The Pride

August was a big month for Unity Reed High School as we welcomed back our community and greeted new Lions.

Over the summer, we welcomed our new principal, Milagros Polanco, as well as three new assistant principals: Marc Brooks, Reed Gillespie, and Cameron Mathison. In July, the admin team attended a Leadership Retreat together to build cohesion as a collaborative team and plan for an exciting year.

On August 3rd, PWCS hosted their annual Back-to-School Community Event at Unity Reed. This event is designed to increase local school readiness through the distribution of school supplies and other resources to prepare all students for the school year. We distributed backpacks and school supplies, connected families with support and enrichment resources, and enjoyed snow cones on a hot summer day.

We continued on August 8th with our new teacher orientation where we welcomed the following new (and some returning) staff members:

Moira Snyder, English

Megan Harrigan, Social Studies

Elizabeth Golden, Science

Konul Rasulova, Science

Kristin George, Business

Bridget McGinley, FACS

Donald Keen, Business

Larry Crim, CTE

Alisha Allmond, SpEd

Carolyn Hershey, ESOL

Lindsey Daugherty, HPE

Maria Gonzalez Troche, ESOL

Melvin Klugh, Social Studies

Perpetua Magalhaes, ESOL

Stephen Mac Mahon, Math

August 15th was our annual One of Us new student orientation at URHS, where all of our freshmen and our new students from all grades get to meet one another, learn about our school, walk their schedule to find their classes, and enjoy free pizza before the first day of school. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to build their connection to URHS before the first day of classes so they are ready to learn and be active members of our community.

We also welcomed parents into the building to learn about our school updates and meet their student's teachers at Back to School Night on August 22nd.

Let's have a great 2024-2025, Lions! 🦁

One of the URHS traditions for the senior class is book-ending the year with the Senior Sunrise in September and the Senior Sunset in May. These events symbolically mark the start and end of our seniors' final year at Unity Reed.

On September 14th, students gathered at the football field with their pajama pants, blankets, and Dunkin to-go orders to watch the sunrise, have breakfast, play games, take pictures, and make memories to kick off their senior year.

As we embark on a new school year, it’s essential to set the stage for success. Here are some valuable tips for both parents and students to ensure a productive and enjoyable year.

1. Prioritize Attendance

Regular attendance is crucial for academic success. Missing school means missing out on important lessons and activities. Here are some tips to maintain good attendance:

• Set a Routine: Establish a consistent daily routine that includes a set wake-up time, breakfast, and preparation for school.
• Plan Ahead: Schedule appointments and family vacations outside of school hours whenever possible.
• Communicate: If your child is ill or has a legitimate reason to miss school, inform the school promptly and ensure they catch up on missed work.

2. Ensure Adequate Sleep

A good night’s sleep is vital for concentration, memory, and overall well-being. Here’s how to help your child get enough rest:

• Set a Bedtime: Establish a regular bedtime that allows for 8-10 hours of sleep, depending on your child’s age.
• Create a Relaxing Environment: Ensure the bedroom is quiet, dark, and cool. Limit screen time before bed to help your child wind down.
• Encourage Relaxation: Activities like reading or listening to calming music can help your child relax before bedtime.

3. Use a Family Calendar

Keeping track of school events, extracurricular activities, and family commitments can be challenging. A family calendar can help:

• Centralize Information: Use a physical calendar in a common area or a digital calendar that everyone can access.
• Plan Together: Involve your student in planning and updating the calendar. This teaches responsibility and time management.
• Review Regularly: Set aside time each week to review upcoming events and deadlines as a family.

4. Utilize School Study Supports

Schools offer various resources to help students succeed. Make sure to take advantage of these supports:

• Online Tutoring Service: All PWCS students have access to free online tutoring 24/7 through Varsity Tutoring. The link here provides more information and details how students can access the program.
• After School Support: URHS provides after school support through a variety of means:
• Lions Den: Monday - Thursday, 2:30 - 4:40 in the first floor cafeteria. Students can get help and work on missing assignments.
• Study Hall: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:10-4:30 in the library. Students can complete reassessments, get tutoring, work in study groups, learn study skills, and complete missing assignments. Math Honor Society students are available to for one-on-one peer tutoring.
• Library Resources: School libraries often have a wealth of resources, including books, online databases, and quiet study areas. Students can access the library before school, during lunches, or after school Mondays - Thursday.
• Teacher Office Hours: Encourage your student to communicate with their teachers about when they provide extra help after school. Each department provides opportunities for students who need remediation or the chance to make-up missing assignments.

