PRINCIPAL'S UPDATE
The Maury Commodore Report September 2021
WELCOME BACK!
Greetings Maury Family,
We hope you had the opportunity to relax and recharge this summer and are ready for an exciting new year! The 2021-2022 school year is sure to be filled with excitement as we welcome back all students to Maury for in-person learning, full time, five days a week. We know that there will be some nervousness and anxiety as we continue to work through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime, we welcome students and staff to the building.
Our main focus this year will be literacy, numeracy and reducing the achievement gap. We will be implementing several different action steps to support our students. All of these efforts will assist us in improving overall student academic achievement. More information will be forthcoming.
As we make headway, it is important not to lose sight of what makes Maury such a wonderful school. We must strive to keep the Maury traditions alive and preserve the safe, warm and welcoming culture that supports student learning. We appreciate your willingness to collaborate with us in making this the best year it can be for all of us!
Finally, we realize that the ongoing effects of the pandemic are challenging to everyone. Remember that we always have the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of our Maury students in mind, and that the health and safety of our students and staff continue to be our top priority. As always, if I can provide any additional support or answer any other questions, please let me know.
We look forward to seeing students Wednesday, September 8.
Warmest regards,
Ms. Karen Berg
Maury Principal
MOVING FORWARD
Wednesday, September 8: First Day of School (A/Odd day)– Beginning of 1st Quarter
Thursday, September 23: Professional Development – In building; Early Release Day. Students dismissed at 12:05 PM
Thursday, September 30: Open House 5:30 PM
WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!
Maury High School is ready to return to in-person instruction five days a week for the 2021 – 2022 school year!
As we return to in-person instruction five days a week, please expect the following:
- Continued adherence to the most current health and safety guidance from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which currently includes mask-wearing, physical distancing, routine sanitization, contact tracing, and other common risk mitigation measures. This is subject to change as updated guidance is released.
- Classes back to five-days a week.
- Full return to high school athletics.
ALL MAURY STUDENTS MUST MONITOR THEIR HEALTH PRIOR TO LEAVING HOME
Norfolk Public Schools and Maury High School are committed to ensuring that we have a safe and healthy environment for our students, teachers, and staff. Therefore, everyone must adhere to the following:
Monitor your health before coming to school.
Stay home if you are sick.
Wear your mask properly over your nose and mouth.
Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.
Maintain, when possible, physical distancing of at least 3 feet.
STUDENTS MUST WEAR FACE MASKS
BrING YOUR CHROMEBOOK TO SCHOOL!
- Students must bring their fully charged Chromebook to school.
- Chromebook distribution for ninth graders will take place on 9/8 and 9/9 during Health & PE classes.
MAURY HIGH SCHOOL BELL SCHEDULE
2021-2022 Maury High School Bell Schedule (Subject to Change)
Below you will find the link to the 2021-2022 Maury High School Bell Schedule. Instructional periods are 75 minutes long. There are four lunches with lunch bells 5 & 6 longer than other class periods. Due to the extended lunchtime, students will have the opportunity to use the extra time in bells 5 & 6 as a study hall in order to work on classwork, homework, and make-up work.
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
CONGRATULATIONS COLEMAN!
We are pleased to report that one of our Economics and Personal Finance students, Coleman New, was recently one of the top ten finalists nationwide and has been named an official runner up for the Wise Financial Literacy Ambassadors Award Competition - 2020. Cole, a current junior, not only had to score at least a 95% on the WISE Certification Test that all our Maury students take, but he also had to write a 600-700 word essay on what he learned from studying personal finance, and how he would apply these lessons to his life in the future.
His EPF teacher, Ms. Merritt, was proud of Cole for doing so well on the WISE test under challenging COVID quarantine conditions. However, it was his initiative of deciding to take advantage of this opportunity and write the required essay that really gained her respect. " In EPF we try to instill in our students that there are many opportunities out there for scholarships, grants, and monetary awards, but it takes initiative and planning to follow through on them. It is always a thrill to see when a student hears us and accomplishes just that." Additionally, Ms. Biddlingmeier, his English teacher, noted that over the last two years in Honors English his hard work has greatly improved his writing.
Only the top 5% of test takers were able to apply for this award and even though he had a busy spring playing on Ms. Hess' varsity tennis team, he found the time to accomplish this goal. He will be recognized by name at an upcoming virtual award ceremony and receive a letter of commendation. It is a testament to his dedication and perseverance that will serve him well in future endeavors. Congratulations Cole!
