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Wednesday Folders
Each week, our Pine Spring families will receive the Wednesday folder. This folder will provide you with a weekly connection to Pine Spring's events. It will host work samples and essential paperwork. We ask you to check your child’s backpack at least once a week on Wednesday. Please remove the paperwork inside the folder, review and send the folder back to school with your child.
The Pine Spring PTA
Mindful Monday
We are excited to introduce "Mindful Mondays." At Pine Spring, we understand the importance of nurturing the well-being of our students and staff. That's why, every Monday, we're focusing on creating a positive and enriching environment through proactive social-emotional programs and strategies.
Mindful Mondays are all about equipping our students with valuable tools to confidently navigate their emotions and challenges. Our caring teachers will guide them through engaging activities that promote emotional and physical wellness. To make the experience even more enjoyable, students and staff are encouraged to wear workout attire, a simple reminder of the importance of staying active and engaged in their own well-being.
Back to School Night
Please join us for Back to School Night on Wednesday, September 13, from 6:00-7:30. Back to School Night (BTSN) provides an opportunity for parents and guardians to meet with teachers and learn important detailed information about academic outcomes for each subject, expectations for the school year, support for students, communication methods for parents, and more. Please note that teachers will not have an opportunity to talk about individual student needs. If you need an early conference, please contact your child’s teacher for a time.
FCPS Cell/ Watch Phone Policy
As a reminder, in all elementary schools, while students may have cell phones at school, they must stay in their backpacks throughout the school day. Please do not call or text your child during the school day. If you have an important message for your child, please call the front office at 571-226-4400.
Students can have other technology, such as Apple Watches, but call and text features must be turned off during the school day.
Parental Permission to Use Digital Resources
Some FCPS-approved digital resources require parent consent before they can be used by students. Find the list of resources which require consent on the Parent Consent webpage. This page also includes directions for providing permission.
Each digital resource used in FCPS has had an instructional and technical review. Information about the educational technology tools approved for use within FCPS can be found in the online Digital Ecosystem Library.
Parents can find more information about FCPS-approved digital resources on the Digital Resources in FCPS webpage.
Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity
FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.
Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.
Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
Attendance Matters
As partners in your child's education, we want to emphasize the crucial role that regular school attendance plays in their academic journey. Consistent attendance ensures that your child gains the most from their educational experience, building a strong foundation for their future.
While we encourage all students to be present in school each day, we understand that unavoidable circumstances may arise from time to time. In such situations, we've made it convenient for you to communicate with us regarding your child's absence.
Here are three easy ways to report an absence:
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📞 Attendance Line: You can call our dedicated attendance line at 571-226-4444 to inform us of your child's absence. Please leave a detailed message with your child's name, grade, reason for absence, and your contact information.
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📧 Email: Drop us an email at [email protected]. Include your child's name, grade, date of absence, reason, and a contact number.
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🌐 Online Form: For your convenience, we offer an online attendance form. Simply visit https://pinespringes.fcps.edu/about/attendance-form and complete the required information to notify us of your child's absence.
We truly appreciate your partnership in promoting regular school attendance and ensuring your child's educational success. Your proactive communication helps us better support your child's learning journey.
Remember, each school day matters, and your child's consistent presence contributes to a thriving learning environment for everyone. Thank you for your continued support in making Pine Spring Elementary School a place where every student can flourish.
Update Contact Information to Receive Messages From FCPS
Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from FCPS and our school by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. Make sure you complete the Emergency Care Form for your child every year and update when necessary.
To update your contact information in ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then select the “Online Verification/Update” form in the drop down menu. Click “Begin Packet.”
Parents who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account may still communicate updates via the normal paper process. They may also print and complete a blank Emergency Care Information Form with updates and submit it to the front office.
Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights
The Fairfax County School Board is committed to protecting student and family privacy (see Policy 1445) and wants all parents to be aware of their rights and the ways that information is treated.
In its Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms (Annual Notice), FCPS provides explanations of the rights as well as forms that may be used to exercise opt-out choices. Two versions of the Annual Notice are available — a grades K-8 version and a grades 9-12 version. Parents with children at different grade levels should read each applicable version of the Annual Notice because the notices and opt-out rights vary depending on the student’s grade level.
Get more information and view the 2023-24 Opt-Out Booklets.
Parents may also request a paper copy from the Pine Spring office. If you wish to opt your child out of any activities mentioned above, you must complete and return the appropriate forms.
Thank you to the Fairfax County 9-1-1 team for their generous donation of school supplies.
iReady and Developmental Spelling Assessment (DSA)
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) adopted iReady assessments as an academic universal screener for all elementary school students in grades 1-6. In addition to the iReady assessment, all elementary school students in grades 1-6 complete the Developmental Spelling Analysis (DSA).
The purpose of iReady assessments is to identify students who may have gaps in foundational literacy and mathematics skills. iReady tests are also used to measure student progress in reading and mathematics skills. The purpose of the DSA is to measure the development of spelling skills.