By focusing on these key areas, parents and students can work together to create a successful and fulfilling school year. Remember, communication and consistency are the cornerstones of academic success. Here’s to a great year ahead! 🎉📚

From the VDOE Website:

On July 9, Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 33 to help bring cell phone-free education to Virginia schools. Recognizing the mental health effects on children and the impact student’s dependence on cell phones are having in our schools, Governor Youngkin directed coordination between VDOE and the Secretary of Education alongside the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, State Health Commissioner, the Department of Health, and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to help parents, teachers, and students better understand the effects of cell phone and social media usage on our children.

Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order also charged the Virginia Department of Education with defining what a cell phone-free education means in the Commonwealth and to develop guidance on policies for school divisions to adopt to remove cell phones from instructional time in our K-12 public schools.

Though the Governor's Executive Order does not proscribe action until 2025, URHS has adjusted our school's cell policy accordingly and in anticipation of the new order. The cell phone policy at URHS is as follows:

• Personal wireless communication devices, including earbuds, must be silenced, and stored away during all instructional periods.
• Dual-purpose watches are allowed, but wireless/cellular features must be turned off during instructional times (e.g., must be in airplane mode)
• Personal wireless communication devices and one earbud are permitted during lunchtimes and during hallway passing times but are prohibited in all locker rooms and restrooms.
• Cell phones and wireless communication devices may be used on school buses provided the device does not distract the driver, compromise safety, or violate the Prohibited Content and Use for All Students provisions detailed below.
• Exceptions to these guidelines may be granted as disability accommodations through Section 504 plans or IEPs when necessary to ensure student access to school and school-sponsored activities. Exceptions may also be granted as part of a student’s health, safety, or other support plan.

Offense Response

• 1st Offense – student will surrender the wireless communication device and it will be returned to the student at the end of the class period.
• 2nd Offense – The student will surrender the wireless communication device, the teacher is responsible for ensuring the cell phone is delivered to the office as soon as practical and will be locked in the main office, and the device will be returned to the student at the end of the school day.
• 3rd Offense – The student will surrender the wireless communication device, the teacher is responsible for ensuring the cell phone is delivered to the office as soon as practical and will be locked in the main office, and the teacher will write a referral documenting the violation of the cell phone guidelines and contact parent/guardian. The parent/guardian must retrieve the device from the school office and sign the Acknowledgement of Further Consequences Form.
• After the 3rd Offense – The student will surrender the wireless communication device, the device will be locked in the main office, the teacher will write a referral and contact home, admin will also contact parent/guardian for retrieval of the cell phone and will engage in a meeting.

Students can experience success by abiding by the cell phone policy, which will minimize distractions during their learning day. Parents and Guardians can help support students by reinforcing the cell phone policy and using official school channels to communicate with their students during the day.

If you are interested in learning more about teens and the impact of cell phone use, both on academics and on mental health, you can read more from Johns Hopkins experts Karen Vidal and Annette Anderson here.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a vibrant and significant time of year when we come together to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This celebration, which runs from September 15 to October 15, was first established in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson and later expanded to a month-long celebration by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The dates were chosen to coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, which all celebrate their independence on September 15.

At URHS, we embrace this important month with enthusiasm and pride. Our celebrations kicked off with a lively assembly that showcased the diverse and vibrant cultures within our community. The assembly featured traditional dances, music, and presentations on historical figures who have made significant contributions to society.

