BOLT REPORT
Together We LIGHT the Way
SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
What's in this issue?
2) August-September Calendar
3) Back to School Reminders
- New Administration
- Attendance
- Lockers
- Parking
- Honor Code
- Dress Code
- Cell Phone Policy
4) Lightridge Counseling
- 22-23 Book Club
- Schedule changes
- College Rep Visits
- LCPS College Fair
6) Testing
7) Bolt Clubs & Activities
- College applications
- Senior Parent Night
9) Lightridge Athletics
- Important Dates
- Athletic Boosters
11) Listen Up Lightridge!
12) Lightridge PTSO
A Note from Dr. Hitchman...
It has been wonderful to experience the energy, enthusiasm, and excitement displayed by our students and staff at the start of the year. As we move into September and begin to fall into a routine, we have several events planned this month for our Lightridge community. On Friday, September 9, we will be hosting our 2nd annual Back to School Kickoff Bash before our home football game. We are once again partnering with Hovatter Elementary School and will have food trucks, games, and other activities for our community. If you or your business is interested in sponsoring an activity or would like to set up a booth during the event, please feel free to contact me or our two Student Council Sponsors. We are also excited to welcome our parents and guardians to our Back to School Night which will be held on Wednesday, September 14 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Parents and guardians will follow their student’s schedule and will have the opportunity to meet their child’s teachers.
Our Principal Coffee & Chat sessions are also returning. There will be two coffee and chat sessions each month. The first session of the month will be held virtually beginning at 8:15 am while the second session of the month will be held in-person beginning at 9:30 am. Our first coffee and chat session will occur on Friday, September 16 virtually while the second coffee and chat session will be held in-person on Friday, September 30. The Lightridge PTSO will be hosting general membership meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. You can participate in-person or virtually. The first PTSO meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 21 and will begin at 7:00 pm. I would also encourage you to review the Lightridge High School website once a week to remain up-to-date on activities and events which will be occurring on campus.
Finally, I would like to thank you for your patience and understanding during the first few days of school. This opening was much different than the previous two years. Our enrollment continues to grow (approximately 1800 students); our bell schedule has changed (9:30-4:18); and students are eating lunch earlier in the day. One thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to communicating with our families and other stakeholders. During our 9th grade student orientation, I encouraged our students to join a club or activity. I encourage our parents and guardians to actively participate in Coffee & Chat sessions or PTSO meetings or one of our many booster clubs. I also ask you for a favor…If you have a question or concern, please reach out to me by phone or email. Three years ago we made a commitment to make Lightridge a place where students, parents, and staff want to be. By maintaining open lines of communication, we can strengthen the strong learning environment we have created and ensure our students are provided the opportunity to experience success and achieve their dreams. Thank you for taking the time to read our September newsletter and together, we light the way!
August-September Calendar
AUGUST
31 - Freshman Transition Parent Night, 6:30pm
SEPTEMBER
2 - SAT registration deadline for the October test date
2 - NO SCHOOL
5 - NO SCHOOL - LABOR DAY
7-8 - Lightridge Club and Activity Fair during Spark Session
8 - Senior Parent Night, 6:30pm
9 - Back to School Bash, 5-7pm (see flyer)
10 - ACT Test Date (not at Lightridge)
14 - Back to School Parent Night, 6:30pm
19-20 - Underclassmen Pictures
22 - Dulles South Financial Aid Information Night with NVCC, 7pm at LRHS
26 - NO SCHOOL
27-30 - Spirit Week
30 - Homecoming Game
October
1 - Homecoming Dance
1 - SAT Test Date
The Lightning Locker will be open during BTSN. We accept cash, check, or credit card! Support your BOLTS and get some gear!
NEW SCHOOL TIMES!!!
