RVH School Counseling
April 2019
About our Department
The Riverside School Counseling department is a team of 14 dedicated individuals working collaboratively to meet the needs of 1,812 students, including teachers and parents. We have an open-door policy, but at times we are needed at meetings or have scheduled appointments with other students and parents. To serve you more efficiently, we ask that you please call or email us to schedule an appointment.
We support Riverside High School by:
working with staff to address obstacles that interfere with students’ learning and success.
focusing on skill development through a variety of ways, such as small group or individual counseling sessions, classroom guidance, and consultation and coordination with parents, administrators, and teachers.
helping when students experience challenges. We focus on conflict resolution, transitions, study skills, test-taking skills, crisis intervention, bullying prevention, suicide prevention, and special needs of students.
preparing students with post-grad planning. College visits, career days, internships, scholarships, and job matching are just a few resources available to help our students succeed in life after high school.
RVHS School Counseling Office Hours
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:15 pm
Website: http://www.loudoun.k12.va.us/domain/17735
Get connected with us on remind, text @7a0b5 to 81010
Follow us on twitter @RVHCounseling
Rob Yarborough, Director of School Counseling
Susan Westgate, Registrar
Marsha Gobrecht, School Counseling Assistant
Evan Rodgers, School Counselor (12th A-CL; 9-11th A-CARR)
Kevin Burke, School Counselor (12th CM - HOO; 9-11th CARS-GH)
Cassandra Asekhauno, School Counselor (9-11th GI-KOO)
Scott Valyear, School Counselor (12th HOP-MCC; 9-11th KOP-NI)
Anna Rizzo, School Counselor (12th MCD-ROSE; 9-11th NJ-SE)
Amy Burgess, School Counselor (12th ROSF-Z; 9-11th SEF-Z)
Robin Robinson, Career Center Specialist
Noelia Garcia-Gettmann, School Psychologist
Mrs. Frances Jester, Social Worker
Kim Hager, Student Assistant Specialist
Susan Sabloff, Parent Liaison
2019 Boys and Girls State Award Winners
IMPORTANT DATES
Course Selection for 2019-2020
2018-2019 AP Testing
AP exams are scheduled at Riverside for May 6 to May 17, 2019. Please make every effort to schedule vacations, appointments, or other activities on dates that do not conflict with the testing dates. Make-up testing is only permitted for verified emergencies. Please check the schedule below for the specific dates of individual exams and let Mr. Yarborough know if you have two exams scheduled at the same time or are concerned about a scheduling conflict. We wish your student a successful academic experience!
Dual Enrollment Classes
Participation in Dual Enrollment (DE) courses allows students to meet requirements for high school graduation while simultaneously earning college credits upon successful completion of the course. DE courses taught at the high school by a credentialed LCPS teacher enable students to earn these credits through agreements with partnering colleges or universities. DE course descriptions list the number of college credits that can be earned.
DE course offerings in LCPS high schools are determined by student interest, existing course offerings, and availability of teachers possessing the endorsements required to teach the course. Not all DE courses will be available at all LCPS high schools. Students should speak with their school counselor to determine which courses are available at their high school.
How do I take a DE Class?
- Speak with your School Counselor
- If you would like to enroll for a Dual Enrollment course(s) for the 2019-2020 school year, register here: Northern Virginia Community College. Choose create an account if you have not previously taken a DE course/applied to NVCC. You can follow these step by step directions!
- Print out the "Intent to Pursue Dual Enrollment Course(s)" form for each course and have you and your parent/guardian sign it. Forms can be found on our website
- Return the form to School Counseling ASAP!
If you don't meet the qualifying DE scores listed on the "Intent to Pursue Dual Enrollment Course(s)" form, you will have to take the Virginia Placement Test (VPT). Note that PSAT Reading Scores cannot be used for DE English or Biology any longer. Math SOL scores cannot be used for Biology. It is the student's responsibility to go to the NVCC Loudoun Campus and test. See the website for details. You will need to stop by the Career Center and pick up a VPT Testing Center Pass! Also please refrain from going to NOVA May 4-10 as this is their final exam period and they will not be able to accomodate DE students in the testing center!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Exploring College Options
Northern Virginia Community College
Riverside students who have applied or are interested in applying to and attending NOVA will have the opportunity to attend NOVA"s Smart Start program on Friday April 26 from 10 to 1:30 pm. Please see Mrs. Robinson in the career center for the field trip permission form.
Also, there will be a NOVA Vision 2019 seminar on Friday May 3 from 3:30 to 6 pm for students applying to NOVA who have an individualized education plan (IEP). Registration begins at 3:30 pm followed by introductions and brief talks on pathways, financial aid, tutoring, writing center and student life. Break-out sessions will follow for both students and parents. Student ambassadors will also be available to offer campus tours.
Five College Visits, One Local Stop!
