Upcoming Events
Monday - Friday, 04/25 - 04/29 – Wellness Week
Thursday, 04/28 – Spartan Theater: Sound of Music (first performance)
Monday, 05/02 – Religious & Cultural Observance Day (Eid al Fitr)
Monday, 05/30 – Holiday (Memorial Day)
Tuesday, 05/31 – Graduation for Class of 2022 (No School)
Friday, 06/10 – Last Day of School (Early Release)
DSA Andy Muir Announces Retirement
Andy Muir, our Director of Student Activities, has announced his impending retirement this summer after 31 years as an educator. A former champion collegiate athlete and club field hockey player, Andy always endeavored to work in the field of physical education.
He began his career at Loxford High School in London as a PE teacher in 1991. He emigrated to the U.S. after meeting (wife) Lisa in a college exchange program and eventually marrying. His first FCPS role was as a “Utility Teacher” at Burke School. “Utility” was the term his principal used for the person that did whatever was needed. That expanded into duty (8 years) as School Based Technology Specialist (before FCPS even used the term!). He later served at Woodson High School (Assistant DSA, 3 years), and for the past 15 years at West Springfield High School.
Reflecting on his time as a Spartan, Andy says the West Springfield community has a long and strong tradition of being a good school. The recent renovations have elevated this good school into a premier school both for the overall educational experience, and now with an excellent facility.
In His Own Words:
"As I make this transition to the next phase of my life, I have a similar combination of excitement and anxiety that I had when I taught my first Physical Education class at a school located in the suburbs of London in 1991. When I arrived in the U.S. in 1994 with two suitcase and two boxes of personal items, I had no idea what was ahead both personally and professionally. I am blessed to have had my wife Lisa of 28 years fully support my career choices and two amazing children in Brittan and AJ, I could not be prouder of what they have achieved already in their young lives and what I get to see in the years to come. During my time in FCPS, I have had the privilege of working with some outstanding students and staff. I want to thank all of you for the part that you have played in this amazing journey of my life. There have been so many moments that our work together has made a difference in the lives of our students, staff and communities, we should never lose focus of that."
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Andy's tenure as DSA continues through the end of June. After his retirement, the Muir family will stay local, so Andy promises you may see him at a future school event or even on the tractor helping cut grass at West Springfield!
Andy, we are grateful for your years of dedicated leadership and service in FCPS, at West Springfield, and in the extended community.
Student Services Information Update
Wellness Week is Here!
Wellness is the act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to obtain better physical and mental health outcomes; so instead of just surviving, you're thriving! Wellness week typically includes a counselor café, and several synchronous activities that promote mindfulness, thankfulness, friendship, and allows our counselors and our clinical team to check in with students.
SNEAK PEEK: The week kicks off on MELLOW MONDAY with the ever so popular YOGA w/ MS. DAVIES during all lunch shifts. Slots are limited, so students should sign up early. Links to register are also on each Class Schoology page.
Learn more about student wellness: tips and strategies HERE.
Check Students Services social media (@wshs_counselors) via Instagram, Youtube and Twitter for more activities during the week.
Upcoming:
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Senior Survey: We will administer the state mandated Senior Surveys and WSHS Senior Survey on Thursday, April 28. Seniors should have previously received notification from FCPS concerning this survey. The survey will be conducted during Social Studies classes. Find a video of what the FCPS Senior Survey will look like and instructions of how to fill it out here.
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Class of 2023 Post Secondary Planning Meeting: (May 4) is for rising seniors and their parents. Counselors discuss important "need to know" information for students as they approach their senior year. The meeting is followed up with an LS period where counselors visit English classes to convey same information.
WSHS PTSA
NEXT PTSA MEETING
The next PTSA meeting is on Tuesday, April 26 at 7:30pm, featuring State Delegate Kathy Tran who will provide an update on the Virginia state issues related to our school community.
