1/30/18 PTSA E-Blast

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HAPPENINGS:

2/1 – WHS Science Fair

2/3 – Practice SAT or ACT, 8 am

2/7 – Turbo Tutoring ACT class

2/7 – WHS History Fair

Here are several updates we know about from around the school:

1. PTSA Membership: If you haven’t already, please join the PTSA this year. You can join online here. Remember, PTSA membership by January 31^st is one of the requirements for anyone interested in applying for the 2018 senior scholarship. Not sure if you’ve joined this school year? Contact Eileen Ehreth at membership@westifeldhs.org
2. Practice SAT or ACT Test: WHS PTSA and Kaplan are hosting a practice SAT or ACT test event on Saturday, February 3, 2018. This is a great opportunity for students to take and receive feedback on a practice test to help identify areas of strength and those needing improvement before taking a “real” test. Scores on the practice test are for the student use only and are not sent to colleges. Cost: $20   To sign up, click here.
3. National History Day Evaluators Needed-February 7th: On Wednesday, February 7^th, Westfield will hold its 5^th annual National History Day. The Social Studies Department seeks a few more judges to evaluate the History Day projects created by the honors students. Come be part of the gallery walk or watch amazing documentaries created by our students. Please sign up here if you are interested. You may not judge your own student’s category. Questions: contact Mrs. Santiago at jmsantiago@fcps.edu
4. Mulch Sale has begun: Winter may not be done with us yet, but soon it will be time to get your yard ready for spring! Make it easy on yourself and have your mulch delivered right to your driveway on April 6^th or 7^th by Westfield students! Every year, the high-quality, double-shredded mulch and and the available spreading service sell out!  Because this is an all-volunteer fundraiser, there is a limit to the total number of bags able to be delivered. If you order early (15 bag minimum, WHS boundaries), you’ll be assured free delivery to your driveway. Each 3 cubic foot bag is $5, of which $2.60 may be tax deductible (depending on your specific circumstances). To order, please either go online or download the attached form and return it to Westfield along with a check. Questions? Please email bulldogmulch@westfieldhs.org
5. Va PTA Student Citizenship Essay Contest: All students are invited to participate in this year’s contest. The theme is “What Does It Mean to Dream Big?” The deadline to enter is February 1^st. For more information, click here. The application is attached. All entries must be submitted to Mrs. Kilpatrick, the Virginia PTA  Northern Virginia District Director via email at novadd@vapta.org.
6. Virginia PTA Senior Scholarship Program: Scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated commitment to and engagement in community service, academic achievement, and financial need. The deadline is March 1^st and you must have been a ptsa member by December 1^st. For more information, click here.
7. Host Families sought for visiting Austrian students: Host families are needed for students visiting from Graz, Austria from February 23^rd through March 5^th. For more information, please see the attached flier and contact Westfield’s German teacher, Mr. Rife at gmrife@fcps.edu.
8. Turbo Tutoring ACT (2/7) and SAT (2/24) Prep: Attached is an informational flier for Turbo Tutoring, an SAT and ACT prep program used by many WHS students through the years. This program consists of a strategy session for taking the test which is completed in one block of time. Click here for information about the program and click here to register. Or, see the attached flier for more information.
9. Super Transition Saturday – Planning for High School and Beyond: This program is designed for parents and educators of students receiving special education services. Learn about Career and Transition Services (CTS) programming and course options for students with disabilities. This event will take place on Saturday, February 10^th from 8:30 am - 1:00 pm at Lanier Middle School in Fairfax. To register, call 703-204-3941 or via this link: click here
10. Yarn Donations: The WHS librarians are sponsoring a volunteer opportunity for students after school on Mondays in the library. Students will be able to knit scarves for the homeless. This project is in conjunction withorg and students will be able to earn community service hours. This is a project that is offered at Stone MS, so we hope to encourage students to continue this work at Westfield. To help get this project rolling, donations of yarn have been requested: Red Heart brand yarn, acrylic (washable), weight category 4, dark colors only, and from smoke-and-pet-free homes (due to allergies). Questions? Please contact Ms. Koenig at amkoenig@fcps.edu.
11. FCPS Budget Update: Superintenent Brabrand released the proposed $2.9 Billion FY2019 budget. The good news: no cuts because reductions were realized through efficiencies and reorganization. Public hearings on the budget being on January 29^th. Community input is critical for ensuring adequate funding for FCPS teachers and student programs. To learn more and to share information, visit
12. Yearbooks: Have you ordered a 2017-2018 Yearbook yet? To order, click here and enter code 5577. The price is currently $70.
13. Easy ways to Support Westfield:

• Giant Food: Please remember to reregister your Giant bonus card. It has to be registered every year and can be done at: https://giantfood.com/school-rewards  Our school code is 03798.  The program runs October 6^th – March 15^th.
• Harris Teeter: Register your VIC card at http://www.harristeeter.com/community/together_in_education/link_to_your_school.aspx   Our school code is 8134.
• Office Depot:  When checking out at the register, please ask them to credit Westfield HS. The code is 70115228. They’ll give 5% back to the school!
• Amazon: Please click on the link on the right side of the PTSA’s webpage before ordering! www.ptsa.westfieldhs.org
• Shutterfly: Please click here  to give 13% of your purchase back to the school!

14. mySATadvisor.com: An option for SAT preparation is mySATadvisor.com Online, unlimited practice and analytics on College Board tests and other popular test publishers. Improve speed and accuracy, practice missed or bookmarked questions, and more. Use promo code WHSPTSA20 for a 20% discount.
15. Have something about a club, team, or class at Westfield that you’d like in the e-blast?Send a request to cpisarcikptsa@cox.net