West Springfield High School wishes you a Happy Halloween!
October 30th, 2026 Edition
Important Dates
Friday, October 30th - 2 hour early release for students (end of 1st quarter)
Monday, November 2nd - No school (School planning day)
Tuesday, November 3rd - No school (Teacher workday)
See the complete school year calendar
News from WSHS
Two WSHS Mock Trial Students Selected for Statewide Leadership Positions
West Springfield High School congratulates Yvonne Mott (11th grade) and Charlotte Tran-Reisman (10th grade) on their appointments to the Virginia Law-Related Education Institute's Student Advisory Council.
Selected through a competitive application process, Yvonne and Charlotte will join eight other students from across Virginia in shaping the Commonwealth's leading mock trial program and influencing opportunities for law-related education. Yvonne will serve as a Board Member and Mentorship Coordinator, while Charlotte will serve as a Board Member at Large.
Both students also hold leadership positions on WSHS's Mock Trial Team. Yvonne chairs the Opening Statement Competition while Charlotte chairs the Witness Preparation committee. Yvonne and Charlotte previously earned strong scores during the 2025–2026 mock trial competition season, and the entire WSHS competition team performed tremendously overall. We look forward to another successful season.
Congratulations to Yvonne and Charlotte on this outstanding achievement and a special thank you to their coach, Jessica Lehman, for tirelessly working with our students!
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Spartan Trunk or Treat
On Saturday, October 24th, over 20 Spartan clubs, teams, and organizations gathered for the West Springfield High School’s annual Trunk-or-Treat. We had so many creative trunks, costumes, and a great turnout from the community. Huge thank you to the Student Leadership Association for putting together this awesome event and everyone who came out to participate!
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Hallway of Honor: Help Us Honor Our Veterans
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As part of our annual tradition, our school will be creating a Hallway of Honor to celebrate the veterans in our community. Posters featuring photos and service details of local veterans will be displayed throughout the school.
If you have a family member you would like us to honor, please complete our Google Form and upload any photos you would like displayed. Thank you for helping us recognize those who have served!
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Underclass Makeup Portraits and Retakes
Date: Friday, November 6th
Time: 8:00 am-2:30 pm
Location: Spartan Hall
You will need to coordinate with one of your teachers that day to go take your makeup photo or retake. Please talk to them in advance concerning assignments and assessments.
Please note:
- If you had your photo taken at the first photo day in September and are retaking your photo, you will not be issued a new student id.
- If you are taking your photo for the first time (makeup photo), you will be issued a student id card.
- If you are retaking your photo, that photo is the one that will be included in the yearbook.
Paying for College Presentation by College Access Fairfax
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All families are invited to attend this program presented by College Access Fairfax.
When: November 12, 6:30 PM
Where: WSHS Cafeteria
Why: Learn about college costs, FAFSA grants, loans, scholarships, and the financial aid process. Open to all grade levels!
If you need an interpreter for this event, please contact our family liaison at scstevens@fcps.edu
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Spartan Support Hub
All students interested in receiving support in the core subjects are invited to attend the Spartan Support Hub after school on Wednesdays. National Honors Society students will be available to support students in the academic content areas.
Late bus transportation is provided. Buses depart at 4:50 at door 1.
Where: Collab 1 (2011)
When: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM every Wednesday (starting November 4th)
Questions? Please reach out to Ms. Abott: fnabott@fcps.edu.
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✨FCPS Honors: Nominate a WSHS Staff Member! ✨
If you have worked with an outstanding employee at West Springfield HS, FCPS wants your help recognizing them. Spartan families are invited to nominate staff members for recognition!
🏆 NOMINATIONS FOR...
- Outstanding Teacher
- Outstanding Principal
- Outstanding New Teacher
- Outstanding Professional Staff Leader
- Outstanding Educational Services Employee
- Outstanding Operational Services Employee
🗓️DEADLINE: The deadline to submit a nomination is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
SUBMISSIONS: Submissions can be made by completing this form .
Thank you for supporting our outstanding Spartan Staff!
