WSHS Spartan Weekly News - January 13, 2023

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, 01/16 – Holiday (MLK Birthday)

Wednesday, 01/25 – End of Second Quarter (2-hour Early Release)

Thursday, 01/26 - Friday 01/27 Student Holiday

Monday, 02/27 Spring Sports Season Begins / Holiday (President's Day)


Calendar Reminder: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

MLK Day

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. 


Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend of Service Opportunities

FCPS students continue to find incredible ways to serve their community while building Portrait of a Graduate skills such as becoming an ethical and global citizen. FCPS is excited to collaborate again with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend of Service, Saturday, January 14, to Monday, January 16. This service opportunity helps empower individuals and strengthens communities while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Volunteer Fairfax will host several ways for the community to get involved including volunteer activities for students and adults of all ages. To learn more about the MLK Weekend of Service and the specific service activities, visit Volunteer Fairfax’s website.


School Approval of Supplemental Instructional Print Materials

Each high school must have a committee to review Supplemental Instructional Print Materials. The committee consists of administrators, teachers, parents, and students. If you are interested in reading and reviewing some books that have been submitted by teachers for use in the classroom, please contact Sub-school 2 Assistant Principal, Shannon Matheny

Thank you in advance for your support and partnership.


AP Exam Accommodation Requests

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will be administering AP Exams from May 1st-19th. Students with disabilities who have testing accommodations documented in a 504 Plan or an individualized education program (IEP) may be eligible for testing accommodations on the AP Exams. The College Board must approve a formal request for each student. If the student already has College Board accommodations approved from a previous PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, SAT, or AP test, then no further action is needed. Once instated, accommodations remain in place for all College Board testing. 

To request new or amended College Board accommodations for the AP Exams this Spring, please submit an Accommodations Request Form, or reach out to Beth Rouse (earouse@fcps.edu) before January 16th, 2023. 

Resources


STUDENT SERVICES


Academic Advising

Academic Advising season is upon us. The Academic Advising process educates and guides students on their options for courses for the next school year. Students select their classes via SIS, then meet with their counselors for final selection. Students and parents/guardians can gain insight into the Academic Advising process through a dedicated Student Services website which is live NOW.


Academic Advising Website

To learn more about graduation requirements, academic advising, recommendations, sequencing, and much much more please visit our Academic Advising Website.

This site is accessible to both students and parents and does not require a fcpsschools.net account to view.


Pre-Advising Lessons

January 30: 9th graders will receive a pre-advising lesson on choosing classes for 2023-2024.

February 1 - 10: Rising 12th graders will receive a pre-advising lesson and participate in our Curriculum Fair.

Academic Days of Emphasis

February 1 - 3: Teachers in our Core Classes and World Languages will share recommendations with students. Those recommendations will then be uploaded into SIS so that both students and parents can view them.


Academic Advising Starts in February

  • February 6 - 14: Rising Juniors
  • February 16 - March 1: Rising Seniors
  • March 2 - March 14: Rising Sophomores

High School Academy Open House

High School Academy Open Houses

FCPS High School Academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in mid-January. 

A High School Academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses that can prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in Academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, and/or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and find the calendar of Academy Open Houses

Highlights: 


2023 Gap Year Fair for Students and their Families

FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at West Springfield High School from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities.

The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., by Julia Rogers, Founder of EnRoute Consulting and Gap Year Association Board President. Immediately following, the program fair will be in the cafeteria from 7:15 to 9:00 p.m., with representatives from over 40 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are invited to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available.

Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event.


SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES


Sports and Activities

West Springfield Hall of Fame Nomination

Would you like to nominate someone for the Athletic Hall of Fame?

Please fill out THIS FORM for consideration!


Signing Day Celebration February 1st, 3:15pm

The Student Activities Office be hosting our second signing day celebration for the 2022-23 school year on February 1st at 3:15pm after school in Spartan Hall. Students and families that plan to participate in the signing day, must fill out this google form by Friday, January 27th.

If you have any questions email Mrs. Donaldson, rmdonaldson@fcps.edu


Are You Planning to Try-out for a Sports Team?

WSHS Student Athletic Registration

Click image above for one page reference sheet for Sports Registration and Team tryouts.


SPRING Sports Tryouts Begin Monday, February 20th  

The following MUST be completed ahead of time in order to tryout:

         NOTE: Physicals should be turned in ahead of time and WILL NOT be processed the first day of tryouts.