Great job to the following students who helped make the assembly possible:

Ashley Cruz Sanchez (Dayana)

Idania Aguilar Valle

Ashly Argueta-Pena

Juan Ayala Aguilar

Josue Herrera

Margaret Martinez Garcia

Natalie Medrano

Mayali Nunez Morales

Alexander Pereyra Palet

Maria Ramirez-Godoy

Brianna Somarriba

Diego Torres-Lopez

Jenifer Vicente-Sanchez

Mavi Ascencio Ortiz

Sayda Ajanel Sontay

Alyson Dominguez

Vanessa Espana-Gonzales

Dayanna Hernandez

Sandra Lopez Alvares

Salet Machado

Alaa Rashed

Charles Recinos Rojas

Samiha Shukonna

Jose Rivera Quintana

Vincent Le Kim

Declan Hicks

Cindy Luu

Melanie Urrutia

Jenny Dao

Kwabena Asare

HISTORICAL FIGURES

Thomas Montalvo

Jennifer Umana

LATIN DANCE

Melanie Ferrufino

Lindsey Ortega Lopez

Alejandra Escoto

Alexa Morales

Alizon Gomez Peralta

Anderson Machado

Anyeli Gomez

Ashley Guardado

Ashly Chirinos

Camila Roca

Emely Guzman-Lopez

Emely Lemus-Cortez

Jessica Garcia

Juliana Mendez

Kimberly Salazar

Maicol Castellon

Naamon Eller

Nathaniel Flores

Osmael Alvarez

Raul Reyes-Rivera

William Reyes

Joshua Moralez-Gonzalez

MUSIC PERFORMERS

Belen Renderos Lewis

Anderson Molina

Diego Pineda Mejia

Kristian Barrera Gonzalez

Mario Ramirez

QUINCE DRESS ASSEMBLY

Alejandra Portillo-Escoto

Betsy Navarro-Medrano

Joelly Rosas Alvarenga

Alexandra Zepeda Perez

Alexandra Morales-Navarro

Jassmin Sanchez Castellanos

Gabriela Salais-Roque

Keily Marquez-Ramirez

Katherine Cortez

Jasmine Tellez-Ruano

Kenia Castillo

Andrea Martinez

Roxana Castillo

Stephanie Portillo

Another highlight of our celebration was the Noche de la Herencia, where families were invited to share in the festivities. The evening was filled with laughter, delicious food, karaoke, student performances, and a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures that make up our school community.

These events are more than just celebrations for URHS; they are a vital part of our school culture. They provide an opportunity for us to recognize and honor the heritage of our community members, fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect. By celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, we not only acknowledge the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans but also strengthen the bonds within our school community.

A big thank you to all those who worked so hard to make these celebrations possible, especially Tess Miller and Ann Kim of SALC; Alison McCall, Oscar Pizarro, and Luis Ortiz of the World Language Department; and Carlos Dickson, Matt Sheets, and Perpetua Magalhaes from the ESOL Department.

Each month, we are spotlighting a different IB Learner Profile trait to our school and recognizing students who greatly embody that trait. For September, we focused on Risk-Takers. Risk-takers approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; they work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. They are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change. Teachers were asked to nominate students who exhibited these traits and those students were awarded a certificate for their achievement, along with a Unity PRIDE bracelet that identifies them as a model risk-taker.

In our newsletter, we are profiling two of these students: Collin Murdock and Isis McRoy. Congratulations to all of our excellent IB Risk-Takers:

Isis McRoy

Isis McRoy is a senior, but she is also new to Unity Reed HS. That by itself is challenging, but she excitedly added a level of difficulty to her last year of high school – she joined the Firefighting program. “I just always knew I wanted to be a Firefighter, like ever since elementary school. At the book fairs, I went straight to the firefighting books…..I always wanted to help people.” She recently faced what recruits consistently see as the first major hurdle in their career path: the maze. This is an obstacle course designed to mirror the difficulties firefighters face when navigating the interior of a structure while using their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Their sight is typically obscured and their other senses taken away by the smoke, heat, and noise of their circumstances. In the maze, Isis had to move through confined spaces, without being able to see, while using her SCBA and having to respond to entanglement hazards, radio communications, and blind drops. She did not pass on her first attempt. “Instead of quitting I took the risk that I might keep trying and keep failing. But I had to try. I reassured myself that one day I will be one of those firefighters that people look up to. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life and I can’t just give up on it.” She didn’t give up, and she is continuing on her career path having successfully conquered the maze. “When I passed the maze, just everyone’s responses when I came back to the classroom was amazing. They were really proud of me and just the relief I felt – like, I knew I did it and I knew I could do it again.” She helps manage her stress from being such a great risk-taker by baking apple pies and painting. Look for her and her custom painted jeans walking the halls of URHS (when she isn’t in her firefighting uniform 😉).

