SHS Weekly Update

OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY - On April 18, 24 Smithfield JROTC cadets were invited by the Army ODU ROTC Department to conduct a Rappel Lab along with three other high schools from the surrounding area. Before cadets proceeded to the top of ODU’s Ballard Football Stadium to rappel, they received ground safety training from ODU’s Army ROTC Cadre. The cadets were taught to create their rope and snaplink harnesses, signal when the lanes were clear, and rappel. After ascending to the top of the stadium, cadets rappelled 50 feet down the side of the stadium and then assisted the next cadet as their belay, or safety.

Jackson Young, a third-semester cadet, said, “The tower is a great way to face my fears and show courage. It’s scary at the start, but once you get going it’s not so bad.” Alpha Company Commander Gianna Garrett said, “I felt proud of all of my cadets for overcoming their fears; based on their smiles, I could tell they were having a great time.”

Written by Packer BN Public Affairs Officer Kadence DiStefano

Invent Virginia/ Invention D.C. announced its winners in the 2023-2024 Invention Education Statewide Event after judges completed a week of reviewing inventions submitted by students ranging from grade 2 through the final years of high school.

The following were recognized for their inventions, listed by categories:

Agriculture - Category Inventor Award*

Hungry Chickens Feeder by Peyton Bosmans, Jaxx Leibhart

Environmental Monitoring Technology Award

S.P.A.Q.M (Solar Powered Air Quality Monitor) by Vincent Jamie Sawyer, Jayviontae Newby, Evelyn Newman and Mya Elliott

The Hungry Chickens Feeder project has been nominated to attend the National Invention Convention at the Henry Ford Innovation Center in Dearborn, Michigan June 5-7.

APRIL 24th – The US Army Special Forces Association, Chapter 84, Hampton Roads provided a $2000 donation to the SHS JROTC Packer Battalion Rifle Team today to purchase an electronic target. Three members from Chapter 84 came to present a check for $2K to LTC Peter Badoian and 1SG Marvin Hunter to purchase another electronic target for their rifle range. Retired COL Hank Harris, Retired MAJ Charles Rogers and Retired Major John Brayshaw presented the check which makes the 7th Electronic Target for the 16 lane range.

“What an awesome donation as we are really trying to improve the team talent to compete on the national stage and these targets make it much easier for the marksmen to evaluate their shooting in real time as well as for me to coach them in real time,” said Coach Peter Badoian. “I am also able to see every shot each cadet makes when they make it on a full screen display and can help them make needed adjustments as necessary. The long range goal for this range is to eventually have all sixteen lanes manned with electronic targets, but the short term goal is 8 and we are almost there. It is very exciting when local organizations take their time and money to support the program. We cannot thank Chapter 84 of the SFA enough for their very generous donation. We hope to place in regionals next year and qualify for nationals. These targets may allow us to do just that!!!”

The School Board is a seeking a current sophomore at Smithfield High School to serve as a liaison. This is a two-year commitment. Application (available below) and resume are due by 4:30 p.m. May 20.

The Smithfield High Yearbook is in HIGH DEMAND! With less than 30 copies left, get yours while you can and keep your 2023-2024 memories forever! Order online at jostensyearbooks.com.

Monday, May 6, 2024

United States Government and Politics- 7:30 am

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Microeconomics- 7:30 am

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

English Literature and Composition-7:30 am

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Psychology-11:30 am

Friday, May 10, 2024

European History & United States History- 7:30 am

Macroeconomics-11:30 am

Monday, May 13, 2024

Calculus AB & BC -7:30 am

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

English Language and Composition-7:30 am

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Biology -11:30 am

Download the application below or visit the Chamber website.

At the March 14 School Board meeting, the board voted to approve a Snow Day in May!

IWCS has time built into the calendar to allow for missed days due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. IWCS has missed very little time this year and, as such, the Board elected to make May 24, the Friday before Memorial Day, a student and staff holiday. The hope is this time will allow students and staff to recharge before entering the final stretch of the school year.

In addition, the School Board approved the 2024-2025 School Calendar. A copy of the calendar is available on the division's website at ​https://www.iwcs.k12.va.us/apps/pages/school_calendar

• Senior dues are due. Please submit to Mrs. Mayes in Room 25 or pay online here. Cost: $75

• Cap and gowns were delivered on Wednesday, March 27. If you did not receive your cap and gown and you paid for it, please see Mrs. Mayes in room 25

The SHS Counseling Office has compiled important scholarship information for students. Please visit the website below to view:

https://sites.google.com/iwcs.k12.va.us/shscounselingoffice/college-career-planning/scholarships?authuser=0

Mrs. Craig's Packer Block will be collecting gently used Prom dresses and mens suits in room 47 through the last week of May.

In collaboration with PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center), the Special Education Department is hosting a Transition to Adulthood series for families of students with disabilities. The first three sessions will consist of training regarding what it means to turn 18 as a student with a disability in Virginia, social security and Medicaid waivers, and financial decisions. Finally, there will be a Transition to Adulthood Fair where families can circulate through various vendor tables. Vendors include the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), Postsecondary Education Rehabilitation Transition (PERT), PEATC, and the Department of Social Services (DSS).

Visit this link to view information regarding Executive Order 28 related to "Parental Notification, Law Enforcement Collaboration, and Student Education to Prevent Student Overdoses."

Website: https://shs.iwcs.k12.va.us/
Location: 14171 Turner Drive, Smithfield, VA, USA
Phone: 757-357-3108
Twitter: @OfficialSHSPack