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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, 09/25 – Yom Kippur Holiday
Friday, 10/06 - Saturday, 10/07 – Homecoming Activities
Monday, 10/09 – Holiday (Student Holiday / Staff Development Day)
Friday, 11/03 – End of 1st Quarter (2hr Early Release)
Monday, 11/06 - Tuesday, 11/07 – Student Holiday (Staff Work Day)
Staff Spotlight: Interact Service Award Winners
Congratulations to Becky Cousins (pictured) and Amy Esatto who were presented an Interact Service Award in recognition of their dedication and outstanding service to the Interact Club at West Springfield High School and the Rotary Club of West Springfield.
Cousins and Esatto are WSHS Interact Club sponsors, which is the high school version of the Rotary Club of West Springfield. The Interact Club has over 100 student members, and they share different volunteer opportunities at their monthly meetings. Students interested in volunteering and learning how to “Give Back with Interact” are welcome to attend.
Among other volunteer opportunities, the Interact Club students participate in the Rotary’s annual Kristi’s Christmas event where they are paired with an elementary school student and help those students shop for gifts and other needed items. Kristi’s Christmas began over 35 years ago in honor of a former Spartan student, Kristi Brown, who passed away in a tragic accident.
The Rotary Club also has an annual scholarship for a WSHS student who plans to attend Northern Virginia Community College. Last year, with the helpful guidance of Ms. Cousins and Ms. Esatto, four WSHS seniors were awarded scholarships; two more seniors were gifted laptops.
Thanks to these two education professionals for their dedication to our students and to "Giving Back with Interact."
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WSHS Student Named 2024 National Merit Semifinalist
Congratulations to West Springfield's Kaylee Wisner, Class of 2024, who has been named among 264 other FCPS students as a Semifinalist by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for 2024. All Semifinalists are eligible to compete for 7,500 National Merit Scholarship awards worth nearly $28 million, to be awarded in spring 2024. Semifinalists advance to finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and other requirements including a recommendation from a high school official.
See the full list of National Merit Semifinalists on the FCPS website.
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) Introduction
Each school pyramid has a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) assigned to provide substance abuse prevention, education, and intervention services. Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists are part of the FCPS Office of Student Safety and Wellness. Like school social workers, school psychologists, and school counselors, SAPS do not provide treatment services, but support students while they are in our school buildings.
Key roles of a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist:
- Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug education for students, parents, staff, and the Fairfax County Community.
- Intervention services upon violation of the Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook or suspected substance use involvement.
- Assessing a student’s level of substance use and, if appropriate, making referrals to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board for additional services or other community resources as appropriate.
- Group and individual interventions for students and in addition prevention services for students, staff, parents, and the Fairfax County community.
- Most importantly, building positive relationships with students to provide support and encouragement.
West Springfield's SAPS is Mr. Ken Johnson. He keeps office hours at our school several days during each week. For specific information and support, contact him at: kwjohnson@fcps.edu.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
Resources:
Free Virtual Parent Support Group
Free Online Narcan Training for Opioid Overdoses (English & Spanish)
Free Lock Boxes for Medications & Firearms
Spiritual Support by Phone for Adults
Spanish Podcast: Tips on How Parents Play an Important Role in Substance Abuse Prevention
Juvenile Court Parent Support Group
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Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms?
During the first weeks of the year, our school mails and emails caregivers many forms to complete. The forms listed below are some of the most important ones that we request you submit:
1. Digital Resources Consent: Some FCPS-approved digital resources require parent/caregiver consent before they can be used by students. Find the list of resources which require consent on the Digital Resources - Parent Consent page. This page also includes directions on how to provide permission so your child(ren) can access all resources provided by their teachers.
2. Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R): This document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when they log in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage. This form should be signed and returned by Friday, September 29.
3. Opt-Outs: The Opt-Out booklet is online or available from your child’s school. It contains information on:
a. Parents’ rights to inspect and consent or opt out before their child participates in certain surveys.
b. Parents’ rights to inspect instructional materials.
c. Rules regarding student records and disclosure of student information (including photo/video of students) and the right to opt out.
d. Parents’ rights to opt out of the Social Emotional Learning Screener, physical exams not required by state law, career or social emotional counseling, Library Equity Access Pass Project, and/or Tutor.com.
e. The process by which complaints may be filed if parents or students believe their rights have been violated.
