Judges' Docket
Weekly JHHS Newsletter from Principal Kablan - 4/9/2021
NEW Choir Classes Being Offered Next Year! Come Find Out More!
Did you know that the choirs at Handley will be changing next year? Not only are we adding more choirs to choose from, but only one requires an audition! You can simply choose the choir and join. It doesn’t matter if you are an accomplished singer or if you have never sung a day in your life. There is a choir for you! You can select from Treble Ensemble, Gaveliers, Advanced Treble Ensemble, Concert Choir Section 1, Concert Choir Section 2*, or Chamber Choir^. Click here for the elective video or watch this video to learn more about each group. Not enough information? Come to the Choir Question and Answer Meet on Thursday, April 15th from 6:30-7:15 to receive answers to any questions you may have! You can also reach out to Mrs. Law at law@wps.k12.va.us.
*requires dancing in addition to singing
^audition required
Handley Scholar Ceremony Livestream
Our distinguished Handley Scholars will be honored at the ceremony on Wednesday, April 14 at 6:00 pm. Due to COVID protocols, only a specific list of people have been invited to attend in person. It is not open to the public.
That said, we will be offering a livestream of the ceremony, so anyone can “attend” virtually! Go to the Facebook page @HandleyJudgesTV at 6:00 pm on April 14 to watch the ceremony!
Class of 2021 Parents Group
Class of 21 Parents Facebook group is: JHHS Class of 21 (https://www.facebook.com/groups/720357421801938)
All parents are free to join (and students too!)
We are currently looking for assistance in planning some Parent-led Graduation events/activities! Please reach out via the FB page or email Beth Drummonds at beth@drummondstravel.com to volunteer for questions!
AP Exam Schedule (Updated - March 2021)
Attention Students and Parents, here is the updated AP Exam Schedule for 2021. Please be advised of the changes in dates and times for the exams, especially for students in Environmental Science who will test on Thursday, May 27th at 4:00 pm at school. The locations of exams will come out in early April to parents and students
Seniors, Be Sure To Place Your Cap and Gown Order
Clicking here will take you the Jostens website.
Click here to go to browse all Jostens graduation products, call 1-800-jostens to place your order as soon as possible. Payment options are available.
Contact Mrs. Strigel in the principal's office if you need any assistance.
Attention Sophomores: Order a Class Ring!
Social Media and Mental Health
Nearly four in 10 teens and young adults (38%) reported symptoms of moderate to severe depression in 2020, up from 25% in 2018. See these Tips to learn more about keeping media and tech use healthy and positive for your teen(s).
LFCC Dual Enrollment Credit Information Session
On April 20th at 6:30 pm, our Career Coach, Tracy Tilling, and an advisor from LFCC, Jennifer Banks, will be hosting a virtual information session that will discuss:
- Career Assessments
- How to use LFCC-Dual Enrollment credits
- Earning a college credential or degree in high school
- College & transfer planning
- How to schedule a meeting with Ms. Banks to start earning a credential or degree from LFCC while in high school
This session is open to all grade level students and their families. The Google Meet link will be posted on grade level Canvas pages and the Counseling webpage.
Last Chance to Sign Up for Biliteracy Seal
Are you interested in earning the Virginia State Seal of Biliteracy? JHHS is offering students the chance to take the AVANT 4S test in Spanish, French, German, and other languages.
What is it? The Seal of Biliteracy is a special stamp/seal that gets added to your diploma and listed on your transcripts.
How does it help me? This seal shows colleges, the military, and jobs that you can communicate in two different languages. This is a valuable skill!
What is the test like? The test is 4 different parts: reading, writing, speaking and listening. It takes 2-3 hours to complete the whole test. You will need to speak into a microphone for the speaking part. You can see samples from the AVANT 4S test and try it out HERE.
How does it work? You will get four scores (one for each part). In order to earn the Seal of Biliteracy, you must score a 5 or higher (out of 9) in each section.
Who? Any student at Handley can take the test. If you have already taken an AP test in this language and earned a 3 or higher- Congrats! You already have the Biliteracy Seal!
When? You can pick from 2 days/times.
- Wednesday, April 28 in the morning (8:30-11:30)
- Wednesday, May 5 in the afternoon (12:00-3:00)
What you need to do!
Fill out THIS FORM to get on the list! Must be completed by Friday, April 9
Contact Person: Maggie Gavello (gavello@wps.k12.va.us)
Need Help with a Class?
The schedule below is available each week for help in the classes listed. Participation in a session enters you into a weekly drawing for a prize and an end of year drawing for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch, IPad, or a TV!
School Board Student Representative Application
Applications are available for students who are interested in serving as a student representative for the WPS School Board for the 2021-22 school year. Two students will be selected. The application is located here to download. Copies are also available in the Counseling Office. The completed application is due by Friday, May 7th.
Library News
April is National Autism Awareness Month. Books have the power to educate and build empathy. You can read a book to become better informed about Autism, or you can read to see the perspective of an individual on the spectrum. Click here for a digital display featuring books to promote awareness and acceptance.
Seniors: WMCCAI Scholarship Contest
Seniors, the Washington Metro Chapter Community Associations Institute (WMCCAI) is holding a scholarship contest. This is open to all high school seniors within the WMCCAI service area.
