RRHS Update - Week of 1/23/23
Rock Ridge High School remains committed to partnering with parents in efforts to support students.
Please know that there are school resources available through our UMHT which remains committed to the students at The Rock.
Safety and Security Team!
Todd Kinkead - Lead Security Officer
Greg Spurlock - School Security Officer
Alexis Ali - School Security Officer
“See something, Say something”
Safe2Talk Loudoun will provide the ability to safely and anonymously report any concerning behavior that may impact the safety or security of LCPS students, staff, parents, and facilities. This 24/7/365 tip line is monitored by LCSO, LPD and LCPS Safety & Security. This app can be downloaded to any mobile device through the device’s App Store.
It is critical that we look out for one another and report things that seem out of place or concerning. It is everyone’s responsibility to help us build and maintain a safe learning environment for all.
School Counseling News
End of the 2nd Quarter
Friday 1/20 was the end of the 2nd quarter/ 1st Semester. Please make certain your student has all assignments in.
Skilled Trades Fair at ACL
The Academies of Loudoun will be hosting their second Skilled Trades Fair on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 6:30-8:30pm. The Skilled Trades Fair will be held at the Academies of Loudoun and will be a public event open to all Loudoun County students in grades 9-12. Students will have an opportunity to speak with industry leaders about careers, apply onsite for Academies of Loudoun admission, and network to explore job opportunities after high school. Students will need to register before January 20th for this event using the link: https://forms.gle/UdQGz6s6evogsjPc9 . We look forward to you joining us for a night of networking!
LCPS Pre-IB Program
LCPS is currently in the candidacy phase working towards authorization to become an International Baccalaureate World School at two high schools. Loudoun Valley High School and Heritage High School are candidate schools for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and are pursuing authorization as IB World Schools. The LCPS Pre-IB program (rising 9th & 10th grade) starts in the 2023-2024 school year. Click here for more info
Scheduling
Student are now able to select electives/courses for next year in Studentvue. Please take some time with your student to review the information about scheduling(link below). Have them review the information on electives and watch the video if they are not sure how to chooses their classes in Studentvue. In Study Hall this week students will have time to review the scheduling website information. Students can also work on their 4 year Plan(should they need something to do in study hall). Next week counselors will be meeting with 9th and 10th grade students for scheduling.
Scheduling Website
https://sites.google.com/lcps.org/rrhs-2021-22-course-registrati/home
The Program of Studies for 2023-24 can be found here. Below is the timeline of scheduling for this year.
9th and 10th Grade
1/25-1/30.
Students will meet individually with their counselors through HPE
For student who have completed HPE we will meet with you through other courses.
2/23
For 9th and 10th we will have an presentation to go over graduation requirements and planning for the rest of high school
11th Grade
2/6 -2/28
11th grade students will make an appointment with their counselor to choose their course for next year and plan for beyond high school. These appointments are a bit longer. We will send out registration links later this month.
On January 5th was Curriculum Night for Current 9th, 10th, and 11th graders at Rock Ridge High School. Curriculum Night was the start for students/parents to review courses, talk with teachers and start thinking about classes for next year. Again, here is a link to the 2023-24 Program of Studies. This will allow students to research classes for next year. Click here
Seniors
Mid-year transcripts will start being sent February 3rd to any college you have already applied to this year. You do not need to do a Transcript Request Form for mid-year transcripts.
Please see your counselor or Mrs. Marchante if you are still not certain about life after senior year.
If you have received admission or offered scholarships please let Mrs. Marchante know that information.
Here is a quick list for those who want to take some time before going to college.
GAP Year (1/29 @ 1pm-4pm - USA GAP Year Fair @ Independence HS - Learn about Gap year and talk with experts, programs & alumni (Register here!))
Please see Mrs. Marchante’s Scholarship Corner!!!
Financial Aid & Scholarships @ RRHS. She updates this spreadsheet every week
LCPS School Counseling Scholarship Website. - This has a very comprehensive list of scholarships for LCPS students.
Please see the e-mail from Mrs. Marchante through Naviance with all the Counseling News and College and Career info. https://www.smore.com/8hu9w
Auditions - Bring It On!
All students interested in participating in “Bring it On” should fill out this form. Auditions are being held Wednesday February 25th after school. We are looking for our most diverse cast in RRPA History. You do not have to be in a theatre/choir class to participate. We would love for as many students to participate as possible.
