Weekly Update
November 3, 2023
LOUDOUN VALLEY PILLARS
LOUDOUN VALLEY MISSION, VISION, COLLECTIVE COMMITMENTS
STUDENTS PARKING IN THE BAND PRACTICE LOT
AP TESTING INFORMATION
We are pleased that your student has chosen to take an Advanced Placement (AP) course this year and want to assist you in planning for the AP exam, which will be administered in person, at school, May 6-17, 2024. Students must register for an AP test by Friday, November 3 at 5:00PM. This can be done on the College Board’s website at AP Students | College Board. Requests received after that date may result in a $40 late fee, per test. Students who register for a test but do not take it may be charged a $40 unused test fee.
The AP exam administration schedule is included below. If your student attends the Academies of Loudoun and plans to register for an AP exam, please refer to the Academies of Loudoun AP Exam Registration Guidance Document.
This year, College Board is offering an in-school digital AP Exam option in the following subjects:
AP Computer Science Principles
AP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition
AP United States History
AP World History: Modern
The digital exams are full length, proctored exams, administered on the same day/time as corresponding paper exams. Students will have the option to decide which format they would like to take and will need to let their AP teacher know by Friday, November 3. Students who do not make a decision will automatically be registered for a digital exam. More information about the in-school digital exams can be found on the College Board’s website.
Students must provide their own transportation to school on the day of testing. Morning exams begin at 7:30 AM and afternoon exams begin at 12:00 PM, with exams lasting about 4 hours. Students may not be dismissed from an exam until all students have finished testing, per College Board regulations. Please make every effort to schedule vacations, appointments, or other activities on dates that do not conflict with the test administration dates, as make-up testing is permitted for verified emergencies only.
Loudoun County Public Schools will pay for up to four AP tests, per enrolled student, for the duration of their high school tenure. After those four, students, parents, and/or guardians are responsible for all financial obligations, the exception being students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Each exam is $89.00, with the exception of AP Seminar and AP Research, which are $137.00. Students are encouraged to contact their post-secondary institutions of interest to determine whether they accept AP scores for credit or course promotion.
Additional information for parents and students can be accessed through the College Board’s site and the LCPS website. If you have further questions about AP exams, please contact LVHS student’s Testing Coordinator, Melissa Stecura at melissa.stecura@lcps.org.
April 30, 2024 (11:59 p.m. ET) is the deadline for:
AP Computer Science Principles students to submit their Create performance task as final.
Occasionally, circumstances make it necessary for students to test late. To preserve the security of AP Exams, alternate forms are used for late testing. All students who are approved to participate in late testing at a given school must take these alternate exams on the scheduled late-testing dates at the scheduled times. See the Late Testing Information for additional details and schedule.
TESTING COORDINATOR
Ms. Stecura is Loudoun Valley’s School Testing Coordinator. Her office is located in the main office. The best way to contact Ms. Stecura is through email at melissa.stecura@lcps.org.
The LVHS Testing Website has more information about testing.
LCPS Pre-IB: A new opportunity at Loudoun Valley to challenge students to think deeply about the world around them, both from a local and international perspective.
Loudoun Valley High School is continuing its journey towards become an International Baccalaureate World School offering the Diploma Program and our first step in this process is our current offering of the LCPS Pre-International Baccalaureate program (LCPS Pre-IB) which has started this school year.
We are excited to be offering this program and want to connect you with resources to give you a sense of where we are in our process of becoming an IB World School and what it means for you and for Loudoun Valley High School. Please visit our websites for more information.
All students who attend Loudoun Valley High School and are currently in 9th or 10th grade have access to the LCPS Pre-IB Program! If a student or parent is interested in more information, visit our website below.
Loudoun Valley High School Website: Www.lcps.org/lvhib
County Website - LCPS Pre-IB: Www.lcps.org/ib
If a student who is currently enrolled in Loudoun Valley High School is interested in being a part of the LCPS Pre-IB program they need only email Michael.skvarch@lcps.org with their interest.
