The Cavalier Connection

To KWHS families,

This week at our school has been filled with excitement and positivity! In this issue you will see reminders and celebrations as well as upcoming events. Yesterday marked the interim for the 1st 9 weeks. Please check parent portal for grades. If you have any questions please reach out directly to your students teacher. Also, please pay special attention to the attendance reminders at the bottom of the newsletter.

As a team we will strive for all Cavaliers to be prepared to Enroll in a college or university, Enlist in the military, or become Employed after graduation. I expect all Cavaliers to respectful in their daily interactions, be responsible for following all policies and procedures set by KWHS and KWCPS, and maintain a safe environment. We will work together to focus on success for EVERY CAV EVERYDAY. I appreciate your time and do not hesitate to email me at award@kwcps.k12.va.us or call me at (804) 769-3434 ext 641 if you have questions or concerns.

Friday Sept 13th KWHS played Hanover High School at Hanover. It was a tough game and we are proud of the efforts of the Cavaliers. Tonight the Cavaliers will travel to Caroline High School for a 7pm kick off. Go CAVS!

This weeks Staff Shout out goes to Ms. Jennings and Mr. Alfonso!

Do you have a KWHS staff member you would like to give a shout out to? Please fill out the form below and they will be recognized in an upcoming newsletter. Let's spread some positivity.

Click here to send a shout out to a KWHS staff member

On Tuesday Dr. Phillips from VCU came to present the Project Adam Heart Safe School Designation Banner to KWHS. Project ADAM Heart Safe School designation is attained by schools upon successful implementation of a quality sudden cardiac arrest program of awareness, training and effective emergency response to promote a Heart Safe environment for students, visitors and staff as outlined within the Heart Safe School Checklist. Congratulations to Ms. Pinder, Ms. Lewis, Ms. Barrick, Ms. Newbill, and Coach Hood. We thank you for your hard work in keeping KWHS a safe place to be.

Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduTUVls2g_6xhqRx1KZjRVTjufjXVl-VmNivr0r6Ok3OCRjQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

On Friday, the KWHS Field Hockey team had the pleasure of visiting Randolph-Macon College, where they enjoyed a delightful mix of discovery and camaraderie. They participated in an inspiring information session, explored the lively campus, and experienced the excitement of a field hockey game that sparked their competitive spirits. The chance to connect with the RMC team during a warm meet and greet after the game was truly memorable. The students were fascinated by the rich and unique history of Macon and are beyond excited for their first away game next Thursday!

Come out an join the Principals Advisory team at their 1st meeting on Sept. 24th at the KWHS Library. This is a great time to share concerns and support the high school.

Members of Indian View Baptist Church dropped off donations for our bus drivers this week. It was a very kind gesture just to say thank you!

If you are interested in becoming a community partner please reach out to Ryllee Lankford rlankford@ccps.us and sign up here

The admin team has put together a new comprehensive student handbook to outline policies, procedures and expectations for students. Please take a moment and review the handbook with your student.

Click HERE to view the Student Handbook.

Effective August 15th 2024

The safety of students, staff, and guests is a top priority for King William County Public Schools (KWCPS). Building upon the school division’s current safety measures, and aligned to established practices at collegiate and professional venues, as well as a growing number of K-12 school divisions including many in our own Tidewater District, KWCPS has adopted several safety measures for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.

1. All spectators attending Varsity high school sponsored events at the KWHS stadium and gymnasium will be subject to search and security screening prior to entering the facility to check for weapons, dangerous objects, and other prohibited items. Any spectator in possession of a prohibited item will not be allowed to enter and may be subject to law enforcement intervention. This screening process may involve wanding and bag checks.

2. All spectators wishing to enter the facility must adhere to the following bag policy. Each spectator will be permitted to bring the following:

• One (1) clear tote bag not larger than 12” x 6” x 12”

• One (1) small clutch-style purse or handbag for privacy, not larger than 4.5” x 6.5”

• Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:
  

• All tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, vapes, Juul, smokeless tobacco products, etc.)

• All alcohol and alcohol products

• Weapons of any type or other dangerous objects such as laser pointers

• Drugs, to include marijuana or marijuana products

• Coolers and outside food or drink products (exception: one store-bought, sealed water bottle is allowed)

• Pets and other non-service animals

• Exceptions will be made for credentialed media, medical items, and baby items with proper inspection at designated areas. Items such as banners, blankets, seat cushions, and wagons are also subject to inspection.
  
• Prohibited bags include:
  

• Purses (other than the permissible clutch)

• Bags, backpacks, cinch bags, fanny packs, mesh bags, containers larger than 4.5"x6.5"

• Briefcases, computer bags, luggage

• Grocery bags, trash bags, tinted plastic bag

• Please note that there is no storage location at the ticket/check-in entry point for prohibited bags or items. These must be stored in your vehicle or kept at home.
  

• Why did KWHS adopt these safety measures?

• Our safety and security procedures are reviewed and updated regularly to ensure the most up-to-date and best practices in accordance with the Tidewater District are being utilized to promote the safety and security of students, families, staff, and visitors. The increased safety measures will further mitigate the likelihood of prohibited items entering the venue and result in a more efficient screening process.

• Why does the requirement only apply to the Varsity events at the stadium or gymnasium?

• The increased safety measures are initially being implemented at Varsity football and basketball games in the stadium/gymnasium because these venues typically have the largest crowds. These requirements may be implemented at other events in the future.

• What happens if I show up at a venue with a bag that is not permitted?

• Guests who arrive at KWHS stadium/gymnasium entrances with prohibited bags or items will not be permitted to enter the venue.

• Do I have to put everything I'm carrying into the permissible bags?