CONGRATULATIONS KARMA!
Karma Johnson, a senior at Maury, is the newly elected Student Representative for the school board of Norfolk and is ready to make her mark! This aspiring artist, fashion icon, and philanthropist is not your average student! She currently attends the Governors School for the Arts and wants to use her art to make important statements just like platinum music star Pharrell Williams, one of her biggest inspirations.
Her goal as school board representative is to make sure students' concerns get heard and sure they feel that they matter. She also would like Norfolk Public Schools to invest more in the arts, promote mental health awareness amongst students, and encourage attending college after high school.
She is currently interested in programs at Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, Parsons School of Design, Columbia University in the City of New York, and New York University. She acknowledges that her interests are always subject to change.
Karma writes, "Wherever I go, I want to feel welcomed and appreciated for the original ideas I will surely bring to the table. I have always wanted to change the world, and this honor of being selected feels like one of many big first steps that I’m ready to take."
Congratulations on your outstanding accomplishment! Your Maury family is so proud of you!
PAID INTERNSHIP
Do you have a young adult interested in a paid internship opportunity? Are they between the ages of 16-21? Are they looking to build networking opportunities for future careers? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, then please feel free to reach out to me by email after reviewing the information below. There are currently over 150 open positions in businesses across the area. My email is mmccracken@nps.k12.va.us.
The NextGen Regional Internship Program provides a PAID 180 hour internship experience to youth and young adults ages 16-21. Prior to entering the internship, participants will attend up to 30 hours of required soft skill and workplace readiness training lead by career coaches and working professionals.
Program Requirements:
-Applicants MUST reside in Chesapeake, VA, Norfolk, VA or Portsmouth, VA.
-Applicants MUST be able to commit to attend the required 30 hours of unpaid training prior to beginning the internship.
-Applicants must be able to commit to be in town and available to work a minimum of 20 hours a week, every week during their internships.
-Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States of America.
-Applicants MUST enroll in Direct Deposit (Assistance provided with account set-up)
NPS Internship Interest Form: http://bit.ly/NPSSummerConnect
NextGen Pathways Internship Program Application: https://bit.ly/NextGenPathways
MHS GIFTED/ACADEMIC RIGOR REMIND
Join Maury High School’s Gifted/Academic Rigor Remind to get the latest information about program opportunities, upcoming events, and other resources targeted for gifted and high-ability students.
Two ways to join…
Text @gifted1911 to 81010 (or text @gifted1911 to 1-754-220-7861)
Go to www.remind.com/join/gifted1911
Questions? Email Tanya Scott… tscott1@nps.k12.va.us
MILITARY FAMILY LIFE COUNSELOR
UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION IN SYNERGY (PARENTVUE)
For parents not receiving robocalls, you need to be sure phone numbers are correct in synergy (aka parentvue). Click on the link below and update your information if you have already not done so. We would like to make sure that we have the most up-to-date information in synergy. Thank you.
SEPTEMBER IS ATTENDANCE AWARENESS MONTH
According to research, regular school attendance plays an important role in a student’s achievement and success. Attendance tips for a successful year:
1. Establish a regular bedtime and morning routine.
2. Avoid appointments and extended trips during school hours.
3. Keep track of your child’s attendance using ParentVue.
4. Emphasize the importance of regular school attendance with your child.
5. Discuss and address any anxiety, barriers, or negative feelings your child may have about school.
6. Communicate with the school and ask for help if needed
SCHOOL COUNSELOR CORNER
Maury High School’s School Counseling Team is here for you! We are available to assist parents and students with the following:
-Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Concerns
- Academic Advising
- Scheduling Parent Teacher Conferences
- College and Career Planning
- Referrals for Special Education Testing and 504s to support students with disabilities and medical conditions
- Collaboration and communication with teacher to resolve issues
- Individual meetings with students to identify needs and find solutions
We are available Mon – Fri from 7:10am – 2:30pm.
Please email, call, or schedule Zoom meetings accordingly.
Click on the button below to find the list of Maury counselors.
SCHEDULE CHANGE REQUESTS
Students! For schedule change requests, please use the QR code below to schedule an appointment with your counselor:
SCHEDULES
On the first day of school, students will locate their schedule distribution location posted on the walls in the foyer and at student entrances. Students will go to their assigned distribution location to be checked in and given a copy of their schedule. Once we have confirmed that all students have received their schedule, an announcement will be made to dismiss them to go to their bell 1 class.
