 Donut Stress, SOL Testing is Nearly Over!
We have received several community (and police) concerns regarding unsafe driving and parking behaviors during student drop-off and pick-up times. Please help us keep our school community safe by following these important guidelines:
Stop Sign Compliance – Vervain Ct.
Drivers must come to a complete stop at the stop sign at the corner of Vervain Ct. and Spring Beauty Ct. There have been multiple reports of drivers ignoring this sign, creating dangerous conditions for pedestrians and other drivers.
Parking Etiquette – Greeley Blvd.
When picking up or dropping off your child, please do not park in front of the police squad car or in areas across from the crosswalk where “No Parking” signs are clearly posted. Also, do not block driveways—residents need safe and clear access to their homes at all times.
Safe Drop-Off Practices
If you are letting your child out of the car, please pull into a designated parking spot and come to a complete stop before doing so. Refrain from dropping children off in the middle of the street or while still moving.
No U-Turns
For the safety of all students and pedestrians, U-turns in school zones or near drop-off areas are strictly prohibited.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our school community safe.
Time to Signup for Band, Strings, and Chorus for 2025-26 School Year!
Band & Strings: In grades 4 – 6, students have the opportunity to start/continue an instrument. Fourth graders can choose strings, Fifth and Sixth graders can choose band OR strings. Students will receive one band/strings class a week. Students will not miss any other instruction.
Once your student has chosen their preferred instrument, please sign up here
Chorus: We invite students to join the 5th and 6th Grade chorus program at WSES! Chorus is open to all 5th and 6th grade students at WSES and no choral experience is required. Students have the option to participate in chorus while also playing an instrument in either band OR strings. All students had the opportunity to hear the choir perform in our in-school assembly. If your 5th and 6th Grader is interested in join choir for the 2025-26 school year, please sign up here.
Please see this WSES Fine Arts Flyer for additional information, including participation expectations.
News and Notes
Inflatable Costumes Requested
We have 5 costumes donated and need more! Our school is gearing up for an exciting Field Day and School-Wide Picnic on Friday, May 30. We hope one of the highlights to close out our school-wide picnic will be a fun-filled staff race! To make it extra memorable for our students, we’re hoping to add some extra flair by having the staff race in inflatable costumes.
If you happen to have any inflatable costumes that you’d be willing to lend or donate, we’d be incredibly grateful! Borrowed costumes will be handled with care and returned promptly after the event.
Please drop off costumes to the office by Friday, May 23.
School-Wide Picnic - RESCHEDULED!
Join us on Field Day, May 30th for our School-wide picnic at 11:45!
Bagged lunches are available for purchase—order forms were sent home in the Thursday Folder.
Field Day is Friday, May 30th!
We are looking forward to an outdoor day of fun! If you are able to help make the day a success please sign up below.
9:20 - 11:40 Third - Sixth Grade
11:45 - School-wide Picnic - Lunch Orders due TODAY!
12:40 - 2:30 Kindergarten - Second Grade
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EACA62DA6FBC70-55726790-2025#/
EOY WSES Awards
It is that time of the year that we request nominations for our WSES Awards. Please take a moment to nominate a staff or community member!
Nominate here: https://forms.gle/dhXvZzMVv8HehhQHA
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Extra Mile Award: This award recognizes a Mustang who goes above and beyond for children. Their daily guidance has taught students how to walk and, by their example, where to walk. Their footprints will be the stepping stones to the students' future.
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Footprint Award: This award is presented to a Mustang who has made a significant impact on the school and community. Some people come into our lives and quickly go, but others stay a while, leaving footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.
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Starfish Award: This award celebrates someone who consistently goes above and beyond to make a difference for students. Every day, an old man walked the beach with a pail, picking up starfish washed in by the tide and throwing them back into the sea. One day, a young boy stopped the old man and asked, "Why do you throw the starfish back? It doesn't matter; they will only wash up on the shore again tomorrow." The old man picked a starfish out of his pail, threw it as far as he could into the sea, and replied, "It mattered to that one."
