FCPS

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Paw Print Topics

• Veteran Guest Speaker- Volunteers Needed
• 📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review
• ✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation
• Veterans Day Concert
• 📆 Fall Immunization Clinics:
• AAP Information Night- Thursday at 6PM
• Save the Date

Veteran Guest Speaker- Volunteers Needed

On November 6th and 7th, we are looking for volunteers who would like to visit Pine Spring to share their journey to joining the service and how education supported this journey. If you or someone you know is interested, please sign up for one of the available slots in the link below. Our students always look forward to meeting a real-life hero!

Sign up here! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050F44A9AD22AA8-52038043-veteran

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

Veterans Day Concert

Pine Spring invites you to honor our veterans with a special concert on Friday, November 8th in the Pine Spring Gym. Students will be performing a selection of music that pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of our service members, with special performances by the Pine Spring Chorus and Orchestra.

📆 Fall Immunization Clinics:

The Fairfax County Health Department is providing immunizations for FCPS elementary students during early release Mondays at their health clinics this fall. 

Find out the clinic date, locations, and how to make an appointment: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/immunization/locations

Find out more about the immunizations required for K-12 students to attend public school in Virginia: https://www.fcps.edu/immunizations

AAP Information Night- Thursday at 6PM

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is dedicated to providing a challenging and enriching learning environment for all students through talent development and differentiated instruction, specifically tailored to meet the needs of advanced learners. FCPS offers a comprehensive continuum of advanced academic services for students in Grades K-12. This approach is designed to recognize each student’s unique needs, focusing on providing appropriate services.

Pine Spring Elementary School will host a parent information meeting on October 10, 2024. The meeting has been moved to 6:00 PM to allow for families to attend the PTA meeting afterward. Our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART), Tracy Haynes, will provide an overview of the continuum of AAP services, explain the screening processes, and answer any questions about advanced academic opportunities.

For students in grades 2-7, full-time AAP referrals and optional supporting materials must be submitted to Tracy Haynes by December 15, 2024, at 4:00 PM.

Save the Date

October 10: AAP Parent Information Night (6:00 PM)

October 10: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

October 14: No School (Staff Development)

October 18-25: Book Fair 

October 25: Book Character Day

October 21: 3-Hour Early Release

October 31: 2-hour early release (End of quarter)

November 1: No School (Diwali)

November 4-5: No School (Parent Conferences)

November 7: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

November 8: Veterans’ Celebration Concert

November 13: Understanding AAP Full Time Referral Process (6:00 PM)

November 14: School Picture Makeups

November 18: 3-Hour Early Release

November 27-29: No School (Thanksgiving)

December 5: FLE Preview Night (5:00 PM)

December 5: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

December 12: Literacy Night

7607 Willow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Office: 571-226-4400
Attendance: 571-226-4444 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Paw Print Topics

• Parent Project Workshop
• 📆 Fall Immunization Clinics:
• Conferences: Schedule Yours Today!
• AAP Information Night
• No School-Thursday and Friday📚
• Save the Date

Parent Project Workshop 📆 Fall Immunization Clinics:

The Fairfax County Health Department is providing immunizations for FCPS elementary students during early release Mondays at their health clinics this fall. 

Find out the clinic date, locations, and how to make an appointment: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/immunization/locations

Find out more about the immunizations required for K-12 students to attend public school in Virginia: https://www.fcps.edu/immunizations

🕺💃 A huge thank you to our incredible PTA for organizing another fantastic Back-to-School Dance for our Pine Spring Bobcats!  This annual event is always a highlight for our families, and this year was no exception. From the music to the fun raffle, it was a night full of smiles, laughter, and community spirit. We are so grateful for your dedication and hard work in making this event such a memorable experience for everyone! 

Conferences: Schedule Yours Today!

If you have not already, we encourage caregivers to schedule a conference with their child's teacher to discuss progress and any questions you may have. To accommodate your needs, conferences can be held in person, virtually, or over the phone. Please reach out to your child’s teacher to set up a time that works best for you. Let's work together to support your child's success!

AAP Information Night

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is dedicated to providing a challenging and enriching learning environment for all students through talent development and differentiated instruction, specifically tailored to meet the needs of advanced learners. FCPS offers a comprehensive continuum of advanced academic services for students in Grades K-12. This approach is designed to recognize each student’s unique needs, focusing on providing appropriate services.

Pine Spring Elementary School will host a parent information meeting on October 10, 2024, at 7:00 PM. Our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART), Tracy Haynes, will provide an overview of the continuum of AAP services, explain the screening processes, and answer any questions about advanced academic opportunities.

For students in grades 2-7, full-time AAP referrals and optional supporting materials must be submitted to Tracy Haynes by December 15, 2024, at 4:00 PM.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Kempf and Mrs. Johannsen for their incredible leadership of our Science Olympic team! 🧪🔬 Your dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work have inspired our students to explore the wonders of science and foster a love of learning. We are so grateful for everything you do to support and guide our young scientists. Thank you for making a difference! 

No School-Thursday and Friday📚

There will be no school on Thursday, October 3rd, as we celebrate Rosh Hashanah, and Friday, October 4th, is a teacher workday. We hope our families enjoy this extended weekend and take some time to relax. We can’t wait to welcome our students back on Monday, refreshed and ready to learn! 

Save the Date

October 3: No School (Rosh Hashanah)

October 4: No School (Teacher Workday)

October 10: AAP Parent Information Night (6:00 PM)

October 10: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

October 14: No School (Staff Development)

October 18-25: Book Fair 

October 25: Book Character Day

October 21: 3-Hour Early Release

October 31: 2-hour early release (End of quarter)

November 1: No School (Diwali)

November 4-5: No School (Parent Conferences)

November 7: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

November 8: Veterans’ Celebration Concert

November 13: Understanding AAP Full Time Referral Process (6:00 PM)

November 14: School Picture Makeups

November 18: 3-Hour Early Release

November 27-29: No School (Thanksgiving)

December 5: FLE Preview Night (5:00 PM)

December 5: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

December 12: Literacy Night

7607 Willow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Office: 571-226-4400
Attendance: 571-226-4444 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Paw Print Topics

• PTA Kickoff Dance
• Preorder Pizza
• Fall Picture Day 9/27/24
• Students to Be Surveyed on Social-Emotional Learning
• 🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 
• Save the Date

PTA Kickoff Dance

Mark your calendars and dust off your dancing shoes – our annual Pine Spring PTA Dance is just around the corner! 

Join us on Friday, September 27th, at 5:30 PM for a fun-filled evening where our entire Pine Spring community comes together to kick off the school year with fun, laughter, and lots of dancing! We’ll have a fantastic DJ spinning your favorite child friendly tunes, and there will be chances for students to win exciting prizes throughout the night! 

Want to get involved? We’d love to have your help to make this event a success! If you’re interested in volunteering, please click here to sign up.

We can't wait to see everyone on the dance floor! Let’s make this year's PTA Dance the best one yet!

Preorder Pizza Fall Picture Day 9/27/24

📅 Date: Friday, September 27, 2024

📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day

🛒 Pre-order Online: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001138739#login

📧 Questions about Ordering? Email us at [email protected]

Students to Be Surveyed on Social-Emotional Learning

FCPS is committed to supporting the mental wellness of all students. The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener helps our students share their perspectives on how their schools and communities support them and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.

The screener is offered to all students in grades 3 through 12 in the fall and spring. It addresses skills such as 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. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. 

After each screening, results will be available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who don’t have a ParentVUE account. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

Families who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact our front office. 

Please note that the SEL Screener is not the same as the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey, which will take place later this fall.

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

• Monday, September 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Newington Forest Elementary School.
• Monday, September 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School.
• Monday, October 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Fairhill Elementary School.
• Monday, October 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Virginia Run Elementary School.
• Wednesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School.

