School Counseling News & Updates

Parents and Students, be sure to follow us on Instagram - @tuscaroracounseling

and on X (formerly known as Twitter) - @husky_counselor 🙂

The window to apply for Special Permission opened on Monday, April 1, at 10 a.m. LCPS parents/guardians may request special permission for their student to attend a school outside their attendance zone. Special permission is governed by Loudoun County Public Schools Policy 8155 – School Assignment. The special permission application period closes on June 30 at 11:59 p.m. Special permission may be approved if there is capacity at the requested school. Please visit the LCPS Special Permission website for more information.

Does your student need homework help or tutoring for a core subject? SLED Academic Support is here to help during the duration of the school year. SLED is free to all THS students. It takes place every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30PM - 6:15PM in the library. Transportation is provided.

For more information, contact Kathleen.Touve@lcps.org or Rian.Vanzego@lcps.org.

LCPS offers free, on-demand tutoring through Varsity Tutors to all kindergarten through grade 12 students. This free resource is available to all LCPS students. The free Varsity Tutors program provides homework help, writing support and live enrichment sessions 24 hours a day and 7 days a week in various subjects, including math, science, writing and more. Parents/guardians should contact Varsity Tutors to learn more about all the available services. All tutoring sessions are provided in English only.

UPCOMING DATES:

• June 1: Paperwork DEADLINE for Dual Enrollment classes.
• June 7: Current Smart's Mill and select Simpson students can see their current school counselor to request a course change.
• June 13: FINAL DEADLINE TO MAKE COURSE REQUEST CHANGES

Keep in mind, during the school year, a schedule change is not always possible!

• Regardless of the grade being earned, no schedule change will be permitted prior to the end of the first quarter.
• Approved schedule changes will be made based on seat availability and in accordance with the LCPS Program of Studies.
• Some courses do not have an opportunity for a level down and therefore may require a change in diploma type or a summer course to catch up with graduation requirements. Examples include: AP Physics, AP Chemistry and AP Biology.
• A student's grade earned during first quarter will follow the student to the new course. No adjustments for weight of course (honors, AP, DE).

Tryouts for THS 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.

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 8th 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 Tony.Tallent@lcps.org or Hailey.Smith@lcps.org.

The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. For more information, please review the page of Frequently Asked Questions for those seeking a Military Academy Nomination.

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

Representative Wexton may nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district. To request a Military Academy Nomination from our office, please complete the form below. Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. Service Academies and serving our country.

LCPS is pleased to offer these free online resources ParentGuidance.org and Care Solace for parents and caregivers in developing strategies to support their child's mental health.

We understand that parenting is a challenging and oftentimes an overwhelming experience. LCPS has partnered with ParentGuidance.org to connect parents and caregivers with a free parent coach and therapist-created content to help navigate the ups and downs with confidence. In addition, ParentGuidance.org features a library of videos on topics from addressing feelings of anxiety and anger to examining the impact of social media to coping with grief and much more.

Care Solace is now available to assist LCPS parents, caregivers, families, and staff in navigating the mental health care system and finding available providers matched to specific needs. A unified mental health team member can assist you with a Warm Handoff Referral or you can use the Care Match Self-Service Tool to find providers on your own.

News from our Student Assistance Specialist, Kim Hager, who provides nicotine, alcohol and drug education, prevention, and early intervention to students in the THS cluster.

What is fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 - 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl is potent. This makes it more addictive and increases the likelihood that a person could overdose. Fentanyl is cheap. Illicit drug makers add fentanyl to other synthetic opioids (ex. Percocet, Vicodin, Oxycodone) and use it to increase potency and profit on a variety of substances.

What is being done by LCPS to address the fentanyl crisis?

Students are provided with grade level substance use awareness presentations through Health and PE classes. The curriculum aligns with the SOL requirements. Fentanyl is discussed during these presentations.

The Director of Student Mental Health services is developing a school and community wide presentation on fentanyl. This will include school wide assemblies and a parent/community session to address the concerns that we are seeing in our community.

Substance Use Trends:

Xylazine (also called “tranq” or “tranq dope”) is a non-opioid sedative or tranquilizer. Although not a controlled substance in the United States, xylazine is not approved for use in people. It is a substance that is used to relax or sedate animals. In 2022, 23% of fentanyl powder contained xylazine and 7% of pills that were seized by the DEA contained xylazine. Because it’s not an opioid, it does not respond to naloxone (Narcan), which is a life saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

If you have a concern about your student and it relates to substance use, please contact the Student Assistance Specialist at Kim.Hager@lcps.org.

Please contact one of the Senior Class Advisors, Ms. Rumer or Ms. James, to ensure your Senior dues have been paid. More than half of the senior class has not paid their dues.

