Rock Ridge Phoenix
Week of 2/24/2020
Spring Sports Are Here!
Girl's Lacrosse begin February 24th at 4:15 p.m. on the stadium. Please make sure you bring layers, running shoes, cleats, goggles, mouth guard and lacrosse sticks.
Boys Lacrosse begin February 24th at 4:15 p.m. on turf 2. Please bring cleats, equipment, and layers for the weather. We have helmets for everyone.
Girls Soccer begin on 2/24 at 6pm. Please report to the main foyer by 5:45pm for check-in. All trying out will need to bring running shoes and cleats for each day of tryouts. Coach Whittington can be found in room 1612 for questions and more information can be found on Instagram - @rockridgewomenssoccer
Boys Soccer tryouts begin February 24th at 8:00 p.m. in the stadium. Please bring cleats, shin guards, and layers for weather.
Baseball tryouts will begin on 2/24 right after school at the baseball field. The locker room will be open before school to store your baseball equipment. Please contact Paul Koch(Paul.koch@lcps.org) if you have questions or need more information.
Boys Tennis tryouts are 2/24-2/26 from 4:15-6:00 on the courts. 2/27 and 2/28 will be rain dates.
Girls Tennis will start tryouts on Feb. 24, at 4:30 at the tennis courts. Please dress warm.
Track and Field will start on 2/24 at 4:25 on the track. Please dress for the weather and in running attire.
Softball will start on 2/24 at 4:15 p.m. on the softball field or in the gym depending on weather. Please bring cleats and running shoes and be prepared for both places.
This Week in Athletics!
Come cheer on Boys Basketball as the take on Freedom High in the playoffs at FHS on 2/25 at 7:00PM
Wishing all the best for Indoor track members competing at States on Friday and Saturday!
Career and Technical Education
Rock Ridge HS was recognized as “100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance” for the 2018-19 school year, released by Working in Support of Education (W!se). W!se is a leading educational nonprofit with a mission to develop the financial literacy of young Americans. Being placed on the “100 Best” ranking means that students at Rock Ridge HS earned outstanding scores on W!se’s national standardized Financial Literacy Certification Test.
To Learn More:
Potential Course Sequences // https://bit.ly/2urG7L5 (Case Sensitive)
Rock Ridge CTE // https://www.lcps.org/Page/129402
LCPS CTE // https://www.lcps.org/domain/45
If you have any questions regarding CTE programs or courses please email the CTE Department Chair, ben.stodola@lcps.org.
TEACHER CADET NEWS
Dear Rising Junior & Seniors ,
Did you know that the Teacher Cadet program is offered at Rock Ridge High School? It is a full year course offered to seniors who are thinking about a career in Education or working in a Field that involves children.
The Teacher Cadet Program is an exciting hands-on exploration of learning, teaching and schooling. You are involved in observations and a teaching Field Experience in feeder Elementary and Middle schools. You do NOT have to being going into a career in teaching to benefit from this class.
What are the benefits you ask?
- It’s an Honors weighted course.
- Dual Endorsement Course - You can receive 4 college credits from Shenandoah University upon successful completion.
- Scholarship opportunities
- 40-hour Field Experience in Elementary or Middle School
- Opportunity to observe and work with kids
- Educators Rising Membership – Including annual Lansdowne Conference and State Conference
- Prestige associated with being a Teacher Cadet
I hope you will strongly consider taking the Teacher Cadet Program your senior year.
Please see Mrs. Catello in L504 if you are interested in an application or finding out more information about the course.
Marketing Cooperative (Co-op) Education Program
Currently over 15 students are working a cooperative education position. Students in a co-op position have to work continuously throughout the year for a total of 280 hours starting July 1st. Students receive an additional credit (2 credits) for both the marketing course and co-op portion of the class. Students in the program have a marketing coordinator who works with the business supervisors to help create a positive working experience.
Consider the benefits of taking a Marketing Cooperative Education (co-op) course
- Students learn professionalism and workplace-specific skills in class.
- Students earn or are working toward industry certifications.
- Students earn school credit for employment, which links their on-site performance with academics through:
- annual hours requirements and continuous employment throughout school year
- quarterly performance evaluations (graded) as assessed by a manager
- quarterly academic projects (graded) supporting job site knowledge & skills
- Teachers connect with managers every 4 – 6 weeks, which provides opportunities for:
- constructive feedback & coaching
- employee improvement through student-teacher conferences
- enhanced personal and professional development
Students can become an employee who is continuously learning in the classroom and transferring those skills to their workplace environment! If you would like to learn more about the cooperative education program you can email Ben.Stodola@lcps.org, Rachael.Vesely@lcps.org or Sandra.Tucker@LCPS.org today!
