Comet Weekly Update
Issue 29 : Week of April 17, 2023
Updates and Reminders for the Week of 4/17/23
- Granby is holding a Spirit Week for the Month of the Military Child this week. See below for more information.
- Junior Prom is Friday, April 28th, and Senior Prom is May 5th. Tickets are selling fast. Do not wait last minute because you may not be able to get a ticket. You can find out more information below.
- [Seniors] Jostens will be at Granby High School on Friday, April 28th to distribute Cap& Gowns that were pre-purchased, as well as selling Cap & Gowns for those seniors who have not purchased. Honor Stoles and tassels will also be available for purchase for those Seniors who have been identified as Honor Graduates as of that date. More information on the costs for the Honors Regalia will be in a Special Senior Newsletter coming out by this weekend.
- This is a reminder that Granby High School is a CLOSED CAMPUS. This means that students cannot leave school for any reason. Students should also be reminded that as soon as they arrive at the bus port, get dropped off, or park their cars at Granby, they are considered at school and cannot leave again without permission.
- [Juniors] The Virginia Department of Health will be at Granby High School on Thursday, April 27th to administer the required vaccinations for rising seniors for the 2023-2024 school year. Virginia law requires all 12th graders to be vaccinated with Meningococcal and HPV vaccinations. More information will be sent home with students and in our next Comet Weekly Update. Consent forms need to be returned 2 days prior to the immunization clinic.
- April 28th is the last day to register for the Virtual Scholars Academy for the 2023-2024 School Year. See below for more information.
Weekly Even/Odd Schedule
Tuesday - 4/18 - Even Day - Bells 2, 4, 6, & 8
Wednesday - 4/19 - Odd Day - Bells 1, 3, 5, & 7
Thursday - 4/20 - Even Day - Bells 2, 4, 6, & 8
Friday - 4/21 - Odd Day - Bells 1, 3, 5, & 7
You can find the school year Even/Odd Schedule HERE or download below.
In This Issue
- Weekly Even/Odd Schedule
- Plan Ahead
- SOL Testing Information
- SOL Testing and Final Exam Schedule
- Month of the Military Child Spirit Week - April 17th -April 21st
- Granby Edmentum FlexPath Grade Recovery Program
- Gift Card Donations Wanted for Teacher Appreciation
- NPS Virtual Scholars Program Applications Now Available
- Summer Programs for Gifted and High Ability Learners
- AP Testing Information
- FEV Tutor Information
- Order your Yearbook Today
- Clubs & Activities Announcements
- Class of 2023 Information (Senior Prom)
- Class of 2024 Information (Junior Prom)
- Counselor's Corner
- Granby Athletics
- Comet Athletic Association
- Important Links
- Contact Us
Plan Ahead
Wednesday, April 19th - Purple Up Day for Month of the Military Child
Tuesday, April 25th - SAT Testing In-School for Juniors who registered
Thursday, April 27th - Virginia Department of Health Vaccination Clinic (Meningococcal and HPV) for Rising Seniors
Friday, April 28th - Junior Prom - Tickets on Sale Now
Friday, May 5th - Senior Prom - Tickets on Sale Now
Tuesday, May 23rd - Spring Chorus Concert - 6:00pm
Wednesday, May 24th - Spring Orchestra Concert - 7:00pm (Pirates of the Caribbean)
Thursday, May 25th - Spring Band Concert - 7:00pm (Pirates of the Caribbean)
The school district's Academic Calendar can be found HERE or downloaded below.
SOL and Final Exam Schedule: Plan Ahead
Parent/Guardian Support During State Mandated Testing
Parents/Guardians,
SOL testing got really confusing years ago when the VDOE changes how many SOL tests students needed in order to graduate from high school.
Please help Granby High School maintain our full state accreditation by supporting your student with upcoming state mandated Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments. Below is the testing calendar for Spring testing. Please make sure your student knows their testing schedule, shows up to take their SOL test(s), and takes each test seriously.
In order to earn a Virginia High School diploma, in general, all students need one Verified Credit (VC) in English Reading, English Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies. A VC is earned when a student passes the class, as well as the corresponding SOL test.