Collin Murdock

Collin Murdock, grade 12, notes that there are both positive ways to be a risk-taker and negative ways to be a risk-taker. To him, the difference is whether the risk serves to benefit others or make a positive difference. In school, Collin noted that in the beginning of the year, he saw a freshman looking very lost in the hallways between classes. Even though he didn’t know the student and had his own class to get to, he took the risk to help. “It was just the right thing to do, and what I’d want someone to do for me, so it was definitely a good risk to take.” He takes much bigger risks outside of school where he is an active member of The Order of the Marshal and practices HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts). This organization works to help members ‘live a chivalrous life’ as they study medieval history and culture, engage in martial arts demonstrations, and build camaraderie/ Collin notes that the name of the Order comes from Sir William Marshal: “He absolutely embodies being a risk-taker. He was kidnapped when he was young and his father refused to pay the ransom….but he trained really hard and went on to be a famous jouster and win regard and the King’s favor. Tournaments were likely to get people killed, but he took those risks and did a lot of good.” In his honor, the Order donates all the proceeds from their own demonstrations to the Make a Wish Foundation. You can find Collin embodying the IB Learner Profile trait of being a positive Risk-Taker at the Virginia Renaissance Faire each year – and catch his exploits with the Order of the Marshal on YouTube.

At Unity Reed, we LOVE our Security Staff! They not only help ensure the safety of our learning environment, but act as positive role models and mentors to school community.

The third week in September is National Security Officer Appreciation Week, a time dedicated to recognizing the hard work these members of our community put in every day. At URHS, our students and colleagues came together to give our Security team the kudos they deserve - from thank you cards and banners, to gifts, to snacks and meals throughout the week.

Join us again in giving a big thank you to:

Mike Bouchard

Mark Warner

Anthony Bennett

Angela Cabell

Juan Mendez,

Carroll Walker

Officer Armstrong

Of the appreciation week, Mike Bouchard said: "I am grateful to work in an environment where the staff acknowledges and appreciates Security and all that it embodies. We also Thank YOU for all that you do each and every day to support security and assist in keeping our students and staff safe each and every day."

As part of Unity Reed's commitment to Learning & Achievement for All, we develop and monitor a Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP). Our theory of action for our school wide-goal starts, "If we consistently engage students....." - and one of our instructional commitments is to "Student-Centered Active Engagement."

So what does student engagement mean?

Student engagement refers to the level of interest, curiosity, and involvement a student shows towards their learning and school activities. It’s not just about paying attention in class; it’s about being actively involved in the learning process, both intellectually and emotionally. Engaged students are more likely to retain information, develop critical thinking skills, and achieve academic success.

At Unity Reed, it means that learning often looks different than the typical model where a teacher stands at the front of the room and seated students listen and take notes. In math class, students may be standing up in groups to work through problem-solving together. In JVG, they may discover important collaborative skills by having to navigate hallways blindfolded. In IB Theory of Knowledge, they literally construct Plato's cave and enter it to explore his allegory. In every discipline, teachers are supporting students as they develop their communication, critical thinking, and reflective skills alongside their knowledge of the content.

When learning in inquiry-based and student-centered, students have greater opportunities to engage with their own learning and build deeper conceptual understanding. Unity Reed is dedicated to developing active learners and fostering the essential skills for students’ future success.

September 10, 2024 was Suicide Prevention Day. The URHS SALC students brought attention to the national issue of suicide by making a video to share with the school community. Additionally, in September and October, the school counseling department will be meeting with classes to talk about the signs of suicide and how to play a positive role in suicide prevention.

If you or someone you know needs help, please do not hesitate to use the PWCS "See Something, Say Something" anonymous tip app or call / text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

From the World Health Organization website:

“Changing the narrative on suicide”

Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700 000 deaths each year globally. Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences, and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide.

The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation". This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.

The call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention. Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of support.

This theme also emphasizes the need to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health in policy making, calling for government action. Changing the narrative requires advocating for policies that prioritize mental health, increase access to care, and provide support for those in need.

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The 10 September each year aims to focus attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness among organizations, governments, and the public, giving a singular message that suicides are preventable.

In September, URHS had the pleasure of hosting two significant events: the induction ceremonies for the Spanish Honor Society and the French Honor Society. These ceremonies celebrated the dedication and achievements of students excelling in their language studies.