If you can dance/cheer/tumble – WE NEED YOU. You will not have to sing if you do not want to, but we would love to see you after school February 25th from 4:30pm – 5:30pm.
If you can sing, be prepared to sing 30 seconds to a minute of a song after the dance portion of the audition. You will do this in a closed audition, meaning without peers watching.
If you want to do Tech, there will be an interest meeting after school on February 26th from 4:20pm – 5:15pm.
Math Competition!
Do you love math test competitions? Mu Alpha Theta, our math honor society, invites you to help us compete in the Rocket City Math League Round 1 individual contest. Each participant will work individually to correctly answer 10 tricky math questions in 30 minutes and compete against other students and schools around the world. The test will be held after school in room 1204 this Thursday, January 26. Stop by if you'd like to compete!
This Week in Athletics!
Tuesday 1/24/23
Gymnastics @ Heritage, 6:30 p.m. Bus departs at 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 1/25/23
Boys and Girls Basketball @ Tuscarora
9th Boys/JV Boys/Varsity Girls Early Release at 3:30 p.m. Depart at 3:45 p.m.
Varsity Boys/JV Girls depart at 5 p.m.
5 p.m. 9th Boys Main Gym
6:00 p.m. Varsity Girls Main Gym
6:15 p.m. JV Boys Aux Gym
7:30 p.m. Varsity Boys Main Gym
7:30 p.m. JV Girls Aux Gym
Wrestling vs. Broad Run/Loudoun Valley, 6 p.m. Senior Night
Friday 1/27/23
Boys and Girls Basketball @ Heritage
9th Boys/JV Girls/Varsity Boys Early Release at 3:30 p.m. Depart at 3:45 p.m.
9th Girls/Varsity Girls/JV Boys depart at 5 p.m.
5 p.m. 9th Boys Aux Gym
5 p.m. JV Girls Main Gym
6:15 p.m. Varsity Boys Main Gym
6:15 p.m. 9th Girls Aux Gym
7:30 p.m. Varsity Girls Main Gym
7:30 p.m. JV Boys Aux Gym
Saturday 1/28/23
Swim vs. Park View @ Ida Lee, 8 p.m. Senior Night Bus departs at 7 p.m.
Wrestling @ Riverheads Bus departs at 6 a.m.
Indoor Track @ Shenandoah Bus departs at 6:15 a.m.
EL News
All active English Learners (levels 1-5) are expected to participate in the federally mandated WIDA ACCESS for ELLs testing which will be held at Rock Ridge HS starting next week. Students will be notified about their test dates via email and/or in person. Students will report directly to their testing locations with their Chromebooks and chargers. If you have any questions, please contact RRHS or the EL Department Chair, Margareta.Cernev@lcps.org. Thank you for your cooperation.
Teacher Cadet and Project Management Interest
Teacher Cadet Information – Interest Deadline January 27
What is Teacher Cadet?
The Teacher Cadet program is a “grow our own” initiative that consists of two dual-enrollment (DE) courses offered to high school students in Grade 11 and Grade 12 who may be interested in pursuing a career in education.
To learn more about teacher cadet click here.
How do I submit an interest form?
The Teacher Cadet student interest form is now available to current Grade 10 students. Student directions are available here.
Students may express interest for the upcoming 2023 - 2024 school year via the Student Opportunities portal in LCPSGO. Eligible students should express their interest in the Student Opportunities portal (LCPS Go) by January 27, 2023.
The student interest form requires a student-created response (i.e., presentation, essay, drawing, video, etc.) and two recommendations. Students will need to provide names and email addresses for two recommenders.
**If you are a rising 12th grader, the Teacher Cadet Interest Committee can review individual requests on a case-by-case basis for students who are not in Grade 10. Students may reach out to cte@lcps.org directly to express interest and to receive the requirements.
Yearbooks!
SENIOR ADS ON SALE NOW- TIME IS RUNNING OUT!
Place a senior/baby ad in this year’s yearbook to commemorate all their hard work and success! Ad space is available now and must be purchased online. You can go to www.yearbookforever.com to choose your ad size, upload your pictures and message, and pay for the ad. The yearbook staff will design the ad and send parents a proof. Ad space is limited and available on a first-come, first serve basis. Once the ads are sold out, we cannot accommodate any more. Buy your ad now to ensure you get your pictures and message of congratulations in the book!
