PTSA Newsletter - February 2021
Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 02/08/2021 05:02 PM EST
West Springfield HS
PTSA Newsletter
February 2021
In this Edition
- Return to School Information Session at the Feb 9th PTSA Meeting
- Camera On, PTSA Incentive for Students
- First Fundraiser Success!
- Academic Advising Information
- SAT Virtual Practice Test
- WSHS PTSA Scholarships for Seniors
- Above and Beyond
- Teacher Mini Grants
- PTSA in Action
Upcoming Events
PTSA Membership Meeting
February 9th 7:30 pm
Return to in-Person Information Session
How will the return to in-person classes work at WSHS?
Come join us for the PTSA membership meeting Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 7:30. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Principal Mukai and some of his team will join us to discuss plans for the in-person school option for WSHS to start up in early March. This is an opportunity to get more info and raise issues to help the school team prepare.
The PTSA has been gathering questions, so check out our website at www.wshsptsa.net and our Facebook page at WSHS PTSA Facebook for more info.
Note: The meeting agenda and all relevant documents are available on the PTSA website at www.wshsptsa.net
Cameras On - PTSA Incentive for Students 
Lights, cameras . . . connections!
The PTSA heard from students and counselors that students really want to see other kids in their classes, but most students don't want to be the first to turn on their cameras just because they don't want to stand out. The counselors report that if 4-5 students turn them on, then others tend to follow. The PTSA is listening and wants to provide a little incentive to help make this happen while there is still a month left of virtual school.
For the first 20 classes in which at least 8 students keep their cameras on for most of the class, the PTSA will give a small gift card to the teacher of that class.
Check out the PTSA website, www.wshsptsa.net, for more info.
How will the PTSA know? It's on the honor system. Any student from that class can e-mail the PTSA at wshsptsa@gmail.com to let us know if your class had 8 or more students keep their cameras on for most of the class. We will post the classes that have qualified on our website so that everyone can see what has already been reported.
How can I get other students to know why I'm turning on my camera? That's up to you. You are smart, creative high schoolers! Some may post a chat at the beginning of class to encourage others, or plan outside of class.
Can teachers help? No. This has to be totally student driven because FCPS policy does not allow teachers to ask students to turn on their cameras. There are good reasons for that policy, but there are also good reasons for kids who feel comfortable turning on their cameras to do so (and that's why the PTSA is pushing this as a voluntary effort!)
What's in it for me? Hopefully students will feel more connected with each other if you get to see each other. This is an experiment. The idea is that the desire to generate a small reward for teachers might motivate students.
First Fundraiser Success!
A big thank you to everyone who came out to support the PTSA’s first fundraiser – the Rice and Spice restaurant night. We raised $250! The funds will be used for an event to help connect students in this virtual environment. We are planning our next restaurant night fundraiser – stay tuned for more details!
Academic Advising Information
Counselors are meeting with all rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students for academic advising sessions to discuss graduation requirements, course selections for the upcoming school year, summer learning opportunities (credit recovery and online courses), and post-secondary plans and goals.
For more information, please watch the video here
SAT Virtual Practice Test
The WSHS PTSA has partnered with The Princeton Review to offer an opportunity for students to take a virtual practice SAT on,
Saturday, March 6 from 10am-2pm
Registration is free for WSHS PTSA members and $15 for others
(All funds raised will go to WSHS PTSA)
Please visit the PTSA website at www.wshsptsa.net for registration information.
Above and Beyond Program - Open now through April 30th
The West Springfield High School PTSA wants to recognize and celebrate the excellent members of the West Springfield High School community whose actions exceed our already high expectations. Please submit your nominee including teachers, students, staff, volunteers, and county support staff, like crossing guards or bus drivers to be recognized.
The PTSA will provide gift cards in small amounts to selected recipients.
Questions: Contact the West Springfield High School PTSA @ awards@wshsptsa.net
WSHS PTSA Scholarships for Seniors
WSHS PTSA is proud to bring back two types of scholarships for graduating Seniors!
