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Weekly Update for September 11, 2026
We Work Together at Willow Springs!
These first grade library helpers worked together to return their class's library books!
 Sept. 15-Oct. 15 - **National Hispanic Heritage Month
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September 11 - National Day of Service & Remembrance
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September 15 - Back to School Night, 6:00 - 7:45 PM
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September 17 - Constitution Day
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September 21 - Yom Kippur Holiday, Schools Closed
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September 28 - AAP Parent Information Meeting, 5 PM, Cafeteria
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September 30 - Deadline to review and sign SR&R in ParentVUE
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October 9 - School Picture Make-Up Day
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October 12 - Indigenous People's Day Holiday
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October 21 - 3 Hour Early Release Wednesday. Dismissal at 1 PM.
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October 30 - End of Quarter 1
Back to School Night
Back to School Night will be held next Tuesday, September 15 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. Come and meet your child's teacher and learn about what you can expect your child to learn and experience this school year.
Parking at the school is limited and we encourage parents to park at Patriot Park North where there is ample parking. From there, it is a short walk to the school. Please allow yourself extra time for parking and the walk to school.
There will be two sessions to allow parents of multiple students to attend more than one classroom presentation. Those times are as follows:
6:00 - 6:40 PM Session 1: Visit your child's classroom
6:50 - 7:30 PM Session 2: Visit your child's classroom
Visit with Specialists & Others
During BTSN, our specialists will be set up in the front lobby of the main building to answer questions you may have involving Physical Education, Art, Music, Band/Strings, and/or FLES. There will also be tables set up for our PTA, scouts, and more!
FLE Parent Preview
Family Life Education (FLE) Parent Preview and info sessions will be held in the library for anyone who has questions about the program. Stop in anytime between 6:00-7:00 PM.
Back to School Night is an event for parents. Childcare will not be provided.
Advanced Academic Programs (AAP)
Parent Information Meeting
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When: Monday, September 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
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Where: Willow Springs Elementary Cafeteria
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Topics: Overview of FCPS Advanced Academic Services (K-12) and the referral process for Full-Time AAP.
Ability Testing
- All Grade 2 students and Grades 3–6 students without a multi-domain score will take the Naglieri General Ability Tests (NGAT).
- Students in Grades 3–6 may retake an ability test one time. To request a retake, contact School Testing Coordinators Laura Tapper and Peter Wolf by September 30, 2026.
Key Deadlines
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Sept 28: Parent Information Meeting (5 p.m.)
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Sept 30: Ability Test Retake Request Deadline
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Oct 15: Fall Full-Time Referral Deadline (New FCPS students, Grades 3–7)
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Dec 15: Spring Full-Time Referral Deadline (Grades 2–7)
Questions? Contact Ashley Raymond, AART, or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website for more details.
Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30
The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.
We ask that families please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.
Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.
Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights
FCPS wants all parents and caregivers to understand its policies regarding surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights.
On the Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms webpage, explanations are provided of the rights listed above as well as forms that may be used to exercise opt-out choices.
View the 2026-27 Opt-Out Booklet
Families should have received an E-proof via email.
Please remember to check your spam.
For any questions about your student's school pictures please contact: underclass@vosphoto.com
Safety Drills During the School Year
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and extreme weather. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.
Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.
Weather Happens, FCPS Is Ready
Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, many different types of weather events can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff. What does FCPS do during a flood? What about a severe thunderstorm?
Learn how FCPS prepares for and responds to weather events, and find resources to help your family prepare, on the FCPS Weather Safety webpage.
School Visitors & New Log-In Procedures
Campus Security Reminder: Physical ID Required for All Visitors
Please be aware that the "I Don't Have An ID" option has been removed from our Raptor self-service check-in kiosks (front office check in).
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Bring your physical ID: All guests must present a physical, government-issued photo ID at check-in.
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No phone photos/copies: Digital photos of IDs or paper photocopies will not be accepted.
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No exceptions: Visitors without a valid physical ID will be turned away at the front office.
This applies to all lunch visits, classroom volunteering, and school events during school hours. Thank you for helping us keep Willow Springs safe!
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
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Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Reporting Discrimination or Harassment
FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible.
 September 11 National Day of Service
With the 25th anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.
All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL.
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