Build Your Path--Promoting Careers in the Built Enivronment Industry
Build your path is a sustained campaign in the mid-atlantic region to promote the next generation of building professionals. Details about careers in traditional college pathways (architecture, engineering, construction management) as well as apprenticeship pathways (electrician, plumbers, HVAC) and vocational pathways (carpentry, masonry) can be found at
http://buildyourpath.org/. Career descriptions are outlined including earning potential and educational opportunities!
Mental Health and Wellness Events
TESTING
ACT and SAT Test Dates
ACT
Test date - June 8, register by May 3
Test date - July 13, register by June 14
FREE ACT STUDY GUIDE: https://www.mometrix.com/academy/act-study-guide/
SAT
Test date - May 4, register by April 5; late registration by April 26
Test date - June 1, register by May 3
FREE SAT PREP on Khan Academy - sync your College Board account to prep from your PSAT
Naviance & Kaplan Livestreaming Courses
The courses align to the industry College, Career and Life Readiness (CCLR) Framework and help students develop critical academic skills, interpersonal skills, career knowledge, college preparation knowledge, and transition skills to support their academic journey.
Learn more about the https://www.naviance.com/content/kaplan-partnership and access implementation resources, including email templates to share the courses with students and parents.
Military Opportunities
Guided Pathway Support Program
The application for the Guided Pathway Support Program (GPS) is now open to current sophomores! GPS is looking for eligible rising juniors and seniors who would be interested in participating in GPS - a free college advising program for college-bound African American students and their parents - from the Ron Brown Scholar Program.
As rising juniors and seniors, GPS Navigators can anticipate these benefits:
- Scholarship and Financial Aid Counseling
- Essay and Resume Support
- Mentorship and Community Support
To be eligible for GPS, a student must:
- Identify as African American;
- Be a current member of the Class of 2020 or 2021;
- Have a strong academic record;* and
- Have demonstrated leadership and active involvement at school and/or in the community.
If you’re interested in learning more about GPS, please email info@ronbrown.org. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
* No GPA requirement! GPS recognizes that students show academic strength in a variety of ways, and we welcome students at different stages of their academic journey.
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
We recently sent out an email message with further information on researching scholarships. This information can be found here under handouts.
If you need an official transcript, or for general assistance with scholarships, please see Mrs. Robinson in the Career Center.
Ali Nawab Pay-it-Forward Scholarship
JMU Scholarships
Riverside Fine Arts Boosters
You can locate the application and other supporting details on our website.
Central Loudoun Little League Scholarship
Central Loudoun Little League Scholarship
(4 @ $500 - one per each high school)
CLLL’s annual scholarship was developed in 2012 with the intent of recognizing one individual from each of the high schools within our boundaries, (Heritage High School, Loudoun County High School, Riverside High School, and Tuscarora High School), who have demonstrated a commitment to baseball, our community, and continuing his or her education.
- Applicant must have been a player participant or youth umpire in Central Loudoun Little League.
- Applicant must be in the graduating class of 2019.
- Applicant plans to enroll in an accredited community college, trade school, college or university as a full-time or part-time student.
- The scholarship is payable to the educational institution directly upon proof of enrollment.
- Applicant must submit a minimum one page, double-spaced essay detailing the impact that their experience in CLLL has had on their lives. Essay must include the years of participation in the league.
Selection of the scholarship recipient will be made by the CLLL Board of Directors. Please note that CLLL reserves the right not to award the scholarship if we do not receive suitable applications
All essays must be emailed to the League President at jj.blton@gmail.com no later than April 30, 2019.
Loudoun Aces Baseball Scholarship
The Loudoun Aces Baseball Club (LABC) has created a scholarship this year to recognize students who are graduating seniors and who have played baseball in the Aces organization. The first Aces team was created in 2009 (when the 2019 graduating seniors were 9 years old) and teams have been added at ages 8U-17U since that time. The intent is to recognize one individual from each of the high schools within the Central Loudoun area, (Heritage, Loudoun County High School, Riverside and Tuscarora High School), who have demonstrated a commitment to baseball, our community and continuing his or her education.
- Applicant must have been a player on an Aces team for at least one full season
- Applicant must be in the graduating class of 2019
- Applicant plans to enroll in an accredited community college, trade school, college or university as a full-time or part-time student
The $500 scholarship is payable to the student directly upon proof of enrollment. An essay detailing the impact that their experience with the Aces has had on their lives to date and how they think it will help them in the future. The essay must include the years of participation with the Aces.
Please note that LABC reserves the right not to award the scholarship if we do not receive suitable applications.
All essays must be emailed to loudounacesbaseball@gmail.com no later than April 30, 2019 – Decisions will be made in May before the students graduate.
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Hispanic College Institute at Virginia Tech
The deadline for the Virginia Latinos in Higher Education Network (VALHEN)’s Hispanic College Institute for 2019 has been extended to April 30! Please encourage any interested rising high school juniors or seniors that identify as Hispanic or Latino to consider applying for this awesome and transformational program.
