Comet Weekly Update Welcome Back!
Summer Edition 3 - September 4, 2022
Granby Email Addresses
Granby's Two Emails
askgranby@npsk12.com - should be used for any communication with Granby, except for notification of absences. Parents reporting Covid symptoms and positive Covid should also use this email.
GranbyHighAttendance@npsk12.com - should be used for any communication regarding absences from school including absence notification, and submitting excused notes.
Welcome Back GHS Students!
- The First Day of School is Tuesday, September 6, 2022 - students must be in their seats ready to learn by 7:25am each morning to not be considered tardy to school. Students should make a plan to be walking in the building no later than 7:20am to give enough time to get to class on time. Attendance counts on day 1.
- All students will report to their 1st Block on Tuesday, September 6th. Students can look up their schedule in StudentVue or ParentVue with the help of a parent. We will also have 1st Block finders in the hallway that students can use. All students will receive a paper copy of their schedule in their Block 1.
- All students, even those with excused bells or study halls for the 1st or 2nd Bell of the day need to report to school. Please complete the excused permission form to either arrive late or leave early so we can process the excused passes.
In this packet, you will find a new daily bell schedule, new map of Granby, how to get your student's schedule, information about NPS transportation, parent drop-off & pick-up, other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), and much more.
It is a lot of information, but I strongly encourage you to sit down with your student to make sure they understand expectations and what resources are available so they have a successful start of school.
Granby's Web Site also has lots of resources. Please go here to view our web site: https://www.npsk12.com/ghs.
We are looking forward to seeing our students for the start of the 2022-2023 school year on Tuesday, September 6th.
Sincerely,
Mr. Smigiel - Principal
In This Issue
- Weekly Even/Odd Schedule
- Plan Ahead
- New Granby Bell Schedule
- New Covid Protocols
- Looking Up Your Student's Schedule
- Most Popular Questions Right Now
- Have a problem with your schedule?
- I need to drop off medication for my student
- How will my student know when they eat lunch?
- Complete Late Arrival/Early Release Permission Form
- Chromebook Distribution
- Return to School Frequently Asked Questions
- Transportation - Student Drop-Off/Pick-Up, Walkers, Biker Riders, & NPS Transportation
- All 12th Graders Must Have Their Second Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine to Remain in School
- PSAT Registration Information
- Clubs & Activities Announcements
- Join Granby's PTSA
- NPS Dress Code Reminders
- Map of Granby
- Call for Yearbook and Newspaper Advertisers
- Granby Athletics
- Important Links
- Contact Us
Weekly Even/Odd Schedule
Tuesday - 9/6 - First Day of School - Odd Day - Bells 1, 3, 5, & 7
Wednesday - 9/7 - Even Day - Bells 2, 4, 6, & 8
Thursday - 9/8 - Odd Day - Bells 1, 3, 5, & 7
Friday - 9/9 - Even Day - Bells 2, 4, 6, & 8
You can find the school year Even/Odd Schedule HERE or download below.
Plan Ahead
Monday, 9/5 - Labor Day - Students Not in School, School Closed
Tuesday, 9/6 - First Day of SchoolTuesday, 9/13 - Last Day to Register for PSATs
Thursday, 9/29 - Granby High School Open House and PTSA Meeting - Doors Open at 5:30pm, Program, 6:00pm
Thursday, 10/6 - Interim 1 grades close
Friday, 10/7 - Teacher Work Day - Asynchronous Learning Day for Students
Monday, 10/10 - Friday, 10/14 - Homecoming Spirit Week
Wednesday, 10/12 - PSAT Administration
Friday, 10/14 - Homecoming Game vs. Norview
Monday, 11/7 - End of 1st Quarter - Grades Close
Tuesday, 11/8 - Teacher Work Day - Students Not in School
The school district's Academic Calendar can be found HERE or downloaded below.