Events will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Save the Date

September 27: Fall Pictures

September 27: PTA Dance

October 3: No School (Rosh Hashanah)

October 4: No School (Teacher Workday)

October 10: AAP Parent Information Night (6:00 PM)

October 10: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

October 14: No School (Staff Development)

October 18-25: Book Fair 

October 21: 3-Hour Early Release

October 31: 2-hour early release (End of quarter)

November 1: No School (Diwali)

November 4-5: No School (Parent Conferences)

November 7: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

November 8: Veterans’ Celebration Concert

November 13: Understanding AAP Full Time Referral Process (6:00 PM)

November 14: School Picture Makeups

November 18: 3-Hour Early Release

November 27-29: No School (Thanksgiving)

December 5: FLE Preview Night (5:00 PM)

December 5: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

December 12: Literacy Night

7607 Willow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Office: 571-226-4400
Attendance: 571-226-4444 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Girls on the Run

GOTR has fun, evidence-based programs that inspire girls in 3rd-6th grade to build their confidence, kindness, and decision making skills. Dynamic lessons instill valuable life skills including the important connection between physical and emotional health.

Starting the week of September 23rd, the team will meet Wednesday & Friday before school at 7:45am. The program culminates in a celebratory 5K at the end of the season!

Since all PSES students receive free lunch when registering please indicate this to pay the fee of $22. This includes weekly lessons/practices, a t-shirt, a GOTR giveaway, entry into the 5K, a 5K medal, and more.

Please contact [email protected] to receive a code to register at no cost.

Register today at: https://www.gotrnova.org. Registration closes September 17th.

These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or this school.

Join Pine Spring PTA

Are you looking for a way to get involved and make a real impact on your child’s education? Join the Pine Spring PTA today! For just $10 per family, you can become a member and help us create enriching programs, support our teachers, and build a stronger school community.

Becoming a member is easy! Visit BIT.LY/JOINPSPTA to sign up. Your membership helps fund essential resources and events that directly benefit our students. Every parent has something valuable to contribute, and we’d love to have you on board!

New Pine Spring PTA Website!

We're excited to introduce our brand-new Pine Spring PTA website, your go-to source for everything happening with our PTA! This brand new site is designed to make it easier than ever for parents, teachers, and community members to stay connected and engaged.

Here's what you'll find:

• Event Calendar: Never miss a school event again! Our dynamic calendar keeps you updated on upcoming activities, PTA meetings, fundraisers, and community events.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Discover meaningful ways to get involved. Whether you have a little time or a lot, there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference!
• Resources for Parents: Access important documents, helpful guides, and essential school information in one convenient place.
• News and Updates: Stay informed with the latest news from the PTA and Pine Spring Elementary. Get the scoop on initiatives, programs, and achievements.
• Easy Membership and Donations: Join the PTA or make a donation online to support our students, teachers, and school programs.

Visit pinespringpta.com today to explore, connect, and engage with our amazing community! Your participation makes a difference – let's work together to create the best possible experience for every Pine Spring student!

7607 Willow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Office: 571-226-4400
Attendance: 571-226-4444 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Paw Print Topics

• 12:30 Early Release- TOMORROW 9/16
• ✔️ Parent/Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms?
• Mindful Monday
• PTA Kickoff Dance
• Fall Picture Day 9/27/24
• K-2 Back To School Night 9/17/24
• 3-6 Back To School Night 9/18/24
• Save the Date

12:30 Early Release- TOMORROW 9/16

This is a quick reminder that tomorrow is a 3-hour Early Release Day, and students will be dismissed at 12:30 PM.

Thank you to all the families who completed the survey or spoke with us to confirm your child's plans for dismissal. We will be using the information you've provided to ensure a smooth and safe process.

For those families who indicated their child would remain at school until the regular dismissal time of 3:30 PM, please remember that they will be supervised by FCPS staff, but it will not be their regular classroom teacher. If your child is scheduled to attend SACC, they will stay with FCPS staff until SACC opens at 3:30 PM.

✔️ Parent/Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms?

We understand that the multiple school forms caregivers receive during the first weeks of school can feel overwhelming, but each one helps set your child up for a successful school year! If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, please contact the front office for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage. 

🩹 Immunization Requirements 

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to Pine Spring front office. 

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:  

• A healthcare provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
• A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
• A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with religious tenets or practices.

Find more information on immunizations. 

📋 Permission Forms

Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Parents can opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. See how to use the tool. 

Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)

The SR&R document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when logging in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage. This form should be signed and returned by Monday, September 30.

Mindful Monday

We are happy to announce that Mindful Mondays are back this year, and we couldn't be more excited! This beloved tradition, a favorite of both students and teachers, is returning to help us all start the week with energy, focus, and positivity.

Every Monday, we encourage students and staff to come dressed in their favorite workout wear, ready to move and stretch! Through our Yoga4Classrooms program, students will learn fun and engaging yoga poses that support their learning and overall well-being.

Here’s why we love Yoga4Classrooms. In just a few minutes a day it supports:

🌱 Creating a Positive Environment: It helps us build an inclusive and productive learning environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported.

💖 Building Compassion: It nurtures a culture of compassion for ourselves and others, which is key to a strong and connected community.

🧠 Fostering Growth: It promotes social, emotional, and physical development, contributing to every student's success.

🌟 Enhancing Well-being: It supports the well-being of our entire school community – students, teachers, and staff alike!

🛠️ Providing a Toolbox for Resilience: Students and educators will gain practical tools they can use to manage stress, stay focused, and maintain a positive outlook, whether at school or at home.

We can’t wait to see everyone in their yoga gear on Mondays, ready to start the week with intention and mindfulness! Thank you for your support in making Pine Spring Elementary a place where every child can thrive.

PTA Kickoff Dance

Mark your calendars and dust off your dancing shoes – our annual Pine Spring PTA Dance is just around the corner! 

Join us on Friday, September 27th, at 5:30 PM for a fun-filled evening where our entire Pine Spring community comes together to kick off the school year with fun, laughter, and lots of dancing! We’ll have a fantastic DJ spinning your favorite child friendly tunes, and there will be chances for students to win exciting prizes throughout the night! 

Want to get involved? We’d love to have your help to make this event a success! If you’re interested in volunteering, please click here to sign up.

We can't wait to see everyone on the dance floor! Let’s make this year's PTA Dance the best one yet!

Fall Picture Day 9/27/24

📅 Date: Friday, September 27, 2024

📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day

🛒 Pre-order Online: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001138739#login

📧 Questions about Ordering? Email us at [email protected]

K-2 Back To School Night 9/17/24

Calling all K-2 caregivers! Let's kick off the new school year with an evening dedicated to connecting, learning, and getting to know your child’s curriculum. This is an adult event and is not designed for children. 

Welcome for All K-2 Families

5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Gym

Start the night with the Pine Spring administration to learn about Pine Spring.

Grade-Level Breakouts

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Kindergarten: Classroom

 1st Grade: Gym

2nd Grade: Library

Learn about the FCPS curriculum, communication with teachers, and your child’s daily schedule.

Specialist Meet & Greet

6:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Cafeteria

Enjoy a "Round Robin" style meet and greet with our Art, Music, and PE teachers. Get to know the specialists who will be engaging your children!

 

3-6 Back To School Night 9/18/24

Calling all 3-6 caregivers! Let's kick off the new school year with an evening dedicated to connecting, learning, and getting to know your child’s curriculum. This is an adult event and is not designed for children. 

Welcome for All 3-6 Families

5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Gym

Start the night with the Pine Spring administration to learn about Pine Spring.

Grade-Level Breakouts

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM

3rd Grade: Gym

4th Grade: Library

5th Grade: Cafeteria 

6th Grade: Rm. 213

Learn about the FCPS curriculum, communication with teachers, and your child’s daily schedule.

Specialist Meet & Greet

6:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Cafeteria

Enjoy a "Round Robin" style meet and greet with our Mental Health team, AART, Library and Band/ Strings teachers. Get to know the specialists who will be engaging your children!

