Upcoming Events
Monday, 01/17 – Holiday (Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday)
Thursday, 01/20 – End of Second Quarter, 2hr Early Release
Friday, 01/21 – Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)
Monday, 01/24 – Student Holiday (Professional Development Day)
Monday, 02/07 – Friday, 02/11 – National School Counseling Week
Monday, 02/21 – Holiday (President's Day)
Thursday, 03/03 – 2 Hour Early Release
High School Inclement Weather Virtual Learning Bell Schedule
This weekend's forecast includes the possibility of a significant snow event on Sunday and Monday. Because we used all of our traditional snow days during last week’s snowstorm, any future inclement weather days will include virtual learning whenever possible. FCPS's next snow day will be a virtual learning day.
In preparation for virtual, our Spartan teachers and staff will make sure students have the devices and accessories they need; teachers will also take the time to practice logging into Zoom sessions to ensure access for all students. Virtual learning will be synchronous or live, teacher-led instruction. However, teachers may prepare emergency asynchronous lessons that can be used if they have issues connecting due to loss of power or other unforeseen circumstances.
In anticipation of our next snow day, here is WSHS anticipated bell schedule for a virtual day (note: school would begin on a two-hour delay to allow for teacher preparation time).
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West Springfield's Inclement Weather Virtual Learning Bell Schedule
Thank you for your help in making sure an inclement weather virtual learning day is a successful one for your child. Enjoy the weekend and we look forward to engaging with our students on Tuesday.
Dream Big, Work Hard, Be Proud
SPARTAN STRONG
Michael Mukai, Principal
Be Prepared!
To help prepare families and students for any time away from school due to inclement weather or going on pause, here are some helps provided by FCPS and a few reminders.
Reminders:
- Students and staff should take their devices home Friday (today!), January 14, and be sure the device is charged ahead of the start of the school day on Tuesday, January 18.
- Attendance: Teachers will take attendance in SIS as they would on an in-person day. Students who are unable to connect will be marked absent, but given an opportunity to make up work.
- Families should make plans for childcare, if needed.
Helps:
Student Services Curriculum Night
Academic Advising season for the 2022-2023 school year is approaching, and our Student Services Department would like you to save the date for a Curriculum Q&A session. On January 27, 2022 at 6:30pm, you are invited to attend West Springfield High School’s virtual Curriculum Question and Answering session. During this event you will have the opportunity to ask questions about curriculum content and trajectory. The presentation will take place via Zoom. Additional information will be sent out via email on Monday, January 24th on how to prepare for that night.
Learner’s Permit Testing Dates
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Students must be 15 years and 6 months old by the day of the test. If you have had two unsuccessful attempts at passing the test, then you are required to test at the DMV for your third attempt.
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When: 3:10pm - specific dates below
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Where: Room 2225
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Cost: $20
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January 27 date is live now! Additional 2nd Semester dates will be posted soon.
Read the instructions below carefully as you must sign up in two different places…
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How to Register:
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- Visit FCPS ACE and sign up for a specific date: aceclasses.fcps.edu
- Once registered on the FCPS ACE site, you must also register with the DMV at this link in order to test. This link will also be provided on your confirmation email from ACE.
- Only complete the required fields (i.e., leave “customer number” blank)
- DMV registration must be done at least 4 hours before the test start time. Failure to register with the DMV will result in not being able to test since they issue the secure testing codes to FCPS proctors.
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The following are required to the take the test -- bring them with you on your test day:
- Completed, and signed DTS 41 consent form. The form is available here.
- A picture ID to verify identity. If the student does not have a picture ID, take a picture, write the student's full legal name under the picture, and have a teacher sign to verify the student's identity. You may also show your photo from SIS.
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Earbuds/headphones to listen to directions and test audio.
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SAVE THE DATE FOR PSTD: 10th grade students that have not attended the required Partners for Safe Teen Driving (PSTD) presentation will have two additional opportunities this school year: February 7 and April 19. Both sessions are scheduled to begin at 7pm and will run for 90 minutes. Those students/parents that have already attended this year do not need to attend another session. A reminder that a parent and student are required to attend this meeting together before the District 8 (pink) card can be issued. Send any questions to Mr. Casey Grubbs at clgrubbs@fcps.edu.
Upcoming: National School Counseling Week
What do School Counselors do? According to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), School Counselors are licensed educators who address students’ academic, career, and social/emotional development needs by implementing and executing a counseling program aiming for student success. They can work in every level of education or in district supervisory roles. In particular, Our WHSH School Counselors are champions at promoting and supporting the emotional wellness of our students.
