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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, 11/10- Sweeny Todd School Edition (Opening Weekend)
Wednesday, 11/22 - Friday, 11/24 – Holiday (Thanksgiving Break)
Wednesday, 12/6 - Chipotle Night (ANGP Fundraiser)
NEWS AND NOTES
November 11 is Veterans Day
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
 Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) joins the nation on Veterans Day, November 11, to honor and express our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who have selflessly served and defended our country. We recognize the challenges our service members have faced as they participate in shaping our nation’s history.
As we honor those who have served, our schools will take the opportunity to teach their students and staff about the significance of this day to help them gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by our service members and their families.
FCPS is dedicated to supporting and honoring our military-connected families. For more information regarding how we can support, please connect with us at militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.
Thank you for your service.
 WSHS Military Ambassador Club students greeted parents and students driving through kiss-n-ride earlier this week. MAC students held up signs and gave out ribbons thanking Veterans in our school community for serving.
Thank You Voters! 2023 School Bond Referendum Passed
Thank you to the Fairfax citizens who supported the 2023 Bond Referendum. Roughly 67% of those voting in the 2023 election supported the $435 million bond referendum, continuing a long history of school bond approvals in Fairfax County.
Stay engaged as we build our future. Keep up-to-date on construction and capital improvements across FCPS by visiting our Capital Improvement Project webpage.
628 Students Named National Merit Commended Scholars
Six hundred twenty-eight FCPS students have been named National Merit Commended Scholars by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
In recognition of their outstanding ability and potential for academic success in college, NMSC will honor these students by sending Letters of Commendation to them through their high schools.
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West Springfield High School - Coco Ahn, Mirah Asfahani, Mikayla Bartos, Alexander Childs, Rebecca Gaydos, Jack Hunter, Sarayu Jilludumudi, Paris Johnson, Isaac Lazo, Jack Meli, James O'Donoghue, Anika Pant, Abdur Raghib, Micah Sabol, Brendan Talbot, Meredith Turcotte, Ethan Vitorovich, Owen Voorhees, Keira Walker, Charlotte Witzel, Michael Zelnis, Edonawit Zike.
See the full list of commended scholars.
SAT/PSAT School Day Scores Are Available for Families
Students who participated in the SAT School Day on Wednesday, October 11, can access their scores via their College Board accounts. Students who participated in the SAT on Thursday, October 26, will have access to scores on Thursday, November 16.
A video tutorial for accessing and understanding SAT scores is available on the College Board website. Families can reach out to their student’s school SAT coordinator with questions regarding SAT School Day score reporting.
Digital PSAT Scores and National Merit Scholarship Information
Students who participated in the Digital PSAT on Wednesday, October 11, can access scores via the College Board BigFuture School App or their College Board accounts. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding Digital PSAT scores is available on the College Board website.
Eleventh grade students who participate in the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and can find information on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Families may reach out to their student’s school PSAT coordinator if they have questions regarding digital PSAT score reporting or the National Merit Scholarship Program.
STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION
Report Cards Available: November 14
All Report Cards will be available by 11/14 through StudentVue and ParentVue. If you do not have access to ParentVue and would like a physical copy of your student’s report card please contact us at WSStudentServices@fcps.edu to have a physical copy mailed or e-mailed.
Academic Advising for Students/Families of 10th and 11th Graders
To better serve you during Academic Advising we are asking that students share their student NOVA ID, aka Empl ID, so that we can ensure a smooth Dual Enrollment process.
Students who have not yet created a Nova ID (Empl ID) and know that they will be signing up for a NOVA Dual Enrollment class for 2024-2025 School year please go to: this website to create the ID.
Share the ID HERE once one is created.
Curriculum Night: January 4th
Mark your Calendars. The opportunity for students to select classes for school year 24-25 will soon be upon us. Students and parents will have the opportunity to meet with Departments and Academies on January 4th from 6:30-8:00pm. This event will be held in our Cafeteria. We look forward to seeing you there.
FCPS Grading Policy Changes
FCPS’ Grading Policy for the 2023-24 school year has been updated. The following changes were based on input from students, teachers, parents/caregivers, principals, and staff:
- FCPS will maintain the current late work policy for any major assignment that is worth more than 10% of the grade. Teachers must accept major assignments up to two weeks late. The maximum deduction for that time period is 10%. The current policy, when applied correctly, balances accountability and flexibility.
- Teachers may now give zeroes for assignments that are not turned in. Students who make a reasonable effort to finish an assignment will get a minimum grade of 50%.
- A rolling grade book gives students more chances to show they understand the material. Teachers who use a rolling grade must use reassessment and grading replacement practices that allow students to update learning from past quarters.
- Only for teachers using a traditional grade book, the lowest grade that can be issued is 50% for the quarter.
- Bell Quizzes are allowed and do not require a make-up time.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Opening in December
The FAFSA is needed to determine a student's eligibility for financial aid. Families of current seniors should be thinking about completing financial aid applications in order for students to be eligible to receive financial help to cover the costs of post-secondary education. Despite the late opening of the FAFSA, there are some things families can do now to prepare.
A funding opportunity is available for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA — the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) program. Find out which aid option is right for your family on the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.