Save the Date

September 16: 3-Hour Early Release

September 17: Back to School Nights K-2

September 18:  Back to School Nights 3-6

September 20- Falls Church High School Homecoming 

September 27: Fall Pictures

September 27: PTA Dance

October 3: No School (Rosh Hashanah)

October 4: No School (Teacher Workday)

October 10: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

October 14: No School (Staff Development)

October 18-25: Book Fair 

October 21: 3-Hour Early Release

October 31: 2-hour early release (End of quarter)

November 1: No School (Diwali)

November 4-5: No School (Parent Conferences)

November 7: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

November 8: Veterans’ Celebration Concert

November 14: School Picture Makeups

November 18: 3-Hour Early Release

November 27-29: No School (Thanksgiving)

December 5: FLE Preview Night (5:00 PM)

December 5: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

December 12: Literacy Night

7607 Willow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Office: 571-226-4400
Attendance: 571-226-4444 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Afterschool Club Reminder Girls on the Run

GOTR has fun, evidence-based programs that inspire girls in 3rd-6th grade to build their confidence, kindness, and decision making skills. Dynamic lessons instill valuable life skills including the important connection between physical and emotional health.

Starting the week of September 23rd, the team will meet Wednesday & Friday before school at 7:45am. The program culminates in a celebratory 5K at the end of the season!

Since all PSES students receive free lunch when registering please indicate this to pay the fee of $22. This includes weekly lessons/practices, a t-shirt, a GOTR giveaway, entry into the 5K, a 5K medal, and more.

Please contact [email protected] to receive a code to register at no cost.

Register today at: https://www.gotrnova.org. Registration closes September 17th.

These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or this school.

Join Pine Spring PTA

Are you looking for a way to get involved and make a real impact on your child’s education? Join the Pine Spring PTA today! For just $10 per family, you can become a member and help us create enriching programs, support our teachers, and build a stronger school community.

Becoming a member is easy! Visit BIT.LY/JOINPSPTA to sign up. Your membership helps fund essential resources and events that directly benefit our students. Every parent has something valuable to contribute, and we’d love to have you on board!

New Pine Spring PTA Website!

We're excited to introduce our brand-new Pine Spring PTA website, your go-to source for everything happening with our PTA! This brand new site is designed to make it easier than ever for parents, teachers, and community members to stay connected and engaged.

Here's what you'll find:

• Event Calendar: Never miss a school event again! Our dynamic calendar keeps you updated on upcoming activities, PTA meetings, fundraisers, and community events.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Discover meaningful ways to get involved. Whether you have a little time or a lot, there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference!
• Resources for Parents: Access important documents, helpful guides, and essential school information in one convenient place.
• News and Updates: Stay informed with the latest news from the PTA and Pine Spring Elementary. Get the scoop on initiatives, programs, and achievements.
• Easy Membership and Donations: Join the PTA or make a donation online to support our students, teachers, and school programs.

Visit pinespringpta.com today to explore, connect, and engage with our amazing community! Your participation makes a difference – let's work together to create the best possible experience for every Pine Spring student!

7607 Willow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Office: 571-226-4400
Attendance: 571-226-4444 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

AAP Topics

• Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Elementary Continuum of Services
• Elementary Parent Information Meeting 
• Ability Testing and Retakes

Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Elementary Continuum of Services

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development efforts and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners.  

 

FCPS offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in Grades K-12. The continuum of services approach recognizes unique student needs and focuses on matching services, not labeling students. Through the continuum, students have: 

• Multiple entry points for deeper learning opportunities in specific areas of need as they develop.  
• A cluster group of students with similar academic needs to continue growing in their learning.  

Teachers, Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AARTs), and school administrators work together to provide the following levels of service at the elementary level:  

Access to Rigor, Grades K-6

All students have opportunities to think critically, reason, and problem-solve.  

• All teachers use critical and creative thinking strategies in their lessons. 
• Classroom teachers provide opportunities using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework a minimum of once per quarter. 

Because Access to Rigor is for all FCPS students, there is not a screening process. 

 

Subject-Specific Services, Grades K-6

Some students are strong in a specific subject area. Classroom teachers may adjust instruction for students in these area(s) by: 

• Providing different assignments and resources in those subjects,
• Grouping students by their strengths, interests, and readiness, and
• Providing additional challenges using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework.

Student needs for Subject-Specific differentiation are re-evaluated each year at the local school.  

 

Part-Time Services, Grades 3-6  

Some students have advanced academic needs in multiple subject areas in addition to specific subject differentiation. They need Part-Time AAP services.  

• Students work with other students that have similar academic needs through weekly pull-out classes or weekly co-taught lessons with the AART and classroom teacher. 
• Teachers provide frequent opportunities to use materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in Language Arts, science, social studies, and/or mathematics. 

Part-Time services continue through Grade 6. Students do not need to be evaluated each year.  

Full-Time Services, Grades 3-8

Some advanced learners need a Full-Time advanced academic program with differentiated instruction in all four core content areas (Language Arts, mathematics, social studies, and science).  

Students eligible for Full-Time AAP services are cluster grouped on a Full-Time basis and receive: 

• Full-Time use of materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and 
• Curriculum that is differentiated through acceleration, depth, and complexity of content.  

Full-Time services continue through Grade 8. Students do not need to be evaluated each year. 

  

Screening for Advanced Academic Program Services 

Multiple data points are reviewed holistically to determine eligibility for all FCPS advanced academic services. Committees consider student work from opportunities with AAP lessons, examples of student reasoning or gifted behaviors from class discussions and activities, progress reports, achievement and ability scores, and parent input. Committees consider whether students have access to a group of students with similar academic needs to support academic conversations and growth in the classroom. No pieces of the data are weighted in the holistic screening process.   

 

Eligibility decisions for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services are made by a committee at the local school, and screening is ongoing throughout the school year. To refer for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services, submit the AAP School-Based Referral Form to the AART at the local school. 

 

Eligibility decisions for Full-Time services are made by the countywide central selection committee. 

 

Screening for Full-Time services occurs during specific screening cycles:   

• Fall screening is available for students who are new to FCPS since January. 
• The fall screening referral window is from the first day of school - October 15. 
• Spring screening is available for any Grade 2-7 FCPS-enrolled student.  
• The spring screening referral window is from the first day of school - December 15. 

 

Please do not wait for test scores before submitting a referral for your student in Grades 2-7. Referrals submitted after the Full-Time services referral windows noted above will not be accepted.   

 

Referral forms for all advanced academic program services are found at https://www.fcps.edu/node/38893. 

 

For more information, please visit the AAP website at: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/advanced-academics-identification-and-placement/current-fcps-students.   

 

Young Scholars 

The FCPS Young Scholars model seeks to identify and affirm, from an early age, students with high academic potential from groups historically underrepresented in advanced academic programming. The goal of the model is to eliminate barriers for Young Scholars’ access to and success in advanced academic opportunities in elementary, middle, and high school. 

 

Twice-Exceptional (2e) 

Some gifted students with advanced learning needs may also have a learning disability. Twice-exceptional (or “2e”) students need strengths-based instruction while receiving advanced programming. The FCPS continuum of AAP services provides multiple entry points to meet student needs while also supporting their learning challenges. FCPS has created a 2e handbook to help schools and families understand how to identify and serve 2e students. You can find these resources by going to www.fcps.edu and searching “2e.” 

 

Advanced Academic Programs in Middle and High School 

Middle School AAP  

Advanced coursework at the middle school level is open enrollment. All students are encouraged to enroll in at least one Honors course each school year in an area of strength and/or interest.  

 

Students eligible for the Full-Time services have the option to attend the middle school center assigned to their address or enroll in Honors courses in the four core content areas at their base school. 

 

High School AAP 

Advanced coursework at the high school level is open enrollment. All students are encouraged to enroll in at least one Honors course beginning in Grade 9. Each high school in FCPS offers AP, IB or Dual Enrollment courses which begin in Grade 10 or 11, depending on the program and the school. 

Additional information about middle and high school services may be found on the Advanced Academic Programs web page: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academic-programs. 

Elementary Parent Information Meeting 

A parent information meeting will be held at Pine Spring on October 10th at 6:00 PM. The AART will provide information about the continuum of AAP services, explain the screening processes, and answer questions about advanced academic services. 