Senior dues pays for Cap/Gown/stole/tassel, PSAT luncheon, Senior Class T-shirt, Senior Luncheon, Senior Day Trip, Sunrise/Sunset Activities. Your dues do NOT cover all of these items. It is imperative that dues be paid now! Check or cash may be brought in to Ms. James in L405 or Ms. Rumer in L412, or paid through the online portal on the THS website.

May

1: Senior Class Meeting

4: Prom

8: Herff Jones at THS for any last minute ordering of Senior items. 5:00PM-7:00PM

June

4: Senior Fun Day Trip

5: Senior Awards, Luncheon, Graduation Practice, Cap & Gown Distribution

14: Graduation Practice at 10:00AM

15: Graduation at ION Center at 10:00AM

GRADUATION: NO TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ATTENDING GRADUTION!

The ceremony is being held at the ION Center! There is no minimum for the number of family members that can attend graduation this year, so we will not be distributing tickets.

LCPS Student Assistance Services is hosting a competition for a senior student to win a free laptop to use in their educational endeavors by submitting a proposed keynote speech and presenting it at our upcoming conference on June 17th, 2024. If you would share with your Career Center Specialists and counselors to include in their communications with seniors we would greatly appreciate it. Any senior with educational plans post-graduation is eligible to enter.

Submission Deadline: 05/01/24

As of April 4, very few universities have received the FAFSA files from the Department of Education, Federal Student Aid. There are no definitive timeline on when universities will release financial aid packages.

What can you do?

• Contact your admissions or financial aid office at the university to find out if they have a particular timeline. Some universities have sent mass emails to all of their prospective students updating on their timeline. Note: Some universities will release a tentative package based on some information you have submitted on their CSS profile. Only universities using the CSS profile may do that. That temporary information may change once the official FAFSA has arrived in the university's system. Meaning that if they offered you a PELL grant and after reviewing your FAFSA they determine you are not eligible for PELL grant, the PELL grant may be removed from your offer. Please, be aware of this!

• Locate the university calendar on the university you want to commit to on their website and find "payment deadline". This is the deadline you want to pay most attention to as you will have to have the funds ready to pay for the semester (only) or all classes will be dropped. The tuition balance will need to come to $0 to ensure no classes are dropped for Fall 2024 semester. Inquire about payment plans upon their cashier’s office. This can also be another option to secure your classes.

• Continue to apply to external scholarships found on SchooLinks>Finances>District-posted. Make sure to read the scholarship requirement as titles may not give you the full picture.
  
  

To view the directory created by NACAC use this link.

Note: The directory is not a comprehensive list of college enrollment deadlines. Primary contacts at NACAC member institutions can add or update information by logging into their NACAC member profiles. The directory will be updated daily.

Order your Tuscarora Class of 2024 Yard Sign today!

Signs are 24" x 18" and printed on the both sides in Tuscarora Blue with a yard stake for displaying in your front yard. There are two designs available: "Grad Lives Here!" and "Congratulations!" There is space on the "Congratulations!" sign to have your graduate's first name (maximum 10 characters).

Place your order now - https://bit.ly/THS_Signs_2024

If you have questions, please email Heather Bensel, Band Booster President, at hbensel@gmail.com.

With Spring just around the corner, students and their families are staring to think about and planning for summer activities. In researching summer activities, students should consider whether being a volunteer or seeking an internship is a better fit for their summer and their future. There are benefits to both options.

Is volunteering as good as an internship?

An unpaid internship is typically focused more on the college credit side of the aisle, while volunteering is more about spending time bettering the world. Either option is a great way to grow and learn, so what you choose will depend on what you hope to do next.

See this article which describes the differences between being a volunteer and finding an internship.

Wondering where to find internships or volunteer opportunities check out these sites:

• Indeed – Internships
• Zip Recruiter -
• SchooLinks – look under Career > Internships
• Loudoun Cares - Volunteer
• Volunteer Match - Volunteer

List of upcoming SAT and ACT scheduled test dates.

• ACT Register here:

  June 8, 2024

  July 13, 2024

• SAT Register here:

  *May 4, 2024

  *June 1, 2024

  *August 24, 2024

  *October 5, 2024

  *November 2, 2024

  *December 7, 2024

Apply for 2024 LDAA Scholarship.

Direct Link: https://www.nationalsportsmed.com/scholarship/

We are thrilled to announce the relaunch of the annual Student Athlete Scholarship Award by the National Sports Medicine Institute, dedicated to graduating seniors in Loudoun County. In the previous year, we proudly awarded 1 scholarship of $1500 and 3 scholarships of $1000 each to outstanding student-athletes in Loudoun County. This scholarship is designed to offer financial support to deserving student-athletes as they embark on their journey towards higher education.

• Application Period: We will start accepting applications on February 1st.
• Eligibility Criteria: Enclosed with this email and available on our website https://www.nationalsportsmed.com/scholarship/.
• Deadline: The last day to apply is May 1, 2024.

