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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.
NEWS AND NOTES
UPCOMING EVENTS
MARCH:
Sunday, 3/3: Spartan Crew Bingo, 2 pm, WSHS Cafeteria
Tuesday, 3/5: Student Holiday (no school); PTSA Meeting 7:30 pm
Wednesday, 3/6: Athletic Booster's meeting, 7 pm at WSHS Room 2223
Friday, 3/8: International Night, 7pm
Saturday, 3/9: Fairfax County Teen Job Fair @ WSHS
Thursday, 3/21: EL Parent's Night, 6:30pm
Friday, 3/22: End of 3rd Quarter
Monday, 3/25 - Friday, 3/29: Spring Break
First Amendment Press Freedom Award 2024 WSHS Winner
A Big Congratulations to Beth Leone, Melissa Morgan and Alexa Whitlock, along with The Oracle, The Olympian, and Symposium students!
West Springfield High School has been selected as a 2024 First Amendment Press Freedom Award recipient. A committee with representatives from the Journalism Education Association, National Scholastic Press Association and the Quill and Scroll Society studied each application carefully and WSHS was one of 28 schools selected (3 FCPS schools), to receive this prestigious award. The award recognizes those schools who actively support, teach and protect First Amendment Rights and Responsibilities of students and teachers, with an emphasis on student-run media where students make all final decisions of content.
Check out the press release HERE
📅 Calendar Reminder: First Full Day of Ramadan
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This year, the first full day of Ramadan is Monday, March 11. In Islam, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this month Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset each day while striving to increase their spirituality, through prayers, charity and good deeds. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids.
March 11 is an O day. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances during the school year. There is school on these days, however, tests, quizzes, field trips, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days.
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March 5 Presidential Primary — Student Holiday/School Planning Day
The Fairfax Board of Elections requested that schools be closed on Tuesday, March 5, to accommodate the administration of the 2024 presidential primary election. March 5 will be a holiday for students and a virtual School Planning Day for teachers. Central offices and school offices will remain open. See the complete school year calendar.
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International Night: Spirit Week
March 4-8
Monday: International Flag Day (Wear flag colors)
Tuesday: NO SCHOOL
Wednesday: Dream Around the World (PJs)
Thursday: World Sports Day (Wear Jerseys)
Friday: Fashion Around the World (Wear Cultural Attire)
International Night, 7 pm
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West Springfield PTSA Meeting featuring School Board Members
STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION
Academic Advising Schedule Dates and Information
We have now completed Academic Advising. We are asking each parent/guardian to please take a look at what courses were requested by your student. This can be done through ParentVue under Course Request. If for some reason you are unable to see the course requests please reach out to your student’s counselor.
Due to staffing for the 24-25 school year students have until March 29th to make any changes to their schedule. If you signed up for a Dual Enrollment class your counselor has shared the registration process. If you signed up for an Academy we will have decisions by March 29th.
NOVA Virtual Sessions for Seniors and Their Families
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is offering virtual information and application sessions. Information sessions will provide an overview of NOVA and the opportunities, services, and resources designed to connect high school seniors to the NOVA Nighthawk Community.
Sessions are open to all FCPS seniors and their families. For questions, email admissions@nvcc.edu or call 703-323-3000.
24-25 SY College Partnership Program 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.
STUDENT CORNER
Spartan Crew Bingo
Sunday, March 3
1:00 pm- Doors Open
2:00 pm- 1st Game Starts
Located @ WSHS Cafeteria
Purchase tickets online
$28 Online through Mar 2
$30 at the door
* 1 Ticket = 20 Bingo Games + 1 Raffle Ticket
CASH Only on March 3rd for (no ATM onsite):
Special Games * Raffles * Bingo Daubers
Food and Drinks
🍥Crew Fundraiser: Asian Grill
Satisfy your cravings for authentic quality dishes while supporting the crew team during our first ever 2 day dining-out fundraiser!
When: March 5-6
Where:
Asian Grill
6228 Rolling Road, Unit 8, Springfield VA 22152
703-569-4800
asiangrillspringfield.com
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What: Ballin’ with Buddies is an inclusive community basketball tournament including students from WSHS, Lewis HS, Irving, and Rolling Valley ES.
When: Saturday, March 16th from 12-2pm
This FREE event will include several raffle items, yummy food, and exciting halftime entertainment!
Where: WSHS Main Gym
Everyone is welcome!
Follow us on Instagram @Wshsbuddies
#BetterTogether
Mulch Sale 2024!
The West Springfield High School Touchdown Club Boosters are pleased to announce our 2024 Annual Mulch Sale. The WSHS Touchdown Club Boosters supports our WSHS Spartans football teams to help support the program needs and assist students who otherwise may not be able to participate in all aspects of the football program.
Our high-quality double-shredded hardwood mulch is guaranteed to be free of additives, chemicals, or dyes and comes in 3-cubic-foot bags. Our prices are $6 per bag! Orders of ten bags or more qualify for professional delivery (within the West Springfield High School Boundary Only)!
Deliveries will be made on March 15th & 16th! Order online via our secure website. CLICK HERE TO ORDER BY MARCH 8th!
No time to spread your mulch. Let our Boys Lacrosse team spread it for you! Click HERE to schedule.
🚗Take your Learner’s Permit Test at West Springfield HS
When: 3:10pm, specific dates below
Where: Room 2225
Cost: $20
2023-24 Dates: 2nd Semester shown below
- 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:
- Visit FCPS ACE and sign up for a specific date: fcps.edu
- 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.
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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)
‼️Attention Class of 2024‼️
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.
🎓Seniors: Graduation Announcements and Accessories
Order HERE
Need help or want to order by phone? Please call 1-800-567-8367
SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES
🎾Spring Sports Tryout Dates / Times
Spartan Sports Calendar, Week of March 4-9
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
 School Activities Calendar. 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.
