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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
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)
Happy Homecoming!
 We invite the WSHS community to come out, GET LOUD, and CHEER for the Spartans as our Varsity Football Team takes on the Robinson Rams tonight, 7pm.
Remaining Homecoming Events
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Parade: October 6, at 4:30pm
- Start Point: Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 8336 Carrleigh Pkwy
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Tailgate: October 6, at 5:30pm (WSHS Parking Lot)
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Football Game: October 6, at 7:00pm (It’s an Orange Out!)
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Dance: October 7, 8:00 - 11:00pm (WSHS Main Gym)
- Doors open at 8:00pm. Enter at Door 5 / Sports Lobby
Parent Chaperones Needed for the Homecoming Dance
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Thank You, Principals!
October is National School Principals Month. Thank you to our Principal Mr. Michael Mukai, along with our sub-school Assistant Principals for the essential role they play in making our school GREAT, and helping our students to "Dream Big, Work Hard, and Be Proud!"
 Pictured: WSHS Administrators (L-R): Leah Conte (Director of Student Activities); Betsy Fawsett (Assistant Principal, Sub-School 1); Mike Mukai (Principal); Amy Brown (Assistant Principal, Sub-School 5); Shannon Matheny (Assistant Principal, Sub-School 2); Kay Rizzuto (Assistant Principal, Sub-School 3). Not pictured, Ben Fiacco (Assistant Principal, Sub-School 4); and John Basta (Director of Student Services).
STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION
SAT / PSAT Day: October 11
October 11th is SAT / PSAT Day for all of FCPS. Here is the pertinent information students and parents need to know.
General Info:
- The SAT / PSAT will be administered at West Springfield.
- Only Seniors who registered to take the SAT on October 11th should report to school. Sophomores and Juniors were automatically registered for the PSAT.
- Freshmen will not come to school on October 11th.
Schedule:
- The SAT School Day will operate as a 2-hour early release, but no classes will take place since everyone who reports to school will be testing.
- Grab and Go breakfast and lunch will be available.
- Late transportation will be requested for students with extended time accommodations.
Other info:
- Scores will not be released until around November 1st or 2nd, so students who are applying early decision or early action should plan to submit scores from an earlier SAT or ACT.
Parents or students with remaining questions should contact our Assessment Coach, Ms. Laura Fitzsimmons.
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.
FCPS 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
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 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 9 - 14
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
October Events Hosted by the Family Resource Center
The Family Resource Center offers free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. The FRC is hosting the following events in October:
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Sibshops: An Exciting, In-Person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs, Monday, October 9, 9am to noon, at Providence Community Center.
- What Your 11th and 12th Graders Are Learning in School About Drugs and How You Can Talk with Them
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Coping Strategies for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress: A Two-Part Series, Friday, October 27, at 10am and Friday, November 10, at 10am
Click the links above to register for the events. For more information, visit theFamily Resource Center webpage.
Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future: A Community Conversation. Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to:
Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help us plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability.
Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid. Your voice matters!
Quick Links
NEWS FOR THE COMMUNITY
October is Pedestrian Safety Month
Unfortunately, there are many accidents involving pedestrians in Fairfax County. Below are some resources that may be useful. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.
National Teen Driver Safety Week: October 15 - 21
Car crashes are the leading cause of unintentional deaths for U.S. teenagers, but there’s plenty we can do to help keep them safe. Inexperience is the biggest issue for new drivers, and the best solution is to help them safely gain experience behind the wheel. Please partner with your schools and SRO’s to promote the message of Teen Driver Safety Week through education and enforcement.
Do Not Disturb While Driving Day: October 19
The National Distracted Driving Coalition has designated October 19th, as the second annual National Do Not Disturb Day. This day draws attention to a life-saving feature that is already integrated into every smartphone. Do Not Disturb While Driving settings block calls, texts and other notifications while you’re driving, and help keep you focused on the road ahead. Our goal is to encourage individuals to turn on their phone’s DNDWD feature and tell others to do the same. Enabling a simple setting on your phone could save your life.
October Is LGBTQIA+ History Month
LGBTQIA+ History Month is recognized in October nationwide. We acknowledge and celebrate that LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families are an integral component of our nation. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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Spotlight on Drugs: Alcohol & Football
As the cooler weather comes in, the leaves begin to change, we exchange our sandals for boots and Pumpkin flavored favorites, and football becomes the topic of many conversations. Families gather one or more times a week, wearing sport paraphernalia to root for “their team,” often enjoying an alcoholic beverage. Adults may have these interactions in the safety and confines of their own home, at a friend's house, or in a noisy establishment with televisions and a bar. When this routine becomes a habit seen by teens regularly, they may begin to associate alcohol with football. So, when they attend their school’s football game, it’s now their night out with friends, and the close association between football and alcohol has already been established for them.
Media ads from various companies showcase their ice-cold brew options with stereotypical attractive people at a bar, appearing cool. When adults attend in-person games, tailgating seems mandatory as part of the full experience. When teens meet up before attending football games, pre-game drinking may be something they consider.
Alcohol.org states that people who watch games at viewing parties, average consumption of seven drinks and those who tailgated averaged eight drinks. In a country that values football and has connected football to the consumption of alcohol, it’s easy to see how teens may be conditioned to do the same. If a student is old enough to attend football games, they’re old enough to have conversations about alcohol safety.
Here are some tips to help:
- Establish clear and consistent boundaries “I will not tolerate…”
- Explain why adults have the privilege to drink and adolescents are not allowed to drink.
- Do not exaggerate.
- Set a desired outcome for the conversation: Think about what you want your teen to understand before you get into the conversation.
Resources:
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 and support, contact Ken Johnson, WSHS SAPS.
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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.
WSHS Social Media
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