Parent Input for the 2026-2027 School Year
As we begin planning for the upcoming school year, our staff collaborates regarding student placements. A variety of factors such as student personalities, friendships, and academic abilities are considered as we create our new classes. Other factors impacting the decision-making process of student class assignments are new student enrollments and teachers moving to a new assignment.
West Springfield families may assist in this process by sharing insights. Please note the following when providing information. We do not accept requests for specific teachers for the upcoming grade placement. This includes hints that reference specific teachers. While all feedback is reviewed and considered, we cannot guarantee placement or non-placement with any other specific students. We do our best to create a positive learning year for your child.
Please provide your input by submitting this FORM as it will ensure we have your request. Please do not email us additional information to your child’s teacher or administration. Completion of the form is optional: however, the deadline for any correspondence is Friday, March 27 at 4 PM. Thank you for your input.
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
Spring Picture Day
Victor O'Neill will be taking individual Spring Pictures and class photos on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
You will be able to view and order your child’s photos in their online gallery approximately ten days after picture day. If you have any questions leading up to picture day, please reach out to Victor O’Neill Studios by emailing Underclass@vosphoto.com
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Dr. Reid’s Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on:
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Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School.
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Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School.
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Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
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Monday, April 20, Westgate Elementary School.
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Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.
Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
Understanding K-12 Math Pathways in FCPS
FCPS offers a wide range of mathematics course options for students, and those options are evolving as we work towards our goal of all students taking Algebra in 8th grade. In elementary school, we are moving away from providing access to higher grade-level standards for only a few and expanding access to all. Find out all of the details on the WSES Understanding K-12 Math Pathways site.
Purple Up
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is gearing up to honor and celebrate its military-connected youth in April, the Month of the Military Child, and on Purple Up! Day! FCPS Purple Up! T-shirts and other items are available for purchase now through Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in our Custom Ink online store. These items highlight our gratitude and appreciation for our 14,500 military-connected students and their families. #PurpleUpFCPS!
Student Fasting Meal Kits
From February 18 to March 19, 2026, a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) waiver allows students fasting during the school day to request take-home meal kits. These kits include a complete school breakfast and lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.
Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website.
Nominate 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!
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.
SOL Testing and Parent Permission to Retest
 Students in grades 3-8 participate in state assessments each year. These Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments measure how students are learning grade level standards. See the table below for the primary dates for Spring 2026 SOL testing at WSES.
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Grade Level
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Reading SOL
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Math SOL
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Science SOL
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Integrated Reading & Writing SOL
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3
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May 12
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May 14
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none
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none
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4
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May 12
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May 14
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none
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none
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5
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May 12
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May 14
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May 19
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March 24 (no retesting)
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6
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May 12
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May 14
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none
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none
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More information about these assessments can be found on the webpage SOL Tests in Elementary and Middle Schools. The Grade Level Tests webpage outlines the division testing schedule for required assessments at each grade.
The state allows elementary school students who fail a spring SOL test to have another attempt before the end of the school year. Parent/guardian permission is required for the school to retest any student in grades 3-6. A decision not to allow retesting will not impact your student’s grades or academic record.
If you believe your student would benefit from a second opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills on the spring SOL test, submit your decision using the Parent Digital Consent application. This application uses your SIS ParentVUE login. If you don’t have a SIS ParentVUE Account, you may complete and return a printed copy of the permission form (available in seven different languages) to give permission for retesting.
If you have questions about state assessments or about SOL retesting, contact your student’s teacher or James Koontz, School Testing Coordinator, at jhkoontz@fcps.edu.
Camp Fairfax serves rising 1st through 7th graders and is held in public schools and community centers throughout Fairfax County. Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are provided. A sliding fee scale is available. Click here for registration information.
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It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
If your child will attend our school, please gather necessary documents and begin the registration process!
Questions? Please contact our registrar Maria Paz Garcia.
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Kindergarten Orientation
DATE: Wednesday, April 22
TIME: 2:00 - 3:00 pm
WHERE: Cafeteria
WHO: Parent and Rising Kindergartner
Save the Date
Tuesday, March 10 - Spring Portraits and Class Group Photos
Wednesday, March 18 - Early Release at 12:30 p.m.
Friday, March 20 - Student Holiday
Friday, March 27 - End of Quarter/Early Release at 1:30 p.m.
Monday, March 30 - Monday, April 6 - Spring Break
❓Questions?
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