School Counseling
Colleges to Know
Fisk University
Founded in 1866, shortly after the end of the Civil War, Fisk University is a historically black university and is the oldest institution of higher learning in Nashville, Tennessee. Fisk University produces graduates from diverse backgrounds with the integrity and intellect required for substantive contributions to society. Our curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts. Our faculty and administrators emphasize the discovery and advancement of knowledge through research in the natural and social sciences, business and the humanities. We are committed to the success of scholars and leaders with global perspective.
2020-2021 Course Selection Process:
Counselors will be in the 9th & 10th grade Health & PE classes the week of February 24th through February 28th to meet individually with students to complete scheduling and review the 4 year course plan. For students currently in 9th & 10th grade but not enrolled in Health & PE counselors will meet with them at a later time. For students and parent to plan for high school and beyond we have the “Ultimate High School Academic/Career Planning Guide” for families to use at home to organize future plans. Here is the link https://www.lcps.org/Domain/15590
The junior academic advising portal is open on the RRHS website for students to schedule their junior meetings. Junior students, please sign up here
Juniors will be able start their individual meetings the week of March 2nd and throughout the month of March. Juniors will review their graduation requirements and course work for the upcoming year, in addition discuss their post high school plans. Here is the link to the Junior Class Packet https://www.lcps.org/Domain/15590
Scholarships:
There can be scholarships for anything out there just search. Using Google, FastWeb, Big Future, Unigo, Cappex are a few. Never pay for a scholarship company to search for you. Some scholarships can be awarded at any student in high school not just seniors. Here is one:
This award is for U.S. residents in grades 9 through 12. Students must create a short video inspiring teens to be safe drivers. The award is $15,000 the deadline if February 26th 2020.
Here is a crazy one:
Asparagus Club Scholarships
Five scholarships awarded annually each for up to 4 semesters http://www.nationalgrocers.org/foundation/nga-foundation-scholarships/
Seniors you also should be checking Naviance to see all of the local scholarships that have been added.
Register NOW for the Seal of Biliteracy!
The Seal of Biliteracy is a State-recognized credential of proficiency in a language other than English. In addition to the academic and personal benefits of multilingualism, the SoB provides graduates with a certification to stand out in a globalized world. Seniors are eligible to graduate with this honor on their diplomas upon meeting an approved measure of proficiency. To facilitate eligibility, the Department of World Languages and Cultures offers both written and oral assessments in over 50 languages (including Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Thai). To view a full list of languages, please see the Testing Registration Form. The registration window will be open from February 18th- February 28th and testing will take place on March 17th during the school day. To pay for an assessment, please use the Rock Ridge Payment Portal. If you have questions, please email World Languages and Cultures Department Chair Wesleigh Mellott (wmellott@lcps.org).
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**
RRHS PTSO 2ND ANNUAL BINGO NIGHT - ENTER TO WIN THIS SIGNED BASEBALL BY WASHINGTON NATIONALS PITCHER STEPHEN STRASBURG! Exclusive to our 2020 BINGO Night!! Don't miss it! Join us for fun, prizes and food.
When: Saturday, February 29th; 7pm
Where: Rock Ridge High School
Rock Ridge High School's PTSO is looking for donations for our 2nd Annual BINGO Night. Prize items such as gift baskets, merchandise and gift cards are much-needed and greatly appreciated! Proceeds from this event directly benefit the PTSO, which supports the many extra-curricular and educational clubs and groups at Rock Ridge HS; Teacher Appreciation Week, the Annual All-Night Post-Graduation party for seniors and senior scholarships.
Your business will be recognized in appreciation with a feature on our Facebook page and appear on a slideshow that will run continuously throughout the BINGO event!
Thank you for your generosity and continued support of RRHS and the PTSO!
SPIRIT NIGHT – PANERA!
Bring your family and support the RRHS PTSO by joining us at PANERA!
When: Thursday, February 27th; 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: 43670 Greenway Corporate Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147
Bring the attached flyer, or show an electronic version, to the cashier when you place your order and a portion of the proceeds from your purchase will be donated to the PTSO.
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!
Career Center News!
Upcoming RRHS Visitors & Events
2/26: General NOVA Info Session – Seniors, if you are not in the NOVA Pathway program and are planning to attend NOVA in the Fall, please plan to attend this session. Our rep will cover important steps you need to take prior to registering for classes.
2/28: RRHS Alumni Jade Sammons will be at Rock Ridge to debunk all the myths about Greek life on college campuses. If you are interested in joining a sorority or fraternity in college this will be a great information session. (see attached)
Please sign up for all visits via Naviance which is on LCPSGo. As a reminder, your classwork is your priority.