Ability Testing and Retakes

FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration of the holistic screening process for advanced academic services. Test scores are not weighted or prioritized in the holistic screening process.   

• All students in Grade 1 take the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT). 
• All students in Grade 2 take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT).  
• NNAT and/or CogAT may be administered to students in Grades 3-6 who do not have an ability test score during the regularly scheduled testing windows.   

Parents or guardians may request a one-time retest of either the CogAT or the NNAT in grades 3-6. Requests must be made during the fall testing windows. Please contact the school testing coordinator Jennifer Ganci at [email protected], no later than September 30 to request the CogAT or October 15 for the NNAT. 

7607 Willow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Office: 571-226-4400
Attendance: 571-226-4444 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

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Paw Print Topics

• Fall Picture Day 9/27/24
• K-2 Back To School Nights 9/17/24
• 3-6 Back To School Nights 9/18/24
• 🩹 Immunization Requirements 
• Save the Date

Fall Picture Day 9/27/24

📅 Date: Friday, September 27, 2024

📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day

🛒 Pre-order Online: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001138739#login

📧 Questions about Ordering? Email us at [email protected]

K-2 Back To School Nights 9/17/24

Calling all K-2 caregivers! Let's kick off the new school year with an evening dedicated to connecting, learning, and getting to know your child’s curriculum. This is an adult event and is not designed for children. 

Welcome for All K-2 Families

5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Gym

Start the night with the Pine Spring administration to learn about Pine Spring.

Grade-Level Breakouts

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Kindergarten: Classroom

 1st Grade: Gym

2nd Grade: Library

Learn about the FCPS curriculum, communication with teachers, and your child’s daily schedule.

Specialist Meet & Greet

6:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Cafeteria

Enjoy a "Round Robin" style meet and greet with our Art, Music, and PE teachers. Get to know the specialists who will be engaging your children!

 

3-6 Back To School Nights 9/18/24

Calling all 3-6 caregivers! Let's kick off the new school year with an evening dedicated to connecting, learning, and getting to know your child’s curriculum. This is an adult event and is not designed for children. 

Welcome for All 3-6 Families

5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Gym

Start the night with the Pine Spring administration to learn about Pine Spring.

Grade-Level Breakouts

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM

3rd Grade: Gym

4th Grade: Library

5th Grade: Cafeteria 

6th Grade: Rm. 213

Learn about the FCPS curriculum, communication with teachers, and your child’s daily schedule.

Specialist Meet & Greet

6:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Cafeteria

Enjoy a "Round Robin" style meet and greet with our Mental Health team, AART, Library and Band/ Strings teachers. Get to know the specialists who will be engaging your children!

🩹 Immunization Requirements 

Please check with your health care provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office. 

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to your school’s front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:  

• A health care provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
• A health care provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.

A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with their religious tenets or practices.

Save the Date

September 16: 3-Hour Early Release

September 17: Back to School Nights K-2

September 18:  Back to School Nights 3-6

September 20- Falls Church High School Homecoming 

September 27: Fall Pictures

September 27: PTA Dance

October 3: No School (Rosh Hashanah)

October 4: No School (Teacher Workday)

October 10: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

October 14: No School (Staff Development)

October 18-25: Book Fair 

October 21: 3-Hour Early Release

October 31: 2-hour early release (End of quarter)

November 1: No School (Diwali)

November 4-5: No School (Parent Conferences)

November 7: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

November 8: Veterans’ Celebration Concert

November 14: School Picture Makeups

November 18: 3-Hour Early Release

November 27-29: No School (Thanksgiving)

December 5: FLE Preview Night (5:00 PM)

December 5: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

December 12: Literacy Night

7607 Willow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Office: 571-226-4400
Attendance: 571-226-4444 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

PTA Meeting- Tomorrow 9/5

Tomorrow, Pine Spring will host its first PTA meeting of the year from 7 PM to 8 PM in the Pine Spring library. There is free childcare for school-aged students. 

 

Join Pine Spring PTA

Are you looking for a way to get involved and make a real impact on your child’s education? Join the Pine Spring PTA today! For just $10 per family, you can become a member and help us create enriching programs, support our teachers, and build a stronger school community.

Becoming a member is easy! Visit BIT.LY/JOINPSPTA to sign up. Your membership helps fund essential resources and events that directly benefit our students. Every parent has something valuable to contribute, and we’d love to have you on board!

New Pine Spring PTA Website!

We're excited to introduce our brand-new Pine Spring PTA website, your go-to source for everything happening with our PTA! This brand new site is designed to make it easier than ever for parents, teachers, and community members to stay connected and engaged.

Here's what you'll find:

• Event Calendar: Never miss a school event again! Our dynamic calendar keeps you updated on upcoming activities, PTA meetings, fundraisers, and community events.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Discover meaningful ways to get involved. Whether you have a little time or a lot, there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference!
• Resources for Parents: Access important documents, helpful guides, and essential school information in one convenient place.
• News and Updates: Stay informed with the latest news from the PTA and Pine Spring Elementary. Get the scoop on initiatives, programs, and achievements.
• Easy Membership and Donations: Join the PTA or make a donation online to support our students, teachers, and school programs.

Visit pinespringpta.com today to explore, connect, and engage with our amazing community! Your participation makes a difference – let's work together to create the best possible experience for every Pine Spring student!

7607 Willow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Office: 571-226-4400
Attendance: 571-226-4444 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Paw Print Topics

• SEL Screener
• Primary Elementary (PreK-2) Academic Screening, Growth, and Diagnostic
• Upper Elementary (3-6) Academic Screening, Growth, and Diagnostic
• Safety Drills During the School Year
• Save the Date

2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities 

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R. 

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30. 

You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.

SEL Screener

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) believes in supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) for all students. In FCPS, students use a tool called the SEL Screener to think about their own SEL skills and experiences at school. Pine Spring Elementary students in grades 3-6 will be participating in the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener in the Fall and Spring. 

 After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. You can also learn more on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

Primary Elementary (PreK-2) Academic Screening, Growth, and Diagnostic

Primary grade levels PreK-2 use different assessments to meet state and division requirements. Students in grades PreK-2 participate in literacy screeners required by the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA). Mathematics screeners fulfill a Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) requirement for grades PreK-K and fulfill a FCPS Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) requirement for grades 1-2.

• Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) is used with all Grade PreK-2 students in fall, winter, and spring
• Early Mathematics Assessment System (EMAS) is used with all Grade  PreK and Kindergarten students in fall and spring 

iReady Math is used with all Grade 1-2 students in fall and spring; students whose fall score is below benchmark will also retest in the winter.

Upper Elementary (3-6) Academic Screening, Growth, and Diagnostic

Upper elementary grade levels 3-6 use different assessments to meet state requirements. Reading screeners and additional diagnostics fulfill Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) requirements. Mathematics screeners fulfill FCPS Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) requirements. Screening tests at these grades also serve as growth assessments to fulfill Virginia Assessment Program (VAP) requirements.

• iReady Math is used in fall, winter, and spring with all Grade 3-6 students scheduled to take a spring SOL test
• iReady Reading is used in fall, winter, and spring with all Grade 3-6 students scheduled to take a spring SOL test
• Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) is used as a state screener for select Grade 3 students each window
• In fall, VALLSS is used with students new to Virginia public schools and students who are identified for a reading plan based on their iReady Reading score 
• In winter and spring, VALLSS is used with students whose fall VALLSS scores showed a need for support. 
• iReady Passage Reading Fluency (PRF) diagnostic is used with Grade 4-6 students who are identified for a reading plan based on their iReady Reading score 
• CORE Phonics Inventory diagnostic is used with Grade 4-6 students whose iReady PRF result is below benchmark 
• Developmental Spelling Assessment (DSA) diagnostic is used in fall and and spring with all Grade 4-6 students 

Safety Drills During the School Year

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for all of us. We have a crisis management and emergency preparedness plan for our school that is reviewed and updated regularly. Our plan includes procedures on how to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Students and staff regularly practice these drills every school year. We also practice lockdown drills.

