**CORRECTION: WSHS Spartan Weekly News_ January 24, 2024


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UPCOMING EVENTS


JANUARY

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.


NEWS AND NOTES


ACTION NEEDED: Immunization Policy Update

The Code of Virginia § 22.1-271.2 requires all students to be immunized against certain communicable diseases in order to attend Fairfax County Public Schools. Immunizations keep children and the community protected from vaccine preventable diseases.

Beginning Monday, May 19, students enrolled on or before December 20, 2024, that are non-compliant and do not have a current Immunization Action Plan in progress will be at-risk for exclusion. 

Parents and Caregivers who this effects HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED via email and Talking Points. What to do if you've been notified

  1. Check your child’s immunization compliance on ParentVUE.
  2.  Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or the health department now to ensure your child is up to date with immunizations.
  3. Submit acceptable documentation (see list below) to the school or enter documentation into ParentVUE directly

Before or by Monday, May 19, 2025, the school must receive ONE of the following acceptable immunization documents:

  • Immunization Record (must include the dates immunizations were received M/D/Y).
  • A written statement from a health care provider specifying all administered immunizations.
  • A health care provider’s written statement of permanent or temporary exemptions.
  • A notarized religious exemption form
  • Immunization Action Plan

FCPS How to Submit Immunization Documentation

Further Questions: email WSStudentServices@fcps.edu


ACTION NEEDED: ParentVUE

West Springfield is going paperless!  Don't be left in the cold, activate your ParentVue today to stay fully connected to the school and have IMMEDIATE access to documents, grades, school assignments, and more!

 

IMPORTANT:

  • Email addresses can only be used ONCE to activate an account.  In order to activate a second account, a DIFFERENT email address must be used.
  • In order to have digital editing access,  the ENROLLING parent must activate the account with the email they have on file with the school.

You can learn how to activate your account by going to this video or follow these steps:

  1. Contact the office during regular school hours and request an activation letter for SIS ParentVUE or use this SIS Parent Assistance Form found on the WSHS Homepage
  2. The school will provide a letter with an activation key and detailed instructions that expires at 12:00 a.m. (midnight) on the date listed in the letter.
  3. Once you receive the activation key, go to https://sisparent.fcps.edu and click on More Options in the bottom right corner.
  4. Click on Activate Account
  5. Review the SIS Parent Account Privacy Policy and select I Agree
  6. Enter your First Name, Last Name, and Activation Key as they appear on the letter.
  7. Enter your email address (which will become your username) and a password that meets the minimum requirements.
  8. You will then receive an email from noreply@fcps.edu to complete the activation.  Click the link in the email before it expires.
  9. You will receive your confirmation of activation in a second email.
  10. CONGRATS, you now have a SIS ParentVUE account!

 

For more information, help, or to access translations please go to this site.

Need further assistance? Contact our Family Liaison, Ashley Springsteen at ajspringstee@fcps.edu


📱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!


STUDENT SERVICES


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

  1. 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.
  2. Pre-Advising Learning SeminarPre-Advising Lesson shared with Grades 9, 10, and 11 during LS to go over Academic Advising Process. 
  3. Curriculum Fair | Opportunity for students to visit different classes and get information on specific classes in which they may be interested. 
  4. Academic Advising Rising Juniors | February 3-7, 2025 | Students meet one on one with their counselor. 
  5. Academic Advising Rising Seniors | February 10-14, 2025 | Students meet one on one with their counselor. 
  6. Academic Advising Rising Sophomores | February 17-24, 2025 | Students meet one on one with their counselor. 
  7. Last Day to Make Class Schedule Requests for the 2025-2026 School Year | March 31, 2025
  8. **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

College Partnership Program QR

🎒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. 

 

Location Date Time
     

 

Edison Academy 

 

February 1, 2025 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Fairfax Academy

 

February 4, 2025  6:30 to 8 p.m.
     

 

Marshall Academy

 

January 30, 2025  4:30 to 6 p.m.

 

West Potomac Academy

 

February 20, 2025  6 to 8 p.m.

 

Fairfax County Firefighting Program

 

  February 19, 2025

 

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


Bravo! Congrats to Shanaiah Fajardo & Paige Cunniff on a wonderful Senior District Orchestra performance. They spent last weekend under the direction of Jonathan Handman and performed in the Concert Hall at George Mason University.  SPARTAN STRONG!

Senior District Orchestra

District Honor Orchestra performers Shanaiah Fjardo and Paige Cunniff with Orchestra Director Alexandra Blaine


SENIORS


Complete the ASVAB and receive a Career Readiness Medal at Graduation!

We are excited to share that in alignment with the VDOE accreditation standards, West Springfield High School will be recognizing students with a graduation medal, to be worn at commencement, for achievement in the areas of education, employment, and career readiness.  

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a valuable career exploration tool that your student will have the opportunity to take at West Springfield High School on two upcoming dates. 

Seniors have two more opportunities to take the ASVAB. Students can register at the links:

  • February 10 – ASVAB (Seniors only, Register)
  • March 21 – ASVAB (10 - 12th Graders, Register)

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please don't hesitate to contact our College and Career Specialist, Jeff Toomer, at jktoomer@fcps.edu, or phone (703) 913-3985. 


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. 

ELP Flyer

WSHS Original Creations

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:

  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 2nd Semester are 2/26, 3/19, 4/23, 6/4. There may be more dates added later.

 

 

Send any questions to Casey Grubbs (clgrubbs@fcps.edu)


ACTIVITIES


SPARTAN TALENT SHOW

Spartans Got Talent

Tuesday, Jan 28, 7 p.m. 

Auditorium


Activity Calendar

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 Jan 26-Feb 1

24JanSpartanAthletics

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


💻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:

  • SOL Score Reports
  • Upcoming Budget Presentation
  • Fight Drug Abuse

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