This meeting will be hybrid! ...with the in-person component likely held outside in the amphitheater area next to Door #1 (more details to follow). Use THIS LINK to register. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link.
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We Need New PTSA Leaders!
The current PTSA leadership team has resurrected our WSHS PTSA and has been leading for the past year and a half. The current group is eager to hand the reigns of leadership to a new group of officers! It is important to have a regular change in leadership every few years.
If you are interested in serving in an officer position, or would just like to know more about it, please contact the Nominating Committee at nominating@wshsptsa.net.
The PTSA is scheduled to have elections at our May membership meeting (May 10).
The PTSA awards two types of scholarships:
- Scholarship for Success for students with an IEP who have overcome obstacles; and
- Spartan Scholarship for students who have made an impact on the school community.
Applications for those scholarships are due by 8pm on Monday, May 2nd.
Note that this year the PTSA is not requiring a letter of recommendation for either scholarship, but a transcript is required for the Spartan Scholarship to verify a G.P.A. of 2.5 or above.
For additional information about these scholarships and the application forms, visit the WSHS PTSA Scholarships Page.
It's Not Too Late to Join the PTSA!
Support the West Springfield High School PTSA by becoming a member or volunteering.
Follow the PTSA on Facebook: West Springfield High School PTSA
STUDENT ACTIVITIES NEWS and UPDATES
Check out what's happending across the entire school!
Welcome Back!
We are pleased to announce that Leah Conte has been hired as the new Director of Student Activities starting July 1st.
Prior to beginning her career in education, Leah was a collegiate Field Hockey player (Bloomsburg University) and coached field hockey at Ithaca College and the University of Mary Washington. She arrived in FCPS as a PE teacher and field hockey coach at South County High School in 2005. For the past 18 years Leah has served in various teaching and school leadership positions, including Director of Student Activities at South County High School (5 years), and South Lakes High School (3 years), with a short stint as MTSS for West Springfield High School (2018).
When asked her thoughts of returning to WSHS, Leah offered:
"I truly value the West Springfield community, its goals and of course its mission of Dream Big, Work Hard, Be Proud. My goal is to create an environment of inclusivity where all students feel like they have a place they belong and an opportunity to participate in extra-curriculars. I hope to provide the students, staff and community the best possible activities/athletics experience during their time at West Springfield. As the DSA at West Springfield I am looking forward to building strong relationships, empowering people to be their best, mentoring, educating and having an opportunity to make a difference in a community that I am so fortunate to be a part of! I am really looking forward to this opportunity and to meeting all of you!"
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SPOTLIGHT: "A Peep Into the Roaring '20s"
WSHS 11th grade students in WSHS teacher Jeri Clark’s US/VA History classes dove into learning about the Roaring 20’s hands and peep first, creating their own marshmallow Peep 1920’s-themed dioramas. Charlie Chaplin and silent movies, Flappers fashion, jazz, Knute Rockne and the Fighting Irish, family life and The Great Gatsby are among the topics student chose to portray. Now on display in the school library, the dioramas have received more than 200 votes from students and staff alike, with far more stopping by to view the displays.
“I love how my classroom came to life with excitement and how much pride the students took with their projects. I am inspired by their creativity, attention to detail, and hard work,” said Clark.
To see all the creative themed diorama projects, visit the Features section of our website.
Buy Your Yearbook, LIKE NOW!
Don't put it off any longer! The last day to order online is April 30. Yearbooks will be available to purchase in-person at the end of May. We have a finite number of books to sell, so make sure to place your order SOONER than later.
You can order online at www.yearbookordercenter.com. WSHS Order Number is 4150.
Spartan Performing Arts
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "My Favorite Things," "Do Re Mi," "Sixteeen Going on Seventeen" and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision.
April 28 - 30 @ 7pm | May 1 @ 2pm
General Admission: $10
For tickets and more information visit spartantheatre.com.
