Rock Ridge Phoenix
Week of March 2nd, 2020
SENIORS!
Seniors!
Senior Dues
We still have a few outstanding payments for Senior Dues; the payment for Cap and Gown, Diploma, Senior Tee-shirt and other graduation expenses. If you have not yet paid please contact liz.grainger@lcps.org to arrange payment. Payment should be made at the Senior Dues section of the online school payment portal.
AP Tests
Exam adds and drops will not be permitted after March 6th 2020. Refunds requested before this date will exclude a $40 non-refundable fee. Adds will incur an additional $40 Late fee. Requests for either adds or drops should be directed to liz.grainger@lcps in School Counselling ASAP.
Senior Trip
The Senior Trip will be to Hershey Park on June 8th. The cost of the trip will include bus transportation and entrance tickets and will be announced at the beginning of March. Please ask your students to check the RRHS Social Media sites for information.
PROM 2020!
The Junior Class Officers have already begun planning Prom 2020, and this year's prom theme is Rio Carnival. Prom is Friday, April 17 f from 8pm to 12am at the Dulles Hilton. Permission forms will be available March 16, and ticket sales will be March 30-April 3 and April 16-17. Please email Susan Spengeman or Ashley Storm with any questions.
THIS WEEK IN ATHLETICS!
Wednesday March 4th
Athletic Booster Meeting, 7 p.m. Athletic Conference Room
Thursday March 5th
Girls Tennis Scrimmage @ John Handley, 4 p.m. Bus departs at 2 p.m. Early Release at 1:45 p.m.
Varsity Boys Lacrosse vs. Wakefield Scrimmage, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday March 11th
Spring Sports Pictures 4 – 6:30 p.m.
Spring Sports Parent Meeting – 7 p.m. Main Gym.
CAREER CENTER NEWS!
Upcoming RRHS Visitors & Events
3/3: Student Holiday
3/4: US National Guard – During A Lunch
3/5: Junior Parent Coffee – Paying for college. Space is limited. Please sign up here.
3/5: US Army – During A Lunch
3/4-3/5: SOL Testing - with additional days scheduled for those who attend the Academies
- Students were emailed the details for both of their testing days, Wednesday, February 26th… please check your LCPS emails!
- Please bring charged Chromebooks, or ThinkPads if you attend the Academies, as well as chargers on both of your test days
- If you are scheduled for an afternoon test session (12:30 PM), you will need to leave your 2nd or 6th block early to attend a tester’s lunch at 12noon.
- The May SOL schedule is available at the end of this newsletter.
3/6: Job Readiness Workshop – This is open to all students in anticipation of the RRHS Part Time/Summer Job Fair on 3/11. This event will be during Rock Block and you must sign up. Passes will be distributed by your Rock Block teacher.
3/11: Rock Ridge High School Part time/Summer Job Fair – over 40 businesses will be on hand to accept applications for summer jobs, part time jobs, volunteer and internship opportunities. There are jobs available starting at 14 years of age. The attached doc provides a list of the businesses. There is no need to sign up.
3/18: Richard Bland College – Onsite Admissions decisions. There is still time to apply to Richard Bland College. They are a two year, residential college partnered with the College of William & Mary. RBC offers generous scholarship for Pell Grant eligible students. If interested in applying, please see me in the Career Center.
News You Can Use
Seniors, if you have been procrastinating it is time to get your FAFSA done! Many school deadlines, including NOVA is March 1st.
Juniors – interested in High Point University in NC? Please see me in the Career Center to see if you qualify for a scholarship to High Point as a Junior.
2020-2021 Course Selection Process:
The junior academic advising portal is open on the RRHS website for students to schedule their junior meetings. Junior students, please sign up here
May 1st: FINAL day to submit course changes.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When thinking about next year's schedule, keep in mind balance. As a student, you are often pulled in many directions and find that you must balance academic challenge, numerous (and sometimes competing) extracurricular commitments, family and work obligations, available time, stress and personal joy of learning in life. We want all students to select a course schedule that will provide them with a level of challenge to stretch themselves and pursue individual interests. We do not want schedule choices to harm your quality of life or your ability to grow as a healthy (emotionally, mentally, physically, and socially) teenager.
Seniors – As your decision letters (accepted or denied) come in please send me a copy or drop off a copy in the Career Center. Having your decision letters will help ensure the validity of the Scattergrams for future classes. In addition, if you received merit, athletic or talent scholarships with your acceptance, please share that information with me too. We are required to report all scholarship money offered to LCPS. I really appreciate your help with this request!
NEW: The RRHS PTSO has partnered with Revolution Prep to over both the ACT and SAT on April 18th. Yes, it’s the day after prom but this is a great opportunity for sophomores and juniors to assess how they will do without spending a lot of money. It’s only $15 and all proceeds go to the PTSO. You will choose one of the test to take. See the attached flyer.
