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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, 12/9: Breakfast with Santa, WSHS, 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
Tuesday, 12/12: Crew Fundraiser @ Village Chicken, 4-8 p.m.
Thursday, 12/14: Choir Winter Concert, 7 p.m.
Monday, 12/11-Friday, 12/15: Winter Spirit Week (See themes below)
Monday, 12/18- Monday, 1/1: Winter Break (No school)
NEWS AND NOTES
👏🏼Outstanding Employee Nominations
Thank you all for nominating many West Springfield Staff members for FCPS’s Outstanding Employee awards.
The following nominations have been selected to represent West Springfield at the pyramid level of the competition.
Outstanding Teacher – Madison McKenna
Outstanding New Teacher (under 3 years) – Bruce Stuck
Outstanding Professional Employee – Julie Hubbard
Outstanding Operational Employee – Maria Canas
Outstanding Leader – Shannon Matheny
We are excited to have them represent WSHS at the next level of the competition.
🎖️Military-Connected Youth Process Action Team (MCY PAT)
The charge of the Fairfax County Public Schools Military-Connected Youth Process Action Team (MCY PAT) is to identify the unique academic, behavioral, and social/emotional needs of military-connected youth and families and ensure faculty and staff are informed and prepared to meet the identified needs; partnering with stakeholders as appropriate.
The MCY PAT would like to include family representation and voice and encourages military-connected family members to apply to be a part of our team by completing the application by Friday, December 15, 2023. The MCY PAT meets virtually, on the first Tuesday of each month.
Questions? Contact: Meredith Ayala, Family Partnerships Specialist. mlayala1@fcps.edu.
⛄Winter Break
As a reminder, there will be no school from Monday, December 18, to Monday, January 1, 2024 for winter break.
To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, no homework will be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break.
We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. See the complete school year calendar.
❄️Snow Days This Winter
For the current school year, FCPS will be returning to its previous procedure for snow days — there will be no virtual learning days when school is closed due to bad weather.
During snow days, students may still access Tutor.com, complete any supplemental learning opportunities recommended by their teachers, and view educational programming (available virtually and on public access television channels):
Eleven snow days are built into the existing FCPS calendar. Eliminating virtual learning days will allow us to maximize students’ in-person learning and provide equitable access to instruction and student services.
🙋♂️ Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
We often notice more empty seats in our classrooms as winter break approaches. This year, let's work together to nurture a rock-solid attendance habit. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow.
A big thank you to:
- 🌟 Students who show up every day and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
- 👩🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
- 👨💼 Administrators providing a safe and engaging place to grow.
- 👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers lending a helping hand to all our learners.
If you or your child need support, please reach out to our school social worker or family liaison. If your child is not feeling well, please refer to the When Should I Keep My Child Home? webpage for guidance.
There will be no school from Monday, December 18, to Monday, January 1, 2024, for winter break. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 2.
Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.
STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION
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.
STUDENT CORNER
❄️SGA-Winter Spirit Week (December 11-15)
😴Monday, 12/11: Jolly Jammies Day -wear festive pajamas, hot cocoa during lunch
🪵Tuesday, 12/12: Timber Tuesday-wear flannel
🍬Wednesday, 12/13: Candy Cane Day-Freshmen & Juniors wear red, sophomores & seniors wear white, candy canes passed out in the morning
⛄Thursday, 12/14: Brrrrrsday- Bundle up and wear your best winter attire
🧦Friday, 12/15: Festive Friday- wear your ugliest holiday sweater or socks
🎓Seniors: Graduation Gear and Class Rings
Order HERE
Need help or want to order by phone? Please call 1-800-567-8367
📸Class of 2024: Sign up for Senior Formal Yearbook Portraits
On Thursday, January 4, 2023, Victor O'Neill Studios will be taking Senior Formal Yearbook Portraits Session E
*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
SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES
Spartan Sports Calendar, Week of December 4-16
Click the image above for access to the Spartan Sports Calendar.
