 Today we kicked off the school year in a whole-school House Assembly and introduced our new students to their assigned Houses! The Mustang Houses are designed to build school spirit, strengthen relationships, and create a sense of belonging among our students. Throughout the year, students work with peers from all grade levels to participate in activities, celebrate successes, and earn House Tokens for demonstrating our school values. Our Houses help make WSES a more connected, supportive, and spirited school community!
We celebrated a wonderful first week of school! Our students are settling into routines, building friendships, and embracing new learning experiences. Thank you to our dedicated staff for creating a warm and welcoming start, and to our families for partnering with us throughout the week. We are so proud of the energy, enthusiasm, and Mustang spirit our students have shown.
Now is the time to become an approved FCPS volunteer so you can volunteer as a chaperone, support classrooms and special events, assist in the cafeteria, and more! All volunteers must register with FCPS, complete a volunteer orientation, and sign in using the visitor kiosk. Some volunteer opportunities may also require a background check.
We look forward to partnering with you and for a successful school year!
News and Notes
Key Before-School Action Items
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Digital Consent: Please log into the FCPS Digital Resources Consent portal to review and grant permission for your child to use school-provided digital tools and resources.
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Transportation & Parking
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No Kiss & Ride: WSES does not have a Kiss & Ride area.
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The front entrance is CLOSED during student arrival and dismissal.
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Parking Guidance: If driving, you must find a legal parking spot in the neighborhood. Please be mindful of neighbors and do not block driveways or mailboxes when visiting WSES.
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Alternative Travel: Families are strongly encouraged to walk if they are an identified walker.
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Fall Picture Day
Strawbridge Photography will be here on Monday, September 14, and you may order your pictures now.
Go to https://www.strawbridge.net
- Click “Order Pictures & Yearbooks”
- Enter our school code PX523836
- Click “Find” or order
Parent Equity Committee
We are looking to grow our Parent Equity Committee and welcome new parent representatives.
The Parent Equity Committee meets to engage in meaningful conversations about advancing equity and inclusion at West Springfield Elementary. The committee provides feedback, insight, and recommendations to help the school develop strategies and opportunities that promote equitable practices and foster an inclusive school community. Members represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, helping ensure that our work reflects the diversity of our school community while supporting continuous growth and self-reflection. The committee meets bimonthly in the evenings virtually.
If you're interested in continuing to serve on the committee this year, please email Dr. Sheers.
Donations Requested
One way to keep a staff happy is well fed and caffeinated! We would appreciate any candy (preferably chocolate) and K cup donations. Our staff loves a sweet treat and afternoon pick up during the day, thank you!
Parent Handbook
To help you stay informed and connected, we’ve updated our Parent Handbook, which includes important information about school policies, procedures, schedules, and more.
Please take a few moments to review the handbook so you’re familiar with what to expect and how we can best work together to support your child’s success.
Advanced Academic Programs
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K-12 and is designed to match services to each student’s unique academic needs.
Identification for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services occurs throughout the school year. Full-Time AAP services have two identification cycles:
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Fall identification: Students in grades 3-7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15, 2026.
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Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2-7 may be referred by December 15, 2026.
FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration in the holistic identification process for AAP services.
- All students in Grade 2 take the Naglieri General Ability Test (NGAT).
- Students in Grades 3-6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
- Students in Grades 3-6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Caryn Seiler, School Testing Coordinator, at csseiler@fcps.edu by September 30.
Families are invited to attend an AAP information meeting, led by Caryn Seiler, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART):
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AAP Continuum of Services & Full-Time AAP Identification: September 24, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the cafeteria. Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students and the referral and identification process for Full-Time AAP services
For more information, please contact Caryn Seiler, AART, at csseiler@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website.
Student ID Cards for West Springfield Elementary Bus Riders
We will begin distributing student ID cards in the next few weeks to students.
Students who have student ID cards should begin tapping as they board and exit the bus. Only students who use FCPS transportation services will be provided with a student ID card at this time.
We ask for your patience! Bus drivers will begin checking in students next week and may need some extra time at each bus stop while they do this. The transportation team is working hard to minimize any potential delays.
Learn more about the bus navigation and student ID cards.
SEL Screener Parent/Guardian Notification
The Fall Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3 through 12 in October. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.
New ParentVUE Mobile App
On Tuesday, July 28, a new ParentVUE mobile app will become 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.
Understanding Student Rights and Responsibilities Updates: New Universal Grade Matrices for Families
Families are encouraged to review the updated FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document, which explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses in order to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment.
Updates for the 2026-27 school year include new Universal Grade Matrices (UGMs). UGMs are charts that show behavior expectations and school responses by grade level (K-3, 4-8, and 9-12). These at-a-glance resources (in Appendix D of the SR&R) are designed to make it easier for parents and caregivers to understand how schools respond to different types of behavior concerns.
Visit the SR&R webpage for more information and to review additional updates to the SR&R for the 2026-27 school year.
Dates for Early Release Wednesdays
Early Release Wednesdays will start in late September 2026. Each elementary school will have a total of four early release days throughout the school year. Students will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m.
Early release Wednesdays for West Springfield ES are:
- September 30
- November 18
- January 13
- April 7
School Hours
- 8:45 AM – 3:30 PM
- Doors open at 8:45 AM *students should not arrive before 8:45 AM
- Students are expected to be in class by 8:55 AM (after that, they are marked tardy)
Attendance
- Please call the attendance line at 703-912-4444 or use our online form to report absences or tardies
- Daily attendance matters—please aim for on-time arrivals!
Family Resource Center
Free Virtual Parent Café: Body Safety
Parents and guardians are invited to a free virtual Parent Café focused on helping children understand body safety. Families will learn practical ways to talk with children about recognizing unsafe situations, setting boundaries, and seeking help from trusted adults.
- Date: September 8, 2026
- Location: Virtual
- Cost: Free
- Eligibility: Fairfax County parents and guardians with children ages 0–18
- Registration:Free Virtual Parent Café online registration Free Virtual Parent Café online registration
Military Families FCPS Welcome BBQ
FCPS invites new and returning military-connected families to celebrate the start of the 2026–27 school year at a Welcome BBQ. Families can enjoy food, activities, and an opportunity to meet and connect with other military-connected families from across FCPS.
Please reach out to Rainey Chase (rachase@fcps.edu) with any questions.
Save the Date
Looking Ahead to 2026-2027 School Year:
The FCPS 2026-27 School Year calendar is available on the FCPS website.
Friday, September 4 - Monday, September 7 - No School
Monday, September 14 - Fall Picture Day
Wednesday, September 16 - Back to School Night (adult only)
- 5:30 - 6:15 - Kindergarten/First Grade
- 6:00 - 7:15 - Meet our Specialists (Cafeteria)
- 6:15 - 7:00 - Second, Third and Fourth Grade
- 7:00 - 7:45 - Fifth/Sixth Grade
Monday, September 21 - Student Holiday
Wednesday, September 30 - Early Release at 12:30 p.m.
Friday, October 2 - Family Coffee 8:00 am
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