Tiger Tea
Hill Happenings 2/28- 3/4
Principal's Message
Highlights for the week:
- December and January student of the month lunch!
- District Spelling Bee- Max Ketterlinus represented Albert Hill in a Tigerriffic way! Max finished 4th place in the District Spelling Bee held at Mary Munford Elementary School on February 23rd. Over 20 students competed representing district elementary and middle schools. The Bee went more than 18 rounds. Congratulations Max! You represented Hill well!
December Students of the Month
January Students of the Month
Max Ketterlinus- Hill Spelling Bee Winner @ District Spelling Bee
Dates to Remember
March 4
2 hr. Early Dismissal
March 9
8th Grade SOL Writing Test
March 10
8th Grade SOL Writing Test
March 12
10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Tiger's Serve Community Service Projects
March 14
Interim Reports Distributed
March 18
Parent Teacher Conference- No school for students. Sign-ups for conferences will be provided beginning in next week's Tiger Tea.
Fabric and Yarn Donations Needed
Ms. Russell's art classes will be exploring some projects in Fiber Arts. She has ordered some fabric and yarn, but if anyone has any clean fabric or yarn you'd like to donate, we'd love it! Please contact Ms. S. Russell for details about drop off points or pick up. Thank you! srussell@rvaschools.net
Tiger's Serve
Our school's goal is to provide students with an educational experience that inspires and motivates them to be lifelong learners and caring contributors to the world around them. We seek to establish Albert H. Hill Middle School as a leader in service work — developing students’ innate sense to give, serve, and support.
Long-term vision:
Foster organic habit of giving as a part of a healthy, joyful life and citizenship
Mandatory 10 hours annual service hours per student
Ongoing service projects inside and outside of school
Community partnerships throughout the school and community — including near students’ homes.
This year we are kicking off this vision with a day of service on March 12th from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. We are asking all of our students and families to join us at one of the following 3 events.
1. Byrd Park litter pick up with Keep Virginia Cozy
2. Albert Hill edible garden beautification with Fit 4 Kids
3. Charles S. Gilpin Community Garden cleanup with Community 50/50
Students will be given the opportunity to sign up to participate February 28th- March 7th.
This year's goal is that all students complete at least 5 hours of community service by June 6, 2022. Students who complete this goal will be recognized during end the end of the year awards. The element with the highest participation will also win a prize.
Kudos the NJHS committees led by Ms. Howard, Ms. Green, and Ms. Tucker and to Ms. Emma Johnson with our school's PTA for their work bringing this vision to fruition.
2022-2023 COURSE SELECTION INFORMATION
Course offerings and the middle school program of studies is listed below. Course offerings are not guaranteed. The ability of the school to offer courses is dependent upon the budget and staffing. Not all courses may be offered at Albert Hill for the 2022-2023 school year. Students may have the ability to take other options virtually, in addition to their full in-school schedule. All questions regarding course selection, offerings, and scheduling should be directed to Mr. G (dgustavs@rvaschools.net)
Schoollinks FAQ
- What is Schoolinks?
Schoolinks is a modern College and Career Readiness Platform that your district partnered with to help you for life after high school. The platform offers more than 80 experiences such as career interest inventory assessments, college and career search, internship matching, portfolio, and more.
- Logging in
You can launch Schoolinks from your Clever Portal. Or GO to: https//apps.schoolinks.com/ and use the login with Clever Option.
- Take swipeable surveys and quizzes!
- Go to personalized plan and select your courses for the 2022-2023 school year.
Albert Hill Yard Sale
Albert Hill is reviving its annual Spring Yard Sale fundraiser and is asking for help from the school community and its neighbors to provide the items for sale. The yard sale will take place on May 14th on the Albert Hill campus, and all proceeds will directly benefit the Albert Hill PTA. For complete information, please visit www.alberthillyardsale.com
The Albert Hill PTA will gratefully accept donations every Wednesday through April from 5-6pm and occasional Saturdays (see website) from 10-11am at the front of Albert Hill Middle School (3400 Patterson Ave). Receipt of donations made will be provided to the donor for tax purposes. If you would like to arrange for a different drop off time or you would like to request that someone pick up your item(s), please contact Becky Sirpis at alberthillyardsale@gmail.com.
All items must be operational and in good condition and should fall under one of the following categories:
Home goods - furniture, dishes, decor, small appliances, electronics, etc.
Outdoor items - landscaping items, holiday decorations, outdoor furniture, etc.
Sporting goods - bikes, yard games, hiking/camping gear, etc.
Baby/Children’s items - strollers, high chairs, etc.
Toys/Puzzles/Games - all parts and pieces must be included; no stuffed animals, please
Accessories
Art
Jewelry
Luggage
Tools
Musical Instruments
We will not be accepting clothing for this yard sale. Other items that will not be accepted can be found on the “no thank you” list on the website. If you have an item you would like to donate but it does not fit into one of the categories above or you have any questions about this sale, please reach out to alberthillyardsale@gmail.com.
Anyone can donate items, so please spread the word! And mark your calendar to attend the yard sale on May 14th!
Community Opportunities
March 31, 2022 (Post-Secondary Transition Planning: Life After High School) 1:00-2:00pm Google Meet
April 28, 2022 (Pathways to Graduation) 1:00-2:00 pm Google Meet
May 26, 2022 (Assistive Technology Considerations in Special Education) 1:00-2:00 Google Meet
Battle of the Bands! – S Cubed Productions, LLC is hosting with Virginia Union University the Battle of the Bands RVA on April 9. Admission is free and we are asking for your support in sharing this information with RPS schools so they can come with their marching bands to showcase their talent to the community. FREE Band Registration can be found here. The community can register for their FREE tickets or souvenir tickets on eventbrite.
