August 2024
TOGETHER WE LIGHT THE WAY
A note from Dr. Hitchman
We are excited to welcome approximately 2050 students and their families for the start of the 2024-2025 school year. Our families have diverse backgrounds and experiences which enrich our culture and center students in a community of belonging where each and every student is included, respected, and valued.
In order to create a school environment which meets the needs of our students, parents, and staff, we must listen to our stakeholders. One of the things we heard toward the end of last year was more time for students to spend engaged in clubs and activities which interest them. We also heard from staff how difficult it can be to refocus students when their instructional block is split by lunch. In order to provide students with more opportunities to engage in activities they find interesting and prepare them for their future once they leave high school, Lightridge will be operating on a different bell schedule than years past. Additional information regarding our new bell schedule is contained in our Welcome Back Newsletter. Please know the 2024-2025 bell schedule was discussed with students, staff, and parents last spring before the change was made. We look forward to the opportunities our new bell schedule will provide students to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams with guidance and support from our amazing staff.
The start of the school year is typically filled with many activities and events and this year is no different. A calendar listing important events is also included in our Welcome Back Newsletter. There are a few events I would like to point out however. We look forward to having students in the building on Tuesday, August 20 for our new student orientation which will provide students an opportunity to walk their class schedule and engage with peers and student leaders. Our annual Parent Back to School Night will be held on Wednesday, August 28. Back to School Night provides parents the opportunity to meet their child’s teachers and experience what their student experiences in a condensed format. We also look forward to interacting with our students and parents during our 3rd Annual Kickoff Bash before our first home football game which will be held on Thursday, August 29.
While the beginning of the school year may signal an end to summer break, there is usually a lot of energy and enthusiasm associated with the start of a new school year. I would like to encourage our families to participate in an organization which supports our students and staff such as the PTSO or one of our many booster organizations. I will continue to send out our weekly Connect Ed messages every Sunday afternoon and I encourage you to reach out to your child’s school counselor or teacher when you have a question.
As principal, I try to be honest and transparent regarding what is occurring at Lightridge. If you would like to have a first-hand account of what occurs on a daily basis, please consider contacting me by email or phone. You can also ask to participate in my Principal for a Day program which provides an opportunity for parents to shadow me during the school day. Lightridge has grown a lot in a variety of ways since we opened in the fall of 2020. As we enter year 5, I would like to thank those of you who have supported our students and staff, not just during the first few days of school or around certain holidays but during the entire year. We can accomplish so much good when we work together and keep students at the center of what we do. Thank you for taking the time to read our Welcome Back Newsletter and together we light the way!
For students ONLY
Our Freshmen and New Student Orientation will take place on Tuesday August 20th. Please see the attached flyer and register for either the AM or PM session. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged as students will be participating in a building tour, meeting new friends, walking their schedules, and receiving advice and tips for high school success.
Here are some other pro tips as you head into high school…
- Join the Lightridge Instagram Page (@Lightridge_LCPS) and the Lightridge School Counseling (@LightridgeCounseling) Instagram Page
- No School Supplies are required for day 1 other than your Chromebook, pen/pencil and some paper
- Specific school supply needs will be provided by individual teachers after the first A day and B day of the school year
- Student clubs will be advertised and chosen within the first couple weeks of school
- There are no PE uniforms. Students must provide their own change of clothes and appropriate footwear for their HPE class
- If you intend on driving your student to school, please be mindful of traffic (arrive early), traffic patterns and the expectation of showing up on time
- We strongly encourage taking the bus to reduce traffic and ensure getting your child to school on time
- It is important to make attendance a priority in high school. Attendance is important and impacts our school's accreditation rating. Try to plan vacations, appointments, etc. when school is not in session
- Expect homework in multiple subjects nightly; be prepared, organized and scheduled for success (we recommend a planner or organizational strategy)
- GPA’s are recalculated at the end of semester 1 and again at the end of the school year of each year of high school
- Utilize resources like Parentvue, Schoolinks, emails and newsletters to access information and attend scheduled parent nights if possible
- Try not to worry. High school is a time for students to gain independence and autonomy. Please rest assured that our faculty will be there to support and provide guidance along the way
New Bell Schedule
When do I have lunch?
- On Monday, Tuesday, and Friday: If your advisory class is scheduled upstairs, you eat during 1st flex. If your advisory class is scheduled downstairs, you eat during 2nd flex.
- On Wednesday and Thursday:
- Ask your club sponsor to confirm flex 1 or flex 2 lunch
- If you are not in a club, follow your advisory for upstairs vs downstairs.
Where can I eat lunch? You are allowed to have food in the following locations:
- cafeteria
- main hall
- courtyards
- library
- 2111 - for a quiet study hall
- fine arts classrooms (if you are meeting with a teacher)
- Eat up & Clean up
Where am I not allowed to eat?
- classrooms in academic halls
- restrooms
- 2200 hall
- 2300 hall
- 2400 hall
Where can I just hang out with my friends?