NEW ADMINISTRATION
Here is the new breakdown of Assistant Principal responsibilities:
Mr. Jeremy Cortash, students with last names A-Dh
Dr. Felecia Lewis, students with last names Di-Kun
Dr. Jackson, students with last names Kuo-Ra
Mr. Sundar Thirukkurungudi, students with last names Re-Z
LOCKERS
All Lightridge students will have the option to be assigned a school locker for use during the academic day. Students can request to “opt-in” for a locker by completing the attached Google form and requesting students will receive their locker assignment from the main office after completing the Google form. All lockers will be provided on a first come, first served basis and locker combinations and information will be provided securely through each student's advisory teacher. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Cortash.
PARKING
HONOR CODE
Lightridge High School Student Cell Phone & Headphone Expectation
In an effort to limit distractions and keep our BOLTS engaged and focused during instruction,
phones must be silenced and put away during all instructional periods. Phone accessories are also to be silenced and away when phone use is prohibited. Watches that serve a dual purpose (e.g., smart watch) may be worn; however, phone features (e.g., texting Internet, calls, etc.) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Headphones are to be put away and not in use during class time. Students may use headphones before the first bell, after the last bell, during passing periods and lunches. Storage may be in a locker, backpack, pencil bag, etc., during classes. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency. Teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool, however one-to-one LCPS devices should meet most needs. Cell phones may be used on campus before the first bell, after the last bell, during passing periods, and lunches.
Parent/guardians, multi-disciplinary team members, or other persons with knowledge of students who require access to personally owned devices as an accommodation shall make requests for such accommodations through their respective multidisciplinary team (i.e., 504 Committee, IEP Team, English Language Committee, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Team).
Our Team:
Mrs. Campbell, Director of School Counseling
Ms. Schrader, last names A-Be
Ms. Holley, last names Bh-Dh
Mrs. Zawistowski, last names Di-Ha
Dr. Dietrich, last names He-Kun
Ms. Rose, last names Kur-M
Mrs. Dorman, last names N-Ra
Mrs. Perinis, last names Re-Sta
Ms. Wollenberg, last names Ste-Z
Ms. Scheivert, Career Center Assistant
SCHEDULE CHANGES
Last year we went through a rigorous and very educational course selection process last year which included curriculum night, teacher recommendations, classroom discussions, advisory presentations, study hall sessions, academic advising and monthly reminders in our emails and newsletters.
Additionally, in mid-August we sent out a survey to parents and students given the numerous requests for schedule adjustments. We emailed the entire community with information about WHY schedule changes this late cannot always be granted. The form then said…
- Since so many of our families have asked for late changes, we are providing this form to get an idea of the number of changes that would need to be made, where seats might be available, and whether or not we can meet these requests within the confines of our master schedule.
- IF YOU WERE HOPING TO MAKE A CLASS CHANGE, PLEASE FILL OUT THIS REQUEST BY AUGUST 21. WE WILL EVALUATE REQUESTS AND NUMBERS AND WILL LET YOU KNOW IF WE ARE ABLE TO MAKE THE CHANGE FOR YOU PRIOR TO THE START OF SCHOOL.
Dr. Hitchman followed up the survey with an email to the community on Tuesday August 23 which stated,
- Based on the requests that came in on the survey sent out last week, we have made a few adjustments and added some classes with extra staffing. This allowed us to meet several of the late requests for course changes. However, it also meant we had to balance classes for the new sections. While most student schedules remained the same, there were a few student schedule changes which occurred this morning before our open house. The schedule students see in StudentVue on Wednesday, August 24, is the schedule they should follow on the first day of school.
- This has been a challenging year with many of our teachers leaving education to pursue new careers, and fewer teachers coming out of university to teach. We ask for your grace and cooperation as we work to address student needs but your understanding that we cannot meet every students want. As a parent we hope you can appreciate and understand the difference between your students wants and needs.
- Please rest assured we took the time to review all of the course requests that have come into our office past the June 15 deadline. To determine eligibility for approval, we reviewed class sizes, teacher loads, students past grades and students past test scores. Some were approved and some were denied. If you do not see a change in your schedule, we were unable to approve your request.
We know the beginning of the year can be stressful for our Bolts and we want to assure you, all will be OK. We want everyone to perform to their fullest potential and here are three suggestions to make for a successful year.
