WSHS Spartan Weekly News_ October 18, 2024

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو


UPCOMING EVENTS


OCTOBER

Sat, 10/19:  SGA Trunk or Treat and Screen on the Green, 5 p.m.

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

 

NOVEMBER

Fri, 11/1: Diwali (Holiday, No School)

Mon, 11/4: School Planning Day (Student Holiday)

Tue, 11/5: Teacher Workday/Election Day (Student Holiday)

Mon, 11/11: Veterans Day (Holiday, No School)

Tue-Fri, 11/27-11/29: Thanksgiving Break (No School)


🗓️ Quarter End/Early Release, Diwali/Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day, Student Holidays

Thursday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. 

Friday, November 1, is a holiday for Diwali, Dia de los Muertos, and All Saints Day. All schools and offices will be closed. 

Schools will be closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday.

See the complete school year calendar.


NEWS AND NOTES


🏥Health and Information and Emergency Care Forms

**All Health Information Forms are due Monday, October 21**

The Health Information Form (HIF) (SS/SE-71) and the Emergency Care Information form (SS/SE-3) provide valuable information regarding student health conditions. These forms are critical in the early identification of students who may need healthcare support in the educational environment.

Along with the development of Healthcare Plans (HCP) and Action Plans, the Public Health Nurses (PHNs) utilize the information contained in the HIF to develop teaching strategies for FCPS staff in order to meet the requirements of Regulation 2104 Health Services-School Health-Related Needs.

**These forms are required for all students. Enrolling parents/guardians who have a SIS ParentVUE account may submit them electronically by using the Online Verification/Update packet

For families without SIS ParentVue accounts, forms can be located in the Back to School packets and on the General Registration Forms page. 


💉Safeway Pharmacy Immunization Clinic

FOR ALL FCPS STUDENTS

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on: 

  • NEW DATE: Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.


👨🏾‍👩🏽‍👧🏽‍👦🏽Biannual Multilingual Learners Family Night

The ESOL department is inviting you to their biannual Multilingual Learners Family Night on October 24th, at 6:30 pm.

Parents are welcome to come at 6 to meet with the ESOL department.

The event will be held in the WSHS cafeteria and will feature topics such as:

  • EDU Futuro resources and opportunities for parents and students
  • Information about graduation requirements and Academy classes
  •     Options after high school graduation, and any other questions you may have.

Please enter through Door #5.

A light dinner, interpreters, and childcare will be provided. We hope to see you there. 

 


👩🏽‍🏫OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE AWARDS NOMINATIONS

Nominations will be/are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a West Springfield High School Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsQiEEwm8i0139Cq-k5MHLLGnfhRDXCi2b_4pOKqW_SayFaQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one more of the criteria for that award category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. The eligibility requirements are below.

Outstanding Teacher Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

 Outstanding Principal Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

Outstanding New Principal Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)                            

Outstanding Leader Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal) at their current location.  

Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

Outstanding Professional Employee Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership at their current location

 Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, After-School Specialist, MTSS Coordinator, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school, Special Education Department Chairs that teach less than 50% of their time, Reading Specialists that do not have a regular course load/do not give grades

Outstanding Operational Employee Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee at their current location

 Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons

 The deadline to submit a nomination is November 15th

If you have any questions, please contact John Thorson at Jethorson@fcps.edu


STUDENT SERVICES


📆AP Test Opt Out Forms Due October 31st

Students enrolled in AP classes received a pink “AP Opt Out Form” through their 1st period class on October 2nd. This form allows students to review their AP exam history and “opt out” of one or more of their current AP Exams.

 

If your student would like to “opt out” of one or more AP exams this year, please sign this form and return it to Student Services by October 31st. As a reminder, FCPS will cover the fees for your student’s first 6 AP exams during their time in FCPS. If your student chooses to take more than 6 AP exams or chooses to “self-study” for an exam while not enrolled in the corresponding class, parents and guardians are responsible for paying all fees, which are non-refundable.

 

If your student never received a form, lost their form, or believes that their form is inaccurate, please have them visit our Assessment Coach, Laura Fitzsimmons, in the Main Office, room 1044. If you would like a copy of the form sent directly to you, you may email Mrs. Fitzsimmons – Lmfitzsimmon@fcps.edu.


STUDENT CORNER


Discover Your Potential with the ASVAB!

What is the ASVAB?

The ASVAB, or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, is a free career exploration program that helps students identify their strengths and explore potential career paths. It's more than just a military test – it's a valuable tool for anyone planning their future!

How can the ASVAB help me?

  1. Identify your skills: The ASVAB assesses your abilities in math, science, verbal skills, and mechanical comprehension, helping you understand your strengths.
  2. Explore career options: Receive personalized career suggestions based on your ASVAB results and learn about different career paths and educational opportunities.
  3. Plan your future: Whether you're considering college, trade school, or entering the workforce, the ASVAB provides resources to help you make informed decisions about your future.

Take the ASVAB at WSHS!