Build a Bike
Please use this form to register for the Build a Bike Program at RamBikes. This is an 8-week program for youth (ages 12-16) without a bicycle to deconstruct, paint and hydro-dip, and refurbish a bike they will keep. It is provided in partnership with Rag & Bones Bicycle Cooperative, A Better Day Than Yesterday Initiative, and VCU RamBikes. There are 4 slots available per session, and it is a FREE program.
***WHEN: Beginning March 2nd, every Wednesday from 4-6PM
***WHERE: RamBikes, located at 1106 W. Broad Street.
Curriculum is as follows:
Week 1-3: Deconstructing bicycles, learning parts and tools
Week 4-5: Painting base coat, hydrodipping
Week 6-8: Rebuilding bike, learning road safety
**Spots are open until filled. If this session is full, we will be in touch with you about joining our next session**
For questions, please reach out to Sera Erickson, at ericksonss@vcu.edu. Thanks!
Spring Sports
Spring sports are here! All students must have a VHSL physical on file prior to tryouts. If your student would like to participate and you need transportation or financial assistance getting a physical, please email Mrs. Ivy at tmayo@rvaschools.net. Please contact the coach listed for more information or the athletic coordinator, Mr. Dean Lee (dlee3@rvaschools.net)
Spring- Coaches and Tryouts
Tennis (Coed) - Tennis tryouts will be held Tuesday 3/1 to Thursday 3/3 after school. All students are welcome to participate in tennis for the whole season whether or not they make the team. Please email Mr. Yavorsky with any questions.
Coach- Mr. Yavorsky (dyavorsk@rvaschools.net)
Flag Football (Coed)- Flag Football tryouts will be held Tuesday, 3/1 to Thursday, 3/3 after school. Students who want to participate must have a physical on file with the school. Please email Mr. Kimbrell with any questions.
Coach- Mr. Kimbrell (kkimbrel@rvaschools.net)
Softball April 13, 2022
Coach- TBD
Outdoor Track: TBD
Coach- Ms. West (twest3@rvaschools.net)
Track Schedule- TBD
Albert Hill Parent and Family Engagement Policy
Under Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, schools that receive Title I funds are expected to collaborate with families to develop and maintain a parent and family engagement policy that describes the school’s approach to involve families in students’ learning.
Albert Hill Parent and Family Engagement Policy
Covid-19 At Home Screening
Each day, prior to leaving home, parents should ask students/students should ask themselves the following questions:
1. Have you experienced any of the following symptoms in the past 48 hours?
fever (100.4 degrees or higher) accompanied by chills
persistent cough
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing not contributed to underlying health issues
fatigue, muscle or body aches not contributed to underlying health issues
new loss of taste or smell
sore throat
congestion or runny nose
nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
2. Have you been in physical contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days?
3. Are you isolating because you have tested positive for COVID-19 or are waiting on COVID-19 test results?
If a student answers yes to any of the questions, they should stay home from work/school that day, monitor their symptoms, and contact a medical professional, as appropriate. Parents should notify the principal at tmayo@rvaschools.net and provide any supporting documentation available. Mrs. Ivy will then notify the nurse to begin contact tracing and staff members to provide student work via google classroom. Students may be marked present if they complete assignments through Google Classroom while Quarantined.
Students that present with COVID-like symptoms during the day will be evaluated by the school nurse and, in most cases, sent home and families will be advised to seek testing and or further medical evaluation. School nurses will use the When Should a Child Stay Home From School and/or Child Care?guide provided by the VDH for up-to-date guidance.
*All students received a thermometer in their PPE kits distributed on the first day of school.
Technology Needs
Please complete the lost or stolen chromebook form linked for reporting lost or stolen chromebooks or hotspots.
Internet:
If you do not have internet and are in need of a hotspot, please contact Mr. Jacobs (cjacobs@rvaschools.net).
Please help us reinforce schoolwide expectations
- Be Kind- If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all.
- Masks- Masks should be covering your mouth and nose. When eating in the cafeteria, students should remain silent while masks are off and may talk when finished and masks
- Following Directions: Follow directions the first time asked.
- Cell Phones- Off and away during the school day. Cell phones should not be visible to teachers and staff throughout the day.
- Hats and Hoods should be off during the school day.
Tiger P.R.I.D.E./ The Hill Way!
P: Prepared- I will be in school on time ready to learn.
R: Respectful- I will conduct myself in a way that honors myself, my school, and my community.
I: Integrity- I will do the right thing and make positive choices.
D: Determination- I will not give up in the face of adversity. I am resilient.
E: Exceeding Expectations with Excellence- I will do my personal best everyday.
Every Tiger, Every Day!
School Attendance
Every Tiger, Every Day! Every Day Counts!
School attendance is vital to student academic success at all levels.
The Virginia Department of Education defines “chronic absenteeism” as missing ten percent or more of the academic year for any reason (18 days). Truancy is the act of accruing one or more unexcused absences. Though the definition of absenteeism may differ from truancy, the National Center for School Engagement asserts that the outcomes of a student missing class remain constant regardless of how truancy or absenteeism is classified. Several studies suggest that chronic absences frequently lead to notable academic problems.
Parent/guardians are encouraged to call the school on the day of their child’s absence, but MUST send a written note requesting absences be considered excused upon returning to school. All written notes MUST be submitted to the school within five (5) days of the last absence.
Excused absences are typically those that have resulted from conditions beyond the control of the students or parents/guardians. The only excuses for absences that shall be deemed acceptable for consideration are:
Personal illness (if over three days, the school shall require a note from the doctor)
Personal court appearance (student)
Death in the family (mother, father, spouse, son, daughter, sister, brother, grandparent, aunt, uncle, nephew or niece)
Religious holidays regularly observed by the student
Extenuating circumstances as approved by the school administration