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UPCOMING EVENTS
FEBRUARY
28: Ramadan Begins at Sundown
MARCH
2: WSHS PTSA Reflections Art Program Reception (2 PM, Sports Lobby)
4: Staff vs. Student Basketball Game (7 PM, Main Gym)
22: Ballin' With Buddies Basketball Tournament (12 - 2 PM, Main Gym)
28: End of Third Quarter
31: Holiday (Eid al Fitr)
WSHS Calendars/Bell Schedules
NEWS AND NOTES
 Come join the fun. Our annual Staff vs. Students basketball game is on March 4, 7 PM in the Main Gym. Cheer on your favorite teachers! Halftime events featuring a 3 point contest! Concessions available. Fun for the whole family! Entry is free.
Ballin' With Buddies
WSHS Annual Ballin’ with Buddies basketball tournament is March 22, 2025 at 12-2 PM in the Main Gym. This is an inclusive basketball tournament for the whole community. Rolling Valley Elementary School, Irving Middle School, and South County High School teams will be playing. Come cheer us on!
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Financial Aid Webinar for Military Families
FCPS partner College Access Fairfax will host two virtual presentations on Financial Aid information for military families. The session will be presented by the Lead Financial Educator and Military Benefits Liaison from Navy Mutual Aid Association.
Topics covered:
- Residency Requirements
- Using the GI Bill
- The Yellow Ribbon Program
- Using Chapter 35 (DEA benefits)
- Military scholarships and grants
- Virginia Education Programs
Military families are invited to attend one of two sessions:
To attend, simply click on the links above to join the desired session.
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Become Unskippable - Fentanyl Awareness Campaign
🗣️ Connect With Your Kids: Simple Steps to Stronger Communication
Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. How do you connect with your children and really know what's going on in their lives? How can you become “unskippable”?
Effective communication can build trust and understanding, but it takes thought, planning, and effort.
The latest Healthy Minds Blog offers practical strategies to improve communication and build strong, lasting relationships:
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Ditch distractions and create a safe space where your child feels comfortable opening up.
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Listen actively and validate their feelings, even if you don't agree.
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Ask "how" questions instead of "what" questions to get them talking about their experiences.
For more tips and techniques, read the full article on the Healthy Minds Blog, which shares information related to youth mental health and wellness.
For support on talking with your teen about difficult subjects like fentanyl, discover how to Become Unskippable.
WSHS PTSA NEWS
PTSA Reflections Art Program Reception
Let's celebrate our amazing student artists! The West Springfield High School PTSA invites you to a reception honoring all participants in this year's Reflections Art Program. Join us this Sunday, March 2, at 2:00 PM in the lobby outside the auditorium for an afternoon of art, refreshments, and community spirit. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Stay Connected with the WSHS PTSA Community Webpage!
The WSHS PTSA maintains a dedicated webpage to keep our Spartan families informed and engaged. This valuable resource provides:
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Fundraising Updates: Stay up-to-date on the latest fundraising events supporting our school, including details on how to contribute and upcoming deadlines.
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Community Support Opportunities: Find ways to give back to WSHS! Discover volunteer opportunities, donation drives, and other ways to support our students, club events/activities, and staff.
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Exclusive Student Opportunities: Explore a curated list of enrichment programs, camps, and other valuable opportunities shared with the PTSA, such as the George Mason coding and gaming design camps.
Visit the WSHS Community webpage today
Have something to share? We encourage community members to submit information about relevant events, programs, and opportunities for inclusion on our site. Email your suggestions to the PTSA at wshsptsa@gmail.com.
Let's work together to build a stronger WSHS community!
Military and Family Life Counselor Full Time at WSHS
Our Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC), Dr. 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 2025-2026
Parents and Guardians,
This week marks the conclusion of the Academic Advising Season for the 2025-2026 school year. Since October, our counselors have been working with your student to discuss class options and graduation requirements. Over the past three weeks, students have had the opportunity to select their classes for the upcoming school year.