  • For questions about tryouts or to get help with registration, contact our Activities Office (703-913-3860), or contact each coach directly. 

Upcoming Sports Events, Week of January 15 - 21

Spartan Sports, Week of January 16 - 21

Click image for access to full WSHS Athletic Calendar.


Stay in Touch with Spartan Sports! 

You can follow WSHS Spartan Sports on social media:

Twittter: @wshssports

YouTube Channels: LINK

Sign Up For the NEW Sports and Activities News You Choose


Spartan Sports

Activity Calendar

Click Image to access sporting events and club activities happening across the entire school.


Espanol

Spanish Boot Camps

Our World Languages Spanish Department will provide another Spanish boot camp in January to get students caught up after winter break and to help close out second semester. 

What: January 2023 Boot Camp. Come join us for review of grammar and vocab!  

When:

  • Wednesday, January 18th during LS 4/5, Room 1220

Students can bring questions to ask our Spanish teachers and Spanish Honor Society students. This session will focus on verb conjugation drills, tips for memorizing vocabulary!


FCPS INFORMATION


SAPS Presentations

Youth Substance Use Presentations

FCPS is dedicated to providing parents and community members with the most accurate and up-to-date information on youth substance use, prevention, addiction, interventions and available supports. Please join us and our partners from the Fairfax County Police Department and Community Services Board as we discuss these topics as well as the ongoing opioid crisis. Attendees will walk away with an understanding of:

  • Alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioid.
  • List what you can do as a caregiver.
  • How to identify and connect with community resources.

West Springfield Pyramid presentation: Monday, February 6, 6-8pm in the Library.


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FCPS Cares

2022-23 Standard School Year Calendar


COMMUNITY INFORMATION


Tutor.com for Test Prep

Did you know Tutor.com can help with more than just homework? This free, on-demand tutoring service also offers a comprehensive range of resources that include exam prep for AP, SAT, and ACT tests. 

Students can take practice quizzes at any time, and if they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately connect to a live tutor through voice or chat options for help. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com website.


FREE At-Home COVID-⁠19 Tests

FREE at-⁠home Covid-⁠19 tests are available this winter at https://www.covid.gov/tests. Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-⁠19 tests. Need help placing an order for your at-⁠home tests?
Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).


WSHS PTSA Banner

SAT Practice Test (PTSA sponsored)

This SAT Practice Test, will be administered by the Princeton Review. It is perfect for juniors and others preparing for the spring SAT and beyond. Join us virtually to take a full-length practice SAT. After the test, students receive a comprehensive score report detailing their strengths and weaknesses.

When: Saturday, January 21, 2023, 9am - 1pm

Alternate test days are available. See flyer for details.

REGISTER here by January 19th.

  • $10 for PTSA members
  • $20 for non-members

Screenagers Next Chapter

Screenagers: NEXT CHAPTER

When: January 23, 2023, 7pm

Where: Messiah United Methodist Church

Costs: $10 per Family

MOVIE TRAILER

Filmmaker and physician Dr. Delaney Ruston takes the conversation around screens and teens to the next level with Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER: Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience – a film that examines the science behind teens emotional challenges, the interplay of social media, and most importantly, what can be done in our schools and homes to help them build crucial skills to navigate stress, anxiety, and depression in our digital age. 

See the full screening release HEREParents are encouraged to bring their kids to the movie. Purchase tickets HERE. Contact Messiah United Methodist Church for more information.


Calendar Reminder: Quarter End

Wednesday, January 25, is the last day of the quarter and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools will be closed for students on Thursday, January 26, for a staff development day, and Friday, January 27, for a teacher workday. See the 2022-23 School Year Calendar.


International Night!

Coming Soon: International Night

Mark your calendars! The annual WSHS International Night Festival takes place on Friday, March 10th at 7pm. (doors open at 6:30pm). *Performers will celebrate the diversity of the WSHS community. Tickets will be sold at the event or through ETix the day of the event. There will also be food sales starting at 5:30pm.  It is sure to be a good activity for the whole family. All funds collected go towards a Senior Scholarship given at the end of the school year! 

*WSHS Students, if you would like to perform, see Mrs. Emerson in room 1238 (maemerson@fcps.edu).


All Night Grad Party - 2023!

All Night Grad Party

 

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.


I Need Help!

Need Help? Contact our Family Liaison

If you have questions about navigating the school, learning about FCPS resources, or getting your student setup for success, our Family Liaison can help. Email, or call (703) 913-3830, to set up an appointment.