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Spring Sporting Events
Spartan Sports Calendar, Week of April 24-30
Click image for calendar, rosters, and schedules.
Get the latest updates on the WSHS calendar of Spring sporting events HERE. Calendars, coaching information, scoreboard, team standings, quick links to useful info and more. Support Spartan Athletics!
Stay in Touch with Spartan Sports!
You can follow WSHS Spartan Sports on social media:
Twittter: @wshssports
YouTube Channels: LINK
Class of 2022 Updates
For the most up-to-date information regarding end of year activities check out the WSHS Class of 2022 Website.
Important Dates and Info for Our Seniors
- Senior Dues: $75, on MySchoolBucks.
- Senior Surveys: April 28
- Prom: May 6 @ The River View at Occoquan, 8-11pm
- Senior Exams: May 19-20, 23-24
- Spartan Scholars Ceremony: May 23, 9:30am (by invitation)
- Senior Obligations: May 25, 11am - 12pm; May 26, 8:30 - 9am
- Class Picnic: May 25, 12pm
- Senior Awards: May 26, 9am
- Graduation Rehearsal: May 27, 10am (WSHS)
- Cap and Gown Distribution: May 27 (after graduation rehearsal)
- Grad Walk
- Graduation: May 31, 9:30am, Eagle Bank Arena!
All Night Grad Party Announcements
ALL NIGHT GRAD PARTY - ANGP
ANGP Date: June 1-2, 2022
Time: 11pm - 5am
Location: The St. James
The ANGP is NOT included in Senior Dues. Ticket cost is $85. Over 340 tickets have been sold. Buy your student's ticket today!
Ticket includes access to: casino, ice skating, magician/hypnotist, basketball, volleyball, baseball/softball hitting house, golf simulator, pool, esports, virtual reality, obstacle course, DJ, unlimited food, drinks, prizes, raffles, caricatures, photobooth and more! Reduced/Free Lunch Ticket $25; email wshsangp@gmail.com for information.
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Parent Volunteers
...are essential to hosting the ANGP. We require another 80 chaperones in addition to the 70 volunteers already signed up. All Spartan familes are welcome.
Donations Needed for the WSHS ANGP
During the ANGP students will win prizes, enter raffles, and shop at the ANGP Store. Items purchased from the ANGP AMAZON WISH LIST will be donated to the ANGP Store and Giveaways for the evening. Please consider making a donation. Thank you for supporting our Seniors!
The WSHS Booster Organization is a 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID#:85-1623308. Choose this shipping address: WSHS Class of 2022 ANGP ℅ Janet McCoy.
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Chipotle Restaurant Night Fundraiser
Tuesday, April 26th, 4-8pm.
Mention WSHS ANGP at checkout or show this Chipotle Flyer
Order Online for pickup using code VD6WG3N.
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Sheet and Towel Fundraiser
April 14th - April 30th
Need sheets or towels for your soon to be graduate? Richmond bedsheets are long-lasting, colorfast, wrinkle-resistant, moisture wicking, breathable, and hypoallergenic. Fitted sheets have deep pockets and elastic all around for a secure fit. Will not shrink or fade.
- Organization number SS001297
- Organization name WSHS ANGP
- Order HERE
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Learn the Playbook Online Boot Camp
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FOLLOW Class of 2022 ANGP ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Class of 2022 Parent Facebook: WSHSCLASSOF2022
Class of 2022 Parent and Student Instagram: WSHSANGP
Senior Parking Pass Applications
Senior Parking Pass Applications are now being collected for the 2022-23 school year. All Class of 2023 rising Seniors must print, complete, and submit both forms to the Main Office by May 1st in order to be eligible for a 2022-23 parking pass. Copies of these forms were distributed during lunch in the cafeteria and are available in the Main Office. You can also obtain the forms HERE.
Class of 2023 Parents!
