Heritage High Summer Update-July 10
The news you need from the Home of the PRIDE!
July 10th, 2020
The Latest
For those of you new to Heritage, welcome to the Home of the PRIDE! We are so glad you are joining us as a member of the PRIDE.
For all of our families, this summer update will contain the latest information and resources for families that I have, and I will continue to send them bi-weekly or as needed.
As most of you are aware, Loudoun County's initial Return to School Plan, describing the options for families, mitigation strategies, etc. More information about the Return to School plan, including answers to some frequently asked questions, also is available on the LCPS Return to School 2020 website.
Return to School Preference: Please use the information in this link to select one of two options to indicate how your child will participate in school if LCPS begins the 2020-21 school year when Loudoun County is in Phase III. The deadline for submission of preference is now Wednesday, July 15 at 8:00 am. Students whose families do not select an option prior to the deadline will be enrolled in the Hybrid option.
LCPS Hotline: Community members are welcome to call 571-252-6499 with any questions about the status of school operations, current schedules, and the latest information on other topics. Calls will be answered until 5 p.m. on Monday. The hotline will operate between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
First day of school change: LCPS has changed the first day of school to September 8, 2020. We will continue to provide updates about the LCPS 2020-21 school calendar as we receive them. This start date is the first day of school no matter what model families select.
Heritage High School Scheduling Process: Administration is actively working to create a master schedule framework for students and staff for the 2020-2021 school year. We will obtain student learning and staff teaching preferences (hybrid or 100% distance learning) next week. Administration will use this information to adjust our master schedule to create individual student and teacher schedules. Keep in mind, we begin building a master schedule in April for the following year. It is the chief driver of everything that happens at a school and also, the most complicated piece of our organizational structure. Once we are able to get the schedule squared away, related items, such as academic resources in both models, Back to School Night/New Student Orientation, can start to fall into place, as well.
The Loudoun County School Board will be meeting next on Tuesday, July 21st, at 4 PM to continue to discuss planning for 2020-21 School Year, among other topics. More information about the meeting and how to watch it can be found here.
We appreciate your support and patience as we work through this process.
ROAR PRIDE!
Jeff Adam
Principal
Heritage High School
#wearethepride
Yearbook Information
The Yearbooks are IN!!
A Sign-Up Genius was sent out to those families that purchased a yearbook. No yearbooks are available for purchase. Only families that already purchased a yearbook will be able to pick theirs up during a designated time slot on Monday, July 13 and Tuesday, July 14. Families signed up for a timeslot between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on July 13 and July 14 to come pick up their yearbook. Pick up will be Curbside Pickup to help minimize the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19, and the yearbook will be placed in the trunk of your car. Pick up will occur rain or shine.
if you didn't get the Sign-Up Genius or could not sign up, please contact Ms. Simpson, our bookkeeper, by email at janice.simpson@lcps.org to arrange for another time/day to come by HHS to get your Yearbook.
For all families coming to Heritage, please do not come if you are running a fever or feeling sick. We can reschedule your pick-up.
What families who are coming to get their yearbooks on the 13th and 14th should know:
- When you arrive at Heritage, signage will direct you to drive by the main entrance at the front of the school.
- Please have your student's LEGAL FIRST AND LAST NAME written on a sign in the window of your car.
- Open the trunk of your car. Staff will place the yearbook in the trunk of your car.
- Families should stay in the car to ensure social distancing.
- Families that do not sign up for a slot on July 13 or July 14 will receive their yearbook once schools reopen for in-person learning.
- Families are welcome to make arrangements for someone else to pick up their student's yearbook, so long as they sign up for a timeslot on the Sign-Up Genius and display the student's legal first and last name in the car window.
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Class of 2021 (Senior) Information
Senior Portrait Information
You will be receiving an email from Heritage about Senior portraits and signing up for a time. We will not be using the shared drapes and gowns at this initial appointment due to concerns with virus transmission. Students should come in the personal attire they choose for their pictures, along with any changes of clothing for different poses. We are exploring the possibility of scheduling Cap and Gown-only sessions so families will have a chance to see and purchase those in the Spring.
Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and 2 – Senior portraits in the cafeteria
Oct. 5 & 6 – senior make up
Graduation 2021
This has not been scheduled yet, but as soon as it is, and we have a plan for it, I will let you know. Obviously, just as with Graduation 2020, much depends on physical distancing guidelines and the current state of health concerns. Although it will be here before we know it, there is still a lot of time between now and June, 2021, and as we are all well aware, a lot can change. However, now that we have seen all kinds of graduation ceremonies from inside Gyms to outside on the field to small, intimate individual ceremonies, I can assure you that we will do everything we can to make it meaningful for our graduates and families, because you deserve it!
Post-Secondary Support and College Application Process
Class of 2021, please be reassured that we will take a collaborative approach to post-secondary support and the college application process. You have not been forgotten by anyone at Heritage, and our School Counseling Department is committed to working with you and your family to help support you through your post-secondary planning, no matter which model families choose.
Senior Fees/Activities
Communication about Senior Fees/Activities will be communicated by mid-August once things begin to take shape regarding the calendar and what will be allowed under the current health and safety guidance.
Parking Passes
We do not have any information about parking passes yet or spaces, but we will let you know as soon as the decision is made on the Division level.
Census Reminder
- Special Education ($9.9 million/year)
- The National School Lunch Program ($8.5 million/year)
An undercount in your school's community would have major ramifications through the next census in 2030.
For our 9-12 graders
Heritage School Counseling is Growing
We look forward to welcoming Mr. Kevin Burke as an additional counselor to our Heritage School Counseling Team in the fall.
Mr. Burke comes to us from Riverside High School and is entering his 10th year as a high school counselor.
We are pleased that this addition to the team lowers the counselor to student ratio, with positive benefits for all.
Class of 2021, please be reassured that we will take a collaborative approach to post-secondary support and the college application process.
You will be well-taken care of!
The new counselor breakdown is as follows:
Ms. Zawistowski: A-Cha
Ms. Simpkins: Che-Gol
Mr. Burke: Gom-La
Mr. Jones: Le-Or
Ms. Brown: Os-Sme
Mr. Elder: Smi-Z
Summer Continuity of Education Resources
Tdap Requirement
Deadline for Course Change Requests
School Picture Dates
Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and 2 – Senior portraits in the cafeteria
Oct. 5 & 6 – senior make up
Sept. 14, 15 and 16 – Underclass portraits (14th is for Distance Learning students only-more information to come)
Oct. 7 – Underclass make up
For our 9th Graders only
Expunging Middle School Grades
Per the Program of Studies, the only opportunity to expunge a high school credit is between 8th and 9th Grade.
Important Reminders
Community Resources
Here is a list of Community Resources, as well, should you or someone you know need them:
CATHOLIC CHARITIES ST. LUCY FOOD PROJECT
703-443-2481
316 E. Market St. Leesburg
Monday-Thursday 9:30am-12:00pm
1st & 3ed Saturday 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
SALVATION ARMY SATURDAY MEAL DISTRIBUTION
4:00PM at Shenandoah Office Bldg. Parking lot
102 Heritage Way, Leesburg.
LOUDOUN HUNGER RELIEF
703-777-5911
750 Miller Dr., Suite A-1, Leesburg
Wed/Fri/Sat 10:00 am- 12:45 pm
TREE OF LIFE FOOD PANTRY
540-441-7920 Delivery service only
to areas 20175 & 20176
Leesburg deliveries Saturday only
Dinner Night: Tuesday 6:00pm-7:00pm
850 Edward Ferry Rd. NE, Leesburg.