The ASVAB will be administered at WSHS on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 8:25 AM.

Registration is required! The deadline to register is Monday, December 2, 2024, by 3:00 PM.

Learn More:

Visit the ASVAB Program website for more information: https://www.asvabprogram.com/


WSHS Low Incidence Small Business

DID YOU KNOW… Our special education students in the Low Incidence program started a small business?! We make Crayon Letters, Lanyards, Wooden Signs and Cups!

Original Creations is a small business that offers meaningful work experiences to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at West Springfield High School. It provides opportunities for them to develop a wide range of functional skills that are essential for independence. It celebrates their willingness to learn, as well as the hard work and love they put into each product.

 Check it out and share with family/friends! https://sites.google.com/view/wshsoriginalcreations/home

WSHS Original Creations

📷Student Portraits Now Online

Families should have received an E-proof via email. Please remember to check your spam.

 

For any questions about your student's school pictures please contact: underclass@vosphoto.com

 

The team at Victor O’Neill Studios would like to thank West Springfield High School for a great picture day!


🚗Learner's Permit Test at WSHS

When: 3:10pm- specific dates below

Where: Room 2228

Cost: $25

2024-25 Dates: 1st Semester shown below

  • 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


🍣🍥Restaurant Night at Asian Grill

PTSA Asian Grill

Help support our PTSA and our local businesses and come out to Asian Grill!

October 21-22, 2024 (Mon/Tues)

Dine-In or Carry-Out: 5:00-9:00 pm, 6228 Rolling Road, Springfield VA

**15 percent of proceeds go to WSHS PTSA, mention WSHS PTSA when placing your order or sign the sheet with your order amount

Click here for a copy of the written menu or click here to order online 


🍬Stock the Breakroom

Stock the breakroom

 

When: October 25, 2024

What: The PTSA needs snack, coffee, drink donations AND Volunteers to help sort, deliver, and distribute items to the breakrooms. You can order on Amazon and they will ship directly to our teacher appreciation chairs.

  • If you would like to donate goodies please use the QR code or the Amazon Wishlist Link
  • If you would like to sign up to help with distribution please use the QR code or the Signup Genius Link.

All Orders should be delivered no later than THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24TH.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR AMAZING WSHS TEACHERS AND STAFF!


🖼️Reflections Art Program: Accepting Student Submissions!

Reflections ad

Help spread the word: we are now open to accept student submissions!

For more info about the WSHS program use the QR code above or visit our website at https://wshsptsa.net/programs/ptsa-reflections-program/

 

West Springfield High PTSA

https://wshsptsa.net/  


SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES


🍪Cocoa and Cookies Social

Cocoa and Cookies

Join us for a sweet treat and warm company!

 

What: "Beat West Potomac" Cookies & Cocoa Social 

When: Friday, October 18th, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM 

Where: West Springfield High School, Door #2

 

Coming to the game on Friday? We invite all military-connected families to join us for a cookies and cocoa social before the varsity football game vs. West Potomac. This is a great opportunity to connect with other families, mingle with some of our staff, and build community.

 

No RSVP; just stop by for a treat. We look forward to seeing you there!


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 October 21-26

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


NEWS FOR THE COMMUNITY


🍬Trunk or Treat

Trunk or Treat

SGA invites you to Trunk or Treat 2024

October 19th, 5-6 pm

Upper Parking Lot

Followed by screen on the green (bring chairs and blankets!)

 

 


🦃Blessing Baskets

BlessingBaskets

Looking for an opportunity to help the community?  Please consider donating a Blessing Basket or 2!  

Drop-off items on November 22, 4:30-6:30 pm at Ledo's Pizza and Robeks patio at Cardinal  Forest plaza: 8324 Old Keene Mill Road

Items to include in basket:

  • Laundry Basket to hold goodies
  • $20-25 gift certificate for Turkey (to local grocery store)
  • Cans of corn, green beans, and cranberries
  • Boxes of stuffing and mashed potatoes
  • Can/packet of gravy and can of cream of mushroom soup
  • Box of muffin/biscuit mix
  • Non perishable dessert of your choosing
  • Extra if you are inclined: Rice, Beans, Cereal, Dog Food, Socks, toys, toiletries, games, laundry detergent, etc.

Scan the QR code above or follow this link to sign up to donate!

Questions? Email Ania Cress or Anita Anderson


FCPS NEWS


Get to Know FCPS: Family Orientation

This interactive orientation provides information about the school system, the links between family engagement and student achievement, school staff you should get to know, and programs and technology considerations for families. The orientation also includes a discussion that is helpful for families who are new to the United States.

Sessions in English are held online on:

  • Tuesday, October 22, at 6:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, December 10, at 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 19, at 6 p.m. 

Register in advance. Visit the Family Academy catalog page to see the dates this orientation will be offered in Arabic, Korean, and Spanish.


IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

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

  • College Fair and Postsecondary Nights
  • Digital Citizenship Week
  • Fairfax County Youth Survey

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 Students

Virtual 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