The Grizzly Growl
SEMESTER 2- February 2021
From the Bear Den
Hello Grizzly Families!
This month, we recognize the annual celebration of Black History Month, but we embrace the belief that Black history is US history and should be recognized, taught, and discussed all year long. At Grassfield, we celebrate diversity and promote anti-racism in thoughts and deeds. We encourage students to participate in the GFH and CPS Black History Month activities.
Please join us for a virtual Open House for semester 2 on February 11 at 6:30 p.m. Teachers will send links to their presentations.
We are excited to welcome back Grizzlies who have selected Option 1 for semester 2. Please make sure to read the information below so you are aware of our health and safety mitigations and know how to travel around the building.
Be safe out there! And as always; Go, Grizzlies!
Sincerely,
Mr. Michael Perez
Principal
Semester 2 Updates
Bus Routes:
If you are switching to on-campus instruction for the second semester, please be sure to identify your bus route online. We ask for your patience as our drivers become familiar with additional stops.
2021-2022 Calendar Feedback:
A draft of the 2021-2022 School Calendar was presented to the School Board. We invite you to review the proposal and provide feedback using the online Calendar Feedback Form. All feedback must be received by February 10, 2021.
Technology Support:
In an effort to assist parents who need additional support with Schoology and/or ParentVue, our Office of Family and Community Engagement will be providing individual technology tutorials by virtual appointment.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing our students succeed in the second half of the school year.
Online Student Support Days:
Fridays will continue as Online Student Support Days in high schools. In addition, February 10 and 24 have been designated as Online Student Support Days by the School Board.
Please return textbooks and calculators on the bus ramp on February 5 from 3:00-5:00.
If your child tests positive for COVID-19, or has a close exposure, please contact our school nurse, ryan.hill@cpschools.com, for important instructions.
Athletics-They're Back!
The CPS School Board has voted to move forward with the VHSL fall sports. Tryouts start dates are listed below. Coaches can be contacted directly via email for more detailed information regarding their particular sport.
Fall Sports Tryouts - Grassfield High School
Football - Thursday, February 4th - 4:15-6:15 - Football Practice Field - Contact: Martin.Asprey@cpschools.com
Cheer - Thursday, February 4th - 4:15 - 6:15 - Gymnasium - Contact: Dusti.Harrell@cpschools.com
Cross Country - Monday, February 15th - 4:15 - 6:15 - Track Field House - Contact: Michael.Sauer@cpschools.com
Golf - TBD - due to weather conditions and course availability - Contact Coach Lieberman to be added to the email list for up to date information: Bret.Lieberman@cpschools.com
Field Hockey - Monday, February 15th - Field Hockey Field (2 sessions 8:00-11:00 a.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.) Contact: Kevin.Ellis@cpschools.com
Boys Volleyball - Monday February 15th - Gymnasium (2 sessions 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 - 3:00p.m.) Contact: Doray.Mcconnell@cpschools.com
Girls Volleyball - Monday February 15th - Gymnasium (2 sessions 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. and 3:15-5:15 p.m.) Contact: Robingfh.smith@cpschools.com
Protocols for Athletes Conditioning/Practicing – Grassfield High School
- Every athlete must have a sports physical dated after May 1, 2020 in order to condition. We are not doing mass sports physicals at Grassfield this year. Athletes should see their own PCP or family urgent care.
- Every athlete will complete a COVID assessment prior to conditioning/practice.
- Water and water coolers cannot be provided. Athletes must bring a sufficient amount of water for personal use during their conditioning session. Athletes should not share water with others.
- Athletes need to bring their own towels. Athletes must not share their towel with others.
- Athletes are required to bring their own face mask. Masks must be worn anytime individuals are within 6 feet of others. Athletes must wear appropriate clothing at all times; shirts must be worn to minimize perspiration contract on surfaces as much as possible.
- No outside spectators are permitted to conditioning/practice sessions.
- In the event of hazardous weather and you must take shelter immediately inside the building – All sports should report to the gymnasium and cafeteria through the doors at the weight room entrance and remain distanced.
*Contact your sports coach via email for more specific details if necessary.
CPS Chromebook Distribution
Your child's teacher will include a Chromebook Loan Agreement with the syllabus, or find one here. The loan agreement must be signed and returned to receive a device.
If you have an Option 2 student who needs a Chromebook, please contact the main office at 757-558-4749, and we will schedule an appointment to distribute a device.
COVID-19 Safety Agreement
Please report your child's absence electronically.
THE COUNSELING CORNER
2021-2022 Course Scheduling
The school counseling department is hard at work reviewing course requests for the 2021-2022 school year. Please be patient while the counselors carefully review the course requests and course history for every student at Grassfield to ensure they are in the correct classes.
