School Counseling News & Updates

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

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

All Grade Levels

Upcoming dates:

• March 18-21: NOVA Representative at Tuscarora all lunch blocks to provide assistance to any students needing help with their NOVA application. Located in hallway outside of cafeteria.
• 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).

APPLICATIONS for AVID are now open for the 2024-25 school year! Any current 8th, 9th, or 10th grader may apply.

AVID seeks out students who are performing well in the “academic middle” who wish to learn strategies to succeed in courses of academic rigor. Oftentimes, these students would be first-generation college students or students who have the potential but would benefit from additional support in the areas of reading, writing, organization, time management, and leadership skills. If you wish to learn more about the AVID program, please contact the AVID Coordinator at barry.blair@lcps.org.

AVID APPLICATION LINK

The Office of Admissions at George Mason University invites your students to join us for the 37th annual Northern Virginia Regional College Fair (NVRCF)! Your students will have the opportunity to meet with admissions representatives from more than 200 colleges and universities. This will be a great opportunity to get your students motivated and excited about their post-secondary plans while equipping them with the tools and information necessary to successfully navigate the college search and application process.

We are a StriveScan Fair. Please encourage students to pre-register for a barcode at https://app.strivescan.com/registration.

Parking is available, free of charge, in Parking Lots A and L, directly across from EagleBank Arena. To view a campus map, click here.

Senator Mark Warner invites high school and middle school students, their parents or guardians, and school counselors to Academy Day 2024. Attendees will be provided a comprehensive overview of the United States service academies and their admission processes.

In addition, students will be able to meet with officials from all five academies as well as representatives from the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board, Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Richmond, ROTC programs at Randolph-Macon College and the University of Virginia, the United States Marine Corps, the Virginia Military Institute, the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, and the Virginia Women's Institute for Leadership at Mary Baldwin University. Staff from Virginia Congressional offices will be available to answer questions regarding the application procedures for congressional nominations.

Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024
Time: 9:30AM - 1:30PM
Location: Randolph-Macon College Center for the Performing Arts, Blackwell Auditorium, 205 Henry Street, Ashland, VA 23005

Invitation to follow. To ensure you receive it and the registration link for the event, please email academy_noms@warner.senate.gov. For more information on the Academy Nomination Process, please visit www.warner.senate.gov.

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.

Loudoun County Public Schools is partnering with Song for Charlie to present The New Drug Talk – a 30-minute film that outlines the dangers of fentanyl and fake pills – on Thursday, Feb. 29, at 7 p.m. at Dominion High School. An expert panel discussion -- including testimony from family members who have lost loved ones to overdoses -- will follow the presentation. Join us to learn how to help keep your loved ones safe.

• Thursday, Feb. 29 at 7 p.m. at Dominion High School

Fentanyl Awareness community learning sessions are being offered in all of our regions. The next session is scheduled for Sunday, April 7th from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Ashburn, VA. These sessions include information provided from law enforcement, LCPS, the Williams Center and from a community member who has lost a loved one due to a fentanyl overdose.

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.

May

4: Prom

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

June

5: Senior Awards & Last Day for Seniors!

15: Graduation at ION Center at 10:00AM

Due to FAFSA delays, some colleges & universities have changed their enrollment deadlines & financial aid priority dates for students planning to enroll for fall 2024. The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) created a directory of enrollment commitment deadlines submitted by its members.

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:

  April 13, 2024
  

  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

Named after the esteemed founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., these scholarships are a testament to our shared commitment to the upliftment of education. Through this program, we empower young minds with financial assistance, enabling them to pursue higher education and emerge as future leaders in their chosen fields.

The Joyce-Gillespie-Harrington Educational & Charitable Foundation was established to serve as a conduit to generate scholarship funds to support college bound students. The foundation was named in memory of three community leaders dedicated to the ideals of “Scholarship, Community, Service and Love for all Mankind.”

To be considered for this year's $2,000 Jewel College Scholarships, applicants must:

• Be eligible to graduate from high school by the end of the current academic year
• Plan to enroll in an accredited college or university for the Fall 2024 school year
• Reside in Northern Virginia Counties of Fairfax or Loudoun.

Due Date: March 14, 2024

Winners Announcement: April 22, 2024

More information at https://jghfdn.org/2024-jewel-college-scholarship-application/

This scholarship will recognize students who have documented need for accommodation and who demonstrate engagement in their community.

Two award recipients will receive a $1,000 scholarship to help with post-secondary education.

Attached is an Application Form. The student(s) should submit application and all supporting information by mail to be received by WISER no later than March 22, 2024.

An informational flyer is included for distribution to potential applicants. Additional information and applications can be found at www.wiserdc.org.

Loudoun Education Foundation's largest scholarship awards $12,000 to three recipients. This scholarship is dedicated to aspiring educators from under-represented populations in the teaching workforce. The scholarship will pay $1,500 per semester directly to the undergraduate university for up to four years.

Qualifications:

• Must indicate the demographic represented.
• Must attend a four-year college or university preparing for a career in education.
• Must be interested in becoming an educator and returning to seek employment with LCPS.

• Must obtain a 3.0 GPA or better in the course(s) taken.

Deadline: March 30, 2024

The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties has opened up the 2024 Scholarship Application process, and they are now accepting applications for this year’s cycle. Applications are due by April 1, 2024.

