We have partnered with Fairfax County’s Revitalize, Restore, Replant! (R3) program to enhance the area near our playground and create a hands-on environmental learning space for our students.
This past week 4th through 6th grade students installed new native plant around a storm drain next to our playground. These plantings are much more than landscaping, they are part of an educational initiative that teaches students about stormwater management, local watersheds, and environmental stewardship. Through this program, students work alongside Fairfax County stream ecologists to learn how native plants help reduce polluted stormwater runoff before it reaches local streams and waterways.
The new plants not only beautify the playground area but also provide important habitat and food sources for local wildlife. Most importantly, the project gives students a meaningful opportunity to “get their hands dirty” while learning how they can make a positive impact on the environment and improve local water quality.
The R3 program has already engaged more than 8,000 students across Fairfax County and resulted in the installation of nearly 42,000 native plants countywide. We are proud for West Springfield Elementary to be part of this important initiative and look forward to watching our new planting area grow and thrive alongside our students.
School-Wide Picnic - Join us!
 Join us for our School-wide Picnic: Friday, May 29 at 11:30
Last Day to Nominate: WSES Annual Award Nominations
Please take a moment to nominate a staff or community member! Please use this form to nominate staff, students or community members for one of our four end of the year awards.
Rising 5th and 6th Grade Safety Patrol Application
If your student is a rising 5th or 6th grader and interested in one of the 35 available patrol positions, please complete the Google Form to indicate their interest. After applications are received, Mr. Aleman will gather teacher recommendations to support the selection process. These recommendations typically reflect qualities important for Safety Patrol, such as responsibility, punctuality, attendance, behavior, leadership, and the ability to follow directions.
Students who apply but are not initially selected will be placed on a waiting list based on areas of need, such as walker or bus duties. If openings become available, families and students on the waiting list will be notified promptly.
Safety Patrol members are expected to arrive at school by 8:35 AM and be at their assigned post by 8:40 AM and remain through dismissal at 3:40 PM. If a student needs to leave early, they should notify a patrol captain or Mr. Aleman in advance so coverage can be arranged. Frequent absences, tardiness or missed duties may result in warnings, suspension, or removal from the program.
For questions or additional information, please contact Mr. Aleman.
Outside Food Policy Reminder
West Springfield does not allow outside food deliveries for students. This includes purchased and parent delivered fast food and all third-party services like DoorDash or Starbucks. These deliveries cause significant disruption to our cafeteria and office staff. Future in-person and food deliveries will be denied. Thank you for your support in keeping our campus secure and efficient!
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Now Available
Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of March, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, we will share copies with you directly.
For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.
Visiting our school anytime soon?
Avoid frustration and pre-register!
Raptor Safe is our new visitor management system. This will be the standard way to sign in at all FCPS schools.
The new system allows you to pre-register via the Raptor Safe app, saving you valuable time when checking in for school visits or events! We strongly encourage all family members to download the app and complete their registration today, it will only take a couple of minutes to complete the process!
Registration Options:
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Via the App: Search "Raptor Safe" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You can also visit raptortech.com/raptorsafe-app/ for direct links.
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In Person: If you are unable to register ahead of time, you can still complete the process at the school kiosk. Please ensure you have a valid photo ID with you to check in
Get Ready for Field Day!
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