What's Happening in December - Happy Holidays

• President's Message
• Minority Achievement News
• Membership News
• ANGP News
• Reflections
• Booster News
• FCPS Newswire
• Community Programs
• Events Calendar
• Links of Interest

• Fairfax County Public School
• Fairfax County Council of PTAs
• Northern Virginia District PTA
• Virginia PTA
• National PTA
• US Department of Education
• FCPS Parent Resources
• FCPS Inclement Weather Plans

• Athletic Boosters
• Band Boosters
• Choral Boosters
• Guitar Boosters
• Orchestra Boosters
• Theatre Boosters
  
  

Your feedback is important to us. Send us comments or suggestions to make your PTSA newsletter better.

President's Message

Hope everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving!  We're thankful for all the volunteers who helped us get through our recent volunteer "crunch". Thanks to all who sorted Federal forms, assisted with health screenings and helped with Ethics Day at the Westfields Marriott. A special thanks to Pam Murdoch, Dave Jagels, Suzanne Olijar, Dana Cimino, Marcia Szott and all the parents, business and community volunteers who helped make Ethics Day a success.
   We're still looking for some co-chairs to head up the All Night Grad Party Mulch sale, which is scheduled for April 19th. The "How-To's" have been written up and tweaked over the years, so all we need is for someone to slip into the spot- for that I'd be really thankful! Contact angp@westfieldhs.org if interested.
   Thanks go out to Nancy Hutchison and Cindy Alls for providing a luncheon for almost 300 staff members this past month. Thanks as well to Michele Ford and Nadine Ranade for their work with the Reflections Arts in Education program. Congratulations to the winners, whose names are mentioned later in this issue. The winners will move on to the county level.
   Our ACE Committee has been busy with the awards ceremonies! They hosted a breakfast for Merit Finalists, the Academic Letter Award Ceremony for students achieving a 3.75 GPA or better. ACE also orchestrated a donut reception for over 1,600 honor roll students achieving a 3.2 or higher this quarter. Thank you to Denise Stalnaker, Laurie Horstmann and their committee for putting it all together to honor our student achievement.
   The Marquee fund is getting closer to our revised goal of $52,400.
   Thank you to those who have contributed to the $51,400 that we have raised so far! The campaign received a recent shot in the arm from DECA, which donated the proceeds from its Black Out shirt campaign. Also, our thanks to Nasr & Shaista Chaundry, along with their sons Omar and Zafar, who designed, made and donated WHS car flags to raise funds for the marquee and contribute to school spirit as Bulldog football heads to the state semifinals in Chesapeake. Car flags are $5 and are for sale in the indoor concession stand by the gym at school.

Sincerely,
 Jennifer Campbell, WHS PTSA President
ptsa_president@westfieldhs.org

Minority Achievement News

Come join us for the MAC December Holiday Gathering which will be held on Tuesday December 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. It's a celebration of sharing and we will share world foods. It's a pot luck celebration.

Dec 5, 2007 University of Virginia Prep Night Join us and learn tips for applying to UVA including Applications, Essays, SAT & ACT Scores.

College Resource: The Federal Student Aid web site located at: www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov will help families explore their financial aid options as early as the freshman year of high school. A free database of scholarship opportunities for FCPS students is located at: http://www.fcps.edu/ssseapps/scholarshipdb. Local sponsors have created opportunities specifically for Fairfax County students. These local, as well as state and national scholarships, are updated weekly throughout the school year.

Student Achievement
In today's changing economy the need for advanced skills and technical knowledge is growing. Showing our children that we value learning and education is important and will pay off in the long run as they mature. When you're involved in your child's education, your child achieves more. (Read more)

Sincerely,
Mark Richardson, MAC Chairperson
Minority Achievement Homepage

Membership News

Families still continue to join the PTSA. Participation is right at 50%, up from last year's 47%.
   Some people have asked about membership cards. We have over 1500 members, which makes it a very daunting task to send cards home either with students or by mail. We give out cards to members who joined in person at the BBQ or Back to School nights. If you did not get a membership card and would like one, please email membership@westfieldhs.org with your name, student name and student's 7th period teacher if you want it sent home, or you can pick it up in the office. The card contains the username and password to access exclusive membership benefits on the PTA web site www.pta.org. For up to the minute information, please check out www.pta.org or Westfield PTSA Homepage Questions?  Feel free to email me at membership@westfieldhs.org.

