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UPCOMING EVENTS
NOVEMBER
11/27-11/29: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
DECEMBER
12/17: WSHS Immunization Clinic (During school hours, parent consent needed)
12/23-1/3: Winter Break (No School)
🗓️ Calendar Reminder: Thanksgiving
Schools and offices will be closed Wednesday, November 27, through Friday, November 29. Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. See the complete school year calendar.
Note: FCPS This Week will not be distributed on Wednesday, November 27, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
❄️Prepare for Winter Weather
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.
NEWS AND NOTES
💉NEW IMMUNIZATION CLINIC DATES
In collaboration with Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD), FCPS will host immunization clinics for all FCPS students on November 21 and 22 at its Willow Oaks Administrative Center. All school-required immunizations will be available free of charge.
- Parents/Guardians must accompany students under the age of 18 and provide consent for your student to receive immunizations. Students ages 18 years and older may provide their own consent.
- Although appointments are not needed, parents are asked to complete the sign up form, located on the Immunization Resources webpage, to choose a preferred time slot. Staff may also assist parents/guardians to complete the form.
- Parents/Guardians should bring an insurance card (if applicable). Insurance is not required to participate.
- Language interpreters will be present.
Clinic location: 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031
Dates and Times:
Thursday, November 21, 2024 1 - 7 p.m.
Friday, November 22, 2024 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
**Rising 12th graders who are need of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) and are 16 can receive it here or at the WSHS Clinic on December 17th**
West Springfield Food Pantry Food Drive
West Springfield High School Food Pantry is looking for non-perishable donations for:
Cereal
Boxed, non-refrigerated milk
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Spaghetti Sauce
Pasta
Canned Pumpkin Pie, evaporated milk and pie crust
Stuffing
Canned Green beans
Granola bars
Crackers
Rice
Canned beans
Canned Tuna Fish
Deodorant
Shampoo
Conditioner
Toothpaste
Toilet Paper
Laundry Detergent
Paper towels
Drop off donations during school days / office hours inside the front door #1 at WSHS. There is a drop off inside the double doors.
TECHNOLOGY
💻Technology Reminders
As we continue on in the school year, please remind your students to take good care of their school issued laptops. We have noticed an increase in broken screens, and we believe that many of these incidents could be prevented with a little extra care. Here are a few tips that you can share with your students:
- Carry laptops with two hands by the base rather than by the screen.
- Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the laptop, overfilling backpacks with bulky items, or dropping backpacks with laptops inside.
- Be careful when closing the laptop, closing pens or other objects inside the clamshell can crack the screen.
- Avoid eating or drinking near the laptop. Keep water bottles away from laptops when stored in a backpack.
- Keep the laptop away from pets and small children.
By following these simple tips, students can safeguard their laptops and reduce the likelihood of damage. Thank you!
STUDENT SERVICES
Academic Advising Timeline 2025-2026
Mark your calendars with the following dates to assist with choosing courses for next school year.
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Curriculum Night | January 9, 2025 | 6:30-8:00 pm in the Cafeteria for students and families
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Future Spartan Orientation | January 13, 2025 | Rising 9th graders will visit West Springfield HS
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Academic Days of Emphasis | January 16-22, 2025 | Student in Grades 9, 10, and 11, will meet with their current teachers to discuss their feedback.
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Pre-Advising Learning Seminar | Pre-Advising Lesson shared with Grades 9, 10, and 11 during LS to go over Academic Advising Process.
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Curriculum Fair | Opportunity for students to visit different classes and get information on specific classes in which they may be interested.
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Academic Advising Rising Juniors | February 3-7, 2025 | Students meet one on one with their counselor.
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Academic Advising Rising Seniors | February 10-14, 2025 | Students meet one on one with their counselor.
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Academic Advising Rising Sophomores | February 17-24, 2025 | Students meet one on one with their counselor.
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Last Day to Make Class Schedule Requests for the 2025-2026 School Year | March 31, 2025
🔦SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT
🎵Performing Arts Teachers: Virginia Music Educators Association Conference
Three of our superstar Performing Arts teachers are representing West Springfield this Thursday and Friday at the Virginia Music Educators Association Conference.
- Alexandra Blaine will be presenting a workshop entitled “Motherhood and Music Education.”
- Dustin Brandt is supporting one of our students who is performing with the prestigious honor choir composed of students from across the state of VA.
- Wolson Gustama is conducting the Wind Symphony performance.
