LVHS Weekly Update
December 20, 2023
VIRTUAL COURSE INFO NIGHT
SAVE THE DATE: VIRTUAL COURSE INFO NIGHT -1/10/24
As we approach scheduling season, we wanted to make you aware that our Virtual Course Info Night will be held on January 10. This event will be held virtually. Details are below:
Virtual Course Info Night
Evening of Wednesday, January 10, 2024
This session will be live streamed and the link will be sent to families to view the sessions. Families will have an opportunity to ask questions during the information sessions that will be addressed by the school-based team during the sessions.
We look forward to working with you as we begin planning for the 2024-2025 school year. Stay tuned for more information regarding this event when we return from winter break.
ATHLETICS
EXPECTATIONS FOR 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 food or drink is allowed
- No signs/posters are allowed
- Noisemakers are not allowed at indoor athletic events
- No backpacks or equipment bags will be allowed inside the stadium or the gym or gym lobby/hallway areas - keep them at home or in your car.
- 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 or gym hallway areas during the games.
- If you come to the games you are expected to sit in the bleachers/ 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.
- Please carry out your trash to the nearest trash receptacle.
Thank you for contributing to a safe and pleasant experience for all Viking fans and players.
LVHS Athletic Administration
https://valleyvikingsport.org/
GIVING OPPORTUNITY
COAT COLLECTION
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
It is with great pride and joy that we communicate to you our official authorization as an International Baccalaureate World School (IB). This means that Loudoun Valley High School is now fully authorized to deliver IB coursework starting in the 2024-2025 school year and we are now authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme (DP). The implementation of the IB DP is aligned with the LCPS Strategic Plan to expand opportunities for Multiple, Accessible Pathways to Success through diverse programming.
What does this mean for our students?
More opportunities for advanced coursework, that is eligible for college credit and that meets the needs of individual students.
Access to the IB Diploma.
Access to the resources and network of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
What does this mean for our teachers?
That we will continue training, preparing and supporting teachers throughout Loudoun Valley High School (LVHS) as they prepare to deliver this exciting new curriculum that we are now authorized to offer.
What does this mean for our community?
LVHS is now part of a prestigious network of IB World Schools and has full access to the network and resources that the IB offers.
We would like to honor and thank the teachers, students and staff members who have worked together in supporting Loudoun Valley High School’s authorization as an IB world school.
For more information about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme visit www.ibo.org.
All questions regarding the LCPS Pre-IB program or the International Baccalaureate Program should be sent to Michael.skvarch@lcps.org
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE INFORMATION UPDATE
Interested in learning more about the Loudoun Valley High School International Baccalaureate Program? Check out the following resources for more information, created on December 5th 2023.
Please reach out to Michael.Skvarch@lcps.org with any questions you might have about the International Baccalaureate Program at Loudoun Valley High School.
2023-2024 CELL PHONE EXPECTATIONS
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.
FENTANYL INFORMATION
COUNSELING AND MENTAL HEALTH
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.
6TH ANNUAL ONE LCPS: UNITED FOR WELLNESS MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CONFERENCE
Date: Saturday, January 27th, 2024
Location: Riverside High School
Time: 9:30am to 2:00pm
SUBSTANCE USE TRENDS
FENTANYL AWARENESS
LATEST PERCOCET TREND
It has come to our attention that smoking the opioid Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen) is becoming a trend among youth in our community. The possibility of an overdose is higher when the drug is used this way because of how quickly it enters the bloodstream. We encourage parents to have a conversation with their students about this and to review the drug and alcohol abuse prevention resources available on the LCPS website
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
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.
CAREER CENTER
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
MILITARY NIGHT AT INDEPENDENCE HIGH SCHOOL
Independence HS will be hosting this year's Military Night on Monday, February 26th.
TEACHER CADET INTEREST FORM
Are you interested in a future career as a teacher? Teacher Cadet is a “grow your own” dual-enrollment program offered through Career and Technical Education, designed to attract teacher candidates from high school to the field of education through exposure to a world-class curriculum and hands on experience that focuses on teaching (VDOE, n. d.).
The program consists of 2 DE courses offered to high school juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in education.