Thanks for your support!
Kym Sunday, Membership Chair

ANGP News

Monte Carlo Night February 8, 2008

Like to play Black Jack? How about Roulette or Craps? Is Texas Hold'em your game? Then come to the Westfield High School Monte Carlo night. Our event will be held on Friday, February 8, 2008 at the Westfield Marriott. The fun filled, adult only evening will begin at 7:30 pm. The All Night Grad Party (ANGP) committee is sponsoring the auction. All proceeds will be used to help our seniors have a safe, drug free and alcohol free place to celebrate with their friends after graduation.
   Tickets are $40 per person in advance and $50 per person at the door. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served and there will be a cash bar. Tickets may be ordered using the online form at http://www.westfieldhs.org/ANGP/monteCarloNight.htm. Ticket information may also be obtained by contacting Terry Schweinhart (TerrySchweinhart@aol.com). Chips will be exchanged for raffle tickets. Put all your raffle tickets towards a single prize or spread them around. Winners will be announced at the end of the evening. You get to have fun playing games without having to travel to Atlantic City or Vegas and we get to raise much needed funds for our students. Everybody wins!!

Next Monte Carlo Night Meetings:
  Dec. 12, 8:00 - immediately following the ANGP meeting
  Jan. 8, 7:30
  Jan. 22, 7:30
  Feb. 5, 7:30

Next ANGP meeting:
   Dec 12 6:30pm Lecture Hall
   Jan 23 6:30pm -8:30pm Lecture Hall

Terry Schweinhart
ANGP Monte Carlo Night chair

Reflections

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Westfield PTSA Reflections Arts in Education program. This year's theme is "I can make a difference by . . . "

Literature - Outstanding Interpretation: Megan Smith
Award of Excellence: Iliana Fernandez
Award of Merit: Aija Allen and Juhee Jain
Music Composition- Outstanding Interpretation: Sarah Crossland
Dance Choreography- Outstanding Interpretation: Sarah Crossland
Photography - Outstanding Interpretation: Stephanie Watson
Visual Arts - Outstanding Interpretation: Abdullah Tathan
Award of Excellence: Melissa Paris

All of the Outstanding Interpretation entries have been forwarded to the county level for judging. Those winners should be announced in January 2008.

Reflections Co-Chair: Michelle Ford

Booster News

News from the Guitar Boosters ~ Kym Sunday, President

   Come have breakfast with us! Saturday, December 1, 2007 from 8 to 10 am the Guitar Boosters will be hosting breakfast at Applebee's at Westone Plaza (on Westfield Boulevard). For $5 per person you will be served pancakes, sausage and beverage. Proceeds will be used to help our students pay for their 2008 spring trip to New York as well as support the guitar program.
   Are you planning to purchase a Christmas tree, holiday greens, or poinsettias for the holidays? Why not support WHS guitar students at the same time? We have teamed up with local grower, Layng's Flower Farm to offer quality trees, greens and GORGEOUS poinsettias for sale. A percentage of the sales will be donated to the guitar program. Please check out our flyer.
   On December 8, 2007 the Bulldog Guitar Ensemble will perform holiday music at the "Sounds of the Season" series at the Centreville Public Library 11-11:30 a.m. Please stop by and enjoy the holiday music.
   Finally, our Winter Concert is scheduled for December 18, 2007 at 7 p.m. in the Westfield Auditorium. Please feel free to join us for an evening of outstanding guitar music.
   For more information about the guitar program, please visit our web site at: www.westfieldguitar.org, contact the director, Ken Hall at Kenneth.hall@fcps.edu , myself at: president@westfieldguitar.org
 

News from the Band Boosters ~ Debbie Falatko, President  Band Homepage

• Saturday, December 15 for a pancake fundraiser, Applebee's restaurant (Westfield and Stonecroft Blvd.) Breakfast is 8AM through 10AM. Tickets are available by presale for $5 each, which buys the purchaser a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and a drink. Come join us for breakfast while helping to raise funds for Westfield HS Band Program. (Download order form)
• 2008 The United States Navy Band's 31st International Saxophone Symposium
  We would like to take this opportunity to invite you and your students to The United States Navy Band's 31st International Saxophone Symposium. The Symposium will be held January 18th and 19th, 2008 at George Mason University Center for the Arts in Fairfax, Virginia. All concerts, clinics, recitals and master classes are FREE, open to the public, and no tickets are required. (Read more)
  