However, the advising process does not end here. The most crucial part of this journey is the ongoing conversation you have with your student about their class choices. All course requests can be viewed in StudentVue under the “Course Request” section. Students will have until March 28th to make any changes to their course selections.
Please note that, due to staffing decisions, any requests made after March 28th will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on our staffing for the 2025-2026 school year.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your student’s academic journey.
Student Services Quick Links
College Bound? Apply for the College Partnership Program
Application Extended to March 7
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 your student benefit from the following elements?
- Having a trusted adult at school to touch base with about academics and social-emotional wellbeing
- Organizing their time, materials, thoughts, and writing
- Getting and staying motivated to succeed in school
- Exploring colleges, careers, and a variety of pathways to postsecondary success
Does your student 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 your student! Talk to your school counselor. Additional information about CPP is on the FCPS website.
Application Extended to March 7
🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Summer Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps.
IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, Health and Physical Education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater.
Earn Credit Toward Graduation This Summer
Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 6. Mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible middle and high school students.
Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. This is a self-directed course where students work independently. The course is available between Monday, June 23, and Friday, July 25. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, May 23. For more information, visit this Summer Learning page.
SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT
Winter Guard Takes 3rd Place at Woodgrove Competition!
WSHS Winter guard has once again delivered an outstanding performance, securing 3rd place at the Woodgrove competition! Their hard work paid off with an impressive 11-point score improvement, bringing them to a 70.02. We're incredibly proud of their dedication and the exceptional guidance of choreographers Celine and Jessie, and Director Mrs. Park. Thank you for your continued support!
From Classroom to Career: A Journey in Electrical Trades
Two years ago, Aidan Barker (Class of 2025) sat in the audience at West Springfield High School, attending an Electrical and Skilled Trades presentation given by Mr. Wolfe. Now, as a senior, he has returned - not as a spectator, but as a presenter, sharing his journey with fellow students. A standout leader in Mr. Wolfe’s Electrical Construction and Engineering Academy class, Aidan is gaining hands-on experience through a paid apprenticeship as an FCPS Electrician’s Helper this year.
“I did the number one thing Mr. Wolfe advised – show up and do the work,” Aidan said. As a junior, he said he trained on various tools, learned how to install single pole and three-way switches, practiced conduit bending, and earned his OSHA-10 safety certification through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Now a senior, Aidan attends classes every other day, and spends two days a week working as a paid apprentice for FCPS. After graduation, he plans to continue on the journey to becoming a professional electrician.
If your student is interested in learning more about the Edison Academy Electrical Construction and Engineering class, the first useful step is to check out their website. The hands-on presentation that Aidan attended his sophomore year was originally the idea of Employment and Transition Representative Becky Cousins and funded through a Work-based learning grant from Educate Fairfax. Mr. Wolfe has given this presentation nearly every year from 2018 - 2025 and has helped countless students learn more about careers in the skilled trades.
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 Edison Academy instructor Mr. Wolfe, along with some Electrical and HVAC students conducted a hands-on presentation on the skilled trades with West Springfield High School's Employment and Transition Representatives Becky Cousins and Rasha Abulohom and Edison Academy Resource Teacher Jenna McCabe.
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.
 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
- 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:
- 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:
- 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
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!
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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!
FREE GMU Men’s Basketball Team Student Tickets
Parents can register to receive free student tickets for the George Mason University regular season game on March 5 through their Super Reader Program. Link: https://gomason.com/sb_output.aspx?form=230
SPORTS
Spirit Wear and Tickets
Show your Spartan pride! The Booster Club has a great selection of spirit wear available for purchase.
Game admission is $5 for students and $7 for adults. Skip the lines and grab a Season Pass through our eTIX Site. Individual game tickets can also be purchased HERE.
For game schedules and more information, visit www.spartansports.net.

Spartan Sports Calendar
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
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/
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🎓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
Family Summit (Former Special Education Conference)
2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)
Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.
This event will feature:
- Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
- Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.
- Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
- Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.
Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process.
Learn more about this event and register today! Contact FamilySummit@fcps.edu for more information.
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:
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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.
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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