- USE your study hall time!!! Students who use this time to review class notes, complete assignments, or read ahead, find more time in their day outside of school for things that bring them joy.
- COMMUNICATE with your teachers. Don’t understand something? Ask for clarification! Our teachers are approachable and want to see you succeed. But they don’t know you aren’t getting it if you don’t take the time to communicate with them.
- ASK for help when you need it! Our STEM lab will be open every block for extra help in Science and Math. Additionally, we will have a writing center open to students during 2nd and 6th (our lunch blocks) for students to seek assistance with writing assignments. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength!
WELCOME TO LIGHTRIDGE
- Class of 2026
- Class of 2025
- Class of 2024
- Class of 2023
Please email Shetal.Patel@lcps.org and we will place one in the main office with your name on it and you can pick it up!
Please be sure to check out our weekly newsletter from Barrie Scheivert that focuses on all things college and career!
Lightridge Testing Office
Donna Draisey STC
PSAT Testing
Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) will be offering the PSAT 8/9 (Preliminary SAT) to students in grade 9 and the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) to students in grades 10 and 11 this year. The test will be administered on Wednesday, October 12, 2022. Academies of Loudoun B day students will test at the Academies of Loudoun. This will be the only administration of this test for the 2022-2023 school year. Registration is not required and there is no cost for students.
New this year, students participating in the PSAT 8/9 test will complete a digital version of the test, requiring the use of their LCPS-managed device. The Desmos calculator is built into the digital test portion of the Math test in which it is permitted.
Students participating in the PSAT/NMSQT will complete a paper version of the test and do not need a calculator, but may bring an approved model if desired.
Both the PSAT 8/9 and the PSAT/NMSQT measure mathematics, reading, and writing. The tests focus on reasoning skills, knowledge, and comprehension, serving as one indicator of college readiness. Additionally, students in grade 11 who take the PSAT/NMSQT are automatically eligible to compete for National Merit Scholarships.
Additional information on both the PSAT 8/9 and the PSAT/NMSQT can be found at the College Board PSAT website at https://www.collegeboard.org/ and also the LCPS Office of Assessment website.
Student guides can be downloaded here:
Digital PSAT 8/9 Student Guide 2022-2023
PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide 2022-2023
AP Testing
Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) will offer Advanced Placement (AP) tests during the College Board's 2023 test administration window of May 1-12, 2023.
Students enrolled in LCPS and Loudoun residents who are home instructed and have a current Notice of Intent (NOI) on file with LCPS may register to test.
Registration for testing will occur through a student's AP course. The AP teacher will provide students with a join code which they must use to access an online portal (MyAP Classroom). The MyAP Classroom portal contains instructional resources, practice tests, and tools to manage test registration.
If a student is not enrolled in an AP course, but still wants to test, they should contact their school’s Testing Coordinator to register.
Students attending the Academies of Loudoun should read this important notice regarding test registration.
Students must have a current College Board account or must create one prior to using the join code. It is important that students retain their username and password, as well as use their correct Student ID during the account registration process.
Students must register for their AP test(s) by November 4, 2022 within the College Board's online portal (MyAP). Requests to register for an AP test after November 4, if accepted, may result in a $40 fee. Students who cancel a test after November 15, 2022 will incur a $40 cancellation fee. Students who register for a test but do not take the test will incur a $40 unused test fee. These fees will be charged even if LCPS is paying for the cost of the test and are required by the College Board.
LCPS will pay for the first four AP tests that each enrolled LCPS student attempts. The four tests are cumulative across the student's high school enrollment, beginning with the 2021-2022 school year. After the test limit has been reached, payment will be required for any additional tests.
For additional information regarding AP tests, please visit the College Board’s website or LCPS’ Office of Assessment Services website.
I will continue to do everything I can to create a stress-free testing atmosphere for all students and to communicate with students and parents regarding testing dates, times and locations. All communication to students comes through E-Hall Pass and their LCPS issued email account so encourage your student(s) to check both of these sources regularly.
Please do not hesitate to contact me via email if you have questions or concerns about any aspect of testing. You can also go to the Lightridge Testing Office website for the latest testing information.
