Principal's Message (Follow-Up)

Hey Bulldog Families--

I apologize for the additional e-mail, but it appears some information was left off of the first one. Below are some more updates and some useful information from FCPS. Thank you for all that yo udo for Westfield!

 

Go Bulldogs!

Tony DiBari

Proud Principal, Westfield High School

 

Spring Outdoor Musical

Tickets are on sale now for our spring outdoor musical!  The Theory of Relativity is a joyous and moving look about our surprisingly interconnected lives.  Whether you're allergic to cats, in love for the first or tenth time, a child of divorce, a germaphobe or simply a unique individual, audience members are sure to find themselves in this musical. Through a seemingly unrelated collection of songs, scenes and monologues, The Theory of Relativity introduces a compelling array of characters experiencing the joys and heartbreaks, the liaisons and losses, the inevitability and the wonder of human connection. 

Show dates:  Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 22 at 8pm.  Tickets available for in-person attendance (see website for details on the outdoor performance space we have created behind the high school) and streaming.  Visit https://www.westfieldtheatre.com/the-theory-of-relativity for information and tickets.  All tickets are pre-sale only.  No tickets will be sold at the door.  

 

American Academy of Pediatrics Endorses FCPS’ Five Days of In-Person Learning

Great news! This morning, the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics has endorsed FCPS’ model of providing five days of in-person instruction for all children this fall. This endorsement by a highly respected group of pediatricians validates our belief that in-person learning is best for children. The AAP’s Virginia Chapter also believes that virtual instruction should be utilized only when necessary and in consultation with a child’s physician or medical team. 

This is incredible news for FCPS in support of our efforts to encourage all students to return for five days of in-person learning this fall. #FCPSReturningStrong

Vaccine Pic

FDA Could Authorize Pfizer Vaccine for Kids 12-15, Virginia Prepares for Vaccinations at Schools

Virginia health officials announced that the Food Drug and Administration could authorize the emergency use of Pfizer's vaccine for children ages 12-15 as early as next week. Moderna could follow two to three weeks afterward.

Dr. Danny Avula, the state's vaccine coordinator, said the widened eligibility would be a pivotal shift toward reaching herd immunity before students return to school in the fall.

"We know that kids not having access to school has had really significant impacts on their lives," Avula said at a vaccine Town Hall. "I think there are ways that we've got to do a better job of helping the public understand 'Given where we are with vaccinations, what are the risks now and what are we giving up to start to take steps back toward normalcy?’” Read the Richmond Times Dispatch article.

 

University of Virginia Model Shows COVID Cases Are Decreasing

“Social distancing efforts are working, the state is optimistic...” according to Dan Carey, Secretary of Health and Human Resources. Read about the University of Virginia model that offers ways to help flatten the curve of infection in the Commonwealth. UVA model shows Virginia tracking toward lower COVID-19 case peak this summer (wtvr.com)

 

You Have Virtual Program Questions? We Have Answers!

  • What if I don’t have access to a medical provider?

School staff (school social workers and school counselors) will work with you to connect you with the appropriate resources. 

  • Can a student access some courses virtually and some courses in-person?

Virtual Program enrollment is a full-time alternative to in-person learning. If a student has a documented health/medical condition due to COVID-19 that prevents them from accessing in-person instruction, all courses will be virtual.  

  • How do I enroll a student who is new to FCPS?

Students new to FCPS must enroll in the school assigned to their home address as identified by the FCPS Boundary Locator before submitting a Virtual Program Enrollment Application. For information on the five-step new student registration process, view General Registration Requirements (Grades 1 -12) or Kindergarten Registration.

Visit the Virtual Program Enrollment FAQs page

 

May Observances

Asian American Heritage Month

What is Asian American Heritage Month?

How to Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at Home:

Jewish American Heritage Month

From Ramadan, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, to Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, May marks a time of celebration and commemoration for many communities across the country. These 31 days are also designated as Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) when we pay tribute to the achievements and contributions made by American Jews throughout our nation’s history. 

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Jewish Americans who have helped form the fabric of American history, culture, and society. More information is available online

Additional Resources:

Student Rep

Meet the New Student School Board Representative—Pranav Choudhary

Meet the 2021-22 Student School Board Representative, Pranav Choudhary, a junior from Langley High School. He invites students to reach out and share their thoughts with him on how to improve the lives of all FCPS students.