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Federal Impact Aid Forms: Please Complete
The Federal Impact Aid Survey is now available in ParentVUE. Your response helps FCPS receive funding for which it is eligible by identifying military and other federally connected families, including families living on a military base.
Please complete one survey for each child. Only the parent who enrolled the student with FCPS can submit the form. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.
To complete the survey, sign in to ParentVUE and click on Online Registration. From there, scroll down to find the Federal Impact Aid Survey.
If you are experiencing difficulty completing the survey, sign in to ParentVUE using Google Chrome, select Online Packets, then choose Federal Impact Aid Survey. If you need help accessing ParentVUE, contact your child’s school.
Paper forms will be sent home with students starting October 28 for families who cannot access ParentVUE.
Fall Fundraiser---Leaf Raking by Spartan Crew
Got leaves?? We have rowers ready to rake for you!
You supply the paper bags or containers and WSHS Crew supplies rakes, blowers, and brawn!
Leaf Raking Request Form
Please email leafraking@spartancrew.org with any questions. Thanks for supporting our Spartan Rowers!
2027 Virginia Summer Residential Governor's School (SRGS) * Form due TODAY 10/30 *
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) offers the opportunity for 10th and 11th grade students to apply to attend summer residential Governor's schools in Academics and Visual & Performing Arts (VPA). Students who are accepted into one of the programs will live in residence halls in one of the state colleges in VA for four weeks in the June - late July timeframe. To learn more about SRGS opportunities and the application process, visit the VDOE website.
Governor’s School- Academic
To be considered for an academic Governor's school, students must complete the interest form The form is a required part of the application process and is due October 30th. No late entries will be accepted. When completing the form, enter a personal email address and do NOT use an fcpsschools.net email address. VDOE cannot send communications to the fcpsschools.net domain.
Please contact Ms. Fleming or Mr. Montero with any questions!
Ms. Fleming - msfleming@fcps.edu
Mr. Montero - lfmontero@fcps.edu
Governor’s School- Visual & Performing Arts (VPA)
Radford University, June 20 - July 10, 2027
The VPA program at Radford University offers intensive artistic development in five areas: Visual Art, Dance, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, and Theatre. Students engage in classes, workshops, individual and group activities, and interdisciplinary courses that integrate the arts with other disciplines. The program emphasizes the process of artistic creation, encouraging students to explore and expand their artistic skills.
To be considered for an VPA Governor's school, students must complete the steps below:
WSHS Governor's School Process for Visual and Performing Arts
Step 1- Check your eligibility by filling out the WSHS VPA Governor's School Eligibility Form
Step 2- If confirmed eligible , Review theWSHS Visual and Performing Arts Governor's School Navigation Guide. and Performing Arts Governor's School Navigation Guide.
Step 3- Click on the link in the guide to fill out the VPA Governor's School student interest form BEFORE October 30.
If you have any questions, please contact Tiff Duncan at tcduncan@fcps.edu .
Pohick Library Collaboration with Spartan Theatre!
Celebrate Halloween at the Pohick Library with the West Springfield High School’s theatre department! Enjoy and friendly family afternoon (12-2) of storytelling, spooky crafts for kids, and a special sneak peek of our fall play The Woodsman! Meet the student performers, creative puppets, and enjoy a playful, creative afternoon perfect for families. There will be CANDY! Costumes are encouraged but not required. Check out the event listing for more information.
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Spartan Theatre Presents: The Woodsman
Spartan Theatre is proud to present the first high school production of The Woodsman in Virginia, inspired and adapted off the world of L. Frank Baum’s classic novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!
Nick Chopper, a lonely woodsman from the Land of Oz, must embark on a harrowing journey to protect the love of his life from her evil guardian, the Wicked Witch of the East.
Hauntingly beautiful and told almost entirely without words, The Woodsman brings this untold origin story to life through breathtaking puppetry, expressive theatrical movement, and an atmospheric blend of music and theatrical magic. This is a show unlike anything you've ever seen!
Brought to life by the collective efforts of more than 180 West Springfield High School students, this production is a showcase of the creativity and dedication of our Spartan Theatre community.
