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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FAREWELL TO OUR DSS
Malicia Braxton, our Director of Student Services, has been selected for a new leadership opportunity as a Middle School Principal at Robinson Secondary School.
Malicia has been an instrumental part of the transformation at West Springfield High School, from working through our school renovation to her efforts in leading us to become an American School Counselor Association Model school. In addition to her work at West Springfield, Malicia has served as an FCPS Summer School Principal, Chair for the Director of Student Services Association, and was an integral part of the Superintendent’s Problem-Solving Team.
Please join us in thanking Malicia for her years of service and leadership to our Student Services Department and to the wider Spartan school community. We wish her the best in her new role at Robinson Secondary School.
Malicia will be transitioning to Robinson on October 10th.
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Student Holidays in October
Parents are reminded of several upcoming student holidays this month.
Wednesday, 10/05 – Student and Teacher Holiday (Yom Kippur)
Monday, 10/10 – Student Holiday (Indigenous Peoples' Day / Professional Workday)
Monday, 10/24 – Student Holiday (Diwali)
Friday, 10/28 – End of First Quarter / 2-Hour Early Release
Monday, 10/31 – Student Holiday (Professional Workday)
See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
Thank You, Custodians!
October 2 is Custodian Appreciation Day.
Thanks to our custodians, we all have a clean, safe place to learn, teach, and work. FCPS employs more than 1300 custodians, field custodians, and building supervisors. West Springfield HS requires 18 custodians to care for our massive facility.
One of our amazing custodial employees is Mr. Gary Park. He is a Korean immigrant, coming to the United States with his wife and daughter. His extended family remains in Korea. He has worked at West Springfield for 15 years. Mr. Park states that West Springfield is a good place to work, and a great school. He is proud to be part of the custodial staff here. And we are privileged to have Mr. Park with us.
Let's thank our custodians for how they maintain our facility to enable the learning and growth that takes place.
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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.
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.
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
Welcome to our newest Counselor
Please welcome Mr. Kabir Tompkins II, who will serve as a new addition to our Student Services team (sub-school 5). Mr. Tompkins is coming to us as a Chicago native, Army veteran, HBCU graduate, and former counselor with Charles County Public Schools. A father of two, Mr. Tompkins serves as the Chairman for the Commission of Veteran Affairs (Charles County, Maryland) in his spare time. He is excited to be a Spartan and meet students, specifically those on his caseload (Poo-Shi). Please welcome Mr. Tompkins to West Springfield!!!
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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.
ASVAB Testing Date & Registration Form
The ASVAB will be administered at West Springfield HS on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022 at 8:30am. If you are interested in taking the exam, please sign up via the Google Form linked below. Deadline to register is Thursday, Oct. 27th by 3pm.
If you are unfamiliar with the ASVAB, visit the websites below for more details!
Be All You Can Be! Explore Army Opportunities - Saturday, October 1
Educators, parents, and HS juniors and seniors are invited to the “Be All You Can Be” event to explore Army opportunities. Soldiers, students, and parents can talk to West Point, ROTC, National Guard, and Army Reserve subject matter experts. Don’t miss a phenomenal opportunity to explore opportunities with the United States Army!
- See candidates train for the Candidate Fitness Assessment
- Gather Army opportunities information – college, enlistment, and other opportunities
- Sign up for more information (QR Code at flyer)
- Participate in raffle and other giveaways
When: 8:00 - 10:30am, October 1, 2022
Where: Specker Field House Area; Fort Belvoir, VA
How: Register & find additional Information on this form.
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College Fair
Sunday, October 16, 2022
4 to 7pm
Eagle Bank Arena at George Mason University
Registration Link
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!
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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 Link
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
October 12: Unscheduled School Day for Grade 9 Students
FCPS high schools are administering the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day on October 12, 2022. On this day school staff will be supporting the administration of these tests for our tenth through twelfth grade students. Therefore, on Wednesday October 12, 2022, most ninth grade students will have an unscheduled school day. On this day ninth grade students are encouraged to complete any missing work or assignments that need to be completed prior to the end of the first quarter.