Scholarship for Success (SFS)
The West Springfield High School PTSA offers scholarships to WSHS seniors who had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in place for at least two of four years in high school and who have overcome obstacles on the road to either academic or social success. The purpose of the scholarship is to recognize the growth that a student achieved through their high school career.
Applications Due: May 10, 2021
Eligibility: For the West Springfield High School PTSA Scholarship for Success, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Graduating from West Springfield High School between January 1 and June 30 of the current academic year
- Current student member of West Springfield High School PTSA
- Complete an application and submit one letter of recommendation, by May 10, 2021 to the WSHS PTSA at awards@wshsptsa.net
For more information and to download an application, visit
WSHS PTSA Spartan Scholarship
The West Springfield High School PTSA offers scholarships each year to WSHS graduating seniors to recognize outstanding leadership, school spirit, community service, and a high level of involvement in extracurricular activities and who meets the PTSA selection criteria. Academics will be considered, but are not a priority. The scholarship provides funds for student PTSA members for continuing their education at accredited colleges, universities, trade or technical schools.
Applications Due: May 10, 2021
Eligibility: Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Graduating from West Springfield High School between January 1 and June 30 of the current academic year
- Current student member of West Springfield High School PTSA
- Applicants must have at least a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5
- Complete an application and submit one letter of recommendation, by May 10, 2021 to the WSHS PTSA at awards@wshspta.net
For more information and to download an application, visit
Teacher Mini-Grants 
Open now through March 15th
Students and Teachers – Do you have an innovative, informative and inspirational project for WSHS students that go above and beyond traditional opportunities ? Check out the WSHS PTSA Mini-Grant program on the PTSA website.
Award amounts available, if selected, up to $250 – examples: supplies/equipment for classrooms or clubs, publications (books, magazines, newspapers, instructional CDs, videos, software), electronic equipment, construction materials for campus projects.
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WSHS has elected PTSA officers, and formed the committees below: PTSA Executive Board
Committee Chairs
Volunteers Needed! The WSHS PTSA is an all-volunteer organization. Whether you have the time and energy to chair a committee or just assist on a particular project, we need volunteers to make this year’s activities a success! Volunteers can: assist with fundraisers or student events, teacher hospitality, translating, the PTSA newsletter, or other administrative assistance. Open Committee Chair Positions include: Diversity Chair and Grounds Chair (to help clean and beautiful school grounds and courtyards). Click here to Register and Sign-up to Volunteer today! Email volunteer@wshsptas.net for any questions. |
Back in Action - We need you !
Why Join the PTSA ?
The West Springfield High School (WSHS) Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) is an active organization with the primary purpose of advocating for our students and providing support to faculty and parents. Currently, twelve committees touch on all aspects of student life at WSHS and support the teachers and administration's goal of providing the best education possible.
We are facing never before seen challenges and we need your support more than ever. Last year the PTSA was dormant. We are back now, and we ask you to join our rebuilding effort and make WSHS stronger!
Be a Role Model: By becoming a PTA member, you’ll be demonstrating to your child, other teachers, and other students the importance you place on the education and community at WSHS.
Help Improve our School: Your membership helps the WSHS PTSA serve as a voice for parents, students, and teachers, increase communication, and provide opportunities to enhance the school experience at WSHS.
A portion of your dues goes directly to our PTSA activities. As a member, you get a say in what the PTSA does, and the dues help the WSHS PTSA to bring back programs that have enriched our school in the past:
- Educational events for parents and students
- Social events to build community
- Mini Grants for WSHS Faculty
- “Above and Beyond” awards recognizing contributions by teachers, staff, and students
- Student Scholarships for Success
- Staff and Teacher Appreciation
- Teacher of the Year Awards
- Baccalaureate celebration seniors
- Improvement of school grounds
Membership Costs
Parent and One Student: $10
Family (Entire Family): $20
WSHS Teacher/Staff: $6
Click Here to Join the PTSA
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