Dear Open High Family,
It was wonderful to see new and returning families who came to Back to School Night last week! We know our school is stronger when parents and caregivers are involved. We also know how challenging it can be to add one more event at the end of a long day, so never hesitate to contact teachers by email if you have a question.
Open High PTSA
The PTSA helps us in so many ways. They celebrate holidays, support field trips, provide additional funds for teachers, sponsor student scholarships, and show appreciation for our wonderful students, faculty, and staff throughout the year. It's never too late to join the PTSA and get involved! We would love to achieve 100% membership for the 2023-2024 school year. Along with the Open High Instagram and Facebook pages, you can join the PTSA Instagram and the new PTSA Facebook Discussion Group pages. Meetings are held virtually at 6:30 pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. This year we will add in-person dinner meetings in the fall, winter, and spring!
Mark your calendars! We're super excited to announce that the PTSA, in partnership with the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association (OHNA) will sponsor our annual Fall Fest on Saturday, October 21 from 11 - 2. If you would like to join the Fall Festival Planning Committee, sign up here. We also need volunteers for our Fundraising & Grant Writing Committee, and you can sign up here. An easy way to show your support is to sign up for Kroger Community Rewards. Thanks to new Communications Chair Jen Sargent, all this info can be found on the attachment below!
Class of 2024
Please join us Wednesday from 6 - 7 pm for Senior Parent Information Night to learn more about the college application process and financial aid. Please RSVP here.
Upcoming Dates
- No Film Club on Wednesday, 9/20 afterschool
- Family on 9/21, 5th period
- RPS closed on Monday, 9/25 for Yom Kippur
- Conexus Vision Screening for 10th graders, 9/26, 9:15 am
- Interims available on 9/28 in Family
- Thursday Electives begin on 9/28. If you were absent for the sign up, please sign up here.
If you haven't already, please complete the following forms:
Read more about our International Travel Program below along with Attendance Reminders, Student Opportunities, and Class of 2024 Info.
Remember, in a world where you can be anything, be open. Have a great week!
Clary W. Carleton, Principal
#openhearts #openminds #openhive
(804) 780-4661
International Travel Program
Read more about our upcoming international trips! If you have specific questions, please contact our program coordinator, Vic Carll (mschnett@rvaschools.net). We want all students to have a chance to participate, and scholarships will be made available. Stay tuned for more information on how to apply, but let Vic know about your interest ASAP.
- Guatemala Service Learning Trip: June 8-15, 2024
- Italy Trip (Venice, Rome, Florence): July 2024 Enrollment deadline September 22. Here is the presentation shared at Back to School Night.
Here are other programs that may be of interest:
- American Council for International Education applications due Nov 2 / fully paid for summer or the year. Apply here!
- Germany applications due Nov 1
Attendance Reminders
On-time attendance is an essential life skill that we take seriously at Open. Absences, tardies, and early dismissals can add up and ultimately be disruptive to learning. We know students will get sick, but our job is to ensure that whenever students are well, they are in school. Parents should communicate with our Office Associate Ryan Eldridge (804-780-4661/reldridg@rvaschools.net) when their child must be absent, and a written note/email with the reason for the absence should always be provided. If a student is out for 3 consecutive days, a doctor's note must be provided. Parents must also sign out their student from the office for an Early Dismissal. In addition, please keep the following in mind:
An excused absence results from conditions beyond the control of the parent/guardian and/or the student or school. Acceptable absences could include personal illness, death in the family, court appearance, religious holidays, and extenuating circumstances as approved by the school administration.
Schools are required by state law to take specific actions if a student accumulates a certain number of unexcused absences.
Students shall not be absent (excused or unexcused reasons, excluding suspensions) for 18 or more school days per year or 18 class periods.
Any student who misses 18 or more days of school will not be eligible to receive course credit and/or will be subject to retention.
A waiver for these attendance policies may be considered for medical hardships or other very unique circumstances as determined by the Division Superintendent or his designee.
Parents and guardians are required to provide a note requesting that the days absent be considered excused absences within five (5) schools days of the last day of school missed. If a note for the day(s) absent is not provided within five (5) school days of the last day of school missed, the period of absences will be considered unexcused.
Student Opportunities!