Remember: In order to earn a VC the student has to pass the course and the corresponding SOL test.
SOL Tests:
English: English 11 Reading*, English 11 Writing*
Math: Algebra 1*, Geometry^, & Algebra II^
Science: Earth Science*, Biology*^, & Chemistry
Social Studies: World Geography*, World History 1*, & VA/US History
*SOL tests students generally take for graduation requirements.
^Students required to take to meet the Federal Math (only first time 9th graders in Geometry & Algebra 2) and Science (all Biology students) requirements
Some students may have earned a VC from taking a high school course in middle school, however students who are sitting in a Math SOL course for the first time in high school, as well as Biology, are required to take those SOL tests to meet Federal Accreditation requirements. While Earth Science meets the requirements for a student to graduate, the Federal Government only recognizes Biology as the course and test to meet Federal Accreditation requirements.
Students generally earn their VC's in the following subjects:
English: English 11 (Reading, and Writing SOL Tests)
Math: Algebra 1
Science: Earth Science/Biology
Social Studies: World Geography
English
11th Graders already took the Writing SOL test in March. If they missed that testing window they can take the Writing SOL test this summer. The Reading SOL test is given to 11th grade English students. Students can also earn a VC in Reading and Writing by taking the alternative Work Keys test or in Writing by scoring a 2 or higher on the AP English Language Exam.
Math
If a student earned their VC in Algebra 1 while in high school, they are not required to take the Geometry or Algebra II SOL test if enrolled in those courses. 9th graders enrolled in Geometry and Algebra II will take the SOL test to meet the Federal Math requirement. Students who have not earned the VC in Algebra 1, may be required to take the Geometry or Algebra II SOL to meet graduation requirements.
Science
Students enrolled in Earth Science will take the SOL test if they have not earned a VC in Biology. All students in Biology regardless of earning a VC in Earth Science, will take the Biology SOL test to meet the Federal Science requirements. In general, students in Chemistry no longer take the Chemistry SOL test, unless needing the VC for graduation.
Social Studies
First time 9th graders will take the World Geography or World History 1 SOL test if they did not earn the VC in World Geography from middle school. Any other student who did not earn the World Geography or World History 1 SOL VC can earn a VC by taking the VA/US History SOL test if enrolled in that course.
Granby High School offers opportunities for students to be remediated during the school day, and with after-school sessions during April and May. Students can get this information from their teacher, and a remediation calendar for each subject is posted in our building. Students can also use FEV Tutor for assistance. Information on FEV can be found below.
If you have any questions about SOL Testing, please contact our Assistant Principal Ms. Hillian, who is in charge of SOL testing at lhillia2@nps.k12.va.us.
Month of the Military Child Spirit Week - Week of April 17th-April 21st
Granby's Edmentum FlexPath Grade Recovery
Granby has started the implementation of a grade recovery program for students who failed Quarter 1 and/or Quarter 2. The program being used is called Edmentum FlexPath and it is available for students in courses listed below.
Teachers in these courses started giving contracts to students in these course who were eligible for the grade recovery on Thursday and Friday. The sooner the student returns the contract, the faster they can start the program. All students must be finished with the Edmentum FlexPath work and any other requirements no later than May 11, 2023. Please contact your student's teacher if you need additional information.
Students are required to attend classes daily for Quarter 3 and 4, as well as turn in assignments during this time. Edmentum FlexPath is not a replacement of attending in-school courses and cannot be used as online learning.
Thank you to those parents/guardians who have already donated! We appreciate you!
Virtual Scholars Applications Now Available - Deadline 4/28/23
The Virtual Scholars Academy (VSA) will be available for enrollment with full course offerings to students in grades kindergarten through 12.
Students in all grades kindergarten through 12 will receive synchronous (live online) instruction from Virtual Virginia teachers through the Virtual Virginia Select Enrollment Synchronous Program. Therefore, students who are enrolled in VSA will be expected to be online for class every day. Students will be provided with devices and internet access as needed.
