RRHS Update - Week of 3/1/21
In this edition: Hybrid Learning, Athletics, AP Refunds, Cap and Gown Pickup/Pictures, Yearbook, Junior Writing SOLs, SOL Summary, Teacher Cadets, PTSO, BrightBytes Survey, School Counseling and Career Center News!
Hybrid Learning is Here!
Hybrid Instruction begins Wednesday! Please review this key information from earlier this week in order to gather necessary details.
We are excited to begin concurrent instruction this week!
This Week in Athletics!
Monday March 1, 2021
Volleyball @ Stone Bridge, 6/7 p.m. JV Bus @ 4:30 p.m. Var Bus @ 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday March 2, 2021
Field Hockey @ Woodgrove vs. Briar Woods, 7:30 p.m. Bus @ 5 p.m.
Volleyball vs. Briar Woods, 6/7 p.m.
Indoor Track @ Virginia Beach State Meet All Day
Wednesday March 3, 2021
Cross Country vs. Stone Bridge, 3:00 p.m.
Golf @ Brambleton vs. Briar Woods, 2:00 p.m. Bus @ 12:30 p.m. Early Release at 12 p.m.
Thursday March 4, 2021
Field Hockey @ Stone Bridge vs. Woodgrove, 6:15 p.m. Bus @ 4 p.m. Early Release at 3:30 p.m.
Volleyball vs. Woodgrove, 6/7 p.m.
Golf @ South Riding Golf Club vs. Stone Bridge, 2:00 p.m. Bus @ 12:30 p.m. Early Release at 12 p.m.
Friday March 5, 2021
Football vs. Lightridge, 7 p.m.
Spring AP Test Refunds!
Spring 2021 AP Tests Refunds
Due to the different learning experiences our students are experiencing this year, College Board has agreed to refund the total cost ($86) of any AP Exams that are canceled before March 7th.
Currently the exams are planned to be in person at Rock Ridge. If your student has ordered an AP Exam but now feels unprepared or uncertain about taking the exam please send an email to liz.grainger@lcps.org stating your child’s name, ID# and which exams you wish to cancel. Refunds will be made to the account from which the exam was purchased. If you have any questions please contact the Counseling Office: 703 996 2107.
We will keep parents informed of any changes to the testing schedule or format as we learn of them.
Senior Cap and Gowns!
Senior Drive Through Brunch- Caps and Gowns, Yard Signs
It was so exciting to see so many of the senior students on Friday. Many thanks to parents for helping with organizing, Amphora Catering and staff for helping give this event such a festive air.
If your student was unable to come and pick up their cap and gown please have them call the counseling office 703-996-2107 to make arrangements to collect these. They can also email mary.barnes@lcps.org, liz.grainger@lcps.org or Jackie.sanabria@lcps.org.
Uncollected yard signs can be picked up from the main office Monday- Friday 9am-4pm.
Senior Cap and Gown Pictures!
SENIOR CAP AND GOWN PORTRAITS-MARCH 1 OR 15
Seniors, if you got your cap and gown, you can sign up to take your cap and gown graduation pictures! Pictures will be taken March 1 or March 15 from 9 am- 3 pm in the library. You must bring your own cap and gown for the picture. To sign up for an appointment visit this link: pickatime.com/vosphoto/rockridgecapngown
The Cap and Gown Session includes a series of photos 6-8 photos in the student's own cap and gown. Images will be uploaded to the student's senior portrait gallery for viewing/ordering. Those that signed up for the standard or deluxe session during their previously held senior portrait session will receive a $10 discount code to apply to a future portrait purchase. This will be given upon checking out on the cap and gown portrait day.
Buy a Yearbook!
DON’T MISS OUT- BUY A YEARBOOK NOW!
Buy your yearbook now before the price goes up, or before we sell out. Buy your yearbook online now at www.yearbookordercenter.com with code 17309.
BE FEATURED IN THE YEARBOOK! SUBMIT PICTURES NOW!
The yearbook staff is looking for pictures of the following:
- Musical Talent- We’re looking for pictures of your student practicing with an instrument or performing at home. We’d love to see all instruments represented- guitar, band, orchestra, chorus!
