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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
Saturday 09/30 - 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)
Homecoming Week: October 2 - 6
 Our Student Government leaders have planned a week of fun-filled events, focusing on the Homecoming theme: A Tropical Beach Bash! Students of all classes are encouraged to come out and participate in all the fun. Families are invited to come out and cheer on your students, and help us WIN versus Robinson in Varsity Football next Friday.
Parent Chaperones Needed for the Homecoming Dance
Use this link to sign up!
Custodian Appreciation Day
Monday, October 2, is National Custodian Appreciation Day. Thanks to our colleagues on the custodial team, we all have a clean, safe place to learn, teach, and work. WSHS employs a Building Supervisor, Maria Canas; an Assistant Building Supervisor Douglas Gomez-Arias (pictured below), and 17 custodians to maintain our 39-acre parcel of land and approximately 386,750 square feet of infrastructure.
As you can imagine, we ask a LOT of our custodians. From every day school use, to athletic events, and the host of community events after school and on weekends, these dedicated people maintain our wonderful facility, fix the things that are broken, and clean up our messes! The most impressive thing about our custodians is how they embody the "Dream Big, Work Hard, Be Proud" culture of our school, and how they never tire in helping our staff and students.
We will be treating our entire custodial team to a luncheon next week to recognize their hard work and thank them for all the ways they serve us.
THANK YOU to our WSHS custodians for all you do!
Pictured: Douglas Gomez-Arias, Ssang Hwang, and Sinay Arriaza.
Caregiver Checklist: Turn-in Deadline is Today
Parents / Guardians, we continue to solicit your help in submitting the below forms. Both can be accessed via SIS ParentVue.
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 (today).
STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION
Paying for College - Financial Aid 101
We invite seniors, juniors and parents to our “Paying for College / Scholarship 101” workshop, planned for October 12, 7 - 8:30pm in Spartan Hall.
The presentation will be presented by College Access Fairfax, an organization that leads in-person and virtual presentations, and workshops throughout the year to help families prepare for and navigate the financial aid process.
We'll be sure to cover the following topics:
- Financial aid process
- Completing the FAFSA®
- Who should complete the VASA
- The CSS Profile
- Scholarship Strategies
- Financial aid letters
- Question and answers
The presentation will take about 90 minutes. Please RSVP.
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Early College Scholars
Early College Scholars is a state-initiated program in which high school students sign an agreement to do the following:
- Earn an advanced diploma with a governor’s seal.
- Earn at least 15 transferable college credits while enrolled in high school.
- Gain acceptance to a college or university.
The responsibilities of students, parents and the school our outlined in this document. For students who wish to enter this agreement, forms are due by March 22, 2024.
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.
College Fair and Postsecondary Virtual Events
High school students and their families are invited to attend the annual FCPS college fair and the postsecondary virtual nights. 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 nights will be held on Monday, October 16, and Tuesday, October 17, from 5-8pm. 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.
STUDENT CORNER
Venture into Volunteering Fair - October 15
 Sunday, October 15, 12 - 4pm at Springfield Town Center (inside, lower-level near Starbucks), students can learn about various volunteer opportunities from non-profit and Fairfax County representatives.
Senior Yearbook Picture Session C
Senior Class (and Parents):
Victor O’Neill Studios serves as our official school photographer, and they are excited to see you on the following date(s) for the next session of senior formal yearbook portraits. Note: photo sessions will occur at the school.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be photographed for the yearbook. There is no charge to have photos taken for the yearbook.
The attire for the school’s yearbook pose will be in the traditional tuxedos and drapes, or you can provide your own formal attire (coat and tie, all black or black and white clothing). Victor O'Neill will provide the tuxedo and drapes. In addition to the yearbook session the photographer will also offer sessions that include casual/personality portraits and cap and gown portraits. Follow the link below to choose your session type and appointment time.
Sessions are scheduled one at a time. Future session dates have not yet been announced. You will receive another announcement from the school when the next session is available for booking, but don't wait. Get your photo taken now.
For questions, email seniors@vosphoto.com; (please mention West Springfield HS when emailing).
Volunteer Fairfax and 2023 VolunteerFest
Volunteer Fairfax is a resource that may be used to find out about service-learning opportunities in the community. Youth volunteer opportunities may be found on the Volunteer Fairfax website.