Norfolk Public Schools seeks students who:
want to learn from home;
are self-starters;
are motivated learners;
possess basic computer skills and are comfortable using the Canvas learning platform, Zoom, email and other online learning platforms for independent learning activities;
meet academic course requirements by having earned passing grades in all core courses (English, mathematics, science, social studies) in quarters one, two, and three during the 2022-2023 school year;
exhibit adequate attendance by having 8 or fewer daily absences (unexcused) during the 2022-2023 school year;
meet the prerequisites for available courses (secondary only);
will make a one-year commitment to enrollment in the Virtual Scholars Academy;
practice appropriate digital citizenship behaviors and abide by guidelines set forth in the NPS Student Handbook.
More information can be found here: https://www.npsk12.com/domain/6562
Summer Opportunities for Gifted and High Ability Students
Parents and Students, check out these summer opportunities for middle and high school students! Registration deadlines are quickly approaching and spots are limited.
Attention Parents/Guardians & AP Students:
Please review the information below as it relates to 2023 AP Testing:
FEV Tutoring (FREE)
www.fevtutor.com
Norfolk Public Schools will provide free, school-sponsored, one-to-one online tutoring and homework help through FEV Tutor.
NPS’ students in grades 3 through 12 can receive tutoring in math, science, social studies and English language arts Schedule a session, or access live tutors around the clock for last-minute homework help and coursework support.
Since this is a virtual service, tutoring can be accessed at any time, anywhere with a computer/device, Internet connection, username, and password. Tutoring services integrate with NPS systems already in use such as Canvas and Clever.
If you have any questions about this free virtual tutoring program, please contact FEV Tutor directly at: va@fevtutor.com or call 855-763-2607. FEV's Support Team is happy to answer any questions and work with you to create a personalized tutoring experience that best suits your learner.
Take this opportunity to help your child(ren) reach their academic goals! Head to fevtutor.com now.
Yearbooks are On Sale
If you wish to order a yearbook, please order online HERE
The cost of the yearbook is $50.00. The yearbook price will go up to $55.00 on May 1st.
Congratulations to Granby Crew!
Granby Crew started off spring break at the Darrell Winslow Regatta in Occoquan, VA on Saturday, April 8th. The team had a great showing! Adam Alper, Camren McQuiller, Charles Denby, Eben McCammon, and Anya Eichenlaub (Coxswain) in the Men's Junior 4+ took home 1st place. Good luck to Granby Crew as they compete in Elizabeth City on April 22nd!
Club & Activity Announcements - Get Involved @ Granby
You can find a full listing of all clubs and activities here: https://www.npsk12.com/domain/4254
African and Caribbean Club
We will meet on Mondays after school in Room 223
Chess Club
There will be no chess club this Monday afternoon. We will resume Chess Club on Monday April 22.
Medical Club
Granby's Medical Club will meet this Wednesday, April 19th at 2:15 in room 122.
Newspaper Club
Newspaper Club meets Monday from 2:15 until 4 p.m. in Room 252. Please share your talent and your voice in our online newspaper The Granby Spectator. Newcomers are welcome.
Yearbook Club
Yearbook Club meets from 2:15 to 4 p.m. Wednesday in Room 252.
Jostens Distribution of Cap & Gowns
Class of 2023 - We need your scholarship and Financial Aid Information
Class of 2023 your new scholarship total is 11 million dollars. As your acceptances and financial aid packets start coming in, bring them by Ms. Kirby's office (rm. 207) or Ms. U's office (Rm 235A/Old 09B). Or feel free to email a picture of them to hkirby@nps.k12.va.us or mulanich@nps.k12.va.us. We'd love for your scholarship total to beat the Class of 22's total....which was.....20 million dollars. Reminder-enlistment papers for active duty and the reserves count as scholarship money too.
Senior Package and Prom Information
There are no Senior dues. The prom ticket and other senior items will be sold as a package or a la carte.
Senior Package $115.00
Includes:
1 Cohort 2023 Student Prom Ticket
1 Senior T-Shirt
1 Yearbook
1 Senior Yard Sign
Purchasing the package saves you $30.00!