Students need to be:
- currently in 10th or 11th Grade
- have and maintain a 2.7 GPA
- submit 2 letters of recommendation
- submit a response (presentation, essay, drawing, video, etc)
The application window will be open from December 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024.
The Teacher Cadet Interest Form for 10th grade students can be found in LCPSGO under Student Opportunities.
The Teacher Cadet Interest Form for 11th grade students can be reached using https://forms.gle/6PHiLn9BSkFRYtPB8
Questions?
Contact Mrs. Arnaz Dotivala at arnaz.dotivala@lcps.org
or Mrs. Ring at rebecca.ring@lcps.org or in room 120
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
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.
TESTING
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.
LVHS BOOSTERS
CONGRATULATIONS!
We're thrilled to share the fantastic news that Loudoun Valley senior Ella Peterson has been named Athlete of the Year in the 2023 Cheers and LoCoSports All-LoCo Team selection.
A shoutout to all the other outstanding Valley athletes who have made us proud with their exceptional performances.
All-LoCo 2023 Girls Cross Country First Team
Harper Bartlett
Eryn Lackey
Ella Peterson
Honorable Mention - Noelle Cates and Mayleen Hyett
Congratulations to 2023 Cheers and LoCo Sports All LoCo Team for Football:
1st Team Offense - Mason Wade
Honorable Mention Offense - Cole Kielhorn and Will Rimmel
Honorable Mention Defense - Michael Kabban
Congratulations to senior Emma Cohen on receiving the Coaches award for the Varsity volleyball team.
Congratulations to sophomore Payton Mandichak on receiving the Most Improved award for the Varsity volleyball team.
Loudoun Valley Athletic Booster Meeting
In the LVHS Library
Wednesday, Jan 10, 2024, 07:00 PM
Loudoun Valley High School, North Maple Avenue, Purcellville, VA, USA
BRICK CAMPAIGN
Loudoun Valley Athletic Boosters is “Paving The Way” to a bright and sustainable future! Be part of our brick campaign. With your 100% tax-deductible brick donation, you will leave a lasting mark on the Leonard Stadium where thousands of alumni, friends and students will recognize your role in sustaining your alumni home on campus. Your contribution from the sale of each brick goes towards supporting athletic programs at Loudoun Valley High School.
VALLEY RESTAURANT DISCOUNT CARDS
2023 - 2024 Sponsors
ABESTOS MANAGEMENT
Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) performs regular inspections of school buildings and facilities in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). As required by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the EPA, this notification is to inform you that asbestos-containing material (ACM) is present and managed in several locations at Loudoun Valley High School.
Prior to the 1980s, asbestos was used extensively in many building materials because of its insulating, sound-absorbing, and fire-retarding capabilities. While virtually any building constructed in the United States from the 1940s to the late 1970s contains some asbestos, intact and undisturbed asbestos-containing materials generally do not pose a health risk. It is important to note that when managing or mitigating ACM, schools are held to a higher standard for management than residences or privately owned buildings.
In our school, known areas of ACM are inspected semi-annually by licensed LCPS personnel and every three years by licensed third-party inspectors to ensure that the material does not pose an exposure hazard for building occupants. Any materials found to be in unacceptable condition or impacted by planned building work are removed by licensed professionals. Records of all inspections, response actions, and sampling data are compiled in the school’s Asbestos Management Plan document. This document also indicates the locations where asbestoscontaining materials may be present.
In 2022-2023, the following inspections and response actions were performed:
- February 2023 Periodic Visual Surveillance, All Known ACM
- August 2023 Periodic Visual Surveillance
All Known ACM Members of the community can review a copy of any school or facility’s Asbestos Management Plan, which is kept in the school or facility’s administrative office. In addition, copies of all Management Plans are maintained in the Loudoun County Public Schools Facilities Services Environmental Division offices, located at 741 Miller Drive, Leesburg, Virginia. For all inquiries regarding the asbestos management plan and asbestos-related issues in our facilities, please contact the LCPS-designated asbestos program manager, Cristina Windover, at Cristina.Windover@LCPS.org or 571-420-0513.
It is LCPS’ intention to comply with all federal and state regulations regarding asbestos and to take whatever steps necessary to ensure students and employees have a healthy and safe environment in which to learn and work.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
TECH SUPPORT
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