The Woodsman runs November 12–21 (8 shows) in the West Springfield High School auditorium. Seating is limited, so reserve your tickets today! SpartanTheatre.com
CONTENT ADVISORY: Recommended for ages 13+. This production includes weapons, depictions of grief and death, fog/haze, bright flashing lights, and loud, sudden noises.
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Learners Permit Testing at WSHS
Learners Permit testing will be offered at West Springfield HS this year. The testing is only available for current WSHS students.
Any student wishing to test at school will need to register and pay for the opportunity at FCPS ACE (https://www.fcpsace.org/).
Students must be at least 15 years and 6 months old on the test date. If a student has already failed the Learners Permit test twice, they cannot take the 3rd attempt at WSHS- it must be done at the DMV.
Testing is currently offered once per month though additional dates could be added based on need and available space.
All tests begin at 3:15pm in Room 2224 on the following dates: November 12, December 10, January 7, February 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, and June 10.
Please make sure to complete all steps of the registration process- additional information is posted on the FCPS ACE site when registering for the test.
Please contact Casey Grubbs, clgrubbs@fcps.edu , if you have any questions.
SpartanFest - November 7th
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Join us at SpartanFest!
Date: Saturday, November 7th
Time: 10:00AM - 1:00 PM
Location: WSHS Upper parking lot
This is an event for all ages- we will have food, games, crafts, performances, and more!
SpartanFest will be held rain or shine. Come support clubs, activities, and WSHS teams.
We hope to see you there! (some activities will be free while others will have a fee ; cash and card accepted)
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Scholarship & Enrichment Programs
(All FCPS Scholarship Postings can be found at https://fcps.edu/scholarships-fcps-students)
UVA Jefferson Scholarship – WSHS can nominate 1-2 seniors for this opportunity which covers the entire cost of attendance at UVA. Seniors must complete this Google Application Form (accessible only from student FCPS email) by November 1, 2026.
UVA Walentas Scholarship – WSHS can nominate 1-2 seniors for this opportunity for first-generation college students which covers the entire cost of attendance at UVA. Seniors must complete this Google Application Form (accessible only from student FCPS email) by November 1, 2026.
Harry Byrd Leadership Award – WSHS can nominate 1 senior for this $40,000 scholarship. While academic excellence is a consideration, the selection of award recipients emphasizes the importance of citizenship and public service. Seniors must complete this Google Application Form (accessible only from student FCPS email) by November 1, 2026. A letter of recommendation is required, so please ask a WSHS staff member quickly!
Scholarships & Enrichment Programs offered by organizations other than FCPS are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the superintendent, or any Fairfax County public school.
📚 2027 Yearbooks
*Price increases after 10/31*
💰 Cost: $70.00 ( book only) | $76.00 (Includes custom nameplate)
⏰ Order Deadline: October 31st (price increases after this date)
🛒 How to Order: Click here to order and use school code 4150 for West Springfield.
Please note that if you receive free or reduced lunch benefits, email slholzgrefe@fcps.edu and ask for further instructions on how to pay. Include your full name and student ID number in your email.
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WSHS Saturday Academy is Back!!
The Saturday Academy provides students with an additional opportunity to receive academic support outside of the regular school day.
Saturday Academy Details
📅 Day: Saturdays
⏰ Time: 9:00–11:00 AM
📍 Arrival: Students should enter through Door 1
📚 Support: Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies
Students do not have to complete the interest form in order to attend. However, students are encouraged to complete the Saturday Academy Interest Form so we can better plan staffing and ensure we are prepared to support students based on their content-area needs.
Please note transportation will NOT be provided by FCPS.
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Attendance Matters: Your Presence Matters!
Regular attendance is crucial for the academic success of all students. Studies have repeatedly proven that students with better attendance records perform better in school and are more likely to graduate high school on time.
Did you know?
Starting in kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
Missing 10% (or about 2 days per month) can make it harder to learn to read.
Attending school even if your student arrives late is valuable for their academic success.
