Woodgrove High School Newsletter
May - June 2020
Main Office:
540-751-2600
Attendance Office:
540-751-2602
Guidance Office:
540-751-2607
Athletic Office:
540-751-2610
Clinic:
540-751-2606
Purcellville, VA 20132
Principal:
William S. Shipp
Assistant Principals:
Christina Thompson
Don Keener
Tim Panagos
Director of School Counseling:
Geri Fiore
Athletic Director:
Rusty Lowery
Principal's Message
I hope this finds you and your family safe, healthy, and in good spirits. As we enter May and the last full month of this school year, we find ourselves in a very different place than any of us have ever been accustomed. Replacing our annual traditional events of prom, spring concerts, and competitions are new virtual classrooms, distance learning, and virtual meetings. Words such as synchronous and asynchronous are now ubiquitous in everyday conversations regarding our students’ education. However, no matter the changes we have affected, or those that have been affected upon us, it is important we continue to seek positive opportunities wherever they may be. I am very proud of the concerted effort I have seen from so many to continue to provide an education and a high school experience for our students. Whether it is our cafeteria staff enthusiastically working to provide food for our students, the teachers who have navigated, with incredible optimism, the transition from a bricks and mortar schoolhouse to a virtual world, to our students and parents who have reached out to volunteer what they can to help other students, teachers, and our school community, I am impressed and humbled by the countless examples of selflessness demonstrated by our Woodgrove community. Thank you all for that.
And to our Woodgrove students I share these examples to let you know that you are constantly in the forefront of our minds. Whereas we as adults often help prepare you for your futures through the content of our courses, the interactions we share daily in our classes, and from our own experiences, we too have never faced the circumstances we all endure now. This is a new world for us too. There are many unknowns we have encountered and constant changes we have navigated over the past couple months. This may continue for a period of time. Yet, during all of this, we do know and understand that a most important part of your transition into adulthood, a portion of your high school experience, has been altered. We do know how vital the high school experience is and we want to be sure we do as much as we can to continue to provide you with opportunities that are meaningful to you. We also want to recognize your hard work and dedication. How we do it will obviously be different from the past given our current condition, nevertheless, we will do it. We will have our Senior Awards and Underclassmen Awards this year. We will have a Senior Celebration on June 12 recognizing our Seniors for their significant accomplishments. And we will continue to seek opportunities to celebrate our students, especially our Seniors, as we prepare to say goodbye to them and wish them well on the next step of their life adventure.
Working together a day at a time, one week at a time, and each month at a time we will move through this. I encourage everyone to seek the opportunities and positive outcomes that are possible. Let’s continue working together to make the high school experience for our students one which provides each of them a sound foundation from which they may successfully spring into their next stage.
Here are links that will be helpful. We start each day, Monday through Friday, with Wake Up Woodgrove at 9:10 AM. After the announcements, which quite frankly, may be Emmy-Award winning thanks to the behind-the-scenes work of Mr. Hicks, we then encourage students to begin their school work at 9:30 AM. Teacher office hours begin at 10:15 AM and run to 12:45 PM. Information pertaining to our schedule is included in Woodgrove’s Continuity Plan listed below.
We have created this plan because we know structure and consistency are important. I encourage you to have your son/daughter establish that routine.
I also want to highlight that Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week is next week, May 4 through May 8. Our Woodgrove teachers and staff members have been phenomenal given the school closure and transition to on-line distance learning. Their can-do spirit and desire to provide a meaningful education to our students have been inspiring. I hope students, parents, and the community will take time during this week to share their gratitude for what our teachers and staff members provide for all of us.
Lastly, on behalf of staff, please know that we are grateful and honored to be a part of this exceptional Woodgrove community. May your family be safe and healthy.
WOODGROVE HIGH SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Woodgrove High School is to enable all members of the school community to think critically and act responsibly, while preparing students for their futures.
Beliefs:
- We believe that critical thinking means using knowledge to make informed decisions and to solve problems, both independently and collaboratively.
- We believe that we must be responsible for achieving our own goals, for contributing to society, and for being effective global citizens.
- In order to be successful, we all must work, honor, and strive.
School Counseling News
WHS SCHOOL COUNSELORS
- Mrs. Geri Fiore - Director of School Counseling
- Mr. Patrick Weaver ------ A to Cop
- Mr. Steven Cohen -------- Cor to Gra
- Ms. Amy Scott ------------- Gre to K
- Mrs. Donna Kelly --------- L to O
- Mrs. Barbara Bell --------- P to Sm
- Mrs. Rachel Sutphin ----- Sn to Z
College/Financial COVID-19 Resources
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia: COVID-19
Information: https://schev.edu/index/covid Includes: Links to the COVID-19 pages of fouryear
and two-year IHE’s in Virginia, Information for student loan borrowers, and more.