In memory of Bernadette Ohlemacher, Secretary of the Technical Women’s Organization, a TWO scholarship fund was established in 2005. The scholarship is available annually to community colleges, four-year colleges, technical training school, and graduate students who are seeking a degree in aviation, science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Award amounts vary from year to year depending on the funds available. The goals of the corporation are to award scholarships and provide educational opportunities to members of the Technical Women’s Organization and the community at large.

"Why does TWO offer scholarships?"

The Technical Women’s Organization encourages studies or training that will advance and/or enhance an individual’s career in a technical area.

"How can I apply?"

Complete the required information on the application, finalize your essays, and attach a digital photograph of yourself. Email your application in PDF format and your photograph in JPG format to info@technicalwomen.org.

NOTE: The submission deadline is May 1, 2024.

Through Respect and Empowerment, we can lead the fight head on.

The WREN Project awards educational scholarships to LGBTQ+ and allied students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment in the efforts and fight towards equality for the LGBTQ+ community.

The WREN Project, which aims to provide tools, facilitate connections, and empower young people to fight for LGBTQ+ equality, understands the obstacles that LGBTQ+ students face in the pursuit of education. This can be from myriad reasons, including discrimination and lack of support. The scholarships were created to provide outstanding students with the funding they deserve and need to ensure a successful college experience.

Applications for The WREN Project scholarships are open to High School Seniors in Fairfax and Loudoun County (VA) who are planning on attending, or are accepted to, an accredited post-secondary education institution or vocational or technical equivalent, in the United States.

Deadline: June 7, 2024

The Fall 2024 Early Online College (EOC) registration is now open, and the registration deadline is Friday, July 26, 2024 at 5:00 PM, EST.

These 12-week NOVA Online courses will run asynchronously from September 23-December 17, 2024.

An information session will be held on Tuesday, May 21 from 6:00 PM- 7:00 PM, and you can register for this session at the following link: https://vccs.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrf-CgrzgjHtNRaTfrM0n1xGhQlQ0g4bqR#/registration

Registration steps for the EOC program are linked here: https://www.nvcc.edu/online-early-college.

Additionally, we launched a Career Studies Certificate (CSC) through EOC this past fall 2023. The IT Technical Support CSC is an employable certificate that also prepares students for 5 industry certifications.

The EOC fall 2024 course roster is as follows:

• ARA 101- Beginning Arabic I
• CST 110- Introduction to Human Communication
• ECO 201- Principles of Macroeconomics
• ECO 202- Principles of Microeconomics
• GEO 200 – Introduction to Physical Geography
• HIS 102- Western Civilization post-1600 CE
• ITE 152 (part of the IT Technical Support CSC)- Introduction to Digital and Information Literacy and Computer Applications
• ITN 101 (part of the IT Technical Support CSC)- Introduction to Network Concepts
• ITN 107 (part of the IT Technical Support CSC)- Personal Computer Hardware and Troubleshooting
• ITN 257 (part of the IT Technical Support CSC)- Cloud Computing: Infrastructure and Services
• REL 100- Introduction to the Study of Religion
• SDV 100 (part of the IT Technical Support CSC)- College Success Skills
• SOC 200- Introduction to Sociology

Camp Woods and Wildlife (formerly called Holiday Lake Forestry Camp) is an academic, structured, residential camp that focuses on field experiences in forestry and other natural resources. This unique camping experience introduces 13-16-year-olds to the challenges, special skills, and knowledge needed for managing the forest resources we use and enjoy every day.

Camp Woods and Wildlife is ideal for students who:

• wish to explore forestry and wildlife related careers
• participate in forestry and wildlife judging teams, Envirothon competitions, or ecology clubs
• want to experience hands-on learning and gain real-world skills in natural resources conservation

This year's camp will be held June 17-21 at Holiday Lake 4-H Center near Appomattox. The applicaiton includes a nomination section to be completed and submitted by a teacher or other adult not related to the student. All attendees receive a substantial scholarship, making the camper fee only $95 (not due until accepted).

The application deadline is April 26. Please see the Camp Woods and Wildlife web page for more information, or email ellen.powell@dof.virginia.gov.

What is JumpStart2NOVA?

JumpStart2NOVA! offers tuition-free summer college courses to high school seniors who are considering attending NOVA and who will be graduating from a public, private, or home school in Spring 2024 and in good academic standing at NOVA.

JumpStart2NOVA! is for students residing in the City of Alexandria, Arlington County, City of Falls Church, Fairfax City, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park, or Prince William County.

Important Dates

• JumpStart2NOVA application deadline: 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024
• Courses begin on Monday, June 3, 2024, and end on Monday, August 12, 2024.
• The Drop date is June 13, 2024.
• The Withdrawal Date is July 15, 2024.