A new Virginia Law (22.1-137.2) requires schools to notify parents at least 24 hours before a school practices a lockdown drill. However, we are not required to share the exact date and time of the drill. We are required to practice lockdown drills two times a year. FCPS lockdown drills do not include any type of active shooter scenario training, they are instruction and classroom based.

We will conduct a lockdown drill at our school soon. Our pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students are exempt from mandatory participation in lockdown drills during the first 60 days of the school year. They will participate in our second and final drill later this school year.

Additional information on our lockdown drill program to include parent tips and FAQs can be found on the Emergency Planning and Crisis Response web page. After reviewing this content, you should discuss the value of these safety drills with your child.

Keeping our school safe and secure for all students and staff involves the participation of the entire school community, and we thank you for your help to keep our school safe. 

Save the Date

September 5: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM) 

September 16: 3-Hour Early Release

September 17: Back to School Nights K-2

September 18:  Back to School Nights 3-6

September 20- Falls Church High School Homecoming 

September 27: Fall Pictures

September 27: PTA Dance

October 3: No School (Rosh Hashanah)

October 4: No School (Teacher Workday)

October 10: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

October 14: No School (Staff Development)

October 18-25: Book Fair 

October 21: 3-Hour Early Release

October 31: 2-hour early release (End of quarter)

November 1: No School (Diwali)

November 4-5: No School (Parent Conferences)

November 7: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

November 8: Veterans’ Celebration Concert

November 14: School Picture Makeups

November 18: 3-Hour Early Release

November 27-29: No School (Thanksgiving)

December 5: FLE Preview Night (5:00 PM)

December 5: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

December 12: Literacy Night

7607 Willow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Office: 571-226-4400
Attendance: 571-226-4444 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Paw Print Topics

• Everything You Can Do Through SIS ParentVUE
• Safe Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
• Transportation Patience and Safety
• Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity
• Update Your Child’s Immunizations and Records
• Labor Day
• Lunch
• Thank You Fairfax 9-1-1 Dispatch
• Headstart
• Save The Date

Everything You Can Do Through SIS ParentVUE

Want to easily access back-to-school forms and checklists? Log in to your SIS ParentVUE account to find forms and make updates.

Update Contact Information

Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon. 

Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form (PDF) and submit it to their child’s school.

Complete Permission Forms

Families can now easily give permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool. 

Submit Absences

Parents can submit daylong absences through SIS ParentVUE. Log in and click “Report Absence.” Note: Partial day absences and changes of transportation should still be reported directly to the school front office. 

Don’t Have a SIS ParentVUE Account Yet?Contact your school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.  Safe Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

Please keep in mind that all cars coming to Pine Spring during arrival and dismissal must go through the Kiss and Ride line. No cars can park and bring their children into the school.

Transportation Patience and Safety

Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses. 

If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Contact the Transportation Office at  (703) 446-2050 with any additional questions. For any concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000. 

To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. 

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.

Update Your Child’s Immunizations and Records

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You can check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to a school’s front office. 

If your child needs a vaccine, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or access other local services. If needed, families may also provide other immunization documentation including a healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption or a notarized Religious Exemption Form. 

Find more information on immunizations on the FCPS website. 

Labor Day

Friday, August 30, and Monday, September 2, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.

Lunch

This year, we kindly ask that you refrain from bringing in or having fast food delivered during lunch. Our goal is to create a healthy and focused environment for all students, and we believe that minimizing distractions and promoting nutritious meals are important steps in that direction.

We know how much students love to see their family members during the school day, and we value the special bond that lunchtime visits can create. However, lunch is also a crucial time for children to work on their socialization skills with peers. To support this, we ask that visits are limited to one time per week, with only one person joining your child per visit, to ensure there is enough space for everyone.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to provide the best possible environment for all our students.

Thank You Fairfax 9-1-1 Dispatch

 

A huge shoutout to the incredible Fairfax 9-1-1 Dispatch Center for their fantastic contribution of school supplies for our Bobcats! Fairfax 9-1-1 has been a dedicated supporter of Pine Spring Elementary for over a decade, and we couldn't be more thrilled and grateful for their unwavering support!

Headstart First Day 

Monday is the first day for our almost 40 Headstart students. We ask that families who use Door 1 to enter the building be  patient as our youngest Bobcats learn the routine of entering the school for the first week.

Headstart Dismissal

Headstart walkers will be dismissed from the rear cafeteria door again this year. Please remember that these students can only be released to an adult who is 18 or older AND on the emergency care card.  

Save The Date

Aug 31-Sept 2: Labor Day Break (Student and Staff Holidays)

September 5: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM) 

September 16: 3-Hour Early Release

September 17: Back to School Nights K-2

September 18:  Back to School Nights 3-6

September 20- Falls Church High School Homecoming 

September 27: Fall Pictures

September 27: PTA Dance

October 3: No School (Rosh Hashanah)

October 4: No School (Teacher Workday)

October 10: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

October 14: No School (Staff Development)

October 18-25: Book Fair 

October 21: 3-Hour Early Release

October 31: 2-hour early release (End of quarter)

November 1: No School (Diwali)

November 4-5: No School (Parent Conferences)

November 7: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

November 8: Veterans’ Celebration Concert

November 14: School Picture Makeups

November 18: 3-Hour Early Release

November 27-29: No School (Thanksgiving)

December 5: FLE Preview Night (5:00 PM)

December 5: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

December 12: Literacy Night

7607 Willow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Office: 571-226-4400
Attendance: 571-226-4444 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Paw Print Topics

• First Day
• Bus Riders
• Kiss and Ride
• Walkers
• First Day Packets
• New Assistant Principal, Ms. Wallace
• 📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy
• Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights
• Update Your Child’s Immunizations and Records
• 3-Hour Early Release
• Mark Your Calendars

First Day

The first day is always a special day for our students. To ensure a smooth start, we kindly request your cooperation with a few important guidelines:

• Please have your child arrive at school using their regular transportation method on the first day. Consistency helps establish a positive routine from day one.
• Discuss with your child their planned method of transportation for going home. Clear communication ensures a successful dismissal process.
• It's essential for all children to confidently share their first and last names to ensure we can guide them to the correct morning location. For students in grades K and 1, please write their first and last name inside their backpacks using the name provided during registration. For example, if your child's name is John Robert but goes by JR, please write John Robert in the backpack. This will help to eliminate any confusion.

Bus Riders

If your child is going to take the bus, you will receive communication from transportation with your child’s bus number, stop, and approximate times. During the first week, your child should arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes early until the bus driver establishes a regular routine. We encourage you to practice going to your bus stop before the first day of school to help eliminate any additional first-day jitters. 

Here Comes the Bus® 

FCPS knows that knowing when the bus is coming is an important part of your morning and afternoon. You can download the app to know when your bus is approaching your stop.  Here Comes the Bus® app is a school bus tracking app that can simplify morning and afternoon routines for parents and students by giving them real-time bus location and text or email notification alerts, helping them get to the bus stop on time. You can get additional information about the app and how to download it here.

Kiss and Ride

If you are planning to use Kiss and Ride during the school year, we ask that you please have a tag. If you previously had a Kiss and Ride tag, you will continue to use your current number. If you are new to Kiss and Ride, please complete the Kiss and Ride form. Please note that Kiss and Ride will take longer during the first week. We ask that you continue to be patient and allow extra time.

The Kiss and Ride process will remain the same as the last 3 years with one small change. 

AM Drop-off 

• Cars will pull to the front of the building with their student on the passenger side of the car if at all possible. (We do understand that some families have babies that need to be in that seat.)
• A Pine Spring team member will open your child’s door and ensure your child gets into the building. Please do not get out of your car. 
• We ask that you have said goodbye to your child and ensured that your child has everything they need for the day before you get to the drop-off zone. This ensures that all families are able to get through the line in a timely manner. 
• This year Kiss and Ride will close at 8:40 AM. Families who come after 8:40 AM will need to bring their child into the building. Children coming after 8:40 must be accompanied by an adult.  