Athletic Boosters
📣Spirit Wear
Shop online for spirit wear. Two options:
Option #1: HERE
Orders after 12/1 are not guaranteed for holiday delivery.
Use the code SPIRIT for 25% off your order. (Exclusions apply to the brands: The North Face, Acrux, and TravisMathew).
Option # 2: Looking for flannel pajama bottoms, hoodies, beanies, and decals? These items are available at the concession stand at all home games!
Spartans Athletic Boosters Meeting
***The December meeting is cancelled***
Our January meeting is Wednesday, 1/10 at 7pm at WSHS Room 2223. Enter Door 5 and make the immediate left. If you go through the double doors you have gone too far! All are welcomed.
Need additional information? Check out our website and social media pages at:
Email: wshs.spartans.athletic.boosters@gmail.com
Website: https://spartan-booster-club.square.site/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wshsspartartansathleticboosters/
Instagram: @wshsspartansathleticboosters
X (Formerly Twitter): @SpartanWshs
Student Activities Highlights
🧥 WSHS Interact Club Winter Coat and Food Drive
Wondering how you can help give back this holiday season? Give Back with Interact!
The WSHS Interact Club is collecting winter coats for a nearby elementary school for students in need. If you have any coats (new or used) that you no longer need, please consider donating them to this worthwhile cause. Donation bins are located inside Door #1 near the main office.
The WSHS Interact Club is also hosting a food drive to restock our school food pantry to help students in need. Please consider sending in these items. Donations bins are located inside Door #1 near the main office. Thank you for your generosity!
- Peanut Butter
- Jelly
- Spaghetti
- Pasta Sauce
- Granola bars
- Crackers
- Cereal
- Canned Beans (black beans, kidney beans)
- Deodorant
- Laundry Detergent
- Shampoo / Conditioner
🎅 The Choral Department Presents: Breakfast with Santa
When: Saturday, December 9; 10-12 pm
Where: WSHS, Enter at Door 5
What:
- Enjoy 2 hours of holiday songs and sing-a-longs
- Take a photo with Santa
- Make ornaments, write letters to Santa, and more!
- Meet your favorite costumed character
- Dine on bagels, muffins, fruit, and coffee
Tickets:
- $10 in advance or $12 at the door
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Children under 2 years old are free
**This event sells out fast**
Order online HERE
Contact HERE
Crew Fundraiser at Village Chicken
Come support Spartan Rowing at the West Springfield Shopping Center, Village Chicken (6228-G Rolling Road) on Tuesday, December 12th, 4-8 p.m.
25% of event sales will be donated to the team
Show the digital flyer in the store or during pickup
Order at: https://www.myvillagechicken.com/
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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
 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
💻 No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students
Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, parents/caregivers can refer their children for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on how to opt your child in to this service.
🍲 Food Insecurity Resources for Families
Food insecurity impacts more than 60,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Find out how to receive or offer support on the Fairfax County website, or view their Human Services Resource Guide for assistance with food, clothing, housing, and other services.
📝 Keep Learning Over Winter Break with Tutor.com
Does your child need help getting up to speed in high school math, science, or English? Tutor.com offers diagnostic quizzes to help students test their knowledge and find areas where they may need help. Quizzes can be taken anytime, and students can connect immediately to a tutor.
Test prep is also available for students preparing for the PSAT, SAT, or ACT.
FCPS students have unlimited access, 24/7, to online tutoring support services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Students can connect online any time, any place, and in most K-12 subjects for however long they need.
Free Webinars and Events for Families This Winter
The Family Resource Center offers free webinars for adults to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. The following events are currently scheduled.
For more information and to register for the webinars, click on the linked titles.
✈️ 2024 Gap Year Fair
FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas will co-host the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 30, 6-8:30 p.m., at Marshall High School. This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning about increasing opportunities for the year following high school graduation. Students should register at USA Gap Year Fairs.