National College Attainment (formerly Access) Network: Roundup of COVID-19
Resources: https://www.ncan.org/news/news.asp?id=493855 Includes: Links to SAT and ACT testing updates, resources for virtual advising, and more.
National Association for College Admission Counseling: College Admission Status
Update: https://www.nacacnet.org/college-admission-status-coronavirus Includes: Up-todate
enrollment and deposit changes for IHE’s across the country.
Federal Student Aid: Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and
Parents: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus Includes: FAQ’s on the
impact of the coronavirus on financial aid for current students and federal student loans for
borrowers in repayment.
Student Aid Pandemic: https://www.studentaidpandemic.org/ Includes: Up-to-the-minute
student guidance on student loans and financial aid during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
Federal Trade Commission: Coronavirus Scams: What the FTC is
Doing: ftc.gov/coronavirus Includes: Information about Coronavirus scams and tips to avoid
them, graphics to share on social media, and links to other resources
Course Selection 2020-2021
Dual Enrollment
NOVA DE Intent forms are due May 15th. Instructions on how to complete this process for the 2020-2021 school year can be found at https://www.lcps.org/Page/214165
Virtual Loudoun Term 3
Spring/Summer - 10 week Term registration begins Monday, April 20, 2020 -https://www.lcps.org/Page/154624
2020-2021 Scheduling
Last Day to Change Course requests is June 3, 2020. Please review your child’s Course Requests for next year under the Course Request tab in StudentVue/ParentVue and email their Counselor if you have any questions or would like to make any changes.
Naviance Self Exploration Curriculum
Naviance is a great tool for students and parents to navigate career information, post-secondary options, and college resources. Developed as a series of short, self-driven activities designed for students in each grade level to discover more about career, college, and self, these activities are available for all students through June 30th.
We encourage all WHS students to access this resource and take advantage of this time while studying at home. https://sites.google.com/lcps.org/lcpsnaviancestudentresources/home
Scholarships
With a new deadline of 5/15, there is still time to apply to our WHS and County scholarships We encourage you to take advantage of this extension as there are still scholarships that have zero, one or two applicants!
All applications are on Naviance but please visit the school website with updated information on new application procedures during this time.
https://www.lcps.org/site/default.aspx?PageID=37872
For updated information regarding county scholarship applications and submissions, please visit the LCPS Scholarship List website prior to applying.
https://sites.google.com/lcps.org/lcps-scholarship-site/home/list-of-scholarships?pli=1
Virtual College Fair: May 4-6th
Virtual College Fair 2020! Three days of live-stream presentations May 4-6th to explore college options and talk with admission representatives. Attend discussions on the impact of COVID-19 on the admission process, tips on how to find the best fit/choose a major and more.
Register now at https://virtual.gotocollegefairs.com/
NAVIGATING COLLEGE OPTIONS FOR YOUR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
Join Northern Virginia Community College’s president, Dr. Anne Kress, as she speaks about how you can help prepare your soon-to-be high school graduate for college. Learn about the new higher education landscape, scholarship options, labor market demands, and transfer programs and resources available at NOVA
May 4, 2020 5:00 p.m.
Register in advance for this webinar: https://vccs.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EAbK1i9rTP-ooBjgB8Ah-Q
SAT/ACT COVID Updates
SAT
SAT and SAT Subject Tests on June 6, 2020 will not be held. If it’s safe from a public health standpoint, we’ll provide weekend SAT administrations every month through the end of the calendar year, beginning in August Students can register for these administrations starting in May. Please visit their website for further updates.
https://pages.collegeboard.org/sat-covid-19-updates
ACT
ACT has rescheduled its April 4 national test date to June 13 across the U.S. All students registered for the April 4 test received an email from ACT informing them of the postponement and instructions for free rescheduling to June 13 or a future national test date.
Visit their website for more information and to view the digital learning resources that are available for students at this time. http://www.act.org/content/act/en/covid19.html
AP TESTING
Please visit the school website’s Counseling pages under General Information for updates regarding 2020 AP Testing which includes schedules and what students need to do to be ready for the exams. https://www.lcps.org/Page/81066
A Message of Support from VA’s College and University Presidents
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) teamed up with 44 of Virginia’s colleges and universities to create a message of solidarity for Virginia high school and college students and their families. They created a quick video, #VAHigherEducationTogether , to express support and hope to those who are anxious about the status of higher education during and after the COVID-19 crisis. https://vimeo.com/410271651
“We are listening, and we will continue working around the clock to provide students the support they need to secure the degree or credential they need to pursue their goals.”