COVID Protocols Update
- Masks are optional for use by students, staff, and visitors, but they are an effective mitigation strategy, especially in circumstances when social distance cannot be maintained. Paper or cloth masks which cover the mouth and nose only are allowed. No full face coverings which cover the head and only expose eyes are allowed. Masks are no longer being provided by the school to students when entering the building.
- Continue hand hygiene procedures such as handwashing with soap and water and using hand sanitizer (never use hand sanitizer as a supplement for hand washing.)
- Individuals should isolate themselves from school after testing positive for COVID-19. Please email askgranby@npsk12.com immediately when your student tests positive.
- Testing if you suspect you are sick. Testing is recommended for people with symptoms of COVID-19 as soon as possible after symptoms begin.
- Staying home when sick - People who have symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, such as cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea should stay home.
- Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others when you have tested positive for COVID-19. You should isolate yourself if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results.
- Requiring that people stay home is no longer recommended for people who have just been exposed to individuals that are positive for COVID-19. Students who have been exposed may come to school.
WHEN TO ISOLATE
Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others when you have tested positive for COVID-19. You should also isolate yourself if you ae sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results.
If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home for at least 5 days and isolate yourself from others in your home.
When you have COVID-19, isolation is counted in days, as follows:
If you test positive but have no symptoms
- Day 0 is the day you were tested (not the day you received your positive test results
- Day 1 is the first full day following the day you were tested
- If you develop symptom within 10 days of when were tested, the clock restarts at 0 on the day of the symptom onset.
If you test positive and have had symptoms
- Day 0 of isolation is the day of symptom onset, regardless of when you tested positive
- Day 1 is the first full day after the day your symptoms started isolation
RETURNING TO SCHOOL
If you had no symptoms, you may end isolation after day 5.
If you had symptoms, you may end isolation after day 5 if:
- You are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever reducing medication)
- Your symptoms are improving.
If you still have fever or your other symptoms have not improved, continue to isolate until they improve.
Regardless of when you end isolation, you are required to mask and socially distance from other on days 6-10.
What will happen on the first day of school?
On the first day of school students will report to their Block 1. Students can look up their schedule in StudentVue or ParentVue with the help of a parent. Students should use the first part of their student email and the last five digits of their Student ID number to log into StudentVue. Parents can now reset their password using the ParentVue link above or email AskGranby@npsk12.com to see if we have your login information. Parents, select lost password and use the email that you have in Synergy to make a new password.
We will also have 1st Block finders in the hallway that students can use. All students will receive a paper copy of their schedule in their Block 1. All students, even those with excused bells or study halls for the 1st or 2nd Bell of the day need to report to school. Please complete the excused permission form to either arrive late or leave early so we can process the excused passes.
Students who do not have a schedule will be sent to the auditorium to work with a school counselor to determine scheduling issues or if enrollment is needed. School counselors will communicate any concerns to parents.
Students who are missing a class on their schedule will report to the auditorium during the missing bell as well.
Have a problem with your schedule?
Have a problem with your schedule?
Schedules have been released and can be found in StudentVue and ParentVue. If you find any errors, please do not contact your school counselor directly. You must use the Google Form link below or scan the QR code to request any changes.
Examples of reasons for completing the form?
- Course for graduation missing.
- Junior or Senior requesting early release, late arrival or reduce schedule.
- Course requested not on schedule.
Examples of reasons you should not complete the form?
- I don't want a particular teacher.
- I don't like the period I am taking the course.
- I want to be in the same class as my friends.
Here's the Schedule Correction Request form for 22-23:
https://forms.gle/R4bejidgZquJrPxc9
Counselors are not answering individual emails about schedule changes at this time.
Tentative School Counselor Assignments:
School Counseling Office A
Secretary: Ms. DeMeo
Ms. Payne: Last Name A-Cal
Ms. Deberry: Last Name Cam-Ew
Ms. Mangual - Last Name Ex-Hq
Ms. Kirby - Last Name - Hr-Ln
School Counseling Office B
Secretary: Ms. Hughes
Mr. Jones: Last Name Lo-Pan
Ms. Webb: Last Name Pao-She
Ms. Patton: Last Name Shf-Tav
Singleton: Taw-Z
I need to drop off medication for my student?