We understand that there may be obstacles preventing students from attending school regularly, such as illness or personal circumstances. That’s why it is so important for our school team to work together with our students and families to remove any barriers. We all belong here!
Please encourage your student to arrive on time every day and maintain regular attendance until the last day of school. Together, we can work toward increasing school attendance rates and improving academic outcomes for all our students.
How You Can Help:
Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
Don’t let your child stay home unless she is truly sick. Keep in mind that complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning.
Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session
Reach out to Ms. Abott, Dean of Students, with any questions or concerns you may have about your child's attendance: fnabott@fcps.edu.
News from FCPS
Hear From Parents, Students, and Others at the Special Education Family Conference Opening Session
The annual Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, November 14, at Hayfield Secondary School.
New this year, the conference will open with an inspiring panel discussion featuring voices from across our school community: an FCPS student, a high school principal, a community partner, and an FCPS parent.
Panelists will share personal experiences and practical ideas for building supportive, inclusive communities where students can thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
Register to attend and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage to learn more about the panelists. Email questions to SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.
Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation
All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass and access the application, which can be returned to the front office.
Additionally, our students can ride Metrobus for free! Visit the Fairfax County website for details, approved Metrobus routes, and the application.
Children 12 and younger ride for free on the Fairfax Connector with a paying adult.
Bus Discount Program for Adults
Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) provides 50% off fares for low-income residents ages 18-65. Learn more about the TRIP program and how to apply.
Volunteers & Bakers Needed for Election Day Bake Sale
🗳️ WSHS ANGP Election Day Bake Sale – Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Help support the Class of 2027 All Night Grad Party during Election Day! We are setting up outside Door 11 (Cafeteria Entrance) from 5:30 AM to 7:00 PM to sell baked goods, coffee, and snacks to local voters.
📌 How You Can Help:
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Volunteer for a Shift: We need 1 adult and 2–3 students for each 2-hour shift. Adult supervision is required at all times.
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Bake & Donate: We need cookies, muffins, brownies, cupcakes, scones, and gluten-free/nut-free options!
🎓 Student Volunteer Hours (x2VOL):
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Shift Volunteers: Earn x2VOL service hours for working shifts.
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Bakers: Earn 1 x2VOL service hour for every 2 dozen baked items donated. (Shared with NHS and Key Club).
⚠️ Baking & Packaging Instructions:
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Labeling: Please label all items clearly. Any item containing nuts must have a prominent 'CONTAINS NUTS' label on the front. Gluten-free items are also greatly appreciated!
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Packaging: Wrap items individually or package 2–3 cookies together in Ziploc bags.
🕕Drop-Off Times:
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Early Morning Items (1/3 of total): Drop off at the Bake Sale Chair's home on Monday, Nov 2, so we are ready for the 6:00 AM voter rush!
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Day-Of Items (2/3 of total): Drop off directly at the Door 11 table on Tuesday, Nov 3, before 11:00 AM.
🔗 Sign up here
2027 Senior Yearbook Ads On Sale!
Commemorate your student's achievements and milestones with a Senior Ad in the 2027 West Springfield High School Yearbook! These custom recognition ads allow you to share favorite photos, personal messages, and words of encouragement to celebrate your graduating senior.
Important Information:
⏰ Deadline to Design & Order: October 31st
🔑 School Code: 4150
💻 How to Order: Visit https://yearbookordercenter.com/, enter school code 4150, and follow the prompts to choose your ad size and complete your design.
Space in the yearbook is limited, and ads are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to design and submit your ad early.
If you have any questions, please contact Stacie Holzgrefe at slholzgrefe@fcps.edu.
The All Night Grad Party is booked for June 8th, 2027 at The St. James!
Stay tuned—ticket sales will be open in November!
Interested in volunteering with ANGP (before, during, or after the party)? Fill out THIS FORM!
Thank you for supporting ANGP!
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Personalized Graduation Yard Signs
Want to celebrate your graduate in a special way? Personalized graduation yard signs are available to order now. (You can also celebrate their sports/band/theater participation) Click this link to create an account and order yours!
Have a great weekend!
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