Please note that ninth grade students with disabilities taught on an adapted curriculum (Category B services) will continue to receive in-person instruction with a 2-hour early release on October 12.
If you have questions about the PSAT/NMSQT administration or alternative activities, please contact our Assessment Coach, Lauren Ross (lmross@fcps.edu).
Have you registered for your Senior picture? The sample appointment card has available dates and times as well as the sitting fee pricing information.
- October 25, 26, 27: 9am - 3pm
- November 28, 29, 30: 3 - 9pm
Picture sessions will be in Auditorium. These will be the LAST sessions for the school year.
Seniors must sign up for an appointment HERE.
SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES UPDATE
Springfield VFW Presents $250 Check to Honor Society
 Springfield's VFW Post 7327 Commander Joseph "Hoss" Byrnes (right) and Quartermaster Alton Ray Robinson (left) stopped by the Main Office to present our National Honor Society with a $250 donation check and a certificate of "thanks" for volunteer efforts this past Spring assisting with Adopt-A-Highway for Earth Day 2022. Our Family Liaison and Military Ambassador Club Sponsor, Jeff Toomer, happily received a framed certificate and the check on behalf of the National Honor Society.
Click Image to access sporting events and club activities happening across the entire school.
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.
 Upcoming Sports Events, Week of October 2 - 8
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
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
West Springfield Spartans Athletic Boosters
Join us for our Monthly Booster Meeting - Monday, October 3, 2022 at 7pm in Room 2223. Please enter at the Sports Lobby (Door #5) and take the first hallway to the left. Learn more about Athletic Boosters purpose, volunteer opportunities, meet the new Executive Board and hear updates on Sports/Activities in our school.
Have questions or can’t make the meeting but want to be involved? Please contact us.
 Please join for 2022-23!
Your dues go to our PTSA programs like scholarships, teacher & staff appreciation, emergency lunch funds, and community and parent education. They also support local, state and national advocacy for school children.
Your participation in the PTSA goes toward building an even better school for our kids and an even stronger community for all of us.
We look forward to a great year and having you be a part of it. We’re better together.
Fairfax Out of the Darkness Walk to Fight Suicide
 Click image for Registration information.
Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible Students
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new FCC program to lower internet costs for families with children who have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals within the last 12 months. A qualifying household will receive $30 per month toward internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Families can check their eligibility and register at AffordableConnectivity.gov or by calling 877-384-2575.
Visit our Free and Reduced-Price Meals website for more information on the criteria to be eligible and how to apply.
Spotlight on Drugs: Red Ribbon Week
Enrique (Kiki) Camarena was a Mexican-American man working for the DEA after serving in the Marine Corps, being a fireman, police officer, and deputy sheriff in California. While on assignment in Mexico for four years, he was on the trail of the country’s biggest marijuana and cocaine traffickers. He was getting close to exposing a multi-billion dollar drug pipeline in 1985, until he was kidnapped that February. He was headed to lunch with his wife when he was last seen being thrown into a van by masked men, his body wasn’t discovered until a month later.
After his death, “Camarena Clubs” were launched in his hometown of Calexico, California. Hundreds wore red ribbons and pledged to lead a drug-free life in his honor. Then President Ronald Reagan was in office, so club members presented a proclamation to First Lady Nancy Reagan which brought it national attention. The campaign became official in 1988 by the National Family Partnership with President Reagan and “Just Say No” creator Mrs. Reagan as honorary chairpersons. Red Ribbon Week is celebrated annually from October 23-31st.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact The Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270 and be sure to follow us on Twitter at @FCPSSAPS.
For further Information and support, contact Mr. Kenneth Johnson, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, email: kwjohnson@fcps.edu.
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Sources & Resources
DEA
Fairfax CSB Opioid Info
REVIVE Training for Opioid Overdoses
Medication Disposal
Teen Substance Use
FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program
DEA Drug Take Back Day
Spartan Peer Tutoring Center Grand Opening!
The Peer Tutoring Center is 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 now, 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.
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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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.
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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