Spanish Honor Society Induction Ceremony

The Spanish Honor Society, known as the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (SHH), was established in 1953 and at Unity Reed it is sponsored by Alison McCall. The SHH aims to recognize high school students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in Spanish and Portuguese and to promote interest in Hispanic and Luso-Brazilian cultures. The organization not only enriches students' studies in language, but they also provide invaluable service to our community through interpretation services and their close partnership with Innovation Elementary School.

During the ceremony, new members were welcomed into the society, acknowledging their hard work and passion for the Spanish language. The event featured a keynote speaker, Andy Ortega Lopez (class of 2024), musical presentations, speeches by the club officers, and the recitation of the society’s motto. The inductees were celebrated not only for their academic excellence but also for their commitment to cultural understanding and community service.

New Members:

Barahona, Gadiel

Chavez Calvillo, Litzy

Chavez Mendoza, Naomi

Chirinos, Jennifer

Choe, Sarah

Chodankar, Nachiket

Dominguez, Alyson

Escobar Ascencio, Alison

Funes Palacios, Katherine

Garcia Alvarez, Delma

Gutierrez, Jeremiah

Hicks, Declan

Lazo Velasquez, Genesis

Martin-Mabulu, Katori

Martinez Martinez, Andrea

Perez Muñoz, Elizabeth

Portillo-Escoto, Alejandra

Rodriguez Barretero, Hael

Salazar Gonzalez, Kimberly

Somarriba, Brianna

Turcios-Zelaya, Kimberly

Varela Alvarez, Sesia

Vivek, Ruwila

Williams, Daniela

Returning Members:

Awan, Sadia

Bajagal, Abhinandan

Braithwaite, Angheline

Carballo Vasquez, Johnathan

Contreras Mendez, Nancy

Dominguez Sanchez, Yaneth

Ferrufino-Ramos, Melanie

Gonzalez-Garcia, Genesis

Guardado Gutierrez, Adam

Guardado, Jeiry

Guillen Montes, Billy

Ipanaque, Edward

Irawan, Natasha

Mai, Lina

Martel Diaz, Adela

Mercado-Flores, Nicole

Morales Ipina, Keren

Morales Milian, Katherine

Ortega Lopez, Lindsey

Rashed, Alaa

Rios, Rebecca

Rivera Contreras, Andrew

Umana-Velasquez, Jennifer

Younis, Muhammad

Zambrano Mejia, Herlin

French Honor Society Induction Ceremony

Similarly, the French Honor Society, known as the Société Honoraire de Français (SHF), was founded in 1927 and is sponsored by Radia Ihaddadene at Unity Reed. The SHF’s mission is to recognize high school students who have excelled in the study of the French language and to foster a deeper appreciation for French culture.

The French Honor Society induction ceremony centered on the society’s motto, “Avoir une autre langue, c’est posséder une deuxième âme” (To have another language is to possess a second soul). The ceremony also included reflections on the importance of language learning and cultural exchange, highlighting the achievements of the new members.

New Members:

Allison Aguirre Duarte

Ulises Barrios Rodriguez

Alison Castellano-Lopez

Audrey Deleidi

Lydia Escalante

Richney Fang

Sophia Gueye

Allison Luna-Acosta

Tony Molossa

Selina Moran

Sophia Orellana

Julissa Perez Galdamez

Makhi Phillips

Amy Ramos Guevara

Neveah Rivera-Craig

Shreya Sharma

Returning Members

Senan ABOH Aboh

Sayda Ajanel Sontay

Tabasom Akrami

Edward Anobah

Mavi Asencio Ortiz

Baani Bedi

Beverley Borjas Argueta

Jackeline Calderon Navas

Sofia Camacho-Santos

Elisa Deleidi

Lilibeth Diaz

Malcolm El-Ayazra

Kiara Garcia Perez

Alexa Gonzalez

Abdullah Habib

Michelle Hernandez-Villalta

Katie Hernandez

Salet Machado

Sanjana Mazid

Natalie Medrano

Julissa Perez Galdamez

Pranchon Wattakeecharoen

Jada Williams

Richard Yaxcal Zuniga

Rebecca Zaki

A Bright Future for Language Learners

Both ceremonies underscored the importance of language studies in fostering global citizenship and cultural empathy. The inductees of the Spanish and French Honor Societies have shown exceptional dedication to their studies and have set a high standard for their peers. Their achievements remind us of the value of learning new languages and embracing diverse cultures.

