WSHS Spartan Weekly News - April 14, 2023

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, 04/14 – Student Holiday/Orthodox Good Friday (Teacher Workday)

Friday, 04/21 – Holiday (Eid al Fitr)

Monday, 05/29 – Holiday (Memorial Day)

Month of the Military Child

April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. West Springfield has over 500 military-connected families. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. 

During April’s MOMC, West Springfield will feature several activities that emphasize the experiences of our military-connected students. 

Every year we aim to create a display that brings attention to our school's military presence. This year's Purple Star Story Board mimics a dandelion, which is the official flower of the military child. Dandelions put down roots almost anywhere and they're impossible to destroy! It is a survivor in the broadest of climates. Similarly, military children bloom wherever the winds carry them. They are hardy and upright. Military children are well-rounded, culturally aware, tolerant, and extremely resilient. 

This year's Purple Star Story Board brings tribute to our Spartan military-connected students. During the month, students have the opportunity to tell their story by naming five items (one for each point of a star) that represent them as a military child. This MOMC display is in the school’s main entrance foyer.

What's Up With All the Purple!? 

Wait, There's More! 

• Purple Up! Day: We’re encouraging the entire school to wear purple on April 19^th. Students and families can wear their FCPS authorized Purple Up! T-shirts or buy one off of Amazon. 
• Donuts with Dependents: Military connected families and students are invited to share a donut together on Wednesday, April 19^that 7:30am outside Entrance 2. Our school admin, counselors and military-connected teachers have also been invited to join in the celebration of our military students. Military parents / guardians, please RSVP no later than Monday Apr 17.

• FCPS has developed a MOMC Spirit Week, April 17-21.

Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families.

WSHS Social Media

WSHS Facebook: WSHS Spartans are glad to join in on the conversation on Facebook! We look forward to sending pics and stories of what's happening within our school community into your feeds. Stay tuned; follow us. 

We are also on:

• Instagram ID: westspringfieldhs_fcps     
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/wspringspartans

Substance Abuse Prevention Kenneth Johnson is a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) with the office of Student Safety and Wellness in FCPS. As a SAPS, he meets with students either individually or in a group setting for tobacco, vaping, and other drug interventions. Additionally, he provides presentations to parents, school staff, students, and the community on topics such as trends in substance use and abuse, stages of addiction, refusal skills, warning signs of substance use, and tools for parents. Mr. Johnson has been an employee of FCPS for over 15 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice and a master’s degree in Special Education from George Mason University. He is also a certified gang specialist with the Virginia Gang Investigators Association.  Ken Johnson keep office hours at West Springfield, Monday - Wednesday. If you have a specific question or concern with your student, send him an email or call (571) 253-2155.   For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270 or visit their ATOD website.

STUDENT SERVICES

AP Exam Parent Volunteer Sign Up Parents, we are still 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.

Post-Secondary Planning Night Thursday April 20th

The Student Services Department is hosting a presentation on how to prepare for senior year and post-secondary plans. Thank you to those who completed our planning survey. See the attached flyer for all the details. Please email Ms.Wagonseller, Ms. Saldaña, or Ms. Arenholz if you have any questions. We look forward to an informative evening for all.

Pro Tip: Several events are happening at school that evening, participants should enter through Door 5 and proceed to the Auditorium.

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES

Upcoming Sports Events, Week of April 17 - 22

Click image for access to full WSHS Athletic Calendar.

Spartan Athletic Booster Club Happenings...

Our next meeting will be Monday, April 17, 2023 at 7pm in Room 2223. Enter at Door 5 near the Sports Lobby, make the immediate left.

On May 1st at 9am, Spartan Athletic Booster Club will host a golf fundraiser at Fort Belvoir Golf Course. Click HERE to get registered. 

Spring Senior Program Ads: If you have a senior who plays Spring sports, we encourage you to celebrate your student's milestones and achievements with a Senior Tribute Ad in our WSHS Class of 2023 Spring Sports Program. Purchase Ads HERE. Deadline, April 21.

We Need You! Athletic Boosters is seeking volunteers and new members! We have several vacant positions and are looking for individuals to self nominate for the (next) 2023-2024 school year. We are also looking for Fall, Winter and Spring "Team Parents" to join us. Contact us. 

