Pine Spring Paw Print

Paw Print Topics


Sept 7 Pic

One of our newest Bobcats enjoying recess.


Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life. 

A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):

Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid


The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12

The FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

The first goal of the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they’re joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success. See how Goal 1 is being put into practice. Learn more about or enroll in FCPS Pre-K or Early Head Start


Weather Happens, FCPS Is Ready

Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, many different types of weather events can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff. What does FCPS do during a flood? What about a severe thunderstorm?

Learn how FCPS prepares for and responds to weather events, and find resources to help your family prepare, on the FCPS Weather Safety webpage.


Safety Drills During the School Year

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and extreme weather. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. Pine Spring will have our drill this coming week. 

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. 

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your child before and after school lockdown drills.

⚠️ Know Our Security Terms

FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.

Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned. 

If students, staff, or families have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1. 


Your Child’s Presence at School Matters

The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success by helping them build good habits. 

If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.


Back to School Night

Join us on Thursday, September 17, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. for Pine Spring’s Back to School Night! The evening will begin with a schoolwide presentation from our administrative team in the gym, followed by two opportunities to attend a grade-level presentation.

Schedule

  • 5:00–5:30 p.m.: Schoolwide Overview in the gym
  • 5:30–6:00 p.m.: Grade-Level Session 1
  • 6:00–6:30 p.m.: Grade-Level Session 2
  • 6:00–6:30 p.m.: Meet and Greet with our specialists in the cafeteria

Grade-Level Locations

  • Kindergarten,1st grade, and 2nd grade: Grade-level classrooms
  • 3rd grade: Gym
  • 4th grade: Library
  • 5th grade: Room 213
  • 6th grade: Room 212

During the specialist Meet and Greet, families can connect with representatives from Music, Art, PE, FLES, Library, Mental Health, AAP, Technology, and our instructional coaching team in the cafeteria.

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing more about the exciting year ahead!


Fall Full-Time AAP Referral Window for Students New to FCPS Closes on October 15 

The Advanced Academic Program (AAP) fall referral window is only for students in Grades 3 to 8 who are new to FCPS since January 1, 2026. Parents and guardians who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time AAP services must submit the Full-Time AAP Referral Form to Tracy Haynes, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at tlhaynes@fcps.edu by Thursday, October 15. Late referrals will not be accepted.

 

For students who are not new to FCPS, the spring Full-Time AAP identification window is open to students in Grades 2 to 7. Families interested in referring their student for consideration during the spring window must submit a referral by Tuesday, December 15.

 

Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time AAP services.

 

Other Advanced Academic Services 

At the elementary level, all students are screened each spring for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services. Families may also refer their student for consideration for Subject-Specific or Part-Time AAP at any time during the school year. Eligibility decisions are made at the school level, and families are notified of the decision within 30 school days of the referral. The Full-Time AAP referral deadlines do not apply.

 

At the middle school level, honors courses are open to all students. 

 

For more information, please contact Mrs. Haynes, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at tlhaynes@fcps.edu or visit the Advanced Academic Programs webpage.

 


Save the Date

September 17: Back to School Night, 5:00–6:30 p.m.

September 18: PTA Dance

September 30: Three-Hour Early Release

October 8: AAP Continuum of Services, 5:00–6:00 p.m.

October 8: Science Night, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

November 12: Full-Time AAP Identification

November 18: Three-Hour Early Release

January 13: Three-Hour Early Release

April 7: Three-Hour Early Release


Pine Spring Resources

Bell Schedule

Attendance Procedures

Pine Spring PTA 

Pine Spring Website 

Early Release Wednesdays