RRHS Update - Week of 10/25!
The end of quarter one is 10/28 - be sure to log in and check in with teachers with any questions you may have!
The RRHS PTSO
PTSO PARENT SOCIAL & MONTHLY MEETING – PROMOTING RESILIENCE!
We invite you to join us in person for our first parent social of the school year to explore ways to support your child in dealing with the stress of school, the pandemic, and just being a teen. This event is a fun opportunity to meet other parents along with members of the PTSO, Rock Ridge’s Administration, and United Mental Health Team. Light snacks will be provided. We hope to see you there!
• Wednesday, Nov. 10th from 7 – 9 PM @ RRHS Library – IN PERSON Event!
• FOCUS: Supporting mental health and wellness, academic support & balance, and promoting resilience
HELP WANTED
The PTSO has been invited to help sell concessions during the VBODA Marching Band Assessment at Rock Ridge and need your help. Monies raised will be directed entirely to support efforts for students to design and transform the two courtyards at Rock Ridge to be used as outdoor classroom space and for afterschool activities and club events. The PTSO wishes Band Director Ratcliff and the RRHS Marching Band much success in this event!
• Saturday, Oct.30th from 9 AM – 4 PM @ RRHS football field concessions stand
• If interested in volunteering, sign up here.
ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO GET INVOLVED
Rock Ridge is an AMAZING school and has something to offer for EVERYONE! Please encourage your child to get involved in athletics or a club at the school. Participating in a club, sport or other school activity is a great way to have fun, make friends, explore special interests, and create balance with the academic rigor of school. The number of clubs has grown tremendously and there is a wide array of opportunities available. The PTSO wishes to especially thank Ms. Annamika Hacikyan for the success of the Club Expo and for helping students continue to develop and make new clubs available. Check out the latest information about clubs at Rock Ridge here.
STAY IN THE KNOW
Follow us on: Facebook, Instagram & Remind or the PTSO website. We post frequent reminders, tips & school happenings here. Questions, ideas, concerns or want to get involved, please reach out to the PTSO: President@rrhsptso.org
STRONGER TOGETHER
PTSO PARENT SOCIAL & MONTHLY MEETING – PROMOTING RESILIENCE!
We invite you to join us in person for our first parent social of the school year to explore ways to support your child in dealing with the stress of school, the pandemic, and just being a teen. This event is a fun opportunity to meet other parents along with members of the PTSO, Rock Ridge’s Administration, and United Mental Health Team. Light snacks will be provided. We hope to see you there!
• Wednesday, Nov. 10th from 7 – 9 PM @ RRHS Library – IN PERSON Event!
• FOCUS: Supporting mental health and wellness, academic support & balance, and promoting resilience
HELP WANTED
The PTSO has been invited to help sell concessions during the VBODA Marching Band Assessment at Rock Ridge and need your help. Monies raised will be directed entirely to support efforts for students to design and transform the two courtyards at Rock Ridge to be used as outdoor classroom space and for afterschool activities and club events. The PTSO wishes Band Director Ratcliff and the RRHS Marching Band much success in this event!
• Saturday, Oct.30th from 9 AM – 4 PM @ RRHS football field concessions stand
• If interested in volunteering, sign up here.
ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO GET INVOLVED
Rock Ridge is an AMAZING school and has something to offer for EVERYONE! Please encourage your child to get involved in athletics or a club at the school. Participating in a club, sport or other school activity is a great way to have fun, make friends, explore special interests, and create balance with the academic rigor of school. The number of clubs has grown tremendously and there is a wide array of opportunities available. The PTSO wishes to especially thank Ms. Annamika Hacikyan for the success of the Club Expo and for helping students continue to develop and make new clubs available. Check out the latest information about clubs at Rock Ridge here.
STAY IN THE KNOW
Follow us on: Facebook, Instagram & Remind or the PTSO website. We post frequent reminders, tips & school happenings here. Questions, ideas, concerns or want to get involved, please reach out to the PTSO: President@rrhsptso.org
STRONGER TOGETHER
Partners for Safe Teen Driving
Partners for Safe Teen Driving will be held virtually on October 25th and November 3rd at 7:00pm. These presentations will be hosted by our 10th grade Driver Education teachers at Rock Ridge. This presentation is required for a student to receiver their license and pass classroom Driver Education in the state of Virginia. Both the student and a parent/guardian must attend. To register for the presentation, click here. If you have any other questions, please e-mail your child's Driver Education Teacher.
Rock Ridge Arts!
NAfME All-National Music Ensembles
- Parv Gosai earned a position of First Flute in the 2021 NAfME All-National Honor Concert Band. Parv recently earned first chair on Piccolo at senior regional orchestra and is All-Virginia eligible.
- Ananya Akula, Eshaan Nair, and Ishan Saha were all selected for the 2021 NAfME All-National Honor Mixed Choir.