  

News from the Crew Boosters ~ info@westfieldcrew.org

WHS Crew Team Winter Conditioning Program - Open to ANY student interested in getting in great shape for Spring
New Athletes:  Learn the basics of rowing and build endurance for any sport.
Experienced Rowers:  Learn how to row more efficiently and build rowing capacity and strength.
   All Winter Conditioning sessions are held at Cub Run Rec Center. Sessions start on Monday Dec. 10th and end Thursday, Feb. 21st. Approx. 30 sessions. There are NO sessions over winter break.
   This is an optional activity and there is no obligation to join the crew team. Just have fun and get in great shape! Cost $50
   If you are interested in this program, registration packets with schedules are available in the Activities Office. Also, check out the team web site at  http://www.westfieldcrew.org

FCPS Newswire

Parent Resources Available Online
A complete list of resources for parents can be found on the Fairfax County Public Schools web site. The Parent Resources page includes links to information on:

Community Programs

Kids With Cancer Toy Drive sponsored by Westfield HS Criminal Justice

November 12 to December 5, 2007 Collection boxes in most sub-schools and main office!

   Many local area children will be hospitalized over the holiday season fighting against cancer. Help bring the spirit of the holidays to these children by donating a new toy or art supplies. View Kids With Cancer Toy Drive Flyer

BARNES & NOBLE BOOK FAIR (download Voucher)

Friday, December 7, 2007

12193 Fair Lake Promenade Drive
Fairfax VA 22033 * 703.278.0300
Come Support Westfield High School and Westfield HS PTSA

Moe's Southwest Grill and Operation Pinecone Wrap Up a Better Holiday for U.S. Troops (Ten Area Restaurants Are Collecting Care Package Items for Our Troops)

Ten DC-area restaurants better known for wrapping up the freshest Southwestern flavors are banding together this holiday season with Operation Pinecone to send holiday care packages to our deserving troops serving overseas. The local Moe's Southwest Grill restaurants located in Leesburg, Herndon, Falls Church, Alexandria, Ashburn, Annapolis, Silver Spring, College Park, Chantilly, and South Riding will be collecting care package items such as CD's, magazines, toiletries and individually wrapped snacks, along with cash donations to support our troops while they serve away from their families this holiday season.
   In addition to collecting care package items from now until December 14th, the local Moe's Southwest Grills will be making a donation to Operation Pinecone to help cover the cost of the care packages being mailed all over the world.  Operation Pinecone is a grassroots, nonprofit organization based in South Riding, Virginia, and consists of all volunteers. As Operation Pinecone's largest corporate sponsor, Moe's Southwest Grill is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our troops this season.
   "It is great to see the community come together to support our troops, many of which have been away from home for quite some time" said Frank Maresca, owner of the Chantilly and South Riding Moe's locations. "At Moe's Southwest Grill we pride ourselves on serving our communities and this is a great way for all of us to send our support and get in the holiday spirit."
   Moe's Southwest Grill and Operation Pinecone will assemble all donated items into care packages to ship to overseas troops as well as those recovering at several U.S. hospitals, including Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda National Naval Medical Center. A list of items most in need and what to look for when shopping for our troops can be found at www.welcome2moes.net.
   Additionally, Moe's is looking to their neighbors to not only lend their hearts but also a hand in assembling the care packages. From 9am to 12noon on December 1st at Moe's in Ashburn, December 8th at Moe's in Alexandria and again on December 15th at Moe's in Chantilly Moe's will be hosting packing parties and encourages anyone interested in supporting this worthwhile cause to come down, help pack up the boxes and enjoy a meal at Moe's. www.operationpinecone.org
 

Animal Shelter Wants No Pet Left Behind This Holiday Season

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is hoping that no pet available for adoption will be left behind this holiday season. To facilitate the adoption process, the shelter will open its doors on Sundays in December as part of the organization's annual "Home for the Holidays" campaign. The shelter will be open during special adoption hours on Sundays, December 2, 9 and 16 from 12 to 4 p.m. This is in addition to regular operating hours throughout the week. (Read more)
 

