|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Weekly Update for August 21, 2026
 Welcome back, Willow Springs families! We are excited to see both new and familiar faces starting Monday, August 24th as we build strong relationships together.
Quick Schedule Reminder:
-
Doors Open: 9 a.m.
-
Instruction Begins: 9:15 a.m.
-
Dismissal: 4 p.m. (Bus riders, walkers, and Kiss & Ride)
 Download Kindergarten - Sixth Signs
How to Share Your First Day Photos:
Print: Print the sign matching your student's grade level.
Snap: Take a clear photo of your child holding the sign on their first day.
 The first day of school, Monday, August 24, is just around the corner! Check out these back-to-school tips to make sure your child gets off to a great start.
Also find out what will be new this school year.
 Is your student ready to make some music? Registration is officially open for the upcoming school year!
4th Graders: Eligible to register for Strings.
5th and 6th Graders: Eligible to register for Band or Strings. (Students may select one instrument, but can also participate in Chorus!)
Click to edit this placeholder text.
 Bus Riders
Finding Your Bus Schedule
-
Check your email/texts for details sent by the FCPS Office of Transportation Services
-
Log in to your SIS ParentVue account to view your child's assigned bus route, pickup, and drop-off times.
First Week Tips & Patience
Drivers will be adjusting to new routes and traffic patterns during the first week:
Kindergarten Pick-Up Policy
-
A parent or designated adult MUST meet kindergarten students at the bus stop in the afternoon.
-
If no adult is present at the stop, the driver will return the child to the school.
Kiss and Ride
-
Allow Extra Time: Many families utilize our Kiss and Ride line, which frequently backs up past Patriot Park North.
-
Plan for Delays: Traffic moves slowly during peak drop-off times. Please give yourself plenty of time in the morning if you need to be somewhere else afterward.
-
Drive Safely: Expect heavy traffic, exercise patience, and keep an eye out for students and pedestrian traffic.
Walkers
-
Dismissal Location: Students walking home will be dismissed through the gym leading out to the blacktop.
-
Parent Pickup: If you are meeting your student walker, please wait outside on the blacktop until the students are released.
 Willow Springs uses PickUpPatrol to easily report student absences and coordinate a safe dismissal for every child.
-
New Families: Keep an eye on your inbox for an email with simple account registration instructions.
-
Daily Use: Please use PickUpPatrol to log any absence, tardy, or changes to your child's standard end-of-day dismissal plan.
 Apply Today!
Families who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals can receive breakfast and lunch for their students at no cost or at a reduced cost. Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM) application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
The application for FRM is now available for the 2026-27 school year. Students who were approved for FRM last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Prohibition of Personal Electronic Devices During Instructional Time
(Fairfax County School Board Main Motion #6 — Passed July 16, 2026)
-
Core Rule: Personal electronic communication and computing devices are prohibited from use during the instructional day.
-
Covered Personal Devices:
-
Personal laptops & tablets
-
Smartphones & smartwatches
-
Any other personal internet-connected or communication devices
-
Requirement: Students must use FCPS-issued devices for all digital, school-related activities during school hours.
-
Exceptions:
-
Applies only if a student’s formal IEP or Section 504 Plan explicitly requires or permits a personal device as a documented accommodation.
-
Usage must strictly match the provisions outlined in the accommodation document.
 Download the FCPS mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
-
Track school calendars, holidays, and early dismissals
-
🍎 Check daily breakfast and lunch menus
-
📞 Call attendance lines or email staff in one tap
-
📰 Read the latest FCPS news
-
🔗 Quickly launch ParentVUE, Schoology, and FCPS.edu
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.
Update Your Contact Information
Be sure you receive important information! Update your phone number(s) and/or email address(es) by clicking “My Account” and reviewing the “Online Verification/Update.” On that form, you can also update immunization records, health information, and emergency contacts.
 New Student ID Cards and Bus Navigation System
FCPS is launching a new bus navigation system, which includes student ID cards for students who ride the bus. Students will use the cards to tap on and off the bus, helping FCPS and families know exactly which students are riding which buses.
Learn more about the new system and how it will improve route efficiency, safety, and transparency with families. Check out the frequently asked questions for families.
 Exception to Ride Bus Requests
Parents or Guardians who need to change either the bus stop location or the bus that the student is currently assigned to should fill out the form linked here.
This form should be filled out only by an FCPS student's parent or legal guardian. Please note that you should not expect a response before October 1.
Here is the link to the on-line Exception to Ride Request link.
https://www.fcps.edu/facilities-and-transportation-forms
-
August 24 - 1st Day of School for Students
-
Septermber 1 - Picture Day for Students
-
September 4 & 7 - Labor Day Break
-
September 15 - Back to School Night
-
September 21 - Yom Kippur Holiday
-
October 12 - Indigenous People's Day Holiday
-
October 21 - 3 Hour Early Release Wednesday
-
October 30 - End of Quarter 1
|
