WSHS Spartan Weekly News_ February 21, 2024


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UPCOMING EVENTS


FEBRUARY

24: Spring Sports Tryouts Begin

28: Ramadan Begins at Sundown

WSHS Calendars/Bell Schedules


NEWS AND NOTES


Spring Sports Tryouts Begin Monday, February 24

Get ready to spring into action! Spartan Spring sports tryouts begin Monday, February 24th. Check the two graphics below for specific times and locations of tryouts. All interested students must have a completed VHSL Physical and Athletic registration on file with our Athletic Trainer to tryout for a sport. Spring sports include: baseball, softball, outdoor track & field, tennis, lacrosse, soccer, and crew. Don't miss this chance to represent the Spartans. We'll see you on the field/court/track! Questions: contact the coach

WSHS Spring Sports Tryouts Schedule 1

WSHS Spring Sports Tryouts Schedule 2

Become Unskippable: Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens About Fentanyl

Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. But young people die from fentanyl overdoses in Fairfax County each year — so it's important to have short, impactful talks with your teen, whether or not you think they’re at risk.

As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to become “unskippable” and talk with your teen in a way they will listen. 

See our tips for talking with your teen about fentanyl and other difficult subjects. Watch this video below to learn more about becoming unskippable

Become Unskippable: Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens About Fentanyl

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.


“Go Paperless” Progress Report Option 

Opt-in to receive “Paperless” Report Cards!

  • Parents and/or guardians will need to log into ParentVUE, click “My Account” and select "Go Paperless"
  • All parents and/or guardians who live with the student and share the same address must have a SIS ParentVUE account and must select the paperless option to prevent mailing of the printed progress reports.
  • The “Go Paperless” option will apply to all their associated students, no matter what school level.
  • If the associated parent and/or guardian has already selected “Go Paperless” for their secondary student, the option will now apply to any elementary siblings as well.

Report Cards are now available in your ParentVue and StudentVue under documents.  If you do not have a ParentVue account, please see below:

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

  1. Contact the office during regular school hours and request an activation letter for SIS ParentVue.
  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!

STUDENT SERVICES


Military and Family Life Counselor Full Time at WSHS

Our Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC), Ms. Kendra Burnside, is now back full time to support our military connected students at WSHS!

Please complete and return the opt in form if interested in receiving support. The form should be printed, signed, and returned to the main office or a counselor.  

opt in form


Academic Advising Timeline 2025-2026

Mark your calendars with the following dates to assist with choosing courses for next school year. 

  1. Pre-Advising Learning SeminarPre-Advising Lesson shared with Grades 9, 10, and 11 during LS to go over Academic Advising Process. 
  2. Academic Advising Rising Sophomores | February 17-24, 2025 | Students meet one on one with their counselor. 
  3. Last Day to Make Class Schedule Requests for the 2025-2026 School Year | March 31, 2025
  4. **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

Application : Due February 28th

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

SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT


Students Attend FCPS Instruction 2 Industry Career Fair and Conference

West Springfield Students at Instruction to Industry Career Fair, Feb 10, 2025

Twenty Spartan students and two staff traveled to the INOVA Conference Center on Feb 10th to participate in the FCPS Instruction 2 Industry Career Fair and Conference. This event provided a valuable opportunity to explore various career paths, connect with industry professionals, and gain insights into the skills and knowledge needed for success in the modern workforce.


STUDENT CORNER


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 one more opportunities to take the ASVAB. Students can register at the link:

  • 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. 


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 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.

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:

  • Charged, school-issued laptop/Chromebook
  • Completed, and signed DTS 41 consent form- http://www.dmvnow.com/webdoc/pdf/dts41.pdf.
  • 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


Activity Calendar

Purple Up! Day Shirts

 Order your Purple Up! Day Gear!

April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to honor and celebrate the resilience, courage, and contributions of FCPS military-connected children.

To show our support, FCPS will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. On this day, school staff and students are encouraged to wear purple, symbolizing unity and support for military families across all service branches. 

Purchase the FCPS Purple Up! T-shirt and/or hoodie between now and March 7 to wear on Purple Up! Day!


Don't Miss Out—Order Your Yearbook Today!

Time is running out to secure a copy of this year’s WSHS yearbook! The Yearbook staff has been working hard to be sure this book is packed with unforgettable memories, student achievements, and all the moments that made this year special.  The yearbook is a keepsake your student will treasure for years to come.

Order Now: https://yearbookordercenter.com/job/4150

Don't wait—once they're gone, they're gone! Order yours today!


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 Feb 24 - Mar 1

Sports Calendar 1
Sports Calendar 2

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


ANGP

Purchase Tickets: 2025 All Night Grad Party

The WSHS ANGP is a time for the graduating seniors to come together, have fun and
celebrate a new journey of their lives.

The ANGP is organized by the ANGP
Committee, chaperoned by parents and members of the community, and staffed by the
St James.

  • Activities include a casino, interactive inflatable games, raffles with high-end prizes, and portraits by caricature artists. In addition, we use the amazing facilities at
  • The St. James which include ice skating, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, rock climbing, an indoor soccer/football field as well as courts for basketball, volleyball and pickleball.
  • We also have plenty of food and drinks to feed the seniors and the chaperones.

The evening is an alcohol-free and drug-free event that takes place in a safe and
supervised environment.

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.

Visit the site for tickets and more information:

https://wshs-angp.square.site/


🎓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!!


FCPS NEWS


Resources for Immigrant Families

https://www.fcps.edu/resources-immigrant-families


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