PM Pick-up 

• Cars will line up in the Kiss and Ride line outside of the main door, where you dropped your child off. We ask that you do not line up for pickup before 3 PM. 
• A staff member will collect your tag number (or your child’s name for the first week). 
• Once dismissal begins, children will come out of the building in the order of your arrival once you stop at the designated cones. 
• Again, a team member will open your door so that your child can get into the car. 
• If your child does not come out in time, or if your child still needs support with their seatbelt/car seat you will pull to the designated area so that you can park the car to wait/support your child. 
• Please do not go around a car in line unless you are directed by a Pine Spring staff member. 

Walkers

Walkers Arrival 

• We will welcome PreK-K students starting at 8:30AM at Door 1.
• We will welcome 1st-6th students starting at 8:30AM at Door 6.
• We will have staff stationed outside to support the transition.

Walkers Dismissal 

• Parents of PreK walkers will be asked to meet their child at outside of the cafeteria. 
• Parents of K walkers will be asked to meet their child at the library door across from the flagpole.

Parents of 1st-6th walkers will be asked to meet their child at Door 6 near the playground.

 

*All students in Kindergarten or younger must be picked up by an adult on their emergency care card each day. Students in kindergarten or younger not picked up by an adult from the bus will be returned to Pine Spring. 

First Day Packets

• A packet of information will be sent home on the first day of school in our new Wednesday Folder. Please complete all mandatory forms in the folder and return both the folder and the forms to school by Friday, August 23. 
• The Wednesday Folder will be sent home each Wednesday.  Please be sure that you check these envelopes each week and review the contents with your child. The folder should be returned each week.

New Assistant Principal, Ms. Wallace

We are pleased to officially welcome Ms. Wallace as the newest Assistant Principal at Pine Spring. With over 20 years of experience in education, Ms. Wallace brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. She holds a master's degree in Special Education, as well as a master's in Administration and Supervision. For the past two years, she has served as the Dean of Special Services at Pine Spring, where she has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting both students and staff. Ms. Wallace is eager to continue her dedicated work in her new capacity as Assistant Principal.

📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy

Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions! If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our main office at 751-226-4400.

Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights

Fairfax County Public Schools wants all parents and caregivers to understand its policies regarding surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights.

In its Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms (Annual Notice), FCPS provides explanations of the rights listed above 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/caregivers 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 2024-25 Opt-Out Booklets.

Update Your Child’s Immunizations and Records

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You can check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to a school’s front office. 

If your child needs a vaccine, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or access other local services. If needed, families may also provide other immunization documentation including a healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption or a notarized Religious Exemption Form. 

Find more information on immunizations on the FCPS website.

3-Hour Early Release

 Please remember to complete this form for each child in your home. While we anticipate that most students will go home after school, we understand that some families may need additional support with childcare on these days.  Completing this form will allow us to coordinate child care on these days while our teachers attend state required trainings. 

The scheduled Early Release Mondays are:

• September 16
• October 21
• November 18
• February 10
• March 10
• April 21
• May 12

Mark Your Calendars

August 19: First Day of School

August 20- September 2: Labor Day Break

September 5: PTA Meeting (7PM)

September 16: 3-Hour Early Release

September 17: Back to School Night (K-2)

September 18: Back to School Night (3-6)

September 27: Fall School Portraits

September 27: PTA Fall Dance 

7607 Willow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Office: 571-226-4400
Attendance: 571-226-4444 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Paw Print Topics

• First Day
• Bus Riders
• Kiss and Ride
• Walkers
• First Day Packets
• New Assistant Principal, Ms. Wallace
• 📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy
• Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights
• Update Your Child’s Immunizations and Records
• 3-Hour Early Release
• Mark Your Calendars

First Day

The first day is always a special day for our students. To ensure a smooth start, we kindly request your cooperation with a few important guidelines:

• Please have your child arrive at school using their regular transportation method on the first day. Consistency helps establish a positive routine from day one.
• Discuss with your child their planned method of transportation for going home. Clear communication ensures a successful dismissal process.
• It's essential for all children to confidently share their first and last names to ensure we can guide them to the correct morning location. For students in grades K and 1, please write their first and last name inside their backpacks using the name provided during registration. For example, if your child's name is John Robert but goes by JR, please write John Robert in the backpack. This will help to eliminate any confusion.

Bus Riders

If your child is going to take the bus, you will receive communication from transportation with your child’s bus number, stop, and approximate times. During the first week, your child should arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes early until the bus driver establishes a regular routine. We encourage you to practice going to your bus stop before the first day of school to help eliminate any additional first-day jitters. 

Here Comes the Bus® 

FCPS knows that knowing when the bus is coming is an important part of your morning and afternoon. You can download the app to know when your bus is approaching your stop.  Here Comes the Bus® app is a school bus tracking app that can simplify morning and afternoon routines for parents and students by giving them real-time bus location and text or email notification alerts, helping them get to the bus stop on time. You can get additional information about the app and how to download it here.

Kiss and Ride

If you are planning to use Kiss and Ride during the school year, we ask that you please have a tag. If you previously had a Kiss and Ride tag, you will continue to use your current number. If you are new to Kiss and Ride, please complete the Kiss and Ride form. Please note that Kiss and Ride will take longer during the first week. We ask that you continue to be patient and allow extra time.

The Kiss and Ride process will remain the same as the last 3 years with one small change. 

AM Drop-off 

• Cars will pull to the front of the building with their student on the passenger side of the car if at all possible. (We do understand that some families have babies that need to be in that seat.)
• A Pine Spring team member will open your child’s door and ensure your child gets into the building. Please do not get out of your car. 
• We ask that you have said goodbye to your child and ensured that your child has everything they need for the day before you get to the drop-off zone. This ensures that all families are able to get through the line in a timely manner. 
• This year Kiss and Ride will close at 8:40 AM. Families who come after 8:40 AM will need to bring their child into the building. Children coming after 8:40 must be accompanied by an adult.  

PM Pick-up 

• Cars will line up in the Kiss and Ride line outside of the main door, where you dropped your child off. We ask that you do not line up for pickup before 3 PM. 
• A staff member will collect your tag number (or your child’s name for the first week). 
• Once dismissal begins, children will come out of the building in the order of your arrival once you stop at the designated cones. 
• Again, a team member will open your door so that your child can get into the car. 
• If your child does not come out in time, or if your child still needs support with their seatbelt/car seat you will pull to the designated area so that you can park the car to wait/support your child. 
• Please do not go around a car in line unless you are directed by a Pine Spring staff member. 

Walkers

Walkers Arrival 

• We will welcome PreK-K students starting at 8:30AM at Door 1.
• We will welcome 1st-6th students starting at 8:30AM at Door 6.
• We will have staff stationed outside to support the transition.

Walkers Dismissal 

• Parents of PreK walkers will be asked to meet their child at outside of the cafeteria. 
• Parents of K walkers will be asked to meet their child at the library door across from the flagpole.

Parents of 1st-6th walkers will be asked to meet their child at Door 6 near the playground.

 

*All students in Kindergarten or younger must be picked up by an adult on their emergency care card each day. Students in kindergarten or younger not picked up by an adult from the bus will be returned to Pine Spring. 

First Day Packets

• A packet of information will be se3rnt home on the first day of school in our new Wednesday Folder. Please complete all mandatory forms in the folder and return both the folder and the forms to school by Friday, August 23. 
• The Wednesday Folder will be sent home each Wednesday.  Please be sure that you check these envelopes each week and review the contents with your child. The folder should be returned each week.

New Assistant Principal, Ms. Wallace

We are pleased to officially welcome Ms. Wallace as the newest Assistant Principal at Pine Spring. With over 20 years of experience in education, Ms. Wallace brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. She holds a master's degree in Special Education, as well as a master's in Administration and Supervision. For the past two years, she has served as the Dean of Special Services at Pine Spring, where she has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting both students and staff. Ms. Wallace is eager to continue her dedicated work in her new capacity as Assistant Principal.

📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy

Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions! If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our main office at 751-226-4400.

Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights

Fairfax County Public Schools wants all parents and caregivers to understand its policies regarding surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights.