On its website, ASCA explains that National School Counseling Week “highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.”
What Are Some Counselor Appreciation Week Ideas?
Students are encouraged to take time to thank YOUR school counselor, whether it's upon seeing them in the hallway, visiting their office, preparing a formal notecard or letter; or just sending them a nice email. Teachers can decorate their doors with signs expressing gratitude for the work school counselors do and the difference they make in students’ lives.
ASCA offers a free downloadable certificate of appreciation that students can give to school counselors, and more.
Let’s be sure to celebrate our WSHS counselors during National School Counseling Week, February 7-11, 2022.
Interested in learning more about FCPS ACADEMY COURSES? Academy courses offer advanced technical and specialized courses that successfully integrate career and academic preparation for students.
FOR STUDENTS: Students can use their fcpsschools.net account to visit FCPS Academies for information about the six academies of FCPS. On this site, you will find course descriptions and videos about the programs that are available.
FOR FAMILIES: Parents and students should access the Quick Guide sheet and Open House flyers (links below) for lists of courses at each Academy and upcoming Open House dates. One of the best ways to determine if an Academy program is right for you is to attend their open house!
Open House Dates:
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West Potomac Academy: Wednesday, January 26, 6:15 - 7:30pm
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Edison Academy: Saturday, January 29, from 10:00am - 1:00pm
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Fairfax Academy: Tuesday, February 8, 6:30 - 8pm
Students should reach out to their counselor for any additional questions.
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Student Activities Updates
FCPS has mandated that High school athletics will continue with limited spectators. Out of an abundance of caution, there will be no general admission to any sports contests through Friday, January 21st. Spectators will be limited to family members of both the home and visiting teams. The exact number of family members permitted is being discussed by each district and this will be communicated to families through their student athlete.
West Springfield will still provide free access to our games online on the NFHS Sports Network. Click HERE to subscribe.
Check out WSHS calendar of sporting events HERE, paying particular attention to events that have recently been cancelled or rescheduled. And let's continue to support Spartan Athletics!
Save the Date!
Hablemos is a bi-annual information meeting for Spanish-speaking West Springfield families. This virtual information meeting will include updates from several of our school Departments, and feature a presentation by our Dean of Students/Multi-tiered Systems of Support. This meeting will be presented in Spanish. As a reminder, we will email / text (via Talking Points) the Zoom link to our Spanish-speaking families the day before the meeting. Save the Date: January 24, 7pm.
All Night Grad Party Announcements!!
ANGP Announcements: Click Image for full file.
FCPS Information
Job Opportunities
As the pandemic continues to affect our region, FCPS is advertising the following job opportunities, both which serve to keep or schools open. West Springfield HS is especially in need of additional Student Monitors.
Student Monitor: Provides supervision of students throughout the school day to include but not limited to the classroom, hallways, lunch, recess, specials and at arrival/dismissal; helps maintain order and discipline and assists in managing the behavior of students; operates technology; performs administrative and non-instructional duties; ensures all layered prevention/safety protocols and procedures are implemented and followed; works with individual and small groups of students. Click here for more details.
COVID Case Manager: Monitors and manages COVID case data in schools in concert with the local health department. Works closely with students, staff, administration, FCPS central office and the County Health Department. Accesses and uses student information system data to assist health department staff with contact tracing - identifying close contacts and reporting to the health department. Uses applicable technology to collect, maintain, analyze and report data related to management of potential exposures. May assist with collection and/or coordination of COVID testing. Click here for more details.
If you or someone you know is interested, visit the FCPS job opportunities site at the links provided above to apply.
Quick Links
COMMUNITY Information
Volunteer Opportunities
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday in January (January 17 this year) and is observed as a National Day of Service. This day of service helps to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, address social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”
FCPS will be teaming up again with Volunteer Fairfax who will facilitate a weekend of service to provide service opportunities for all ages. Volunteer Fairfax will begin offering both virtual, in-person, and family-friendly activities January 15-17.
To learn more about the Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service and specific service activities, visit Volunteer Fairfax’s website for more information.
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Orthodox Epiphany
In the Orthodox church, Epiphany is recognized on January 19 and celebrates the baptism of Jesus rather than the arrival of the Three Kings.
FCPS has designated Orthodox Epiphany as a religious and cultural observance day designed to allow students the opportunity to miss school for observances not already designated as school holidays.
A joyous Orthodox Epiphany to those in our community who celebrate!
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