Spring Open Houses
3/27, 4/3, 4/10 & 4/17: Case Western Open Houses
4/10: U of Mary Washington Open Houses
3/14: CNU Open House
3/21 & 3/22: VT Open Houses
3/21: SCAD Info Session
3/28: George Washington U Diversity Open House
4/3: Hampton U High School Day 2020
4/4: UVA Engineering Open House
4/18: ODU Open House
Upcoming Local Events.
3/3 & 4/1 - ASVAB – (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) – With 3/3 being a student holiday the ASVAB is offered at two local high schools. You can register here.
3/18: Junior College Panel at John Champe High School. See attached flyer.
3/18: Northern Virginia Community College is hosting a Career Exploration Fair for high school students to explore CTE and STEM programs and certifications. The fair will include an overview of enrollment, programs of study, and student services. Advance registration is required at career.novastem.us/explore by February 28, 2020.
3/21: “Rise to Know” Summit at Rock Ridge. This is the second year led by Jessica Berg. It’s an inspiring and empowering day. Come hear from amazing women such as author Amy Reed, Commonwealth’s Attorney: Buta Buberaj, Board of Supervisors Chair: Phyllis Randall, Delegate: Suhas Subramanyam (D-87th District) and many more. This is a free event but please register here.
4/1: Northern Virginia Regional College Fair Not required but ideally students should pre-register here.
4/4: Air Force ROTC Info Session at the U of MD – this applies to students interested in pursuing ROTC at NOVA.
4/19: Baltimore/Greater Washington STEM College & Career Fair. Register here.
4/29: Military Fair at Independence High School. All branches, the Academies and ROTC programs will be represented. This event is open 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
SCHOLARSHIPS:
The RRRHS PTSO offers four generous scholarships and a senior may apply for all four scholarships. The student/family must be a PTSO member by April 1st. Scholarship applications are due 4/17.
The RRHS Athletic Boosters also recognize graduating seniors through several different scholarships. The student/family must be an Athletic Booster member by April 1st. Scholarship applications are due 4/26.
Applications for both the PTSO and Athletic Boosters can be found in the hallway in front of the Career Center.
Newly Added Scholarships in Naviance: Home > Colleges (top right) > Scholarships & Money > Scholarship List
3/1: Storer College National Alumni Assoc – Virginia Union University
3/2: The Air Force Officers Spouses Club Scholarship
3/2: Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Scholarships
3/12: Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship (applies to NOVA students)
3/12: Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship
3/13: Refined like Sea Glass Essay Scholarship - $500
3/13: Granville P. Mead Scholarship
3/15: IET Diversity Scholars Program
3/15: Northwest Federal Credit Union Scholarships 5 different scholarships
3/15: Army Officers’ Spouses’ Club of Greater Washington Area
3/16: The Jewel College Scholarship
3/20: NEW: New Dominion Section-National Council of Negro Women Scholarship
3/23: Community Foundation for Northern Virginia–Booz Allen Hamilton Vision - 5 @ $3,000
3/25: Leesburg Garden Club
3/25: JP Popovich #JustkeePswimming Memorial Scholarship
3/25: Dulles International Airport Rotary–LeRoy Collins Memorial Scholarship
3/25: Air Force Retired Officers Community Falcons Landing Scholarships 15 @ $5,000
3/25: Dr. Juergen Reinhardt Memorial Scouting Scholarship is offering one scholarship of $1,000
3/25: Debbie Settle Scholarship Foundation
3/25: Gavin Rupp “I Promise 15” Scholarships
3/25: Loudoun Association of School Librarians (LASL) Scholarship
3/25: LEA (Loudoun Education Association) for those students pursuing a 4 year degree in Education
3/25: Loudoun Retired Educators Association Scholarship
3/25: Loudoun County Deputy Sheriff’s Association Scholarship
3/25: Loudoun County Beat the Odds Scholarship
3/25: Loudoun Educators Foundation – Elaine Avington Griffin Unsung Educators Scholarship
3/25: Loudoun Soccer Scholarships
3/25 Madison Small Scholarships
3/25: Master Singers of Virginia is offering one, $1,000 scholarship
3/25: Virginia Tech Alumni Association
3/25: NEW: CFLNFC - Blair & Mike Pirrello Vocational Scholarship
3/26: Jeffrey C. Fowler Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
3/27: WISER (Washington Independent Services for Educational Resources)
3/29: Ira Dorsey Scholarship by Xi Alpha Lambda Chapter – up to $2,000
3/31: Virginia State University Alumni Association
3/31: Sigma Mu Mu Chapter 942 Scholarship
3/31: Legacy of Life Essay or Video Scholarship - $5,000
3/31: Loudoun First Responders Scholarship
Summer Programs
3/13: NEW - Cisco High School STEM Externship – Open to Juniors and Seniors. See attached flyer for more details.
4/1: Rising Juniors and Seniors, VT Black College Institute applications are now open. These 3 and 5 day summer programs are free to participants. You can learn more and register here.