In its Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms (Annual Notice), FCPS provides explanations of the rights listed above 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/caregivers 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 2024-25 Opt-Out Booklets.

Update Your Child’s Immunizations and Records

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You can check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to a school’s front office. 

If your child needs a vaccine, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or access other local services. If needed, families may also provide other immunization documentation including a healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption or a notarized Religious Exemption Form. 

Find more information on immunizations on the FCPS website.

3-Hour Early Release

 Please remember to complete this form for each child in your home. While we anticipate that most students will go home after school, we understand that some families may need additional support with childcare on these days.  Completing this form will allow us to coordinate child care on these days while our teachers attend state required trainings. 

The scheduled Early Release Mondays are:

• September 16
• October 21
• November 18
• February 10
• March 10
• April 21
• May 12

Mark Your Calendars

August 19: First Day of School

August 20- September 2: Labor Day Break

September 5: PTA Meeting (7PM)

September 16: 3-Hour Early Release

September 17: Back to School Night (K-2)

September 18: Back to School Night (3-6)

September 27: Fall School Portraits

September 27: PTA Fall Dance 

7607 Willow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Office: 571-226-4400
Attendance: 571-226-4444 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Paw Print Topics:

• PTA Playdate- August 17th
• Open House- August 15th
• 3-Hour Early Release
• Bell Schedule
• Stay Connected
• CEP Program
• Save The Date

PTA Playdate- August 17th Open House- August 15th

Each year we welcome families into the building the Thursday before school starts for you to have an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher, and see their classroom. We received a great deal of positive feedback about the less crowded classroom approach that we used last year, so we will use this format again this year. We believe that it lowered the stress for our youngest students, as they transition into school. 

• You will meet your child's teacher and visit the classroom to explore the safe and welcoming environment that our incredible teachers have created. 
• If you cannot attend the Open House, staff members will be available on the first day of school to assist students in locating their classrooms. You could also look it up in your ParentVue account. 
• You are welcome to bring your child’s school supplies so they do not have to bring them on the first day. If you purchased your supplies through the PTA, they will already be delivered to your child’s classroom before the first day of school. 
• While we understand that the schedule below may not be the most convenient for all families, we have prioritized a safe and low-stress opportunity for all children to walk into the building for the first time. We ask for your patience and understanding.
• Please note that only teachers of the assigned time will be in their room, as all other teachers will be assisting you to your new classrooms. We ask that all students stay with their caregivers for the duration of the Open House.

Grade Level

Times to Meet the Teacher

PreK 

Kindergarten

9:00 AM- 9:15 AM

Enter through Door 1

 

1st Grade

2nd Grade

9:25 AM-9:40 AM

1st Grade: Enter through Door 1

2nd Grade: Enter through Door 6

 

3rd Grade

6th Grade

 

9:50 AM-10:05 AM (Meet Teacher #1)

10:05 AM-10:20 AM (Meet Teacher #2)

3rd Grade: Enter through Door 6

6th Grade: Go to 6th Grade Trailers

 

4th Grade 

5th Grade

 

10:30 AM- 10:45 AM (Meet Teacher #1)

10:45 AM -11:00 AM (Meet Teacher #2)

4th Grade: Enter through Door 6

5th Grade: Enter through Door 1

 

 

3-Hour Early Release

Each Pine Spring family should have received a link regarding our upcoming 3-hour early release days. Please remember to complete one form for each child. While we anticipate that most students will go home after school, we understand that some families may need additional support with childcare on these days.  Completing this form will allow us to coordinate care on these days. If you need support, we will have a table near the playground tomorrow to help you complete the form during Open House. 

 

The scheduled Early Release Mondays are:

• September 16
• October 21
• November 18
• February 10
• March 10
• April 21
• May 12

Bell Schedule

Students will be welcomed into the building promptly at 8:30 AM, with the late bell ringing at 8:45 AM. We will release all students starting at 3:30 PM each day.

Additionally, please note that Kiss and Ride will close at 8:40 AM after the first week of school. This adjustment will provide students with a valuable 5 minutes to travel to their classrooms and be fully prepared for a productive day of learning. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in adhering to this schedule change.

Stay Connected

Pine Spring is working to ensure that families are well connected. We use a variety of platforms to provide you with the type of information you are looking for about your child. Below is a brief explanation of what you can expect from each of these avenues of communication. 

eNotify

Critical and timely information will be shared through eNotify. Every family is automatically enrolled in eNotify with the email you provided when you registered your child. This platform is used by both Pine Spring and other FCPS departments to communicate information such as school closures, emergency information, attendance information, and critical health information. Please be sure that your email is up-to-date in your ParentVue account.

 SIS ParentVUE

This platform is used for you to access information about your child such as homeroom teacher, attendance, county assessment results. You can also use this platform to update information such as your contact information and your child’s emergency contact information. If you need support setting up this platform, please contact our front office at 571-226-4400. 

News You Choose

This is a weekly email from Principal Yacubovich. This is our primary method of communication used for noncritical information with families. You will find information about important news, upcoming events, answers to frequently asked questions, PTA events and information, and stories about things happening in the building.  Do you know someone who hasn't signed up for NYC yet? If so, please encourage them to subscribe here. 

Talking Points

Teachers use the Talking Points messenger app, which allows teachers and staff to connect and communicate with families via text messaging directly to their phones and in their native languages.  Teachers will share information on how to sign up for Talking Points. 

Schoology

Schoology is FCPS' Learning Management System that replaced Google Classroom.  In this platform, you will be able to find information about the curriculum, assignments, due dates, and other information about what your child is doing in class. Your child’s teacher will discuss this platform during our virtual Back to School Night.

CEP Program

As we prepare for the upcoming school year at Pine Spring, we continue to be a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school. Through this program, all students at Pine Spring are eligible to receive no-cost breakfast and lunch throughout the school year, regardless of their family's income.

What You Need to Know About CEP:

• CEP is a USDA program that ensures every child at Pine Spring has access to nutritious meals, creating a healthy and supportive learning environment. Your child will have the same meal options as non-CEP schools.
• All students at Pine Spring are provided with a free breakfast and lunch each day. You do not need to apply for the program. 

Save The Date

8/15- Open House

8/17- PTA Playdate

8/19- First Day of School

8/30- 9/2- Labor Day Break (No School)

7607 Willow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Office: 571-226-4400
Attendance: 571-226-4444 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Paw Print Topics:

• PTA Playdate- August 17th
• Open House- August 15th
• Bell Schedule
• Stay Connected
• CEP Program
• Save The Date

PTA Playdate- August 17th Open House- August 15th

Each year we welcome families into the building the Thursday before school starts for you to have an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher, and see their classroom. We received a great deal of positive feedback about the less crowded classroom approach that we used last year, so we will use this format again this year. We believe that it lowered the stress for our youngest students, as they transition into school. 

• You will meet your child's teacher and visit the classroom to explore the safe and welcoming environment that our incredible teachers have created. 
• If you cannot attend the Open House, staff members will be available on the first day of school to assist students in locating their classrooms. You could also look it up in your ParentVue account. 
• You are welcome to bring your child’s school supplies so they do not have to bring them on the first day. If you purchased your supplies through the PTA, they will already be delivered to your child’s classroom before the first day of school. 
• While we understand that the schedule below may not be the most convenient for all families, we have prioritized a safe and low-stress opportunity for all children to walk into the building for the first time. We ask for your patience and understanding.
• Please note that only teachers of the assigned time will be in their room, as all other teachers will be assisting you to your new classrooms. We ask that all students stay with their caregivers for the duration of the Open House.