Paper forms can be signed and returned to your student's administrative assistant in the Main Office.
STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION
World Languages Credit Exam - Registration Deadline OCT 5
The 2023 World Languages Credit Exam will be administered on November 8, 9, and 13, 2023. Thirty 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.
As a reminder, 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.
FCPS intends to transition the World Languages Credit Exam to a digital format through an external vendor that assesses linguistic proficiency. FCPS will be piloting a digital language proficiency assessment during SY 2023-24. When students register for the 2023 World Languages Credit Exam, they will be offered the opportunity to participate in the pilot assessment for the following languages: ASL, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Telugu.
Students who are selected to participate in the pilot will take both the FCPS World Languages Credit Exam and the pilot assessment. Credit will only be awarded from the results of the FCPS World Languages Credit Exam. Students who are selected to participate in the pilot will be notified after registration closes on October 5, 2023, and will receive additional information in October/November regarding the logistics of the pilot assessment. Information regarding the pilot will be communicated to selected students through the student and parent contact information on record in SIS.
Registration opens on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. and closes on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted.
Students report to their School counselors to get registered. Credit exam information is also available online.
Save the Date! FCPS College Fair at EagleBank Arena - October 15 - 17 2023
Click image to access details.
High school students and their families are invited to attend the annual FCPS College Fair and the Postsecondary Virtual events. The College Fair will feature admissions representatives from more than 250 colleges and universities from across the United States and abroad. The fair will be held at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena on Sunday, October 15, 4-7 p.m.
The Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 16, and Tuesday, October 17, 5-8 p.m. The virtual event will feature workshops related to the college admissions process, financial aid, and other postsecondary educational opportunities.
Students are highly encouraged to register in advance for these events.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener
On October 23rd and October 25th in 4th period Advisory classes, all students will participate in a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener unless opted out by a parent or guardian. If you have submitted a paper opt out form, it has been filed and your student will be exempt from the SEL Screener. If you would still like to opt your student out and have not done so yet, you can complete this Google Form by October 16th to opt out your student. The SEL Screener elevates the voices of our students by making sure their perspectives are considered in decision-making. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. Division and school level results, which do not include individual student information, may be used by staff to improve SEL and mental wellness practices and to inform strategic plans. Division and school level results may also be shared with the community to describe the needs of our student body and provide opportunities for partnership.
STUDENT CORNER
Driver Education
Learners Permit Testing is Available at West Springfield HS!
When: 3:10pm (specific dates below)
Where: Room 2225
Cost: $20
2023-24 Dates: 1st Semester shown below
- October 4 and 25
- November 15
- December 6
- January 10 and 31
Who can take the test: Students MUST be 15 years and 6 months old by the day of the test
- This test is for Fairfax County Public School students ONLY (FCPS Student ID is required).
- If you have had two unsuccessful attempts at passing this test, then you are required to test at the DMV for your third attempt.
PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW CAREFULLY
How to Register:
1. Visit FCPS ACE and sign up for a specific date: aceclasses.fcps.edu
2. Once registered on the FCPS ACE site, you must also register with the DMV. A link is provided during the ACE registration and in your confirmation email. Failure to register with the DMV will result in not being able to test since they issue the secure testing codes to FCPS proctors.
The following are required to the take the test- bring them with you on your test day:
- Charged, school-issued laptop
- Completed, and signed DTS 41 Consent Form
- A picture ID to verify identity. If the student does not have a picture ID, take a picture, write the student's full legal name under the picture, and have a teacher sign to verify the student's identity. You may also show your photo from SIS.
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Earbuds/headphones to listen to directions and test audio.
Partners for Safe Teen Driving (PSTD) Presentation Dates
The 90-minute PSTD presentation is required for all 10th grade Driver Ed students. A parent must attend, and sit with, their child. Plan to arrive early to account for traffic, parking, etc. All sessions will be held in the WSHS Auditorium and will begin promptly at 7pm. Late arrivals will not be admitted. Students will not receive the District 8 (pink) card until they have passed the Driver Ed tests and attend the PSTD. You only need to attend one session. No registration is required- attendance will be recorded during the PSTD. The dates for this school year are:
- October 18- Mr. Parker and Ms. Shiffer’s classes need to attend this one. Optional for Mr. Grubbs and Mr. Nieto’s classes.