YEARBOOKS ON SALE NOW!
Yearbooks can be purchased online at www.yearbookforever.com The price will go up to $80 on 3/20 and then to $85 in May. Once the books are sold out, no more books can be ordered- buy yours now!
Career Center and CAPSTONE!
Mission: The purpose of the Phoenix Capstone is to provide graduates of Rock Ridge with meaningful experiences, self-fulfillment, and opportunities for post-secondary success through civic engagement and career exploration.
Summary: On April 15th and 26th and from May 15, 2023 to June 1, 2023 qualifying seniors are excused from classes to pursue a community service project or career development opportunity. Students must complete a total of 50 hours at their host site from May 15th to June 1st.
Community service projects can range from hands-on experiences to administrative work. Career development opportunities can range from internships to job shadowing. Students have discretion in choosing their project as long as the project will provide an authentic experience.
All participants are required to find a community sponsor for their project. The community sponsor should be an expert in the content field and a person who will be responsible for guiding students during their Capstone experience. The Phoenix Capstone Team must approve all Capstone experiences.
If you are seeking a sponsor, please reach out to Ms. Marchante.
All information can be found here: https://www.smore.com/5xwq6-senior-capstone-class-of-2023?ref=email-content#w-8905776117
Financial Aid date for non-citizens/international students attending domestic institutions
This link outlines the following data for 478 domestic colleges that offer financial aid for international students:
· # of full time undergraduate students
· # of full time international students in attendance
· % of international students to domestic students
· If their aid policy is need base
· If their aid policy is merit based
· If they do not give aid to international students
· # of international students receiving aid
· % of international students receiving merit aid
· Average merit aid award
Virginia Private Colleges
MYTH: Private colleges cost significantly more than public colleges.
FACT:The difference is far less than many families assume, thanks to significant institutional, merit and need-based grants and the Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG). According to a recent study by the Human Capital Research Corporation, the average price gap between a Virginia private and public college is only $4,700 (after grant aid from all sources).
Learn about the Virginia Private Colleges. Check the Myth vs. Fact and the type of financial aid you can receive. The difference in cost with the public colleges is far less than many families may think.
PTSO News!
PTSO MONTHLY MEETINGS
Monthly Meetings: Usually held the 1st Thursday of every Month, 7 – 8 PM
- In Person at RRHS in the Library
- Virtual option also available – Click Here to Join (link is always the same)
Next Meeting: February 2 at 7 PM
- Apple Calendar: Click Here to add PTSO meetings to your Apple Calendar
- Google Calendar: Click Here to add PTSO meetings to your Google Calendar
IS YOUR CHILD ON TRACK IN MATH?
· IvyMath is providing all Rock Ridge families with a free online math tutoring session and an in-depth parent conference to discuss your child's strengths and weaknesses and how they compare to grade level.
· IvyMath will also create a custom learning plan that maps out the exact areas your child should be focusing on in math. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions, and understand what your child needs to feel confident and stay on track in math this year.
· The IvyMath tutoring session, parent conference, and learning plan are free for all Rock Ridge families. Popular times fill up, so please register quickly! Signup now at: IvyMath.com/Boost
SAT & ACT PREP COURSE – TURBO TUTORING
Is your child looking to take the SAT or ACT this year? Our award winning PTSO partner Turbo Tutoring is offering several prep options coming up, including 2 class options this month!
· Turbo Tutoring offers private, 1-on-1 prep classes for both the ACT or the SAT.
· Our PTSO gets a percentage back for each RRHS student who attends!
· The course aims to help students feel more prepared to take the SAT/ACT, and have a confidence going into the test to succeed at their highest level of ability.
· Check out their prep class date options here: https://turbo-tutoring.com/act-sat-class-registration/
PTSO MEMBERSHIP & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
- Students / Families- $35 membership fee + free magnet – JOIN HERE!
- Teachers / Staff - $10 membership fee + free magnet – JOIN HERE!
- Vice President of Communications - PTSO Board Vacancy
- LEAF Representative (Loudoun Education Alliance of Families Advisory Board)- Click here for more info
- Student Internships available – social media, web design, fundraising
Questions, ideas, concerns or want to get involved, please reach out to the PTSO: President@rrhsptso.org