Welcome back Bolts! Now is a great time to get involved with different clubs and organizations at Lightridge. We are proud to offer over 85 school sponsored clubs currently and the list is still growing! Most clubs will meet during the school day on Tuesdays (Blue Clubs) or Wednesdays (Yellow Clubs) during Spark Session. Some larger clubs will choose to meet either before school or after school as well. All students will have a chance to check out our club offerings at our Clubs & Activities Fair being held in the gymnasium on September 7th and 8th during an extended Spark Session. For more information, check out the Activities page on the Lightridge homepage.
Upcoming Events:
September 7th & 8th: Clubs & Activities Fair during Spark Session
September 9th: Community Tailgate 5:00-7:00pm before the home football game
September 13th & 14th: Blue and Yellow Club interest meetings during Spark Session
September 26 - October 1: Homecoming Week (Pep Rally, Parade, Bonfire, and Dance)
Please contact jake.johnson@lcps.org if you have any questions regarding extra-curricular clubs and activities.
CLASS OF 2023
Welcome to the beginning of your journey to prepare for life after high school. We have several activities and opportunities planned for the month of September to help get you started and ease the transition.
Thursday, September 9th is Senior Parent Night, students are welcome to attend with their parents. This will take place at 6:30pm in the Auditorium.
Monday September 12, Thursday September 15th and Friday September 16th, counselors will be coming in to spark sessions for an overview of next steps for our seniors.
Beginning on September 19th, seniors will be pulled from their English classes for one on one sessions with their counselors. This meeting will individually discuss your graduation status and encompass all post-secondary planning options. Every senior will have this opportunity, please be patient in waiting for your class to be called and please come prepared with questions.
September 19th through September 23rd we will run College Application Blitz Week with a series of sessions during student lunch times going into further review of Navigating Naviance, The Common App Inside Scoop and wrapping up with an optional day of Q&A. These sessions are available for seniors only during all lunch blocks in the career center.
We are excited to support each and everyone of you on this part of your journey. Go Bolts!
Please consider following our Bolts
Twitter: @LightridgeHS_AD
Instagram: @Lightridgehs_athletics
As a friendly reminder, winter sports tryouts will be held November 7-9, 2022 and spring sports tryouts will be held February 20-22, 2023.
Lightridge Library strives to be the heart of our diverse community. We provide a place for students to learn and appreciate the power of print and digital information through universal access to knowledge. We encourage literacy, inquiry, and social-emotional health. We welcome all Lightridge community members to learn, discover, create, and connect in our vibrant, joyful space! We are excited to welcome students and staff for the 2022-2023 School Year!
- Hours – The Lightridge Library is excited to welcome everyone back with our full compliment of services for the 2022-2023 school year! With the adjustment of the bell schedule, the Lightridge Library will be open 8:15am to 4:18pm daily.
- Visiting – The Lightridge Library will be providing a full library orientation to all 9th grade students through their English classes. A brief refresher orientation will be given to all students via Spark Sessions or Study Hall. Students are always welcome to visit the library before or after school or anytime during the day with an eHallPass.
- Back to School Night - Did you know we encourage parents as library patrons? We’d love to see all community members at Back to School Night and welcome book checkout to everyone!
Yearbook
Yearbook
Save $20 and pre-order your 2022-2023 yearbook now! Current price is 70.00 and will go up after October 10. Custom nameplates are also available. Orders can be completed through the new payment portal (https://lcps.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/3856/371/False/True).
Underclassmen Picture Day
Underclass Picture Day
Students in grades 9-11 will take their yearbook photos and receive student ID cards on Monday, Sept 19 and Tuesday, Sept 20.
Senior Yearbook Ads
Senior Ads
Seniors and/or parents of seniors can purchase ads to celebrate and commemorate the class of 2023 graduation for individuals, groups of friends, or groups on campus (clubs, sports, etc). Page space ranges from 1/16 to a full page. Upload photos and design your ad on www.yearbookordercenter.com and use school code 21626! The deadline for submission is Monday, October 24.
