Judges' Docket

The chromebooks of students who have not had their annual verification forms completed by parents have been disabled. We have sent numerous TalkingPoints to families/guardians who are missing the completion of the annual verification forms.

Parents/Guardians who have not completed these forms: Please ensure you complete as soon as possible. You need to complete the Returning Student Annual Verification Forms in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. If you need help login in please contact the school and ask to speak with Ms. Brandy Woods, Ms. Gabriela Zavala, or Ms. Carmen Richmond.

Sophomores and Seniors,

This past week we shared the ring order packets (sophomores) and cap and gown packets (seniors) with you all. A representative from Jostens will be at school this Friday, October 11 during lunches to take your orders or answer any questions you may have. Please bring your orders in so they can process them.

SENIORS: This is extremely important as cap & gowns go up in price at the end of December.

Attending HOCO is a privilege for students who prioritize their academic commitments. To attend HOCO on Oct 26, 2024, students must meet the following criteria between Oct 7, 2024, and Oct 24, 2024:

• have no more than 1 unexcused absences

• have no more than 1 unexcused tardy to school

• failing no more than 1 class

• no referral for 2nd electronic device offense

• earn no major office referrals (a single severe major infraction may result in a loss of HOCO privileges)

• earn no referrals for skipping class, out of area, or dress code violations

Additionally, please review the dress code for this event here.

This week's results are:
4th place with 90% are the Seniors
3rd place with 91% are the Sophomores
2nd place with 92% are the Juniors

1st place is the reigning champions, the Freshmen, with 93%

Congratulations Class of 2028!

The YES Conference (Youth Empowered for Success) is open to Seniors and Juniors in the Shenandoah Valley. This conference aims to provide attendees with skills and resources they may use to succeed in their personal lives, academics and professional careers through multiple speaker presentations and workshops. Students will also be able to take a tour of the college grounds. This year’s theme is “Am I A Leader?!?”. A selection of boxed breakfast and lunches is included in the registration costs. Space is limited at 250 seats so please register asap to guarantee

your spot!

DATE: Tuesday, October 15 from 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

LOCATION: Shenandoah University - Brandt Student Center @ 703 University Drive, Winchester (*Transportation provided by WPS)

COST: FREE for Handley students, use promo code 2024HANDLEY when you sign up

HOW TO REGISTER: space is limited!! https://reachingoutnow.org/event/2024-yes-conference-youth-empowered/ (CLOSES 10/8!)

John Handley High School will be hosting a representative from Shenandoah University's financial aid office on October 9th from 6:00-7:00 pm in the Patsy Cline Theatre. This event will cover the most up-to-date information on the FAFSA and provide valuable insights into the financial aid process for families. We encourage all interested students and parents to attend this informative session!

Join us for our annual Bag Bingo fundraiser where you could win a Coach, Michael Kors or Vera Bradley bag, as well as door prizes and raffle baskets!

Featured Speakers: Principal Susan Braithwaite, Officer John Bahl, Officer Josh Berry

Our first PTSO meeting will be on Tuesday October 15th at 5pm in the Media Lab. Principal Susan Braithwaite will join us to provide an overview of emergency protocols within the school. She will also be accompanied by Officer Bahl (Handley SRO) and Officer Berry (Deputy Chief of WPD) who will speak to how the school works collaboratively with the police department. This is meant to be an informational meeting for parents. Speakers will be available after the meeting to review/answer any specific questions parents may have.

We will also discuss the upcoming events we have planned for the year, ways we can support our students and teachers, and volunteer procedures for parents volunteering in the school with students.

All are welcome and we would appreciate if you could RSVP through this link so that we have an idea of how many people will be joining us. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

We will have retakes for underclassmen pictures on Wednesday, October 16. Stay tuned for schedule.

Are you a dedicated high school senior? Looking for financial assistance to help you reach your academic goals? Our Local Scholarship Application is now open!

Application Deadline: January 10, 2025

Pick Up Application Packets: School Counseling Office, starting October 3, 2024

This is an annual contest for high school students in Virginia. This year's theme invites writers to explore all the various ways we can interpret the idea of “home.” Virginia students in Grades 9-12 are invited to enter by submitting to one of the following categories: poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or modern language essay. See more information on the website today.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964, and, since that time, has honored almost 8,000 outstanding high school seniors. The program has evolved from initial recognition of exceptional SAT or ACT scores, and beginning in 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.

To apply for the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts program, students must first apply to the National Arts Competition hosted by YoungArts. YoungArts accepts applications in the following disciplines: classical music, dance, design, film, jazz, photography, theater, visual arts, voice, and writing. If accepted as a winner in one of these categories, students may be invited to apply to the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts program. For applications and additional information, visit YoungArts.