How will my student know when to eat lunch?
Students may bring their own lunch to school. Granby High School does not take food deliveries for students. For the safety and security of our students, students should not place Doordash, Grubhub or other food ordering services. Parents should not have food delivered to school either. Parents are welcome to drop off lunch during their student's designated lunch time.
Students with Study Hall - Late Arrival or Early Release Permission
- Juniors and Seniors are eligible for late arrival if they have at least one study hall as their first class or consecutive study halls in the morning AND have their own transportation.
- Seniors are eligible for early release if they have one study hall as their last class or consecutive study halls in the afternoon AND have their own transportations.
- Students who only have one study hall in the middle of the day (blocks 3 & 4) are not eligible to leave school and must remain in a study hall unless excused already for Bells 1 or 2.
A parent/guardian must complete this Google Permission Form in order to be excused: https://forms.gle/hV35Hh8KrrogVff36
Chromebook Distribution Schedule
Chromebooks will be distributed in the following order:
- 9th Grade English Classes - Wednesday, September 14th and Thursday, September 15th
- 10th Grade English Classes - Friday, September 16th and Monday, September 19th
- 11th Grade English Classes - Tuesday, September 20th and Wednesday, September 21st
- 12th Grade English Classes - Thursday, September 22nd and Friday, September 23rd
Students who have not returned their Chromebook from Summer School at Norview High School will not receive one from Granby until it is returned to Granby High School [we will collected and send to Norview]. Students who still have not returned their Chromebook from last school year will not receive one until it is returned and checked back in.
Return to School Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the building open? What time does school start each day?
Designated student entrances will open at 7:00am each day. Students must be in their seat, in class by 7:25am each morning. The school day ends at 2:05pm.
What supplies does my student need?
In general, high schools do not provide a school supply needs list over the summer. High School students usually find out the first week of school, when they meet their teachers for the first time. At the high school level there are so many teachers and class options, it is extremely difficult to determine what each student would need.
To assist you, we are providing a general list of school supplies, that at some point will get used so it is not a waste:
- #2 Pencils
- Extra Erasers
- Personal Pencil Sharpener
- Pencil/Pen Pouch
- Black/Blue Ink Pens - *Some teachers like red or green pens for editing
- Highlighters
- A pack of dry-erase markers
- Paper - College Rule and Wide-Ruled
- 2 pocket folders
- 1-inch binders
- Composition Notebooks
- Index Cards
- A pack of colored pencils
- Book Bag - some students recommend one book bag for odd days, and one for even days.
Granby accepts donations of "real" paper towels and boxes of tissues.
Granby has plenty of hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes and does not need any donations of these items.
Are there after-school activities?
Yes, after-school clubs and activities will resume on Mondays and Wednesdays starting the third week in September. NPS bus transportation will be available starting at 5:00pm. A full listing of clubs and club sponsors (room number), can be found on our web site here: https://www.npsk12.com/domain/4254. Our Comet Weekly Update will have weekly meeting information.
Will my student be able to see their school counselor during the school day?
Yes, students may schedule a time to meet with their school counselor during the school day. Students can either email their counselor to set up the appointment or stop by School Counselor's Office A or B to schedule an appointment with their school counselor. School Counselors are not available the first two weeks of school while they handle new enrollments. Students can complete the schedule change request form above if needed.
Will there be parent-teacher conferences?
Parent-teacher conferences are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month on a first-come, first served basis starting in October. All conferences will be held virtually. Parents will be able to register by emailing AskGranby@nsk12.com. Conferences must be scheduled one week prior to the conference date.
What is the procedure for picking up my child early for an appointment?
