To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, 09/23 – Homecoming Parade (4:30 - 5:30pm)
– @Home Football vs. Hayfield (Homecoming, 7pm)
Saturday, 09/24 – Homecoming Dance (8-11pm)
Monday, 09/26 – Student Holiday / Professional Work Day
Wednesday, 10/05 – Student and Teacher Holiday (Yom Kippur)
Thursday, 10/06 – Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application Deadline
Monday, 10/10 – Student Holiday (Indigenous Peoples' Day)
Wednesday, 10/12 – PSAT / SAT School Day (9th Graders Stay Home)
Monday, 10/24 – Student Holiday (Diwali)
Tuesday, 10/25 – Community Conversations with FCPS Superintendent
Homecoming Week 2022
Calendar Reminder
Monday, September 26, is a student holiday/professional work day for teachers. It is also Rosh Hashanah, the second day of the two-day celebration of the Jewish New Year. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
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Superintendent Community Conversations
Please save the date for a very special event! Dr. Michelle Reid, FCPS superintendent, will host a Community Conversation at West Springfield on October 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m. This event will be a unique opportunity to help Dr. Reid get to know our school community and learn more about her vision for our district.
Language interpretation will be provided, as available, as well as child care and light refreshments. Please register to attend.
2023 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
Two hundred thirty-seven students from 18 Fairfax County Public Schools are among the semifinalists named by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for 2023.
All semi-finalists are eligible to compete for 7,500 National Merit Scholarship awards worth nearly $28 million, to be awarded in spring 2023. Semifinalists advance to finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and other requirements including a recommendation from a high school official.
Congratulations to West Springfield Senior: Catherine Browne
Read the full September 14 news release.
The following West Springfield students also received commendation from the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. Commended students place among the top 50,000 students who took the 2021 PSAT/NMSQT. West Springfield will recognize all of these students during our grad week Scholars Awards ceremony. An early congrats to these Spartans who have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success!
 Deployed-Parent Support Group
Is your family facing an upcoming deployment at any point during the school year? When a parent deploys it can be stressful for the entire family. So, whether a parent is preparing to deploy, is currently deployed, or will be returning soon, we want to offer support. We will be offering a deployed parent support group for students throughout the year every Tuesday beginning this Tuesday, September 27th before school at 7:35 - 8:05am in the school's Main Office, Room #1016. If your student is interested, please contact our Military and Family Life Counselor, Ms. Burnside at burnsidek@magellanfederal.com. Each student who would like to attend must be eligible and have a signed consent form on file.
Parent / Guardian Reminders
Sign and Return the Student Rights & Responsibilities Booklet
FCPS’ updated Student Rights & Responsibility booklet is available online and in the ParentVue section of the Student Information System (SIS). The SR&R booklet explains expectations for student behavior, and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment.
Each year, we ask parents to review, sign, and return the SR&R to their child’s school. In ParentVue, you may now download and digitally sign the SR&R. Every parent/caregiver with a ParentVUE account will see the SR&R upon login to ParentVUE until the SR&R acknowledgement has been completed.
Your name in the digital signature box must match the parent/caregiver’s first and last name in SIS exactly before the signature will be accepted. Please take a moment to log into ParentVue in your child’s SIS account to access the SR&R. Signatures are due by September 30.
Your name in the digital signature box must match the parent/guardian’s first and last name in SIS exactly before the signature will be accepted.
Please take a moment to log into ParentVue in your child’s SIS account to access the SR&R. Visit the SIS Parentvue Account Overview page for help logging in to your account. Signatures are due by September 30, 2022.
Please contact our Family Liaison or Main Office Staff if you are having difficulty accessing the booklet.
Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications Due October 6
School nutrition programs have returned to paid, free, and reduced-price student meals with the use of the individual, student personal identification number (PIN).
Households will be required to submit a new application by October 6, 2022.
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Need Help? Contact our Family Liaison
If you have questions about navigating the school, learning about FCPS resources, or getting your student setup for back-to-school success, our Family Liaison can help. Email, or call (703) 913-3830, to set up an appointment.
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STUDENT SERVICES UPDATES
 Counselors conduct their monthly Cafe in the Cafeteria during homecoming week "Tourist Day." During Counselor Cafe, counselors meet with students, answer questions... and pass out candy!
World Languages Credit Exam
The exam assesses reading and writing language proficiency in languages other than English. Students who take the exam may earn up to three World Languages credits for levels one, two, and three for the language of the exam. The credits may fulfill the World Languages requirements for the Advanced Studies Diploma. The FCPS World Languages Credit Exam is also an approved assessment for awarding the Virginia Department of Education’s Seal of Biliteracy. The exam is offered one time per school year. A student may participate in the exam two times per language, once per year, between grades 7 through 12. In other words, students have two chances per language to earn credits by taking the exam.