JumpStart Information Session:

• Tuesday, April 30 from 6 pm – 7 pm
• Register in advance for this meeting:
• https://vccs.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqdOiqqTItE9IMazpxWZGdErzZubDhedKi

JumpStart Orientation: Tuesday, May 28 from 6pm – 7pm

Planning your Fall Semester at NOVA - Join us for a webinar that will focus on answering key questions as you prepare for your Fall semester. Topics covered include goal setting, program identification, course selection, direct enrollment survey, college resources, schedule planning, reviewing holds, registration, and payment tips.

Who: Rising high school juniors and seniors that meet qualifying GPA or test score requirements may apply.

What: Enrolled students will take two college courses at no cost: CSC 221: Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming (3cr) and SDV 100: College Success Skills (1cr), earning four college credits over the six-week program. Students must take both courses. Additionally, students will hear from industry speakers to learn more about the energy industry and career opportunities, participate in a field trip to a Dominion Energy Facility, and learn more about NOVA support resources and the benefits of higher education. The cost of tuition and course materials are covered for the students enrolled in the program.

Where: The program will be held at NOVA’s Alexandria, Manassas and Woodbridge Campus.

When: 6-week class sessions from July 1 – August 12, 2024. Classes will be in a hybrid format – on-campus on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 AM -1:00 PM, and virtual synchronous (via zoom) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM -11 AM. Lunch will be provided on Mondays and Wednesdays. Attendance at all in-person and virtual class sessions is required.

How to Apply: Please see the steps on the website for more details. Students will first apply to NOVA if they haven’t already, and then select the courses/campus in our online request portal: https://nvcc.dualenroll.com/login. Students will identify their preferred campus on the course request in the online portal. Students are selected by a lottery system and all completed application submitted by the deadline, Wednesday, May 1, are considered. The application is open from March 1 – May 1. Students will be notified by Monday, May 13 if accepted.

For more information about the E-Summer Program at NOVA, please visit the website or contact Katie Aimone at dualenrollment@nvcc.edu. The application is open in https://nvcc.dualenroll.com/login from March 1 - May 1.

Loudoun Cares is an organization that is designed to connect the citizens of Loudoun County with an unlimited amount of volunteer opportunities in the area. Through the Loudoun Cares Volunteer Center website, teens can find and sign up for volunteer opportunities that interest them, help those in need, and track their service hours to receive recognition.

More information at https://volunteer.loudouncares.org/

We welcome volunteers of all skill levels to contribute their time and talents, supporting local women as they gain the strength, stability, and confidence they need to rebuild their lives. Whether as an individual, corporate team, community, faith-based group or just a group of friends, there are many ways to volunteer.

More information at https://womengivingback.org/volunteer/.

As a volunteer, you'll become an important member of the Blue Ridge Hospice team. Thrift Shop volunteers assist with receiving, sorting, tagging, and displaying donated items, as well as assisting customers.

More information at https://brhospice.org/ways-to-engage/volunteer/

Second Saturday of each month. Volunteers are needed to help every Kid's Night at the Heritage Farm Museum located on the grounds of Claude Moore Park at 21668 Heritage Farm Lane in Sterling.

To volunteer, just sign up through Sign Up Genius http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094aaaaa2da46-kids4 or contact Mrs. Christie Love, Co-Director of the Heritage Farm Museum at 571/258-3800

Short-Term and One-Time Volunteer Opportunities

Read to Shelter Pets:
The animals at the shelter greatly enjoy having quiet company, not only does it help them feel better and more comfortable in the shelter environment, it also can help them get adopted faster. Bring your own book/e-reader/phone and spend some quality time providing quiet company to an adoptable animal! Sign up here.

At-Home Projects to Help Animals:
Are you interested in helping animals in Loudoun County but you need service hours quickly or can’t make the commitments required of an onsite volunteer? The projects on our Volunteer Project Ideas page can be completed at home and brought to the shelter any time we are open for business.

The Loudoun County Animal Shelter (LCAS) Volunteer Program

How Do I Become a Volunteer?
Our volunteer program opens monthly for new volunteers to sign up. The sign-up link opens on the 1st of the month and stays open for 48 hours or until all spots have been taken for the month. Please read through the volunteer requirements below and then fill out an interest form using the link below.

• Fill out an interest form. (Note: this link opens on the first of each month and remains open for 48 hours or until we reach capacity for monthly signups.
  
  

Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers is a nonprofit charity that assists elderly and disabled adults across the county.

The Student Caregiver program is offered to students age 12-18 and enables students to volunteer in group projects and teams of 2 to 4 students with one vetted adult volunteer (usually a parent or teacher). Student Caregiver teams are then set-up with an individual care receiver who is seeking supportive services from LVC. Services may include: shopping, walking, playing games, light housekeeping, reading, or yard work.

More information at https://lvcaregivers.org/volunteers/