November 6th, 2026 Edition
Important Dates
November 7th- SpartanFest (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
November 25th-27th - Thanksgiving Break (Schools and offices will be closed)
The Oracle Earns Highest VHSL Media Award
West Springfield’s student newsmagazine, The Oracle, earned Trophy Class honors (the state’s highest publication award) at the Virginia High School League Media Championships on October 17. The Oracle was one of just six publications statewide to capture the honor for the 2025–2026 school year.
Congratulations to the team that contributes to The Oracle and achieved this amazing honor!
Pictured L to R: Ray Collins, Managing Editor and Jade Hanson, Editor-in-Chief holding the VHSL Trophy Class plaque
Eat Local and Support the WSHS Food Pantry This November
This November, join West Springfield’s SGA in celebrating Thanksgiving with Area 2 Farms! Your neighborhood organic farm, roughly 10 miles from West Springfield High School where they grow local produce for you. Join to receive 4 weeks of fresh, organic, local produce and give 20% back to WSHS SGA, so we purchase items for our WSHS food pantry!
Through November 30th you can feed your family and fund our student government giving back. Join the farm here .
Disclaimer: Area 2 Farms currently serves families within about 10 miles of its Arlington, Virginia farm. If you are outside of the 10-miles radius contact them: 202-507-9282 or hello@area2farms.com for Wednesday CSA pick up at West Springfield High School.
Hallway of Honor: Help Us Honor Our Veterans
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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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.
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Spartan Support Hub- Started this week!
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
Questions? Please reach out to Ms. Abott: fnabott@fcps.edu.
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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!
SAT/PSAT School Day Scores Available
Students who participated in the School Day SAT/PSAT on October 7 are now able to access scores via the College Board BigFuture School App or their College Board accounts. Students who participated in a make-up test will have access to scores on Thursday, November 5. Video tutorials for accessing and understanding PSAT and SAT scores are available on the College Board website.
National Merit Scholarship Information
Eleventh grade students who participated in the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and can find additional information on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Families may contact our school’s PSAT coordinator with questions regarding PSAT score reporting or the National Merit Scholarship Program.
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SpartanFest this Saturday!
Join us this Saturday from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM!
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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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.
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.
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Paying for College Presentation by College Access Fairfax
All families are invited to attend this program presented by College Access Fairfax. The content is geared towards 9-11th graders; however, all families are welcome.
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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📚 2027 Yearbooks
💰 Cost: $75.00 (book only) | $81.00 (Includes custom nameplate)
⏰ Order Deadline: January 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.
WSHS Saturday Academy
The Saturday Academy provides students with an additional opportunity to receive academic support outside of the regular school day.
📅 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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News from FCPS
November Is National Family Engagement Month
Family Engagement Month is a time to remember that families are children’s first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers.
The FCPS Family Academy supports the continued success and well-being of each and every student within the FCPS community. The Academy offers a variety of positive and engaging learning opportunities and meaningful connections to transform the FCPS experience into a welcoming environment for all families.
Tutoring Resources for Families
Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as a tutor. This list is a resource offered by the FRC, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. This list is not approved by FCPS and is only meant as a resource to families.
2027 Senior Yearbook Ads On Sale!
**Deadline extended**
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: November 15th
- 🔑 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.
All Night Grad Party
The All Night Grad Party is booked for June 8th, 2027 at The St. James! Stay tuned—ticket sales will be open soon!!
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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