WSHS Spartan Weekly News - May 24, 2024

Translations Services

 

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

West Springfield High School banner

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

MAY

Monday, 5/27: Memorial Day (No School)

Friday, 5/31: Student vs. Staff Volleyball Game, 7 p.m., Main Gym

 

JUNE

Wednesday, 6/5: Annual Sports Physical Night @ WSHS 

Thursday, 6/6: Graduation, 9:30 am @ EagleBank Arena (No School)

Saturday, 6/8-6/9: Seniors ALL NIGHT GRAD PARTY

Wednesday, 6/12: Last Day of School (Early Release)


Memorial Day

🗓️ Calendar Reminder: Memorial Day  

 

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, for the Memorial Day holiday. Learn about the history of Memorial Day. See the complete school year calendar.

Throughout the year, FCPS has the opportunity to honor our military families through meaningful observances and holidays. 

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a solemn day with the distinct purpose to honor brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the nation’s military. This day brings us together as we honor those who gave their lives in defense of our nation’s freedom. It is a time to express gratitude for the bravery, dedication, and patriotism of our fallen heroes. As we honor the fallen, the day also serves as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to support all our military families. 

Let us pause to remember and honor these service members for their ultimate sacrifice, ensuring their legacy is never forgotten.  

To connect with FCPS resources, please email militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.


HELPFUL LINKS

End of the Year Schedule 

Graduation Page

Intention Form (SY 2024-2025)

Spartan Sports Camps


IN THIS ISSUE

News and Notes

Medication Pick Up at WSHS Clinic

 

Student Services Information

Graduation Approved Regalia

Graduation Bag Policy

 Rising Senior Vaccination

Academic Advising/Course Selections and Changes

 

Seniors

Senior Awards Ceremony

Senior Sports Awards Ceremony

Senior Dues

ANGP 2024

 

Student Corner

PSAT/NMSQT (Grades 10-11) and SAT Day (Grade 12)-October 9

Coursera Career Academy Program

 

Sports and Activities

Spartan Sports Camps

Sports Physical Night

Sports Tryout Dates

Sports Calendar/Activities Calendar

 

PTSA

Stock the Breakroom Success

 

Athletic Boosters

Spirit Wear

 

FCPS Information

Support Your Child’s Success in SIS ParentVUE

Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance

FCPS Summer Extravaganza

Early Online College

 

News for the Community

FREE Back to School Physicals/Immunizations

Colleges and Universities Still Accepting Applications


NEWS AND NOTES


MEDICATION PICK UP AT WSHS CLINIC

The school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than the student dismissal time on the last day of school (June 12)

Medication left in the health room after that time will be destroyed. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian. Medication cannot be sent home with your student. However, with parent or guardian permission, a high school student may transport over-the-counter medications to and from the school health room.

If your student will be enrolled in a summer program sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools, the existing medication authorization form(s) may be used for the summer program, but you will need to pick up the medication on the last day of school and deliver the medication and completed forms to the summer learning site on the first day of the summer program. Please let the health room know if you would like a copy of the form(s).


STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION


🎓Graduation Approved Regalia

Security will be screening for approved regalia upon entry to commencement. Any non-approved items will be stored and can be picked up at West Springfield High School the next day.

School-provided and nationally recognized honor society cords and stoles are appropriate. Eagle Scout and Girl Scout Gold Awards are nationally recognized awards. All non-approved items should be stored at home or in a vehicle.


👜Graduation Bag Policy

We are excited for you to join us at our ceremony at EagleBank Arena on June 6th at 9:30 AM.  In addition to traditionally prohibited items (weapons, noise makers, balls, etc.), we wanted to make you aware of their bag policy.

EagleBank Arena is encouraging guests to not bring a bag, in order to help enhance the contactless experience. If you require a bag for your personal belongings, EagleBank Arena has adopted a clear bag policy and must adhere to the following:

Clear Bag:

  • Bag must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC with no obscured inside pockets
  • Bag must not exceed 12”x12”x6”
  • Bag may be 1-gallon plastic zip lock style bag

Clutch Style Bag or Purse:

  • Non-clear clutch style bag or purse must not exceed 5”x7”

Small Medical and/or Parenting Bags

  • Will be permitted on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to increased security screening.

We look forward to seeing you at our ceremony on June 6th at 9:30AM. Do not hesitate to reach out to John Basta should you have any questions.

 

**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.


💉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

For any questions, please email WSStudentServices@fcps.edu


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


Senior Awards Ceremony

The Senior Awards Ceremony, on Monday June 3rd at 9am in Spartan Hall, is by invitation. The ceremony will honor those students who are the recipients of a West Springfield memorial, alumni, or community award. We will also recognize our graduates who have signed a contract to enlist in the military, earned an ROTC scholarship or accepted an appointment to a U.S. Service Academy. All students / parents meeting the above criteria will receive an email invite to the ceremony.

