WSHS Spartan Weekly News - January 26, 2024

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West Springfield High School banner

NEWS AND NOTES


Calendar reminder graphic

📆 End of 2nd Quarter

January 25 marks the end of the 2nd Quarter and 1st Semester. 

SIS Parent and StudentVue will be temporarily unavailable during the 2nd Quarter on the following dates and times: 

  • Thursday, January 25, 4pm until Monday, February 5, 6am.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this period. Report cards will be available on Parent/Student Vue by the 2nd week in February.


UPCOMING EVENTS

JANUARY:

Tuesday, 1/30: Spartans Got Talent Show (7pm, Auditorium)

Tuesday, 1/30: FCPS Gap Year Fair (Marshall HS, 6 - 8:30pm)

 

FEBRUARY:

Monday, 1/19: Washington's Birthday and Presidents' Day, no school

 

MARCH:

Friday, 3/8: International Night, 7pm

Thursday, 3/21: EL Parent's Night, 6:30pm

Friday, 3/22: End of 3rd Quarter

Monday, 3/25 - Friday, 3/29: Spring Break


West Springfield High School Student Named to U.S. Senate Youth Program

Congrats to Caleb Quiroga, a senior at West Springfield High School, who was recently selected as one of two Virginia high school students named to the U.S. Senate Youth Program. Quiroga was selected to spend a week in Washington, D.C., March 2-9, viewing the American government in action alongside Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. The experience will include policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, and officials from the U.S. Departments of State and Defense as well as directors of other federal agencies. 

Students may participate in meetings with the president and a Supreme Court justice. A $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in government, history, and public affairs, is also awarded. 

The United States Senate Youth Program was established in 1962. In addition to outstanding leadership abilities and a strong commitment to volunteer work, the student delegates rank academically in the top one percent of their states among high school juniors and seniors.

Learn more about the United States Senate Youth Program.


Come Out and Support...

Talent Show

STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION


FAFSA Is Open: College Access Fairfax Can Help

Over the next two months, College Access Fairfax will be offering a number of programs on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA), and finding and applying for scholarships. Visit the College Access Fairfax website for details.

In addition, College Access Fairfax staff members are available for virtual one-on-one help sessions to complete the FAFSA/VASA. Email appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org for an appointment.

The FAFSA is now available. Any college-bound high school senior — regardless of income — who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete a FAFSA form. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to work with their students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Check each college’s financial aid office website for deadlines and forms. Then, create an FSA ID and fill out the FAFSA.

The VASA application has not yet opened, but should be available in late January for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA. To help determine which aid option is right for you, visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.


FCPS Academies Are Holding Open Houses

Is your high schooler interested in architecture and construction, information technology, or health science? If so, attend an FCPS high school academy open house.

An academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses that can prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses. More than a dozen career fields can be explored through FCPS academies!

Learn more and find the calendar of academy open houses.

Edison Academy Open House

 

Edison Academy Open House

Students, parents, and community members are invited to come meet with Edison Academy teachers and staff. Experience student demonstrations, tour classrooms, labs and more. 

DATE: Saturday, February 3

TIME: 10am - 1pm

For more information, contact Academy Counselor Cassandra Deedy


Academic Advising Schedule Dates and Information

  1. Our Academic Website is currently available. Students and parents can find a great deal of information on this site, including how teachers provide class feedback, course selection sheets, how to add classes for next year to SIS StudentVue and much more. This is a public site available to all.
  2. Student considering taking a Dual Enrollment (DE) class will have to complete this packet. Students and parents should note the FCPS DE Virtual Orientation dates available and the Friday, March 22 deadline.
  3. To better serve DE students during Academic Advising, we are asking students to share their student NOVA ID, aka Empl ID, so that we can ensure a smooth Dual Enrollment process. 

DE 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 access this website to create the ID. Share the ID HERE once one is created.

Important Academic Advising Dates:

  • February 5 - 9, Academic Advising Rising Juniors
  • February 12 - 16, Academic Advising Rising Seniors
  • February 20 - 27, Academic Advising Rising Sophomores
  • March 29, last day to make schedule change requests for 2024-25 School Year.

STUDENT CORNER


Graduation Stuff

Parents, please help get your senior to fill out THIS FORM for graduation. Information provided is necessary for gown orders and name pronunciation for graduation.


Late Senior Portrait Opportunity

It is not too late to be in the yearbook! Victor O'Neill Studios is offering Senior portraits at their studio, Ironlight in Chantilly, Virginia. Seniors can schedule an appointment by visiting their website. The studio operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to book your spot soon. Seniors must have their photo taken at the studio no later than February 11th.

The Ironlight Studio is semi-private, and seniors have access to the school's formal yearbook photo. To enhance your experience, you can opt for an elevated photography session. The studio's website provides details about all session types and upgrades.

