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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
APRIL
Friday, 4/19: Prom, The River View Occoquan, 8-11 p.m. (10 p.m. last entry)
Thursday-Saturday, 4/25-4/27: Peter and the Starcatcher @ WSHS
MAY
Friday, 5/3: Teacher Workday (Student Holiday)
Wednesday, 5/22: Class schedule order change (8-4-6-2), WSHS only
Thursday, 5/23: Class schedule order change (7-3-5-1), WSHS only
Monday, 5/27: Memorial Day (No School)
JUNE
Wednesday, 6/5: Annual Sports Physical Night @ WSHS
Thursday, 6/6: Graduation, 9:30 am @ EagleBank Arena
Saturday, 6/8-6/9: Seniors ALL NIGHT GRAD PARTY
Wednesday, 6/12: Last Day of School/Early Release
Calendar Reminders: Passover
Many Jewish communities in the United States celebrate Passover, a recognition of the deliverance of Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Learn more about Passover in NatGeo Kids.
Monday, April 22, and Tuesday, April 23, are designated evening-only observance days in recognition of the first two days of Passover. These days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school.
Theravada New Year (O Day)
In countries where Theravada Buddhism is the most dominant religion, the new year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon in April. Theravada means “the teachings of the elders.”
Wednesday, April 24, is designated as an observance day for Theravada New Year. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances during the school year. There is school on these days, however tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days. See the complete school year calendar.
Spring Testing Changes
Spring standardized testing is just around the corner, and we wanted to make you aware of two important items:
- Upcoming Schedule Changes:
- On Wednesday, May 22nd, the order of class periods will change to be 8-4-6-2.
- On Thursday, May 23rd, the order of class periods will change to be 7-3-5-1.
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Both are local changes that will only apply at WSHS. Buses will run on a normal schedule, and students will report to their Academies at the same time of day, unless they are scheduled to participate in an SOL.
- Volunteers Needed for AP Exams:
- We are still in search of adult volunteers to help support AP exams from May 6th – May 17th.
- No experience is necessary, and instructions will be provided ahead of time.
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Please use this link to sign up. We sincerely appreciate your time!
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to our Assessment Coach, Laura Fitzsimmons (Lmfitzsimmon@fcps.edu).
STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION
💉Rising 12th Graders: Meningococcal Immunization Requirement
The Code of Virginia requires all students to be immunized against certain communicable diseases prior to entrance into Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). All students entering 12th grade will be required to receive one dose of Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school.
To meet the Meningococcal (MenACWY) 12th grade requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 16 or older.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Commissioner of Health have provided the following MenACWY immunization packets for SY 23-24 which can be found on the School Health Services Hub page:
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/11/2024/03/Rising-12th-Grader-Packet_English.pdf
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/11/2024/03/Rising-12th-Grade-Letter-Packet_Spanish.pdf
Academic Advising/Course Selections and Changes
Dear Students and Parents/Guardians,
We have reached the end of our main phase of the academic advising season to select courses for the 2024-2025 school year. After various information opportunities (curriculum night, electives fair, information on our website, academic advising website, and YouTube clips of courses), students were able to meet with their school counselor individually to finalize course selections. The current course selections will drive the development of how many sections we can offer per course, staffing decisions, and the creation of schedules. This process will continue throughout the summer.
The course selections can be reviewed in ParentVue and StudentVue. After parents/guardians have reviewed their student's course selections together, you may use this form to request a change from your original course selections for the 2024-2025 school year.
Please note that completion of this form does not guarantee that your request will be approved. Approval is based on seat availability and pre-requisite requirements. Requests will be reviewed every two weeks from April 4-June 13 and again from August 1-16. During these two time periods, if your request is approved, confirmation will be sent to the student's FCPS and parent/guardian email address provided on the form. If approved, students and families will also be able to see the change(s) in StudentVue and ParentVue. If the student wants to revoke a submitted request, please contact your school counselor by June 13th.
SENIORS
FAFSA HELP
Nationwide, as many as 30% fewer graduating seniors have completed and submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), according to recent news reports. Many schools rely upon the FAFSA form to grant students financial aid award letters.
Families who have questions or persistent technical issues filling out the FAFSA might consider scheduling a free appointment with our partners at College Access Fairfax; email appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org. All FAFSA help provided by your school or College Access Fairfax is free.
🎓 Graduation is Near!
Graduation for the WSHS Class of 2024 will be on Thursday, June 6th, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at EagleBank Arena on the George Mason University Campus.
**Parents, guardians, and students please visit our recently published Graduation Page for information about graduation, exam/event schedules for Seniors, and much more.**
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.
🧹Spring Cleaning!
Parents, please encourage your students that NOW is the time to begin Spring Cleaning! Here’s a short list of ways to ensure your student closes out the year without discrepancy:
- Return any issued academic books
- Return overdue library books
- Settle any invoices for MySchoolBucks accounts
- Provide payment for outstanding activities or obligations
Note to Senior parents: all delinquencies must be settled prior to graduation. Let’s start cleaning up… now!
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.
🎉ALL NIGHT GRAD PARTY-2024!!
General information at https://linktr.ee/WSHSANGP.
Our next General Meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, April 25th at 7 pm. Watch our Facebook group for the link.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We have numerous ways you can help! We need LOTS of volunteers the night of the event. We welcome parents of juniors to volunteer, so you know what to expect next year when it's your turn:). Thank you in advance! Sign up to volunteer at the event HERE
Sign up to donate items on our Amazon Wish List
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
SEASONAL ROOTS FUNDRAISER
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.