All questions regarding the LCPS Pre-IB program or the International Baccalaureate Program should be sent to Michael.skvarch@lcps.org
At Loudoun Valley High School, we value teaching and learning and we reflect often on ways to improve and grow as a school community. Our Valley teachers, staff, and students have indicated a common theme that must be addressed as we prepare for this upcoming school year: student cell phone and earbud use in class. This year teachers have expressed concerns with students’ use of cell phones and the impacts it has had on engagement in instruction, opportunities to build collaborative relationships with peers, and building and utilizing critical thinking skills.
For the 23-24 school year, our school wide expectation is that students place their cell phones and earbuds in the designated space in each classroom. Phones will not be accessible during instructional time or Viking Time. Students may use their phones and earbuds during class changes, study hall, and lunch.
Students are not permitted to bring cell phones to the bathroom. Students should use all LCPS provided apps on their LCPS provided Chromebooks such as e-hallpass and Remind.
If students need to communicate with parents, coaches, employers, etc., they should do so during passing periods or lunch. If it is an immediate concern, students may go to the main office. Likewise, if you need to reach your student for an emergency, please contact the main office.
We ask that you begin having this conversation with your students now so they can start to understand these new changes in our Valley practices at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year.
For additional information and resources to support your student in this transition, please see below from the LVHS United Mental Health Team. This is a rich resource with helpful information and we invite you to take a moment to look through it.
https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/youth-mental-health/social-media/index.html
This initiative for the 23-24 school year is a collective and collaborative effort with the LVHS leadership team, teachers, students, administrators, and counselors. Together, we can work to strengthen learning engagement for students and improve their opportunities to go deeper in developing important life and learning skills.
FOLLOW OUR COUNSELING DEPARTMENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @valleyschoolcounseling
STUDY SKILLS & ACADEMIC MOTIVATION PRESENTATIONS
LCPS MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
This website offers comprehensive mental health services, support and resources provided by our Unified Mental Health Teams (counselors, psychologists, social workers, school nurses, and student assistance specialists) who can assist and direct families to the right level of services or interventions.
Available information includes:
- How to contact your school’s Unified Mental Health Team
- Resources for parents
- Suicide prevention resources
- LCPS mental and behavioral health services
- Substance use prevention and intervention services
- Resources for families of LGBTQ+ students and families
- Community resources
To access the mental health website created by the Department of Student Services, please visit: www.lcps.org/MentalHealthServices
MEET YOUR UNIFIED MENTAL HEALTH TEAM
MEET YOUR UNIFIED MENTAL HEALTH TEAM
As we approach Mental Health Awareness Month, Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) and the Unified Mental Health Team (UMHT) at Loudoun Valley want to remind you of the opportunities and resources available to students and families. The Loudoun Valley Unified Mental Health Team supports the mental health of all Loudoun Valley students.
SUBSTANCE USE RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Trends Presentation: Current drug trends among adolescents
Summer Resources: Substance use Inpatient/Outpatient resources
FENTANYL AWARENESS
RECOVERY FROM VAPING
VAPING: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
Recorded parent presentation from 10/16/23:
Vaping and Other Substance Use Trends: What Parents Need to Know
If you have questions about the presentation or about anything related to substance use, please contact Amy Emery, LPC, Student Assistance Specialist at amy.emery@lcps.org or 540-751-2423.
BLAST APPLICATIONS
GIRLS WHO CODE CLUB
Clubs meet at Loudoun Valley Community Center Club
Middle School - Ages 11 - 14 - Tuesdays - 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
December 5th, 2023 - May 28, 2024 201315-01
High School - Ages 14 - 18 - Saturdays - 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
December 9th, 2023 - May 25th, 2024 201315-02
STEP UP LOUDOUN YOUTH COMPETITION
The Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition presents middle and high school students an opportunity to identify an issue in their communities and implement a solution as they contribute to the world around them.
