LVHS Weekly Update
April 12, 2024
MESSAGE REGARDING STUDENT TARDINESS
We are reaching out to ask for your support in ensuring that your student arrives to school - and therefore to their first or fifth block class - on time. With the spring testing season approaching and the end of the school year drawing near, it is crucial that students are present to receive important information and instruction. Late arrivals to school disrupt not only the individual student's learning but also that of their peers. Our teachers have expressed concerns about the impact of tardiness on classroom dynamics and academic progress.
As we enter the final quarter of the school year, we are taking a more proactive and systematic approach to addressing tardiness. It is important to note that classes start at 9:30am and any student late to their first or fifth block class is missing instructional time. This week, teachers will be reviewing this Slide Deck this week in preparation for next week.
You can expect the following from us moving forward:
- We will consider Marking Period 4 a clean slate for tardies only for all students, meaning we will begin tracking tardies from zero starting at the beginning of the quarter.
- As students accrue unexcused tardies, they will meet with their assigned assistant principal to develop a plan for improvement, aimed at gaining understanding and reinforcing expectations.
- Students who do not show improvement and continue to accumulate unexcused tardies will make up the missed instructional time through various means, such as lunch detention and/or a special assigned study hall and/or during their early release.
How you can support this initiative:
- Talk with your student about the importance of being at school on-time.
- Actively monitor your student’s attendance. In researching this topic and connecting with families, we found that many families do not have the notification feature in ParentVue turned on, and so they were unaware of their student’s tardiness. Please refer to the linked information for how to enable notifications (English ParentVue Notification Instructions/Spanish ParentVue Notification Instructions).
- Communicate to the school regarding any absences and/or tardies (English Attendance Instructions/Spanish Attendance Instructions).
- Connect with your student’s school counselor and/or assistant principal if there are extenuating circumstances preventing your student from being on time to school (School Counselor List).
We appreciate your support in this matter and are looking forward to a strong, successful finish to the school year.
STUDENT DROP OFF & PICK UP
As a reminder, our student drop off at Valley is in front of the school each morning. That line moves quickly so please refrain from dropping off in the subdivision - Purcellville Ridge - behind the school.
In addition, pick up at the end of the school day at Valley is in the parking lot nearest the water tower; traffic runs one way and typically clears by 4:30pm. Please refrain from parking and picking up in the subdivision - Purcellville Ridge - behind the school and across the street at the Loudoun Valley Flooring business entrance driveway.
Thank you for your assistance in keeping all our students safe and in helping us to continue to be good neighbors.
LCPS Restroom Privacy and Safety Pilot Program
Construction and/or Sensor Technology Operational
As I wrote in a recent newsletter, in an effort to enhance the safety of LCPS students and increase opportunities for privacy, LCPS is implementing a school Restroom Privacy and Safety Pilot Program in nine schools. We are one of the nine.
The restroom construction and sensor technology is in place and operational beginning Monday, March 18. Students may use the new restrooms and will see lights on sensors functioning. Notifications about vaping, aggression, tampering and more will be received by designated administrators, who will respond with student safety and privacy in mind. You can learn more about the [construction and/or sensor technology] at www.lcps.org/restrooms.
Most of our students at Loudoun Valley are respectful of the school rules and other students. However, there are instances when undesirable behaviors occur inside the restrooms, like vaping. Loudoun Valley high school continues to balance the need for privacy and safety for all students, as governed by School Board policies, and is piloting these new restroom configurations and technology to help meet this need. The safety of LCPS students and staff remains the Division’s top priority.
For information about the program, participating schools and FAQs, visit https://www.lcps.org/restrooms.
To learn more about substance use, and how they might impact someone you know, please visit the LCPS Drug Awareness webpage to find information and resources. You can also contact the Mental Health, Substance Abuse & Developmental Services to get help for a friend or loved one struggling with substance abuse.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, you may reach out to me your child’s counselor or assistant principal
Programa Piloto de Privacidad y Seguridad en Baños de LCPS
Como escribí en un boletín reciente, en un esfuerzo por mejorar la seguridad de los estudiantes de LCPS y aumentar las oportunidades de privacidad, LCPS está implementando un
Programa Piloto de Seguridad y Privacidad de los baños escolares en nueve escuelas. Somos uno de los nueve.