Parents are asked to send an early dismissal note to the school with their student in the morning and turn into the main office upon arrival to school. Parents may also email AskGranby@npsk12.com to alert us to an early pick-up.
Students will be dismissed from class to the office once the parent arrives. Parents will be
required to wear a face-covering prior to being allowed to enter the building. Parents must come to the main office entrance and check-in, following early dismissal procedures for the school.
Will my student still have Physical Education (PE 9, 10 & Advanced PE) and how will they dress out?
Yes, all physical education students will still have physical education. There are no mandated PE uniforms, however students should dress in clothes that are easy to perform exercises and other physical activities, which includes wearing sneakers.
Will my student be assigned a locker?
Students will have the option to check-out a locker for the school year. Sign-ups will be done during lunch the second week of school.
Can my student bring a cell phone to school?
Yes, students may bring a cell phone to school, however they can only be used for instructional reasons with permission from a staff member. Cell phones should be off and put away until a teacher or staff member gives the student permission to use their cellular device for instructional reasons. In classrooms, when the green placard is posted, students may use their cell phones for instructional reasons. When the red placard is posted, students must have their cell phones off and put away.
Can my student bring a water bottle to school?
Yes, students are encouraged to bring water to school each day in a closed water bottle. Granby has 4 water bottle filling stations - 2 in the cafeteria, 1 in the gym, and 1 on the second floor.
Transportation - Student Drop-Off/Pick-Up, Walkers, Biker Riders, & NPS Transportation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Student Drop-Off/Pick-up, Walkers, Bike Riders, & NPS Transportation
What time can students enter the building?
Granby will allow students to enter the building starting at 7:00am. All students entering the building will be directed to the cafeteria/commons. Students will be released from the cafeteria/commons to go to class at 7:15am. Breakfast is free and students will have the opportunity to eat in the cafeteria/commons when they first arrive or if grab-n-go to eat the classroom.
How to access the NPS School Bus Finder web site, including log in information can be found in a section below. Please note, that bus stops were determined by the address on file with Granby High School.
If my student will be driving to school, what are the procedures?
Norfolk Public Schools has a lease agreement with the Masonic Temple to use the parking area directly behind their building. All student drivers must park in this area.
All student drivers are required to have a parking hanging tag displayed in their vehicles. Student drivers will have two weeks from the start of school to have a parking agreement signed, along with paying a $10.00 fee. Parking Decal Forms will be distributed to students during lunch the first week of school. Students will be required to show a driver's license and registration as well.
Student drivers are reminded to keep valuables out of sight and make sure their doors are locked. Granby High School and Norfolk Public Schools are not responsible for any damage or items stolen from student vehicles.
If I am dropping my student off at school in the morning, where do I do this?
By police order you cannot stop on Granby St. to let your student out. The small loop in front of Granby High School will be open in the mornings for drop-off. Parents who need to conduct business at Granby first thing in the morning before 7:25am may not be able to park in the loop and will need to park in the student parking lot behind the Masonic Temple and walk to the main entrance.
Students may be dropped off in three locations on the gym side of the Granby. Students may be dropped off in the gym parking lot, in the Masonic Temple Parking Lot, or on the corner of Colonial Avenue and Oxford. Please see the diagram below. Designated parking spots will be available if parents need to pull into a spot for more time.
Where do I pick up my student?
Students are dismissed at 2:05pm. Parents can park in the gym parking lot, or open parking spots in the student parking lot behind the Masonic Temple to pick up their student or on the street around the school in available spaces. DO NOT make a parent pick-up line in the Masonic Temple parking lot. It is against fire code and you can be issued a ticket for doing so.
If my student rides a bicycle to school, where do they lock it up and enter?
Granby High School has a bike rack located on the bus loop side of the building. The bike rack is located underneath a security camera to help prevent possible theft. Students must provide their own lock.
If my student walks to school, where can they enter?
