Heritage Weekly Update, April 19
The news you need from the Home of the PRIDE!
Traduccion en Espanol
-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"
Principal's Message and Updates
Good afternoon, Heritage PRIDE!
I hope this update finds you and those you care about safe and well. We had a wonderful time welcoming the next generation of the PRIDE on Wedensday and Wednesday evening! I've got a good feeling about the Class of 2028! This week is one of the unique events at Heritage... AWARENESS WEEK! Awareness Week is a Spirit Week in the Spring that focuses on a topic or theme that affects our students. This year, our Student Council Association (SCA) has chosen Substance Abuse Awareness as the theme. Each day has a different theme and is designed to promote awareness of the dangers of substance abuse as well as healthier alternatives. You can find more information below. 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.
Reminder of No Place for Hate Expectations
As Spring gets into full swing, schools often see a rise in behavior issues. I am asking for your help and for you to remind your child of your expectations regarding their choices at school and the use of hurtful and offensive language. As a No Place for Hate school and part of the wider LCPS system, Heritage believes there is no place for hurtful speech or behavior. In the words of the LCPS Equity Statement: "LCPS centers equity as one of its foundational core values. For our community, equity means being committed to providing a safe, supportive, inclusive, affirming, and respectful environment for each student and staff member that fosters success, growth, and academic rigor. The cultivation of this environment requires us to reject and condemn the use of hate speech, racial slurs, antisemitism, and any action or behavior that discriminates based on race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, orientation, gender expression, socio-economic status, religion, ability, or other cultural identities or expression. Such noninclusive speech, behavior, and actions do not reflect who we are as a learning community."
Please reach out to any of the school counselors or school administrators with any questions or concerns.
Song for Charlie Presentations
Be on the lookout next week for more details on an important opportunity for our school community. Song for Charlie is an organization that has partnered with LCPS to provide Fentanyl awareness assemblies and parent presentations. We will be having a parent/guardian presentation on Wednesday, May 8th at 7 PM, followed by student assemblies on May 9th during the school day. Each event includes a film and a panel discussion with those who have expertise in the related fields as well as, most powerfully, people directly affected by the fentanyl epidemic in our nation.
Reminder about Medication
Any medication brought to school by a parent/guardian must be either given to the student by the parent/guardian and consumed in the front office with them or left with the nurse. Medication should not be dropped off in the front office.
From the Clinic
The Loudoun County Health Department (LCHD) will be providing the MenACWY (Menveo, MenQuadfi) vaccine to rising seniors on Thursday April 25 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Heritage High School. As you know, the MenACWY vaccine prevents meningococcal disease, and a booster is required for entry into 12th grade. Additional information about this vaccine and meningococcal disease can be found at the CDC website.
Families can give permission and register their rising senior to receive the vaccine via a link that will be provided by LCHD or by completing a paper registration form(Enclosed). The link does not have a Spanish option, but paper registration forms are available in English and Spanish. In addition to the completed registration, students with Medicaid or private insurance must provide a copy of the front and back of their insurance card with their registration paperwork or bring the insurance card with them to the vaccine clinic. There is no cost to families for the vaccine however, LCHD must charge a student’s insurance for the administration of the vaccine. No fee will be charged for uninsured students. Students using the paper registration forms should bring the signed and completed forms to health office(Nurse Stephan)with a copy of their insurance card (front and back). If the link is used to register electronically, the copy of the insurance card can be uploaded as part of that process. Registration will be closed the day before the clinic is scheduled. LCHD can vaccinate approximately 60 students during the 2-hour clinic.
Please take advantage of this opportunity. As of right now we still have 152 rising seniors that are not compliant. Those seniors will be receiving a letter home along with the permission form for the vaccine clinic. If you plan on getting your student vaccinated at their primary doctor please make sure that you send in proof of vaccination to the clinic.
From the Testing Office
AP testing is soon approaching. All fees are posted in School Cash and must be paid before the testing examination. Students will receive their testing location next week. Students should arrive at Heritage by 7:30 a.m. for the AM testing. Students testing in the PM should eat first lunch and report to their testing location by 11:45 a.m. Please remind your child to check for emails regarding testing.
SOL testing will begin May 20. Students will receive an email with their testing locations in a few weeks. All testing will begin at 9:30 a.m. Students MUST bring their charged Chromebooks in order to test. There will be limited Chromebooks available for emergency situations.