Rock Ridge Singers to perform the National Anthem at School Board meeting (10/26) - Tune in to the next Loudoun County School Board meeting on Tuesday, October 26 around 5:15 to see a group of our Rock Ridge Singers perform the Star-Spangled Banner.
Haunted Trail at the Salamander Resort - Rock Ridge Sings will once again be volunteering at the Salamander Resorts Haunted Trail Event October 27-30, 2021. Please join us for this fun and family friendly event. Need volunteer hours? This fun event is for you!! Click here for more info.
Laser Tag Spirit Night (Nov. 1) - Join us Ultrazone in Sterling, VA on Monday, Nov. 1 from 2-8 p.m. for Laser Tag and to help raise funds for our Rock Ridge Singers! Students, family members and friends can pay per game or $20 for unlimited play during our Spirit
F.I.R.E. Forward Campaign
Donate your used sports equipment and help a Rock Ridge athlete achieve success on the field or on the court.
This Week in Athletics!
Monday October 25th
Volleyball @ Loudoun County vs. Tuscarora, 5:30 p.m. Bus departs at 4:15 p.m.
Sydney Hackett @ Harrisonburg for Girls State Golf Championship
Tuesday October 26th
Volleyball @ TBD vs. TBD if win Monday. Bus departs at TBD.
Thursday October 28th
Volleyball @ TBD vs. TBD if win Tuesday. Bus departs at TBD.
Friday October 29th
Varsity Football vs. Dominion, Senior Night, 7 p.m.
Rock Ridge Performing Arts!
Yearbook and Pictures!
SAVE MONEY- BUY YOUR YEARBOOK NOW!- PRICE GOES UP ON FRIDAY!
Lowest price of the year is now through 10/28 at $65. They can be purchased online at www.yearbookforever.com The price will go up to $75 on 10/29, $80 on 3/16 and then to $85 in May
SENIOR ADS ON SALE NOW- EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS ON OCT. 31
Ads are available now and must be purchased online. Parents can go to www.yearbookforever.com to choose their ad size, upload their pictures and message, and pay for the ad. The yearbook staff will design the ad and send parents a proof. Ads are on sale for early bird pricing until Oct. 31 with coupon code “Seniors.” Ad space is limited and are available on a first-come, first serve basis.
UNDERCLASSMEN PICTURE ORDERS
Student portraits for grades 9-11 are available to view and order online at https://www.vosphoto.com. Your student’s ID is the online code.
Questions or concerns regarding grades 9-11 portraits can be directed to underclass@vosphoto.com.
From Our Nurse!
From the Nurse
Is it a cold, the flu, allergies or COVID?
This question is hard to answer as all the above share similar symptoms. Parents if your student has any of the following symptoms please do not send them to school!! For the safety of all students, faculty and staff please have them tested for COVID-19, rapid test, at home test or PCR test, keep them home and isolated for 10 days or they have an alternate diagnosis from a health care professional.
- fever 100.4 or greater
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Nausea/vomiting
- Headaches
- Runny nose/congestion
- Loss of taste and/or smell
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Stomachache
Please email me the results of COVID test or doctors note with alternate diagnosis.
If your student exhibits any of the above symptoms siblings, that are not fully vaccinated, should also remain home. Please contact me with any questions or concerns; 703-996-2106 or robyn.wisti@lcps.org
Let’s keep everyone safe and healthy this school year!!
Important Survey Information!
Subject: 2020-2021 Indicator 8 Parent Involvement Survey
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is asking for Families who have a child with a disability and is provided special education services through an individualized Education Program (IEP) to participate in the 2020-2021 Indicator 8 Parent Involvement Survey. The online survey is now open and available for completion in English and Spanish at the following websites until December 17, 2021:
English Version: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SY2021SURVEY-ENGLISH
Spanish Version: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SY2021SURVEY-ESPANOL
Families who have more than one child receiving special education services are requested to complete a survey for each of their children.
Subject: 2020-2021 Indicator 8 Parent Involvement Survey
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is asking for Families who have a child with a disability and is provided special education services through an individualized Education Program (IEP) to participate in the 2020-2021 Indicator 8 Parent Involvement Survey. The online survey is now open and available for completion in English and Spanish at the following websites until December 17, 2021:
English Version: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SY2021SURVEY-ENGLISH
Spanish Version: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SY2021SURVEY-ESPANOL
Families who have more than one child receiving special education services are requested to complete a survey for each of their children.
Career Center News!
Here is the weekly newsletter: https://www.smore.com/tbyg4
Juniors & Seniors, Job For a Day registration opens up this Monday, 10/25 at 8:00 AM This is a great opportuinty to explore careers in the medical, legal, enviornmental, higher education and many other fields. There are virtual and in person opportunities. You can learn more in the newsletter but set an alert to register Monday as many of the programs fill up fast. Job For a Day is open to all juniors and seniors in Loudoun County.
