Science Olympiad offers students the opportunity to improve their understanding in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and to work together in teams to learn new skills. Virginia Science Olympiad (VASO) is a non-profit organization engaging and challenging students in these disciplines through team-based competitive tournaments in Virginia. This year, the Olympiad will be virtual — all teams have to to be prepared and compete online.

Third, fourth, and fifth graders can compete in Division A. Fifth graders will have an option to compete in Division B (in that case they will not be able to compete in Division A). Our school can send up to 45 students and they can compete in teams of two in various events (there will be 3 groups of up to 15 students). If you are interested, please fill out this interest form. The registration will be open in January, when the rules manual comes out. We will reach out all interested parents when the registration is open.

Students with or without prior chess experience are invited to join the VIRTUAL Willow Springs Chess Club. Club members will receive live online lessons with U.S. Chess Center teachers twice a week, allowing the students to participate interactively in real time. Additionally, they will be able to play matches up to five times per week with FCPS students from Willows Springs and other schools. Students are placed in groups by ability for chess lessons. Registration for the club is rolling—there is no official start date. But no matter when you register, the discounted fee is $120 for online classes (use discount code “SUBC” at registration) that run through the end of January—so register soon!
The registration website is: https://www.chessctr.org/online-lessons-fall-registration

Willow Springs PTA is sponsoring the Grade 5-6 Virtual Math Club for the fall/early winter. Our math club is an exciting and challenging way to promote critical-thinking and problem-solving skills in mathematics. The activities and problems of the Math Club are designed to meet students at the middle-school level, and to learn some mathematics that is beyond the standard curriculum. Many of the topics will be very challenging to 5th and 6th graders. For full details, including dates and how to register, please see this attached flyer.