WSHS Spartan Weekly News_ September 6, 2024

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UPCOMING EVENTS


SEPTEMBER

Fri, 9/27: Homecoming Parade, 4:30 p.m. 

Fri, 9/27: Homecoming Game: WSHS vs. Yorktown, 7 p.m.

Sat, 9/28: Homecoming Dance, 7-10 p.m. 

 

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 for testers/No School for 9th Graders- see detailed information below)

Mon, 10/14: Staff Development Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Student Holiday)

Thu, 10/31: End of Quarter 1 (2 Hour Early Release)

 


9/11 National Day of Service

September 11 National Day of Service

With the upcoming 23rd anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.

All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL. 


NEWS AND NOTES


🚌Late Bus

The late bus starts on Wednesday, 9/4/24.  Late buses pick up at Door 1 around 4:45p.  Bus routes are posted on the glass doors to the office.  Late buses will run on Wednesdays only this school year. 


STUDENT SERVICES


🏫Early College Scholars

The Early College Scholars program allows eligible public high school students to earn a minimum of 15 transferable college credits while fulfilling the requirements for an Advanced Studies Diploma.

To qualify for this program, you'll need to meet these criteria:

  • Maintain a "B" average or better in your high school courses; and
  • Be pursuing an Advanced Studies Diploma; and
  • Successfully complete college-level coursework, such as AP, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, or dual enrollment, to earn at least 15 transferable college credits.
  • To formalize your participation, you'll sign an Governor's Early College Scholars Agreement, which will also be signed by your parents or guardians, principal, and school counselor.
  • If you are interested please complete the form and return to Student Services.

Consent for Release of Student Records in Support of Postsecondary Application

This form is to be used by students and parents/guardians to authorize Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) to release student records and related information to support student applications to colleges, universities, scholarship sponsors, employers, or other similar organizations. This form is most often used to request a transcript to be sent to colleges, internships, and other programs.  We are now accepting this form from all grades.  FCPS allows for the form to be completed once during a student’s high school career, unless withdrawn in writing by the parent/guardian or eligible student. 

To complete the form please visit here.  If you have questions about the form, please reach out to your student’s counselor.  

Once complete,  please turn into Student Services or the Main Office.


🗓️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

On October 9th, all FCPS high schools and secondary schools will operate on a 2-hour early release modified schedule to host the SAT School Day (12th grade) and PSAT/NMSQT (10th and 11th grade). Academy courses will not be held on October 9th and academy shuttles are canceled. Please read the information below to learn the expectations for your student:

  • Seniors who completed the registration will participate in the SAT. They should arrive at school by 8AM and proceed directly to their assigned testing location, which will be sent directly to students in their FCPS Gmail accounts.
  • Seniors who did not complete the registration will stay home. We encourage seniors to use this time to catch up on homework, work on their college applications, or research post-graduation opportunities.
  • All Juniors and Sophomores will take the PSAT/NMSQT. All 10th and 11th grade students are automatically registered, so please contact the Assessment Coach (Lmfitzsimmon@fcps.edu) with your student’s full name and ID number if you would like to opt your student out of this test. Students taking the PSAT/NMSQT should arrive at school by 8AM and proceed directly to their assigned testing location, which will be sent directly to students in their FCPS Gmail accounts.
  • Freshmen will stay home on October 9th so that our staff can facilitate the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT for upperclassmen. We encourage freshmen to use this time to catch up on homework or volunteer in the community.
  • Students with disabilities taught on an adapted curriculum (Category B services) will attend school on a 2-hour early release schedule. Bus transportation will be available as usual for these students.  

E-Notify messages are being sent out with more detailed information for each grade level. Please look for an email from WSHS on Friday, September 6th.


🚗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 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:

  1. Visit FCPS ACE and sign up for a specific date- fcps.edu
  2. 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


🗓️PTSA MEETING 

PTSA membership meeting Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 7:30pm-On Zoom

Please use this link to register for the meeting

 

- We will approve a budget for the year

- Presentation about how to learn about what is going on at the school and opportunities for parents and students to get involved!  

- Opportunity for parents to share info and tips

Everyone is welcome!  PTSA members will be able to access a recording later.

Please join the PTSA !

 


SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES


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.

Sports Banner

Spartan Sports Calendar Week of September 9-14

Spartan Athletics

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


Activity Calendar

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


Varsity Tutors

 A no cost tutoring for FCPS students (this replaces tutor.com that FCPS promoted last year).

Get free tutoring, essay review, SAT / ACT prep, live group classes, plus college and career info.

Google “FCPS Varsity Tutors” to get started, or just check it out here.

Varsity Tutors

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


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

  • Immunization Reminder
  • Make Attendance a Priority
  • How Is FCPS’ Redesigned Website Working for You?

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


  • 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