Keep these deadlines in mind:
January 22-February 20, 2021: School Counselors will review student requests and will be in touch with any concerns or suggestions. School Counselors will be available for virtual meetings.
February 21, 2021: Course request PDF will be posted on ParentVue for parent approval.
March 1, 2021: Deadline for Parents to verify the courses the student has entered for the upcoming school year in ParentVue.
March 4, 2021: Deadline to make any course request changes for the 2021-2022 school year.
Please electronically verify or change course requests by March 4 so we can accurately determine the classes we will offer next year.
AP Test Registration and Payment
If your child took an AP class last semester or is currently enrolled in an AP class, please watch for updates about how and when to register and pay for this year's AP tests.
Class of 2021 and 2022 ACCESS College Support
Hello Class of 2021 and 2022!
Here's news from Mrs. Moorhouse.
Juniors: It's PRIME TIME to be thinking about what's important to you in a college, researching schools, starting to compile a rough list, etc. I will be offering upcoming workshops with tools to help you think about college characteristics (outside of simply location and school size), so keep an eye on the announcements for dates/times.
If you haven't already, please complete ACCESS Junior Interest Survey! It takes less than 2 minutes and helps get you in my records and on my radar.
Do a "brain dump" of things you've read/listened to/watched/attended, both in and out of class...and update regularly. These things can be books, music, articles, podcasts, websites, blogs, artists, lectures, presentations, etc. Sometimes colleges will ask for these things specifically (ex: Columbia University), and sometimes these can be great starter material for the essays you'll need to write later.
Should you take the SAT or ACT? Some comparisons and thoughts here and here. The SAT essay is going away and most students do not need to take the ACT essay, either.
Some colleges have announced test-optional policies for Fall 2021 admissions, and I expect test-optional will remain a possibility for the GHS c/o 2022. However, deciding to "skip" the SAT/ACT could end up being a negative for admissions and/or scholarships. In general, I still recommend taking the SAT or ACT if you're comfortable doing so from a health/safety perspective; you can decide later whether or not to submit the scores you receive.
ACCESS is able to offer 2 free SATs for juniors who sign up to use Khan Academy for SAT Prep. Email Mrs. Moorhouse if you're interested and she will send you sign up instructions.
ACCESS can help cover the cost of SAT/ACT/AP/college application fees; you must fill out the confidential ACCESS Fee Waiver Application and the ACCESS Information Release to be considered.
Are you interested in intelligence careers? Great opportunities for high school students and undergrads here.
Questbridge is a national recognition program and full scholarship opportunity to top US colleges; high-achieving juniors with financial need can apply starting in early February. Eligibility details on the website. Please let Mrs. Moorhouse know if you plan to apply.
MyMajors helps students learn what college majors match their interests, academic strengths, and preferences. Grassfield students can up a free account here; it takes about 15 minutes to complete.
If you're interested in summer programs, keep an eye on my Padlet as I share info on summer opportunities there. Many great programs are low-cost and/or offer scholarships.
As always, email me (mmoorhouse@accesscollege.org) or set up a Zoom meeting using my GHS College Counseling appointment scheduler if you have any questions or want to discuss anything related to college!
Meghan Moorhouse | Access Advisor
Grassfield High School | Great Bridge High School 757-550-0149 mmoorhouse@accesscollege.org • www.accesscollege.org College news, scholarship info, events, & more: https://padlet.com/ACCESS_GHSandGBHS/InfoandUpdates Zoom Appointment Scheduler: GHS Seniors/Juniors: https://calendly.com/accesscollege/ghs-1-1 GHS class of 2021 Remind group: Text @ac3d26 to 81010 GHS class of 2022 Remind group: Text @c736bk to 81010
Class of 2021 News
It's back!!! Senior Sunrise has undergone a makeover, but it is back! Since this last year has felt like The Upside-Down, we've flipped the script on sunrise/sunset. Join us on Thursday, February 4, from 4:30 - 5:30 pm for Senior Sunset and enjoy the following activities:
- Car decorating contest - Since everyone will remain in their vehicles, dress your car up to show that Grizzly spirit. You might win a prize!
- Snack bar
- Commemorative gift
- Raffle prizes
- Music and fun
- Watch the sunset
- Photo memories
- Pick-up your Senior T-shirts & sweatshirts if you pre-ordered them (NOTE: a limited number of shirts will be available for purchase at the event, if you did not pre-order. Sales will be first-come, first-served. Bring cash or check payment if you are interested.)
Please use the link below to RSVP (yes, no, or maybe) by 4:00 pm Wednesday. Hope to see you there, Class of 2021!