Athletic Boosters
🏅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
Eligible Activities:
Baseball
Basketball
Cheerleading
Crew
Cross Country
Debate
Field Hockey
Football
Forensics
Golf
Gymnastics |
Indoor Track
Lacrosse
One Act Play
Outdoor Track
Rifle
Scholastics
Soccer
Softball
Swim & Dive
Tennis
Volleyball
Wrestling |
Athletic Boosters Club Nominations and Elections
The Spartan Athletic Boosters are accepting nominations for the Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 school year.
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Elections will be held on May 1, 2024 at the Booster Club Board Meeting.
Submission Deadline is April 28, 2024
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Need additional information? Check out our website and social media pages at:
📣Spirit Wear
Shop online for spirit wear. Two options:
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Option #1: HERE
- Limited Time Only! 20% OFF $100 CODE: GEAR20
(Exclusions apply to the brands: The North Face, Acrux, and TravisMathew).
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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
☑️ School Board Adopts Fiscal Year 2025 Advertised Budget
The School Board voted to adopt the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Advertised Budget last Thursday.
The Advertised Budget prioritizes the school division’s most urgent needs, including providing employees with competitive compensation, so that each and every student has access to the world-class education they deserve.
The budget is closely aligned with FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which seeks a strong academic start for our youngest students and prepares our graduates for a thriving future. Nearly 86% of the budget is focused on instruction.
The School Board will vote on the FY 2025 Approved Budget in May. View the news release.
Do You Know Where FCPS Funding Comes From?
The majority of FCPS funding is requested from the Fairfax County government, which generates its revenue from real estate and personal property taxes. The Commonwealth of Virginia provides the next largest source of revenue to FCPS through state aid and sales tax. The rest of the funding comes from a variety of sources, including federal aid and tuition for non-county residents. (Numbers in the chart above represent the FY 2025 proposed school operating fund in millions.)
FCPS does not have the authority to impose taxes and may only charge fees where the Commonwealth of Virginia has granted specific authority.
✅ Look for the Family Engagement Survey This Sunday
FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey will open Sunday, March 3. Parents/caregivers will receive the survey link via email from independent research firm K12 Insight. Please participate — your feedback is critical in helping to inform and improve practices to best support our students.
Taking this survey will also help strengthen the partnership between your family and your school. When that partnership is strong, students can experience a range of benefits including improved school readiness, higher student achievement, better social skills and behavior, and an increased likelihood of graduating high school.
The survey will take about 10-15 minutes to complete and will be available in 10 languages. Please visit the Family Engagement Survey webpage for more information. Your voice matters!
Become Next Year’s School Board Student Representative
Each year FCPS students have the opportunity to apply for the position of student representative to the School Board. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity by representing the interests of the students of Fairfax County Public Schools.
For more information on this role, please see FCPS Policy 1802. Visit the application webpage for details on eligibility, the application, and deadlines.
What Is It Like to Serve on the Fairfax County School Board?
Rida Karim, the current student representative to the School Board, describes the demands, expectations, and rewards of the position in this short video.
Virtual Gathering for Military-Connected Families
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) values the unique experiences and perspectives of our military-connected families and students.
Family and School Partnerships invites military-connected parents and guardians to attend a special virtual gathering to connect directly with FCPS staff and community members, learn about valuable resources, and share their experiences within FCPS.
This interactive session will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 7-8 p.m. Please register for this event to receive the Zoom link and meeting invitation.
For more information about the gathering and/or military-connected resources, please email Meredith Ayala, Family Partnerships Specialist, Military-Connected Youth & Families, at mlayala1@fcps.edu or militaryfamilies@fcps.edu
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FCPS Purple Up!
T-Shirts Available for Purchase
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Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is gearing up to honor and celebrate its military-connected youth in April, the Month of the Military Child and on Purple Up! Day!
This year, Virginia will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 17. Purple Up! Day is a special day for communities to come together and wear purple as a visible gesture of support for our military-connected youth and their families. Purple symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the military.
FCPS Purple Up! t-shirts are available for purchase now through Friday, March 8, 2024 here. The shirts highlight our gratitude and appreciation for our 14,000 military-connected students and their families. #PurpleUpFCPS!
For more information and/or to connect with FCPS resources, email us at militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.
Our Schools, Our Future: Register for Community Conversations
Join Dr. Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation. Your voice matters! Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to a conversation on:
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Tuesday, April 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Graham Road Elementary School.
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Tuesday, April 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at South County Middle School.
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Thursday, May 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Terraset Elementary School.
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Wednesday, May 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Hybla Valley Elementary School.
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Thursday, May 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Poe Middle School.
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Tuesday, May 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Katherine Johnson Middle School.
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. Learn about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
Fairfax County Science and Engineering Fair Open House
Members of the general public are invited to attend the science fair open house at Robinson Secondary School on Sunday, March 17, 1-3pm.
FCPS Quick Links
NEWS FOR THE COMMUNITY
🎤 Join a Community Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs
A community conversation addressing the opioid crisis within Northern Virginia and Fairfax County Public Schools will be held Monday, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m., in the auditorium at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Please enter through Door #14.
All attendees will receive free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County.
This discussion will provide families, staff, and students with valuable knowledge about the dangers of drugs and deadly fentanyl. The material discussed is suitable for students in grades 6 to 12. Together as a community, we aim to explore collaborative strategies to minimize the impact of these harmful and too often fatal substances.
Language interpretation services are available as well as American Sign Language accommodation. Childcare and transportation will also be provided, as needed. Learn more about the event and register online.
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 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!!
WSHS Class of 2024 ANGP
Find 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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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.
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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:
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.
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