NEW: The annual Black Girl Rally will be held on October 6th, 2023 at Virginia Union University's Living and Learning Center. This year we have a theme of βI Make My Joy: Unlocking expressions of creativity can bring you joy.β The full-day agenda aims to ignite each girl's imagination, inspire her next big idea, and serve as a catalyst for positive change.Any girls who are interested in attending can complete this (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-black-girl-rally-tickets-715797628977) form with their parents. You can check out more information here.
NEW: Generation Ratify Virginia's 2023-2024 Lobbying Collective! We highly encourage anyone, regardless of lobbying/activism experience, to join the Virginia chapter of the youth-led movement in advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment and gender equity in the Commonwealth. Sign up here.
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 Virginiaβs Eastern Shore. http://vsgc.odu.edu/spacecoast/ - This online course application is OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 16.
11th AND 12th GRADE: Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) focuses on NASAβs human spaceflight missions and the Journey to the Moon and on to Mars. Students can earn up to five free dual enrollment college credits. http://vsgc.odu.edu/VASTS/, applications are OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 24.
VIRGINIA EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE SCHOLARS (VESSS) focuses on the challenges 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. Students can earn up to five free transferable dual enrollment college credits http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS applications are OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 24.
Groundwork RVA is a non-profit organization that works with youth to occupy a hands-on role in creating positive changes to enhance green spaces and increase environmental sustainability. Our Green Team program offers job training and education in environmental conservation. We meet after school and participants will receive a stipend at the rate of $10 /hour. If you have any questions or concerns please email youth_educator@groundworkrva.org or rosa@groundworkrva.org.
Check out Youth Rowing with Richmond Community Rowing with Try-it Days on September 18 and October 21. The 6 week, fall season begins October 23. Practices are after school from 4:30-6:30 Monday-Thursday at the University of Richmond boathouse at Rocketts Landing. No rowing experience is required, but there is a height/weight minimum and athletes must be able to pass a swim test. RCR provides the equipment and coaching staff. Seasonal membership is $325, but full scholarships are availalbe, no questions asked. Just reach out to rowrva@gmail.com for any scholarship related inquiries.
VDH Youth Advisory Council β The Virginia Department of Health is currently recruiting students, ages 14-21, for a new youth-led council as part of its state-wide public health initiative. The council will provide students with the opportunity to advocate for and collaborate on a variety of public health policies and nonprofit projects. The deadline to submit applications is Saturday, September 30.
The Upsilon Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is rolling out its implementation of our Fraternities International High School Essay Contest. See attached flyer below.
Class of 2024: Students and Parents
SENIOR PROJECT PROPOSALS
Due Sept 25
SENIOR PARENT NIGHT
Save the Date! Thursday, Sept 20, 6 pm. More info to come!
UPCOMMING COLLEGE VISITS:
You must have your teacher's permission if you are missing class.
- Sept. 18 @ 1:45 pm-Randolph College
- Sept. 29 @ 1:45 pm-University of Mary Washington
- Oct. 2 @ 1 pm-University of Virginia
- Oct. 2 @ 2:45 pm-Mary Baldwin University
- Oct. 6 @ 1:45 pm-Virginia Tech
- Oct. 18 @ 2:45 pm-Roanoke College
- Oct. 30 @ 2:45 pm-Old Dominion University
TO DO LIST:
- Review the OHS Website and the College Planning Calendar.
- Sign up for a meeting with Micah (mdavis7@rvaschools.net) ASAP. See link below.
- Complete the Beginning of Year Survey for Brandy Paige (bpaige@rvaschools.net), your Future Center Navigator. She is available each Thursday in the Resource Room to discuss your life after Open. All students should meet with her during a free period, lunch, or by appointment.
- Complete this form when you meet with Micah, Brandy, or our GRASP advisor, Amy
Swierczewski so we know you're on track. Amy (open@grasp4va.org) will available every other Wednesday beginning Sept 27.
- Regularly check the Class of 2024 Google Classroom for college info and scholarship opportunities.
- Check out these Senior Project Ideas! If you're a budding filmmaker, please see Clary!
- Communicate with your Senior Class Sponsors, Caroline and Ryan.
- Enjoy your senior year!
Open High School
Email: cwashing@rvaschools.net
Website: https://ohs.rvaschools.net/
Location: 600 South Pine Street, Richmond, VA, USA
Phone: 8047804661
Instagram: @openhighrva
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialopenhighschoolpage/
Merchandise Store: https://tinyurl.com/nfp5yzay
PTSA: PTA Member Hub