Santa's Ride 2007

Hello Everyone,
   It's that time of year again! Santa is scheduled to be at Sully on December 12th to collect all new, unwrapped toys and games donated for less fortunate children in our community and those who are spending their holiday in the hospital. Please pass this flyer on to others so that this can be the best Santa's Ride ever! Thank you in advance for all your support! (View flyer)

PFC Mary Hulse, Crime Prevention Officer

APO/VIPS Coordinator, Sully District Police Station

4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly, VA  20151

703-814-7018 (office) 703-814-7013 (fax)

Save the Date Feb 4, 2008 - Virginia PTA DAY at the General Assembly

The Richmond City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond VA
   Virginia PTA Day is when PTA members from around the state come to Richmond and meet with their state representatives to advocate for issues important to the PTA and Education.
   We encourage all PTA and PTSA members to come to this event. Members of the District and State PTA will walk you through the steps of what to say and do. We are looking for parents and students to attend this year. Students would have to be accompanied by a responsible adult. SGA students are encouraged to participate.
   For more information, contact David Edelman, Education Chair (education@novadistrictpta.org)  
 

Westfield Community Coalition

Underage drinking parties can be reported anonymously to the police at 703-691-2131 where they will disperse police assistance, or 703-246-2333 for the "Shut it Down" Hotline, to report date, time, and location of an underage drinking party. To report WHS security concerns, contact Ray Clements at 703-488-6307 or Ray.Clements@fcps.edu

Under Age Tip Line 703-691-2131. Underage drinking parties can be reported anonymously to the police at this number. They will disperse police assistance.

Shut It Down Hotline 703-246-2333, to report date, time and location of an underage drinking party if you hear about it ahead of time.

Leslie Churn, MA, Substance Abuse Counselor for Westfield HS - Contact 703-488-6308 or at Leslie.Churn@fcps.edu for a free and confidential assessment.

Westfield Community Coalition Coordinator: Jennifer Cooper (jalcooper@aol.com) 703-966-8304. Contact Jennifer to be on the email list to receive free information about prevention programs and upcoming events.

SIGN UP FOR GIANT BONUS Bucks

You can turn your grocery shopping into cash for Westfield through Giant’s A+ BonusBucks program. Sign up for the program and designate Westfield High School. Go to A+ Bonus Bucks Homepage, click on A+ Bonus Bucks ["designate your schools"], provide the first three letters of your last name and your 12-digit card number (if you already have one) with no spaces. To designate Westfield High School enter the School ID number 03798. You can designate up to three schools and your Bonus Bucks will be divided equally among them. If you don’t have a Bonus Bucks card, you can pick one up at any Giant grocery store. The program runs from October 5, 2007 through April 3, 2008. Even if you have signed up in the past, you must do this each year to allow Giant to designate funds to the school of your choice.
  

Office Depot 5% Back to School Program

Every time parents, students, faculty, and other Westfield High School supporters make purchases at Office Depot, the school receives 5%  of the qualifying purchases to use for free supplies. All you need to do is tell them at the cash register when checking out that you want Westfield High School to get credit for the purchase. They will look up the Back to Schools ID number for our school and enter it into the system at check out.  
  

GoodSearch.com

Search the Web?  Westfield can earn a penny every time you searched the Internet.  GoodSearch.com is a search engine  (similar to Google) that donates half its revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. You use it just as you would any search engine, and it’s powered by Yahoo!, so you get great results. Go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter Westfield High School PTSA, Chantilly VA as the charity you want to support. Just 500 of us searching four times a day will raise about $7300 in a year without anyone spending a dime! And, be sure to spread the word to family and friends who want to support our high school.
 

Watch D.O.G.S. (Dad’s of Great Students)

WATCH D.O.G.S.® (Dads Of Great Students) is the safe school initiative of the National Center for Fathering that involves fathers and father figures to help create a more safe and secure learning environment in our nation's schools. A great starting point to explore ways to get more men involved in PTA.
 

You received this newsletter because you signed up via online membership or hand submitted membership form. If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, click Remove.

All new online subscription request will be verified for active PTSA membership status in order to receive the PTSA newsletter by email. (Remember your Full Name must be in your email message to be confirmed as a current Westfield PTSA Member) Sign up