Heritage Weekly Update, May 24

-Para ver el boletin en Espanol haga click en el cuadrado negro ubicado en la parte derecha donde dice "Translate Newsletter"

-Cuando llegue aqui haga clic en la flecha que apunta hacia abajo y escoja el idioma "Spanish"

Good afternoon, Heritage PRIDE!

I hope this update finds you and those you care about safe and well. The weeks are flying by, and the milemarkers on this school year's journey are coming and going as they always do! As a result, the Updates are getting shorter, but, as always, whether it be academic progress, course selection, cell phones, or any other concern you may have, please know that we are here to help.

#wearethepride

• Two Heritage Staff were recognized for the exceptional work that they do each day to support the Heritage PRIDE: Sarahi Anderson was announced as one of 4 subs named LCPS Substitute of the Year and Kristen Seaman (who nominated Ms. Anderson) was named LCPS Administrative Assistant of the Year!!! Both will be honored at the School Board Meeting on Tuesday, May 28th around 6:30 PM.
• Our Softball Team knocked out the number one seed on the way to the very first District Championship for the sport in school history!
• Our Boys Soccer Team just clinched the District Championship and will be in Regional action next week!
• Congratulations to the Lighting and Special Effects crew of Matilda for their TWO Cappies that they won this week! This includes: Ashnil Dasan, Jett Cochran, Avieka Sethi, Drew Crawford, and Milo Jackson!

Song for Charlie/Fentanyl Awareness Resources

If you missed the parent/guardian presentation or want more information about Fentanyl and countrfeit pills, you can take a look at this video: https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org/watch-and-talk. Additionally, Sherry Hoover, our Student Assistance Specialist, is a resource for you and your children. Or, just reach out to any member of the Admin or Counseling team!

Varsity Club Applications

Varsity Club applications are now being accepted for the 2024-25 school year are now being accepted. The Varsity Club is a volunteer-based club that is open to all students. Participation in sports or a Varsity letter are NOT requirements of the club. The club does have required service hours and attendance requirements. If you are interested in applying please use the following link - https://forms.gle/6vqpQLUV6atu4Usz5. If you have additional questions, please contact james.totaro@lcps.org.

Important Dates, 2024-25 School Year

July 18, 19: Senior Portraits (information sent home prior to dates)

August 5: First Day of Fall Athletic Tryouts

August 19: New Student Orientation and Back to School Celebration

August 22: First Day of School

August 28, 29: School Picture Day (grades 9-11)

October 1: Fall Conference Night (date change)

October 21-26: Homecoming Week 2025

From the PTSO

ANGP Registration Ends May 30!

Just a reminder that registration for seniors wanting to attend the All Night Grad Party on May 31 at Ida Lee closes on May 30. There will be NO ticket sales on the day of the event. Tickets are $60. Register here.

Hey Junior Parents . . .

Come help out at the All Night Grad Party on May 31 at Ida Lee! Pay it forward and get an idea of what the event will be like for your senior next year. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/hhsangp24vol

PTSO Meeting June 5

Our last PTSO meeting of the year will be June 5 at 6:30pm in the library. The agenda includes election of officers and planning for the 2024-25 school year.

Volunteers Needed for PTSO 2024-25 Board

Volunteers are needed to serve on the PTSO Board for the 2024-25 school year in order to continue to serve the HHS community. Student support, teacher appreciation, senior scholarships, representation on LCPS committees, volunteers at Homecoming and Snowcoming, All Night Grad Party – yep, that’s the PTSO – along with a bunch of other stuff. The time commitment is typically 1 evening a month plus a couple hours here & there. Volunteers are needed to serve in the following roles: President, Treasurer, Secretary, VP Membership, VP Grants/Scholarships, Social Media/Communications, and Hospitality and representatives to the LCPS SEAC, MSAAC, and LEAF Committees. Interested in learning more? Email PTSO President Shirley McLellan at skmclellan@verizon.net.