If you need additional information or have questions, please contact the studio directly at ironlight@vosphoto.com.

Note: this opportunity is being provided by the photography company, Victor O'Neil Studios, and will not be held at WSHS nor is this organized by WSHS Student Activities nor the Yearbook Staff. This is the final opportunity for seniors to be included in the yearbook. 


🎓Seniors:  Graduation Announcements and Accessories 

Order HERE

Need help or want to order by phone? Please call 1-800-567-8367


SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES


Sports and Activities

Spartan Sports Calendar, Week of Jan 29 - Feb 2

Spartan Sports Calendar, Jan 29 - Feb 2

Click the image above for access to the Spartan Sports Calendar.


Student Activities Highlights


🤸🏼 West Springfield and Lewis Varsity Gymnastics Camp

Gymnastics Camp

What: Varsity Gymnastics Camp, Kids K-6

Where: West Springfield HS, Auxiliary Gym, Door 10

When: Friday, January 26, 9 - 12pm 

Cost: $30 per kid

What to bring: Water and a small snack

Registration link: 

https://forms.gle/gfANW2DxtFKU1aJw7

Emergency care card:

https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/se3_0.pdf


Athletic Boosters


🏅WSHS Athletic Booster Club Scholarship

2024 Rob Benton and Ron Tugwell Scholarship

Open to WSHS graduating seniors who participated in a VHSL sanctioned event or an FCPS supported club sport at WSHS at any time and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5

Eligible Participants include, but not necessarily limited to:

  • Athletes
    Performers
    Managers
    Trainers
    Statisticians
    Videographers

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Sunday, April 7, 2024

Booster Club Scholarship QR

Submit your Application Today!

Winners will be notified prior to the Senior Sports Banquet

 


Athletic Boosters Club Nominations and Elections

The Spartan Athletic Boosters are accepting nominations for the Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 school year.

Elections will be held on May 1, 2024 at the Booster Club Board Meeting. Submission Deadline is April 28, 2024

Athletic Boosters nominations

 

Need additional information? Check out our website and social media pages at:


 📣Spirit Wear

Shop online for spirit wear.  Two options:

  • Option #1: HERE
    • 15% off $70 with code: WIN15 

 (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!

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


WSHS Activities Calendar

We're using a new Activities Calendar this year. Check it out


Yearbooks and Senior Ads Now On Sale

Yearbook

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


GAP Year Fair

FCPS’ School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00 to 8:30pm. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6 - 7pm. Immediately following, the program fair will be held in the cafeteria from 7 - 8:30pm, with representatives from over 30 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are encouraged to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available. 


Instruction 2 Industry Career Expo Events

In February, school divisions across the region will team up with Virginia Ed Strategies to host the annual Instruction 2 Industry Career Expo event. This Northern Virginia regional event will allow high school students to connect virtually and in person, with more than 60 local industry professionals from in-demand career fields. 

The purpose of these FREE career exploration events is to provide students with opportunities to prepare for tomorrow’s workforce today. 

Virtual sessions will be held on February 5-8, from 4-7 p.m., and the in-person Career Expo and Job Fair event will be held on Saturday, February 17, from 1-4 p.m., in the North Hall of the Dulles Expo Center. 

Students should register today on the Instruction 2 Industry Events Page


Save the Date: FCPS Military Fair (Virtual), March 20, 5:30pm

  • Service Panel
  • 2 x Optional Breakout Sessions 
    • Service Academies / ROTC
    • Enlistment

More information to follow! 


News for the Community


WSHS PTSA

PTSA Fundraiser

Next PTSA Fundraiser


You Belong in the WSHS PTSA

 

Please, please don't wait any longer to join the PTSA!

Over 300-members have joined, but we need to get to 400 members to meet our budget! Please help us get there. 

If you are unsure whether you've joined, e-mail us and we'll check!

YOU can make a difference in our school. 

  • Don't wait for someone else to do it.
  • BONUS: members get access to recordings of meetings and other info!

Quick Links


ALL NIGHT GRAD PARTY - 2024!!


All Night Grad Party

WSHS Class of 2024 ANGP 

Find general information HERE


ANGP Yard Signs

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


WSHS ANGP Fundraiser

Ready to Eat, Live, and Love Better?

Friends and families of West Springfield High School can sign up for the Seasonal Roots online farmers market and get a 1-year membership for just $25 (50% off)! For each sign up, Seasonal Roots will donate $20 to the West Springfield High School All Night Grad Party!

Seasonal Roots offers custom orders with convenient home delivery of a wide variety of farm-fresh produce, baked goods, eggs, milk and artisan goods.

Click here to sign up and be sure to use the promo code WSHSANGP2024.


WSHS Social Media

Find WSHS Spartans on:


I Need Help!

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 to set up an appointment.