La construcción de baños y la tecnología de sensores están en su lugar y operativas a partir del lunes 18 de Marzo. Los estudiantes pueden usar los nuevos baños y verán luces en los sensores funcionando. Los administradores designados recibirán notificaciones sobre vapeo, agresión, manipulación y más, quienes responderán teniendo en cuenta la seguridad y privacidad de los estudiantes. Puede obtener más información sobre [la construcción y/o la tecnología de sensores] en www.lcps.org/restrooms.
La mayoría de nuestros estudiantes en [Nombre de la escuela] respetan las reglas de la escuela y a los demás estudiantes. Sin embargo, hay casos en los que se producen comportamientos indeseables dentro de los baños, como vapear. [INSERTAR NOMBRE DE LA ESCUELA] continúa equilibrando la necesidad de privacidad y seguridad para todos los estudiantes, según lo rigen las políticas de la Junta Escolar, y está poniendo a prueba estas nuevas configuraciones de baños y tecnología para ayudar a satisfacer esta necesidad. La seguridad de los estudiantes y el personal de LCPS sigue siendo la principal prioridad de la División.
Para obtener información sobre el programa, las escuelas participantes y las preguntas frecuentes, visite https://www.lcps.org/restrooms.
Para obtener más información sobre los peligros asociados con el vapeo o el uso de sustancias, y cómo podrían afectar a alguien que conoce, visite la página web de Concientización sobre las Drogas de LCPS para encontrar información y recursos. También puede comunicarse con los Servicios de Desarrollo, Abuso de Sustancias y Salud Mental para obtener ayuda para un amigo o ser querido que lucha contra el abuso de sustancias.
Como siempre, si tiene preguntas o inquietudes, puede comunicarse conmigo en counselor o asistente principal.
PROM
Loudoun Valley’s Junior/Senior Prom, Starry Night, will be held at Shadow Creek Wedding and Events in Purcellville on Apr 19, 2024 from 7 - 10:30. All juniors and seniors are invited to attend. Early Bird Ticket sales for seniors has begun and juniors will be able to begin purchasing tickets on Mar 21, 2024 for one week at the early bird cost. The cost of the Early Bird Tickets will be $40 per attendee. All Early Bird sales will end on Mar 31, 2024 and regular sales will begin on Apr 1, 2024 at a cost of $50 per attendee. Ticket sales will end on Apr 15, 2024 at 4 p.m. Each Valley junior and senior may purchase no more than two tickets. Tickets can not be transferred to another guest.
Parents or Guardians must complete the Prom Permission click https://permission.click/gN4D6/int and payment can be submitted online with the payment portal or in person with cash or check to Mrs. Judd in room 121/201 or Dr Sharpe in room 119. If a student is bringing an out of school guest the student and the guest must complete the out of school guest form and return it to Mrs. Judd or Dr. Sharpe by Apr 12, 2024.
LVHS HANDBOOK
BELL SCHEDULE
Please visit the main page of our LVHS website or see the attached document for our LVHS bell schedules. This includes our daily schedule, along with one hour and two hour delay schedules.
COURSE INFORMATION NIGHT RESOURCES
Below are some helpful resources related to Course Information Night, which was held January 10, 2024. This event gives a high level overview of course offerings available at Loudoun Valley High School, as well as contact information for each department.
During the event, the following information was shared:
Additionally, during the event multiple questions were asked. We captured these questions and provided answers in this Course Information Night FAQ 24-25.
TESTING
SPRING TESTING CALENDAR
SOL TESTING
All students were provided with a letter from their counselor about which SOL tests they will be taking in May. An email will be sent in early May with SOL test dates, times, and locations.
AP TESTING
Students who are registered to take AP exams will receive an email on April 15th with testing information and locations. Students can confirm which AP exams they are registered for by logging into myap.collegeboard.org.
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.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
IB INFORMATION FOR 8TH, 9TH, AND 10TH GRADE STUDENTS
The purpose of this email is to provide you information about our International Baccalaureate program that might be useful as students continue to explore their course selection for the 24-25 school year. .
IB Information, Question, and Answer Night Slide Deck
Slide 8 - An Example Schedule of an IB Diploma Student
Slide 9 - Considerations for course selection for current 8th grade students
Slide 10 - Considerations for course selection for current 9th grade students
Slide 11 -Considerations for course selection for current 10th grade students
Linked here are common questions that have been asked about the International Baccalaureate.
Please reach out to Michael.skvarch@lcps.org with any questions you might have about the International Baccalaureate Program.