Here are our weekly College and Career newsletters:

• College and Career News ~ May 17
  

• SENIORS ~ College and Career News ~ May 17

Thank you for your continued trust and support of our Mission at Heritage High School.

ROAR PRIDE!

Jeff Adam

Principal

Heritage High School

#wearethepride

New trend alert: Zyn and Oral Nicotine Pouches

Please take a look at the link below. This is a big trend on Tik Tok right now and they even have Zyn influencers. Any student caught using these products at school would face consequences outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities.

https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/emerging-tobacco-products/what-zyn-and-what-are-oral-nicotine-pouches

This is not a tobacco product, but is a nicotine product which means it can be addictive and you must be 21 years old to purchase. The pouches are sometimes referred to as a "lip pillow" or "upper decky." The pouches do not always dissolve., it can increase depression and anxiety in teens, and can cause rapid heartrate.

Resources on Substance Use and Overdose Response Guidance (more information below):

· A variety of resources for parents are available from the DEA’s website on Fentanyl Awareness

· Prevention Alliance of Loudoun created this Opioids: What you need to know in English & Spanish, Naloxone for Opioid Overdose Response: REVIVE Site and Information.

· Song for Charlie has a variety of English & Spanish resources available on their website,

· ‘Awkward Conversations’ Podcast - Podcast designed to educate parents about teen substance use

Friday, May 24

12 PM Girls Softball District Final @ Loudoun Valley HS

7 PM Theatre 1-4 Showcase

Tuesday, May 28

2 PM Regional Boys Tennis Doubles Semi-final and Final @ Park View HS

6 PM-Boys Soccer Region Semi-final @ Park View HS

6:30 PM-Softball Region Semi-final @ Woodgrove HS

Thursday, May 30

TBD-Softball Region Final @ TBD

TBD-Boys Soccer Region Final @ TBD

7 PM-Band and Orchestra Concert

Friday, May 31

State Track Championship @ Liberty University

Saturday, June 1

State Track and Field Chamionships @ Liberty University

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Totaro, Heritage Athletic Director, or Mr. Puterio Heritage Assistant Athletic Director.

Decision Day 2024! – Congrats to our Seniors and a BIG ‘Thank You!’ to Ms. Carlina Fekel, our amazing Career Center Specialist, who planned and organized our warm and celebratory Decision Day gathering on Wednesday, May 22nd. We celebrated the paths our seniors have chosen and are so proud of how intentional our students are with their choices. Represented were:

• many 4-year colleges (big, small, in-state and out-of-state)
• a large team of future Nighthawks attending NOVA in the fall
• a group of committed students already set on a path toward skilled tradesmanship and immediate career growth through Beckstrom Electric and other employers
• students who have opted for a gap year to explore the world abroad or explore interests at home
• students who have honorably committed to serving our country through military service

We are proud of all of you and it has been a joy to watch you grow into your own choices as you continue your success. ROAR Class of 2024!

Song for Charlie- Students and families, we were very proud of the behavior and attention given our presenters during our Song for Charlie Assembly. Students received a presentation about fentanyl to increase awareness and then heard directly from families who had been affected by the loss of a child due to fentanyl poisoning. We want to extend a big thank you to Ms. Sherry Hoover (Helen.Hoover@lcps.org), our Student Assistant Specialist, for her part in the presentation and being a connection and a resource to support for our students and families. Ms. Hoover is a licensed counselor who specialized is support for those students and families affected by drug use. She is split within our Heritage cluster, but is present often in our building and is very responsive via email. Please reach out to her if you have any questions or need support.

College Admissions Representative Panel @ Heritage was Tuesday, May 7th @ 7pm – Big thanks to our Admissions Representatives and those who came to hear their wisdom and advice! Panel night was a success and we’ll look to make it a repeat event. Students, keep an eye out in the fall to sign up through SchooLinks for the rep visits and get a chance to talk more with our Loudoun County admissions representatives.

Rising Senior Classroom Visits- School Counselors went into Junior social science classes this week to continue supporting the Class of 2025 with Post-Secondary preparation. Our lesson can be found HERE. Also, be sure to start getting familiar with the Career Center, Ms. Fekel (Carlina.ChiruFekel@lcps.org) and all of the resources for support available for any path you choose!

