We are so excited to announce the naming of our very own Jeff Keller, Social Studies teacher, as the 2024 Virginia Teacher of the Year. Read more about it in the VDOE news release below or at this link.

RICHMOND — Jeffery W. Keller, a history teacher at John Handley High School in Winchester, was named the 2024 Virginia Teacher of the Year this evening during a livestreamed announcement by Governor Glenn Youngkin at the Patrick Henry Building on Capitol Square. Keller was selected last month as one of the commonwealth’s eight regional teachers of the year and is now Virginia’s nominee for 2024 National Teacher of the Year.

“It’s exciting. It’s validation for hard work and long hours.” Keller said. “I am thankful for my students, too — it’s really for them. They’re what it’s all about.”

“It’s a privilege to host you and your families, and it’s an honor to thank you for your tireless commitment to this most important profession,” Younkin said to the regional winners before announcing Keller’s selection. “Together, you are preparing the future and empowering the present of the commonwealth and America.”

“Jeffery encourages each of his students to set high goals and creates pathways for them to achieve excellence,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons said. “I am looking forward to visiting Handley High and watching him in action. Jeffery and our other regional teachers of the year are going to be outstanding ambassadors for the commonwealth’s teachers and public schools.”

Following interviews this morning with each of the eight regional winners, a Virginia Department of Education selection committee chose Keller, the 2024 Region 4 Teacher of the Year and Winchester Teacher of the Year. The committee included representatives of professional and educational associations, the business community and 2023 Virginia Teacher of the Year Fabiana Parker.

The other seven 2024 Virginia Regional Teachers of the Year — also honored during this evening’s ceremony — are as follows:

• John R. Aughenbaugh, a career and technical education instructor at New Kent High in New Kent County (Region 1).
• Craig T. Reynolds, fifth-grade teacher at Magruder Elementary in York County (Region 2).
• Amy L. Gregory, a special education teacher at Hamilton Holmes Middle in King William County (Region 3).
• Brandy H. Johnson, a seventh-grade language arts teacher at Shelburne Middle in Staunton (Region 5).
• Jennifer M. Hatch, a seventh-grade mathematics teacher at Benjamin Franklin Middle in Franklin County (Region 6)
• Melanie P. Smith, a library media specialist at Chilhowie Elementary in Smyth County (Region 7).
• Tequisha L. Stiles, an eighth-grade English teacher at James Solomon Russell Middle in Brunswick County (Region 8).

“Moving forward, our eight regional teachers of the year will meet with me monthly as a Teacher Advisory Council to elevate the voices and perspectives of all Virginia teachers within VDOE,” Coons said.

“Our regional teachers of the year represent the faces and the future of teaching in the commonwealth,” said Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera. “They are passionate and dedicated educators who give their all to their students every day. I look forward to continuing our efforts to make Virginia the best place to be a teacher.”

Following the ceremony, Keller and the other teachers were honored at a reception hosted by the governor and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin.

“I am excited to toast teaching’s very best at the Executive Mansion,” said Mrs. Youngkin. “As a mother, I’m forever grateful to educators who are faithfully leading and giving students support and skills that will serve them their entire lives. Congratulations to Jeffery and all our other regional teachers of the year.”

The 2024 National Teacher of the Year will be announced next spring at a White House ceremony. Three previous Virginia teachers went on to be named National Teachers of the Year: Mary V. Bicouvaris, the 1989 Virginia Teacher of the Year; B. Philip Bigler, the 1998 Virginia Teacher of the Year; and Rodney A. Robinson, the 2019 Virginia Teacher of the Year.

Major underwriting for the Virginia Teacher of the Year Program is provided by the Dominion Energy, Virginia Lottery, Allen Allen Allen & Allen, Liberty University, Kings Dominion & Soak City, and Moseley Architects.

SOL Testing Notification

End of Course SOL makeups take place during this last week of school. School will operate on a normal schedule. Tests start at 8:25 in the media lab. The schedule is as follows:

Monday, May 22 History and Reading Makeups only

Tuesday, May 23 All Makeups and Expedited Retakes except Reading Expedited Retakes

Wednesday, May 24 All Makeups and Expedited Retakes

Thursday, May 25 All Makeups and Expedited Retakes

Las recuperaciones de los exámenes SOL de fin de curso se llevarán a cabo durante la última semana de clases. La escuela operará en un horario normal. Los exámenes comienzan a las 8:25 en el salón de medios. El horario es el siguiente:

Lunes 22 de mayo Retomar el examen de Historia y Lectura

Martes 23 de mayo Retoma y retoma acelerada de todos los exámenes excepto las retoma acelerada de lectura.

