WSHS Spartan Weekly News - February 9, 2024

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West Springfield High School banner

NEWS AND NOTES


UPCOMING EVENTS

 

FEBRUARY:

Monday, 2/19: Washington's Birthday and Presidents' Day (no school)

 

MARCH:

Tuesday, 3/5: Student Holiday (no school)

Friday, 3/8: International Night, 7pm

Saturday, 3/9: Fairfax County Teen Job Fair @ WSHS [corrected date] 

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

Friday, 3/22: End of 3rd Quarter

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


Policy: Food Deliveries During School

Students and Parents,

Be aware that food deliveries from external services such as DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats are not permitted on campus during school hours. This restriction prioritizes the safety and well-being of our students and ensures an optimal learning environment for everyone.

Reasons for this policy:

  • Safety: Unrestricted access by unknown individuals onto school grounds during the day raises security concerns.

  • Distractions: Deliveries often disrupt our main office staff, and have the potential to disrupt the learning environment for both students and faculty.

  • Health and Sanitation: Maintaining proper food handling and allergen controls is difficult with external deliveries, raising potential health risks.

  • Equity: To ensure fairness and avoid lunch shaming, the school encourages all students to utilize the available lunch options, including bringing personal packed lunches or purchasing meals from the cafeteria.

What this means:

Any food deliveries sent to the school during school hours will be refused and discarded. Students will not be notified or allowed to retrieve them.

We encourage students to plan their lunches accordingly and take advantage of the healthy options available in the cafeteria or bring packed lunches from home.


STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION


💚 Thank You, School Counselors

This week is National School Counseling Week, which highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and plan for a career. 

School counselors work with students in many ways, including classroom lessons, group sessions, individual counseling, and academic career-focused help. Read about some of our exemplary school counselors featured on the Instagram stories of our WSHS Mental Health Student Alliance Instagram Page. 


Report Cards

Report Cards are now Available in ParentVue. Students or parents in need of a physical copy of the report card can email: WSStudentServices@fcps.edu.


24-25 SY CPP Application

The College Partnership Program (CPP) application is now open until March 15th. Learn more about CPP here. The application can be found HERE.

This program is designed to support students interested in exploring, applying to, and enrolling in college. Students of all backgrounds and experiences (grades 8-11) are encouraged to apply. 

CPP was created to help students who face additional barriers to achieving their higher education goals, which includes:

  • Students who are the first in their family to attend college in the U.S.
  • English language learners
  • Students who are economically disadvantaged
  • Students with disabilities

Direct any questions to one of our WSHS CPP Advocates: Kimberley Greene-Herbert , Jeff Toomer , or Taylor Wagonseller.


FCPS Academies Open Houses Continue

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.


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 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


Take your Learner’s Permit Test at West Springfield HS

Learner's Permit

 

When: 3:10pm, specific dates below

Where: Room 2225

Cost: $20

2023-24 Dates: 2nd Semester shown below

  • February 20
  • March 11
  • April 3 and 25
  • May 15

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 ID is required).
  • If student has had two unsuccessful attempts at passing this test, then they are required to test at the DMV for their 3rd attempt.

Please read the instructions below carefully…

How to Register:

  1. Visit FCPS ACE and sign up for a specific date: fcps.edu
  2. Once registered on the FCPS ACE site, student must also register with the DMV. A link is provided during the ACE registration and in a 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-; student should bring with them on test day:

  • 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. Students may also show their photo from SIS.
  • Earbuds/headphones to listen to directions and test audio.

NEED TO PREPARE FOR THE LEARNERS PERMIT TEST? SIGN UP FOR ONE OF THE PREP COURSES!

These 90-minute classes are offered on Zoom and help to prepare students for the permit test. Sign up on aceclasses.fcps.edu. Dates for spring are 2/13, 3/5, 4/16, 5/7.

Send any questions to Mr. Casey Grubbs (clgrubbs@fcps.edu)


Spanish Tutoring

Now Available: Spanish Tutoring Levels 1-3, During LS

What students need to do:

  • Tell your Spanish teacher at least one day in advance
  • Report to Room #1227
  • Bring: classwork, homework study guides

Attention Class of 2024! 

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: Feb 11th Deadline

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 February 12 - 17


Spartan Sports Calendar

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


WSHS Activities Calendar

School Activities Calendar. 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.


Athletic Boosters


February Booster Meeting

Our next Spartan Athletic Booster's meeting will be held on Monday, February 12 at 7pm at WSHS Room 2223. Enter Door 5 and make the immediate left.


🏅Booster Club Scholarship

WSHS Athletic Boosters Scholarship

Click image to access application.

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


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!

FCPS INFORMATION


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. 

The in-person Career Expo and Job Fair event will be held on Saturday, February 17, from 1-4pm, 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! 


Tutor.com Teacher-Referred Tutoring

Through Schoology, all FCPS students have 24/7 access to no-cost, year-round, on-demand, 1-to-1 tutoring services through Tutor.com

A new Teacher-Referred Tutoring program feature provides targeted support and extends student learning. Teachers can now refer students for tutoring, with their specific needs already identified. Students can get extra support — on their own schedule — and reinforce their in-class learning.

We strongly encourage all FCPS middle and high school students to click on the Tutor.com icon in their Schoology portal for homework help, concept review, writing support, and test prep—anytime, anywhere.

 Plus, look for teachers’ tutoring session referrals on the Tutor.com homepage.


FCPS Quick Links


NEWS FOR THE COMMUNITY


Black History Month

Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month.


Sign Up for FCPS Summer Camps and Learning Programs 

Registration is now open for several summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30am to 2pm. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. 

CTE programs are available for grade 6-11 students to explore CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. IFTA allows students to select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9, music, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage to register.

Summer Learning

Programs are also available for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement, earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program, or recover one high school course credit through the Credit Recovery Academy

FCPS' free online class for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provides FCPS middle and high school English Learners the opportunity to continue developing their academic, reading, and writing skills in online discussions with an ESOL teacher. 

Find session dates, registration links, and registration deadlines on FCPS summer programs. 


2024 Fairfax County Teen Job Fair Schedule

The Annual Fairfax County Teen Job Fair focuses on students and young job seekers who are looking for a variety of employment opportunities; full time, after-school, seasonal positions, internship opportunities, and volunteer positions.

The fairs have provided thousands of teenagers the opportunity to get in front of employers and for our employers to find talented Fairfax County students to fill their positions. 

This year, the fairs will run on two Saturdays in March:

  • March 2 at Chantilly High School, 11am - 1pm*
  • March 9 [corrected date] at West Springfield High School, 11am - 1pm*

*Final workshops will end at 1:30pm

The fairs are open to all teens in Fairfax County looking for employment, volunteer opportunities, or tips on building their resume.

Student registration is free and open to all teens in Fairfax County looking for employment, volunteer opportunities, or tips on building their resume.

Business registration is also free and open to any organization providing positions for students. Free table space and a complimentary table covering will be provided to registered businesses and organizations to advertise their available positions. Participating businesses must provide positions for students at the fair; soliciting without offering positions is not permitted.


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.


Do you own a local business? 

Please consider donating as the ANGP depends largely on the generosity of the community and the senior parents to help make it a successful event and a night to remember.

You can donate online at wshs-angp.square.site. Click the “Donate” link at the bottom of the page. All donations are tax-deductible. 

We will show our appreciation for your support by acknowledging all donors on our West Springfield All Night Grad Party website and communications.  

We appreciate your support!


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.