WSHS Spartan Weekly News_March 28, 2025

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UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH

28: End of Third Quarter (Full Day, last day to submit class schedule changes)

31: Eid al Fitr (Holiday, No School) 

APRIL

1: Teacher Workday (Student Holiday)

9: Purple Up! Day, Donuts with Dependents

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

🗓️ Calendar Reminders: Quarter End, Eid al-Fitr, and Teacher Workday

Friday, March 28, is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school. 

All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31, for Eid al-Fitr. 

Tuesday, April 1, is a teacher workday and there is no school for students. 

SIS ParentVUE End-of-Quarter Closure 

The gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the quarter from Friday, March 28, at 4 p.m. to Monday, April 7, at 6 a.m.

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.

Eid Mubarak to those in our Muslim community celebrating! In Islam, Eid al-Fitr is a 3 day festival to mark the end of Ramadan. Muslims dress in new clothes, give charity, and pray in congregation. Eid is celebrated with the exchange of presents and delicious food with family and friends.

SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT

2025 Ballin' with Buddies

The annual Ballin' with Buddies basketball tournament, held on March 22, 2025, at West Springfield High School's Main Gym, was a resounding success. The event fostered community spirit and inclusive fun, bringing together students of all abilities from across the community.

Teams from Rolling Valley Elementary School, Irving Middle School, and South County High School showcased their skills and sportsmanship in a friendly and inclusive tournament.

Check out this link to see more photos. Thank you to Paul Bjarnason for these great shots!

Dream Big, Work Hard, Be Proud

SPARTAN STRONG!

Winter Guard Reaches for the Stars

The WSHS Winter Guard took 2^nd place this past weekend at their competition at Mount Vernon HS.  Congratulations to their hard earned achievement. 

Don't forget they will be performing their AWARD-WINNING show This Wish for the last time Tuesday,  April 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the WSHS Main Gym.  This event is free!  

Science Fair Awards

The 70th annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair showcased roughly 400 high school science projects. More than 600 students presented their research projects in a wide variety of science and engineering fields. Projects were judged by more than 200 professionals, and 40 professional organizations and businesses. Congratulations to the participants and winners from WSHS!

NEWS AND NOTES

WSHS PTSA Social Tonight!

Come and meet other WSHS parents at the PTSA social tonight, March 28 at Tacos and Tequila!  

5:00-6:30 p.m.  No agenda, just a chance to meet and talk!

Get Involved with FCPS Get2Green!

WSHS is excited to be a Get 2 Green school!

FCPS Get2Green is Fairfax County Public Schools’ environmental stewardship program that promotes sustainability, environmental education, and student-led initiatives in areas like waste reduction, energy conservation, school gardens, and outdoor learning. The program engages students, staff, and the community to create greener, more sustainable schools.  

Last year WSHS Get2Green students in the Environmental Club held many activities including a used clothing swap, clothing drive, and planted a pollinator garden to increase biodiversity, improve storm water drainage, and promote student-well being.  We are excited that this year Get2Green students are beginning to initiate a new recycling program.

We are currently planning activities for Spring and Fall of 2025 and looking for interested community members to support our efforts in a variety of ways:  

 🌎Community Engagement – Volunteer time to support cultivation of the gardens, recycling initiatives, and development of new sustainability iitiatives.  We especially welcome local Master Gardeners to help with our gardens!

🌱Donate- Donate new, good-condition gardening tools and supplies including mulch and native plants.

If you want to join us to make WSHS a greener school please contact  Heidi Averette at hsaverette@fcps.edu.  Together, we can make a difference! 🌿

STUDENT SERVICES

WSHS Rising Freshman Parent Night

Please join us on Monday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the WSHS Auditorium (Door 5).

Learn more about our daily schedule, technology, attendance, and other resources.

**Interpreters will be available

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).

FAMILY LIAISON NEWS

Please check out our NEW Family Liaison Page to find up-to-date information and resources!

New this week:

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Summer Programs: Register NOW!

Virtual Military Night: April 10

MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD

Join us for our Annual Donuts with Dependents! 

April is the Month of the Military Child (MOMC).  In honor of that, we invite all of our military connected families to join us on April 9th @ 7:30 in the outside classroom (door 2) for our annual Donuts with Dependents!  Please RSVP by April 4th using the Google link or QR code!  And don't for to PURPLE UP!

STUDENT CORNER

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).

Date Changes: 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:

*MEPS, the military entity that schedules and administers the ASVAB, has cancelled our March 21 date. The rescheduled test date is April 22. This will be the last last opportunity for seniors to take the ASVAB. Students can sign up on the preferred dates listed below: 

• • April 22 – ASVAB (10 - 12th Graders, Register)
  • June 9 — ASVAB (10 - 11th 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

• 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  4/23, 6/4. There may be more dates added later.

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

PTSA

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!

ACTIVITIES

Spartan Theatre: Spotlight on the Arts Day May 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $55/Student, Grades 3-6 Elementary Students will Spend the Day Playing Theatre Games and improv Singing and Dancing in Musical Theatre Workshops Learning Technical Theatre Skills (Costume, makeup, set and props classes) Watch a sneak peak of our Spring musical: Into the Woods! Register at SpartanTheatre.com

Spartan Volleyball Camp July 21-25 $120.00 Rising 5-12 graders Register: www.wshssportscamps.com Questions? Contact Coach Stephanie Noriega, sbnoriega@fcps.edu

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 : March 30-April 5

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:

• • School Start Times Survey
  • Annual Prom Dress Shop at Centreville High School
  • FCPS Family Academy Free Webinars and Events

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 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