Jiffy Lube Live is the All Night Grad Party’s largest fundraiser. We need 60-80 parent volunteers to
work concessions at 28 concerts between May and October. You’ll have a great time, meet new
parents, and have the opportunity to earn a free 2023 ANGP ticket. Sign up now so we can ensure we’re fully staffed. Jiffy Lube Live Concert SignUp Genius.
All volunteers who sign up for a concert must complete Customer Service training in person at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow. Training dates are 4/24, 4/27, 5/1, 5/4, and 5/15. Please sign up as soon as possible.
Team Training is virtual. Volunteers who completed Team Training in 2020 and 2021 are exempt from Team Training. Link will be emailed to volunteers separately.
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WSHS ANGP BOOSTER ORGANIZATION OFFICER ELECTIONS
The ANGP Steering Committee is seeking volunteers to fill the following Class of 2023 Board positions:
- President
- VP-Activities
- VP-Fundraising
- Treasurer
- Secretary
Voting will take place at the June ANGP meeting. Please email wshsangp@gmail.com for additional information.
Check for updates on the Class of 2023 Parent Facebook Page WSHSCLASSOF2023.
FCPS Information
Incoming FCPS Superintendent
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Michelle Reid, Ed.D. will be the next superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools starting July 1.
Dr. Reid is known regionally and nationally for strong instructional leadership. Last week, Dr. Reid spent time visiting with students, staff, and community members to begin the conversation about what makes FCPS a great school division and the many opportunities to build on that foundation.
Get to know Dr. Michelle Reid.
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School Bus Driver Job Fair at Lorton Center on April 25
Fairfax County Public Schools invites qualified individuals to join our transportation team and is holding a job fair for bus drivers on Monday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lorton Center. No pre-event registration is needed to attend. Bus driver pay starts at $22.91 an hour, and drivers who meet established criteria can receive a $3,000 signing bonus.
Learn more about the bus driver job fair.
Say "Thank You!" to Your Favorite Teachers
The first week of May is Teacher Appreciation Week. This year, you can submit a recorded message thanking and celebrating FCPS’s amazing teachers and staff. Please submit your recording (up to 60 seconds) by noon on Wednesday, April 27.
Your video message may be selected to share with our teachers and community on the FCPS website and social media channels throughout Teacher Appreciation Week.
Surprising our teachers and staff with these messages of gratitude and support is part of the fun so keep your contribution under wraps until May.
More information and a submission form are available online. Note: the submission form requires a Google account. If you do not have a Google account and wish to be part of the celebration, share your messages on social media and tag FCPS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
FCPS and Fairfax County Government Partnering to Provide Substance Abuse Webinars on April 20, 26, 28
Due to the rise in opioid overdoses in the Fairfax Health District (which is consistent with national and state trends), Fairfax County Public Schools has partnered with Fairfax County Government to provide educational webinars on youth substance use trends and supports. The free webinars are scheduled for April 20, April 26, and April 28, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Each of the three webinars will provide the same information.
The topics to be covered include:
- Most commonly used substances.
- In-depth opioid information.
- Reasons why youth use substances.
- Ways parents can support their children.
- Available FCPS and Fairfax County Resources.
- Ways students, parents, and community members can connect with support providers.
Registration for the webinars is available online.
Quick Links
Community Information
Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.
Northern Virginia Magazine’s Teacher of the Year Award
Northern Virginia magazine is launching its first annual Teacher of the Year Award to recognize the best educators in our region. The winner will receive $10,000 and be profiled in a cover story of the magazine. Anyone may submit a nomination for a great teacher—principals, assistant principals, other administrators, school employees, fellow teachers, students, former students, parents, or the general public. Teachers may not nominate themselves. The survey is open through Sunday, April 24. Learn more and complete a survey.
The DEA Drug Take Back Day will be on April 30. WWest Springfield District Substation on Rolling Road will be one of the locations.
A Short RECAP: Month of the Military Child, featuring WSHS Military Ambassador's Club
Click MAC Logo for MOMC video compilation.
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