LRHS FAMILY NEWSLETTER
January 24, 2020
Message from Principal, Janine Holmes
Hello Raiders,
I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday season. Although celebrations were probably somewhat different this year, I’m confident you took the necessary precautions so that you are all healthy and safe.
It is hard to believe that it is 2021 and almost the end of the first semester. This week, you should be finishing exams and working with your teachers on any missing assignment.
Students should be able to view second semester schedules in the student portal. Information about accessing the portal is provided below. If you have a question about your schedule, please email your counselor.
Please don’t hesitate to contact your teachers if you have any questions about grades. You can find teachers’ email addresses at https://lochravenhs.bcps.org/staff/staff_directory.
We have started the registration process for the 2021-2022 school year. This will all be completed online this year. Please refer to the article in this newsletter for more information. In addition, counselors will be hosting Drop In Google Meet Sessions for their Alphabet on January 28 and 29 from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Join Codes are listed in Schoology.
Thank you to all students who had their devices reimaged this month. We know that some of you were not able to do so. At this time, we do not have a schedule for additional reimaging opportunities. If you are experiencing a problem with your device, please call the BCPS Help Desk at 443-809-4672. We are also offering an additional resource for assistance with computer problems through our computer intern program. The details are included in this newsletter. It is our hope that most computer issues have been resolved; however, we want to offer help and solutions to any that arise.
If you are trying to reach us by phone and get our voice mail, please leave a message with your name, the student’s name, telephone number, and reason for your call, and we will return your call. The best number to call is our main office number: 443-809-3525. You may also choose to send an email to a teacher, your student’s counselor, our social worker, or one of our administrators.
We are here to assist our students and their families. Please reach out to us if we can help in any way. Your well-being and success are our number one priority.
As always,
Stay Positive, Work Hard, and Make It Happen!
Janine Holmes
registration for 2021-2022 school year has begun!
It is Course Registration time!
Starting on January 13, the School Counseling Department started working on registration for the 2021/2022 school year.
The counseling department has held google meets throughout the month of January for all grade levels including our current 8th graders. They are continuing to offer Open Google Meet Sessions for any students that might need assistance. These sessions are advertised on the Counseling Connections Schoology Group for each Grade.
Students can also ask registration questions and make individual appointments using this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelmQ5KWnKwR3yIuPymtI7s8YxLPTeyPCekSO-eJUMybr8l6g/viewform
Each LRHS student is required to submit a course request form for the 21/22 school year by February 5th. This form and additional information can be found in the student’s Schoology Course titled “Class of 2022, 2023, or 2024 Registration for School Year 21-22."
Accessing and Using the Student Portal
3 Ways Using the Student Portal can help you!
#1-Students can view their Semester 2 courses by the following these steps:
- Using Chrome, Go to https://baltimore.focusschoolsoftware.com/focus/Modules.php?modname=misc/Portal.php
- Students will select "Sign in with Microsoft" and then enter their BCPS username (with @bcps.org) and password. In the upper right-hand corner, make sure the year selected is 2020-21. The screen should be outlined in blue.
- On the left hand side, it will say Class Schedule. This is where you can see your current year courses and see what is listed for semester 2.
#2-You can also use the Student Portal to see what courses were automatically requested or recommended for you for next school year and double check your requests. Directions for students to access the portal to see their 21/22 school year requests and recommendations are found in the student Registration Schoology Course and in the graphics below. You will need to use the dropdown to change to the 2021-22 school year at the far right. You will know you are in 2021/22 because the border of the portal will change to RED.
#3-The link/portal is also where report cards will be visible on February 11th. When you log in on the main page, there will be a tab to click that says Reports. This is where your report card can be found on February 11th.
bcps news
Ransomware Updates are shared by SchoolMessenger phone, email, and text for families and employees, as well as Facebook: @BaltCoPS, Twitter: @BaltCoPS, and Instagram: @teambcps.
Message from Superintendent, Dr. Williams
In terms of our restoration efforts, while there is still work to be done, I have more good news to share. We were able to gain access to our first quarter grades from Schoology – which means that report cards will be issued on time and transcripts can be generated for college applicants and transfer candidates as usual. I know that, for many parents and students in our community, this has been a real concern – but rest assured that if your child is applying to college, transferring schools, or just otherwise advancing their education, we will be able to support and serve you just as we were prior to this attack. I’m hopeful this news can make 2021 at least somewhat less stressful than the past year has been.
