|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
UPCOMING EVENTS
JANUARY
1/20: MLK Jr. Day/Inauguration Day (No School)
1/28: End of Quarter 2 (Full School Day)
1/28: Spartans Got Talent, 7 p.m., Auditorium
1/29: Teacher Workday (Student Holiday)
1/30: Quarter 3 starts (Classes Resume)
WSHS Calendars/Bell Schedules
The Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.
Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.
NEWS AND NOTES
West Springfield Leadership Team Update
Last week, Principal Michael Mukai shared the news that he has been appointed as the new principal of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, effective January 20, 2025. As we begin the process of selecting a new principal, the Region 4 Office is pleased to announce that Assistant Principal Betsy Fawsett will serve as Acting Principal, effective January 21, 2025.
Ms. Fawsett has been a part of the WSHS community for the past 18 years:
- 2007-Taught Business and Information Technology
- 2010- Became Assistant Director of Student Activities
- 2015- Became an Assistant Principal collaborating with the Math, Technology and Fine and Performing Arts, CTE, and Special Education Low Incidence program departments
Please join us in thanking Ms. Fawsett for stepping into the acting principal position during this time of transition. We look forward to working together to ensure the continued success of the West Springfield community.
SPARTAN STRONG
📱SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon
All FCPS families and middle and high school students will be receiving an email invitation on Tuesday, January 21, to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available from January 21 to February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!
Academic Advising Timeline 2025-2026
Mark your calendars with the following dates to assist with choosing courses for next school year. ** Dates have been updated due to snow closures
-
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.
-
Pre-Advising Learning Seminar | Pre-Advising Lesson shared with Grades 9, 10, and 11 during LS to go over Academic Advising Process.
-
Curriculum Fair | Opportunity for students to visit different classes and get information on specific classes in which they may be interested.
-
Academic Advising Rising Juniors | February 3-7, 2025 | Students meet one on one with their counselor.
-
Academic Advising Rising Seniors | February 10-14, 2025 | Students meet one on one with their counselor.
-
Academic Advising Rising Sophomores | February 17-24, 2025 | Students meet one on one with their counselor.
-
Last Day to Make Class Schedule Requests for the 2025-2026 School Year | March 31, 2025
-
**Future Spartan Orientation | April (TBD) | Rising 9th graders will visit West Springfield HS
Student Services Quick Links
College Bound? Apply for the College Partnership Program
What is CPP? The mission of the College Partnership Program (CPP) is to close the opportunity gap by preparing students for college readiness and success. CPP’s goal is to ensure that students capable of completing a college preparatory path will: succeed in rigorous curriculum, actively participate in the school community, enroll in a four-year college or another post-secondary program, and become responsible participants and leaders of society.
Would you benefit from the following elements?
●Having a trusted adult at school to touch base with about academics and social-emotional wellbeing
●Organizing your time, materials, thoughts, and writing
●Getting and staying motivated to succeed in school
●Exploring colleges, careers, and a variety of pathways to postsecondary success
Do you fit into ONE or more of the following categories?
●First in your family to attend a four-year college in the U.S.
●Need financial support to attend college
●Current GPA of 2.5 or above
●Determined to go to college
●Willing to take some advanced courses and put in the necessary work
●Good attendance record
If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the above, then CPP might be for you! Talk to your school counselor, as CPP just may be a good fit for you. Additional information about CPP is on the FCPS website.
Application : Due February 28th
🎒Academic Advising is Here!
Please visit our Student Services Schoology Course to explore the diverse course offerings available at West Springfield High School.
Under the "Academic" folder on our main page, you can delve deeper into our class offerings and make informed decisions about your future course selections.
We will begin meeting with:
-
Rising Juniors: February 3-7
-
Rising Seniors: February 10-14
-
Rising Sophomores: February 17-24
Counselors are currently conducting academic advising sessions and will continue to do so through the end of January.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact your counselor directly.
ACADEMY OPEN HOUSES 2025
If you are interested in an Academy next year you will want to attend an Open House beginning in January. More information can be found here.
Open Houses are a great opportunity to visit classroom and lab spaces, speak with instructors and Academy Counselors. For questions, contact Bonnie Wannett: bjwannett@fcps.edu.
INTERESTED? ACTION NEEDED:
**If you know which Academy you're interested in, please also complete this form. The form is only available to students using their fcpsschools.net account.
SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT
Former Spartan Honored by the White House
President Biden awarded nearly 400 scientists and engineers the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers early in their careers.
Among those awarded is Spartan Class of 2006, Benjamin Trump, of the Department of Defense.
Learn more about the honor here
STUDENT CORNER
Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) Opportunity
Free Online Leadership Program for 9-12 Graders Going to College through Edu-Futuro
https://edu-futuro.org/youth-programs/
Additionally, writing and speech competition scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $500, allowing students to gain recognition for their efforts and further support their educational goals.
Program Starts Virtually, January 30th 6-8 p.m.
 Visit our site
🚗Learner's Permit Test at WSHS- 2nd Semester Dates!!
When: 3:10pm- specific dates below
Where: Room 2228
Cost: $25
2024-25 Dates: 2nd Semester shown below
- February 6 and 27
- March 20
- April 3 and 24
- May 22
- June 5
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)
ACTIVITIES
SPARTAN TALENT SHOW
 Tuesday, Jan 28, 7 p.m.
Auditorium
 School Activities Calendar. Check it out.
SPORTS
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 January 20-25
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
ALL NIGHT GRAD PARTY
📅SAVE THE DATE: 2025 All Night Grad Party
The 2025 All Night Grad Party (ANGP) will be held on Monday June 9th at 11:00 pm through Tuesday June 10th at 5:00 am at The St. James Performance Club in Springfield, VA.
Details and ticket sales coming soon.
🎓Graduation Yard Signs
Yard Signs are on sale again this year for the ANGP!
Order the signs directly through the Fast Signs website
Signs can be personalized and all proceeds will benefit the ANGP for the Class of 2025!!
PTSA
🥪Fundraiser at McAlister's Deli
Dine at McAlister's and support the PTSA!
Where: 8401B Old Keene Mill Rd
When: Tuesday, January 21
Time: 2:00-8:00 p.m.
Phone: 571-678-7490
Online: https://www.mcalistersdeli.com/
For online orders, use promo code CHARITEA
💻Practice SAT Opportunity
Saturday, Feb. 1, 9 a.m. (If you can’t make it on Feb. 1, e-mail us and we can try to work something out)
PTSA Member:$5
Non-members: $20
Visit the PTSA store to sign up!
Just to be clear: you can join the PTSA first at the same site, and then sign up for the practice test at the lower price! Membership has its benefits!
This is a PTSA fundraiser: all funds go to the PTSA.
Questions? e-mail us at wshsptsa@gmail.com
https://wshsptsa.net/
FCPS NEWS
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:
- Gap Year Fair
- Proposed Construction Projects
- Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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:
-
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.
-
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.
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
|