NOTE: honor graduates will be recognized during commencement; any student winning a Department Award for academic merit will be presented at an alternate venue.


Senior Sports Awards Ceremony

🤾🏽‍♀️Senior Sports Awards Ceremony

Monday, June 3rd

WSHS Auditorium

6:00 p.m. Refreshments

6:30 p.m. Ceremony Begins


💵Senior Dues

You must pay your dues in order to walk at graduation! Senior dues are $100 and can be paid in MySchoolBucks. You’ll log in, go to the school store and find “WSHS Class of 2024 Senior Fee”, add it to your cart, and pay. Please reach out to Ms. Salvato, blsalvato@fcps.edu , if you have any questions!

 

**No Checks after May 15th**


🎉ALL NIGHT GRAD PARTY-2024!!

 

WSHS All Night Grad Party Class of 2024 (WSHS ANGP 2024)

General information at https://linktr.ee/WSHSANGP

·  Purchase tickets at https://wshs-angp.square.site/registration 

·  Contact wshsangp@gmail.com with any questions.

·  Follow us on Instagram @wshsangp2024.

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We have numerous ways you can help! We need LOTS of volunteers the night of the event. We especially need a Casino Lead Volunteer. Training is provided by the vendor. 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 SIGN SALES HAVE CLOSED OUT FOR THE YEAR - Thank you for your support!

 

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.


STUDENT CORNER


PSAT/NMSQT (Grades 10-11) and SAT Day (Grade 12)

FCPS will administer the PSAT/NMSQT (grades 10-11) and SAT School Day (grade 12) on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

For more information and to request accommodations, please go to the FCPS website linked below:

PSAT/NMSQT (Grades 10-11)

SAT DAY (Grade 12)


Coursera

Coursera Career Academy Program

Explore exciting career paths and gain access to over 30 professional certifications from industry leaders (Google, Meta, Microsoft, and IBM), all at NO COST.

Browse the FCPS Student Academy Catalog here

Join in 3 Easy Steps:

1. Complete the student interest form

2. Get parent/guardian permission to access Coursera

3. Create Coursera account and get started


SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES


Spartan Sports Camps

Spartan Sports Camps

(Elementary-High School Opportunities)

 

Girls Basketball-June 17-21

Volleyball-June 24-28

Baseball-June 17-21 & 24-28

Coed Basketball- July 8-12

Softball- July 15-18

 

 

For more information and registration click here


 Sports Physical Night

Sports Physical Night

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

 

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

PN-Volunteers

🏑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.

    • Winter Sports: Try-outs begin Monday, November 11, 2024

Boys/Girls Basketball, Gymnastics, Indoor Track, Rifle, Swim & Dive, Wrestling

    • 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/

Sports and Activities

Spartan Sports Calendar, Week of May 27-31

Spartan Athletics

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


PTSA


Stock the Breakroom was a success!  Thank you to all the parents who came through to stock 11 breakrooms with drinks and snacks!

Additional thank yous:  Thank you to Rice & Spice Thai Cuisine, owned by a WSHS alum parent, who delivered 275 delicious meals to teachers at a discount that made it affordable for our PTSA!

We also want to publicly thank Ms. Vaughn for her critical assistance in making both the lunch and stock the breakroom efforts possible.   Thank you to our Teacher Appreciation Chair Elizabeth Diaz; the volunteers who helped with sorting and delivery (Angela Chambliss, Lauren Gagne, Cathy Wray, Tricia Crane) and Maggie Ewell for helping to secure 4 coffee machines to replace broken ones in breakrooms. 


Athletic Boosters


 

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! Spend $75 & Save 20% Code: TRAVEL20

 (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


In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • Support Your Child’s Success in SIS ParentVUE
  • Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance
  • FCPS Summer Extravaganza
  • Early Online College

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today


FCPS Quick Links


News for the Community


FREE School Physicals and Immunizations

INOVA Cares clinics are offering children ages 5 and older FREE School Physicals and Immunizations for the 2024-25 school year (Medicaid or Uninsured Children Only).

Saturday Dates and Locations:

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

June 29-ICC-Children-Manassas

July 20- ICC-Children-Herndon

August 17-ICC-Children-Falls Church

Appointments Required!

(NO Walk-ins will be allowed)

Call 703-698-2550

 


🎓 Colleges and Universities Still Accepting Applications

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has released their annual list of colleges and universities that are still accepting applications from prospective freshmen or transfer students for fall 2024. Users may narrow down the list of schools by state and view whether a school still has financial aid, as well as unfilled housing. 

NACAC provides an enrollment deposit fee waiver request form that is considered by some institutions for students experiencing significant financial hardship. Students and families may contact their school counselor or college and career specialist with any questions.

Students who still need assistance completing the FAFSA or VASA financial aid forms can schedule a free appointment with our partners at College Access Fairfax. Email Appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org. All FAFSA or VASA help that your school or College Access Fairfax provides is free.


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  or sign up for Talking Points.  Use code the code T6AXZW