Students should not use any schedules previously given to them or found on Synergy to go to class the first day. ALL STUDENTS must go to their assigned distribution center.
Students who do not have a schedule will be sent to the auditorium to work with a school counselor. School counselors will communicate any concerns to parents.
There will be a process to request a schedule change once school starts. We do not make schedule changes based on teacher selection. In addition, many of our electives fill up quickly so there may be limited options for changing electives.
LUNCH SCHEDULE
Students may bring their own lunch to school. NPS Child Nutrition Services will be open when students return. Breakfast and lunch are free for all NPS students.
NO WATER FOUNTAINS AVAILABLE
HAND SANITIZER
GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL
NTC
12TH GRADERS MUST HAVE THEIR SECOND MENINGOCOCCAL CONJUGATE VACCINE
12th Graders Must Have Their Second Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine to Stay Enrolled In School.
The 2020 General Assembly passed House Bill 1090 which amends the minimum vaccination requirements for attendance at a public or private elementary, middle or secondary school, child care centers, nursery schools, family home day care, or developmental center
This legislation becomes effective July 1, 2021, and amends the Code of Virginia § 32.1-46.A.4 to require:
Two properly spaced doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY). The first dose shall be administered prior to entry to the seventh grade. The second dose shall be administered prior to entry to the twelfth grade.
All 12th graders must have this vaccine within the first 90 days of school. This vaccine is available by your healthcare provider. Reminders will be sent to those who are not documented as having the vaccine in the Virginia Department of Health records and will be asked to provide verification.
VECTOR ALERT
1. App: Search for “Vector Alert” in the App Store to download for free
2. Phone: 757.255.7461
3. Text: Text your tip to 757.255.7461
4. Email: 2110@alert1.us
5. Web: http://2110.alert1.us
Students and families can easily report tips on bullying, harassment, drugs, vandalism, threats of violence, or any safety issue through Vector Alert. When you submit a tip, be sure to use the division’s identification code: 2110 in your communication. Every tip Vector Alert receives about a safety concern will be immediately logged into the system. The NPS administration will be notified to investigate and take appropriate action. As always, tips may be submitted anonymously. Working together, using Vector Alert, we can make our division a safer place to work and learn!
HERE COMES THE BUS APP
The “Here Comes the Bus” app and easy to use website has the following features:
· Notifications on any bus number changes
· Notifications alerting families when a bus is approaching the bus stop
· Customizable features for different devices, depending on how parents are viewing the app or website
The “Here Comes the Bus” app can be downloaded to a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer from the App Store or Google Play, depending on the operating system of the device.
Two bits of information that will be needed to sign up for an account are the Norfolk Public Schools Account Code, which is 29096 and the student’s ID Number.
Questions regarding downloading or issues with the “Here Comes the Bus” app should be addressed with Here Comes the Bus at the company’s website or by calling 844-854-9316, Monday through Friday 8 am – 5 pm Central Time.
SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAM UPDATES
Delicious and Nutritious...September 8, 2021, through June 16, 2022, breakfast and lunch will be available free of charge to all NPS students in each school under the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). No meal program applications are required. Meals for students enrolled in Virtual Scholars Academy may be picked up at select locations, sites, and times to be announced (TBA). Please visit the School Nutrition webpages or follow us on social media at @SchoolMeals_NPS.
If you have questions, contact us at schoolnutrition@nps.k12.va.us or call 757-628-2760.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR 2021-2022 SEASON
As a reminder the concussion education information and Covid education information are online and have been updated for 2021-2022 school year. This annual letter must be completed by the student and parent prior to participating for any team in the City. (HS/MS)
CLASS SPONSORS
CLASS OF 2022 Sarah Snelling and Amanda Tabb
CLASS OF 2023 Marisa Biddlingmeier
CLASS OF 2024 Emily Forbes
CLASS OF 2025 Nahleen Myrie and Ebonie Campbell
WANT MORE MAURY NEWS?
Maury PTSA
Who is in the PTSA?
Parents/family members, teachers and staff, and students.
What do we do?
· Support a scholarship for a graduating senior.
· Support projects initiated by the student PTSA representatives such as the student lounge and peer mentoring project.