STUDENT CORNER
Volunteers Needed!
West Springfield Pyramid Challenge: November 11th
- Highest student volunteer needs are Race Pacers, Sign Holders and Course Managers.
- Students sign up using this link: HERE
- Please write "STUDENT VOLUNTEER" in the comment section.
- Volunteers need to check in with the volunteer check in table prior to their shift time.
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Class of 2024: Sign up for Senior Formal Yearbook Portraits
On Monday, November 20, 2023, Victor O'Neill Studios will be taking Senior Formal Yearbook Portraits Session D
*There is no charge to have photos taken for the yearbook*
The attire is Tuxedos and Drapes (provided) or you can bring your own formal attire (coat and tie, all black or black and white clothing).
In addition, casual/personality portraits and cap and gown portrait sessions will be provided.
Click HERE to choose our session type and appointment time
Questions, email and mention school name
Spanish 1-3 Boot Camp
Do you need a review from Spanish 1-3? Do you need some extra help with verb conjugations?
Come join us for review of grammar and vocab!
November Dates:
- Thursday, November 30, 3-4pm
Please bring questions to ask our Spanish teachers and Spanish Honor Society students. This session will focus on verb conjugation drills, tips for memorizing vocabulary!
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How to Access Free Resources from Tutor.com
All FCPS students continue to have unlimited access to live, 24/7, one-on-one online tutoring services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Get more information on the Tutor.com Online Tutoring Services webpage.
Students can access Tutor.com via a link in Schoology. Additional information about how to log in and access a tutor is provided to families via the following: Elementary - How It Works and Middle & High - How It Works.
SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES
Spartan Sports Calendar, Week of November 10-18
Click the image above for access to the Spartan Sports Calendar.
Student Activities Highlights
 Crew Leaf Raking Fundraiser
Nov 4 -Dec 17 (Sat and Sundays only)
Fee: $15.00/hour per raker
Contact: leafraking@spartancrew.org
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
Performing Arts
Congratulations Senior District XI Orchestra
Congratulations to the following students who successful auditioned for the Senior District XI Orchestra this past Monday, November 6 at Robinson Secondary.
The event will take place at George Mason University on January 6, 2024.
Paige Cuniff, bass
Courtney Dyson, violin
Ameen Harandi, viola
Eunice Park, violin
Band: Fall Concert
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Sweeny Todd School Edition
An infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to nineteenth-century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett's luck sharply shifts when Todd's thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up... and the carnage has only just begun!
Recommended for ages 13+ for adult themes and simulated violence.
Show Dates / Times:
- Fri, Nov 10 @ 7pm
- Sat, Nov 11 @ 7pm
- Thu, Nov 16 @ 7pm
- Fri, Nov 17 @ 7pm
- Sat, Nov 18 @ 7pm
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 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
Quick Links
NEWS FOR THE COMMUNITY
November is Military Family Appreciation Month
The Office of Family and School Partnerships provides resources and support for military families transitioning to or exiting FCPS. Contact Meredith Ayala, family partnerships specialist and military liaison, for more information. Sign up for the military-connected families newsletter.
School Psychology Week
School psychologists work to positively impact the academic and social-emotional development of all students by providing mental health services that build resilience, life competencies, and good citizenship. Thank you to all the school psychologists hard at work in our schools every day!
Blessing Basket Drive
WSHS Social Workers and School Counselors are partnering with realtors Alicia Strickland and Ania Cress, along with Hunt Valley ES, Cardinal Forest ES, and Irving MS to provide Thanksgiving food baskets to families in need.
Last year, 38 baskets were delivered. Help them reach their goal this year of 100 baskets!
When: November 15, 4:30-7pm
Where: Ledo's Pizza and Robeks Patio at Cardinal Forest Plaza,
8324 Old Keene Mill Road (Feel free to stay for Ledo's happy hour special discounts)
What to buy:
- Laundry Basket to hold goodies (No Bags)
- $20-25 gift certification for a Turkey (Walmart, Giant, Safeway, or Aldi)
- Cans of corn, green beans and cranberries
- Boxes of stuffing and mashed potatoes
- Can/packet of gravy and can of cream mushroom soup
- Box of muffin/biscuit mix
- Non perishable dessert of your choosing
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Extras: Rice, beans (dried), cereal, dog food/treats, socks, toys, toiletries, games, laundry detergent, etc.
Sign up to donate HERE
Sign up to volunteer HERE
ALL NIGHT GRAD PARTY - 2024!!
Bake Sale-Election Day- THANK YOU!
Thank you to all our seniors who baked and volunteered at the Election Day Bake Sale! You raised over $1600 for your ANGP! Leftover baked goods were delivered to the police and fire stations.
YARD SIGNS FOR SALE
Have you purchased your Class of 2024 Yard Sign yet? Options to personalize! Show your Spartan spirit all year long with a Spartan Class of 2024 or Home of a Spartan yard sign. Yard signs aren’t just for seniors! All proceeds benefit the ANGP for the Class of 2024! Order yours at https://wshs-angp.square.site/signs
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WSHS Social Media
Find WSHS Spartans on:
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.
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