Job, Volunteer & Leadership Opportunities
Follow us for the latest information
@woodgroveworks
@WoodgroveCouns1
@WoodgroveCouns1
Loudoun Workforce Resource
Loudoun Workforce Resource Center provides no-cost resources and equipment to both job seekers and businesses. Our mission is to connect businesses and job seekers to achieve their employment goals. Visit here: Loudoun WorkForce Resource
Summer Programs
For details on all summer programs check the Career Center webpage on the WHS Counseling website under Summer Program Opportunities. This site will be updated In the event WHS is notified of cancellations and/or changes to the programs.
This unique program consists of interactive and dynamic modules designed to stimulate students' conceptual learning and problem-solving skills. All classes are held at the William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, VA, which offers an exceptional opportunity for high school students to experience life in a law school that is home to the most technologically advanced courtroom in the nation.
For more information, please don't hesitate to contact me at lakuderka@wm.edu or 757-221-2494 or visit Summer Opportunities on the WHS Website. https://www.lcps.org/Page/189403
While this is our last newsletter for the school year, we want all students and families to know that we’re not saying goodbye and as always….
Woodgrove High School Student Leadership
Class Council and Student Council Officers for 2020–2021 Academic Year
Senior Class of 2021
Liza Ricker, President
Ava Eckenrode, Vice President
Joseph Cassella, Treasurer
Morgan Porter, Public Relations
Miquela Hogan, Kildea McMahon and
Kolbee Wisniewski, At-Large Members
Junior Class of 2022
Dakota Horseman, President
Sofia Cianciaruso, Vice President
Hannah Rayburn, Secretary / Historian
Emma Gesell, Treasurer
Emily Vance and Sophie Wall, Public Relations
Jack Hughes, Amelia Kline, Constantine Mastakas,
Josie Schoffstall, Ashton Smyth, Clint Uthes and
Madeline Wall, At-Large Members
Sophomore Class of 2023
Spencer Wilson, President
Payton Arnett, Vice President
Madeline Jones, Secretary / Historian
Henry Zeigler, Treasurer
Brielle Schermerhorn, Public Relations
Hannah Edwards, Mary Gutshall, Dillon Michlena and
Nathan Pierce, At-Large Members
Student Council
Julia Murray, President
Erin Fuller, Administrative Vice President
Peyton Tarrant, Budget Director
Kildea McMahon, Communications Director
Kolbee Wisniewski, Community Service Director
Charley Piercy, Events Coordinator
Ava Eckenrode, Marketing Director
Tara Mullen, Spirit Coordinator
April 15, 2020
Dear Woodgrove High School Student Council,
On behalf of National Student Council, it is our pleasure to recognize the Woodgrove High School Student Council as a 2020 National Gold Council of Excellence. Winning the National Gold Council of Excellence Award is testament to the highest standards of quality that your council consistently demonstrates in its operation, and its projects and activities. NatStuCo Gold Councils of Excellence are the models of quality for which other student councils should strive to become.
To meet the requirements for the National Council of Excellence Award, a student council must meet a variety of criteria. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings, a democratic election process, the councils have demonstrated successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community. Councils awarded the gold level of the award have successfully demonstrated the highest levels of leadership.
Congratulations again on winning ‘Gold’. You can be justifiably proud of the outstanding contributions that you and your student leaders make in your school and community.
Sincerely,
Nara Lee, Director
Jeff R. Sherrill, Associate Director
NASSP Student Leadership National Student Council
The deadline for ordering is May 23
Plans for yearbook distribution are in the works. It is, however, not too late to still purchase a yearbook online. Here is the link for ordering:
The deadline for ordering is May 23.
National Latin Exam Results
Congratulations to the following Woodgrove students who earned awards on the National Latin Exam!
Gold Medal, Summa Cum Laude: Elizabeth Johnson
Silver Medal, Maxima Cum Laude: Maddie Jones, Ariel Bernal, Ellie Creighton, Sara Traver, Carl Woldt
Magna Cum Laude: Henry Zeigler, Catie Biby, Rohwan Mesecar, Beatrice LaBelle, Owen McCormack, Annie Zhang
Cum Laude: Katie Libby, Delaney Lynham, George Zach, Alessia Jones, Ayden Fugal
Meal delivery as of 4/20/2020
Breakfast and lunch are also available (including a hot lunch) at Woodgrove, Loudoun Valley, Round Hill Elementary and Lovettsville Elementary between 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. You may go to whatever school is closest to you.