4/16: The Virginia Latino Higher Education Network’s Hispanic College Institute (HCI) is a free 4-day, overnight program that gives you the opportunity to learn about the college admissions process while meeting Latinx professionals and engaging with Latinx college students from all over our Commonwealth.
4/3: The Leading Ladies Initiative provides qualified and selected participants who are rising sophomores, juniors and seniors in Loudoun County high school's with a STEM internship opportunity
FAQs
What are the Common App Essay prompts for 2020-2021? The Common App Essay prompts for 2020-2021 will remain the same as this year. Learn more here.
Attachments:
JCHScollege admissions panel.JPG
Rock Ridge HS SAT and ACT Practice Tests 4182020.pdf
CiscoHigh2020appinfo.pdf
2020 Job Fair Business Matrix 003.docx
PTSO NEWS!
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 5th at 7pm in the RRHS Library
**Meetings are held on the 1st Thursdays of every month at 7pm in the RRHS Library**
SAT/ACT PRACTICE TESTS - The RRHS PTSO is offering SAT/ACT practice tests for all interested students – freshman, sophomores, junior and seniors!!!
This is a GREAT way to see where you might need some additional help without the cost. The $15 fee goes entirely to the RRHS PTSO so it’s a win-win! All testing will be held on site at Rock Ridge High School.
Revolution Prep - Please click here to register https://www.revolutionprep.com/partners/100426/.
SAT and ACT PRACTICE TEST –Saturday, April 18, 2020
SPIRIT NIGHT – COAL FIRE!
Bring your family and support the RRHS PTSO by joining us at COAL FIRE!
When: Thursday March 26th; 11:30am – 10:00pm
Where: 24560 Dulles Landing Dr. Sterling VA
20% of dine in, carry-out and catering sales will go directly to: Rock Ridge High PTSO! Bring the attached flyer, or show an electronic version, to the cashier when you place your order.
MEMBERSHIP
For the PTSO to fund all the events and activities that benefit our RRHS Students, Faculty and Staff; we need your help! Please consider joining the PTSO today.
Family membership dues are only $30. Faculty membership dues are only $10. Please click here to sign up and pay for membership online: https://www.lcps.org/Page/195605. You can also pay for membership by logging on to the LCPS online payment portal: https://osp.osmsinc.com/LoudounVA/BVModules/CategoryTemplates/Detailed%20List%20with%20Properties/Category.aspx?categoryid=DB106.
Don't forget to link your Harris Teeter grocery store card! It's free and easy - all you have to do is send your name and phone number (or store rewards number) to bod@rrhsptso.com. By linking your rewards cards and accounts, a portion of all of your grocery store purchases will benefit RRHS PTSO. (Tell grandparents and family members, too! We can link any and all family members.)
Help us reach our goal of 100% membership this year!
COUNSELING NEWS!
Seniors:
Scholarship season is in full swing. Please view the scholarship available in Naviance.
Are you a good artist? Good writer ? Then the greeting card scholarship is for you. A $10,000 scholarship is awarded to the winner. Go here
https://www.gallerycollection.com/greeting-cards-scholarship.htm.
Colleges to Know:
Grambling State University:
Grambling State University combines the academic strengths of a major university with the benefits of a small college, a combination that enables our students to grow and learn in a serene and positive environment.In addition to being one of the country’s top producers of African American graduates and the top producer of Computer Information Science grads in Louisiana, Grambling is the home of the internationally-renowned Tiger Marching Band and the legendary college football coach Eddie Robinson, Sr., whose tenure is memorialized in a campus museum, funded and operated by the state of Louisiana. GSU is a member of the University of Louisiana System and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Also listed on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail, Grambling State University is steeped in history, with a longstanding tradition of excellence, Grambling State University continues to emphasize the value and importance of each student, exemplified by our motto: Where Everybody Is Somebody.
2020-2021 Course Selection Process:
Any 9th and 10th grade student not seen during PE this last week we will call down to counseling ti finish choosing courses for next year all this week.
The junior academic advising portal is open on the RRHS website for students to schedule their junior meetings. Junior students, please sign up here
May 1st: FINAL day to submit course changes.
Important dates:
See the Naviance e-mail for more important dates
3/6: Job Readiness Workshop – This is open to all students in anticipation of the RRHS Part Time/Summer Job Fair on 3/11. This event will be during Rock Block and you must sign up. Passes will be distributed by your Rock Block teacher.
3/11: Rock Ridge High School Part time/Summer Job Fair – over 40 businesses will be on hand to accept applications for summer jobs, part time jobs, volunteer and internship opportunities. There are jobs available starting at 14 years of age. The attached doc provides a list of the businesses. There is no need to sign up.
3/18: Richard Bland College – Onsite Admissions decisions. There is still time to apply to Richard Bland College. They are a two year, residential college partnered with the College of William & Mary. RBC offers generous scholarship for Pell Grant eligible students. If interested in applying, please see me in the Career Center.