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Inclusive Educator Excellence Award: This award honors a Mustang who actively promotes diversity and inclusion, creates a welcoming and supportive environment where every student feels valued and able to succeed, employs innovative and effective teaching methods that engage all students, demonstrates leadership in advocating for inclusive practices, and commits to ongoing professional development to enhance their understanding and implementation of inclusive teaching strategies.
End of Year Band and Chorus Performance
Our band and chorus students have worked hard this year and they are looking forward to showcasing their work to families in the gym on Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30pm.
Students should arrive by 6pm wearing white on top, black on bottom, and darker shoes.
Safety Patrol Team Applications
Students interested in becoming a safety patrol must complete this Google Form Application. Applications are due by June 6th.
WSES has 35 patrol spots available, so unfortunately, not all applicants will receive a position.
After all applications are gathered, we will seek recommendations from all teachers to aid in the selection process. Captains will be assigned, and a roster will be created. For those not initially selected, a waiting list will be established based on our needs for walker or bus duties. Any updates will be communicated promptly. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at Wfaleman@fcps.edu.
Spring and Class Photos
Victor O’Neill Studios has your child’s spring photos and class photos ready to order. Access photos by using your student ID as the online code. https://www.vosphoto.com/underclass
If you have any questions please contact them at underclass@vosphoto.com
Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders
Additional immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grades.
All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
- To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
- As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time. Additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and the Fairfax County Health Department.
Phase 2 Community Boundary Review Meetings
Families, staff, and community members will soon be able to explore and visualize potential boundary scenarios using a customized Boundary Explorer Tool. The tool will be accessible from the FCPS website. You are also invited to participate in another series of community meetings in order to review and reflect on the initial draft scenarios before the start of summer break.
- Friday, May 16, 6:30-8 p.m., Robinson Secondary School
- Monday, May 19, 6:30-8 p.m., Herndon High School
- Friday, May 23, 7-8:30 p.m., Lewis High School
- Wednesday, May 28, 7-8:30 p.m., Annandale High School
- Thursday, May 29, 6:30-8 p.m., Whitman Middle School
- Friday, May 30, 6:30-8 p.m., Chantilly High School
- Friday, June 6, 6:30–8 p.m., Glasgow Middle School
Each meeting will be hybrid, meaning that you may attend in person or via Zoom. Childcare for in-person participants and language interpretation/translation for all participants will be available as needed. Registration links will be shared soon. Another round of community meetings will be held in the fall.
Last Day of School Dismissal
We will dismiss 2 hours early at 1:30 on the last day of school, Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
 Farewell Reception for Families Leaving West Springfield Elementary
Each year, we must say “Goodbye” to many families in our West Springfield community who are moving away to start exciting new adventures. If your family will not be returning to WSES next year, please join us for a Farewell Reception on Wednesday, June 4, from 8:00 – 8:45 a.m. in the school cafeteria. We have loved having you in our community and look forward to wishing you well!
Please RSVP by completing this short form by Wednesday, May 28, to confirm your attendance. If you have any questions, please contact our family liaison, Andrea Howard, at ahoward@fcps.edu.
Resources Available to FCPS Families
Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:
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School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
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FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family engagement.
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FCPS Family Academy – We know that as a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in your child’s education. The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child’s needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources to help you ensure your child has what they need to succeed. See upcoming events below.
- Upcoming Family Academy Events – Visit the Family Academy catalog for more information on upcoming sessions and to register to attend.
Tuesday, May 20 - 5th Grade Science SOL
Wednesday, May 21 - Spring Band & 6th Grade Chorus Concert at WSES at 6:00 pm
Friday, May 23 - 6th Grade Kickball Game
Friday, May 30 - Field Day and School-Wide Picnic 11:45
Wednesday, June 4 - Farewell Reception in Cafeteria at 8:00 am
Tuesday, June 10 - 6th Grade Promotion at 10:00 am
Wednesday, June 11 - Last Day of School, Early Release at 1:30 pm
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