• No. We are limiting only the type of bags carried into the stadiums, not items that you normally bring to a game. You are still permitted to carry keys, wallets, phones, etc. in your pockets. Please be prepared, however, to remove these items for screening if handheld metal detecting wands are in use.

• Does this apply to athletes or event participants?

• These procedures only apply to spectators, not to student-athletes and staff participating in the event.

• What about items needed for babies and small children?

• A baby carrier, detachable infant car seat, or stroller is permitted in the venue if it is accompanying an infant/small child. Other items needed for a baby or small child may be carried in a clear bag. All baby items are subject to inspection prior to entry.

• Can fans bring blankets and large jackets during cold weather?

• Yes. Guests are welcome to carry blankets outside of a clear bag. Guests may bring extra coats and jackets into the venues by tossing them over a shoulder or arm. Guests should be prepared to have jackets with pockets searched if handheld metal detecting wands are in use.

• Are seat cushions/seat backs allowed to be carried into the venue?

• Yes. Seat cushions and stadium seats are permitted but subject to be inspection prior to entry.

• What happens if the handheld metal detecting wand used at the security checkpoint goes off?

• When a metal detecting wand is set off, guests will be asked to step aside for a brief secondary screening.

• Where do guests with accessibility needs enter?

• Guests with accessibility needs can enter at an accessible entrance. Event staff will assist through the screening process.

• I have a medical device. Would it be affected if I am screened with a handheld metal detecting wand?
  

• Guests with medical concerns should alert event staff personnel.

Dress Code (JFCA-R)

KWCPS respects a student’s right to express oneself in their dress. It is important, however, that clothing not detract from the learning environment or create a disruption to or distraction from the learning process. The administration reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of all student dress whether or not it is listed in this regulation. Clothing and accessories may not:

• Display vulgar, discriminatory, or obscene language or images.

• Promote illegal or violent conduct.

• Contain threats or gang symbols.

• Promote the unlawful use of weapons, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or drug paraphernalia.

• Expose shoulders, cleavage, private parts, the midriff, undergarments, and in the case of pants, the waistband should not fall below the hips.

• Contain pointed studs or other sharp objects.

• Be sheer or see-through, including torn fabric that exposes the skin.

• Include caps or other head coverings unless required for religious or medical reasons unless deemed acceptable in the school dress code.

The use of cell phones (and all other personal electronic devices including headphones, earbuds, smart watches, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices) is prohibited during the regular school day. Upon students’ arrival at school, and continuing through dismissal from school, cell phones and other electronic devices are required to be out of visible sight and either silenced or powered off. Cell phones and other electronic devices must be placed out of sight in a backpack or other personal bag. Failure to comply with this expectation will result in the following actions:

1. First offense Parent/guardian contacted, verbal warning, and the device will be confiscated until the end of the school day.
2. Second offense Parent/guardian contacted, the device will be confiscated, and the the parent or guardian must retrieve the device from school.
3. Third offense Parent/guardian contacted, the device will be confiscated, and the parent or guardian must retrieve the device from school. In addition, for a period of 30 calendar days, the student shall be restricted from possessing a cell phone or electronic device at school during instructional hours. The student will be required to check their device into the office at arrival, and retrieve it following dismissal. Students who violate this restriction will be subject to further discipline, including suspension (BSO3).

Cell phones and other electronic devices may be used

• when students are attending non-instructional after-school events/activities;
• when students have a documented medical exception approved by the school principal and school nurse;
• when students are riding the school bus, as long as such use is not distracting or disruptive. Students must use earbuds or headphones when listening to music or watching videos with sound while on the school bus.
  

If a student needs to get in touch with their parent during the school day for emergency purposes the student must ask to speak to a counselor, the nurse, or an administrator so arrangements can be made to use a school phone. If a parent must get in touch with a student during the school day the parent must call the front office for assistance.

On Monday The Cavalier Golf team defeated Mathews HS by a score of 180-218.

The Cavaliers were led by Trevor Gooch’s 6-over 42. Van Downey carded an 8-over round of 44 for the team. Annabelle Townsend fired a round of 45. Cole Robinson finished out the team scoring with a round of 49.

Any student trying out for any KWHS sport must be in good academic standing in compliance with handbook, section Eligibility and have a valid VHSL Sports Physical dated after May 1, 2024.

Use this link to access the physical form: https://www.vhsl.org/sports-medicine/physical-examination/

For weekly sports schedules and updates please click on this link: https://www.tidewaterdistrictva.org/g5-bin/client.cgi?G5genie=309

Upcoming

FOOTBALL

1st home game: 8/30 vs Stuarts Draft 7:00pm

Raiders Night: 9/27 vs Strasburg 7:00pm

Homecoming: 11/1 vs West Point 7:00pm

Senior Night: 11/7 vs King & Queen 7:00pm

VOLLEYBALL

1st home game: 8/29 vs Lancaster 7:00pm

Senior Night: 10/17 vs West Point 7:00pm

CROSS COUNTRY

1st home meet: 10/9 4:30pm

Field Hockey Club Practice

Monday-Tuesday & Thursday @ HHMS 3:45pm-5:30pm

Please contact the Athletic Director, Patrick Kane, at pkane@kwcps.k12.va.us with any questions.

The Virginia Department of Education's public school accountability reporting system defines "chronic absenteeism" as missing 10 percent or more of the school year for any reason. Therefore, it is imperative for students to attend school daily. Middle and high school students who miss more than fifty (50) percent of a class may be counted as absent in that class.

Any student who exceeds eighteen (18) absences for any reason risks losing credit for a course

regardless of their course grade.

Complete information regarding attendance can be found in the Student Code of Conduct linked here.

August 19th- First day of School

Homecoming- November 1st & 2nd

Prom- May 3rd

Graduation- TBD