Registration for the Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition is now open. You will find information about SULYC and the link for the application at: www.loudounyouth.org under Programs: Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition.
UPCOMING COLLEGE VISITS
Naval Recruiter
Monday, November 6
12:30p.m.
Bridgewater College
Wednesday, November 8th
2:25p.m.
NOVA EARLY ONLINE COLLEGE OPPORTUNITIES FOR JUNIORS AND SENIORS
Start your college career early with online courses at NOVA! Early Online College (EOC) allows high school juniors or seniors attending Alexandria City Public Schools, Arlington Public Schools, Fairfax County Public Schools, Loudoun County Public Schools, and Prince William County Public Schools the opportunity to take up to two tuition-free college courses for Spring 2024 semester.
The Spring 2024 Early Online College (EOC) registration opens Monday, October 23, 2023, and the registration deadline is Monday, January 8, 2024 at 5:00 PM, EST. These 12-week NOVA Online courses will run asynchronously from January 30 – April 22, 2024.
Registration steps for the EOC program are linked here: https://www.nvcc.edu/online-early-college.
Additionally, NOVA launched a Career Studies Certificate (CSC) through EOC this past fall 2023 (see attached). The IT Technical Support CSC is an employable certificate that also prepares students for 5 industry certifications.
The EOC spring 2024 course roster is as follows:
ARA 101- Beginning Arabic I
ARA 102- Beginning Arabic II
ART 102- History of Art: Renaissance to Modern
CST 110- Introduction to Human Communication
ECO 201- Principles of Macroeconomics
ECO 202- Principles of Microeconomics
HIS 112- History of World Civilization post-1500
ITE 152 (part of the IT Technical Support CSC) - Introduction to Digital and Information Literacy and Computer Applications
ITN 101 (part of the IT Technical Support CSC) - Introduction to Network Concepts
MUS 121- Music in Society
REL 100- Introduction to the Study of Religion
SDV 100 (part of the IT Technical Support CSC) - College Success Skills
SOC 200- Introduction to Sociology
NOVA PATHWAYS TO CAREERS
FINANCIAL AID 101 & FAFSA SIMPLIFICATION - VIRTUAL
Financial Aid 101 & FAFSA Simplification withJack Zegeer, NOVA Campus Financial Aid Manager:
- Wednesday, November 29, 2023
- 6 to 7:30pm
- Zoom link: https://vccs.zoom.us/j/84551543890
COAST GUARD ACADEMY GENESIS INVITATIONAL
Genesis Invitational at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT
The Genesis Invitational is an overnight program for students of color and first generation senior high school students. The program offers a comprehensive look at the cadet experience with special focus on making a seamless transition to college life. Participants are asked to meet a few criteria before registering. If they meet the criteria listed below, please follow up right away and register. Space is limited!
- Cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Taking pre-calculus or calculus in high school
- Plan to enroll in college next fall
- Height proportionate to weight and in good health.
Learn more and register for an upcoming session today!
NHS APPLICATION PROCESS
NHS TUTORING
NHS chapter is continuing its peer tutoring program, with goals of increasing the usage and awareness of the program. Our goal is to support you and our fellow students by providing NHS tutors to supplement a student’s learning process.
NHS members have indicated the subject areas in which they feel comfortable tutoring, ranging from World History to Calculus BC! Students will have the opportunity to directly fill out a Google Form to request a peer tutor and will then be connected to someone who fits their needs.
Here is the link to the form which students may use to request a tutor: https://forms.gle/hBt5dh76EvWF2kVB6
Tutors will facilitate the learning process with a strong emphasis on academic integrity.
FINAL SENIOR PICTURE DAYS
SENIORS receive their ID cards when they have their senior portraits taken. Senior yearbook portraits are free! Seniors who have not yet had a photo taken will receive an appointment card and email notification from Prestige/Lifetouch. Prestige will be at Valley Nov. 2 and 6 for the final opportunity for senior portraits and retakes. Use the online scheduling program via www.schedule.prestigeportraits.com to reserve an appointment. If you don’t have your 8-digit code, you can search by city and state. Be sure to use Purcellville, Virginia (not Loudoun Valley) when you search. If you have any questions or need help scheduling, please call Prestige Scheduling at 1-800-736-4753. Chat help is also available online at the above site.