Equally important for those with students in our special needs community, our IEP system is fully functional as it was on November 1st, so all IEPs saved prior to November 1st have also been restored. In simple terms, this will ensure that we can continue to provide quality education and care to our students with special needs without further disruption.
I know the security of our systems and data is an ongoing concern for many in our community. Allow me to share some words of encouragement on that front as well: we have taken the important step of deploying state-of-the-art endpoint detection monitoring to protect against these types of threats in the future. While the security landscape is often-changing, I am confident that, like many other organizations that have been through this kind of crisis, we will emerge from it more resilient with hardened cybersecurity defenses and infrastructure.
I would like to close this message on a note of gratitude and optimism. No doubt, 2020 has tested our collective resolve. But the resilience of our students, teachers, and school-based staff is clear. This incident has put a strain on our entire community, and I want to personally thank all of you for your patience and understanding as we have worked to put this behind us.
Parents/caregivers & students – Take survey about virtual learning in marking period 2 by January 30.
PTSA - Every Child, One Voice…Together we are better!
Dear Loch Raven Families,
Covid has brought a lot of uncertainty into our lives. One thing we don't want to be uncertain about is where our next meal is going to come from.
On Fridays, the Student Support Network hands out food at Parkville HS and Loch Raven Technical Academy from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. https://www.studentsupportnetwork.org
Also, you may be eligible for SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It is funded through the US Department of Agriculture, and it is income based. The CCBC benefit team has been trained how to submit applications. They can help get the applications in within 24 hours if you call or email them. Once the application has been approved, your family will receive an EBT card, a debit card that lets you purchase food. This is very discrete. The income eligibility amounts have been lowered during the pandemic and the maximum amount is allotted to everyone. For example, for 1 person the amount is $204 per month, 2 people - $355 and so on.
You can even order online at ShopRite, Amazon, and Walmart and have the groceries delivered. They encourage all who need assistance to call them as the state is very slow to respond to the toll free number and many wait for hours on hold.
They can also help with emergency assistance, phone/Internet/medical and energy assistance.
CALL NOW! Set up a free screening with a BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST at 443-840-4122 or email SNAPBenefits@ccbcmd.edu
See resources below.
Sincerely,
Erin O'Brien
LRHS PTSA President
please support the ptsa fundraiser at sweetfrog
Need computer help???
There are several ways to get help with computer problems.
Our computer interns are now ready to help students with computer issues. They can help with microphone or camera problems. They can help with difficulty using Jamboard, Screencastify, Flipgrid or any of the other tools in the Innovation Hub.
The computer interns can help students with computer issues on asynchronous Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 pm.
Please email Ms. Paules at cpaules@bcps.org with your name and a brief description of your problem, and she will contact you through Schoology with the Google Meets code.
You can also get help by calling the BCPS Help Desk if your device is not working. Call
443-809-4672. In addition, you can submit your problem to the Help Desk by using the following support link in BCPS One.
raider of the month
Each month, teachers are asked to nominate a student they feel exemplified one or more of the following areas.
Stay Positive: respect, appropriate language, pride in LR community
Work Hard: punctual and ready to work, professional conduct
Make it Happen: strive for success, believe it is possible, work bell to bell
Based on the nominations received, a committee of teachers votes on the winners. Each grade level will have one student recognized as Raider of the Month. Therefore, we will have four winners each month.
Each student nominated should be proud to be recognized as a Raider of the Month nominee!
CONGRATULATIONS!!
yearbook news
The yearbook is now available for early purchase. The information can be accessed through the Schoology link. Forms and additional information are below.
Please also note that yearbook recognition ads can be designed on line. Choose the size of your ad and honor your student with this special yearbook option!
If you have any questions or need additional help, please send Ms. Hinton, our yearbook advisor, a message at dhinton2@bcps.org.
http://bcps.schoology.com/group/3137489965/update/3262759439
counseling connection
VIRTUAL CALMING ROOM
The BCPS virtual calming room is a space that has been designed for students, families, and staff to identify and implement tools and strategies for navigating emotions and feelings.
SEL Summit- Register by 1/29/21!
SEL SUMMIT:
These are tough times - for all of us. For more than ten months, we have been living through a global pandemic that has affected every aspect of our lives - including the ways we live, work, study, and socialize. Many of us have dealt with family members and friends getting ill. Through it all, we have also dealt with an economic turndown, an uprising for racial justice, a contentious presidential election, and now we are facing the winter months, which can be a tough time for many. In the midst of it all, we have been expected to continue performing well on our jobs and in our classes.