Unified Mental Health Team (UMHT) – Hopefully by know you are familiar with your School Counseling Department at Heritage, if not – check out our website HERE! But do you know that the Counseling Department is a part of the even bigger Heritage Unified Mental Health Team (UMHT) which works together specifically to support your student’s mental health and well-being? The team is comprised of our 7 School Counselors, 1 School Psychologist, 1 School Social Worker, and 1 Student Assistance Specialist. The team offers mental health services and supports to enhance student social, emotional, and behavioral growth. This team of school-based mental health professionals works with students, families, school staff, and outside providers to promote a positive school environment that supports student success and ability to cope with challenges through direct (e.g., classroom curriculum, group counseling and individual counseling) and indirect (e.g., collaborating or consulting with staff, families or communities) methods. Check out our UMHT page on the School Counseling website to learn more and the ‘meet’ the team.

OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARS – (JUNIORS and SENIORS) – LCPS is partnering with Opportunity Scholars and we are happy to be one of the first schools to be able to access this resource to support our students toward success in their career goals. Read below to find out more.

Are you a junior or a senior, or a parent/guardian of a junior or senior. Are you a student who is undecided about your education plans after high school? Are you a parent or guardian looking for resources to help your child get a low-cost education leading to a high paying career? Do you need help understanding if you qualify for a no or low-cost education, how to finance and repay education cost? Opportunity Scholars can help.

Is this program right for you?

1. Would you like to live, learn, and get a job locally?

2. Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? (If not, we know another organization who may be able to help you.)

3. Are you interested in a Career and Technical, 2-year or 4-year education in a career like Plumbing and Electrical, Teaching, Accounting, Healthcare, or Computers?

4. Does your family of 4 make less than $120,000 per year?

If you answered yes to all these questions, call 540-931-1084 or email info@opportunityscholars.org or contact your student’s Heritage School Counselor. Opportunity Scholars program coaches are ready to help students. We have bilingual (Spanish and English) coaches available. We look forward to enrolling students in the Opportunity Scholars program where career happens!

SENIORS – Check out your very own SENIOR College & Career Center Newsletter from Ms. Fekel! She’s got even more helpful articles, tips, and opportunities specific for you in your last year before launch. This month, for example, you’ll find tips on how to write a great ‘Letter of Continued Interest’ if you were waitlisted or deferred from your hoped for college. Find this and much more in this bonus newsletter.

Course Selection for 2024-2025 - Read our Course Information Newsletter and check out our Course Information Page for all of your Course Information needs. As a reminder, the deadline for Dual Enrollment registration completion was: May 17th. If your student has signed up for a DE course, but has not yet completed the required registration steps with NOVA, they will be taken OUT of that DE course. Instructions for DE registration can be found HERE. Please reach out to your student’s School Counselor if you have questions.

· Friday, 6/21: Last Day to Change Elective Courses or Drop Down in Rigor for 24-25

· Friday, 6/21: Last Day for Early Release Permission Click Completion for Senior

10th Grade School Counseling Classroom Lesson: Career Exploration and Academic & Career Planning through SchooLinks

This month, your students’ School Counselors went into 10th Grade Social Science classrooms to deliver our whole-grade lesson on Career Exploration and Academic & Career Planning through SchooLinks. Students explored the virtual Career Center in SchooLinks and set Career Goals as well as ‘favorited’ a Career to follow – ask your sophomores about it! The lesson is linked HERE.

Scholarship Support

Seniors were given Scholarship information and SchooLinks tips on how to search for, find, and complete scholarships available to them through SchooLinks. Check out the lesson HERE and start saving that money!

For even MORE great information, as always, check out the College & Career Center Newsletter from Ms. Carlina Chiru-Fekel, our Career Center Specialist, for tons of helpful resources and opportunities!

