|
To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday, 04/03 - Friday, 04/07 – Spring Break
Thursday, 04/13 – End of 3rd Quarter / 2 Hour Early Release
Friday, 04/14 – Student Holiday/Orthodox Good Friday (Teacher Workday)
Buddies Club Presents: Ballin' with Buddies
...A community event. Come out and join us.
WSHS Freshman Earns FCPS Science and Engineering Fair Grand Prize!
 Pictured Above: Samuel Stankiewicz with Representative Gerry Connolly, of Virginia’s 11th District.
Congratulations to Samuel Stankiewicz, Class of 2026, this year's FCPS Science and Engineering Fair Grand Prize Winner!
Samuel Stankiewicz won first place in the Computer Science and Mathematics categories, and the overall Grand Prize for the Regional FCPS Science and Engineering for his project, "Simulated Brokerage for Novice Investors." Sam is the first West Springfield student (in known history) to win the Grand Prize.
Sam's project is a simulated brokerage platform that allows anyone to invest in the stock market in real time, for free. It is designed to increase the effectivity of personal finance courses, and as such his website and app have been used around the world at all levels of education in such classes. You can try it out at https://stradr.com/onboarding.
What makes Sam's entry into the FCPS Science and Engineering Fair unique, is that he is a freshman, and does not yet take any courses at West Springfield that would even encourage him to enter the Science Fair. Sam explains that he likes computer science and enjoys solving interesting problems using programming. He also enjoys investing, economics, business, and politics, which spurred on the website and app. Sam says he created stradr.com in hopes of providing a tool to increase financial literacy, especially for students. He entered the Science Fair at the suggestion of a friend and the urging of an advisor only a couple days before projects were due!
Winning first place positions Sam to represent WSHS at the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair. Additionally, FCPS will send him along with nine other FCPS students to the International Science Fair in Dallas, TX this May.
Pre-Calculus Parent Q&A Meeting: Monday March 27th at 6pm
Pre-Calculus course offerings for next year are changing due to the availability of a new AP Pre-Calc course. Students enrolled in Pre-Calc next year should have received information on the new course offerings. WSHS will be offering a virtual Q&A on Monday, March 27th at 6pm. Math teacher, Becky Barnes, has been trained as an AP Consultant, and will be available to tell you more about the course and answer any questions you may have.
Please click this URL to join: PreCalc Virtual Q&A Meeting, Passcode: 475757.
Spring Break COVID Test Kit Distribution
If your family is planning to travel or attend large gatherings over spring break, and you would like to ensure your child is healthy before returning to school, students can obtain a test kit in advance of spring break. Please note, testing is NOT required for students to return to school after break. However, you may want to test your student if they are symptomatic or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Next week, March 27 - 31, COVID Kits will be distributed from the WSHS Main Office, two kits per student / household, on a first-come, first-served basis, until supplies are exhausted.
STUDENT SERVICES
SENIORS: Early College Scholar's Agreement
As a reminder, we are asking Seniors and their parents to turn in your Early College Scholar's Agreement to Student Services by March 30th. The form requires both parent and student signature. Access the GOVERNOR’S EARLY COLLEGE SCHOLARS AGREEMENT HERE.
|
Academic Advising
Parents, we want to make you aware that our counselors have completed Academic Advising with your students. All courses can be viewed in Parent and StudentVue. Students have until March 31st to make any changes to their class requests for next academic year. If you have any questions or issues, please reach out to your student's counselor.
March 27 - 31 is Wellness Week!
Student Services has planned many activities for this week including, bringing PAL’s therapy dogs to campus on Friday the 31st during Advisory time. We are very excited to bring these furry friends to campus. Students with allergies to dogs please be advised the dogs will be in the courtyard by door 12 from 9:30 - 11:30am on Friday the 31st.
|
Post-Secondary Planning Night on April 20, 2023: SAVE THE DATE.
ATTENTION JUNIORS (and parents)!
The Student Services Department will be hosting a Post-Secondary Planning Night on April 20, 2023 - PLEASE SAVE THE DATE.
To help us prepare, we are asking parents and students to complete the survey linked below by March 31, 2023. This will provide us with more information on topics you would like to learn more about. We will send out more event details after Spring Break.
Email Ms.Wagonseller, Ms. Saldaña, or Ms. Arenholz if you have any questions or concerns.