SOL SCHEDULE:
May 20 - History SOLs
May 21 - Science SOLs
May 22 - Math SOLs
May 23 - Reading SOL
Quarter 3 Grade Recovery
If your child needs to utilize Grade Recovery for the 3rd Quarter, please note that they will have until April 30th to complete any work, if they meet the requirements. Please reach out to Ms. Noselli with any questions.
From the PTSO
Order Your Graduation Yard Sign by April 30
Celebrate your Class of 2024 graduate with a personalized yard sign. Order at https://bit.ly/hhsgradsign24 by April 30. Signs will be available for pick up mid-May.
PTSO Volunteers Needed for the 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.
Special Permissions Process
We have many students here through the Special Permissions process. This is just a reminder that the application window closes on June 30 at 11:59 p.m. for both staff and families. The special permission request form can be found on the LCPS Special Permission webpage. A paper copy of the special permission form is available for parents/guardians who do not have access to a computer. Contact the Special Permission Office (571-252-1021) for a paper application form; this form is available in English and Spanish.
Prom is on the way!
With Prom Season quickly approaching, we know things can get expensive quickly. Need to find some thrifty ways to make it happen? Here's a list of local Prom Boutiques that can help with just that.
Here are our weekly College and Career newsletters:
Thank you for your continued trust and support of our Mission at Heritage High School.
ROAR PRIDE!
Jeff Adam
Principal
Heritage High School
#wearethepride
Awareness Week is Here!
Matilda!
Come see Matilda, tickets on sale now! Show dates are April 25th, 26th, and 27th @7pm, May 3rd and 4th @7pm, and May 5th @2pm! Click the poster for more information!
Prom Info
Click the photo to get all of the information on Prom 2024!
Resources from our Student Assistance Specialist
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.
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
From the HHS Athletic Boosters
The Heritage High School Athletic Boosters are excited to announce that our annual Casino Night fundraiser is coming up on Friday, May 10th at 6PM at Vanish Farmwoods Brewery (42245 Black Hops Lane Leesburg, VA 20176). This night will be a great night to help fundraise for our Pride athletic teams and support our student-athletes. The event should be a lot of fun!
We’re planning the following for this year’s event:
- Casino gaming tables – blackjack, roulette, poker, etc.
- A reverse raffle with a grand prize of $1,000
- Raffle items to include TVs, college themed items, and lots of other great items.
- A live auction for some great prizes.
Tickets are $10 for Boosters members and $20 for non-members. Boosters members also get $1,000 in gaming money to use at the gaming tables. Your ticket includes:
- 1 Complimentary drink ticket at Vanish
- Appetizers while they last
- Additional food and drink will be available to purchase directly from Vanish
Event tickets and all of the items below are now available for purchase at https://heritageathleticboosters.membershiptoolkit.com/HHSCasinoNight
- Casino gaming money – gaming money is used at the gaming tables and is exchanged at the end of the night. $1,000 in gaming money is good for one raffle ticket
- $10 for $1,000 in casino gaming money
- $25 for $3,000 in casino gaming money
- $50 for $10,000 in casino gaming money
- In addition to getting raffle tickets via the gaming tables, raffle tickets are also available for purchase:
- $10 for 1
- $25 for 3
- $50 for 10
- We will have a Reverse Raffle this year with a grand prize of $1,000. Reverse Raffle tickets are available for purchase for $10 each
- Finally, we’ve created a “Everything You Need to Have a Great Night” Casino Night package. This is a bundle of items and will save you $5 versus purchasing these items separately. Pricing is $35 for Booster members or $45 for non-members. This package includes:
- 1 Casino Ticket ($10 member or $20 non-member) which includes 1 Drink Ticket
- 1 Reverse Raffle Ticket ($10 value)
- 1 Raffle Ticket ($10 value)
- $1,000 Casino Gaming Money ($10 value)
We’re looking forward to a great night to celebrate our Pride community and to raise funds for our student-athletes and teams.
Competitions and Activities
Monday, April 22
4:45 PM Tennis v. Park View HS (Girls-Home; Boys-Away)
6/7:15 PM JV/V Soccer v. Park View HS (Boys-Away, Girls-Home)
Tuesday, April 23
2:30 PM Away Track @ Lightridge HS
6/7:15 PM Away Girls JV/V Soccer @ Freedom HS
6:30 PM Baseball/Softball v. Tuscarora HS (Varsity-Away; JV-Home)
Thursday, April 25
4:45 PM Tennis v. Dominion HS (Girls-Home; Boys-Away)
6/7:15 PM JV/V Soccer v. Dominion HS (Boys-Away, Girls-Home)
6:30 PM Baseball/Softball v. Tuscarora HS (Varsity-Home; JV-Away)
Friday, April 26
6/7:15 PM JV/Vars. Lacrosse v. Dominion HS (Girls-Home, Boys-Away)
6:30 PM Home Varsity Baseball/Softball v. John Champe HS
Saturday, April 27
9 AM Track @ John Champe HS (Loudoun County Championships)
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Totaro, Heritage Athletic Director, or Mr. Puterio Heritage Assistant Athletic Director.