Check us out online:

• Facebook
• Website

Thank you for supporting the WSHS Spartans Athletic Boosters.

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.

Chamber Orchestra at the WHEER!

Our very own Chamber Orchestra had the AMAZING opportunity to play at the WHEER (White House Easter Egg Roll), last week. 

They played at the South Gate entrance of the White House, entertaining thousands of people who attended the event. Our orchestra took turns playing every 30 minutes with Loudon High School’s band. Large groups walked by smiling, clapped, took videos, and even requested a German song (which they were able to accommodate!).

The performance was made possible by a U.S. Department of Education Nationwide Call for Student Performing Artists, allowing students performers to showcase their talent and gain exposure to an appreciative audience invested in education and student success. Congrats to our Spartan Chamber Orchestra!

Color Guard Showcase Join WSHS Winter Guard Showcase on April 20th, in the Main Gym. Also… Check out the interest form for Fall 2023-2024 Color Guard.

Spring Musical: SOMETHING ROTTEN! Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard." When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz. Performance Dates: Thursday, May 4 @ 7pm Friday, May 5 @ 7pm Saturday, May 6 @ 7p Sunday, May @ 2p Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

SPANISH 1-3 BOOT CAMPS Come join us for review of grammar and vocab! 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.

Location: The St. James, 6805 Industrial Road, Springfield, VA 22151 Cost: $85.00 Who can attend: WSHS Class of 2023 Graduates ONLY Registration: All students and parents need to sign the Student/Parent Contract which must be emailed to wshsangp@gmail.com, and submit the Registration Form and the St. James Waiver. For those paying online, payment can be processed on the WSHS ANGP Website. Students who quality for a Free and Reduced Lunch can email wshsangp@gmail.com for payment processing.

Contact wshsangp@gmail.com with any questions, and find us on Instagram WSHS ANGP 2023.

Class of 2024 ANGP Fundraiser at Jiffy Lube Live

As we enjoy Spring and look to Summer plans, how about a free concert at Jiffy Lube Live? WSHS Class of 2024 is asking for help to earn money for our kids’ All Night Grad Party following graduation. 

Especially if you have younger Spartans, this is the perfect chance to see what ANGP and this important fundraiser are all about.

All that is needed is for you to be 21 or older, volunteer at one or more concerts this summer, and complete the required training. Pretty easy for great music that benefits some great kids!   

Those who volunteer for four or more concerts will receive a free ticket to the Class of 24 ANGP and if you volunteer for six or more concerts, your student will also receive a free ticket to Prom!

Thanks for your support of our Spartans! Please reach out with any questions!

• Email
• Concert Signup
• Training Signup

FCPS INFORMATION

Community Meeting on the Dangers of Fentanyl

Opioid overdoses are on the rise across the country, including in Fairfax County. Most fatal overdoses in Fairfax County in recent years involved fentanyl.

Last month, FCPS hosted a conversation on the dangers of fentanyl. During this impactful event, audience members heard testimonials from individuals affected by the opioid epidemic and learned facts from medical experts and law enforcement representatives. 

The conversation will continue on Monday, April 24, 6:30 to 8pm, at Woodson High School. FCPS principals and staff will share what is happening in our schools and update the work to prevent substance misuse and educate our students.  

Transportation will be available from select schools throughout the county. Transportation information can be found once you begin the registration process. 

Visit our Opioid Awareness webpage for more information. Visit the Fairfax County Government webpage on opioids for information on how you can take action and get help for yourself or loved ones.

Proposed Updates to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Document

FCPS is in the process of updating the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document for the 2023-24 School Year. The SR&R provides clear expectations for student behavior, responses to that behavior, and support that may be needed. Parents/caregivers, please check your email for a link from FCPS regarding a brief survey on proposed changes to the SR&R. The survey will close at 8pm, on Friday, April 21. 

All responses to the survey are anonymous. The information provided will be used to revise the SR&R document that is presented to the School Board for approval in June. 

No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for High School Students Now Available! 

FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to high school students via live video sessions. Parents/caregivers who have been struggling to find a therapist for their child or who notice changes in their child’s behavior are able to connect them virtually with a licensed therapist. Teletherapy is available Monday through Friday, from 7am - 7pm. The first step for parents is to provide information through an opt-in form. Visit FCPS Teletherapy webpage for details.

Upcoming Webinars and Events for Caregivers

FCPS Parent Resource Center (PRC) is dedicated to helping adults support the success of all students. Upcoming PRC webinars include:

• SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-Person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs, Friday, April 14, at 9am 

Presented by School Social Work Services, students in grades 2-6 will be able to share sibling experiences, receive peer support, play games, and more. This event takes place at Providence Community Center.

• Flash Forward: Postsecondary Education and Employment Options, Wednesday, April 26, at 6:30pm 

Presented by Career and Transition Services, students with disabilities seeking a standard or advanced diploma and their families are invited to this event that provides an introduction to options available after high school. This event takes place at Woodson High School.

• Neurodiversity at High School, Friday, April 28, at 10am, Kristen Haynor, a neurodiversity specialist, will share strategies on setting your child up for success (no matter how their brain functions), advocating for your child, and collaborating with your child’s school. This event is virtual.

Click on the titles above to register.

Forum on Draft Goals for FCPS New Strategic Plan

Join us for our final virtual community forum on Monday, April 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and see how your feedback has helped shape the latest draft of the new FCPS Strategic Plan. The community forum is open to staff, students, parents/caregivers, and community members. (Please register by clicking on the date above.)

We appreciate your continued involvement throughout every step of this important process. Together, we will help ensure a thriving future for each and every FCPS student. Visit our Strategic Planning webpage.

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COMMUNITY INFORMATION

TAXES

The tax deadline is fast approaching! Free tax preparation help is available for families through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or 703-533-5702. The deadline for filing taxes this year is Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

Eid al-Fitr Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time of official receptions and private visits, when friends greet one another, presents are given, new clothes are worn, and the graves of relatives are visited.  The most common way to wish someone a Happy Eid al-Fitr is “Eid Mubarak,” which means “blessed feast” (or festival). Read more at Britannica.com. FCPS has designated Eid al-Fitr as a religious and cultural observance day designed to allow students the opportunity to miss school for observances not already designated as school holidays. Eid al-Fitr is from sunset April 20 to sunset April 21. Thursday, April 20, is a half O Day, and Friday, April 21, is a holiday.

Our West Springfield Parent Teacher Student Association Needs YOU! 

Dear Parents, Faculty Staff and Students,

It is not too late to join the PTSA for this school year 2022/2023. 

Our goal is to have 400 active members and we are currently at 383 PTSA memberships. 

JOIN NOW: https://wshsptsa.net/

Your dues go to our PTSA programs like scholarships, teacher & staff appreciation, emergency lunch funds, and community & parent education. They also support local, state and national advocacy for school children.

Your participation goes toward building an even better school for our kids and an even stronger community for all of us.

Join PTSA now, and receive all future recordings and resources direct to your inbox just after each meeting.

Questions? Please contact us: membership@wshsptsa.net 

Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 18th 2023 @ 7.30pm. Guest Speaker: Dr. Clifford Sussman – Healthy Use of Digital Technology in Adolescents + Q&A Is excessive use of digital technology a problem for your kids? How do they maintain their involvement in academics, family, relationships, and extracurricular activities when a stimulating virtual world is more accessible than ever? How can we all make changes now, so our next generation will succeed in middle school, high school, college and beyond with technology still demanding so much time? Local child and adolescent psychiatrist Clifford Sussman, MD, a nationally recognized expert on healthy screen use, will share his knowledge and answer your questions. The event will feature a 45-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute interactive question and answer session. This event is welcome to all parents who are concerned about problematic use of video games, cell phones, the internet, and other digital technology. Tuesday, April 18, 7:30pm on Zoom Register HERE

Take Action to Continue Medicaid Coverage!