In 2019, the WMCCAI raised just over $3,000 and were able to provide scholarship awards to two winners. In 2020, they surpassed their previous fundraising efforts and raised $4,000 to provide scholarship awards to two winners. In 2021, they are hoping to reach their goal of raising $5,000!
To find more information related to the Scholarship Contest—including the contest prompt, essays by previous winners, and instructions for students interested in submitting an essay or video submission —please visit www.caidc.org/scholarship-program.
Deadline for submissions is April 15, 2021.
If you have any questions about the Scholarship Contest, please contact WMCCAI Membership Manager Liz Schell (eschell@caidc.org), or Scholarship Contest organizers Lauren Ritter (lritter@chadwickwashington.com) or Candace Lewis (c.lewis@cardinalmanagementgroup.com).
SENIORS: Free Individualized Help with FAFSA
If you haven't completed your FAFSA, the time is NOW... and there is HELP! Starting March 15, 2021 students and families can go to the Virginia College Access Network webpage and schedule a meeting with an access provider from Access College Foundation, ECMC’s The College Places, GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program (GRASP), the Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (VASFAA), or the Virginia College Advising Corps (VCAC). This service is open to all! Completing the FAFSA is the first step toward accessing Financial Aid for college or trade schools after high school.
NEW Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Improvisation Classes Being Offered Next Year!
ATTENTION ALL WIND INSTRUMENTALISTS and students who play PIANO, BASS, DRUM SET AND ELECTRIC GUITAR. The course, "Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Improvisation" has been added to the course catalog as an elective option during the school day.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this course, students will learn and practice the fundamentals of music in a jazz ensemble setting. Jazz ensemble instrumentation includes, but is not limited to, piano, electric guitar, drums, electric or acoustic bass guitar, alto, tenor and bari saxophone, trombone and bass trombone, and trumpet. Special attention will be given to tone production, tuning, melody, harmony, form and improvisation as we listen to, practice and create music in an ensemble setting. The jazz ensemble will give performances throughout the year in the Patsy Cline Auditorium and at community events.
Here's a link to a video of Mr. Harrison introducing the class
and playing some jazz music for you!
Virtual Academy Day For US Service Academies on April 17
The Office of Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District would like to invite all high school students that have interest in attending any of the five United States Service Academies, or have an interest in a future in the US military, to participate in the 2021 VA-10 Virtual Academy Day, to be held on Saturday April 17th, from 10:00am-12:00pm. This will be an outstanding opportunity for your students to hear from staff, alumni, and current cadets from the four nomination required academies (USNA, USMA, USAFA, and USMMA) as well as the Coast Guard Academy and representatives from ROTC and Military Colleges from across the state.
Attached you will find the flyer for the 2021 Academy Day. Frequently asked questions regarding the academy nomination process are available here.
If you have any questions please direct to Anthony.barnes@mail.house.gov or 202-380-6362.
US Naval Academy Hosting Virtual Info Session on April 20
The US Naval Academy Alumni Association of Greater Washington DC will be hosting a virtual information session on April 20, 2021 from 6:30 to 8 PM. The session is open to anyone regardless of location. While the session is designed for students in the 7th-12th grade, it is open to anyone, including parents, coaches, guidance counselors, and others interested in learning about the Academy. Please click on the link below for more information and to register.
Economics and Personal Finance Summer Online Course
We will be offering the opportunity for students in the rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade to complete their Economics and Personal Finance course online through Edgenuity this summer. This course is a graduation requirement for students. The course will run from June 1st until August 2nd. Students are able to go at their own pace but must complete the course by August 2nd. In the Fall Semester, there will be a day in which the W!SE Financial Literacy Exam will be given to students.
The cost is $140 and a sliding scale is available for students eligible for free/reduced lunch. Payments can be made using a credit card through myschoolbucks (an additional 4% must be added to the total). Cash or check is also accepted and checks should be made payable to Handley High School. Registration form, honor code agreement, and payment must be received by April 16, 2021 to the Counseling Office in order to be enrolled in this course.
After registering for the course, there will be an informational meeting later in the semester in which students will receive their login information.
Copies of the registration form and honor code agreement are available on the School Counseling website under summer opportunities and in the Counseling Office.
If you have any questions, please contact your school counselor.
Need Some Math Help?
Get FREE virtual math tutoring from student tutors and faculty through Shenandoah University’s Math Enrichment Center.
More information here.
Local Food Pantry Information
Valley Assistance Network would like to provide residents with local food pantry information.
Here is the March pantry calendar.
Here is the April pantry calendar.
College Board Opportunity Scholarships
Now Open for the Class of 2022!
The College Board Opportunity Scholarships program is now open for class of 2022 students. It guides students step-by-step through the college planning process. For each step that a student completes, they'll earn a chance at a $500 scholarship. When they complete all six steps, they'll earn a chance at $40,000.
Sign up and take the first step by building a college list.
If Your Child Is Diagnosed with Covid...
Free Meals Available on Wednesdays!
During the 2020-2021 school year, free meals for all students will be available for pickup at each school on Wednesdays from 11 am until 1 pm. Students do not need to be present for meal pick up and no documentation is required.
Students will receive one breakfast and one lunch for each day they are not physically in school.
- Hybrid schedule students will receive 3 breakfasts and 3 lunches.
- 100% Distance Learning students will receive 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches.
You can pick up meals for all your children at one single school.
Please fill this form. This will help us with planning our food orders and labor requirements. Thank you for your help!