 We are excited to announce our School-Wide Field Trip to Burke Lake on Thursday, April 9!
Parent Chaperone sign up will be sent on Monday, February 2 at 8:00 am. If you wish to chaperone, please make sure you work through the FCPS volunteer process and register.
Chaperones if they have not completed the volunteer process will be removed from the sign up.
More to come!
WSES Parent University
 Parent University - All Things MTSS
Join us on Wednesday, January 21 at 9:00 am to learn about our MTSS (Multi Tier's Systems of Support) framework, data-driven decision making practices, what Tier 2 and Tier 3 means, and where you can see your child's progress if they have been identified to receive support.
Seeing Different Perspectives in Language Arts
Benchmark Unit 4 in Language Arts is about points of view. Students in K-5 will be learning about why and how people create stories, and how to understand different perspectives. Grade six students will learn how a person’s life shapes their point of view.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: Have you ever disagreed with a friend? How did you see things differently?
- Activity: Make up a silly scenario with your child, like a dinosaur walking down the street or an ice cream thunderstorm. Put on a short play where you and your child each play the role of each other. How does your child think you would react to the silly scenario and why? How would you react if you were your child?
At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.
Yearbook Orders
Yearbooks are now on sale for $20.00! You can order your yearbook through January 31, 2026. Keep our West Springfield Elementary order number 21854 handy when you log on. Place your order online at https://yearbookordercenter.com
Nominated Our Outstanding WSES Staff
Do you know an outstanding WSES staff member who goes above and beyond or turns ordinary to extraordinary? Nominate them for an FCPS Cares Award and help share how amazing they are!
Distribution of Community Fliers
West Springfield Elementary School offers the opportunity for nonprofit organizations to make their materials available to students and parents. Community fliers can be sent home in the student’s backpacks on February 5. Procedures are found on our school website.
Student Experience Survey
Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.
All students in grades 3-6, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 23. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 23, and Friday, March 6. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. The electronic opt-out form can also be accessed at this link.
We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which include a focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.
Healthy Habits to Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs
Fairfax County is seeing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. Visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings.
Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs.
Apply for Your Child to Learn in Two Languages
FCPS’ 2026-27 Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program lottery opens on Monday, January 12. The program offers students in kindergarten and first grade the opportunity to learn in English and another language — French, German, Japanese, Korean, or Spanish — for half of each instructional day.
The online, countywide lottery is open to Fairfax County residents. Families must have a SIS ParentVUE account. Students not currently enrolled in FCPS should register at their base school before applying for the immersion program.
Families applying for first grade must do so by Thursday, February 12, at 4 p.m. Those applying for kindergarten must do so by Monday, March 2, at 4 p.m.
Informational meetings will begin in January. View dates and details on the FCPS calendar. If you have questions, please contact Brigid Williams at 571-423-4600.
Volunteer FCPS Helps Community Members Connect With Schools
The new volunteer management system, Volunteer FCPS, allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities at our school or across the school district.
Volunteer FCPS is how FCPS provides a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. Anyone interested in volunteering with FCPS must:
- Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS.
- Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS.
- Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk on EVERY visit – no exceptions.
Volunteer Fairfax
Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Turning Compassion into Action! On Monday, January 19th Volunteer Fairfax invites families, businesses, and especially youth to unite for an inspiring MLK Day of Service. This event is designed to engage young volunteers in meaningful, hands-on projects that support local nonprofits and neighbors across Northern Virginia. Each child receives a "service bingo" stamp as they complete projects- making volunteering both fun and meaningful. All ages welcome; projects are suitable for ages 5 and up. Located at NOVA campus—Ernst Community Gymnasium.
Please note: Shift 1 is sold out. Click “get tickets” on the registration page to register for shift 2 which begins at 10:30am.
Mental Health in Military Families Virtual Workshop Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - Zoom 6 to 7 p.m.
Military families face special challenges and stressors during their service to our country. Deployments, frequent moves, and the demanding nature of military life can be stressful on spouses, children, and service members alike. These challenges can often lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, or burnout.
The mental health and emotional well-being of our military families is important. This workshop will provide insights and resources to help build resilience during difficult times. Representatives from Military OneSource, Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLCs), and the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Department of Special Services (DSS) will present and share information during this workshop.
This virtual event will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m. Please fill out this Google form to register and receive the Zoom link.
If you need any additional resources please reach out to Rainey Chase.
Save the Date
Monday, January 19 - Student Holiday
Wednesday, January 21 - Parent University at 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, January 27 - WIDA Parent Presentation 6:30-8:00
Wednesday, January 28 - Second Quarter Ends - Early Dismissal at 1:30 pm
Thursday, January 29-Friday, January 30 - Student Holidays
Monday, February 6 - National Wear Read for Heart
Monday, February 16 and Tuesday, February 17 - Student Holidays
Wednesday, February 18 - Early Release at 12:30 p.m.
❓Questions?
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