- Senior Memories- Have pictures from the previous four years from Homecoming, football games, spirit days, pep rallies etc.? Send them in to be featured in the special senior look back page!
- Staying Healthy- Make any good recipes or have a new workout routine? Send us pictures of you cooking or working out
- Debate/DECA/Model UN/Academic Team- Send us screen shots of your meetings or pictures of events this year.
Submit your pictures to www.hjeshare.com with code 17309 to be featured in the book!
Juniors - The Writing SOL is Coming!
The Writing SOL will be given in person at Rock Ridge HS at 9:15 AM to Juniors enrolled in English 11 classes on the following dates:
Monday, 3/8: Multiple Choice
Monday, 3/15: Short Paper (essay)
In keeping with social distancing guidelines and health mitigation practices, students will receive an email with their specific testing information on Thursday, March 4th by 3pm. This email will contain assigned testing rooms, seat numbers, entrances, and bathrooms.
All testers must bring a charged Chromebook and their charger as well as writing utensils. We do not have extra Chromebooks and chargers to loan.
Parents/guardians who would like to forego testing should contact Katie Blessing, Kathryn.blessing@lcps.org.
Key SOL Testing Information!
SOL’s have tentatively been scheduled for the end of April/ early May and are contingent upon the county’s decision on AP Testing. Please sit down with your student and review the courses which they may be required to take an SOL.
The subjects that have an End-of-Course SOL are:
· Algebra 1
· Algebra 2
· Geometry
· Biology
· Earth Science
· Chemistry
· English 11 (Reading)
Tentative SOL dates:
Week of April 26th: Reading SOL
Week of May 3rd: Science SOLs
Week of May 10th: Math SOLs
Per VDOE, all state and federal assessments must be delivered under secure, standardized testing conditions in the presence of school personnel and may not be administered remotely to students. Students in any instructional model (100% distance or hybrid) must attend school in person in order to participate in testing. LCPS will ensure that all health mitigation procedures are in place and social distancing is observed.
While we encourage all students to participate in assessment, we understand that some families may retain concerns despite health mitigation practices. Parents who do not wish for their student to participate in state and/or federally mandated assessments may indicate their refusal by completing this form. There are no negative repercussions to your refusal. It will not impact your child’s course grade, progression to the next course, diploma status or graduation. If your student needs to earn a verified credit for their diploma, they will have opportunities to test next school year, 2021-2022.
If you have any questions, please contact Katie Blessing. Kathryn.blessing@lcps.org
Teacher Cadets!
Teacher Cadet News -- Rising Juniors or Seniors
Are you interested in Dual Enrollment with Shenandoah University and 3 college credits?
Interested in exploring the field of education?
Interested in expressing your creativity by participating in independent and group learning projects?
Interested in observing in all levels of education and participating in a 40 hour field experience?
Become a Teacher Cadet for the 2021-2022 school year!
Contact Mrs. Catello for more information! (lisa.catello@lcps.org)
RRHS PTSO News!
The RRHS PTSO is on Amazon Smiles now!
Please support the RRHS PTSO at no extra cost when you shop at smile.amazon.com. Visit this link and select Rock Ridge High School PTSO https://smile.amazon.com/ch/85-2945178
Please support the PTSO Spirit Night on Tuesday March 16th at Chick fil-A from 3 - 8PM. Please see attached flyer for more details.
Attention Senior Parents!! - PTSO will be offering FOUR scholarships but you must be a member in order for your Senior to be eligible to participate. Sign up for a NO COST Online Membership HERE. More details to follow next week and how to apply.
NO FUSS DONATION Here
Harris Teeter Together in Education: Click here to link your Harris Teeter VIC car
The PTSO is looking to immediately fill the role of VP of Fundraising. If you are passionate about supporting the students, families, educators, and the community of RRHS, please send an email to bod@rrhsptso.com expressing your interest and we can share more details with you.
Please join us at our Next Meeting: Thursday March 4th, 2021 at 7PM.
Invite: Meet
Please Take the BrightBytes Survey!
Our Bright Bytes survey has gone live. Parents/guardians can access the survey here: http://www.bbyt.es/KKNR7YQ Students will be asked to complete a different but similar survey during Advisory this week. The survey will provide insights into our new and changing learning environments with the goal of ensuring equitable learning support for all students. Again, please know that all of your responses will remain anonymous to protect your privacy and they will help your child's school choose the right technology for their classrooms. It will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.