Hispanic College Institute (HCI)
At the Hispanic College Institute (HCI) approximately 150 Hispanic high school students from across the Commonwealth come together on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA for this FREE four-day, three-night pre-college empowerment program where they learn to overcome both real and perceived barriers to college access.
The students participate in
- STEM day
- College and career workshops
- Networking with Hispanic professionals from various fields
- Meeting with college admissions officers from over 30 colleges and universities
- Learning about conflict management and civic engagement
- Interacting with near- peer mentors
- Listening to inspirational speakers
- Competing for scholarships
Virginia Tech produced video: http://bit.ly/hcivtvid
Student leader produced video: http://bit.ly/hcistudentvid
Center for Legal & Court Technology (CLCT) at William & Mary Law School
Registration is open for our upcoming summer law-related program for high school students. Classes are filling up, and if any of your students are interested in original extra-curricular activities, our courses would be perfect!
Our unique and innovative program consists of interactive and dynamic modules designed to stimulate students' conceptual learning and problem-solving skills. The courses cover a variety of topics ranging from:
- the U.S. legal system,
- contracts and torts, and
- legal issues arising from emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence.
We recommend these courses to students who are keen to explore what studying law entails, and also for those who have a passion for government studies or are interested in business and technology.
The courses are taught by Professors Fred Lederer and Iria Giuffrida, members of the faculty at William & Mary Law School and respectively CLCT's Director and Associate Director for Research. 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.
The full list of courses, including dates, prices, and enrolment details, is available on CLCT's website: www.legaltechcenter.net.
For more information, please don't hesitate to contact me at medalt@wm.edu or 757-221-2494.
Actuarial Science Camp
Lebanon Valley College has a one-week summer program for rising high school seniors who want to learn more about the profession. Here's a link to the program web site. If you have questions about the program, please contact Mr. Patrick Brewer, Director of Actuarial Science Lebanon Valley College at 717-867-6082.
Engineering for High School Girls
George Mason Conflict Resolution Youth Summit
JOB AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Home Depot is Hiring
If you would like to follow up with a local store manager, see Mrs. Robinson in the career center for contact information!
2019 Youth Conservation Corps --Jobs at Harpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center
Hello Loudoun County Public Schools High Schools Counselors,
The National Park Service is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2019 Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (NHP). This is an exciting opportunity for high school students to spend their summer doing meaningful work in a national park site.
The YCC program is scheduled to last for eight weeks beginning on June 16, 2019 and ending on August 20, 2019 and is open to individuals 15 through 18 years of age.
Enjoy a summer working with the National Park Service at Harpers Ferry NHP. Through this experience, students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the nation’s environment and heritage while helping to maintain and preserve our national parks for current and future generations.
For more information about YCC Summer employment then please visit Harpers Ferry YCC Summer Employment website.
Also, please see the YCC Application I have attached to this email.
This eight week program is from June 16 through August 20, 2019. Students must be able to work at least seven of the eight weeks. Schedules will vary depending on position type. All positions will work 7½ to 8 hours a day, five days a week, including weekends. A typical daily schedule is 8:00am - 5:00pm or 9:00 - 6:00pm.
The Salary will be for all positions at Harpers Ferry NHP start at $9.00 per hour.
Available Position are Living History and Historic Trades and Interpretation/Visitor Services.
To qualify, each applicant must meet all of the following requirements:
· Return their completed application by 5:00 pm on April 26, 2019.
· Be age 15 - 18.
· Be a U.S. citizen and have a social security card.
· Have transportation to and from work.
· Be able to work the assigned schedule for the program in which they are interested.
· Be able to work at least seven of the eight weeks from June 16 through August 20, 2019.
Apply by filling out an Applications which may be obtained at the Harpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center (171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425), by emailing the park, or from the NPS Youth Conservation Corps subject site.
We Rock the Spectrum
We Rock the Spectrum gym is looking for students who:
* have a passion for working with all children
* want to help make a difference in their community
* have a lively and positive personality
* are responsible and reliable
* have a customer service skills
Flexible scheduling and help during weekends, special events, parents night out and camps during Spring Break and Summer. Great for students looking to into a career in Education, Special Ed or any Child-Related field.
We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym - Loudoun
22446 Davis Drive, Sterling, VA 20164
(571) 313-0335
Williams Martial Arts and Fitness
Williams Martial Arts & Fitness in Ashburn is looking for dependable, energetic and responsible Riverside students to work with children K-6 in the afternoon. As a counselor, you will be helping them with homework, supervising group games, creating activities, and inspiring them to become responsible, confident young adults. Please call 703-858-3800 or email gowmaf@gmail.com if you are interested.
Job Opportunities at Douglass Community Center
Douglass Community Center in Leesburg is currently looking to hire rising juniors/graduating seniors for our instructor and camp leader positions. Students may contact us via phone or email at 703-771-5913 or dcc@loudoun.gov if interested.
Atomic Trampoline is Hiring
The Yellow Pail Project
For additional information about anything listed in our newsletter, please visit our website or contact our office at (703) 554 -8907.
Thank you,
RVH Counseling