- January 18- Required for any 10th grade students that didn’t attend the 1st session.
- March 18
- May 21
FAQ sheet regarding Driver Ed
2023-24 Driver Ed Parent Handout
Send any questions to Mr. Casey Grubbs (clgrubbs@fcps.edu)
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SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES
Spartan Sports Calendar, Week of September 18-25
Click the image above for access to the Spartan Sports Calendar.
Stay in Touch with Spartan Sports!
You can follow WSHS Spartan Sports on social media:
X: @wshssports
YouTube Channels: LINK
Sign Up For the Sports and Activities News You Choose
Student Activities Highlight
WSHS Clubs Activity Fair
We believe that participation in the student activities program enriches and expands the regular academic program. It also provides a way to have fun and be with friends. Our Student Activities Department will host a Club Activity Fair on September 19 during Learning Seminar. Most of our current clubs and organizations will represent themselves with student leaders and displays.
If your student is looking to join a club or find a way to get involved at West Springfield, this is a great opportunity.
Take a peek at our currently active clubs HERE.
 We're using a new Activities Calendar this year. Clubs and school organizations are just beginning to post many of their meeting and event dates. Check it out.
Late Bus
FCPS late bus routes began this week. Late busses will run on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Pickup is scheduled for approximately 4:45pm each day at Door #1. Students can view specific routes in the Main Office.
Yearbooks and Senior Ads Now On Sale
 Yearbooks and Senior Ads are now on sale! Orders can be placed online at https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/ using school code 4150 and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. We sold out of yearbooks for the past two years, so order yours today! We cannot guarantee books will be available for in-person sales at the end of the year. For questions, please email Ms. Melissa Morgan, Yearbook Adviser, at mmorgan2@fcps.edu.
FCPS INFORMATION
2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 4:
Equitable Access and Opportunity
The 2023-30 strategic plan sets five main goals to create positive change in FCPS. These five goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. Our equity commitment and a set of measures in each goal will monitor our progress toward these goals.
Under Goal 4, high-quality academics will be available to all students. They will have access to excellent resources that support their success. Visit the Strategic Plan webpage to learn more about how we will measure the success of Goal 4.
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Information Session for Substitute Teachers and Instructional Assistants
Learn more about becoming a substitute teacher or instructional assistant at a virtual information session on Wednesday, September 20, from 2 to 3 p.m. Register for this session.
Visit the Recruitment Events calendar for a list of all FCPS job fairs.
When a Student Should Stay Home From School
Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.
Help your student succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit FCPS’ website for information on when you should keep your child at home.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher, so that assistance can be provided if needed. Please contact us as soon as you know your child will be absent.
Read more about how families can help form good attendance habits.
Quick Links
NEWS FOR THE COMMUNITY
Rosh Hashanah: Evening Only Observance Day
Friday, September 15, is an evening only Observance day (O day) in recognition of Rosh Hashanah, which begins at sundown. Evening only O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days. Learn more about Rosh Hashanah from PBS.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
 From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Fairfax Fiesta
Fairfax County's inaugural Hispanic Heritage Celebration, Fairfax Fiesta, will be held Saturday, September 23, from noon to 5pm, at the PARC at Tysons, 8508 Leesburg Pike. The Fairfax County Government and Celebrate Fairfax! will host the free event for all ages and backgrounds. Learn more about Fairfax Fiesta.
FOOD FOR NEIGHBORS
Would you like to help students in our area receive the healthy food they need to succeed in school? We’re partnering with Food For Neighbors to stock the food pantry in our school and supply supplemental weekend food to our students who struggle with food insecurity outside of school hours.
FFN is looking for Red Bag Donors to donate food five (5) times per school year, volunteers to drive and pickup the food and sorters to help organize and pack the food on event days. It only takes a few minutes to sign up and can make a huge difference in the lives of local teens! Visit the website at www.foodforneighbors.org/get-involved to donate food and volunteer. Thanks, in advance, for your support!
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