School Counseling Corner
Marking Period 3 ended on April 4th. Report Cards may now be viewed in ParentVUE/StudentVue by 4pm on Monday, April 15th. Check in with your student and review classroom Schoology pages together to see what is planned for the last 9 weeks of the school year. Encourage them to email teachers if they are unsure of how to improve and ask them to CC you and their counselor on the email. It’s not too late to finish strong!
Rising Senior Classroom Visits- School Counselors are visiting 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!
College Admissions Representative Panel @ Heritage - Tuesday, May 7th @ 7pm – Looking for tips on keeping your sanity during the college application process? Curious what colleges are looking for during the application-review process? Wondering if a 4-year or a 2-year college is right for you right after graduation? Look no further. We are bringing the experts to you! Join us in the Heritage Auditorium on Tuesday, May 7th @ 7pm for a chance to hear from the admissions representatives who review the applications for Loudoun County students. Admissions representatives from: Virginia Tech, JMU, Shenandoah, WVU and NOVA will share information about what they are looking for in an applicant, financial aid, how your transcript is evaluated, the college essay, the college visit, and much more. Don’t see your favorite college listed? There’s still much to learn as these representatives can speak specifically to their schools as well as in general terms for college admissions. This is a wonderful opportunity for a smaller setting to hear from the experts and then get your questions answered. We want to know what you want to know! Please complete this College Admissions Question Survey by Friday, April 26th if you have a specific question/questions you would like to get answered. We’ll include as many as possible in the planning for this event. This event is open to all grades, but we strongly encourage you to attend if you are a rising senior who is thinking about applying for college after graduation. Hope to see you in May!
Purple Up, Heritage – Heritage is grateful for the sacrifices and service of our military families and especially our military connected students. If you saw the Pride in Purple on Wednesday, April 17th, it’s was a reminder that we honor you and appreciate your service! *Military-connected students received an invitation to a breakfast before school on Wednesday, April 17th in the Career Center to gather and meet. Thanks to School Counselors, Ms. Deb Smith and Ms. Trish Garrett for organizing.
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.
Full Course Selection Timeline
Hard to believe we are already starting to plan for next year, but that time has come! Over the next few months, your underclassmen students will be learning about elective choices, core-course levels and expectations, and beginning to choose their classes for next year. Here is what to expect:
· Wednesday 1/24: Elective Fair during Pride Time.
· Week of 1/29: Teacher Input for Core Classes Available in StudentVUE
· Week of 1/29: Course Information Page for 2024-2025 Active on the Heritage Website. This is your one-stop-shop for Course Information resources.
· Tuesday 1/30 & Wednesday 1/31: Students received a Pride Time lesson reviewing graduation requirements and the basics of Course Selection. See the lessons HERE.
o During these lessons, students made their initial self-selections for their electives within StudentVUE.
· Monday 2/5: Teacher Input for Core/World Language/Performing Arts Classes Emailed Home
· Monday 2/5 @ 7pm: Course Information Night at Heritage
· Monday 2/12 & Tuesday 2/13: Heritage Counselors visit Harper Park to review Course Selection and help pick electives.
· February – Early May: School Counselors will meet with their students individually to discuss Course Choices and review 4-year-plans.
· February-March: IB Coordinator and School Counselor meet with students who have expressed a desire to be full ‘IB Diploma Candidates’ to ensure that they are scheduled to meet requirements.
· Mid-May: Course Selections Emailed Home.
· Friday, 5/17: Level-Up Deadline
· Friday, 5/17: DE Registration Deadline
· 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.
Fall Athletic Tryout Information
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.
From the PTSO
Donations Needed for Teacher Appreciation Week Luncheon
Join us in celebrating our amazing staff with a picnic-themed lunch on Thursday, May 9. Volunteers and donation of sides/desserts are needed. Sign up here.
Order Your Graduation Yard Sign by April 30
Celebrate your Class of 2024 graduate with a personalized yard sign. Order at https://bit.ly/hhsgradsign24 by April 30. Signs will be available for pick up mid-May.