Miércoles 24 de mayo Retoma y retoma acelerada de todos los exámenes

Jueves 25 de mayo Retoma y retoma acelerada de todos los exámenes

Advanced Placement (AP) testing will be taking place in the month of May. Families with students currently enrolled in Advanced Placement classes and registered to take an AP exam can click here to access the AP testing schedule which includes testing times and locations. Those approved to have extended time or other accommodations will be contacted separately with the testing room location.

• AM testing students will report to their testing location no later than 8:20am on the day of their test.
• PM testing students will report to their testing location no later than 12:10pm on the day of their test.
• PM testing students will eat A lunch.

If your student is taking two exams on the same day, please have them email Ms. Fradillada at fradilladan@wps.k12.va.us so they can have a bagged lunch prepared for them.

We cannot guarantee that an exam will be finished by 3:15pm (dismissal time.) Please plan for an alternate way to get home for your student They can also ride the activity bus that is provided at 4:15 pm.

Los exámenes de Colocación Avanzada (AP) se llevarán a cabo en el mes de mayo, empezando el 1 de mayo. Las familias con estudiantes actualmente inscritos en clases de Colocación Avanzada y registrados para tomar un examen AP pueden hacer clic aquí para ver el calendario de exámenes AP que incluye horarios y lugares de exámen. Para los estudiantes aprobados para tener tiempo adicional u otras adaptaciones, se les contactará por separado con la ubicación del salón de exámenes.

• Los estudiantes que tomarán el examen por la mañana se presentarán en la ubicación de su examen a no más tardar de las 8:20 a. m. el día del examen.
• Los estudiantes que tomarán el examen por la tarde se presentarán en la ubicación de su examen no más tardar de las 12:10 p. m. el día del examen.
• Los estudiantes que tomarán el examen por la tarde almorzarán durante el turno A.

Si su estudiante está tomando dos exámenes el mismo día, pídale que le envíe un correo electrónico a la Sra. Fradillada a fradilladan@wps.k12.va.us para que se le prepare un almuerzo en bolsa.

ATTENTION STUDENTS! If you are failing school please turn in your work, communicate with your teachers and stay after for educational support. Failing school will require Summer School or retaking the same grade again. If you need any help please reach out to Hank Mullins at mullinshe@wps.k12.va.us OR Brittany Carter at pittab@wps.k12.va.us.

It is time to announce grade level winners of our attendance competition and the winners of a class-wide pizza party! The competition calculated the average daily attendance for each class and ran from November 4, 2022 to May 18, 2023.

Coming in 4th place are the Seniors with 90%

Coming in 3rd place are the Junior with 90.9%

Coming in 2nd place are the Sophomores with 91%

Coming in 1st place are the Freshman with 92%

Congratulations Class of 2026!

Freshman class will have their pizza party during advisory on Wednesday May 24th.

Picnic food/drink donations still needed. Sign up here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E4EABAB2CAA8-senior1

Prize auction donations needed. When kids check-in, they will be provided 3 tickets. There will be prizes and bags set up on a table. Tickets are placed in the bags of the prize they desire for a chance to win. Another dimension of fun and excitement for our event, but we need prize donations. Ideas: bakeware or storage containers, laundry basket filled with supplies, first aid kit, mani/pedi or haircare basket, wall hangings, dorm or apartment supplies or a free service. Gift cards are always welcome! What can you donate? Contact JoanCestaro@gmail.com or text 540-327-0541

All library books are now past due for the 2022-23 school year. If a book is lost, please make arrangements to pay for it. If you need financial assistance, contact the library or the counseling department. All library accounts must be clear before graduation and summer break.

May is Jewish American Heritage Month! This month, we are paying tribute to the generations of Jewish Americans who helped form the fabric of American history, culture and society. We are featuring our Jewish authors and books featuring Jewish characters this month in the library. Here is a digital book display created by one of our library student assistants, Laura.

