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UPCOMING EVENTS
AUGUST
Fri, 8/30: Labor Day Break (No school)
SEPTEMBER
Mon, 9/2: Labor Day Break (No School)
Fri, 9/27: Homecoming: WSHS vs. Yorktown
Sat, 9/28: Homecoming Dance
OCTOBER
Thu, 10/3: Rosh Hashanah (No School)
Fri, 10/4: Teacher workday (Student Holiday)
Wed, 10/9: PSAT/NMSQT (Grades 10/11) and SAT Day (Grade 12)- (2 Hour Early Release/No School for 9th Graders)
Mon, 10/14: Staff Development Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Student Holiday)
Thu, 10/31: End of Quarter 1 (2 Hour Early Release)
 Assessment Coach Laura Fitzsimmons welcoming parents at Back to School Night
🗓️ Calendar Reminder: Labor Day
Friday, August 30, and Monday, September 2, are holidays for all FCPS employees and students in honor of Labor Day.
Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends.
See the complete school year calendar.
Overdose Awareness Day
August 31 is Overdose Awareness Day. There are three things you can do now to support student wellness and increase understanding of the dangers of opioids and fentanyl:
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Safely store and dispose of medications, including prescription pain medications, to prevent drug misuse.
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Sign up for a Virtual REVIVE! training class to learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose and administer naloxone nasal spray to reverse an opioid overdose.
Learn more about the dangers of opioids and available resources on our website. Visit the Student Safety and Wellness webpage for more information on topics related to student well-being.
STUDENT SERVICES
Social-Emotional Learning Screener
On October 22nd (make up date of October 28th) during 4th period advisory classes all students will participate in a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener unless opted out by a parent or guardian. Opt Outs can be completed through ParentVue. If you have submitted a paper opt out form, it has been filed and your student will be exempt from the SEL Screener. If you would still like to opt your student out and have not done so yet, please contact John Basta at jbasta@fcps.edu
The SEL Screener elevates the voices of our students by making sure their perspectives are considered in decision-making. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. Division and school level results, which do not include individual student information, may be used by staff to improve SEL and mental wellness practices and to inform strategic plans. Division and school level results may also be shared with the community to describe the needs of our student body and provide opportunities for partnership.
STUDENT CORNER
PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day Information
Wednesday, October 9th is PSAT/NMSQT (10/11) and SAT Day (12).
- Students receiving low incidence special education services receive a normal instructional program if not participating in the PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day
- Grade 9 students do not attend school this day
- Grade 10-11 students take the PSAT/NMSQT, with limited exceptions (see testing memo) and are released 2 hours early
- Grade 12 students are encouraged to participate in the SAT; those choosing not to take the SAT do not attend school this day
General logistics of note:
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October 9 is a 2-hour early release day for high schools and secondary schools.
- SAT School Day administration begins in the morning, according to regular school start times.
- High school academy courses are not held on October 9; high school academy staff support base school activities, and all high school shuttles are canceled on this date
- FCPS transportation is available to all students. The SAT coordinator will arrange afternoon transportation for students testing with extended time
- Breakfast and lunch are available for purchase
Students who would like to sign up for the SAT on October 9th are asked to complete the form below by Wednesday, September 4, at 3PM. Students may not sign up after this deadline.
West Springfield High School: 2024 SAT School Day Intent to Participate Form https://forms.gle/T8p2N5uQmLC3njKy5
Your student will need to use a @fcpsschools.net email account to access and complete this form. For security reasons, no personal accounts will be able to access the form. This link is also available on the WSHS Class of 2025 Schoology Group. A translated version of the form content may be found on the SAT School Day Intent Form webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/43896). FCPS sites cannot accept walk-ins on the day of the exam.
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Learner's Permit Test at WSHS
When: 3:10pm- specific dates below
Where: Room 2228
Cost: $25
2024-25 Dates: 1st Semester shown below
- September 5 and 26
- October 24
- November 21
- December 5
- January 9
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 you have had 2 unsuccessful attempts at passing this test, then you are required to test at the DMV for your 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, you must also register with the DMV. A link is provided during the ACE registration and in your 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- bring them with you on your 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. You may also show your photo from SIS.
- Earbuds/headphones to listen to directions and test audio (optional).
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 1st Semester are 9/25, 10/21, 11/18, 12/4, 1/8.