GO SPARTANS!
STUDENT CORNER
Support Group: Adjusting to Divorce or Parental Separation
Join our Military Family and Life Counselor, Ms. Burnside and fellow students of divorced or separated parents support group.
When: December 4,6,18, and 20 during LS 4
Where: Main office, Room 1006
Special instructions: Fill out the consent form and return to Ms. Burnside in Room 1006 prior to the meeting using the QR code or ask the office or family liaison for a copy.
Space is limited!
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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
🚗Learner's Permit Test at WSHS
When: 3:10pm- specific dates below
Where: Room 2228
Cost: $25
2024-25 Dates: 1st 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 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
🍽️WSHS PTSA Restaurant Week: Yindee Thai
November 17-23
Lunch and dinner all week
Carry out and delivery must use link
Dining in: Mention WSHS PTSA
10% of sales will be donated to the PTSA
8412 Old Keene Mill Road
703-992-7998
Questions? Fundraising@wshsptsa.net
🎭Reflections Art Contest: Last Chance!
Next week (Nov. 30) is the last opportunity for student submissions to the PTA Reflections art competition!
Accepting Imperfection is the theme this year and you can submit in the following categories:
Dance choreography
Film production
Literature
Music composition
Photography
Visual Arts
All submissions are due by midnight November 30. More information can be found by scanning the QR code or by visiting PTSA Reflections Program – WSHS PTSA
>>>If you are willing to help out by serving as a judge, please contact WSHSReflectionsChair@gmail.com<<<<
West Springfield High PTSA
https://wshsptsa.net/
SPORTS
Spartan Girls Wrestling Team: ECHO Food Drive
The Spartan Girls Wrestling Team will begin its inaugural season by hosting a food drive benefitting ECHO (Ecumenical Community Helping Others).
In an effort to help Take Down hunger in our community, we’ll collect non-perishable food items at our scrimmage at WSHS on November 23, 8 am-12 pm. Help us fill their shelves in time for Thanksgiving.
ECHO’s most requested items right now are:
spaghetti sauce, cereal, and canned fruit
Dynamite Sports: Guiding the College-Bound Athlete Seminar
Attention parents and athletes!
In an effort to educate parents and athletes about NCAA Eligibility, Athletic scholarships and the college recruiting process, Dynamite Sports will conduct a one-hour seminar entitled “Guiding the College-Bound Athlete” on Thursday Dec 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Robinson in Recital Hall.
This seminar will help you to become more knowledgeable and REALISTIC about athletic scholarships and the recruiting process.
This seminar will teach you how to:
- Setup COLLEGE Visits
- Receive a SCHOLARSHIP or GRANT
- Get NOTICED & RECRUITED
- Ensure NCAA Freshman Eligibility
- Create a “RECRUITING BLUEPRINT”
- Communicate with COLLEGE COACHES
- Why they should start as early as 7th grade
Attendees will receive a SAT/ACT Prep program valued at $350!
*Limit 1 per family / Tech Support not included*
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 November 25-30
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.
NEWS FOR THE COMMUNITY
FREE Thanksgiving Dinner
When: Friday, Nov 22
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Where: Sully Community Center, Herndon VA
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Families can access free, anonymous and confidential support from the comfort of your home. Trained providers are available 7 days/week to offer help, teach evidence-based skills and to listen. Low-cost therapy sessions are also available upon request.
- The ARC Center of Fairfax has a Spanish Outreach Fellow, Majorie Flores, who is dedicated to helping students and families who speak Spanish in navigating the disability world. She can:
- Give free presentations to individual/families on any disability related topic in Spanish.
- Meet 1:1 with a student/family to help them navigate resources and find services in the community.
- Help families struggling to get requests for services (e.g., Waiver) approved.
- Help Spanish speakers connect with any needs they have in the disability realm.
FCPS NEWS
Resources for New FCPS Families
Are you new to the area and need help understanding school registration or connecting with your local school? The following resources are available for all families:
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Family liaisons work in the schools and community to help families get the information and assistance they need to support their children and to ensure their academic success. Family liaisons represent a variety of cultures, languages, and races.
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Family information phone lines are available in nine languages to assist families. A school system employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.
Visit the FCPS Family Academy webpage to learn how FCPS works to support the continued success and well-being of each and every student.
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, 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:
- Boundary Review Update
- Native American History Month
- Varsity Girls Wrestling Is New Winter Sport
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
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