Pine Spring Paw Print

Paw Print Topics


Share Your Thoughts on Schools and Buildings in the Renovation Queue Survey

The Office of the Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Programs is seeking input from community members, families, and employees about school facility needs and how FCPS prioritizes facility improvements. 

Whether you work in an FCPS school, have a child enrolled, or live near an FCPS school, please share your perspective. The survey asks about building conditions, how facilities affect teaching and learning, renovation priorities, and what information would help you better understand this process.

Look for the survey in your email on Friday, October 16. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential. The survey will remain open until Saturday, October 31. 

Did You Know? Bond Referendums Fund Facility Renovations

FCPS does not pay for facility renovations out of its general operating budget. Instead, Fairfax County voters decide on how much money FCPS can spend on capital improvement projects through bond referendums. Bonds are issued by the county to the school division and allow FCPS to renovate buildings without increasing taxes.

Learn more about bond referendums and how they support our schools on the Bond Referendum webpage.


Literacy and Lexia Webinars

  • Help Your Child Become a Stronger Reader: Upcoming Family Learning Opportunities

Want to better understand how your child learns to read and how you can support them at home? FCPS is offering several free virtual sessions to help families learn about reading instruction, literacy resources, and strategies to build strong reading skills. Explore the opportunities below and register for the sessions that interest you.Lexia Family Information Sessions

Want to learn more about Lexia® Core5 and Lexia® PowerUp? These virtual sessions share how FCPS is using both programs in classrooms across the division this school year to support students’ literacy growth and give families a chance to ask questions.

 

Every one-hour session covers the same content. Choose the option that works best for your family:

  • Wednesday, October 21, at 5 and 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m.

 

Join a Lexia Family Information Night Session.Literacy Webinar SeriesJoin us for a series of family-friendly webinars designed to help you understand reading assessments, reading plans, and ways to support your child at home. Learn what assessment results mean, how reading plans guide instruction, and practical strategies to strengthen decoding, language, comprehension, and literacy skills, including support for multilingual learners.

  • October 20, 2026: Understanding Reading Assessments and Your Child
  • December 15, 2026: What Is a Reading Plan?
  • February 19, 2027: How Do I Support My Child With a Reading Plan at Home?
  • May 14, 2027: Continuing Reading Success Through the Summer

Register for the Literacy Webinar Series.

 

Introduction to Dyslexia Webinar – What Is It and What Does It Mean for My Student?

Participants will look at the definition of dyslexia and its impact on students including the different types of dyslexia and what support students with dyslexia require. Participants will also leave with activities and tips to support their students at home.Join us on Friday, October 23, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Register for the Introduction to Dyslexia webinar.


FCPS Is Participating in Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5) 

Virginia Quality Birth to Five is Virginia’s system for measuring and supporting quality in early childhood programs so children enter kindergarten ready to learn. VQB5 builds on health and safety standards by measuring the quality of teacher-child interactions and the use of the curriculum. Visit the Virginia Quality Birth to Five website for more information.

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Survey Extended! Share Your Feedback on Traveling to and From School

The FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are asking families to share their experiences traveling to and from their child’s school. The feedback will help inform the Fairfax County School Board’s annual assessment of traffic and pedestrian safety near schools.

The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss-and-ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns. Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security.

The survey takes about five minutes to complete and will be open through Tuesday, October 20.

Please note that parents may now submit more than one response to provide feedback regarding different schools. Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school.

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.


Join Us for Pine Spring’s Trunk or Treat!

trunk or treat

Keep the fun going after Book Character Day! Join our Pine Spring community on Friday, October 30, from 3:30–4:30 p.m. in the Pine Spring parking lot for an afternoon of decorated trunks, sweet treats, and time together.

New this year: Families are invited to host a trunk! Bring your creativity, decorate your trunk, and help make the celebration extra special by passing out treats.

Interested in hosting? Complete the form on the flyer with your family name, student’s name, and teacher. Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Participating families will receive an assigned parking spot and additional details.

We can’t wait to celebrate with our Bobcat families!


Superintendent Community Conversations

Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. 


Immunization Events for FCPS Students

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. Additional immunization resources are available.


Share Your Feedback on Traveling to and From School

The FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are asking families to share their experiences traveling to and from their child’s school. The feedback will help inform the Fairfax County School Board’s annual assessment of traffic and pedestrian safety near schools. 

The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss-and-ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns. 

Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15. 

Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school. 

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.  


Pine Spring Book Fair: October 26–30

Book Fair 26

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Pine Spring Elementary from Monday, October 26, through Friday, October 30. Students and families can explore new stories, discover favorite authors, and find their next great read.

Bring the whole family to Book Fair Family Night on Thursday, October 29, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Pine Spring Elementary.

We also welcome volunteers to help set up, assist students with wish lists, and work cashier shifts. Any amount of time is appreciated. To learn about available shifts and sign up, please use the volunteer sign-up code on the flyer or contact the school for assistance.


Save the Date

October 30: Two-Hour Early Release 

October 30: Trunk or Treat

November 2-6: Parent-Teacher Conferences

November 5: Picture retake day 

November 11: Progress Reports Sent Home 

November 12: Full-Time AAP Identification

November 18: Three-Hour Early Release

December 10: Literacy Night 

January 13: Three-Hour Early Release

February 10: Report Cards Sent Home 

March 18: Math Night 

April 7: Three-Hour Early Release

April 28: Report Cards Sent Home