PTSO Volunteers Needed for the 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.
Student Assistance Information
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.
Opioid Overdose Training
Revive: Opioid Overdose Reversal Training | Loudoun County, VA - Official Website
Parent Resources and Events
Need to Report a Safety Concern?
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
Reminder: Security Protocols
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.
LCPS Community Events
Understanding High School Graduation Requirements
Tuesday, April 23, 6 p.m. in English and Spanish; 7 p.m. in English and Arabic, Virtual
Join the English Learner’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Office to learn about LCPS Programs of Study, diploma types and graduation requirements for LCPS students. See the FACE website for information.
Advisory Committee Meetings for April
- Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) – April 3, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
- Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee (MSAAC) Wednesday, April 17, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee’s Annual EquiTEA and Awards Ceremony, Saturday, April 27, 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Historic Douglass High School, 407 E. Market St., Leesburg
See the LCPS upcoming events calendar for all committee meetings.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:
- Welcome to LCPS Workshop for International Families, Thursday, May 2, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Historic Douglass High School, 407 East Market St., Leesburg
- Gifted Education, Tuesday, May 21, 6 p.m. in English and Spanish; 7 p.m. in English and Arabic, Virtual
Senior Information
CLASS OF 2024 School Counseling Updates
We are excited to welcome you back as SENIORS, ready for a great year at Heritage while preparing for life after graduation.
At Heritage, we know there are many paths for success available after high school. These paths include attending a four-year college or university, serving in the military, attending a Community College to pursue other degrees or start off your four-year degree, or immediately pursuing a career or the training needed through employment or apprenticeships. We are proud of all our graduates and excited for their journey beyond our walls. This information below will specifically focus on the steps needed and important dates to know if you are considering applying to a college or university (four or two year). (You can expect to hear more related to ‘PRIDE IN CAREER’ and ‘PRIDE IN MILITARY’ in the upcoming weeks as well.)
Heritage College Application Process Information
Check your email for a detailed message from Ms. Eicholtz (sent on 8/31) with resources and steps to know about the Heritage College Application Process.
Some highlights are below:
- EVERY SENIOR MUST HAVE A PARENT/GAURDIAN COMPLETE THE TRANSCRIPT RELEASE FORM.
- PLEASE REVIEW ‘PRIDE IN COLLEGE’ CAREFULLY
- CHECK OUT THE SCHOOL COUNSELING SENIOR CLASS PAGE UNDER: Heritage Main WebsiteàSchool CounselingàClass PagesàSENIORS.
- Mark Your Calendar for Important Upcoming Dates and Support Opportunities
December 2023: FAFSA opens
FAFSA Workshop: TBD at Heritage After Release of FAFSA
February 2024: Mid-year Transcripts are Automatically Sent After Semester 1 Ends
And as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Senior’s School Counselor with any additional questions.
Senior Activity Information
Check out the Senior Page for all the information you might need!
The order link for senior events and t-shirt was sent out on Monday to students, only if they had created an account in advance (see below). Trips have a maximum of 245 students, so please sign up as soon as possible to receive the payment link.
Cap and gown is a required purchase made directly through Jostens. Information will be provided at the senior meeting on Monday and posted on the website about how to order. Gowns are redesigned this year and you will not be able to use one from a previous year.
Please click HERE to order the Cap and Gown ONLY. Jostens offers many additional items that are not required for graduation, including a keepsake tassel. Please select NO THANKS if you do not want an additional tassel besides the standard, required tassel that comes with the $50 cap/gown/tassel purchase.
If you need assistance covering the cost of the cap and gown, Bowling trip, t-shirt or yearbook, please have your student stop in the main office and see Mrs. Anderson for a waiver form. Also note, the base package for Graduation Pictures can also be covered (see Senior Picture Information below. Unfortunately, the Hershey Park trip cannot be covered by financial waiver.
School Information and Helpful Links
The Importance of School Attendance
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
SchooLinks
Updating Parent Contact Information
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.
Navigating ParentVUE help sessions
Navegación por las sesiones de ayuda de ParentVUE en español
School Hours
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.
Important Dates 2023-24
- April 22-26-Awareness Week (Pep Rally on Thursday, 4/25)
- May 6 - 17-AP exams
- May 8-Song for Charlie Parent/Family/Community Presentation, 7 PM
- May 9-Song fo Charlie Student Assemblies
- May 20 - 24-SOLs
- 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
Arrival and Dismissal
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.
- 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.
We Welcome Your Feedback!
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.