2008-2009 Events and News

Upcoming fund raising events

Fairfax County Public Schools does not authorize or engage any for profit company (such as a telemarketer) to represent its interests in selling advertisements or otherwise seeking financial support for school system programs and activities. Authorized fund-raising activities are undertaken only by students, Fairfax County Public Schools employees, and Fairfax County Public Schools affiliated organizations (such as Parent Teacher Associations and Booster Clubs). All payments and contributions are to be made payable to the "Fairfax County Public Schools," a particular school, or a Fairfax County Public Schools' program or activity. Should you have any questions or concerns about the legitimacy of a person or entity purporting to represent the Fairfax County Public Schools or an individual school, please call the Office of Student Activities at 703-913-3860.

Faculty E-mail Addresses

Images of our school

2009 WSHS summer reading lists and AP assignments have been posted. Students enrolled in these courses should refer to these documents to meet summer curriculum requirements. WSHS reading lists may be different from and therefore supersede the Fairfax County Public Schools summer reading lists. All AP courses are listed but not all require summer reading. AP courses that require completion of an assignment or reading are hyperlinked. Please check this list carefully. Some courses require that students have a copy of the book prior to the start of school. They may purchase their own text, use a library copy, or ask their teachers to issue them a copy. (posted June 10, 2009)

Faculty and friends gathered in Spartan Hall to celebrate the contributions of Nancy Albright, Patti McMillan, Mary Moriarty, and Sue Spatcher. These professionals have made numerous contributions to our school and will be missed. We applaud their efforts directed toward our Spartans and their involvment with all aspects of our school. (posted June 3, 2009)

May 2009 PTSA Newsletter: The current issue of the PTSA Newsletter has been posted and can be viewed online along with past issues of the newsletter. (posted May 18, 2009)

END OF YEAR INFO FOR SENIORS: Information about graduation and other activities related to the end of year for seniors can be found at http://www.fcps.edu/westspringfieldhs/classes/seniors/endyr09.shtml (posted April 23, 2009)

The WSHS Office of School Counseling has been named a Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) by the American School Counselor Association. Two hundred schools nationwide were awarded this status. ASCA is the national organization that provides the model, support, and ethical guidelines for school counseling programs, and the organization will now look to WSHS as a model school counseling department. Through this newly achieved RAMP status, WSHS counselors will collaborate with ASCA to share ideas, collect data, and promote comprehensive counseling programs throughout the country. (posted May 5, 2009)

MAY TESTING AT WSHS: AP tests will be given May 4 - 15. SOL tests will be given May 18 - 22. SOL retakes and make-up tests are scheduled for May 28 - Jun 2. Please see that your children are rested and eat good breakfasts before taking these tests. If you must make arrange for your children to leave school during these testing windows, choose times that are non-testing sessions for them whenever possible. (posted April 3, 2009)

TEEN DEPRESSION SCREENING: On February 5, 6, and 9, WSHS is offering its first annual depression screening. This free, voluntary and confidential screening is offered to help students assess whether or not they may have symptoms consistent with depression. (posted February 2, 2009)

COURSE SELECTION GUIDE: View this 28-page PDF student course selection guide to assist students to register for next year's schedule. This booklet will assist students and parents in planning the student’s high school program. In selecting a course of study, the student should consider past achievements, goals, interests, and the type of diploma desired. It provides information that includes but is not limited to the following topics: types of diplomas, graduation requirements, grade-point scales, online courses, high school academies, fees, and courses offered at the high school. (posted January 30, 2009)

LINCOLN LEGACY SCHOOL: West Springfield High School has been designated a Lincoln Legacy School for the celebration of the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. Through education programs, public forums, and arts projects the Bicentennial provides an opportunity to re-examine what it means to be American in the 21st century. (posted November 20, 2008)

NATIONAL MERIT RECOGNITION:Congratulations to members of the Class of 2009 who are being recognized by the National Merit, National Achievement and National Hispanic Programs. Eighteen seniors have been recognized including James Serwin who has been designated as a National Merit Semifinalist and will continue in the competition. Check out the entire list of our honorees. (posted November 4, 2008)

SENIOR CAPSTONE PROJECT UPDATE
Members of the Class of 2009 will kick off the Senior Capstone Project in English class during the week of September 15 with a special introductory PowerPoint explaining the components of the project. The PowerPoint will also be available for viewing on the Senior Capstone 24/7 Learning (Blackboard) website. In English and Government classes during the following week, seniors will begin brainstorming ideas for their individual projects. Students will need to attend approval sessions before the end of the first quarter before starting on their projects during second quarter. All projects must be completed before the end of the third quarter. Seniors will receive information on the components of their projects from English and Government teachers throughout the year as each element is due. (posted September 9, 2008)

SPARTAN SPREE - Thursday, August 21 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Parents are encouraged to come to sign all required school forms so that students may receive their schedules and locker assignments that day. Purchase PE uniforms. Watch a free football scrimmage. For more details, call WSHS at 703.913.3800. (posted July 23, 2008)