3/5: Junior Parent Coffee – Paying for college. Space is limited. Please sign up here.
3/5-3/9: Juniors will be taking the Writing SOL. More information will be provided by their English teacher next week.
3/6: Job Readiness Workshop – This is open to all students in anticipation of the RRHS part time job, volunteer and internship 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.
News You Can Use
Top 100 best jobs from US News & World Reports
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:
Counselors will be in the 9th & 10th grade Health & PE classes the week of February 24th through February 28th to meet individually with students to complete scheduling and review the 4 year course plan. For students currently in 9th & 10th grade but not enrolled in Health & PE counselors will meet with them at a later time.
The junior academic advising portal is open on the RRHS website for students to schedule their junior meetings. Junior students, please sign up here
Juniors will be able start their individual meetings the week of March 2nd and throughout the month of March. Juniors will review their graduation requirements and course work for the upcoming year, in addition discuss their post high school plans.
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!
ASVAB – (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) – This test is scheduled at multiple high school locations over the next few months. You can register here.
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
3/28: 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
3/11: Rock Ridge High School Summer Job Fair – over 40 businesses will be on hand to accept applications for summer jobs, part time jobs, volunteer and internship opportunities. Please review the attached flyer for a sampling of businesses attending.
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
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
2/23: AKA-Lambda Kappa Omega – Estelle Gaymon Grant - $5,000
2/23: AKA-Lambda Kappa Omega – Historically Black College & University Grant - $2,000
2/23: AKA-Lambda Kappa Omega – Kozy Kap & Kerchiev - $5,000
2/23: AKA-EDF – STEM Grant - $5,000
2/24: The Girl Friends Fund Inc Scholarship (Open to African American students. See me for an application.)
2/27: The Dream.US National Scholarship
2/28: Psi Rho Omega Merit Scholarship
2/28: DC Chapter of National Naval Officers Association
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: NEW: Northwest Federal Credit Union Scholarships 5 different scholarships
3/15: NEW: Army Officers’ Spouses’ Club of Greater Washington Area
3/16: The Jewel College 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
3/26: 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
4/1: Army Emergency Relief – MG James Ursano Scholarship
4/1: Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship
4/1: Hampton University Alumni Association of Northern Virginia
4/1: NEW: Visionary Integration Professionals (FIP) Women in Technology Scholarship
4/1: Naval Officers Spouses Club of Washington, DC
4/2: Community Foundation for Northern Virginia–Charles Homer Barton Memorial 5 @ $4,000
4/2: Community Foundation for Northern Virginia – Elizabeth Koury Scholarship 2 @ $5,000
4/2: Community Foundation for Northern Virginia – Rose Koury Scholarship – 2 @ $5,000
4/2: Community Foundation for Northern Virginia –Vance International, Inc. 2 @ $500-$2,000
4/5: DC Area Phi Beta Kappa
4/9: NEW: Sadie O. Embrey Memorial Scholarship
4/15: C. Richard Walk Masonic Memorial Scholarship
4/15: Servant’s Heart – Joshua’s Hands Essay & Video Scholarships - 3 @ $1,000
4/15: Triple Point Security
4/15: Loudoun County Chapter of Izaak Walton League Conservation Scholarships
4/15: WMCCAI - Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute
4/17: Northern Virginia Kappa Achievement Foundation – Allia Watts Scholarship
4/17: Northern Virginia Kappa Achievement Foundation Scholarship
4/17: Northern Virginia Kappa Achievement Foundation-Clarice Elizabeth Abney Scholarship
4/17: Northern Virginia Kappa Achievement Foundation-JADE Scholarship
4/17: Northern Virginia Kappa Achievement Foundation-LT Charles Spencer
4/17: Northern Virginia Kappa Achievement Foundation-Kim Vismale
4/17: VESA (Virginia EL Supervisors Association) Scholarship
4/17: NEW: Sterling Soccer Club Scholarship
4/30: Ryan Bartel Foundation Acceptance of Others
5/1: VRLTAEF (Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association Education Foundation) Scholarships
5/1: Virginia Sheriff’s Institute Scholarship
5/1: NEW: Loudoun Valley Community Center Scholarship
5/3: Northern Virginia B’nai B’rith Sports Scholarship
5/31: Tronfeld West & Durrett Step by Step – 5 @ $1,500
Summer Programs
Early registration deadline is 2/14 but there should be later deadlines - https://girlswhocode.com/summer-immersion-programs/
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.
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
GreekLifeInfoSession.pdf