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.
SPRING MUSICAL - ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
COFFEEHOUSE BENEFIT CONCERT
COUNSELING AND MENTAL HEALTH
FOLLOW OUR COUNSELING DEPARTMENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @valleyschoolcounseling
CHECK OUT THIS WEEK'S COUNSELING DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER
Click below to read the newsletter to find out the most up-to-date information from the Counseling Department, Mental Health Team, and Career Center.
PRESIDENT'S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD
ASVAB TESTING
ASVAB next Friday, April 19th at 10 am at Stonebridge High School. Students can sign up in SchooLinks. Once a student has signed up, details will be emailed to them.
USMA & USNA JOINT ADMISSIONS EVENT
The United States Military Academy (USMA)
The United States Naval Academy (USNA)
invite you to attend our joint admissions event
May 1st, 2024
ARMY NAVY Country Club Arlington, VA
Please RSVP via the below link
https://slate.to/XEvxj2QE
Meet an Admissions Officer and learn about:
· USMA & USNA
· Life as a Cadet & Midshipman
· Our Admissions Process
· The amazing academic & leadership opportunities we offer
And much more!
LVHS APPROVED AS COMMON SENSE SCHOOL
LVHS has just been approved as a Common Sense School, an honor that recognizes our efforts in teaching digital citizenship. This honor is provided by Common Sense Education, part of a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. As a result, our students are better equipped to navigate the digital world and use devices for learning. To see all of Common Sense Education's resources, visit https://www.commonsense.org/education.
SCIENCE FAIR
On Wednesday, March 20, several Loudoun Valley students entered projects into the regional science fair. These are projects that they have worked on all year.
Victoria Collins won first place in the Materials Sciences category as well as the Albert Elliot Lyerly Educator Memorial Award.
Sara Mansfield won the Curtiss-Wright Engineering Excellence Award.
Holly Dunn and Jordan Chand won the US Agency for International Development Science Champion Award.
Rylan Wells and Severn Welsh won the United States Air Force Award.
Edwin Kyle (Academy of Engineering and Technology) won honorable mention in the Biochemistry and Chemistry category.
Eryn Lackey (Monroe Advanced Technical Academy) won second place in the Plant Sciences category and won the Leslie W. King Award from the Loudoun Soil & Water Conservation District.
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.
YEARBOOK
Order your yearbook now and enjoy the memories for a lifetime!
EVERYDAY MOMENTS MEET
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME MEMORIES
No matter how fast the school year flies by, the Loudoun Valley Saga yearbook captures every highlight! The deadline is Tuesday, February 27, 2024 to guarantee your copy.
ORDER YEARBOOK ›
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JOSTENS PAYMENT PLAN
Spread out the cost of your order with an interest-free Jostens Payment Plan.* The power is in your hands.
ORDER YEARBOOK ›
*Minimum purchase requirements and eligibility restrictions apply.
ATHLETICS
AFFORDABLE SPORTS PHYSICALS
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/
LVHS BOOSTERS
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to Alex Phillips on a huge milestone of achieving 200 career points with Varsity Lacrosse!
Shout out to Katie Clarke who earned Game Champ for our girls Lacrosse winning game against County. Katie had 2 goals and 1 assist!
ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS!
LAST CHANCE ALERT! Don't miss out on commemorating your senior's achievements with our yard sign! Orders will be closing on April 12th, so act fast to secure yours before it's too late! Order now!
SENIOR ATHLETES
Now is the time to apply for your LV Athletic Boosters Scholarship! Deadline is May 1, 2024.
LVAB will award eight (college scholarships:
- $2,000 to two student athletes (one male and one female)
- $1,000 to six student athletes (three males and three females)
Every Senior Loudoun Valley Athlete is eligible!
A completed application and a completed coach’s recommendation form can be found at: https://loom.ly/czguob4
Please also include a copy of your mid-year transcript.
Good luck Seniors! Winners will be announced at the LVHS Scholarship Ceremony.
BRICKS: DEADLINE IS MAY 1, 2024
Give the gift that will last a lifetime at Loudoun Valley High School!
These personalized bricks are a wonderful way to recognize graduates, families, alumni and to show our Viking Spirit! Over time the pathway will lead all the way to Leonard Stadium! Next brick installment is scheduled for July!
Bricks start at $99.00 and 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.
2023 - 2024 Sponsors
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