WSHS Spartan Weekly News_March 14, 2025

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UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH

22: Ballin' With Buddies Basketball Tournament (12 - 2 PM, Main Gym)

28: End of Third Quarter (Full Day)

31: Eid al Fitr (Holiday, No School) 

APRIL

1: Teacher Workday (Student Holiday)

9: Purple Up! Day

11: WSHS International Night Festival (7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

14-18: Spring Break (No School)

WSHS Calendars/Bell Schedules

NEWS AND NOTES

Save the Date: WSHS International Night Festival

Mark your calendars!  The annual WSHS International Night Festival takes place on Friday, April 11^th at 7 p.m.  (doors open at 6:30 p.m.).  Performers will celebrate the diversity of the WSHS community. 

Tickets will be presold through Etix only.  There will be food sales starting at 5:30 PM. 

It’s sure to be a good activity for the whole family. Funds collected go towards all clubs that perform and a Senior Scholarship given at the end of the school year! 

*WSHS students, if you would like to perform, see Mrs. Emerson in room 1238 (maemerson@fcps.edu).

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.

 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Summer Programs

This enrichment program allows students to dive deeper into Career and Technical Education (CTE) program areas, develop new or existing skills, and begin career exploration.  Registration open NOW!

Cost - $275 per week

Dates -July 7 - 11

July 14 - 18

July 21 - 25

Time - 8:30 am to 2 pm

Location - Lake Braddock Secondary School

Eligibility - Current 6th to 11th graders

Transportation is provided!

CTE Summer Academy

SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT

Simeon Samuel: 2025 Student Peace Award Recipient

Simeon Samuel receiving the 2025 Student Peace Award from school board member, Ryan McElveen

Simeon Samuel, a senior at West Springfield High School, has been honored with a Student Peace Award for his exceptional commitment to fostering peace and understanding. His motivation stems from his personal experiences with violence in Ethiopia, which ignited a passion within him to make a tangible difference.

Through his leadership and dedication to service of others, Simeon Samuel exemplifies the power of young people to create positive change in the world. Congratulations to Simeon on this tremendous accolade!

More information about Simeon’s work and the work of all 2025 awardees can be found on the Student Peace Awards website.

 Dream Big, Work Hard, Be Proud

Spartan Strong!

WSHS PTSA NEWS

Applications for WSHS PTSA Scholarship for Success (SFS) now open!

Purpose: The West Springfield High School PTSA offers a scholarship to a WSHS senior who has had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in place for at least two of their four years in high school, and who has overcome obstacles on the road to either academic or other school-related success. The amount and number of scholarships is determined by the annual PTSA budget. Last year multiple awards of $500 were offered. The purpose of the scholarship is to recognize the growth that a student has achieved throughout his/her high school career.

Applications Due: Friday, April 4, 2025 by 8 pm.

For more info, visit: https://wshsptsa.net/programs/scholarships/

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!

STUDENT SERVICES

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

AP Exam Volunteers Needed

This year, we will give almost 2,500 AP Exams at WSHS and we need your help! We are searching for volunteers to support our staff and serve as testing room monitors between May 5^th and May 23^rd.

• Volunteers can be any responsible adult who is not actively employed by a tutoring or test preparation company.
• Volunteers who are current, former, or retired teachers should not sign up for a subject they are teaching or have taught.
• Volunteers should not sign up for an exam if any family member will take that exam this year.

Please use the Sign Up Genius link to select one ore more slots: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A44AAA828A5FA7-55538782-wshs#/. More details about the time commitment and responsibilities are available on the sign up page.

Questions? Please email our Assessment Coach, Laura Fitzsimmons (Lmfitzsimmon@fcps.edu).

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. 

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

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:

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

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

ACTIVITIES

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!

Winter Guard Performances

Come see the WS Winter Guard Perform at Mount Vernon HS

When: Sat, March 22, 2025 At 3:00 PM

Entrance fee: $15

Where: Mount Vernon HS Main Gym

SAVE THE DATE WSHS Winter Guard will perform their show This Wish for the last time this season When: Tuesday, April 3, 2025 at 6:30 PM Where: WSHS Main Gym This event is free!

Spartan Cheer Camp April 1st (Teacher Workday), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.  Aux Gym Grades K-8 $69 Register at https://www.wshssportscamps.com/

Spartan Boys Summer Volleyball Camp July 14-18 WSHS Main Gym $100 Session 1: Rising 6-8 graders, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Session 2: Rising 9-12 graders, 6:00-8:30 p.m. Free T-shirt for all Campers Register at: https://www.wshssportscamps.com/ Questions?  Email Coach Aubrey Eaton

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!

ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB

2025 Rob Benton and Ron Tugwell Scholarship

Open to WSHS graduating seniors who participated in a VHSL sanctioned event or an FCPS supported club sport at WSHS at any time and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

For 2025, we will award two (2) $1500 scholarships.

Submission Deadline: Sunday, April 6, 2025

Application

Eligible Participants: May include, but not limited to

Athletes

Trainers

Performers

Managers

Statisticians

Videographers

Eligible Activities:

Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Debate, Esports, Field Hockey, Football, Forensics, Golf, Gymnastics, Indoor Track, Lacrosse, One Act Play, Outdoor Track, Riflery, Scholastics, Soccer, Softball, Swim and Dive, Tennis, Volleyball, Wrestling

Winners will be notified prior to the Senior Sports Banquet

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/

🎓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

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• • Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid
  • Cameras on School Bus Stop Arms
  • Comprehensive Boundary Review Process Explained

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

Student Fasting Meal Kits Available

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has exciting news for students and families! Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, FCPS students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28, 2025 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day.

Here's how it works:
Parents/Guardians: Fill out a Fasting Meals Request Form below for each week your child will pick up school meal kits (Scan the QR code below or go to Food and Nutrition FCPS

Student Pick-up: Students can pick up one breakfast meal kit and one lunch meal kit at the end of the school day.

Who can get a meal kit? Any student who is fasting can get a meal kit. If a student gets lunch or breakfast at school, they can't get a meal kit that day. Only students can pick up the meal kits – no adults.

When? These meal kits are only available from February 28 to March 28, 2025 at the end of the school day

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

• Newsletter Subscription Preferences
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• FCPS Parent Resource Center
• Safety Tip Line
• Educate Fairfax
• FCPS Cares
• School Year Calendars
•  2024-2025 | 2025-2026

WSHS Social Media

Find WSHS Spartans on:

• Facebook
• Instagram ID: westspringfieldhs_fcps     
• X: https://twitter.com/wspringspartans
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@westspringfieldspartansnet416

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

6100 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA 22152 | Main Office: 703-913-3800
Attendance: 703-913-3838 or WestSpringfieldHigh.Attendance@fcps.edu | Web