Judges' Docket
Weekly JHHS Newsletter from Principal Kablan - 12/11/2020
New Synchronous Learning Schedule
Happy Hanukkah!
A message from Carl Rush, WPS Equity and Community Engagement Coordinator
December is the time of year that most are focusing on being jolly and cheerful.
For our Jewish students, families, and ones who celebrate; Hanukkah is an important festival celebrated during the month December.
Hanukkah is the eight-day Jewish celebration also called the festival of lights. The date for this festival changes according to the lunar calendar, but it always begins in November or December. This year, Hanukkah begins in the evening on December 10th and ends in the evening on December 18th.
The Hebrew word Chanukah means “rededication”. Hanukkah celebrates the victory of a small band of Jewish fighters, led by Judah the Maccabee, who battled Syrian-Greek forces in 167 BCE for the right to observe Jewish customs. It also commemorates the liberation and rededication of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. In the temple was a menorah (a candelabrum), meant to burn day and night to symbolize the light of God’s presence. When the Maccabees went to relight it, they found only enough clean oil for one night. Miraculously, it instead lasted for eight days, until new oil could be prepared.
To symbolize the miracle, Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting a candle on the nine-branch menorah at sunset each night of the festival. A Hanukkah menorah, usually placed in a window or doorway, is called a Hanukkiah. Most observers will say a blessing as the menorah is lit and may sing traditional songs afterwards. Hanukkiot (plural) are also lit in synagogues and other public places.
In commemoration of the legendary oil, it is a Hanukkah tradition to eat fried foods. Latkes (potato pancakes) are a favorite, as are sufganiyot (fried jelly doughnuts).
Hanukkah has also evolved into a gift-giving holiday for some. Families have different traditions, but children tend to receive a small gift on each of the festival’s eight days.
To our Jewish students and families, Chag Sameach!
Attention Parents of Distance Learners
Choir Shirts and Secret Santa Gifts (Choir students only)
Mrs. Law will be available on the Handley Circle steps on Wednesday, December 16th to hand out purchased choir shirts and collect Secret Santa gifts for Distance Learners. Times are: 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Please email her at law@wps.k12.va.us with any questions.
Virtual College Visits on Wednesday, December 16th
Admissions counselors from 2 colleges will be here for a virtual visit with Handley students on December 16th:
- Shepherd University at 2:00
- Potomac State/WVU at 2:30
Google Meet links are posted on your student's Canvas page. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about campus life, academics, Metro funding, and WVU transfer.
Credit Card Payment Option for Dual Enrollment
Good news!
Many of you have asked that Handley offer a credit card paying option for Dual enrollment. Now we do!
Simply create a Myschoolbucks account. Here is a document that will give you step-by-step directions for creating an account.
Remember, you can also pay for Dual enrollment courses using cash, money order, or check (made out to JHHS). Information about Spring Dual Enrollment registration will be mailed out next week.
Contact Ms. Tilling if you have questions. tillingt@wps.k12.va.us
Library News
Get To Know our Digital Resources
Research anyone? Did you know JHHS students have access to some of the best online databases available? Visit the JHHS LMC Online Databases page to see all we have to offer. This week, we are spotlighting our Infobase Learning databases. Play this Research Detective Game to explore these valuable resources!
LMC Club
The LMC Club will meet via Google Meet on Wednesday, Dec. 16th, at 2 PM. Join us on Google Classroom for more information using the Classroom Code fennhie. All are welcome!
Seniors, Be Sure To Place Your Cap and Gown Order
Attention Seniors! Time is running out to take advantage of the group discount rate for your senior graduation apparel, announcements, class rings and caps and gowns.
To order JUST a Cap and Gown, clicking here will take you directly to that page on the Jostens website.
Click here to go to browse all Jostens graduation products, call 1-800-jostens to place your order as soon as possible. Payment options are available.
Virtual College Tours Being Offered by Many
Almost every college and university is offering virtual tours.
Simply Google “Virtual College Tours…” and the name of the university you want to visit.
Here are links to some of Virginia colleges' virtual tours:
Virginia Commonwealth University VCU Visit VCU
Christopher Newport University Visit CNU
University of Virginia UVA Visit UVA
Old Dominion University ODU Visit ODU
Longwood University Visit Longwood
George Mason University Visit GMU
Hampton University Visit Hampton
James Madison University Visit JMU
Mary Washington University Visit MW
Virginia State University Visit VSU
Radford University Visit Radford
Virginia Tech Visit VT
William & Mary Visit W&M
Shepherd University Visit Shepherd
Potomac State Visit Potomac State
West Virginia University Visit WVU
Norfolk State University Visit NSU
PTSO Corner
Are you looking for holiday gift ideas? Check out the PTSO Boon Supply fundraiser beginning on Monday 11/23 until Monday 12/14 by clicking the link below. Lots of great gift ideas delivered to your door. You might find something for yourself as well! Thank you in advance for your support! We hope to continue to support our staff and students with the funds we receive.
https://www.boonsupply.com/collections/612504-jhhs-ptso-fundraiser
Graduation Date Set for Friday, June 18, 2021
YES Abroad Program
Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the YES Abroad program offers American high school students the chance to live with host families and study for one academic year in countries that may include: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, North Macedonia, Philippines, Senegal, Thailand, and Turkey. Living with a host family and attending a local school, participants promote mutual understanding between the United States and the host country by forming lasting relationships with the local community.
Take a look at our student and alumni stories, here. Feel free to share this opportunity with fellow educators, school administrators, and your students. We would be happy to send informational digital or printed materials for your classroom –reach us at yesabroad@afsusa.org or 646-751-2151!
Interested students can learn more on our website or reach our applicant advising staff at yesabroad@afsusa.org or 646-751-2151!
Start an application for the 2021-22 academic year by clicking here!
Learn more about the program and what our students are up to our website and social media pages:
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at 646-751-2151 or emailing yesabroad@afsusa.org.
Bus Transportation Requests
Beginning next Monday, 2nd - 12th grade families can request bus transportation. This is on a first come first serve basis and will be dependent on the specific bus capacity. Contact your school's registrar to be added to the list.
Opportunities to Apply for Holiday Community Help
Free Meals Available on Wednesdays!
During the 2020-2021 school year, free meals for all students will be available for pickup at each school on Wednesdays from 11 am until 1 pm. Students do not need to be present for meal pick up and no documentation is required.
Students will receive one breakfast and one lunch for each day they are not physically in school.
- Hybrid schedule students will receive 3 breakfasts and 3 lunches.
- 100% Distance Learning students will receive 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches.
You can pick up meals for all your children at one single school.
Please fill this form. This will help us with planning our food orders and labor requirements. Thank you for your help!
Summer Residential Governor's School Programs 2021
This information is for only 10th and 11th Grade Students and Parents:
Click here for information on Summer Residential Governor’s School Programs for 2021.
2020-21 Local Scholarship Application for Seniors
Application deadline is Friday, January 15th at 3:30 PM. No late applications will be accepted.
Scholarship Opportunities for Seniors
Seniors,
The Handley Counseling Office is excited to share with you some college scholarship opportunities. Please be mindful of the Due Date column. We will update this information as we learn of other scholarships, so please check back often. This information is also on the Counseling Website and on Canvas. Click here for the list of scholarships:
If you have any questions, please contact your counselor.