Pictures of the Week
October Events
October was a very busy month with so many engaging events including field trips, author visits, International Walk and Roll to School Day, Digital Citizenship Spirit week, staff development, Boosterthon, Parent Teacher conferences and more.
In community news, 5th grader, Kanan Bae received the Stephen A. McLauglin Champions of Character award, given to student athletes who demonstrated extraordinary service in the athletic community while modeling the basic traits of Good Character: Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Trustworthiness, Citizenship and Fairness.
Kanan was the winner for male athlete in the Sully district. Fairfax County Chairman, Jeff McKay was among those who presented him with the award.
November is National Family Engagement Month & Native American Heritage Month
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October 30 - End of Quarter One & 2 Hour Early Dismissal at 2 PM
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November 1 - Daylight Saving Time Ends, Fall Back 1 Hour
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November 2 - School Planning Day, No School for Students
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November 3 - Teacher Workday, No School for Students
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November 8 - Diwali
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November 11 - Veterans Day
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November 16-20 - American Education Week
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November 17 - Fairfax Pyramid Honors Choir Concert, 7 PM, KJMS
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November 25-27 - Thanksgiving Holiday, Schools Closed
View the2026-27 school year calendar for additional information.
Calendar Reminders: Quarter End
Friday, October 30, is the last day of the first quarter. Students will have a two-hour early release at 2 pm.
Schools will be closed for students on Monday, November 2, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 3, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.
SIS ParentVUE will be unavailable for students and parents during end-of-quarter updates from Friday, October 30, at 4 p.m., to Monday, November 9, at 9 a.m.
Daylight Saving Time Ends Fall Back
Daylight saving time will end this Sunday, November 1, at 2 a.m. Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour!
FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards 2026-2027!
✨DO YOU KNOW AN AMAZING EMPLOYEE AT WILLOW SPRINGS? ✨
If you know outstanding employees at Willow Springs Elementary School, FCPS wants your help recognizing them. Fox families are invited to nominate staff members for recognition!
🏆 NOMINATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR:
- Outstanding Teacher
- Outstanding Principal (or New Principal)
- Outstanding Professional Staff Leader
- Outstanding Educational Services Employee
- Outstanding Operational Services Employee
🗓️DEADLINE: The deadline to submit a nomination is 11:59 pm Sunday, November 8th.
SUBMISSIONS: Submissions can be made by completing this form.
Questions? Email Assistant Principals Laura Tapper, and Peter Wolf.
🦊Thank you for supporting our Wonderful Willow Springs Staff!🦊
Impact Aid Survey
Online & Paper Options Available
The Impact Aid Survey is now open! Enrolling parents can complete the form online through SIS ParentVUE or fill out the paper form sent home with your child. Please submit either the ParentVUE form OR the paper form—not both.
Book Fair is Nov. 16-20
Our book fair is coming soon, but we can’t do it without your help! Please consider volunteering for setting up/taking down, working on the register, or helping our kindergarten and first-grade students make wish lists. Sign up here if you can help.
School Visitors & Log-In Procedures Reminder
Campus Security Reminder: Physical ID Required for All Visitors
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Bring your physical ID: All guests must present a physical, government-issued photo ID at check-in.
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No phone photos/copies: Digital photos of IDs or paper photocopies will not be accepted.
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No exceptions: Visitors without a valid physical ID will be turned away at the front office. This applies to all lunch visits, classroom volunteering, and school events during school hours.
Thank you for helping us keep Willow Springs safe!
Volunteer Tip:Set Up Your Raptor Passport for Faster Check-In!
Make school visits seamless by creating a secure digital identity on your phone using the free Raptor Safe app.
Quick Setup Guide:
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📲 Step 1: Download "Raptor Safe" from the App Store or Google Play.
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📱 Step 2: Verify your mobile number with the texted code (skip any school invitation code prompt).
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🪪 Step 3: Scan the front and back barcode of your physical ID.
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🤳 Step 4: Selfie Check by centering your face and following the live video prompts.
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✅ Step 5: Confirm your details and save your verified Passport!
Please remember: While the app speeds up verification, a valid physical ID is still required at entry per FCPS policy.
Makeup/Retake Day Images at Willow Springs are Now Online
Retake/Makeup day images are now online. Families will have received a reminder email to view images from Victor O'Neill Studios.
If you do not see your email, please check spam folder. If you need help ordering/viewing contact underclass@vosphoto.com
Lost and Found is Overflowing!
The next time you are in the building, please check the lost and found area to the left of the main entrance. There are MANY clothing items there that need to be claimed.
ParentVUE App
Maintain Access to Your Child’s Grades and Assignments: Download the New ParentVUE App
New ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile apps launched in July. Be sure to download the new app before winter break. After that time, you will need to use the new mobile app or a web browser to access ParentVUE or StudentVUE.
For instructions on installing the new apps and learning more about the updated login process, visit ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile app resources. If you need assistance, please submit a Parent Support Request.
 Patriot Kids Club
The Patriot Kids Club supports all 22 athletic programs at George Mason.
This club is open to children ages 12 and under. The cost to join is $40.
Benefits in 2026-27 include the following:
● Free admission to all men’s and women’s basketball home games
● Free admission to all GMU Sporting Events
● Patriot Kids Club T-shirt
● Patriot Kids Club Spirit Item
● $10 EBA Concession Voucher
● Patriot Kids Club Credential & Lanyard
We are encouraging our community to come out to the home opener on Monday, November 2nd.
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
Annual Special Education Family Conference: Breakout Session Information Available
Join us for the annual Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, taking place on Saturday, November 14, at Hayfield Secondary School.
More than 20 engaging breakout sessions have been designed to support, inform, and inspire our community. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage to explore the lineup of presenters, titles, and session descriptions. Complete the Special Education Family Conference Registration Form to secure your spot and let us know about any childcare, language interpretation, or accommodation needs.
Get Involved Today! Volunteer and Student Participation Opportunities
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Adult Volunteers: Sign up through Volunteer FCPS using the Volunteer Registration Form by Wednesday, October 28. FCPS staff volunteers will receive MyPDE credit.
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Student Volunteers: Complete the Student Volunteer Interest Form by Wednesday, October 28. Students who volunteer will receive volunteer hours.
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Student Showcase Opportunities: Students can complete the Student Participation Form to lead a performance or share information about a club or research project. Students serving in these roles will receive service hours. Sign up by Friday, October 30.
Email questions to SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu.
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