All applications to the National Arts Competition by YoungArts must be received no later than October 17, 2024.

Contact: Amanda Nevetral, Director, Office of Advanced Learning, Amanda.Nevetral@doe.virginia.gov

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) is an organization dedicated to offering FREE NASA STEM programs for high school students in grades 10-12. These programs provide unique opportunities for students interested in space exploration, climate science, and NASA missions to engage deeply with these subjects through online courses AND in-person residential experiences at NASA facilities.

They're excited to announce that applications for their programs—Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS), Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS), and Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS)—are now open. Applications close on October 24th.

About the Programs:

1. Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) – 10th Grade:
VSCS is a FREE program for high school sophomores focusing on the science, technology, engineering, and math integral to current missions at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. Scholars participate in an online course from November to March, gaining insights into NASA’s innovative work. Top-performing students are invited to a 7-day residential summer academy at NASA Wallops, where they collaborate on mission design projects.

Apply to VSCS Here

2. Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) – 11th & 12th Grade:
VASTS centers on human space exploration. Scholars design upgrades for the ISS, create a new crew exploration vehicle, and engage in space-related discussions. The program follows a similar format to VSCS, with online coursework and a summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center.

Apply to VASTS HERE

3. Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) – 11th & 12th Grade:
VESSS focuses on NASA’s climate change research, exploring satellite missions that enhance our understanding of Earth’s systems. Scholars participate in an online course and a summer academy at NASA Langley, much like VASTS.

Apply to VESSS HERE

Key Details:

• Application Deadline: Open Now – Close October 24th, 2024
• GPA Requirement: 2.7 or higher
• Counselor Verification & Teacher Recommendation: Required for all programs
• Program Cost: Free!

Please check out this opportunity to be considered for one or more scholarships. In order to be considered, you must submit this form to the counseling office along with a typed resume (include your name, activities, honors, community service, employment, and leadership roles by the grade in which they occurred) no later than Friday, November 1, 2024

Attention families! The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a valuable tool for high school students to explore career paths and gain insights into their strengths and interests. Taking the ASVAB can open doors to exciting career options, whether in the military or civilian sectors. It’s not just a test; it’s a chance for students to discover their potential and plan their future with confidence.

Encourage your student to take advantage of this opportunity on November 15th at 8:15 AM in the Media Lab. To sign up, use this link. For more information, contact Jonathan Landaverde, Career Coach in the Counseling Office.

VDOE will select two student delegates to represent Virginia in the 63rd Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) sponsored by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. Each selected delegate will receive a $10,000 scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to for Washington Week in D.C., in March. Students interested in applying will complete an application and submit two essay responses. Building administrators will be asked at a later time to certify the student’s application. There are very specific qualifications and expectations for candidates selected as delegates. VDOE strictly adheres to the USSYP program qualifications and expectations outlined by the Hearst Foundation. Contact: Christonya Brown, Coordinator of History and Social Science with any questions

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: December 13, 2024 @ 3:30PM

This form is used to confirm the accuracy of your student's name as it appears in PowerSchool. The name listed will be printed on the student's high school diploma and announced during the graduation ceremony. Please review the information carefully. By completing this form, you are either verifying that the name is correct or notifying us of any changes needed to ensure the diploma is printed accurately and the name is read correctly during the graduation ceremony.

Seniors: This newsletter was sent to you by our Counseling Department. Please make sure you review it in its entirety.

Coffee with a Company: IBEW - October 16, 1125-12:05pm

IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 26 will be our speaker at Coffee with a Company on October 16th during Advisory. This is a small group presentation limited to 15 students with a local business partner over coffee & donuts. Please come prepared to ask questions and be engaged in the presentation and conversation. Learn more about IBEW here.

Sign up to attend here. This form is for internal use only and must be completed by a student.

__

Field Trip Opportunity: Continental - November 21, 9-11am

ContiTech, a division of Continental, is one of the world's leading suppliers of technical elastomer products and is a specialist in plastics technology. ContiTech develops and produces functional parts, components, and systems for machine and plant engineering, mining, the automotive industry, and other important industries. Continental/O’Sullivan Films in Winchester, Virginia, offers many diverse career paths in our Manufacturing Environment. They have over 450 employees and have various

positions in Production, Maintenance, Quality, Logistics, Engineering, Customer Service, Research & Development, Safety, and Much More! See this flier to learn more about their offerings.

We will be visiting their campus and taking a tour on November 21st from 9-11am. Please sign up to attend here. This form is for internal use only and must be completed by a student.

__

Students are invited to engage in unique STEM opportunities through Virginia Space Grant Consortium’s dynamic programs! 🚀

Applications are now open for VSGC’s prestigious programs: the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS), the Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS), and the Virginia Space Coast Scholars. These programs are designed to inspire and equip students with valuable knowledge and experiences in aerospace, Earth sciences, and space exploration.