Send any questions to Casey Grubbs (clgrubbs@fcps.edu)
PTSA
Join the PTSA
The PTSA is back and we would love to you have you join us as we prepare to support our school.
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I joined this past spring. Do I need to join again? Yes. Our membership year lasts from July 1 - June 30, so if you haven't joined for the current year in the last few weeks, please join for this year!
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Why should I join? This is our school. We can keep it a great school by doing our part, or we can hope others do it for us. Be part of the people doing their part, and help support an organization that advocates for our children and schools! See our list of other reasons at https://wshsptsa.net/join/membership/
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If I join, will I be asked to do things? You can just pay your dues and not do anything else if you want. Totally up to you. We'll share volunteer opportunities and opportunities for donations to teacher appreciation and other events, but joining doesn't commit you to doing anything else. The most important step is joining. I hear too often "I didn't join because I don't have time to do things." Don't let that stop you. If that's the case, we're happy to just take your financial support-- we'll put it to good use!
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What's new with the PTSA this year?
- Parent socials
- We're hoping to get help to have WSHS participate in the PTA's Reflections art contest
- Community-building projects
- Other ideas? Join and let us know. We can build together!
New PTSA officers elected for the 2024-2025 year:
During our June membership meeting, the following people were elected at PTSA officers
We are looking for volunteers to serve as committee chairs:
Here is the list of committee chair positions where we could use help:
- Teacher & Staff Appreciation
- Restaurant Night Coordinator (co-chair)
General descriptions are available at https://wshsptsa.net/about/committee/
None of these roles require large time commitments, and most only require action during short time periods (for example: teacher appreciation is generally focused on a couple of events at the beginning of the school year and in the spring). We are open to co-chairs, so if you’re worried about taking on the responsibility alone please let us know and we can try to find someone to share the responsibilities. Or ask a friend!
If you are interested in finding out how you can help with the PTSA, please e-mail us at wshsptsa@gmail.com
It’s fine if you’re not sure of which ones: we can talk and find the right one for you.
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SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES
Girls Basketball Interest Meeting
There will be a Girls Basketball Interest Meeting after school on Tuesday, September 3rd in Room 2223. It's for all girls wanting to tryout for the team in November. We will also give out workout and conditioning days for the fall.
Spirit Wear and Tickets
If you don’t have Spartan spirit wear, don’t worry -- the Booster Club will have plenty for sale!
The cost of all games is $5.00 for students and $7 for adults.
To avoid long lines, we strongly encourage you to purchase a Season Pass, through our eTIX Site. Or you can purchase individual game tickets here.
PLEASE VISIT our WEBSITE www.spartansports.net for more information and our game schedule.
 Spartan Sports Calendar Week of September 2-7
Stay in Touch with Spartan Sports!
You can follow WSHS Spartan Sports on social media:
Website: www.spartansports.net
Instagram: @wshs_sports
Sign Up For the Sports and Activities News You Choose
 School Activities Calendar. Check it out.
SENIORS
🎓 Graduation- Class of 2025
Our WSHS Graduation date was just released. The Class of 2025 graduation will be held on Monday, June 9th, at 7:00 pm. Graduation will take place at Eagle Bank Arena on the campus of George Mason University. We wanted to get the date and time advertised for planning purposes, you can get all your graduation information on our WSHS Class of 2025 page.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Career Connection Expo
The Army Community Service (ACS) Employment Readiness Program is hosting the for military spouses. The event will take place on September 12, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Fort Belvoir Community Center.
The expo aims to support military spouses in their search for meaningful employment by providing a valuable opportunity to connect with small businesses and employers from Fort Belvoir. Attendees can participate in resume reviews, network with potential employers, and explore the possibility of self-employment. A professional photographer also will be available for professional headshots.
For more information about the Career Connection Expo, please contact Laureen Dupree, ACS Employment Readiness Program Manager, at laureen.t.dupree.civ@army.mil.
To connect with FCPS military resources please email militaryfamilies@fcps.edu
FCPS NEWS
FCPS NewsIn case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Understanding the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)
- School Safety Reminders
- Community Conversations with Dr. Reid
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School StudentsVirtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as:
- Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
- Anxiety, worry, fears
- Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
- Academic stress
You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services.
Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
FCPS Quick Links
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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