In addition, Volunteer Fairfax’s 2023 VolunteerFest, held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, offers a community-wide day of service event with projects happening throughout Fairfax County. The annual event supports nonprofit organizations and government agencies.
Questions may be directed to Hollie Gordon at hgordon@volunteerfairfax.org.
Congressional App Challenge
The Congressional App Challenge serves as an opportunity for high school students to be more engaged in coding in their Congressional district. Every year, Members of Congress challenge students in their districts to create and submit their original apps for a chance to win the Congressional App Challenge (CAC). Each challenge is district-specific.
U.S. Representatives publicly recognize their winning teams, and winning apps are eligible to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and featured on the House of Representatives website, House.gov. Additionally, winning students are invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C. Additional sponsor prizes will be awarded.
For more information, visit the Congressional App Challenge website. Apply for the Challenge by November 1, 2023, at midnight.
Moving On To Life In The Community Resource Fair!
This event is designed for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities who will need continuing support after they exit FCPS.
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When: Thursday, November 9, 2023, from 6:30pm - 8:30pm
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Where: Annandale High School Cafeteria (4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003)
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What: Exhibitor Fair
Learn about: supported employment options, day support programs, recreation/leisure activities, residential living options, travel training supports, advocacy, funding, and more!
Register online: https://tinyurl.com/ycx4bwec
Election Page
Are you at least 16 years old, live in Virginia, and actively enrolled in high school? Would you like to learn more about the electoral process and earn service-learning hours that can be applied towards the Seal of Excellence in Civics Education? The Office of Elections is offering you the opportunity to serve inside a Fairfax County polling place as an election page for the upcoming November election. They also encourage students fluent in a second language to apply. Learn more and apply.
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 October 2 - 7
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
 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.
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
FCPS Family Resource Center Webinar
 Students in grades 11 and 12 will receive drug lessons about substance misuse during the school year. Join Tiffany Jones, FCPS Senior Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, as she helps you understand the curriculum and how you might communicate with your child.
Webinar Highlights:
- Find out what your students are learning about drugs in the 11th and 12th grade drug lessons at their schools.
- Prepare yourself to discuss what they are learning in school about substances misuse.
- Gain practice skills to have important conversations about substances
Register HERE. (Also presented in Spanish)
Community Conversations With Dr. Reid
 Your voice matters! And, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you. A series of Community Conversations with Dr. Reid will be held this fall across the school division. The event for our West Springfield pyramid is planned for the following date:
October 25, 2023, 6:30 - 7:30pm
Registration link and more information TBD.
Quick Links
NEWS FOR THE COMMUNITY
PTSA Membership Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 7:30pm
Want to know what students should be doing each year of high school to prepare for life after graduation?
- College and Career Center Specialist Jeff Toomer will answer that question and provide resources for parents and students.
- Plus updates from Principal Mukai!
Register HERE to receive the link to the Zoom meeting.
Submit any questions you'd like to have addressed in the meeting in the "Questions & Comments" box when you register.
Find more information about our WSHS PTSA on their website.
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Free COVID-19 Tests
Beginning this week, every U.S. household can place an order for four free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home.
Review health and safety guidance for schools to stay up to date on the best ways to prevent the spread of disease.
Red Ribbon Week
Enrique (Kiki) Camarena was a Mexican-American man working for the DEA after serving in the Marine Corps, being a fireman, police officer, and deputy sheriff in California. While on assignment in Mexico for four years, he was on the trail of the country’s biggest marijuana and cocaine traffickers. He was getting close to exposing a multi-billion dollar drug pipeline in 1985, until he was kidnapped that February. He was headed to lunch with his wife when he was last seen being thrown into a van by masked men, his body wasn’t discovered until a month later.
After his death, “Camarena Clubs” were launched in his hometown of Calexico, California. Hundreds wore red ribbons and pledged to lead a drug-free life in his honor. While President Ronald Reagan was in office, club members presented a proclamation to First Lady Nancy Reagan which brought it national attention. The campaign became official in 1988 by the National Family Partnership with President Reagan and “Just Say No” creator Mrs. Reagan as honorary chairpersons. Red Ribbon Week is celebrated annually from October 23 - 31.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact The Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270. You can follow them on X at @FCPSSAPS.
For further information & support, contact Mr. Kenneth Johnson, WSHS Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist.
Check out: A Google Earth: special preview on “The Life of DEA Special Agent Kiki Camarena.”
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WSHS Social Media
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