The 2022 World Languages Credit Exam will be administered to students in grades 7-12 on November 3, 9, and 10, 2022. Thirty (30) languages will be included: American Sign Language (ASL), Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Mandarin), Farsi, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Pashto, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Sanskrit, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Telugu, Tigrinya, Turkish, Twi, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Students must be able to read and comprehend exam instructions and writing prompts in the exam language and respond to the writing prompts in the language of the exam.
The exam is paper-pencil and students will respond in handwriting in the language of the exam. Students earn credit based on the level of proficiency demonstrated by their writing.
All students must register for the exam through their school counselor. Registration closes at 4pm on Thursday, October 6, 2022.
More information may be found on the World Languages Credit Exam webpage.
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Check out the latest College & Career Center Newsletter. The newsletter is also posted in each grade level Schoology Group on the main feed and also via the Resources Tab.
This issue:
- Paying for College - The Financial Aid Process for Seniors (Region 4) Session: October 13
- FCPS College Fair: October 16
- Postsecondary Week: October 17-20
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College Fair
Sunday, October 16, 2022
4 to 7pm
Eagle Bank Arena at George Mason University
Register at: https://bit.ly/fcpspostsecondary
Upon registration, students will receive a barcode allowing college representatives to retrieve student information electronically. Barcodes can be scanned from mobile devices.
Approximately 250 colleges and universities represented!
Postsecondary Week
Monday, October, 17 through Thursday, October 20, 2022
Virtual from 5 to 8pm
Join us for Fairfax County Public Schools Virtual Postsecondary Week and participate in one or all of the live virtual sessions. You will learn how to be better prepared for the next chapter of your educational journey.
Register at:
https://bit.ly/fcpspostsecondary
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Festival
The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Hybrid Festival will be hosted by the Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandra. Attend virtually on Friday, October 7, 4 - 8pm and in-person at the University of the District of Columbia - Van Ness Campus on Saturday, October 8, 10am - 2pm. Highlights include:
- All accredited HBCUs invited to attend
- Free seminars to help students and parents prepare for college
- Onsite and virtual admissions decisions
- Music auditions for instrumental and vocal students
More information may be found on the Alfred Street Baptist Church HBCU webpage. Registration is required.
CLASS NEWS
Homecoming Pictures Prohibited
Springfield Golf and Country Club is sponsoring a big tournament the weekend of 9/24. Unfortunately, students will not be allowed access to the club for Homecoming pictures.
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Have you registered for your Senior picture? We have additional dates for students to get Senior pictures taken:
- October 25, 26, 27: 9am - 3pm
- November 28, 29, 30: 3 - 9pm
Picture sessions will be in Spartan Hall. These will be the LAST sessions for the school year.
Seniors must sign up for an appointment HERE.
SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES UPDATE
Click Image to access sporting events and club activities happening across the entire school.
Announcing Spartan Activities (Club) Fair: October 6!
Students leaders will host an in-person Club Fair, during LS4 on Thursday, October 6 in the Main and Aux Gyms. At the Fair, students will get to preview and select clubs / organizations they are interested in joining. Students and parents can find current clubs and organizations on our website.
Spanish Boot Camp: Wednesday, September 28
Spanish Honor Society will host a Spanish Boot Camp next Wednesday, September 28th (late bus day). It will be one hour (3 - 4pm) in Ms. Halstead's classroom (Rm 1220).
Participants can expect:
- tutoring
- verb conjugation drills
- review of basic skills from Levels 1/2
This is an excellent opportunity for students with below 80% on the basic skills assessment to get help and work on developing those skills.
Sports News
Varsity Football vs. Hayfield, September 23, 7pm
Game Traffic Patterns:
At the conclusion of all home football games the Tuttle Road entrance will be blocked to allow traffic to exit. Parents / Guardians picking up your child after the game, please use the Grigsby Drive entrance.
 Upcoming Sports Events, Week of September 25 - Oct 1
Click image for access to full WSHS Athletic Calendar.
Sign Up For the NEW Sports and Activities News You Choose
Spartan Student Life and Activities will soon have a separate News You Choose Newsletter. This forthcoming newsletter will distribute updates weekly, either on Sundays or Mondays, highlighting upcoming sporting events, scores, spotlight Spartan athletes, and aim to keep our WSHS community aware of events going on across the breadth of our clubs and activities.
You can elect to receive our the new West Springfield Sports and Activities weekly update by updating your Newsletter Subscription Preferences.
Stay in Touch with Spartan Sports!
You can follow WSHS Spartan Sports on social media:
Twittter: @wshssports
YouTube Channels: LINK
FCPS INFORMATION
2022 Special Education Parent Involvement Survey
All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are encouraged to complete the Virginia Department of Education's (VDOE's) annual Parent Involvement Survey. The survey will remain open through December 16, 2022.