Congratulations to all the new members of the Spanish and French Honor Societies!

If you are on Facebook, you may have seen a post this summer from the HQ AF Junior ROTC account spotlighting the Unity Reed AFJROTC program. If you missed it, here is what it said:

Many Junior ROTC drill programs took a significant hit during the pandemic. The Unity Reed AFJROTC High School drill team under the leadership of TSgt (Ret) Tina Laing have made a huge comeback, culminating in multiple wins at the national level in 2023-24. However, what’s most interesting about their story has been their willingness to offer drill training to the units they compete against. Now, while the unit raises funds for the upcoming competition season including another run at nationals, Unity Reed cadets are raising funds with contributions from units that they trained and competed against.

Here's the account of their journey from TSgt Laing, including pictures of several units and the training she mentions:

"One Team, One Fight is a way of life as a Unity Reed JROTC cadet, and a motto we carry over to our brother units. After COVID, I transitioned to a new unit and wanted to desperately win the Virginia State drill trophy I had maintained at my last unit for three consecutive years. Our cadets worked hard and easily attained the Virginia State title. However, what we took home more importantly was the realization the drill world was almost dead and not only were teams struggling, so were cadets.

From then on out our team switched focus from winning to encouraging, supporting, and training our competitors so they can rise from the ashes. I called this year the year of the Phoenix. Our leaders not only challenged themselves and those under them, but they reached out to other cadets in units all over the state to help them too. We set up drill training days and trained our brother units and encouraged them not to quit!

At competitions we cheered and rooted them on. Indian River High met our challenge and followed suit hosting similar events with the southern units. In time we ended up winning far more than a state championship title -- we became healthier, our program grew as well as our cadets and those of the cadets in our brother units. Last year, 18 teams attended the event.

This past year on our travel back from the Virginia State drill competition, one of our cadets dubbed the state trophy “Peter,” stemming from me reminding them, “With great power comes great responsibility!” Being the Virginia State drill champions means our behavior, attitude and mannerism reflect and emulate what the title means. What we say and do will teach others what they should say and do when they win that trophy from us one day, and we pray they carry this same mindset with them and encourage and uplift others to remember we are … One Team, One Fight!

Our team was built from the ground up, and in three years, we have maintained three state championship titles, two consecutive USAF National titles, and three trophies at the Joint National level, making us number eight in the world and four in the USAF against schools who have been there for years.

Since returning back from Florida, our team has a new quest to return to the competitions to learn more, build new relationships on a broader level, and of course hopefully win some trophies. This past weekend we reached out seeking donations to raise the $33K necessary to go to both USAF and Joint Nationals, and it was humbling to receive donations from current and prior cadets from multiple units and teams supporting and rooting us on.

We received donations from CD Hylton, Berkeley County W.V., and former Randolph-Macon Academy cadets which span across 10 years of tenure in the program. Regardless of the outcome I think we’ve gained far more than I ever imagined with these relationships on a broader perspective. We are … One Team, One Fight!"

Laing added, "We partnered up with CD Hylton and extended an invite to travel with us to Nationals in Dayton, Ohio. This helps support both units by cutting travel costs in half by sharing the charter bus cost, and it really has bridged our cadets together. We both end up with a great experience and now only need to raise $3.2k instead of $6.5k.

Additionally, this last week our team hired Drill Team Dynamics but felt we needed to bring one of the Hylton cadets to take some of the training back to their unit to pay it forward. My favorite part of the day was telling my cadets a Hylton cadet was coming for the training. The second he walked in, it was a reunion for them. They handed him a notebook and immediately brought him into the fold -- unit partnership and paying it forward before us all."

Thanks so much to TSgt Laing and Regional Director Joe Pabalan for sharing this remarkable account of teamwork, cooperation, and competition with us--awesome!

#AFJROTC #UnityReed #DrillCompetition #usaf #teamworkmakesthedreamwork

• Lead with courage and integrity.

• Inspire others with our actions.

• Optimize opportunities that come our way.

• Navigate through challenges with wisdom.

• Strive for excellence in all we do.