Senior Portrait Make Up day
Seniors who were not photographed for the yearbook in June or who would like a new photo will be able to schedule an appointment for Senior Portrait Make-up Days. Senior Portrait Make-ups will be held on Thursday, October 27 and Friday, October 28 at Lightridge. An appointment link will be share with seniors and their families in mid-September.
Lunch
LCPS is requiring students to pay for lunch and breakfast. Please visit the Lightridge website and click Meals to access the Pay for Meals site to add money to your student's account.
LOUDOUN YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
YAC is a student-led organization of highly motivated teens who reside in Loudoun County. As a leadership development, community service, and civic engagement program, mentoring is provided by the Loudoun County Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCS) Youth Initiative and teen services specialists.
YAC meets twice a month – on alternating Mondays – throughout the school year to work on special events and community service projects for their peers. Joining YAC is a great opportunity for high school students to meet other students who are passionate about serving the community and improving their leadership skills. The Loudoun Youth Advisory Council provides numerous opportunities for volunteer hours and leadership.
If you are interested, the application can be completed at: https://lfportal.loudoun.gov/Forms/YAC.
THANK YOU!!!!
A big thank you to all who contributed to our welcome breakfast for our fantastic administration, teachers, and staff! With the start of the new school year, it is time to renew your PTSO membership, or join for the first time. PTSO supports the whole population of the school, and as a member you have a chance to say how we manifest that support. Meetings are monthly (the third Wednesday of the month), last 1 hour, and are both in person and online, for added convenience. You will hear from Dr. Hitchman or one of his assistant principals and be able to stay abreast of current issues. If you can't make the meetings, that's ok, too. We know everyone has busy schedules. Our first meeting for the year is 14 September, 7:00 pm, in the Library. We hope to see you there! We'll send out the meeting link closer to the date.
You can join through our PTSO link on the Lightridge homepage. Also, remember to update your Together in Education link at Harris Teeter. You can add more than one school and it's an easy way to contribute. We can also be your designated charity on Amazon Smile. Please consider adding us.
Lightridge High School Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (LHS PTSO) a 501(c)(3) Organization, is made up of volunteers from the LHS community. Our goal is to provide support and service to the students, families, staff, and community of Lightridge High School; to promote a spirit of caring, good citizenship, and respect for others within the school and community; and to encourage family and community involvement in the education of all students.
What does the LHS PTSO do?
o Support LHS Staff
Fund faculty and staff initiatives and projects throughout the year that don't otherwise receive funding.
Show appreciation to faculty and staff through a snack shack, school breakfast, holiday treats, staff appreciation week activities, and more.
o Support LHS Students
Coordinate and support events for the students including treats, club, and activity support.
Fill student fundraising gaps where appropriate.
o Support LHS Parents
Provide a forum for parents through monthly meetings to collaborate with faculty and staff to ask questions, express concerns, share views, and give appreciation.
Host guest speakers.
Provide an opportunity to connect with other Lightridge parents.
How do we fund our programs?
Funds are raised through dues and fundraisers such as test prep partnerships, Amazon Smile, and grocery links. 100% of funds are returned to the students and staff through programs approved by the board via vote.
How do I get involved?
Become a member and/or volunteer! The PTSO is available to support all groups in the school, either with funds or with volunteers. Please join us so that we can provide funding and volunteer support to as many organizations throughout the school as we can reach. Join the PTSO today and help make a difference. The PTSO is open to any student, parent/guardian of a Lightridge student, or any member of the Lightridge staff.
HT Together in Education
Lightridge High School is participating in Harris Teeter's Together in Education program! Our account number is 6906 and you can link your VIC card to Lightridge by clicking here or tell your cashier during check-out that you want Lightridge’s account number linked to your Harris Teeter VIC card.
Lightridge High School
Email: christi.campbell@lcps.org
Website: https://www.lcps.org/lightridge
Location: 41025 Collaboration Drive Aldie, VA 20105
Phone: (571)367-4100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightridgeHighSchool/
Twitter: @LightridgeLCPS