Eagle Nation: Weekly GWHS News
Back 2 School Edition: Vol 1. Issue 12/ November 14, 2021
From the Principal's Desk
Dear Eagle Nation,
Teenage years can be marked by a roller-coaster ride of emotions – rewarding and challenging for our students, their parents & guardians, and educators. It can be easy to misread mental health issues as typical adolescent turmoil. Depression and anxiety (among the most common of mental illnesses) appears to be occurring at earlier ages, and can significantly decrease your student’s ability to problem solve and maintain healthy relationships, which may lead to self-injury and/or substance abuse.
Due to the current global pandemic and our previous years' extended remote learning , there may be an increase in mental health struggles among students. The holiday season, while joyful for many, may cause feelings of loneliness or sadness for others. Consider taking the time to discuss the importance of mental health with your student(s), and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to your student’s school counselors, administrators and social workers during the school day. It can be difficult to have these tough conversations, but they are important.
If you are concerned in any way about your student and their possible risk for depression, anxiety or self-injury, we encourage you to speak with your child, and follow up with a mental health professional for a complete evaluation. Linked in this letter, you will find a list of local opportunities specializing in helping people of all ages surrounding mental health, as well as other potential emergency need topics. Likewise, you may visit our department of student services homepage for academic, technology or social/emotional support resources at any time, as well as the VA state website for maintaining emotional well-being during these unusual times.
Danville Public Schools is also recognizing November as Mental Health Awareness Month in partnership with Danville Pittsylvania Community Services. Director of Student Support Services Dr. Marva Tutt presented the month’s activities to the board. Please know that we are here for you.
Have a fantastic week Eagles,
Dr. Johnnie M. Simmons
Proud Principal
George Washington High School
Important Dates:
Upcoming important dates:
- 11/15: Eagles ACE Scholastic Bowl vs. Patrick County @ Patrick County High
- 11/15: American Education Week Kick Off
- 11/16: SOL Expedited Makeups (Reading)
- 11/16: Lady Eagles Varsity Scrimmage Game @ 5:30 pm
11/17: SOL Expedited Makeups (Writing)
11/17: Education Support Professionals Day
11/17: VDOE Taste Test Session II (selected students)
11/18: National Parental Involvement Day
11/18: Lady Eagles Varsity Scrimmage Game @ North High School @ 5:00 pm
11/19: Region Playoff Game @ JT Christopher Stadium (7:00 pm)
2021-22 Fall Semester Exam Schedule and Revised Exam Exemption Guidelines
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Reading SOL
Friday, December 10, 2021
History SOL
Monday, December 13, 2021
Math SOL
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Science SOL
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
SOL Expedited Retakes
Thursday, December 16, 2021
1st Final Exam/SOL Expedited Retakes
Friday, December 17, 2021
2nd Final Exam/SOL Expedited Retakes
Monday, December 20, 2021
(half day)
3rd Final Exam/SOL Expedited Retakes
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
(half day)
4th Final Exam/SOL Expedited Retakes
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 (half day)
Make-Up/Retake/SOL Expedited Retakes
Exam Exemptions
Exam exemptions are for district and teacher-created final exams only. No EOC/SOL or CTE test may be exempted. If a student exempts a district and/or teacher-created final exam, the student does not report to school. The school will contact the parent/guardian of each student who qualifies for exam exemption. Students will be coded as E in Powerschool.
Students must meet one of the following requirements to exempt a district or teacher-created final exam:
94% average or above in the course
OR
70% average or above in the course and 400 or above score on the SOL assessment
OR
70% average or above in the course and passing score on the CTE certification exam
Note: The final exam will only count as a test grade.
Inclement Weather
If school is cancelled, testing will continue (or begin) on the next day of school. Also, if school is delayed (1 or 2 hours), an announcement will be made by the Danville Public School District notifying parents and students whether or not exams will take place.
Note: Parents/Guardian and students should check with their individual school with any specific questions.
Student Spotlight
College Corner
The Free Virginia College Application Week is happening Monday, November 15-Friday, November 19. This is a time for seniors to apply to over 30 VA and select NC colleges for free! I have attached a flyer.
Also during this week, Averett University, Richard Bland College, and Randolph College will be holding on-site admissions. Students who submit their applications and transcripts will get their admissions decision from these colleges ON THE SPOT. Check out the flyer below.
What's Cooking Eagles?
To Be or Not To Be? That Is The Question...
Mr. Williams 2nd period 9th Grade English students will begin reading Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. In preparation for reading the drama, they have began by exploring the life and times of William Shakespeare. The purpose of this unit is to provide them with some background knowledge about Shakespeare, The Globe, and his influence on the English language. This will be most helpful to them in the years to come as they begin a long relationship with Shakespeare and his works at GWHS! This week as a part of their activation of learning, they completed a gallery walk as they explored major characters from the works of Shakespeare.
GWHS Eagles Advance to the Next Round in Regional Playoffs
The Eagles took advantage of great field position in the first quarter. Their first three drives started on the Hornet 44, 4 and 23 yard lines. The first came because of a short punt, the next from a long kickoff return by Elijah Bridges. The third was courtesy of a big punt return from Kamori Dixon. All three drives ended on short touchdown runs from specialist quarterback Donovan Howard. Orange County was able to answer with their own offense, but never managed to keep the Eagles out of the end zone. Jakobe Dixon added two second quarter touchdowns and Kamori Dixon scored his first high school touchdown on a 15-yard pass from Jeb Byrnes to make it a 42-21 Eagle lead at halftime.
The second half was all Eagles. As the offense kept scoring, the defense tightened up. They allowed only 65 yards in the entire half, forcing two turnovers. Meantime, the Eagles got a fourth touchdown from Donovan and scores from Razavier Carter and Omarion Hairston.
The Eagles will be back at home this Friday, November 19, hosting the Warriors of Western Albemarle. We look forward to seeing you at the Eagles Nest for Friday Night Lights!!!
Tiptoe for the touchdown! Donovan Howard scores his fourth TD as the Eagles roll!
(Photo courtesy River City Sports)
Eagles Care. We Are Here For You...Let Us Help.
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About Us
Email: jwright1@mail.dps.k12.va.us
Website: https://gwhs.danvillepublicschools.org/
Location: 701 Broad Street, Danville, VA, USA
Phone: 434-799-6410
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWashingtonHighSchool
Twitter: @GWHSDPS