📜 Professional Certificates for High School Students
The FCPS Student Pilot Program with Coursera allows high school students to access the contents of the Coursera Career Academy, including more than 29 professional certificates from the world’s leading companies. A limited number of seats are still available.
Students can explore popular digital jobs and career paths such as marketing and data science, and learn from experts at leading companies including Google. Interested students should complete the Coursera Student Interest Form. Once it is submitted, their parent/guardian will be contacted for consent.
Please note that Coursera courses are not recognized by the Virginia Department of Education as industry credentials and do not count toward high school graduation requirements.
Contact Program Manager Scott Simmons with any questions at sfsimmons@fcps.edu.
Quick Links
NEWS FOR THE COMMUNITY
Holiday Donation Drive for WSHS Custodians
Student Activities is aiming to bring some holiday cheer to our WONDERFUL custodians who go above and beyond for our school.
We are seeking gift card donations (under $25) to any local food/grocery/restaurant (Walmart, Giant, Wegmans, etc).
If you care to donate, you can drop off gift cards in our WSHS Main Office before Friday, December 15th.
Our Student Government Association students will assemble the gift cards and gift them equally among our custodial staff to enjoy over the holiday break. Thanks for your consideration.
Questions? Email Ms. Conte, lmconte@fcps.edu
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Virginia Veteran and Family Support
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) understands that our military families may need support beyond the classroom. The unique challenges of military service, deployments and post traumatic stress also impact our military families.
Operated by the Department of Veterans Services, the Virginia Veteran & Family Support Program (VVFS) offers outreach, connection, and support to veterans and their families as they manage the challenges of military life. The VVFS provides resources on a variety of topics such as mental health, leisure activities, healthcare, and military children. Their calendar of events also offers information about upcoming opportunities to connect with community resources.
For more information and to join the VVFS listserv, please visit the Virginia Veteran & Family Support Program. To connect with FCPS resources, please email militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.
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Alcohol & the Holidays
Holidays may involve family time, games, movies, food, and possibly drinks. Although loneliness is a cause for alcohol or drug consumption, being around others does not necessarily mean a decrease in unhealthy habits. Alcohol consumption increased during the pandemic and has not decreased after we have returned to a semblance of normalcy. Many people are still trying to figure out how to navigate our “new normal”. We encourage the consideration of a few things as we move towards the end of the year, have time off, and look forward to social interactions.
Questions to consider when drinking with your family:
- What message am I sending if I drink in excess around my underage child?
- Have I had conversations about responsible drinking with my child(ren)?
- Are the conversations I have about alcohol consumption realistic?
- Are the conversations I have with others reinforcing alcohol use as a coping skill during stressful times?
- What messages am I sending my underage child(ren) if I allow them to drink with me or another adult in the house?
Information to consider:
“One-third of Fairfax County students (33.7%) reported drinking alcohol at least once in their lifetime, ranging from 18.8% of eighth-grade students to half of twelfth-grade students (49.4%). One in seven students (15.2%) reported drinking alcohol in the past month, ranging from 4.5% of eighth-grade students to 27.7% of twelfth-grade students.” (FCPS Youth Survey 2020)
“Female students reported higher rates of alcohol use in their lifetime (36.1% compared to 31.2% of male students), in the past month (17.1% and 13.1%, respectively), and binge drinking in the past two weeks (7.3% and 6.5%, respectively)” (FCPS Youth Survey 2020).
Resources:
Holiday Stress
Helpful Info to Quit Vaping
FCPS video on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
Substance Abuse Prevention (Spanish)
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270 and be sure to follow us on Twitter at @FCPSSAPS.
For further information & support contact Mr. Ken Johnson WSHS SAPS.
ALL NIGHT GRAD PARTY - 2024!!
WSHS All Night Grad Party Class of 2024 (WSHS ANGP 2024)
General information HERE
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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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