|
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:
Friday, 3/8: International Night, 7pm
Saturday, 3/9: Fairfax County Teen Job Fair @ WSHS, 11am-1pm
Thursday, 3/21: EL Parent's Night, 6:30pm
Friday, 3/22: End of 3rd Quarter
Monday, 3/25 - Friday, 3/29: Spring Break
APRIL:
Monday, 4/1: Teacher Workday (student holiday)
Tuesday, 4/2: Staff Development (student holiday)
International Night Tickets on Sale NOW
Buy Tickets HERE
All guests enter through Door 10 only. NO ticket sales at the door.
It is preferred to purchase using a desktop rather than a cellphone.
Food Sales begin at 5:30 pm in the Cafeteria
CASH ONLY
📅 Calendar Reminders
Daylight Saving Time Begins
Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 10, at 2 a.m., when daylight saving time begins!
First Full Day of Ramadan
The first full day of Ramadan is Monday, March 11. In Islam, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During Ramadan, 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 a religious and cultural observance day. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances during the school year. There is school on observance days, however, tests, quizzes, field trips, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be scheduled. See the school year calendar.
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
This year, spring break is March 25-29. We will be eager to welcome your children back to school on Wednesday, April 3, after two teacher work days. Student attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning.
Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong. Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources
|
✅ Take the Family Engagement Survey!
FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey is now open. Survey partner K12 Insight emailed a link to families on March 3 and again on March 6. Please participate! Your feedback is critical in helping to inform and improve FCPS practices to best support our students.
The survey is available in 10 languages. Parents/caregivers may stop by the front office to fill out a paper survey or complete the survey online. Please check your email for the survey invitation or use this survey link. Get more information on the Family Engagement Survey webpage.
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
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
Last Chance to Order: 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.
-
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
Spartan Sports Calendar, Week of March 12-16
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.
|
Elections will be held on May 1, 2024 at the Booster Club Board Meeting.
Submission Deadline is April 28, 2024
|
|
 |
Need additional information? Check out our website and social media pages at:
📣Spirit Wear
Shop online for spirit wear. Two options:
-
Option #1: HERE
- Limited Time Only! 15% OFF $75 CODE: FAN15
(Exclusions apply to the brands: The North Face, Acrux, Carhartt, 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
New Regulation on Meditation and Reflection Spaces
FCPS has developed a regulation to ensure all students and staff have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school division. Regulation 1502 provides guidance for schools on how to manage requests for silent reflection during instructional and non-instructional time, and for students to leave school for religious activities.
These spaces are designated areas within a school or on school premises for individuals to engage in prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, inclusive of their religious or non-religious beliefs. Parents/caregivers must provide written permission for students requesting to miss instructional time on a regular basis. Families are encouraged to contact their student’s school regarding accommodations. Visit FCPS' Guidelines for Religious Activities webpage for more information.
💵Bipartisan Study Finds Virginia Public School Divisions Receive Less Funding per Student Than Other States
The School Board recently adopted FCPS’ FY 2025 Advertised Budget. Meeting budget needs becomes more of a challenge with underfunding by the state, using staffing formulas that continue to result in school districts not receiving the actual support needed for excellent public education. A staffing formula is the method for calculating the number of positions that need to be assigned to meet program needs.
Did You Know?
In July 2023, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) released a study of Virginia’s K-12 funding formulas. The report found that Virginia school divisions receive less funding per student than the 50-state average, the regional average, and many of Virginia’s neighboring states including West Virginia, Maryland, and Kentucky. Learn more about the JLARC study. View FCPS’ budget development timeline.
Contact your state officials to provide feedback on funding for K-12 education.
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
FCPS Virtual Military Night
FCPS Virtual Military Night is March 20, 2024 from 6:00 - 8:00pm. FCPS students and families will have the opportunity to learn about the various pathways available, including enlistment, ROTC, Senior Military Colleges, and Service Academies. No prior registration required.
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:
-
Tuesday, April 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Graham Road Elementary School.
-
Tuesday, April 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at South County Middle School.
-
Thursday, May 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Terraset Elementary School.
-
Wednesday, May 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Hybla Valley Elementary School.
-
Thursday, May 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Poe Middle School.
-
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 and learn about support services available within FCPS and Fairfax County.
The material discussed is suitable for students in grades 6 to 12. 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.
🥁 Browse Summer Camps and Learning Programs
Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a camp for your child with special needs?
The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.
FCPS Summer Camp Offerings
Registration is now open for many summer camps and learning opportunities offered by FCPS for all students.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Visit these sites for more information:
Find session dates and registration links and deadlines on the FCPS summer programs webpage.
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 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
|
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
|
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:
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.
|