Class of 2025 ANGP- Jiffy Lube Fundraiser
Class of 2025 Parents, the Jiffy Lube concert series is right around the corner. This year, they have a great lineup. (Jiffy Lube Live - 2024 show schedule & venue information - Live Nation)
We need your help making our kiddos' All Night Grad Party one to remember! If you enjoy live music have we got a deal for you! Come out and volunteer to serve drinks at Jiffy Lube this summer, listen to a great show, and earn money for our party! Concerts are starting soon (May). Please check it out and share with friends, family, and neighbors. The only requirement is to complete a training and be 21 or older.
To volunteer you must attend Customer Service “Orientation” training. You can sign up for training at https://forms.gle/QGfNBgNGvZUhYwU37
The dates available are:
Saturday 4/20 at 12 PM
Saturday 4/27 at 12 PM
Tuesday 5/7 at 6 PM
Wednesday 5/8 at 6 PM
This is the largest fundraiser that supports our kids ANGP! Please sign up if you can and reach out with questions wshsangpjiffylube25@gmail.com
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STUDENT CORNER
🚗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
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 4/16 and 5/7.
Send any questions to Mr. Casey Grubbs (clgrubbs@fcps.edu)
SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES
🏐Boys Volleyball Interest Meeting
Rising seniors, juniors, and sophomores-Come meet the head coach and learn about the fall season!
Wednesday, April 24th @ 3:15 p.m.
Health Room #2223
🎭PERFORMING ARTS
Thurs, April 25 @ 7p
Fri, April 26 @ 7p
Sat, April 27 @ 2p & 7p
Purchase tickets here
Sports Physical Night
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The annual Sports Physical Night will be hosted at West Springfield on June 5th in collaboration with Lake Braddock and South County.
Appointments start at 5:30pm.
Use the link below to register:
Student registration
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Medical Professionals Needed
Help support the West Springfield Athletic Training Program by signing off on PPEs at our Annual Sports Physical Night on June 5th!
Volunteer registration
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🏑Sports Tryout Dates
Are you planning to try-out for a sports team at West Springfield?
- Season Start Dates:
- Fall Sports: Try-outs begin Monday, August 5, 2024
Cross Country, Cheerleading, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Girls Volleyball
**Exception: Golf begins August 1, 2024
PLEASE NOTE THAT FALL SPORTS DO BEGIN IN AUGUST. ALL SUMMER VACATIONS SHOULD BE PLANNED FOR JUNE/JULY.
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Winter Sports: Try-outs begin Monday, November 11, 2024
Boys/Girls Basketball, Gymnastics, Indoor Track, Rifle, Swim & Dive, Wrestling
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Spring Sports: Monday, February 24, 2025
Baseball, Crew, Girls/Boys Lacrosse, Outdoor Track, Girls/Boys Soccer, Softball, Girls/Boys Tennis
- If you have sport specific questions, please contact the coach directly. Please find coaches contact information HERE
Each athlete MUST complete the 2 items below prior to any off season workout or try-outs:
- VHSL physical is required for participation. It must be dated after May 1, 2024. The VHSL Physical Form can be found HERE
- Please make sure that the insurance information is included, and all parent/student signatures are on the form.
- Please turn your Physical into the Activities Office. Mail to: Attn: Chris Worrell ATC West Springfield HS, 6100 Rolling Road, Springfield VA, 22152 or email to: cworrell@fcps.edu
- Families & student-athletes must complete the online Athletic Registration each school year after May 1st for the following school year. You can find this link HERE. The information on the registration must be updated each year for the student-athlete to be eligible. Please update any emergency contact information, complete the concussion education, and check the sport(s) that they wish to try-out for.
- Instructions for how to complete Athletic Registration can be found HERE
Athletics Website: https://westspringfieldspartansathletics.com/
Spartan Sports Calendar, Week of April 21-27
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.
Athletic Boosters
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 - Spend $75 & Save 20% Code: TEAM20
(Exclusions apply to the brands: The North Face, Acrux, Carhartt, 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
💚 No-Cost Talk Therapy for High Schoolers
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. Virtual mental health services are available at no cost through an FCPS partnership with therapists who are licensed and trained in teen-specific challenges. Forty percent of Hazel providers are bilingual, speaking more than 15 languages.
Students may be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. Therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect them with longer-term mental health services in the community. Learn how to opt your student(s) in to this service.
✅ School Health Services Satisfaction Survey
The Fairfax County Health Department and FCPS School Health Services invite parents/caregivers to participate in a survey on the level of satisfaction with support provided to your school community by School Health Services. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and is open until Friday, April 26. Your feedback can help to improve school health services.
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 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.
Family Summit Designed to Enhance Safety, Security, Inclusion
The FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families, such as social-emotional resources. Session topics include raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; helping children manage emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. Online sessions will provide support for students with disabilities and their families.
Visit the Family Summit webpage to learn more about the guest speakers and register to attend. The theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
💻 April Webinars and Events for Families
The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars for adults to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Upcoming events include:
Click the linked titles above to register. Learn more about FRC webinars and events.
FCPS Quick Links
NEWS FOR THE COMMUNITY
Academy Day - April 20, 2024
Virginia Senator Mark Warner extends a warm invitation to high school and middle school students, their parents and guardians, and school counselors to participate in Academy Day. This event offers valuable insight into higher education and service to the nation.
Scheduled to take place at Randolph-Macon College on April 20, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Academy Day will serve as a comprehensive guide to the five distinguished United States service academies and their admission processes. Attendees can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the pathways available to them by meeting with representatives from the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board, various ROTC programs, and the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership at Mary Baldwin University. Tours of Randolph-Macon College also will be available at the end of the event.
To register for the event, please visit Academy Day 2024. For more information on the Academy Nomination Process, please Senator Warner’s website.
Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any enrichment opportunity they may use before participating.
To connect with FCPS resources, please email militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.
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 sign up for Talking Points. Use code the code T6AXZW
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