Back to School Night is Wednesday, September 16!
We look forward to welcoming families for an evening designed for adults only. Please arrange for a babysitter, as children should not attend.
During the evening, families will have the opportunity to:
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Meet your child’s classroom teacher and learn about the year ahead
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Visit and meet our specialists in the cafeteria
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Learn more about classroom routines, curriculum, and expectations
Schedule
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5:30–6:15 p.m. Kindergarten/First Grade
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6:00–7:15 p.m. Meet Our Specialists in the Cafeteria
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6:15–7:00 p.m. Second, Third, and Fourth Grade
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7:00–7:45 p.m. Fifth and Sixth Grade
Parking is limited, so we strongly encourage families to walk whenever possible. If you drive, please park legally and respectfully in the neighborhood. Do not block driveways, fire lanes, crosswalks, or neighborhood access points.
We look forward to seeing you!
News and Notes
Blue Star Welcome Breakfast!
To celebrate Blue Star Welcome Week, we welcome all new familes to WSES to join us for a potluck breakfast and coffee on Friday, October 2nd at 8am in the cafeteria. This is a great chance to meet and connect with other families in our school community. Our School Counselor, Military Family Life Counselor, and Family Liaison will be in attendance to provide resources for new families and military families at WSES.
Blue Star Potluck Breakfast and Coffee RSVP
Early Release - Wednesday, September 30
Our first Early Release is Wednesday, September 30 at 12:30 p.m. Please plan accordingly. It's a great day to schedule doctor and dentist appointments!
Volunteer With Us!
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 the volunteer orientation, and sign in using the visitor kiosk. Some volunteer opportunities may also require a background check.
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
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Congratulations to Mr. Simpson!
Congratulations to Mr. Simpson, who will retire at the end of this month after 30 years of dedicated service to Fairfax County Public Schools. Throughout his career, he has made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless students and families. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Simpson, thanking him for his years of commitment and service, and wishing him all the best in this exciting new chapter!
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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!
Get to Know Our School Health Staff
Our clinic aide at West Springfield Elementary is Gilda Rodriguez, and our school nurse is Engy Herakly. Contact them at 703-912-4410 for health plans, medication drop-offs, or questions about chronic conditions. Visit our school health webpage for forms, illness policies, and tips to keep your student healthy!
Welcome Videos from Fairfax County School Board Members
The welcome videos from our Fairfax County School Board members are available.
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.
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
Save the Date for the Annual Special Education Family Conference
The Annual Special Education Family Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS and community partners, its theme — Connected Communities, Thriving Students — highlights the power of partnerships that support student success. This no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch for all participants. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for the latest information.
Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
Save the Date
Monday, September 14 - Fall Picture Day
Wednesday, September 16 - Back to School Night (adult only)
Monday, September 21 - Student Holiday
Wednesday, September 30 - Early Release at 12:30 p.m.
Friday, October 2 - New Family Blue Star Welcome Coffee 8:00 am
Tuesday, October 6 - Multi-Lingual Family Night, 6-8pm
Wednesday, October 7 - Walk & Roll to School Day
Monday, October 12 - Student Holiday
Wednesday, October 21 - Heritage Night, 6-7:30 p.m.
Friday, October 30 - End of Quarter, 2-hour early release at 1:25 p.m.
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