A la carte/Individual Prices:
Prom Ticket (Granby Cohort 2023 Student): $55.00
T-Shirt: $25.00
Yearbook: $52.19 (order online HERE)
Senior Yard Sign: $8.00
Prom Ticket for Guest: $65.00 - Guest permission forms can be picked up with Mr. Stone.
Prom Tickets are LIMITED, so get them NOW!!! Stop by room 101 and buy the package or a la carte items from Mr. Stone. Currently only Cash and Check being accepted. Credit Card and Cash App will be taken starting January 23rd. If purchasing the yearbook al a carte, you must buy it online.
Junior Prom
Immunization Clinic for Rising Seniors
Tidewater Lodge #106 Scholarship
Seniors apply for the Tidewater Lodge #106 Scholarship. The scholarship is open to all Granby graduating high school seniors who will be enrolling as a full-time college student in the Fall of 2023. Apply here- https://form.jotform.com/230814242660045
ASVAB Registration for April 27th Test Session
Greetings Comets,
If you are interested in joining the Military, register for the ASVAB Test with the QR codes posted around school, on the attached flyer below, or see Mr. Jones in Academy B for further assistance. The test will be administered on April 27th, 8AM in the Medium Forum.
Seniors: File your FAFSA
BAND App for Communication with Athletic News
Join our 'Athletic Director-Spring Sports' group on BAND - The app for groups and communities! https://band.us/n/a1af8fceVe523
Granby Athletics Merchandise Store
Athletic Schedule This Week
Monday, April 17th
JV Baseball @Cape Henry- 4:30 pm
JV Softball @Greenbriar Christian- 5 pm
Varsity Softball vs Greenbriar @Granby- 5 pm
Tuesday, April 18th
Girls Tennis @Manor- 3:30 pm
Boys Tennis vs Manor @Granby- 3:30 pm
Varsity Baseball vs Norview @Granby- 4:30 pm
Varsity Softball vs Norview @Granby- 4:30 pm
Wednesday, April 19th
Girls Tennis @Kecoughtan- 3:30 pm
Boys Tennis vs Kecoughtan @Granby- 3:30 pm
Varsity Baseball @Cape Henry- 4:30 pm
Girls Soccer @Manor- 4 pm
Boys Soccer @Manor- 6 pm
Thursday, April 20th
JV Softball @Nansemond Suffolk Academy- 4:30 pm
JV Baseball vs Currituck @ Granby- 5 pm
Friday, April 21st
JV Softball @Hickory- 5:30 pm
Varsity Softball vs Hickory @Granby- 5:30 pm
Varsity Baseball @Lake Taylor- 4:30 pm
Saturday, April 22nd
Track at 757 Invitational @Nansemond River-9 am
Comet Athletic Association
As some of our awesome GCAA board members transition out of the high school phase, we have a couple positions opening this spring. If you are interested in volunteering a bit of your time, please call Jeanne Olszowy at (757) 489-2792.
How can your teams raise money for your sport? Volunteer at concessions. Teams receive 20% of the profits or if they take on the entire workload of purchasing food and selling, they will receive all of their profits. Thank you to a couple of our sports teams for agreeing to volunteer. For more information, please call Jeanne at (757) 489-2792.
GO COMETS!!
Communicating with Granby using our two email addresses
Granby's Two Emails
askgranby@npsk12.com - should be used for any communication with Granby, except for notification of absences.
Parents reporting Covid symptoms and positive Covid should also use this email. Please make sure you let us know the following: Student's Name, date symptoms started, and date tested positive. This will help us expedite the response.
GranbyHighAttendance@npsk12.com - should be used for any communication regarding being tardy and absences from school including absence notification, and submitting excused notes.
Contact Us
During the School Year Main Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00am - 3:00pm
Enrollments 7:30am - 10:30am, Monday-Friday
Email: AskGranby@npsk12.com
Website: https://www.npsk12.com/ghs
Location: 7101 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA, USA
Phone: 757-451-4110
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GranbyHighComets