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Principal's Message
Spartans,
This was a challenging week for our community. I want to thank you all for your support, and for coming together for each other. The care and empathy you've shown for our community is a testament to who we are as Spartans.
Thanks,
Jim
Jim Patrick
Principal
West Springfield High School
Dream Big – Work Hard – Be Proud – Spartan Strong!
SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT
Meet Jeff Toomer
Job Title: College and Career Specialist and Boys Tennis Coach
Job Description: My role is to help students think about the journey of their lives after high school, whether that includes college, military service, a trade school, or entering the workforce.
Fun Fact: Career Military (20 years); also served as a local church pastor for 14 years
Boys Tennis Coach Quote: "life is a journey."
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September 9: Student Holiday-Special Election Day
September 23: No School-Rosh Hashanah
October 2: No School-Yom Kippur
October 8: PSAT/SAT Day- 8 a.m. (No school for 9th graders, 2 hour early release for testers)
October 13: Student Holiday-Indigenous Peoples' Day
October 20: No School-Diwali
October 31: End of Quarter 1
No-Cost Meals Available for Students on September 9
As a reminder, all FCPS schools will be closed for students and school staff on September 9 due to a special election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. FCPS will provide student meals at a select number of schools at no cost. Please keep in mind that:
- Lunch and a snack will be served together from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Meals must be eaten on site at participating schools.
- Enrichment activities will be available for children. Participation is encouraged but not required.
- Only children 18 and under may receive meals.
- Each child may receive one lunch and one snack.
View a list of school sites that will be providing meals for children on September 9. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800.
Bell Schedule
Attendance
- ParentVue
- Email Attendance: WestSpringfieldHigh.Attendance@fcps.edu
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*WSHS Attendance Line: 703-913-3838
- Sub School 1 Last Names A - Cuj Press 1
- Sub School 2 Last Names Cul- Huq Press 2
- Sub School 3 Last Names Hur - Min Press 3
- Sub School 4 Last Names Mio - Sco Press 4
- Sub School 5 Last Names Scp - Z Press 5
Blue/Orange Calendar
ParentVue Activation
Schoology Family Resources
FLE Content for Parents 2025-2026
FCPS How to Submit Immunization Documentation
Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage
Parent Digital Consent webpage
Family Liaison
Family Information Phone Lines
Submit an FCPS CARES!
📢News and Announcements
Signs of Suicide Program (SOS)
All middle and high schools in FCPS teach students about mental health and how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or a friend. All schools use an evidence-based program called Signs of Suicide (SOS). The program teaches students about this difficult topic and encourages them to seek help.
SOS has been used by thousands of schools over the past few decades. Studies have shown that it effectively teaches students about depression and suicide while reducing the number of students’ self-reported suicide attempts.
Through the program, students learn:
- that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help
- how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend
- to ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend
- who they can turn to at school for help, if they need it
Students will watch age-appropriate video clips and participate in a guided discussion about depression, suicide, and what to do if they are concerned about a friend.
Following the video, students will complete a brief depression screening tool. This tool cannot provide a diagnosis of depression but does indicate whether a young person should be referred for evaluation by a mental health professional.
We encourage you to visit www.sossignsofsuicide.org/parent for information on warning signs for youth suicide, useful resources, and some of the key messages students will learn. You can also view this parent video or visit this site to learn more about how you can continue this important conversation at home. We will be available in person to answer an questions on October 8th at 1pm in Student Services located in the main office.
At West Springfield High School, the SOS lesson and accompanying screening will occur on Tuesday October 28th for 9th Graders and Tuesday November 18th for 11th Graders.
We recognize that you may have opted your child out of this program through the Parent Digital Consent tool (PDC). If you did not complete an opt out using the PDC and would still like to do so you can opt your child out of this lesson by emailing John Basta.
No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students
FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to help eliminate barriers to quality mental health care services for all high school students, at no cost to families. Therapy sessions with Hazel Health are a safe space and are private and confidential
If you are in crisis, you can text NEEDHELP to 85511, call 1-800-273-TALK, or dial 911.
Find more information about this service here
Registration for the World Languages Credit by Exam is now open!
What is the World Languages Credit by Exam?
It is an exam that assesses linguistic proficiency in languages other than English. Linguistic proficiency is the ability to use language in real world situations in a spontaneous interaction, non-rehearsed context, and in a manner acceptable and appropriate to native speakers of the language.
Why take the exam? Students can earn up to 3 course credits in a world language, may satisfy requirements for the Advanced Studies Diploma, and may earn the VDOE Seal of Biliteracy.
When and where is the exam? The exam will take place during the school day at WSHS on either November 12th, 13th, or 14th. Students will be sent additional information after registration is complete, and will be assigned a date and time based on their schedule and selected language.
How do I register my student? Students and parents need to fill out the registration form (https://www.fcps.edu/academics/student-tests-assessments/types-student-assessment/credit-by-exam-world-language#registration) and return it to their counselor who will complete the registration.