The Baltimore County Public Schools Department of Social-Emotional Support wants to help during these challenging times by offering practical tools to improve mental health and well-being. Therefore, we are inviting students, parents/caregivers, and staff to register for our inaugural virtual summit, "Connecting as a Collective Community."
Sessions are designed to inform participants about BCPS' three core Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies:
- awareness (self-awareness and self-regulation)
- relationships (social awareness and social relations)
- decision-making
These SEL competencies identify key attitudes and skills necessary for understanding and managing emotions, listening, feelings and showing empathy for others, and making thoughtful, responsible decisions.
Presentations offered at the summit will focus on resetting with a positive mindset, working through grief and trauma through trying times, coping with anxiety and self-doubt, building resilience, being mindful, creating inclusive environments, and more. Presenters will include a diverse cross-section of voices - young people, researchers, educational leaders, and community partners.
Students in Grades 6-12 can register starting Monday, January 25. Registration is ending January 29.
https://scs.bcps.org/departments/social_emotional_support/s_e_l_summit
SEL Summit: Connecting as a Collective Community
Saturday, February 6, 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (for staff*, parents/caregivers)
Monday, February 8, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. (for staff*, parents/caregivers)
Wednesday, February 10, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. (for staff*, students grades 6-12)
Thursday, February 11, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. (staff*, students grades 6-12)
Want to be recognized? Send your acceptance letter to Ms. Campbell!
SAT update from college board
The College Board announced they are removing the SAT optional essay and subject tests! Officials stated that "the pandemic has accelerated a process already underway at the College Board to simplify our work and reduce demands on students.”
The College Board also mentioned that before the pandemic commenced last March, these two variables were already in question. They questioned the influence and validity of the additional supplements. Subject tests will be removed immediately and the optional essay will be offered only through June of this year, except for a handful of states where it will continue to be offered.
Did you think this would happen this year?! This was quite the news to awaken to this morning! Be sure to share this with your community of students and peers!
To read more about the changes, check out this article!
special education resources
interested in summer employment?
schoology email digest
caps and gowns - attention seniors
The deadline for the discount price for your cap, gown, and tassel is January 31.
Beginning February 1, there is a significant increase in the price. The easiest way to order is online. You can place orders on their website or by phone 800-567-8367.
https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1066483/Loch-Raven-High-School/
Mrs. Oliver, our graduation coordinator, can place your order. Send her an email with your name, height, and weight, and she will place your order. She can also answer your questions.
ACT NOW - email Mrs. Oliver at loliver@bcps.org.
Our goal is always for every student to pay the discount price!
All students must have a cap and gown in order to participate in the graduation ceremony.
Parent University
Parent University is committed to providing the most current information about the BCPS Reopening Plan. At this time, students are not scheduled to return to school buildings. When invited to do so, families of identified students may choose through an online questionnaire to begin hybrid learning or to continue virtual learning. Information from our recovery plan is available on the BCPS InfoCenter.
Food distribution update
Baltimore County Public Schools will provide school meals, at no cost, to all children ages 2-18. Meals are available to all children up to the age of 18, and to students with disabilities regardless of age. Parents or guardians can pick up student meals. Curbside pickup is available at the main entrance of every middle and high school each Monday and Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. There are also many bus distribution locations. Please see Free Student Meals for locations and times.
On Monday students will receive: Two days of meals-breakfast and lunch (consists of cold food items, fruit, vegetables, milk and breakfast items). On Wednesday students will receive: Three days of meals-breakfast and lunch (consists of cold food items, fruit, vegetables, milk and breakfast items).
The Student Support Network will continue to supplement the BCPS food distribution program. The Network will be at Parkville High School and Loch Raven Technical Academy each Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until their food supply runs out.
If you need additional assistance with food or household items, please email our Social Worker, Caryn Putchat at cputchat@bcps.org
Baltimore county and bcps resources
Click here to get updates from Baltimore County Public Schools https://www.bcps.org/system/coronavirus/
BCPS Social Emotional Support Team Resources for wellness, mental health, self-care and related topics:
http://scs.bcps.org/departments/social_emotional_support
Crisis text line: Text the word "HOME" to 741741 for free 24 hour support
Maryland Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 1.800.422.0009
Baltimore County DSS: 410.887.TIME
Baltimore County Crisis Response: 410.931.2214
Sheppard Pratt Crisis Walk-in: 410-938-5302
The Trevor Project: 1.866.488.7386 or text START to 678678
Maryland Food Bank: 410.737.8282
Maryland Help Line United Way: 211