Walkers can enter through the front of the school at the main entrance, the student driver/parent drop-off entrance at Oxford St., or in the rear student entrance at the Tennis Courts behind the school.
Find Your Student's Bus Stop
Norfolk Public Schools uses an online system called e-Link to manage school bus transportation. The system allows families to find information regarding their children's zoned schools and bus stops, if the students are eligible for bus transportation. If you have not yet registered/enrolled with your child’s school, please note: Transportation arrangements may be delayed beyond the start of school for students who register after March 1st.
*** PLEASE NOTE: Bus stops can change from school year to school year as the NPS Transportation Department works continuously to improve efficiency and service for students. Please check your stops prior to the beginning of each school year in case of changes.
Bus pick-up and drop-off times are approximate and can vary due to factors outside bus drivers' control, such as traffic and weather. We encourage students to arrive at bus stops five minutes before the pick-up time listed.
Instructions:
- Click on the link below.
- Log in with the user name, Student ID# and password. (Students date of birth in 8-digits with no dashes. Ex: 01012021)
- You will see a dark gray line across the top of the screen. At the left side of this dark gray line you will see “students”. Hover over “students” and scroll down and over “View My Student” then click “View My Student”.
- Students name should appear. You will then click on your students name and the bus stop information should appear.
- If you use this online routing system and still have questions about your child’s transportation, please contact your child’s school.
To find your child’s student ID number:
1. Login to ParentVue
2. Click on your child’s name. This will access the modules list.
3. Click on Student Info. Your child’s Student ID is in the field named Perm ID.
4. If you have multiple children in Norfolk Public Schools, click the Navigation button in the upper left corner of the screen. Then click Student List in the upper left corner of the screen. This will return you to the screen with the list of your children. Return to Step 2 above.
Here comes the bus App is live
Here Comes the Bus App and Website
Norfolk Public Schools has and app that will allow families to monitor daily school bus transportation information, including where a specific bus is on its route. The “Here Comes the Bus” app is available for any family who utilizes district transportation. Parents can see where their child’s school bus is on its daily route.
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 Apple 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 is the Norfolk Public Schools Account Code, which is 29096, and your 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 their website or by calling 844-854-9316, Monday thru Friday 8 am – 5 pm Central Time.
12th Graders Must Have Their Second Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine to Stay Enrolled In School
This legislation became 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.
PSAT Registration Due by September 13th
Clubs and Activities Announcements
FLAG TEAM/COLOR GUARD
Please contact Ms. Gay (tgay@nps.k12.va.us) if you are interested in joining the flag team/color guard. No experience is necessary. All genders welcome. We perform at football games, competitions and parades.If you are unsure what the flag team is please watch the following video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ur8CVNuAH8w
GRANBY DEBATE CLUB
Granby Debate Club will have their first meeting on Tuesday September 13th, 2022 in Room 265 after school.
Join Granby's PTSA Today!
Become a member of the PTSA! Become an important part of helping to ensure that we make a difference in the education, health and welfare of parents, students, and teachers. Granby High School PTSA invites you to join because we can do more together than apart, and we welcome your ideas.
Join Granby High PTSA online via Memberhub at: https://granbyhigh.memberhub.com/ or consider joining during orientation. Cash and checks accepted.
2022-2023 Membership dues are:
$6 for students, teachers, parent/guardian and community members.
$10 for business members.
Check Granby High School Facebook for announcements regarding PTSA and other up-to-date information: https://www.facebook.com/pg/GranbyHighComets/
Questions, thoughts/ideas, concerns? E-mail: GranbyhighPTSA@gmail.com
Link your Harris Teeter VIC cards to GRANBY HIGH SCHOOL PTSA TIEcode: 6986. When you shop Harris Teeter brands, a percentage of your purchase is donated to the school that your VIC card is linked to. There are NO LIMITS to how much a school can earn! You can ask the cashier to do it, go online to www.HarrisTeeter.com or via the Harris Teeter App.