SENIORS – Check out your very own SENIOR College & Career Center Newsletter from Ms. Fekel! She’s got even more helpful articles, tips, and opportunities specific for you in your last year before launch.

Tryouts for LCPS high school fall sports for the 2024-25 school year will begin on Monday, August 5. Starting Friday, June 14, students who meet the requirements below may register for one high school fall sport by visiting their school’s website.

Requirements:

· Parents/guardians or students must complete the online registration and submit a completed VHSL physical examination form on or after May 1 to their school’s athletic department before participating in tryouts, practices, weight training or conditioning.

· Students must be enrolled in at least five subjects and pass five subjects offered for credit and graduation requirements to be eligible.

· All first-time ninth graders are eligible to participate in VHSL athletics and activities, and eighth graders may participate in a high school sport at the sub-varsity level if they turn 14 on or before August 5 of the current school year (2024-25 school year). Eighth graders who do not meet this age requirement on or before August 1 may not participate in any high school athletic program, regardless of the season.

If you have questions, please contact our Athletic Director, James Totaro.

ANGP Registration Ends May 30!

Just a reminder that registration for seniors wanting to attend the All Night Grad Party on May 31 at Ida Lee closes on May 30. There will be NO ticket sales on the day of the event. Tickets are $60. Register here.

Hey Junior Parents . . .

Come help out at the All Night Grad Party on May 31 at Ida Lee! Pay it forward and get an idea of what the event will be like for your senior next year. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/hhsangp24vol

PTSO Meeting June 5

Our last PTSO meeting of the year will be June 5 at 6:30pm in the library. The agenda includes election of officers and planning for the 2024-25 school year.

Volunteers Needed for PTSO 2024-25 Board

Volunteers are needed to serve on the PTSO Board for the 2024-25 school year in order to continue to serve the HHS community. Student support, teacher appreciation, senior scholarships, representation on LCPS committees, volunteers at Homecoming and Snowcoming, All Night Grad Party – yep, that’s the PTSO – along with a bunch of other stuff. The time commitment is typically 1 evening a month plus a couple hours here & there. Volunteers are needed to serve in the following roles: President, Treasurer, Secretary, VP Membership, VP Grants/Scholarships, Social Media/Communications, and Hospitality and representatives to the LCPS SEAC, MSAAC, and LEAF Committees. Interested in learning more? Email PTSO President Shirley McLellan at skmclellan@verizon.net.

In partnership with our Student Assistance Specialist, I will use this section to keep families updated on current Substance Use trends in our community. I just want to reiterate that I believe, realistically speaking, substance abuse is not a problem of just one school or institution or one area of the county or nation. Rather, it is a community issue that requires us all working together to keep each other informed to help do everything we can to keep our students safe.

Superintendent's Message

LCPS Superintendent, Dr. Aaron Spence, sent a message home on November 1st. That message and the resources it contains can be found here.

Our Efforts

The staff at Heritage work collaboratively to keep our students safe. Some of the efforts we make include routine bathroom checks, sharing of information with our community, cooperation and communication with Leesburg Police and the Loudoun Sherriff's Department, substance abuse presentations in Health classes, opioid resuscitation training for staff, morning announcement presentation on fentanyl (next week), and keeping Narcan stocked and available.

LCPS Drug Awareness Page

LCPS has a webpage diedicated to providing information about sustance abuse.

• https://www.lcps.org/Page/223879

Opioid Overdose Training

Revive: Opioid Overdose Reversal Training | Loudoun County, VA - Official Website

We have multiple ways to report safety and security concerns.

Emergency?

Call 911.

During School or a School Concern?

Email or call our Administrators, Counselors or Safety and Security Offices (all are listed on our Main Webpage) or use the Safe2Talk app:

Safe2Talk App

Safe2Talk is a free, downloadable app that allows students, parents, teachers, and residents the ability to anonymously report safety concerns in our schools, including suspicious or threatening social media activity.

