It's hard to believe we're entering our 4th week of school! We hope all students are developing routines and habits--at school and at home--that support their learning and their overall wellbeing.

Never hesitate to let us know how we can help your child excel. Please see below for some amazing Student Opportunities along with an update on Open Clubs. Here's what's coming up this week:

PTSA Meeting (virtual)

Tuesday, September 12, 6:30 pm

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/zcz-xzwg-kib

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 224-572-8044‬ PIN: ‪672 462 001‬#

Parents will be directed to Family Head rooms where they'll receive their student's schedule and meet Family Heads. The schedule will run as follows:

• Hallway Welcome: 5:45-5:55
• Family: 6:00-6:10
• Period 1 ODD: 6:13-6:23
• Period 2 ODD: 6:26-6:36
• Period 1 EVEN: 6:39-6:49
• Period 2 EVEN: 6:52-7:02
• Period 4: 7:05-7:15
• Period 5: 7:18-7:28
• Period 6: 7:31-7:41

This will be followed by a short International Travel Interest Meeting in Vic's room in the basement.

We're going to Italy, Summer 2024! Scholarships will be available! There will also be a representative from Comcast to share their free/reduced cost internet program. Additional details can be found at this link.

Lockdown Drills

This week, we will be conducting Lockdown Drills in accordance with Virginia law. The purpose of these drills is to practice our safety lockdown drill protocols in the event there is any potential danger outside or inside our building. During the drill, no one will be allowed to enter or leave the building. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Meet more Faces of Open High below along with updates for the Class of 2024.

Have a great week!

Clary W. Carleton, Principal

#openhearts #openminds #openhive

cwashing@rvaschools.net

(804) 780-4661

NEW! Rocket Club Interest Meeting, Tuesday during lunch in Room 107

OHS Running/Walking Club: Mondays & Wednesdays, beginning Oct 2, 3:30 - 4:30 PM, Student Lounge

Gardening Service Club: Tuesdays LUNCH, Rm 209 Every 3rd Saturday of the month 9-12 beginning this Saturday, Sept 16

Debate Team Thursdays, 3:30-4:30 PM, Room 210

• Captain Council: Macy Smothers, Sophie Burgh, and Sidney King
• Vice Captain: Marie Lofty
• Secretary: Henry Fox-Dawson
• Treasurer: Alex Kremsreiter
• LD Chair: Finn Holland
• PF Chair: Marquita Yancey
• Speech Chair: Maya Flores

We are lucky not to have a teacher retention problem at Open High! Here are some veteran members of our staff.

Digital Arts Lab after-school courses at the downtown Dominion Energy Center are a great entry point for students to learn the skills to create videos like the pros. There are two courses available ranging from grades 7-12. Courses are FREE for public school students. Register here: bit.ly/DAL-registration-2023. Begins this week!

The Mayor’s Youth Academy 2023 Youth Council application is now live. The application will be open until September 15th. To apply, click the link above.

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium provides FREE NASA-related programs for Virginia's high school students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. The programs have an interactive online STEM learning experience and are highlighted by a seven-day residential summer academy at NASA.

10th GRADE: Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) focuses on the current missions flown or managed by NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. http://vsgc.odu.edu/spacecoast/ - This online course application is OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 16.
11th AND 12th GRADE: Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) focuses on NASA’s human spaceflight missions and the Journey to the Moon and on to Mars. Students can earn up to five free dual enrollment college credits. http://vsgc.odu.edu/VASTS/, applications are OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 24.
VIRGINIA EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE SCHOLARS (VESSS) focuses on the challenges the next generation of scientists and engineers to become part of the solution to the societal issues faced by the impacts of climate change. Engaging students in real-world investigations of the Earth and its systems using the latest research and data from NASA. Students can earn up to five free transferable dual enrollment college credits http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS applications are OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 24.

Groundwork RVA is a non-profit organization that works with youth to occupy a hands-on role in creating positive changes to enhance green spaces and increase environmental sustainability. Our Green Team program offers job training and education in environmental conservation. We meet after school and participants will receive a stipend at the rate of $10 /hour. If you have any questions or concerns please email youth_educator@groundworkrva.org or rosa@groundworkrva.org.

Check out Youth Rowing with Richmond Community Rowing with Try-it Days on September 18 and October 21. The 6 week, fall season begins October 23. Practices are after school from 4:30-6:30 Monday-Thursday at the University of Richmond boathouse at Rocketts Landing. No rowing experience is required, but there is a height/weight minimum and athletes must be able to pass a swim test. RCR provides the equipment and coaching staff. Seasonal membership is $325, but full scholarships are availalbe, no questions asked. Just reach out to rowrva@gmail.com for any scholarship related inquiries.

VDH Youth Advisory Council – The Virginia Department of Health is currently recruiting students, ages 14-21, for a new youth-led council as part of its state-wide public health initiative. The council will provide students with the opportunity to advocate for and collaborate on a variety of public health policies and nonprofit projects. The deadline to submit applications is Saturday, September 30.

SENIOR PARENT NIGHT

Save the Date! Thursday, Sept 20, 6 pm. More info to come!

UPCOMMING COLLEGE VISITS:

You must have your teacher's permission if you are missing class.

• Sept. 12 @ 1:45 pm-University of Richmond
• Sept. 18 @ 1:45 pm-Randolph College
• Sept. 29 @ 1:45 pm-University of Mary Washington
• Oct. 2 @ 1 pm-University of Virginia
• Oct. 2 @ 2:45 pm-Mary Baldwin University
• Oct. 6 @ 1:45 pm-Virginia Tech
• Oct. 18 @ 2:45 pm-Roanoke College
• Oct. 30 @ 2:45 pm-Old Dominion University

TO DO LIST:

• Review the OHS Website and the College Planning Calendar.
• Sign up for a meeting with Micah (mdavis7@rvaschools.net) ASAP. See link below.
• Complete the Beginning of Year Survey for Brandy Paige (bpaige@rvaschools.net), your Future Center Navigator. She is available each Thursday in the Resource Room to discuss your life after Open. All students should meet with her during a free period, lunch, or by appointment.
• Complete this form when you meet with Micah, Brandy, or our GRASP advisor, Amy

  Swierczewski so we know you're on track. Amy (open@grasp4va.org) will available every other Wednesday beginning Sept 27.

• Regularly check the Class of 2024 Google Classroom for college info and scholarship opportunities.
  
• Check out these Senior Project Ideas! If you're a budding filmmaker, please see Clary!
• Communicate with your Senior Class Sponsors, Caroline and Ryan.
• Enjoy your senior year!

Email: cwashing@rvaschools.net
Website: https://ohs.rvaschools.net/
Location: 600 South Pine Street, Richmond, VA, USA
Phone: 8047804661
Instagram: @openhighrva

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialopenhighschoolpage/

Merchandise Store: https://tinyurl.com/nfp5yzay

PTSA: PTA Member Hub