Seniors, November 1st is fast approaching. Please gently remind your teachers doing LORs for you to make sure they upload for the Nov 1st deadline by mid next week. Please also ensure you have NOT made your request for an LOR in Common App. All requests must go through Naviance. Finally, we have noticed when you matched your Common App with Naviance in many cases the default application date is early January for Regular Decision. You can fix this by going in to Colleges I am Applying To on select the "edit" button on the appropriate college line.
If you have questions on the Common App, SRAR or aspects of the process, feel free to stop by the Career Center. I'm generally available by 8:30 each morning or during brunch or your lunch.School Counseling News!
Thanks to all of the students who participated in the Sources of Strength leaders training this week. Thanks to Ms. Kim, Mrs. Swirchak and all the teachers and counselors who helped. Please see Ms.Kim or Mrs. Swirchak if you want to learn more about the Source of Strength program.
Parents, October 28th is the end of the 1st 9 weeks. Please have your student check in with their teachers to make certain all their work is up to date.
Seniors Keep up the good work!!! 56% of our senior class has applied to college. Our goal is 80% by winter break!!!
Seniors please make certain you have let your teachers know of your admissions deadlines to submit their letters on time.
As counselors meet with seniors we help them examine all college/career opportunities. For example West Virginia University(WVU) has a Scholarship calculator on their website. It is simple to use and can be a guide to how much you can save in tuition going there. Just put in your generic information(no name required) and you will get a scholarship amount. If you meet the admissions requirements then the scholarship is not far behind. So if you are a Computer Science major, from Virginia and have a GPA of 3.0 you will receive $5,000 a year. If you enter other information such as testing information it may increase.
https://admissions.wvu.edu/cost-and-aid/scholarship-estimate
WVU is just one example many other colleges have similar scholarships based on your course work, GPA, volunteerism etc. Be open to all the possibilities. At WVU some factors increase the scholarship upwards of $20,000 each year.
Seniors not sure what you want to do yet for college? Do you like HI Tech? Richard Bland College(RBC) of William & Mary has been selected as the only institution in Virginia to offer the FAME program. HI Tech Manufacturing and Automation Engineering is at the core of this program. RBC is opening up this opportunity to Rock Ridge seniors to apply as part of applying to RBC for college. Students would attend RBC for 2 days a week for classes. Three days a week students work at a paid internship at a HI Tech company in the FAME program. Students graduate with an Associate of Science degree after 2 years. The internship runs the entire 2 years. Students also earn college credit from their internship. Starting internship wages average b/n $15 to $20 an hour. 85% of the students in the FAME program are hired by their internship. Many continue to finish their 4 year degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics etc at 4 year institutions. RBC has guaranteed transfer agreements with many in and out of state colleges. This is a tremendous opportunity to gain experience, earn a debt free Associates of Science degree and be ready to transfer to any 4 year institution with an impeccable resume. Contact Thomas Midgette, Program Director, tmidgette@rbc.edu
Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition
Every year Rock Ridge students do great deeds for our community. Please enter the Step Up Loudoun Competition to share what you do with the world!!! Step Up Loudoun encourages middle and high school youth, across the county to identify an issue in their school, neighborhood or community, create a plan to address that issue, and implement the plan. The goal is to encourage, support and reward the youth of Loudoun County for making positive changes in their own lives and the lives of others. This is a shinning star on any college application!!!
Key Dates:
Registration Closes: December 17, 2021
Team Videos Due: March 3, 2022
Main Competition: March 24, 2022
Top 10 Finals and Awards: April 7, 2022
https://www.loudounyouth.org/programs/step-up/
If you are interested in the Governor’s School program for Visual and Performing Art please know the process listed below.
Sophomores and Juniors, the Summer Residential Governor's School application is finally open! Here is a direct link to the VDOE website and you can also find more information in the newsletter.
https://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/governors_school_programs/summer_residential/
Last Call, October 24th is the deadline for:
The Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) is an interactive online STEM learning experience for 11th and 12th-grade students, highlighted by a seven-day residential summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center focusing on human spaceflight. Students can earn up to five free dual enrollment college credits. Learn more about VASTS at http://vsgc.odu.edu/VASTS/. The application OPEN UNTIL October 24, 2021.
The Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) is an interactive online STEM learning experience for 11th and 12th-grade students, highlighted by a seven-day residential summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center focusing on the Earth’s responses to climate changes, weather, and natural hazards. Students can earn up to five free dual enrollment college credits. Learn more about VESSS at http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS. The application OPEN UNTIL October 24, 2021.
Once you submit your application an e-mail will be sent to the counselor you have listed in the application to send any additional information.
Please check Mrs. Barnes’ Friday e-mail/Smore for more Counseling information. There are a large number of college visits coming up so Juniors and Seniors please attend as your schedule permits for the colleges you have an interest in.