When can I register? Registration opened on September 2nd and will close on October 17th. No late registrations will be accepted!
Where can I find more information about the test? Check out the FCPS WLCBE website: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/high/world-languages/credit-exam-world-languages.
You may also reach out to our Assessment Coach, Laura Fitzsimmons - Lmfitzsimmon@fcps.edu
FCPS Consent for Release of Student Records
Records requests that require a counselor or staff member to send a document on behalf of the student as an official record requires an FCPS consent be on file.
The student and their parent/guardian must sign and complete the FCPS Consent for Release of Student Records and deliver this form to Student Services before any records request can be fulfilled. The form needs to be signed in ink and be legible. This form can now be collected for all grades and is in effect until your student turns 18.
The Consent form can be accessed in multiple translations here: IS-111 Consent Form
We are asking that you please complete the form with your student and have them turn it in to their counselor.
Governor’s Early College Scholars
The Early College Scholars program allows eligible public high school students to earn a minimum of 15 transferable college credits while fulfilling the requirements for an Advanced Studies Diploma. For the first time this form is now available in the Parent Digital Consent portal which you can access with the same username and password as ParentVue. Please take a moment to login and opt in for this program.
To qualify for this program, you'll need to meet these criteria:
- Maintain a "B" average or better in your high school courses; and
- Be pursuing an Advanced Studies Diploma; and
- Successfully complete college-level coursework, such as AP, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, or dual enrollment, to earn at least 15 transferable* college credits. * the actual number of transferable college credits awarded depends on the criteria of the admitting college or university.
To formalize your participation, you'll sign an Governor's Early College Scholars Agreement, which will also be signed by your parents or guardians, principal, and school counselor. Parents can complete the form in the Parent Digital Consent portal or a hard copy of the form can be returned to your student's school counselor in Student Services.
Upcoming Changes to FCPS High School Transcripts
To provide a more comprehensive and accurate record of a student's educational journey, FCPS students’ transcripts will now specify the location where certain courses are taken. This change, which was approved by the School Board in December 2024, will affect courses taken at the following FCPS locations:
- FCPS High School Academies
- FCPS Interagency Alternative Schools
- FCPS Online Campus
- Classes taken concurrently at other FCPS schools
Starting September 26, 2025, students’ transcripts will list these courses under a separate heading for the corresponding program. Transcripts and report cards printed before this date will still show all courses listed under the student's base school.
This update will provide a clearer picture of the diverse academic opportunities our students are pursuing across the district.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your student’s counselor: Student Services Contacts
Paperless Report Cards
We’re excited to offer you a more convenient option for receiving your child’s report cards: Go Paperless!
By choosing to go paperless, you'll be able to:
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Access report cards directly in ParentVUE with just a few clicks.
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Reduce wait time in seeing your child’s report card.
Here's how you can opt-in:
- Log into ParentVUE, click on "My Account," and select “Go Paperless.”
- All parents/guardians living with the student at the same address must have an active SIS ParentVUE account to opt-in.
- Once selected, the “Go Paperless” option will apply to all associated students, no matter their grade level.
- If you’ve already opted for paperless for your secondary students, it will automatically apply to any younger siblings at the elementary level too!
✅Don't Forget
🪖Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a test for entrance into the military. But the ASVAB is also more than just a military test. It's a free career exploration tool that can help you identify your skills, explore many career options; and the ASVAB Career Exploration Program provides resources to help you make informed decisions about your education and career goals. Whether you're thinking about college, trade school, or going straight into the workforce, the ASVAB can help you get there.
The ASVAB will be administered at WSHS on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 8:30am (Spartan Hall). 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. We encourage all students (10-12th grade) to participate in our administration of this assessment prior to graduation. The deadline to register is Friday, September 26, 2025.
📔Yearbooks on Sale Now
2025-2026 WSHS Yearbook Sales Are Now Open
Cost: $70 ($76 with name plate) until October 31st
Please see the link below order both yearbooks and senior ads:
Use order number 4150
Order a Yearbook
👩🎓Senior Ad Sales Are Now Open
Please see the link below to order a senior ad for the 2025-2026 WSHS Yearbook.
The deadline to order senior ads is October 31st.
Use order number 4150
Order a Senior Ad
💍 Class Rings
🍿WSHS Boosters Volunteer Sign Up
🚌FCPS NEWS
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Safety Drills During the School Year
- Cell Phones Off, Learning On
- Attendance: Every Day Counts
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
📰Community News
🚌Fairfax County Stuff the Bus: Fight Hunger in Our Neighborhoods
Countywide Day for Donations, September 13, 2025, 10 a.m. -3 p.m.
Learn more here
👨🏽💻Free Webinar: What Families Need to Know About Drugs for their Student with Disabilities
September 26th, 10-11:30 a.m.
Register here
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