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Dear Mustang Families,
It was great to see so many of you at Open House! We are excited to welcome our students back for the first day of school on Monday!
A few important reminders:
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Students may arrive beginning at 8:40 a.m.
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School doors will open at 8:45 a.m.
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On first day of school only, families are welcome to walk their students into the building. We kindly ask that families say their goodbyes and not linger and instead join us for in the cafeteria.
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There is no Kiss and Ride.
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For the safety of our students and staff, vehicles may not enter the school parking lot during arrival or dismissal.
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If parking in the surrounding neighborhood, please park safely and responsibly. Be considerate of our neighbors by ensuring that you do not block driveways, mailboxes, or access to homes.
Thank you for your cooperation and partnership as we work together to ensure a safe and smooth start to the school year. We cannot wait to welcome our students on Monday!
News and Notes
Welcome Back Coffee - Join Us!
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Who: Parents/Guardians of WSES Students
When: First Day of School - Monday, August 24th after student drop off (approx. 8:55am)
Where: WSES Cafeteria
Why: Whether you’re a new Kindergarten parent saying, “Boo Hoo” or a returning parent saying, “Whoo Hoo” (or a combo of both), please come say hello and meet other WSES parents after morning drop off on the first day of school in the Cafeteria. Meet our family liason too!
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House Spirit Day - Friday, August 28
Wear your House Color!
New to WSES? Your child will find out their House Color on Thursday, August 27.
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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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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.
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.
Apply Today for Free and Reduced-Price Meals!
The application for FRM is now available for the 2026-27 school year. Students who were approved for FRM last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Access the application and view criteria and up-to-date information on the FRM webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.
All Your FCPS Links in One Spot
There are a lot of school and FCPS webpages to bookmark, but the FCPS mobile app serves as your central hub!
Check daily meal menus and calendars with no login required, or use one-tap quick links to launch SIS ParentVUE, Schoology, and MySchoolBucks.
Download the FCPS mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
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
Thriving As a Special Needs Caregiver - Reclaiming Your Authentic Identity and Cultivating Alignment with Your Life's Desires
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 6 - 7:30 PM
Caring for a child with special needs can be overwhelming, exhausting, and all-consuming. This supportive workshop is designed to help parents and guardians move beyond survival mode and reconnect with themselves.
Together, we’ll explore practical strategies for reducing stress, restoring balance, and creating small, meaningful shifts that support both your well-being and your child’s needs.
Connect with others who truly understand your journey — and rediscover that your needs matter too.
Register here
Starting Strong and Organized - Brain First Strategies for the New School Year
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 10 - 11:30 AM
Children and youth with neurodiversity and who experience other hurdles to learning are more likely to struggle with back-to-school transitions and the essential executive functions that schools expect of them. Join Formed Families Forward as they explore why our kids' brains sometimes seem to work against logic and organization. They will offer solid strategies and tools for improving organization and strengthening routines that help kids feel safer and more ready to tackle the new school year stronger than ever.
Register here
Digital Wellness and Cyber Threat Indicators in K-12:When Online Behavior Becomes a Safety Concern
Friday, September 18, 2026 10 - 11:30 AM
This session will provide FCPS Parent/Guardians with a broad understanding of how digital wellness concerns can overlap with cybersecurity, student safety, behavioral risk indicators, and emerging online threats. This session focuses on awareness, early identification, and appropriate escalation pathways.
Register here
Navigating the Digital Age: Creating Digital Balance as a Family
Friday, September 25, 2026 10 - 11:30 AM
This session offers caregivers practical strategies for establishing healthy relationships with technology at home. We will explore how to model balanced digital habits, foster open communication, and work as a family to find a healthy balance. You will leave this session with steps on how to create healthy technology habits for the whole family, and how to keep kids connected without technology.
Register here
Save the Date
Looking Ahead to 2026-2027 School Year:
The FCPS 2026-27 School Year calendar is available on the FCPS website.
Monday, August 24 First Day of School! Doors open 8:45 am
Friday, August 28 - Student Spirit Day - Wear Your House Color!
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.
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