Students may find information and application instructions here:

https://communityfoundationlf.org/students/

Each year, the Education Scholarship Foundation awards $1,000 scholarships. A combination of weighted criteria is used in the selection process: 40% financial need; 40% academic achievement; and 20% personal statement. Funds can be applied towards tuition, student fees, room and board, or textbooks. More details are listed here.

Eligibility Requirements:

• The primary residence of the applicant’s parent or legal guardian must receive its power from one of the 15 electric cooperatives served by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives. For a list of qualifying electric cooperative service territories, visit here.
• Applicants applying for a scholarship must be a senior graduating from either high school or home school in 2024.
• Applicant must be entering his or her first semester at a post-secondary school in the fall of 2024.

https://vmdaec.com/scholarship/

Deadline: April 1, 2024

The Men of the Beta Alpha Omega Northern Virginia Alumni chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated would like to present to you the 2024 Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Karl Roberts Sr. Scholarship.

A minimum of two $500 scholarships will be awarded. All applicants must be a male, senior high school student who will be graduating from an Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, Fredericksburg, Stafford, or Prince William County, VA high school and has been accepted to a 4-year college university for the 2024/2025 school year.

All applicants will need to include the following documents with their completed application:

• HS Transcript
• College acceptance letter(s)
• Documentation of financial need
• Letter of recommendation
• Essay

Applications must be mailed and postmarked by 11:59 pm on Sunday, April 21, 2024.

The Virginia EL Supervisors’ Association is proud to be able to offer scholarships to English Learners who are planning to continue their studies at a college, university, community college, or work-force training programs.

We encourage English learner (EL) teachers (AKA: ESOL teachers) and school counselors to assist eligible students in gathering the required documents so that all applications will be complete at the time of mailing. Incomplete application packets will not be considered. You may duplicate the application as necessary. The deadline for all applications is April 26, 2024 by 5:00pm EST.

The following criteria will be used for scholarship consideration:

• Enrolled in an ESL program for at least one year in grades 6-12 in a Virginia public school
• Enrolled in 12th grade at the time of application
• Financial need
• The strength of the student produced essay

Please note the importance of a local contact person taking the time to assist the student in completing ALL sections of the application. Due to the large number of applicants each year, the committee will not be able to personally follow-up on sections of the application that are missing.

We (VESA) hope to be able to announce the names of the scholarship winners no later than May 30, 2024. Questions? Contact Samuel Klein at scholarship@vavesa.org or 703-228-6095.

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

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: 5PM 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.

College Information Sessions

JumpStart Information Sessions:

• Wednesday, March 13 from 6 pm – 7 pm
• Register in advance for this meeting:
• https://vccs.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIlduqoqTMiE9YxQ4GN2FCqgtGcSIpwuwRD
• Tuesday, April 30 from 6 pm – 7 pm
• Register in advance for this meeting:
• https://vccs.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqdOiqqTItE9IMazpxWZGdErzZubDhedKi

Planning your JumpStart2NOVA courses:

Join us for a webinar that will focus on answering key questions as you select JumpStart2NOVA courses. Topics covered include goal setting, program identification, and course selection.

• Tuesday, April 9 from 6 pm – 7 pm
• Register in advance for this meeting:
• https://vccs.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqcOmrrTkoGNUGRfUA2yhfUWP1XQIL_CNB#/registration

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.

Applications for NOVA's Summer Bridge Programs for high school students are now being accepted. These are FREE programs for students to learn about the engineering technology and data center operations programs.

Accepting applications for current Juniors and Seniors!

This scholarship program provides financial assistance to students throughout the nation who have significant financial need and have exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity. The scholarships are given to deserving students each year and range in award value from $10,000 to $25,000 with more than 600 scholarships available. Eligibility criteria include: High school junior, demonstrated critical financial need ($65,000 or lower adjusted gross family income), and United States Citizenship.

Students can apply online December 15 - March 15 at horatioalger.org/scholarships

All rising high school seniors (current 11th graders) are invited to apply for the 2024 Thomas D. Horne Leadership in the Law Camp.

Twenty-four students from public and private schools across Loudoun and Fauquier counties participate in this week-long camp that provides in-depth training in the legal system, culminating in mock trials at the Loudoun County Courthouse in front of real Judges, as well as juries comprised of community stakeholders. Students participate in a competitive application process designed to recruit only one or two campers from every public and private high school in Loudoun and Fauquier counties.

The Loudoun Bar Foundation is able to offer this program to students at no cost due to the support of the Loudoun and Fauquier Bar Associations as well as generous private donations.

The online application is available here. Or download the paper application form here!

All applications are due by March 18, 2024.

The Claude Moore Community Builders (CMCB) program is a ten-month program running from June – March each year. Historically, approximately 25 youth have gone through the program each year. “Builders” will complete 50 hours at a non-profit placement or combination of placements, 30 hours at service-day events where we volunteer together, and 20 hours at ‘curriculum days’ where students learn about various topics such as leadership, communication and personal finance. Space is limited.

More information at https://www.loudounyouth.org/programs/claude-moore-community-builders/

Applications Open: March 12, 2024

Application Deadline: April 28, 2024

Decision Emails Sent By: May 12, 2024

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/