Balfour is accepting orders for graduation announcements and caps and gowns. Please view a message from our Balfour representative here. If you still need to order any graduation items, please contact Balfour directly or order through thier online link.
Be sure to check the Senior Class website here and follow us on social media for the most up-to-date news.
Senior Yearbook Ads Deadline Extended to February 5
TCC News
Semester 1 SOL Testing Continues Through February 19
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
History: February 5
Biology: February 12
Make-Up Testing February 19
The Virginia Department of Education has determined that SOL testing will still take place during semester 1. Grassfield High School has determined that the safest and most efficient way to administer the required SOL tests is to test on the Friday Online Student Support Days. On those days, Option 1 AND Option 2 students will need to report to the building to test. Students may provide their own transportation or ride the bus assigned to their route (even if they are Option 2 students). Additionally, we will offer school breakfast and lunch to any student coming to test.
Students should arrive to school between 8:40 a.m and 8:55 a.m.. Students with their own transportation will be able to leave at the end of the test session. Students who ride the bus will remain at school with supervision until the end of the school day and then ride the bus home.
Students who will need to take an SOL will be contacted by their teachers with specific details for their class. Please contact the School Counseling Department with any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your understanding.
SCA
The Grassfield SCA is working hard to keep everyone connected while we learn in person and online. Be sure to be a part of our Grizzly community!
Be on the lookout for:
February 4th- Jersey Day- wear your favorite team's jersey before the Superbowl
Feb 5th- 1pm- "Among Us" game- students can sign up via a Google form that will be posted on Schoology groups to play the "Among Us" popular game with other Grassfield students and teachers via Zoom
We will be selling Red Out shirts this year PREORDERS only ($10) through OSP starting at the beginning of February. Red Out is scheduled for Feb 26th but we will be hosting a week of Red leading up to that Friday.
Join CPS and SCA in the Share the Love campaign to share messages of hope, joy, and community during the month of February. Activities include:
Three Words video challenge
Virtual Valentines
Share the Love Bingo Board
NAMI Ending the Silence Presentations
Wear the Love Spirit Day on February 24
Use #sharetheloveCPS
Follow us on social media for more updates. Twitter and Instagram @grassfield_sca
Food Distribution
Grassfield High School PTSA
Please renew your membership in the Grassfield High School PTSA. This organization cannot exist without members, and this is the easiest way to support your school. For only $7.00, you can make a difference at Grassfield High School. We need you as members of our PTSA. Don’t forget, the “S” stands for students, as students can also join at the high school level. What a great way to get involved and have your voice heard.
It is extremely easy to join! You may fill out the form below and send in a check to GFHS, 2007 Grizzly Trail, Chesapeake, VA 23323. Please make the check payable to GFHS PTSA.
This year, you may also join online at http://grassfieldhigh.new.memberhub.store.
Please follow the GFHS PTSA on twitter @GrizzlyPTSA and our Facebook page is GrassfieldPTSA.
Please follow the GFHS PTSA on twitter @GrizzlyPTSA and our Facebook page is GrassfieldPTSA.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email me. I look forward to getting to know you this year! Thank you!
Leslie Wecht, GFHS PTSA President, Leslie.Wecht@cpschools.com
Media Center News
Library Book Pick Up Reminder:
Students can place books on hold through Destiny Discover. Visit our schoology page (55JB-G3FF-9FVGG) or GMC Google site to access Destiny. We are offering library book pick up for option 2 students by appointment. Option 1 students can pick up books from the media center.
January Contest Winner:
Congratulations to Yasmine Scheller for winning our January Amazon gift card drawing! Check out our Grizzly Media Center Google Site to enter this month’s drawing!
Virtual Book Club:
Join our virtual book club on Schoology! The Code is FFQB-D28K-NSNS9. We recently finished The Hive by Barry Lyga and Morgan Baden. We are going to select our next book soon! Make sure to join our group soon so you can help us select!
Literacy Jam:
Calling all writers! The Literacy Jam is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate student authors at the middle and high school levels. Each grade level will have one winner that will get their winning submission published in a citywide journal. You may write to the VSLA theme of “Illuminating the Path to Literacy” or on a topic of your choice!
For more information email the media specialists or visit the GMC Google Site!
February Media Center Events:
Visit our Grizzly Media Center Google Site to participate in our monthly activities. For every activity you participate in your name will be entered into our monthly drawing for an Amazon gift card! Click on the tab labeled February to access the activities!
Celebrate Black History month with trivia
Valentine’s Day creations
President’s Day games
Follow us on Instagram (grassfield_mc) and Twitter (@GFH_Mediacenter)
Contact Mrs. Dusty Gabel or Mrs. Kim Rosenbaum for more details.