2023 Summer Reading Program

We encourage all students to participate in the Handley Regional Library Summer Reading Program! Don’t let your reading skills slide this summer.

Follow the library on Instagram @jhhslibrary, Twitter @JHHSLibrary, or facebook @ John Handley LMC!

Career Exploration Opportunities

__

Navy Federal “Classroom to Office” Mentorship Opportunity for 23/24 School Year

Economic and Personal Finance students are selected through an application process to participate in this project-based mentorship program. Students will be paired with a Navy Federal mentor who they will work with onsite at Navy Federal during the Spring semester. The pair will develop a project to be presented to school and Navy Federal leadership at the end of the school year.

__

Continental is hiring!

Electrical Apprentice Positions:

Quick Details:

• Monday thru Friday from 7 AM – 3 PM

• Pay $19.00/Hour

• Full-time positions and Continental pays for the employee to go to Laurel Ridge and enroll in their Electrical Apprentice Program for the next 2 years.

• Students could then take Journeyman’s and continue to work for Continental

• Once hours are achieved, students would then be promoted to a Full-Time Electrician in the manufacturing plant.

Learn more about this opportunity here.

Entry level production jobs - get hired right away!

As a Production Operator you will function as an active team member within the production line by maintaining quality specifications, inputting manufacturing data, viewing SOP’s, and maintaining operation of various equipment and machinery depending upon the department’s job specifications

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?:

• Immediate Benefits

• Paid Time Off

• Employee Discounts

• Annual Bonus

• Employer 401(k) Match

• On-Site Gym

Learn more about this opportunity here.

__

Signet is hiring!

Signet Marketing is a thirty-year-old screen printing & embroidery work company located in Winchester. They are looking to hire a few upcoming graduating seniors to add to their team!

No experience is necessary!

A few details:

• Days: Monday – Friday

• Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.

• Salary: $13.00 - $14.50 hour

• PTO: Based on length of employment.

• Lunch break: 30 minutes

• Additional breaks: (2) x 15 minutes

__

Stoneridge Outdoor Living is hiring!

Stoneridge Outdoor Living is committed to providing top quality, affordable, Made in America Home Improvement Products and is the market leader in the Sunroom, Bath and Replacement Window sector.

They offer a great retirement plan, fantastic health insurance benefits, the best training around, excellent pay, a commitment to provide you the leadership and resources to be successful.

Some of the many benefits of working at Stoneridge Outdoor Living include:

• Awesome Pay

• Paid Training

• Flexible Hours

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Potential to grow into a Leadership role

Learn more about this opportunity here.

__

**For questions about any of these opportunities or to sign up, please visit the link included or reach out to Ms. Weinstein, Work-Based Learning Coach at weinsteins@wps.k12.va.us**

The Handley Parent Teacher Student Organization (the PTSO) works to strengthen relationships between families and faculty. We do this by sponsoring events, volunteering at school, and supporting our kids, teachers and staff.

Unlike most Parent/Teacher/Student Organizations, we charge no membership fee. We're grateful for all of the ways our families contribute to the Handley community - whether it's with your time, your culinary efforts, or your donations. Now, the Handley PTSO is also able to accept credit card donations via PayPal!

If you're able to spare a monetary donation to support our work benefitting Handley students, teachers, and staff, we are grateful for any amount. Cash and checks may be left for us at the front office. Or click here to reach PayPal and send your donation to JHHSPTO@wps.k12.va.us!

Sign up for our monthly emails by clicking here or email us at jhhspto@wps.k12.va.us for more information!

Attention 10th and 11th graders

Students can complete the required Economics and Personal Finance class this summer asynchronously. For more information please contact Ms. Windy Glahn, glahn@wps.k12.va.us.

The cost is $140. If you are eligible for free/reduced lunch, there is a reduced fee.

Registration forms below

The Virginia School Boards Association is holding a personal essay/speaking contest where the finalists will have an opportunity to present before an audience of more than 300 school board members and administrators at the 2023 VSBA Conference on Education held at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa at Short Pump on July 13, 2023.

This is the third year the Virginia School Boards Association will hold this contest with hope that this contest will bring out the very best in students’ writing and speaking efforts to allow our attendees to witness examples of the bright, thoughtful, and accomplished students from around the Commonwealth. This year's topic is The Meaning of Civility.

Thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous sponsor, the top finalist will receive a $500 scholarship. Submissions are open to all Virginia public high school students (grades 9-12) as a great opportunity to share their unique voices as well as compete for funds to further their education.

For more information on the contest and complete guidelines please view the guidebook below. For questions, please contact communications@vsba.org.

Entry Form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PKH9MF5

For high schoolers, technology can be an incredibly positive influence as they use it to expand their social circles, explore their interests, and even find causes that bring purpose to their lives. But it can also present unique dilemmas around protecting their online reputations, establishing boundaries and maintaining healthy relationships, and knowing how to respond to divisive and hateful content online. These conversation starters for families are a good way to help families talk meaningfully about their digital lives. (English/Spanish).

Here is a list of all the JHHS Clubs and Activities available to students. Explore your options and find a place to get involved!

JHHS will begin a virtual rewards program for students during the month of October through the PBIS Rewards platform. This is very exciting news!! Students now earn reward points for demonstrating desired behaviors according to our Handley PRIDE expectations!!

When an administrator, teacher, or staff person acknowledges a student demonstrating these behaviors, they can now award them points through the PBISRewards website. All students have an account that they can access at PBISrewards.com or through CLEVER. At this time, the points that students earn will allow them to qualify for incentives. We hope to expand this effort by finding ways wherein students can “spend” their points, more to come on that! Please support this effort by encouraging your students to meet our school wide expectations each and every day!

Students continue to be out with COVID 19. A Google Meet will be sent from your child's teacher for every block and every day a student is in quarantine.

Students that are quarantined and have classes at John Handley High School will follow the John Handley High School bell schedule.

Students that are quarantined and take courses at the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center will follow the Innovation Center bell schedule.

EACH school year, a NEW VHSL physical is required and must be dated after May 1, 2022 for participation in any 2022-20223 sport. You must also complete all athletic forms. All Athletic Forms are found online. Please visit www.Handleypride.org and click on the Activity Registration tab at the top of the page to get started.

Click here to view the Quick Start Guide for Families.

Check out the online store to get your JH gear for the new year!

https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/virginia/winchester/handley-high-school

Our Mission:

The mission of the JAA is to provide financial support to the Handley athletic program and its student athletes. Specifically, the JAA awards scholarships to graduating Handley student-athletes and purchases equipment for uniforms for the athletic departments.

Become a Member and help the JAA’s continued commitment to and support of Handley Athletics and its Student-Athletes!

For your annual membership, click the code or contact us at judgesathleticassociation.com

Student Resource Guide

Student Tech Support times are daily 8:15 - 9:00 and 11:30 - 12:15.

Here is the school lunch menu.

Here is the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center lunch menu.

For the duration of this school year, Comcast will continue to partner with WPS to provide eligible families with one year of free internet service.

Families can learn more by visiting this webpage. In short, we provide the promo code, and Comcast, ultimately, determines eligibility. School Social Workers will have the necessary information to provide assistance to a family who would like to apply.

All seniors need the meningitis vaccine, please turn in your record of vaccine to the nurses clinic.

If your student would like to receive tylenol, ibuprofen or pepto bismol during the school year please send in an unopened bottle with their name and signed authorization form.

Any student requiring prescribed medication during school hours please complete the Student Medication Authorization. Form needs to be signed by the health care provider.

Click here for links to the 2022/2023 WPS Calendar and A/B day schedule.

If you need to update your contact information or to set up a Powerschool parent account, please email Brandy Woods at (woodsb@wps.k12.va.us )

Please refer to this for the 2022-23 JHHS Arrival and Dismissal times and Bus Stops

Have you registered for SchoolCash Online, our new option for processing student/school fees online? You are encouraged to register now as there will be many items that you can pay for online as we expand use of this service. More information, including registration details, an introduction video, help with logging in, etc. are available on our website. Simply click on the SchoolCash Online link from the Parents, Students, or Staff Quick Links page, or click here to go directly to the information page.

Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege, not of right. If you are going to be driving to school for the 2022 -2023 school year and parking in the Handley parking lot, you must obtain a parking permit. Visit the Handley Student Parking webpage for more information. High School Student Parking Pass Application (Spanish here)

You may only park in your assigned spot during school hours. If you fail to park in your spot, break any parking lot rules, and/or are chronically late to school, you may lose your privilege to park in the lot and anywhere on school property.