Bulldog Breakdown 12/11 - 12/17

Good Evening Bulldog Families–

I hope that everybody is doing well and had a great weekend!

We are entering the final week before winter break! We have a spirit week for our students starting with the masked singer tomorrow. And while we are planning on a festive week, please talk to your students about understanding the importance of staying focused As a school, we stay away from work over the break and part of that is making sure that we can still get work done this week. Thank you!

As always, please feel free to reach out to me with observations, suggestions, questions and celebrations. You can do that through e-mail, call, or  through the form located here: https://forms.gle/4eW9rgPRVBF2a5gd8. Please remember that if you do not include your information on the form, I will not be able to follow-up. 

I wish your family a great week! Go Bulldogs!

Tony DiBari 

Proud Principal

Westfield High School

AVID Tutors

Attention families - looking for a flexible and part-time position at Westfield HS? FCPS is hiring AVID tutors for the 2022-2023 school year.  AVID tutors work with small groups of approximately 5-7 students during the school day in an academic elective class called Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). These groups use questioning strategies to help students develop a variety of college preparatory skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. Tutors earn $18.42 per hour and should either be a college graduate or currently enrolled in college. If interested, please email your resume to Lisa Shields at LBShields@fcps.edu.

From our Substance Abuse and Preventions Specialist

Mental Health, Coping & Addiction

One in four Americans suffers from a mental illness. Almost 3 in 5 people with mental illness will receive no treatment or medication. In 2019, an estimated 47.6 million adults (19% of the country) had a mental illness, but only 43% received any kind of mental health care (Johns Hopkins). There are many reasons why a person may turn to drugs or alcohol initially, including using these mind-altering substances as a coping mechanism for stress, difficult emotions, physical ailments, and other issues. Drugs and alcohol can provide a temporary respite from reality and everyday life. They can enhance pleasure and decrease inhibitions and anxiety.  Drug use can be an unhealthy coping mechanism. Coping mechanisms are habits formed over time that serve to help a person manage situations or stress levels. Not all coping mechanisms are maladaptive or destructive; however, addiction is both.

Before using drugs as a coping strategy here are some recommendations for a healthier mindset. The goal is to identify the “void” or issue and work towards healing. In the meantime, experts recommend diet and exercise as great places to start. See your Primary Care Physician and a therapist if needed. Quality sleep is also a major factor in a healthy mind. Surround yourself with good people and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.

Resources:

Substance Use Disorder info

FCPS Social Work

For further Information & support:

Stacey King, MSW

Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

Email: saking@fcps.edu

Class of 2023 News

We are getting close to turning the calendar page to 2023 and June 5th will be here before we know it. 

Here is information to prepare for the big day on June 5th: 

1. Every Senior needs to pay Senior Dues. The amount is $80. 
1. Pay on MySchool Bucks
2. Pay Cash/Check (payable to Westfield High)  in Subschool 3 (SS3) (Room F224)
3. Payment can be made in installments. Please see Mrs. Park or Mrs. Waterman in SS3. 
2. Fill out the Cap and Gown Order form which is located on the Class of 2023 Schoology page. This form needs to be filled out to ensure that the correct size of gown is ordered for your student. 
3. Save the Date for February 23, 2023, for a 100 Days meeting for Senior parents and students. It will be held at Westfield High School in the evening. 
4. Make plans to attend Graduation on Monday, June 5, 2023, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena at 9:30am. Students will be required to attend two rehearsals at Westfield to prepare for the ceremony on June 1 and June 2. 

A comprehensive calendar of events and activities is on the Class of 2023 Schoology page. 

Lastly, the Senior Panoramic Photo is available for purchase: https://vando.imagequix.com/s1857335123. 

Thank you for your support of the senior class!

WHS Food Pantry

PTA FOOD PANTRY is looking for donations to help kids in need.  We have seen a huge increase in snack requests since last year.  Please consider checking out our wish list and adding an item to your cart.  It will ship directly to the school.  We are also accepting similar items (individually wrapped snacks, new sweatpants, book bags and water bottles) at the bin on my front porch if you would rather not purchase online.  Please reach out to me with any questions about donating.  

Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/wfhsfoodpantry

Donation Bin: 5445 Tree Line Dr, Centreville VA

Questions: jenmcnerney@hotmail.com

Thank you!

Staff Recognition

FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. Please visit the following link to recognize staff members who have done impactful things: FCPS Cares

Volunteer Call-out

We are still looking for your help! We value you as community partners and want to invite you to become more involved at Westfield. One way to do this is to volunteer and substitute teach. If you’re interested, the first step is following the links below. Thank you for your willingness to help!

FCPS Volunteers:  https://www.fcps.edu/get-involved/volunteer-fcps 

Substitute Teachers:   https://www.fcps.edu/careers/career-opportunities/substitute-teaching-opportunities/new-applicants

Westfield Volunteer Interest Form:  https://forms.gle/go7B58zdT1cz5Km9A

Tech Updates

Need Tech Support? CLICK HERE

Calendar

A comprehensive schedule of events can also be found at www.westfieldathletics.org and on Schoology.

From FCPS

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow! 

Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after winter break. Give your child the gift of education and help build a habit of attendance. Visit our website for more attendance resources. 

COVID Diagnostic Testing in JanuaryMark your calendars! COVID diagnostic testing will be available for FCPS teachers, staff, and students at five locations across the county January 3-5 from 5 to 8 p.m. This testing is for those who are either experiencing COVID symptoms or have been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID. Appointments are not required, but registration must be completed before testing. Visit the COVID Testing webpage for more information. 

ESSER III Community Conversation on December 13A Community Conversation on ESSER will be hosted on Tuesday, December 13, at 6:30 p.m. The event will be hybrid, offered both on Zoom or in-person at the Gatehouse Administration Building in the café. All are welcome. Please register to attend. 

Strategic Planning

Beginning in late January 2023, FCPS will host a series of community forums as part of our strategic planning process. View the schedule on our Strategic Planning website. We will add more details as they become available.

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