Grade Level

Times to Meet the Teacher

PreK 

Kindergarten

9:00 AM- 9:15 AM

Enter through Door 1

 

1st Grade

2nd Grade

9:25 AM-9:40 AM

1st Grade: Enter through Door 1

2nd Grade: Enter through Door 6

 

3rd Grade

6th Grade

 

9:50 AM-10:05 AM (Meet Teacher #1)

10:05 AM-10:20 AM (Meet Teacher #2)

3rd Grade: Enter through Door 6

6th Grade: Go to 6th Grade Trailers

 

4th Grade 

5th Grade

 

10:30 AM- 10:45 AM (Meet Teacher #1)

10:45 AM -11:00 AM (Meet Teacher #2)

4th Grade: Enter through Door 6

5th Grade: Enter through Door 1

 

 

Bell Schedule

Students will be welcomed into the building promptly at 8:30 AM, with the late bell ringing at 8:45 AM. We will release all students starting at 3:30 PM each day.

Additionally, please note that Kiss and Ride will close at 8:40 AM after the first week of school. This adjustment will provide students with a valuable 5 minutes to travel to their classrooms and be fully prepared for a productive day of learning. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in adhering to this schedule change.

Stay Connected

Pine Spring is working to ensure that families are well connected. We use a variety of platforms to provide you with the type of information you are looking for about your child. Below is a brief explanation of what you can expect from each of these avenues of communication. 

eNotify

Critical and timely information will be shared through eNotify. Every family is automatically enrolled in eNotify with the email you provided when you registered your child. This platform is used by both Pine Spring and other FCPS departments to communicate information such as school closures, emergency information, attendance information, and critical health information. Please be sure that your email is up-to-date in your ParentVue account.

 SIS ParentVUE

This platform is used for you to access information about your child such as homeroom teacher, attendance, county assessment results. You can also use this platform to update information such as your contact information and your child’s emergency contact information. If you need support setting up this platform, please contact our front office at 571-226-4400. 

News You Choose

This is a weekly email from Principal Yacubovich. This is our primary method of communication used for noncritical information with families. You will find information about important news, upcoming events, answers to frequently asked questions, PTA events and information, and stories about things happening in the building.  Do you know someone who hasn't signed up for NYC yet? If so, please encourage them to subscribe here. 

Talking Points

Teachers use the Talking Points messenger app, which allows teachers and staff to connect and communicate with families via text messaging directly to their phones and in their native languages.  Teachers will share information on how to sign up for Talking Points. 

Schoology

Schoology is FCPS' Learning Management System that replaced Google Classroom.  In this platform, you will be able to find information about the curriculum, assignments, due dates, and other information about what your child is doing in class. Your child’s teacher will discuss this platform during our virtual Back to School Night.

CEP Program

As we prepare for the upcoming school year at Pine Spring, we continue to be a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school. Through this program, all students at Pine Spring are eligible to receive no-cost breakfast and lunch throughout the school year, regardless of their family's income.

What You Need to Know About CEP:

• CEP is a USDA program that ensures every child at Pine Spring has access to nutritious meals, creating a healthy and supportive learning environment. Your child will have the same meal options as non-CEP schools.
• All students at Pine Spring are provided with a free breakfast and lunch each day. You do not need to apply for the program. 

Save The Date

8/15- Open House

8/17- PTA Playdate

8/19- First Day of School

8/30- 9/2- Labor Day Break (No School)

7607 Willow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Office: 571-226-4400
Attendance: 571-226-4444 | Web | Twitter | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Paw Print Topics:

• PTA Playdate- August 17th
• Welcome Back, Bobcats
• Open House- August 15th
• Class Structure and Instructional Enhancements
• Introducing AVID to Grades 3-5
• Bell Schedule
• Save The Date

PTA Playdate- August 17th Welcome Back, Bobcats

Dear Pine Spring Elementary School Parents and Guardians,

We hope your summer has been filled with joy and relaxation. As the new school year approaches, I am thrilled to share some exciting updates and information about what promises to be an extraordinary year at Pine Spring Elementary!

Our Theme for the Year: "Pine Spring; Polishing a Hidden Gem."

When thinking of Pine Spring, so many of us call it a "hidden gem." As we plan for the 24-25 school year, we are taking this sentiment to heart. This year, we are embracing the theme "Pine Spring; Polishing a Hidden Gem."  We believe that every student is a unique gem with incredible potential. As a school community, we are dedicated to ensuring that each child shines brighter than ever before.

Academic Excellence

Our commitment to academic excellence remains steadfast. This year, we are introducing new curriculum enhancements and teaching strategies to foster strong literacy skills, critical thinking, creativity, and a love for learning. We will continue to provide a supportive and challenging environment where every student can thrive.

Extracurricular Opportunities

In addition to our academic programs, we will continue to work with our PTA to offer a variety of after-school activities and events to provide students with a well-rounded education. From Running Club and Math Olympiad to Art Club and Science Olympiad, there will be numerous opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop new skills.

Community Engagement

We believe that a strong school community is essential for student success. This year, we will host various events and activities to strengthen the bonds between students, parents, and staff. From family nights and cultural celebrations to volunteer opportunities and parent workshops, we encourage everyone to get involved and be an active part of our Pine Spring family.

Open House- August 15th Class Structure and Instructional Enhancements

This year, you will notice some changes to our schedule structure for students in grades 3-6. Students in grades 3-6 will continue to benefit from having two dedicated teachers. However, in the past, students only went to a second teacher for math. This year, your child will be with their math teacher for science and social studies as well. This time will equate to half of their core instructional day, while our Language Arts teacher will focus on Reading and Writing during the other half of their core instructional day. This integrated approach will allow our students to interact with more of their peers with the same amount of transition time. It will also allow our teachers to better plan for strong differentiation, ensuring that they can both scaffold and enrich to create an even more individualized approach for more dynamic and engaging learning experiences. 

For our youngest learners in grades K-2, students will remain with one incredible homeroom teacher for all core subjects. This continuity fosters a nurturing and consistent environment where our little ones can thrive and grow. 

Introducing AVID to Grades 3-5

We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program to include students in grades 3-5 this year. Pine Spring successfully introduced this college and career readiness program to our 6th grade students last year, focusing on developing critical thinking, organization, and study skills. We observed significant progress in executive functioning skills among participating students, and we are proud to extend this opportunity to all students in grades 3-6 this fall.

Bell Schedule

Students will be welcomed into the building promptly at 8:30 AM, with the late bell ringing at 8:45 AM. We will release all students starting at 3:30 PM each day.

Additionally, please note that Kiss and Ride will close at 8:40 AM after the first week of school. This adjustment will provide students with a valuable 5 minutes to travel to their classrooms and be fully prepared for a productive day of learning. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in adhering to this schedule change.

Stay Connected

Pine Spring is working to ensure that families are well connected. We use a variety of platforms to provide you with the type of information you are looking for about your child. Below is a brief explanation of what you can expect from each of these avenues of communication. 

eNotify

Critical and timely information will be shared through eNotify. Every family is automatically enrolled in eNotify with the email you provided when you registered your child. This platform is used by both Pine Spring and other FCPS departments to communicate information such as school closures, emergency information, attendance information, and critical health information. Please be sure that your email is up-to-date in your ParentVue account.

 SIS ParentVUE

This platform is used for you to access information about your child such as homeroom teacher, attendance, county assessment results. You can also use this platform to update information such as your contact information and your child’s emergency contact information. If you need support setting up this platform, please contact our front office at 571-226-4400. 

News You Choose

This is a weekly email from Principal Yacubovich. This is our primary method of communication used for noncritical information with families. You will find information about important news, upcoming events, answers to frequently asked questions, PTA events and information, and stories about things happening in the building.  Do you know someone who hasn't signed up for NYC yet? If so, please encourage them to subscribe here. 

Talking Points

Teachers use the Talking Points messenger app, which allows teachers and staff to connect and communicate with families via text messaging directly to their phones and in their native languages.  Teachers will share information on how to sign up for Talking Points. 

Schoology

Schoology is FCPS' Learning Management System that replaced Google Classroom.  In this platform, you will be able to find information about the curriculum, assignments, due dates, and other information about what your child is doing in class. Your child’s teacher will discuss this platform during our virtual Back to School Night.

Save The Date

8/15- Open House

8/17- PTA Playdate

8/19- First Day of School

8/30- 9/2- Labor Day Break (No School)

7607 Willow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Office: 571-226-4400
Attendance: 571-226-4444 | Web | Twitter | Instagram