The deadline for applications for these programs is October 26.

See this flyer to learn more.

__

Do you want to be a Firefighter? 🔥

There are still spots left in the Firefighting Academy at EGSIC in the spring semester! Please read the attached flyer for more details.

You must be 16 years old by the time you start the program!

If you are interested, reach out to Ms. Weinstein or Ms. Lockhart, or see your counselor!

__

Shockey is hiring a Carpenter Apprentice!

This opportunity is perfect for seniors with availability in their schedule who are interested in the Construction trade to get their foot in the door for after graduation! 🚧

Candidates must be available to work 4 hours per day (20 hours per week minimum) on construction sites within 30 miles of Winchester. Must have a valid driver’s license and transportation. Starting pay $15.00 - $16.00/per hour.

If you're interested in this opportunity, reach out to Ms. Weinstein.

__

**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 or Ms. Hall, Transition Specialist**

If you purchased last year's yearbook or want to buy one, Mrs. Rhonda Campbell is your person! She has many yearbooks still waiting for pick-up and to be bought ($80.00). Visit her classroom for more information.

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!

Sign up for our monthly emails by clicking here.

The Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) is the online classroom software used by WPS. It’s where teachers can post content, discussion, and assessments. It’s where students can extend their learning outside of the normal classroom and school day.

Teachers can post all their class content in one place, including a calendar for due dates, links to class resources like videos, posted homework assignments (and tips on how to turn it all in), etc.

Students can see all their assignments, due dates, and class materials in one spot. They can turn in assignments and see teacher feedback.

Please note that the official gradebook for WPS is PowerSchool GradeBook. Grades in Canvas may not reflect the final grade for a course. For more information please click here.

We are pleased to announce a new Athletics Admission Program for the 2024-2025 school year. Instead of paying $6.00 per person to attend games, Handley students will now have free admission to all regular season events played at home. By simply presenting their Handley ID at the gate, JHHS students can now support their peers without the added barrier of ticket cost. This program would not be possible without the support of our community sponsors: Handy Mart, H.N. Funkhouser and Shenandoah Valley Orthodontics. The Athletics Admission Program will begin with JV and Varsity Volleyball games on Tuesday, August 27 vs. Hampshire and the Varsity Football game on Saturday, August 31 vs. Musselman. The full athletics schedule can be found on the JHHS Athletics website and below under "Other Important Information."

Please note: The Athletics Admission Program provides free admission for Handley students and does not include students from other WPS schools.

Our dress code can be found on Page 27 of our Parent/Student Handbook which delineates the acceptable school dress code, under School Board Policy JFC - Student Code of Conduct Policy.

The dress code reads as follows:

Dress Code

1. Clothing must cover areas from one armpit across to the other armpit, down to 3 inches in length on the upper thighs (see image below). Tops must have shoulder straps.

2. Shoes must be worn at all times and should be safe for the school environment (pajamas,

bedroom shoes or slippers shall not be worn, except for school activities approved by the

principal).

3. See-through or mesh garments must not be worn without appropriate coverage underneath that meet the minimum requirements of the dress code.

4. Headgear including hats, hoodies, and caps are not allowed unless permitted for religious,

medical, or other reasons by school administration.

5. Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as sports uniforms or safety gear.

Updating Demographic Information: To update any demographic information such as address, telephone number, or email, please log into your PowerSchool parent portal.

Cellphone Procedure: The new Cell Phone Procedure will be in effect on the first day of school. Students will put their personal electronic devices in pouches during class and lunch. When transitioning in the hallway, personal electronic devices cannot be visible and will need to be in bookbags or in clothing pockets. Review these frequently asked questions for more information.

Communication with Teachers: Our primary communication tool for contacting teachers is TalkingPoints, a multilingual family-teacher engagement program accessible via SMS or through an Android/iOS app. For more information, please refer to the Getting Started Guide.

Vaccinations: The Virginia Department of Health requires students receive the Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine before they can begin 12th grade. Students will not be able to start 12th grade classes without proof of these vaccines. Please submit proof of vaccinations to our nurse or the front office.

Student Support List

Get Involved: List of our clubs

Tryout Dates

Student Physical form (students who want to participate in a sport must have a physical)

Fall Athletics Schedule

Important Events Schedule for the First Semester: Here are important dates to be aware of so you can plan accordingly. Dates are subject to change. We will communicate any changes in a timely manner.

Here is a list of all the JHHS Clubs and Activities available to students. Explore your options and find a place to get involved! Students that are interested in clubs can email the club sponsor.

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.

Student Support List

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.

Please refer to this school bus locator to find the bus stop closest to you.

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.