SHS Weekly Update
9/13/24
Celebrating a new scoreboard!
Smithfield High School held a ribbon cutting ceremony before the first home football game of the season to celebrate the brand new scoreboard made possible through a generous donation from longtime partner Smithfield Foods. (Photo Credit: Elly Condit)
College Board Recognition
Students at Smithfield High School earned academic honors from the College Board's National Recognition Program. The programs celebrate the hard work of thousands of high school students nationwide to help them showcase their strong academic performance.
For the first time, the academic honors recognize first-generation students, in addition to rural and small town, Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic/or Latino students. The program opens college access for more students because many institutions use the awards for their recruitment efforts.
At SHS, the following students were recognized:
- Joshua Colestock
- Ryan McEathron
- Nare Unkarabile
- Ryan Snyder
- Chris Weng
Eligible students must meet the following criteria to qualify:
· Earn a GPA of B+ (equal to at least 3.3 or 87%-89%) or higher.
· PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 assessment scores that are within the top 10% of assessment takers in each state for each award program or earned a score of 3 or higher on 2 or more AP Exams by the end of 10th grade.
· Attend school in a rural area or small town, or identify as African American/Black, Hispanic American/Latino, Indigenous/Native American, or a first-generation college student.
Homecoming Court
Interested in running for Homecoming Court? Want to nominate someone for Homecoming Court? Sign up during lunch at the SCA table next week!
Senior News
Parents, please check your emails and complete the Senior 25 Informational Form. Also, join the Senior Class Remind to stay updated on all Senior News. The Remind Information has been sent via email as well.
Last chance for senior portraits!
Attention, seniors! Appointments are now open for the final senior portrait session at Smithfield High School, which is scheduled for September 26. The link to schedule a session at school is at www.prestigeportraits.com/bookappointment. Begin by selecting your school under School Photography. All scheduling and payments should be made through the website.
All members of the Class of 2025 should plan to take senior tux and drape portraits -- even if you're not interested in purchasing them -- as they will be used in the yearbook. This is the last senior portrait session scheduled for SHS. Students who don't take their portrait at school will have to arrange their own session with Lifetouch.
All senior portraits must be selected and submitted to Mrs. Garrow by Monday, November 4, to be included in the yearbook. If you took your portrait with Lifetouch/Prestige, it will automatically be sent to Mrs. Garrow. Be sure to go online and select your preferred pose for the yearbook. The background must be blue. If you take your portrait with an outside photographer, be sure the background is blue and that it is either a drape or tux formal portrait. Have the photographer send the portrait to hgarrow@iwcs.k12.va.us.
Recognize your graduating senior
Click the link below for more information about purchasing a yearbook ad recognizing a member of the Class of 2025.
2024-25 Laptop Insurance Options
Insurance Option #1:
Purchase the accidental coverage insurance online (service fee applies) -- DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Check out the flyer below for more information.
Insurance Option #2:
Parents who would like a more comprehensive insurance option can purchase a plan on their own from the Worth Ave. Group. See the flyer below for more information.
757: Life and Career Summit
We are excited to invite your students to the Inaugural 757: Life and Career Summit, an event designed by Gen Z for Gen Z!
Hosted by the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, in partnership with the 757 Regional Internship Collaborative, and Old Dominion University, this summit is your chance to connect with young local professionals and explore the dynamic career opportunities Hampton Roads has to offer.
Event Details:
Dates: October 9th and 10th
Time: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: The Hub 757 | 6801 Bridgeway Dr, Suffolk, VA 23435
This unique two-day event is designed to help students explore various career industries, develop essential soft skills, and gain valuable insights into job preparation.
Over two days, college students will have access to:
- Breakout sessions across key industries like Maritime, IT, Tech, Business, Engineering, and Healthcare.
- Skill enhancement workshops to boost your career planning and soft skills.
- Networking opportunities with local professionals who can offer guidance and insights into the job market.
- Celebration of Hampton Roads’ cultural and artistic vibrancy, encouraging you to stay and contribute to the region that has helped shape your identity.
Whether you’re nearing graduation or just starting to explore your career path, the 757: Life and Career Summit will provide you with invaluable tools, resources, and connections to succeed in today’s competitive job market. This is a must-attend event for anyone who is serious about planning their future career or looking to explore different pathways.
Take advantage of this valuable opportunity to network, learn, and grow! We look forward to seeing you there.
Each day has different programming so don't miss out!
How to Register:
October 9th | Day 1: https://engage.theworkforcecouncil.org/register/?id=078287cb-05bb-4838-a8a5-1be79669a754
October 10th | Day 2: https://engage.theworkforcecouncil.org/register/balancingworkandplay
FREE NASA-related programs for Virginia's high school students
The Virginia Space Grant Consortium provides FREE NASA-related programs for Virginia's high school students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. The programs have an interactive online STEM learning experience and are highlighted by a seven-day residential summer academy at NASA.
10th GRADE
Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) focuses on the current missions flown or managed by NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. http://vsgc.odu.edu/spacecoast/ - This online course application is OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 24.
11th AND 12th GRADE
Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) focuses on NASA’s human spaceflight missions and the Journey to the Moon and on to Mars. Students learn from NASA experts on how to design space missions! http://vsgc.odu.edu/VASTS/, applications are OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 24.
Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) focuses on the challenges of the next generation of scientists and engineers to become part of the solution to the societal issues faced by the impacts of climate change. Engaging students in real-world investigations of the Earth and its systems using the latest research and data from NASA. http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS applications are OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 24.
Each program also hires a cohort of Master Teachers to grade student work. Teachers, please refer to each program’s website for details on becoming a paid Master Teacher for the upcoming semester! Teachers only, apply here until October 15: https://spacegrant.net/apps/vsgcmt
SHS Swim Team
Pre-season for swim team:
Mondays and Wednesdays starting Sept. 16th
Location: Luter YMCA
Time: 3:15-4:45 p.m.
***A Current VHSL physical dated after May 1, 2024 is required to attend.
Please reach out to Coach Jones -- christenjones01@gmail.com
Scholastic Bowl
Meeting for Scholastic Bowl will be on Monday, September 16th at 3:00pm
LEO Club
LEOs will meet on Thursday, September 19th immediately after dismissal (2:50) in the commons.
HOSA (Nurse Aide and Patient Care students)
If you have a student that is interested in a career in the healthcare field, please make sure they are signing up for the Nurse Aide class starting their Junior year. Students earn their American Heart Association CPR Provider card, OSHA Healthcare certification, and become eligible to take their Nurse Aide Certification Exam. Once completing Nurse Aide 1 & 2, your student can then take the Patient Care Tech course where they will earn their phlebotomy and ekg certification.
Interested in joining HOSA? Students must be a Junior or Senior in the Nurse Aide and/or Patient Care Tech classes. Contact Mrs. Futrell (HOSA Advisor and Nurse Aide Instructor) for more details. Email: jfutrell@iwcs.k12.va.us
Annual dues: $17 due by October 1.
SHS Student and Teacher Talent Show Competition
Audition for the first annual SHS Talent Show! No matter how weird or strange your talent, we want to see it all! Sign up to audition on either October 7th or 8th on the sign up sheet on the door of room 51.
Governor's School for the Arts
Smithfield High School
Website: https://shs.iwcs.k12.va.us/
Location: 14171 Turner Drive, Smithfield, VA, USA
Phone: 757-357-3108
Twitter: @OfficialSHSPack