If you have Medicaid/FAMIS/CHIP health insurance, as of March, Virginia began reviewing members’ eligibility for health coverage..  Coverage will not be terminated before April 30, 2023. Medicaid will not cancel or reduce coverage for members without asking for updated information. In fact, Medicaid may be able to renew your coverage without asking you for anything. If so, you will get a letter in the mail letting you know your health care coverage will continue. If Medicaid does not have all information to renew your benefits, you will get a form or a checklist in the mail to complete and return by a certain date. Please make sure Medicaid has your updated contact information so they can reach you. Update your contact information today online at commonhelp.virginia.gov, or by calling Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282 or your local Department of Social Services.Members who do not respond or do not complete the renewal form/checklist will not be eligible to keep their Medicaid health coverage.Members can respond in one of the following ways:  

• Online at commonhelp.virginia.gov using the case number and client ID on the renewal form to associate the member's case to a CommonHelp account; 
• Call Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282 (TTY: 1-888-221-1590). (Have the requested information gathered and ready to give over the phone); 
• By completing the form/documents and sending them in the prepaid return envelope by the due date; or 
• By completing the form/documents and submitting them by fax or in person at the member's local Department of Social Services. 

For questions, additional help, or language assistance services or large-print, call Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282 (TTY: 1-888-221-1590) or email covervirginia@dmas.virginia.gov.   

Alcohol, Sexual Assault, and Consent April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. People ages 12-34 are at the highest risk for rape and sexual assault (RAINN). The majority of sexual assault victims are under the age of 30. One out of every six American women has been the victim/survivor of an attempted or completed sexual assault. One out of every ten males are sexual assault victims. Alcohol can play a part in sexual assault. Alcohol reduces inhibitions and alcohol consumption by perpetrators and victims tends to co-occur, meaning, when one of them is drinking, the other one is generally drinking as well. At least one half of all violent crimes involve the use of alcohol. Although a person’s alcohol consumption is one risk factor for sexual assault, they are in no way responsible for what happened to them. Sexual violence is any type of unwanted sexual contact. This includes words and actions of a sexual nature against a person’s will and without their consent. Sources & Resources Alcohol and Sexual Assault Sexual Violence Statistics Adverse Childhood Experiences FCPS Title IX Make a Difference: Talk to Your Child About Alcohol For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270. For WSHS support, contact Ken Johnson, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, email: Kwjohnson@fcps.edu

Sully Historic Site is Seeking Volunteers for Earth Day Celebration

SUMMER Activity for Students

• Teens in Action: The Teens In Action program provides exciting opportunities for self-discovery and skill-building this summer. Registration is now open for rising 9^th – 12^th graders. See THIS FLYER for more information.
• Rec-PAC is a six-week structured recreation program operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority for elementary school children. Participants enjoy activities such as fitness, indoor and outdoor games, team sports, nature, crafts, special events, talent shows, and play sessions. More information in attached flyer. Scholarships are available for families that qualify. Check the brochure and parent packet for more info. 

Just for Fun: Special Days and Observances for the Remainder of April

• April 14: International Moment of Laughter Day, National Gardening Day, Look Up at the Sky Day
• April 15: National Laundry Day, Titanic Remembrance Day, World Art Day, Tax Day
• April 16: Husband Appreciation Day, National Librarian Day
• April 17: Easter, International Haiku Poetry Day, National Cheese Ball Day
• April 18: National Velociraptor Day, Animal Crackers Day
• April 19: Wear Pajamas to Work Day, Garlic Day
• April 20: National Look-Alike Day, Chinese Language Day
• April 21: National Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day, High Five Day, Kindergarten Day, Tea Day
• April 22: Earth Day, National Jelly Bean Day
• April 23: World Book Day, National Picnic Day, Shakespeare Day
• April 24: National Pet Parents Day, National Pigs in a Blanket Day, World Laboratory Day
• April 25: National DNA Day, Telephone Day, World Malaria Day
• April 26: Audubon Day, National Pretzel Day
• April 27: Babe Ruth Day, National Prime Rib Day, Tell a Story Day
• April 28: Workers' Memorial Day, Stop Food Waste Day, National Superhero Day, Blueberry Pie Day
• April 29: International Dance Day, National Arbor Day
• April 30: International Jazz Day, Honesty Day, National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, Oatmeal Cookie Day

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.

6100 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA 22152 | Main Office: 703-913-3800
Attendance: 703-913-3838 or WSHSAttendance@fcps.edu | Web