Woodgrove High School Cluster: Harmony Middle School, Lovettsville Elementary School, Mountain View Elementary School, Round Hill Elementary School, Waterford Elementary School Time Location
10:13 AM Mayfair Crown Drive & Purcellville Road
10:16 AM VDOT on Koerner Lane 10:25 AM Tahoe Drive & Marbury Street
10:29 AM Zion Lutheran Church on Morrisonville Road
10:30 AM Hillsborough Vineyards 10:35 AM Black Forest Lane & Kimberly Kristin Way
10:42 AM Yatton Road & Sassafras Drive
10:45 AM Britain Road & Mountain Road
10:47 AM Taylorstown Methodist Church
10:34 AM Hillhigh Orchard
10:50 AM Millstone Drive & Nixon Road
10:50 AM Lovett Drive & Potterfield Drive
10:58 AM Collington Drive & Evening Star Drive in Cul-De-Sac
10:39 AM Saratoga Park Drive & Paris Breeze Place
11:05 AM Quarter Branch Road & Wenner Road
11:07 AM Long Lane & Mountain Watch Court
11:07 AM Bethel Lutheran Church on Tankerville Road
10:54 AM Commuter Lot on Route 7 & Blue Ridge Mountain Road
11:22 AM Flint Farm Drive & Williams Gap Road
11:08 AM Bluemont Community Center
11:23 AM Cassia Lane & Georges Mill Road
10:54 AM Old Wheatland Road & Bluebird Ridge Lane
11:25 AM Route 287 gravel lot on left before Gas Station Lane
11:33 AM Cabernet Place & Vineyard View Place
11:22 AM Great Country Farms
11:38 AM Irish Corner Road & George Farm Drive
11:44 AM Featherbed Lane & Orrison Road
11:42 AM Turnberry Drive & Stoneleigh Drive (South
Community Resources During School Closure
If you need assistance during the school closure, here are a few resources you can contact. If you have questions, please email our Parent Liaison at Deana.Czaban@lcps.org.
Food resources:
Tree of Life – 540-441-7920. TOL delivers a 3 week supply of food to families in need. This pantry offers fresh produce, meat and dairy in addition to shelf stable items. Call to get more information on how to register for this program. Spanish speakers can press #5 on their message to connect with staff who speak Spanish. http://tolministries.org/
Tree of Life is also offering a free dinner – TO GO on Thursday nights from 5:30 – 6:30 IN PURCELLVILLE AT THE VICTORY HOUSE CHURCH - 520 MAIN STREET (ACROSS FROM DOLLAR TREE/OLD FOOD LION).
If you live in Round Hill – Round Hill United Methodist Church has a food pantry. You must live in Round Hill to receive food from this pantry. Email me at: Deana.Czaban@lcps.org.
If you live in Lovettsville – There is a food pantry at one of the community churches. Please contact me if you would like to set up a time to visit the pantry. It is not staffed by the church, so I would need to accompany you. Email me at: Deana.Czaban@lcps.org.
If you live in Middleburg – Seven Loaves - https://www.sevenloavesmiddleburg.org/regular-distrubution call 540-687-3489 or email: sevenloavesservices@gmail.com.
Mobile Hope – Their bus comes out to western Loudoun to deliver bags of groceries, personal care items and diapers. No registration is necessary for this program. Tuesdays at the following locations:
- Purcellville – Tuesdays 10:00-10:30 Main Street Commons Apartments
- Lovettsville – Tuesdays 11:30 – 12:00 27 S. Loudoun Street
- Middleburg – Tuesdays 5:00-6:00 at Windy Hill Apartments (drop off in common area)
- Hillsboro – Tuesdays 11:11:20 – Old Stone School (drop off)
Loudoun Hunger Relief – based in Leesburg and BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Call 703-777-5911 www.loudounhunger.org
Catholic Charities – based in Leesburg. Call 703-443-2481. www.ccda.net (see page 2 financial/rent assistance)
Loudoun County government – Information and Referral Program for Health and Human Services
Rent Assistance is available!
