used for you to access information about your child such as homeroom teacher, attendance, county assessment results. You can also use this platform to update information such as your contact information and your child’s emergency contact information. If you need support setting up this platform, please contact our front office at 571-226-4400.
News You Choose
This is a weekly email from Principal Yacubovich. This is our primary method of communication used for noncritical information with families. You will find information about important news, upcoming events, answers to frequently asked questions, PTA events and information, and stories about things happening in the building. Do you know someone who hasn't signed up for NYC yet? If so, please encourage them to subscribe here.
TalkingPoints
Teachers use the TalkingPoints messenger app, which allows teachers and staff to connect and communicate with families via text messaging directly to their phones and in their native languages. Teachers will share information on how to sign up for TalkingPoints.
Schoology
Schoology is FCPS' Learning Management System that replaced Google Classroom. In this platform, you will be able to find information about the curriculum, assignments, due dates, and other information about what your child is doing in class. Your child’s teacher will discuss this platform during our virtual Back to School Night.
August 20: Open House
August 22: New Student Playdate
August 24: First Day of School
September 4-7: Labor Day Break
September 17: Back to School Night (5:00-6:30)
September 18: PTA Dance
September 30: 3-Hour Early Release
Grade Level Supply Lists
Bell Schedule
Attendance Procedures
Pine Spring PTA
Pine Spring Website
Early Release Wednesdays
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