Parent Involvement Survey - English
Parent Involvement Survey - Spanish
Parent Involvement (Indicator 8) Survey - Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions regarding this survey, please contact Chiquita Seaborne, Family Engagement Specialist/Special Projects Coordinator, at Chiquita.Seaborne@doe.virginia.gov or at (804) 225-3898.
FCPS Policies and Regulations
Virginia’s Standards of Quality require all school divisions to notify the public annually of the availability of the school system's policies. Policies, regulations, and notices are available on the FCPS website.
Parent Resource Center Webinars
The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a welcoming and engaging environment for families, educators, and community members. It provides access to information and resources to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.
Throughout the year it offers family and educator webinars. Upcoming sessions include:
To join the PRC email list and receive notices of upcoming webinars, sign up for their News You Choose newsletter.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Spotlight on Drugs: Rainbow Fentanyl
 The DEA has issued a public warning educating the community about rainbow fentanyl. These particular pills are targeted to youth and young adults by its colorful candy-like appearance making them look harmless. Rainbow Fentanyl resembles playground chalk before it is pressed into pills and has been found in 18 states including West Virginia and New York and are sold as low as $17 (Hawaii) per pill making them affordable. In August of 2022 47,000 pills were confiscated at the Arizona border as well as 186,000 “Perc 30’s” or “Blues,” another popular synthetic opioid found in our county.
The trend, as reported by users, is to crush the pills, smoke it off of a piece of aluminum foil, with the theory that it is “safer” than snorting. When burned, it often gives off a distinct odor of burned rubber. While we have not seen Rainbow Fentynal yet, Perc 30’s or Blues are popular among adolescents and young adults in Fairfax County and the surrounding areas. Fentanyl is also found in counterfeit prescription pills, cocaine, Xanax, and other licit and illicit drugs.
The Medical Examiner from the Virginia Department of Health recently released its 1st quarter data for 2022 stating 483 people have died from fatal fentanyl overdoses in the state. For Fairfax County data and additional information on youth substance use, please see the Fairfax County Youth Substance Trends webinar linked below.
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists (SAPS) provide Tier 1 support throughout FCPS. Each high school pyramid is assigned a SAPS who conducts brief interventions, psychoeducation, and presentations to students, staff, families, and community members. Topics of discussion include alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD) as well as current trends on substances. For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
For further Information and support, contact Mr. Kenneth Johnson, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, email: kwjohnson@fcps.edu.
Sources & Resources
DEA Rainbow Fentanyl Press Release
DEA Fentanyl Gallery
Narcan Training (English & Spanish)
Fairfax County Youth Substance Use Trends
Late Bus Details
Late buses have started on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Buses depart at 4:50pm from Entrance #1. Late bus route information is not shared publicly for safety reasons, but parents wanting to obtain route details can call the Main Office or contact our Safety and Security Specialist Brad Adams for specific details, at phone: (703) 913-3902.
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Spartan Peer Tutoring Center Grand Opening!
Next Tuesday (9/27), the Peer Tutoring Center will open for business. Peer Tutoring will exclusively be after school this year and will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 3 - 4pm in Room 1052. Students can sign up beginning September 23, outside of Room 1052. No walk-ins will be accepted. The student peer tutors are trained to help with all assignments, so students can come in for whatever they need help with. Parents or student with questions can email Ms. Melissa Morgan (mmorgan2@fcps.edu).
National Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 - October 15
From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of the members of our community whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
September 15 is set as the starting date because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.
Explore the Library of Congress National Hispanic Heritage Month website to see events and discover documents, exhibits, films, blog posts, photos, and more from the National Archives, Library of Congress, Smithsonian Institutions, and others.
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VOTE
The deadline to register to vote in 2022 is October 17. For more information on how to register, visit the Office of Elections webpage.
Vietnamese and Korean Speakers Needed as Election Officers
The Fairfax County Office of Elections needs additional bilingual election officers to assist voters in the General Election on Tuesday, November 8, and in future elections.
Specifically, individuals who speak Vietnamese and English fluently or Korean and English fluently are needed to serve in Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, and Falls Church.
You will perform all regular election officer duties, including assisting most voters in English, but will be assigned to precincts with a significant number of voters who may primarily speak Vietnamese or Korean. To serve as a designated bilingual election officer, you must also complete a short oral language skills assessment.
Fairfax County is the largest voting jurisdiction in Virginia with 264 precincts countywide. It takes thousands of enthusiastic and trained election officers to ensure that we have efficient and well-run elections. Compensation begins at $175 and training is provided online for new officers.
Learn more about becoming a Language Officer and what’s involved in working the polls. Apply online (be sure to indicate if you speak Vietnamese or Korean).
ALL NIGHT GRAD PARTY - 2023!!
WSHS All Night Grad Party Class of 2023 (WSHS ANGP 2023)
Tickets are now on sale for the ANGP 2023. Buy them on WSHS ANGP Booster Organization.
Contact wshsangp@gmail.com with any questions, and find us on Instagram WSHS ANGP 2023.
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