• All reports through the app are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week by dispatchers in the Loudoun Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center.
• In cases of imminent threats, LCSO Patrol Deputies and School Resource Officers are immediately notified.
• Download the App
• The app is available through the app store. To report a suspicious incident anonymously, please click the link. https://www.p3campus.com/TipForm.aspx?ID=5060

Occassionally, I will send reminders about our entrance security protocols. When visiting Heritage during school hours, please be prepared to show ID and answer simple questions about the purpose of your visit. We appreciate everyone's cooperation and partnership in helping keep our students and staff safe. Additionally, please remember we will not accept food deliveries for students during school hours. If there is a unique situation, please contact the Main Office.

Loudoun County Public Schools sent the following message out on the 11th of September regarding the importance of attendance:

Title: Don’t Miss Out on Opportunities: School Attendance Is Important

Dear Parents and Guardians:

There are so many exciting opportunities for your student this school year, and we want to make sure your student doesn’t miss a single thing! We are reminding parents and guardians that school attendance is critical to student success. By making school attendance a priority, you can help your student succeed and develop good habits that last a lifetime.

Not only is school attendance important, attendance for students between the ages of 5 and 18 is required by Virginia law. School attendance for Loudoun County is governed by Loudoun County School Board Policy 8140, Student Attendance Requirement and Procedures. Chronic absenteeism, which occurs when a student misses 10 percent of the school year, is one of the nine indicators linked to the Virginia Department of Education’s school accreditation ratings.

With this information in mind, parents and guardians are urged not to unnecessarily take their students out of school and to schedule appointments and vacations during student holidays.

We recognize that absences due to illnesses and other circumstances occur. Please keep your student at home if they are not feeling well and be aware that documentation from your healthcare provider may be requested. If your student is anxious about going to school, your school’s mental health team can help support you and your student. School staff will work with your student to provide support and keep them connected to their school community. When a student is absent, parents or guardians are responsible for notifying the student’s school and providing the reason for the absence.

For more information, please visit LCPS Attendance Resources. Also, check out these resources for elementary school families and middle and high school families. We look forward to partnering with you to foster a successful school year.

Sincerely,

Tedra Richardson

Assistant Superintendent

Department of Student Services

Just go to LCPSGo and click on the SchooLinks icon to start exploring this new college and career exploration app.

It is vital that we have updated contact information for you, in case of emergency and for school-home communication. LCPS recommends that parents log into ParentVUE to review and update your information.

School begins at 9:30 AM this year and Dismissal occurs at 4:18 PM. Please note: Students are considered tardy to class if they are not in their first or fifth block class when the 9:30 bell rings.

• May 27-Holiday (Memorial Day)
• June 6-Last Day for Seniors; Senior Awards
• June 14-Last Day of School for Students; 2024 Graduation, 7 PM @ ION Center
• June 17-Teacher Workday (Faculty Meeting @ 10:30 PM)
• June 18-Teacher Workday

**Please Note: All Admin and Licensed Staff expected to be at the Back to School Celebration, Conference Night, and Graduation

After experiencing record numbers of car riders the past few years, we settled on a winding path through the parking lot for both (picture below) for those driving on campus for arrival and dismisal.

When driving on campus, please keep in mind the following:

• Follow directions of school staff that are present in the parking lot.
• Remind your student to wait at the front of the school for you to pick them up.
• Keep your speed slow and watch for pedestrians.
• Be kind to other drivers, student and adult.
• Pull up to the front of the pick-up/drop-off zone and within the white striped area.

Based on our observations, we also have the following requests in the interest of safety:

• Do not cut through parking spaces and rows.
• Do not encourage your student to come to you in the middle of the parking lot or at another location.
• Do not move cones or signs.
• Do not block cross intersections in parking lot
• Do not switch drivers/passengers while in the pick-up line.
• Do not use your cellular phone while in the Parking Lot.

• Do not cut through parking spaces.

If you have any comments or questions about your experience with LCPS, please fill out LCPS' Comment and Complaint Form. This form offers parents, students and Loudoun County residents the opportunity to provide input, comments, suggestions and complaints to school officials. Once the form is submitted, it will be routed to the appropriate office, department or school principal.