Post Secondary Planning Night Survey
AP Exam Parent Volunteer Sign Up
As we approach Standardized Testing season, we are looking for help and support with proctoring of the AP Exams. The exam window is from May 1 to May 19, 2023, and exams take approximately 3-4 hours. No experience is needed, as you will be paired with a West Springfield staff member. Any responsible adult can proctor exams if:
- You are not related to a student taking that specific exam (e.g. If your student is taking AP Biology, you are still able to proctor AP Calculus)
- You have never taught that specific AP course
- You are not affiliated with College Board
If you can assist West Springfield High School with proctoring, please sign up here. If you would like to volunteer but cannot commit to the designated length or time, please email our Assessment Coach, Lauren Ross at lmross@fcps.edu.
|
2023 Fairfax County Teen Job Fairs
If your student missed the two previous Fairfax County Teen Job Fairs, they have one more opportunity to participate:
- Saturday, March 25 from 1:00 - 3:00pm at Chantilly High School
The 2023 Fairfax County Teen Job Fairs are hosted by Pat Herrity, Springfield District Supervisor, Connection Newspapers, Fairfax County Public Schools, as well as local chambers and organizations.
The fair is open to all teens in Fairfax County looking for employment, volunteer opportunities, or tips on building their resume. Free table space will be provided to registered businesses and organizations to advertise their available positions. They will also host resume and career building sessions with Chamber of Commerce partners. Students and employers may register to attend below:
Student Registration
Business/Employer Registration
Please see the event webpage for dates, times, locations, and all event related details.
2023 Rensselaer Award (Juniors Only)
For more than 100 years, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has awarded the Rensselaer Medal to exemplary high school students. This merit scholarship has a value of $120,000 and is guaranteed for four years (five years for the B. Arch Program) for each medalist who is accepted and enrolls at Rensselaer.
To be honored with the Rensselaer Medal, a student must: ·
- Be ranked within the top 10% of their class (verified by the College & Career Specialist)
- Be a high school junior
- Excel in advanced math and science courses (chemistry, biology, lab-based physics); must have at least four years of math, including pre-calculus
- Demonstrate potential for success in a challenging academic setting
- Exhibit significant involvement in extracurricular activities
If a student feels they meet the above criteria, please submit the self-nomination form, found here, no later than Friday, April 14, 2023 by 3:15pm. WSHS is allowed to nominate ONE student. As such, students are welcome to self-nominate, but a committee will select the overall nominee.
For more information about the medal, visit their website here. For general questions about WSHS's selection process, contact our College and Career Specialist, Ms. Tisa Frederick.
SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES
Upcoming Sports Events, Week of March 27 - 31
Click image for access to full WSHS Athletic Calendar.
Signing Day Ceremony
The Student Activities Office will host our last signing day ceremony for the year on Wednesday March 29th, at 3:15pm in Spartan Hall.
Students and families that would like to participate in the signing ceremony, must complete this Google Form!
If you have any questions contact Assistant Director of Student Activities, Mrs. Donaldson.
Crew Fundraiser
The Crew Team is holding a dining out fundraising event next week. Please consider supporting Spartan Crew.
Spartan Athletic Booster Club Golf Fundraiser
On May 1st at 9am, Spartan Athletic Booster Club will host a golf fundraiser at Fort Belvoir Golf Course. Here's the information you need to get registered:
Ticket Prices:
- Active and retired military $110
- Single entry $125
- Party of Four entry $450 (Save $50!)
For all non-military participants, we require:
- Driver's License or State Identification Card Number
- Date DL or State ID was issued
- Date of Birth
If you are registering multiple participants and are unable to enter the required ID information for each participant, Athletic Boosters will reach out to you to collect that pre-vetting ID information.
REGISTER HERE
Questions? Contact Mark Evans or Antoine Ross.
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
Click Image to access sporting events and club activities happening across the entire school.
Superior!!
Congratulations to the entire Spartan Orchestra program on a successful assessment. All ensembles earned Superior ratings for their performances.
|
🏆 Spartan Students Win DECA Awards
Two-hundred-three students from 15 FCPS high schools were recognized as competitive event winners at the Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference. These students earned the right to compete at the DECA International Career Development Conference April 22-25. A complete list of winners is available on the FCPS website. Below are the West Springfield HS winners. Congrats!
|
SPANISH 1-3 BOOT CAMPS
Come join us for review of grammar and vocab!
- Wednesday, March 29th, 3 - 4:00pm
- Wednesday, April 12th, 3 - 4:00pm
- Thursday, April 27th, 3 - 4:00pm
Sessions will be held in Room 1220. Students should bring questions to ask our Spanish teachers and Spanish Honor Society students. This session will focus on verb conjugation drills, tips for memorizing vocabulary!
|
BUY YOUR YEARBOOK, LIKE NOW!
 The last day to order your yearbook is April 29.
Site: Order online at www.yearbookordercenter.com
WSHS Order Number: 4150
Email Yearbook Advisor, Ms. Melissa Morgan, with any questions.
Class of 2023 Information
Senior Dates:
- May 13th: Prom at Sweeny Barn
- TBD: Exam Calendar
- Early June: Senior Picnic
- Early June: Graduation Rehearsal
- June 6th: Graduation at 2pm (Eagle Bank Arena)
Senior Dues: $100 (Senior dues cover:)
- School use of Eagle Bank Arena
- Cap and Gown
- Senior Picnic
Families can pay via MySchoolBucks.