Seniors who previously had a photo taken will not be in the fall scheduling system. If a senior needs a retake, they should reach out to Mrs. Adwers ASAP for help: sadwers@lcps.org.
EXPECTATIONS FOR THOSE IN ATTENDANCE AT LOUDOUN VALLEY VIKING HOME ATHLETIC EVENTS
- The TicketSpicket App is to be used for ticket purchase. Ticket cost is $7.00 per person.
- No outside drinks of any kind are allowed into the stadium or gym areas.
- No backpacks or equipment bags will be allowed in the stadium or the gym areas.
- No balls, footballs, sticks, skate boards, frisbees, etc are allowed inside the stadium or the gym areas.
- No throwing and/or playing any games on campus – including inside the stadium or gym areas during the games.
- If you come to the games you are expected to sit in the stands, watch the games and support the Valley Viking teams; walking around in groups is not allowed - parents will be called for pickup if this occurs.
Thank you for your contributions to a safe and pleasant experience for all Viking fans and players.
~Loudoun Valley High School Admin Team
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to Cross Country Regional Champions :
Girls
1st - Ella Peterson
2nd - Harper Bartlett
5th - Eryn Lackey
9th - Mayleen Hyett
Boys
2nd - Ty Blair
6th - Max Panica
10th - Rylan Wells
The teams will be continuing to states November 11th at Oatlands!
Congratulations to the Field Hockey team on winning the Regional semifinal and making it to the regional finals!
Congratulations to the Varsity football team for making the playoffs again this year. For the first time since 2014, we will have a HOME playoff game on November 10th.
WINTER SPORTS TRYOUTS
Winter sport tryouts Nov 6th - Nov 8th - please see www.valleyvikingsport.org
for more information and complete your registration and physical forms.
Winter sport Parent meeting November 15th at 7PM auditorium
Before the meeting, grab Chipotle for our spirit night :)
SPIRIT NIGHT AT CHIPOTLE!
Please join the Loudoun Valley Athletic Boosters November 15th from 5pm to 9pm at Chipotle for a spirit night !
Enjoy a delicious dinner that day, be sure to mention the athletic boosters when you dine-in or carry out!
NEXT MEETING
VALLEY RESTAURANT DISCOUNT CARDS
2023 - 2024 Sponsors
WHAT TO DO IF LCPS GO IS DOWN
Direct Links for Students to Instructional Tools
TOOL: Google
LINK: https://drive.google.com
HOW TO SIGN IN: Google: student email address IDnumber@lcps.org, i.e. 000000@lcps.org
TOOL: Schoology
LINK: https://learn.lcps.org
HOW TO SIGN IN: Google
TOOL: Google Meet
LINK: https://meet.google.com/ OR the link you created for your class
HOW TO SIGN IN: Google
TOOL: Clever (for app integrations)
LINK: https://clever.com/
HOW TO SIGN IN: Student ID and Password
TOOL: StudentVue
LINK: https://portal.lcps.org/
HOW TO SIGN IN: Student ID and Password
FAQs
I've used the links and received sign-in errors. Is my password wrong?
Sometimes an LCPS Go outage is limited to LCPS Go, and other times it may be a network problem affecting multiple sites. In this instance, a password or other sign-in error may or may not reflect the actual problem. Wait and try later, refresh your browser window, and clear the cache if needed.
HIGH SCHOOL TOOLKIT
Contact Information
Website: https://www.lcps.org/lvhs
Location: 340 North Maple Avenue, Purcellville, VA, USA
Phone: (540) 751-2400
Twitter: @LVHS_official
2023 All Rights Reserved – Loudoun County Public Schools