· Support students and their families during emergencies.
· Help students receive what they need to be successful in school, including: school supplies, food, clothing, and shoes.
· Provide opportunities for Maury families build a sense of community.
What do we need?
· Volunteers willing to accept opportunities to serve students, faculty and administration when needs arise.
How can I be involved?
Renew your membership or join inline at https://maury.memberhub.com
Follow us on Facebook: Maury PTSA
HARRIS TEETER
Harris Teeter’s Together In Education program gives schools a chance to earn funds when you link your VIC card and shop Harris Teeter brands. Harris Teeter has donated over $27.4 million to Together In Education schools since 1998!
When you shop Harris Teeter brands, a percentage of your purchase will be donated to Maury once your VIC card is linked. There are NO limits to how much you can help Maury!
Please remember to link your card every year and THANK YOU. Maury can receive when you purchase items from Harris Teeter. All you have to do is register using the button below:
Our code is: 3993
SAT AND ACT INFORMATION
Click on the link below to find out when the exam is given.
Do you want to take the ACT? Click on the link to find information on it!
The ACCESS College Foundation provides scholarship opportunities to students. Visit the ACCESS homepage for more information, or contact Mr. Darius Blount at dblount2@nps.k12.va.us
Mr. Blount provides information throughout the year, and holds sessions for parents and students.
DRIVE FOR FIVE
This year NPS is striving to ensure we provide equity and excellence for All! Please take a moment and read Dr. Byrdsong's plan for achieving this goal with NPS' Drive for Five!
DRIVE FOR FIVE!
"Five Goals for Achieving Equity and Excellence for All..."
First, we will work to improve students' academic performance and we will work to integrate social-emotional learning into daily instruction.
Second, we will attract and retain highly qualified, effective teachers to teach our students.
Third, we will commit to improving our aging infrastructure so that our students are educated iin school buildings that are worthy of them.
Fourth, we will be more purposeful and strategic in developing and sustaining effective partnerships with our families and other community stakeholders.
Fifth, we will be more intentional in our efforts to foster a division-wide culture of caring.
MAURY HAS C.L.A.S.S.
COMMODORES LEARNING BY ASKING, SHARING, AND SHOWING
"Maury High School is committed to a school-wide focus of effective questioning strategies, cooperative learning, and modeling that will encourage and promote
all students to be active in the teaching and learning process.”
QUESTIONS?
Email: kberg@nps.k12.va.us
Website: https://www.npsk12.com/mhs
Location: 322 Shirley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA
Phone: (757) 628-3344
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Maury1911
Twitter: @Maury19111
CONTACT LIST
Principal
Karen Berg kberg@nps.k12.va.us
Assistant Principals
Kristen Allen kallen@nps.k12.va.us
Christine Bouziane cbouziane@nps.k12.va.us
Tamara Dunn tdunn@nps.k12.va.us
Rodney Mangum rmangum@nps.k12.va.us
School Counselors
Zuri Cannon-Department Chair zcannon@nps.k12.va.us
Serge Bengono sbengono@nps.k12.va.us
Anne Christie MHSP achristie@nps.k12.va.us
Sammie Logan slogan@nps.k12.va.us
Stanley Jones sjones2@nps.k12.va.us
Cornel Parker coparker@nps.k12.va.us
Theresa Rave trave@nps.k12.va.us
Sheena Cox-Transcript Analyst scox1@nps.k12.va.us
Department Chairs
CTE –Allison Copeland acopelan@nps.k12.va.us
English – Wendy Dingle wdingle@nps.k12.va.us
Foreign Language –Mignonne Bratten mbratten@nps.k12.va.us
Fine Arts – Ryan Featherer rfeatherer@nps.k12.va.us
Health/PE – Jennifer Parker jparker@nps.k12.va.us
History – Helen Martin hmartin@nps.k12.va.us
Math – Kaleem Morris kmorris@nps.k12.va.us
Science- Donna Mitchell dmitchell1@nps.k12.va.us
Special Education Katie Lewis kflewis@nps.k12.va.us
-Gifted Education/Identification
-Governor's School for the Arts Liaison
MAURY HIGH SCHOOL
Office Hours: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Student Hours: 7:25 am - 2:05 pm
Website: https://www.npsk12.com/mhs
Location: 322 Shirley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA
Phone: (757) 628-3344
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Maury1911
Twitter: @Maury19111