Rental assistance through Loudoun DFS continues to be available: families need to be able to show loss of income, submit a W-9*, paystub, and some type of lease. For those residents without access to a scanner or printer, rental property offices have been helpful about letting tenants use their equipment. Due to need, this rental assistance has been expanded to cover up to 3 months
https://www.smore.com/xj87m-community-emergency-relief-fund?ref=email
The I&R program is a call-based service that connects individuals to health and human services information and resources within Loudoun County. The phone line, 703-777-0420, will be staffed Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
I&R can connect residents to a myriad of county and community services and resources, such as:
- Child Care Assistance
- Employment Services
- Food Resources
- Health and Dental Care
- Housing and Homeless Services
- Legal Services
- Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services
- Older Adult Services
- Public Benefits
- Utility Assist
Catholic Charities and Loudoun Cares will jointly rotate staff to respond to requests for financial assistance through a newly established COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Helpline. Loudoun residents who need help paying rent as a result of lost wages from the COVID-19 crisis can call the COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Helpline at 703-669-50409. Trained staff from Catholic Charities and Loudoun Cares will work together to complete an intake process and assess the needs of each caller. Eligibility requirements to receive financial assistance from the COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Helpline may be found at https://www.ccda.net/need-help/rent,-utility-assistance,-and-basic-household-needs/. Eligible callers may be able to receive up to $500 in financial assistance.
Library news
Library Office Hours
M, W, F 10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
T, Th 12:15 - 1:15 p.m.
Your librarians are at their virtual desk at these times and invite you to join them. Please see the library website for a link on the Reaching Out page. Let us know how you are doing and how we can help.
Book Clubs
On the same library webpage, you will find Book Club surveys. Take a look at the options, and feel free to make additional suggestions. Book Clubs will meet virtually and for fun in May. Please joinWOLVERINE SPORTS MEDICINE
Volume 10, Issue 9 May, 2020
Sports Injuries
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is really a group of conditions that cause pain around the kneecap and it can be related to many conditions such a bursitis, tendinitis, chondromalacia and osteoarthritis. Symptoms of PFPS typically include gradual onset of general aching in the front of the knee that worsens with stair climbing or prolonged sitting. There may or may not be swelling and the knee may feel weak, to the point where it feels like the knee is “giving way”. Many student-athletes are prone to PFPS and there is no one specific sport that is primarily affected.
PFPS is usually diagnosed through a physical exam. X-rays are also helpful in determining bony abnormalities such a malalignment or loose bodies. Occasionally, MRI, CT, or bone scans may be needed.
Most of the time PFPS is treated with physical therapy. The main concerns are relieving the pain and then restoring function. Since most PFPS symptoms are caused by overuse, you must first rest and then begin therapy. Anti-inflammatory medication and ice are helpful in reducing the pain. Knee braces that have an opening for the kneecap and a buttress with straps to help the alignment of the kneecap may also be helpful. As the pain diminishes you can begin strengthening and stretching exercises. Once the condition improves you can start sport-specific exercises and a maintenance program.
The prognosis for PFPS is good overall for most student-athletes. However, there are some student-athletes that will continue to experience pain after this type of treatment and may ultimately need surgical intervention.
Nutrition
Probiotics
Scientists have acknowledged the benefits probiotics provide for the general population. As healthy bacteria that live in our guts, probiotics improve digestive and immune system function. Only recently however, have athletes become aware of ways probiotics can improve performance. Along with the boost probiotics provide to immune function, there are benefits to consuming them before, during and after training.
Consuming fermented foods and/or probiotic supplements daily can vastly improve an athlete’s gut flora, and gut health correlates to whole-body health. When the gut is healthy, foods are digested correctly. In addition to boosting gut health, probiotics directly support immune function by promoting higher levels of interferon, a protein made in response to the presence of viruses, bacteria and parasites. This can decrease the incidence of illnesses like colds and mononucleosis.
Before activity, probiotics can be a great solution to soothe gastrointestinal discomfort by reducing nausea and reflux. This allows food and nutrients to more efficiently leave the stomach and become useful to the body.
Athletes should also consume probiotics during activities that last more than 90 min. Probiotics allow the gut to deliver more nutrients to the bloodstream increasing the absorption of carbohydrates, electrolytes, fluids and amino-acids. This can minimize muscle damage and lower an athlete’s risk of dehydration and cramping.
Finally, all athletes know how important recovery is following a strenuous workout. Since taking probiotics after exercise can increase the absorption of antioxidants, it helps with the removal of free radicals, which can damage cells and tissues. Besides providing optimal pre-training fuel, a delicious smoothie with yogurt or added probiotics, protein, and fresh fruits and vegetables is a powerhouse post-workout snack.