NPS Dress Code Reminder
Norfolk Public Schools expects that all students will choose to dress or carry on or about their person only items/images that are appropriate for the school day or for any school-sponsored event. Student choices should respect Norfolk Public Schools’ intent to sustain a community that is inclusive of a diverse range of identities. The primary responsibility for a student’s choices resides with the student and parent(s) or guardian(s). The school district is responsible for ensuring:
➢ Student choices do not interfere with the health or safety of any student.
➢ Student choices do not contribute to a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for any student.
➢ Dress code enforcement does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income, or body type.
Any restrictions imposed upon a student’s choice in this area must be necessary to support the overall educational goals of the school and must be explained clearly to the student and parent.
1. Basic Principle: Certain body parts must be covered for all students at all times. Clothes must be worn in a way such that private parts, midriffs, buttocks, and breasts are fully covered with opaque fabric. All items listed in the "must wear" and categories below must meet this basic principle.
2. Students Must Wear:
- Shirt/Dress (with fabric in the front, back, and on the sides under the arms), and/ or
- Pants/Shorts/Skirts or the equivalent (for example, athletic wear or leggings), and
- Shoes
3. Students Cannot Wear:
- Violent Language or images
- Images of language depicting drugs or alcohol (or any illegal items or activity).
- Hate speech, profanity, pornography.
- Images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment based on a protected class or consistently marginalized groups.
- Hat or Hoodies on their heads in the building
- Any clothing that reveals undergarments.
- Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon.
- Any item that obscures the face or ears, except as a religious observance, unless face coverings are required due to safety mandates.
*Courses that include attire as part of the curriculum (for example, professionalism, public speaking, and job readiness) may include assignment-specific dress, but should not focus on covering bodies in a particular way or promoting culturally-specific attire. Activity-specific shoe requirements are permitted (for example, athletic shoes for PE).
Come out and support our Volleyball Teams against Maury this Wednesday in our White Out Double Header
Fall Athletics Information and Weekly Game Schedule
For more information about Granby's Athletic Program please visit our web site here: https://granbyhs.rschoolteams.com/
Fall Athletics has started but it is not too late to join some sports.
We need additional players for Football, Golf (Boys & Girls), Cross Country (Boys & Girls), and Field Hockey. Please contact the coaches for more information.
All athletes must have an updated physical dated for after May 1st, 2021, complete the concussion training with a parent, and complete the Covid-19 mitigation form prior to playing a sport - including conditioning or practice. Links to forms and the concussion training can be found here: https://granbyhs.rschoolteams.com/
Athletic Return Covid Information Requirement
This Week's athletic schedule:
Wednesday, September 7th
Field Hockey vs. Norfolk Collegiate @ Powhatan Stadium, 4:00pm
Girls and Boys Volleyball vs. Maury @ Granby Gym, 4:00 (Girls), 5:30pm (Boys)
Thursday, September 8th
Golf vs. Maury @ Bidewee Golf Course, 1:00pm
Saturday, September 10th
Cross Country Boys Invitational @ Newport News Park, 7:00am
Join the Granby Comet Athletic Association
Please consider joining the GCAA by using the QR Code here. Different levels are provided and you get some “swag” with each level. Also, you will be notified of GCAA fundraisers or other GCAA related events.
GCAA is now on Facebook! Go to https://www.facebook.com/GranbyCAA to receive daily sports updates and events!
If you have questions, feel free to contact us at granbycometaa@gmail.com
Granby's Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame
Important Links
Child Nutrition Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Granby Menu
A/B (Odd/Even) Calendar 2022-2023NPS 2022-2023 Student Handbook and Code of Conduct (Not Released Yet)
Contact Us
During the School Year Main Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00am - 3:00pm
Enrollments 7:30am - 10:30am, Monday-Friday
Email: AskGranby@npsk12.com
Website: https://www.npsk12.com/ghs
Location: 7101 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA, USA
Phone: 757-451-4110
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GranbyHighComets