• Persevere in the face of adversity.

• Respect all beings and their perspectives.

• Innovate to create a better future.

• Dedicate ourselves to our passions.

• Empower others to reach their potential.

Students and colleagues can nominate staff members each month who they feel best embody each of these traits. In September, we recognized our top nominees for "Lead with Courage and Integrity": Nicole McCarthy (Social Studies Teacher & Department Chair) and Stephanie Nash (Assistant Principal). They each received a commemorative lion figurine, a certificate, and a designated parking spot at the front entrance of the school.

Congratulations to all those who were nominated!

1. Abby Conover

2. Alison McCall

3. Beverly Thompson

4. Candis Delacoudray

5. Cassandra Pettit

6. Chelsea Cripps

7. Debra Sue Wood

8. Elizabeth Golden

9. Jerome Hruska

10. Jim Karrish

11. Katherine Hodgson

12. Kerry Drouin

13. Livia Perez

14. Lori Sterne

15. Matthew Sheets

16. Michael Bouchard

17. Mickey Foster

18. Nicole McCarthy

19. Rachel Horn

20. Rich Smith

21. Stephanie Nash

22. Tiffany Hope

In October we will be recognizing those who "Inspire Others With Their Actions" and submitting nominations for those who "Optimize Opportunities that Come Their Way."

It is a great time to join the URHS PAC - or Principal's Advisory Council - as our new principal, Ms. Polanco, is eager for community engagement and ideas on how we can make URHS an even better school. The first meeting was held on September 19th at 6:00 pm and information, including minutes, can be found through this link.

The agenda for the first Advisory Council of the year was as follows:

- Share URHS celebrations

- Introduce the PAC expectations

- Review Continuous Improvement Plan

- Review Principal Budget

- SACI Update

- Student Voice Update

- Department Share Out

- PTSO Update

Some key highlights included:

• URHS saw an increase in graduation rate and English Learner language progress; we also saw a decrease in the dropout rate and in chronic absenteeism
• URHS enrollment is currently below the projection provided by the county last spring; Ms. Polanco has budgeted for about $1.2 million in flex spending and has accounted for having to return approximately $1.3 million due to over-projection
• Senior class representatives Alaa Rashed and Salet Machado presented about the Student Voice Committee, which is looking for diverse members of the student body to be a part of feedback and planning for school improvement
• Departments shared out multiple successes, from high library attendance, to fun classroom activities baking bread, to senior interviews, to Honor Society inductions.
• Specialty Program and IB registrations have increased in 24-25 from the previous year
• The PTSO is looking for members! Contact Kelli Macdonald (macdonakm@pwcs.edu) for more information

The next PAC meeting will be November 14th at 6pm on Zoom / Teams. We hope to see you there!

The PWCS community experienced a painful loss this August when we lost our friend and colleague, Mark Daniel Roadarmel.

While Mark began his teaching career in Fairfax County, he became an assistant principal at Unity Reed High School (then Stonewall Jackson HS) in 2007. Mr. Roadarmel was known here for his commitment to helping students, his sense of humor, and his even demeanor that helped others stay calm even in tough situations. After a decade of serving our students and making deep connections with his colleagues, Mark moved to Battlefield High School to be closer to home and his children. He was looking forward to enjoying retirement at the conclusion of this school year.

His family wrote the following tribute: "Mark loved his career in education. Whether he was teaching, coaching, or serving as an administrator, he was a positive influence on those around him. His strong yet gentle tone made those seeking guidance feel uplifted and empowered. Whether the problem was big or small, his calm unwavering support helped to illuminate the path they were trying to find. While Mark loved seeing others thrive, he never gave himself credit for helping. Another great attribute was his ability to crack a joke at any moment. Even at the lowest points, he could find a way to make someone smile."

As the PWCS community grieved, our students asked to take the picture above to send with a message of support for Battlefield HS. Mark is greatly missed and we are grateful for the time he spent with URHS.

• October 3rd - No School (Rosh Hashanah Holiday)
• October 9th - PSAT Day (Asynchronous Day for Seniors)
• October 14th - Staff Development Day (No School for Students)
• October 18-19th - Homecoming Football Game & Dance
• October 19th - IB College Fair at Gar-Field High School
• October 24th - PWCS Specialty Program Info Night (Zoom)