School Counseling News!
KINDNESS DAY was yesterday
Make sure to send in videos, pictures, or a brief description of your act of kindness to kindnessday@lcpsorg.onmicrosoft
CyberBullying and Mental Health
Thanks to everyone who joined the Unified Mental Health Team presentation on Cyberbullying and Mental Health last Thursday. Here is the link so you can watch it if you were not able to join us Click Here
Mindfulness Monday!
Mindfulness Monday is a great way to start your week off on a positive note. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress, increase mental well-being and increase focus. Join our Schoology Group! Schoology Access Code: JBVT-SSV5-9TPTZ Google Meets nickname is located in Schoology.
Counseling Department and EL (English Learners) Department had El Night last Thursday. Thanks to everyone who joined us. To watch the re-broadcast click the link below. Please note the re-broad cast is available through closed captioning in 6 different language. Instructions for watching in a different language are at the beginning of the re-broadcast.
9th, 10th, and 11th Graders – Upcoming Course Selection for the 2021-2022 School Year
It was a great week of meeting with students. If you had not set up your appointment yet please do so. Counselors have opened up so additional time. 9th graders please set up an appointment on the March 9th date or e-mail your counselor directly if you cannot find a time to schedule.
Students can schedule their appointment via this link: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/RockRidgeCounseling2@lcpsorg.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/
- 9th Grade :: February 22 – February 26 & March 9
- 10th Grade :: March 1 – March 9
- 11th Grade :: March 15 – April 26
For all scheduling information
https://sites.google.com/lcps.org/rrhs-2021-22-course-registrati/home
Helpful videos to watch:
9th and 10th Grade Video Link
11th Grade Video Link
* Please note there is a short audio delay after the “Junior Checklist” slide but the video does continue after the short delay.
Colleges to Know
Grambling State University https://www.gram.edu/
Where Everybody is Somebody.
Grambling State University combines the academic strengths of a major university with the benefits of a small college, a combination that enables our students to grow and learn in a serene and positive environment. They offer more than forty (40) undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs through four colleges, including two professional schools and a graduate school. Additional academic support units include the University College, Earl Lester Cole Honors College, Continuing Education and Service-Learning, and Army ROTC. National, regional, and local employers recruit graduates from Grambling’s excellent programs in nursing, computer science, teacher education, the arts, and other academic areas.
Common App has announced the 2021-2022 essay prompts.
Juniors worried about the college essays you will have to write, well start NOW!!! Star writing now and have a teacher, friend, parent give you feed back. In August when RRHS has the College Jump Start Essay and Applications Workshop you will be ready!!!
Below is the full set of Common App essay prompts for 2021-2022.
- Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
- The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
- Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
- Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
- Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
- Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
- Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
Career Center News!
UPCOMING RRHS VIRTUAL EVENTS:
3/8: Career Conversations – This is part 2 of our conversations with local businesses. Our four businesses for 3/8 are Inova, ProJet Aviation, Equinix Data Center and Rosendin Electric. Please see the attached flyer for more details and sign up via Naviance.
3/8: 4th Annual Summer Part Time Job Fair at 6:30 PM. We are excited to offer this virtual event with over 25 businesses from around Loudoun County. View businesses that have already sign up here.
3/17: US Marine Corps virtual visit at 12:30 PM. Please sign up via Naviance.
4/8: Spring College Panel for Juniors at 7:00 PM. See attached flyer for more information. You can also submit questions here.
OTHER UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS
3/7 & 3/11: Big Future Days – Regional college fairs put on by College Board. Register here.
3/24: Spring Tech Internship Fair – If you missed the one in January, now is your time to attend. Sign up here. Registration closes is 3/19.
NEWS YOU CAN USE:
Sophomore, Juniors & Seniors – Would you like your resume reviewed by a professional? LCPS has organized a group of professionals to provide feedback on your resume during the month of March. See the attached flyer for more details.
Juniors, the Common App Essay prompts are now available. You can start to think about your college essay now.
Seniors, if you did not pick up your cap and gown on Friday, please stop by the Main Office on any Monday to pick it up.