Prom Dress Shop!
When: June 8 - 9, 2023
Time: 11pm to 5am
Check in: Between 11pm and 11:30pm
Check out:
- 4am: activities start to wind-down
- 4:15am: announcements and raffles
- 4:45am: dismissal of students
All students are required to remain at the venue for the duration of the event unless prearranged with parents.
|
Contact wshsangp@gmail.com with any questions, and find us on Instagram WSHS ANGP 2023.
FCPS INFORMATION
Update Your Emergency Care Information Through weCare@school
Fairfax County Public Schools provides weCare@school (weCare), an emergency care information system, to parents/caregivers who have registered for their own parent account. weCare helps manage emergency medical information by allowing parents to enter and update their children’s medical data online at their convenience. That contact information automatically enrolls parents/caregivers to receive eNotify communications from the district and their child’s school. eNotify is the communications tool for FCPS emergency, transportation, attendance, weather closings and delay, and essential outreach messages. Messages are sent via email, text, and occasionally phone.
Learn more about updating your emergency care information.
Proposed Updates to the 2023-24 Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), and Feedback Opportunities
Last week, we shared information about the Department of Special Services’ virtual meetings regarding proposed updates to the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Regulation for the 2023-24 school year. The meeting scheduled for Monday, March 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m. is currently on hold. Please check the event webpage for updates. Please stay tuned for details. Visit FCPS’ website.
Parent Information Line Available in Eight Languages
Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if you are having difficulty communicating with our school due to a language barrier.
Registration Open for Virtual Strategic Planning Community Forums
We invite parents/caregivers, students, employees, and community members to join us for a virtual community forum to discuss the first draft of proposed goals for the new Strategic Plan. Forums are scheduled for Monday, April 10, at noon; Tuesday, April 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (in Spanish); and Monday, April 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Click on the date to register for the event. Your participation is important to this work that will help ensure a thriving future for each and every FCPS student. Get more information on our Strategic Planning webpage.
Mental Health Teletherapy
FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to begin offering virtual mental health services to high school students via live video sessions. Starting Monday, April 10, parents/caregivers who have been struggling to find a therapist for their child or who notice changes in their child’s behavior will be able to connect them virtually with a licensed therapist.
Teletherapy services for students are short-term, evidence-based, and culturally-responsive. Teletherapy is available Monday through Friday from 7am - 7pm. Therapists will be locally-licensed clinicians; 50% of whom identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC); and 40% of whom are bilingual. More than 15 languages are available.
Hazel Health’s licensed therapists can help students who are experiencing:
- Mood/behavior changes, lack of motivation, grief/loss
- Anxiety, worry, fears
- Bullying, sexual identity challenges, challenging peer and family relationships
- Academic stress
The first step for parents is to provide information through an opt-in form. Visit FCPS’ Teletherapy webpage for details.
Quick Links
Newsletter Subscription Preferences
FCPS COVID-19 Dashboard
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 Vaccination (Fairfax County Health Department)
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
FCPS Parent Resource Center
SchoolMessenger Quick Tip Form
Educate Fairfax
FCPS Cares
2022-23 Standard School Year Calendar
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Calendar Reminder: 🌷 Spring Break
Schools and school offices will be closed Monday, April 3, to Friday, April 7. Students will return to school on Monday, April 10.
|
SPOTLIGHT ON DRUGS: March Madness
What is binge drinking?
Binge drinking refers to consuming a large amount of alcohol quickly. It is a practice that pushes up blood alcohol levels fast. For men, binge drinking is typically five or more drinks in two hours. Women reach a blood alcohol level of .08 or more with four drinks in two hours or less.
Why is binge drinking risky?
Teenagers who binge-drink even once are at higher risk of getting alcohol poisoning. Along with this, teenagers usually have no capacity to look after themselves while drunk. The effect of drinking leads to taking dangerous risks and having accidents – for example, being killed on the road while walking home drunk.
What can you do to help stop?
Stop Teenage Drinking:10 ways to keep your kid safe
- Talk to your kids, not at them
- Education is key
- Help teens understand the risk
- Get involved
- Be a positive influence
- Eliminate temptation
- Be aware of the warning signs
- Establish clear rules
- Teach refusal skills
- Create and commit to a family pledge
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 & support, get in touch with Mr. Ken Johnson, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist.
|
FCPS Special Education Conference
The 2023 FCPS Special Education Conference will take place virtually on Saturday, April 29th, with a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (recorded) sessions.
-
Registration will begin in April 2023
-
Parents and Community Members will be able to register online or by phone
-
FCPS Educators, Administrators, and Preservice Teachers will be able to register online and earn recertification points for attending the conference
- Email SpecialEdConf@fcps.edu with questions.
Save the Date!
|
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.
|
|