Important Information for Students Returning to the Building for Semester 2
Safety Mitigation Strategies- Several measures have been enacted to provide the safest environment possible for all Grizzlies (both students and staff alike). For instance, hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the building, student desks will be cleaned between each class, and sneeze guards are in high-traffic locations. All students need to take these strategies seriously every day in order for all to be safe. Everyone’s cooperation in following these guidelines is expected and appreciated.
Masks: Students are expected to wear masks at all times unless eating or on a specified mask break. Gaiters only are not permitted unless they are accompanied with a cloth mask underneath. Please emphasize the importance of wearing face masks correctly and keeping socially distant, even when in the hallways and restrooms.Hallways: Students should move directly from one class to the next and not loiter in hallways, stairwells, or common areas. One-way directional signs and 6 foot distancing signs have been placed throughout the building to remind students of the correct paths to classes and other locations. End of the day dismissal will be staggered to avoid large numbers of students in the halls at the same time.
School Building Hours for Students- Students may not enter the building prior to 8:35 a.m. Upon arrival, students should report directly to their homeroom classroom or to retrieve breakfast. Students may drop off instruments before they report to homeroom. On your first days of arrival, staff members will be in the hallways, at the student parking and drop-off entrance (2A), and on the bus ramp to direct students where to go. A school map is available on teachers' Schoology pages. Please review the map so that you are familiar with the layout of the building.
Bus Transportation- Bus routes may be found on the CPS website (www.cpschools.com). Students should review and memorize their bus route number. Since time of pick-up will be irregular for the first few days, cooperation from everyone is necessary and appreciated. Please remember that bus capacity is more limited with CDC regulations in place. Students are required to wear masks on the busses. Bus drivers will also ensure that social distancing takes place on each bus.
Students will remain on the busses until 8:35 a.m. Students will not be permitted to gather in hallways or common areas before or after school.
Student Parking- Student drivers will not be allowed in the building until 8:35 a.m. and should only enter through door 2A (the gymnasium entrance). Remain in your car until 8:35 a.m. to avoid crowds at door 2A. Students will not be permitted to gather in hallways or common areas before or after school.
Student Drop off and Pick up- Students should be dropped off and picked-up at entrance 2A (the gymnasium entrance) and can be dropped off no earlier than 8:35 a.m. The doors will not be unlocked prior to 8:35 a.m., so please do not drop off your child earlier to avoid crowds at this entrance. We expect more students to be dropped off this year, so plan accordingly. Students will not be permitted to gather in hallways or common areas before or after school. Students may be picked-up beginning at 3:53. Please watch for students crossing the parking lot and medians during these times.
Students who need to leave school early must be checked out at the Attendance Office at entrance 1A. Parents will be asked to show ID and will have to wait outside or in the open, common area while students report for dismissal. We will not have seating available due to safety mitigation strategies.
Breakfast- Breakfast is free to all students who wish to eat breakfast. Students may retrieve breakfast and take breakfast to eat in their classrooms.
Lunch- New this year, a school lunch is available to all students at no charge. Students may also bring lunch from home. The snack machines are not available at this time. Students will sit in assigned sections of the food court to aid in contact tracing, should that be necessary. Students will be distanced 6 feet apart from each other, one to a table and may not walk around the food court. Students must wear masks when they are not eating.
Water Bottles- All students are encouraged to bring a water bottle. Students will be allowed to refill their water bottles at the bottle filling station in the food court during lunches.
Deliveries/Forgotten Items- Due to health and safety guidelines at this time, limited items may be dropped off. The acceptance of forgotten items is limited to medicine delivered to the clinic or necessary items too large to be transported on the school bus. Any student who forgets his/her lunch will be offered a school lunch at no charge. Food delivery, including fast food and carry-out from restaurants, is strongly discouraged. This policy is for student safety and to maximize instructional time.
Medication- Medication drop off is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call the school nurse at 558-4749. Students are not allowed to transport medications.
Physical Education- Physical Education classes will alternate between a health week and a PE week. Students will not change clothes for PE this year, nor will they have access to locker rooms. Students should dress appropriately for the weather. Students should report to the gym February 3 and the PE teachers will escort them to the correct rooms.
Lockers- No student lockers will be issued. Students must carry all items necessary for class with them during the day.
Grassfield High School
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @grassfield_hs. Our website is updated regularly for additional information.
Email: beth.pallister@cpschools.com
Website: https://cpschools.com/gfh/
Location: 2007 Grizzly Trail
Phone: 757-558-4749
Twitter: @grassfield_hs