The iReady assessment includes a reading test and a mathematics test. In grades 1-3, teachers also assess students’ oral reading fluency to fulfill state testing requirements. Based on test results, some students may require additional assessments to further diagnose specific skills that may need support.
All students complete iReady and DSA in fall, winter and spring each year. iReady and DSA are delivered within the classroom instructional block.
Students in grades 1-6 are scheduled to take the iReady on the following dates:
Grade
Math
Reading
1st
9/13
9/6
2nd
9/6-9/7
9/13-9/14
3rd
9/7
9/5
4th
8/28
8/30
5th
8/28
8/25
6th
8/30
8/28
Additional information can be found at the iReady Universal Screener webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/us). If you have further questions about these assessments, please contact Jennifer Ganci at [email protected] or Stephanie Sutton at [email protected]
State Assessments, Grades 3-6
State assessments measure the extent to which students have learned the content and skills reflected in state standards and may also be used to measure growth in learning state standards. The format and timing of state assessments vary by grade level and content area.
These include:
- Fall and winter Virginia Growth Assessments (VGA) standardized tests in reading and mathematics. More information is available on the VGA webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/43932);
- Spring Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests in reading, mathematics, and science. More information is available on the SOL assessments webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/35021);
- Ongoing local alternative assessments (LAAs) including performance-based assessments (PBAs) completed as part of classroom instruction in science, writing, and social studies; More information is available on the LAA and PBA webpage
Students in grades 3-6 are scheduled to take the Fall VGA assessments on the following dates:
Grade
Math
Reading
3rd
9/19
9/12
4th
9/19
9/12
5th
9/20
9/13
6th
9/20
9/13
The Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/student-assessment/grade-level-tests) provides information by grade level about the general assessment schedule and reporting method for each required assessment type in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
If you have questions about state assessments, contact Stephanie Sutton at [email protected]
Social and Emotional Learning Screener, Grades 3-6
FCPS is committed to supporting all students’ mental wellness and social and emotional learning. FCPS approved a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener that students use to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed.
These skills include achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. These factors are critical to positive academic, social, and emotional success. All students in grades 3-12 have the opportunity to participate in the screener twice a year, in the fall and spring. The SEL Screener elevates the voices of our students by making sure their perspectives are considered in decision-making.
Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. Division and school level results, which do not include individual student information, may be used by staff to improve SEL and mental wellness practices and to inform strategic plans. Division and school level results may also be shared with the community to describe the needs of our student body and provide opportunities for partnership.
Individual students’ Screener data will only be accessible to teachers, administrators, and staff with legitimate educational interests. Results will be maintained in secure files and databases accessible only to these individuals. In partnership with families, staff review this data alongside other information to plan interventions for students with identified needs. Parents and guardians will receive an individualized report regarding their student’s screener results following each assessment window. School staff are available to discuss results with families.
You can opt out your child from participating in the SEL Screener by completing the form on Page 18 of the Opt-Out Booklet . The opt out applies to the current school year and must be completed annually.
For more information about the SEL Screener and access to its contents visit https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener. If you have further questions about these assessments, please contact Jennifer Ganci at [email protected] (grades 3-6) or Stephanie Sutton at [email protected] (Grades K-2).
Safety Drill 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 tornadoes. 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.
The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.
Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.
School Year Calendar
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.
- Days marked with blue Hs are student holidays.
- Days marked with orange Os are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings if only half marked).
- Days marked in pink are holidays for students but working days for teachers and staff.
The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and the start of each month coincides with the birth of a new moon. The date of Eid a-Fitr is regionally decided, which can lead to unexpected date changes. Eid al-Fitr is currently slated to begin at sunset on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, and last through sundown Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Tuesday is designated a half-O day, and Wednesday is a holiday, with all schools and offices being closed. If the day for Eid changes after the school year begins, the calendar may be adjusted.
September 1-4: Labor Day Break (Student and Staff Holidays)
September 7: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)
September 13: Back to School Night (6:00 PM)
September 22: PTA Dance
September 25: Yom Kippur No School
September 29: Fall Picture Day
October 5: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)
October 9: Student Holiday
October 16-20: Book Fair
November 2: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)
November 6-7: Student Holiday
November 10: Veterans’ Celebration Concert
November 16: School Picture Makeups
November 22-24: Holiday
November 30: Literacy Night
December 7: FLE Preview Night (5:00 PM)
December 7: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)
December 18th-31st : Winter Break
See the complete school year calendar
👍❤️ Follow Our School on Social Media!
Welcome Back! Want to see more photos and videos of what’s going on here at Pine Spring? Follow us on social media! We are excited to start using Facebook & Instagram to give you a peek into different aspects of our school day.
7607 Willow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042 | Main Office: 571-226-4400
Attendance: 571-226-4444 | Web | Twitter | Instagram