- Main Gym
- Courtyards
- Main Hall
- Writing Center
- Peer Tutoring
Can I have food delivered (parent, door dash, Uber eats, etc.) NO! The main office can not be held responsible for food deliveries with a student body of 2100. Given building security, you may not meet delivery drivers at any outside exit door. These will be closely monitored by staff.
Am I allowed to leave the building during FLEX? No you are not. LCPS is liable for your safety during school hours.
Can I join more than one club on Wednesday and Thursday? Yes you can but you will need to bring lunch on those days as you will be unable to have lunch in the cafeteria. You should confirm with your club sponsor they are ok with you eating during meetings.
Can I use my cell phone during FLEX and lunch? Stay tuned for more information related to the LCPS new cell phone policy.
What can I do on Flex Fridays? This is a time for you to “take what you need” or it may be a time when you are assigned a task. This could include:
- meeting with a teacher for remediation or academic clairfication
- getting some vitamin D in the courtyards outside
- enjoying quiet time for additional studying
- conversing with friends in an acceptable environment
- expending excess energy in the gymnasium
- serving a detention
- attending a college or career speaker
- registering for student seminars
Do I get to choose what I do on FLEX Fridays? Yes and No. Teachers have the ability to preschedule students into a FLEX section. Teachers will notify students if they will be assigning them for remediation, test corrections, or other academic reasons.
How will staff know where I am?
- On Monday and Tuesday all students must report to advisory (block 9 in your schedule) where attendance will be taken.
- On Wednesday and Thursday all students must report to their registered club. Wednesday is block 10 and Thursday is block 11. Students who do not register for a club will need to sign up for a FLEX location by 9am on the assigned day. Students who fail to do so, will be assigned a location for attendance.
- On Friday’s all student must register for a FLEX location within StudentVue. Students who fail to do so, will be assigned a location for attendance. Attendance will be taken at all times.
- Students who abuse FLEX, will lose this privilege and will be assigned a permanent detention until they can earn back their FLEX time.
I need a place to pray, where can I go to do this? The reflection room has been moved to room 1623.
How is FLEX being monitored? Any teacher who is not on planning or sponsoring a club during FLEX will be supervising students. Exit doors, bathrooms and other high need areas will be closely monitored.
NEW LCPS Cell Phone Policy
At their meeting on June 25, 2024, the LCPS School Board updated policy 8655 which covers student use of personal technology in schools, including cell phones, tablets, earbuds, and other technologies during the school day.
During instructional time, high school students must place cellphones, earbuds, and other devices in a classroom storage location as directed by their teacher.
Students may not have their cell phones or ear buds on their person or immediately accessible and must also ensure the devices are silenced during instructional time.
Students may still wear smartwatches but must not interfere with instruction. Students may be asked to remove their smartwatches for tests unless a specific, documented accommodation exists.
If any device becomes a disruption during instruction, discipline practices will be enforced as outlined in the LCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook and Student Code of Conduct.
Students at Lightridge will be able to have their cell phone on their person during class transitions, study hall, and lunch.
High school students are prohibited from using cell phones, tablets, and other personal technology devices in bathrooms, locker rooms, changing areas, or clinics unless there is a medical necessity or emergency.
Students will not be able to take their cell phones to the bathroom with them during instructional class time.
Inappropriate use of social media, images, text messages, or videos shall not be permitted at any time on school property or during a school-sponsored event.
Cyberbullying will not be tolerated and we encourage students to think before they post.
In case of an emergency, parents may contact the Lightridge main office.
Students are solely responsible for their personal devices. Lightridge High School is not liable for students’ cell phones or other personal devices.
Students who require access to personally owned devices as an accommodation shall request such accommodations through their respective multi-disciplinary, medical, 504, or IEP teams.
Additional information regarding the new cell phone policy will be shared with students during the first few days of school and with parents during PTSO meetings and Coffee & Chat sessions. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation with the new LCPS Student Personal Device Usage policy.
Honor Code
One of our goals at Lightridge High School is to create and sustain a learning environment that is grounded in honest achievement. As a community we recognize that trust, respect, and genuine effort are central to academic success. A multidisciplinary team at Lightridge adapted the Honor Code to include current day educational realities such as use of technology and Artificial Intelligence. The new 24-25 Lightridge Honor Code is linked here. To uphold both the Honor Code and the academic environment we strive for, we ask for collaboration of students, parents/guardians, teachers, school counselors, and administrators.
Lightridge will not have enough parking spaces for everyone in 2024-2025.
Seniors will have priority for parking spaces followed by Juniors.
If you are a SENIOR and have not reserved a parking space, please read this entire message.
If you want to pick your spot and/or paint your spot you must complete the Senior Paint the Lot Form,
If you plan to drive to school a parking spot will be assigned to you, free of charge by August 15th. You must complete the 2024-2025 LHS Parking Agreement to be considered.
If you are a senior & paid for “Paint the Lot” and have yet to receive an email with a spot number or have questions about painting please email Mrs. Barbrow at Rhapsody.Barbrow@lcps.org.
Please contact Dr. Lewis, AP, Flewis@lcps.org, and Renardo Mack, Lead SSO, Renardo.Mack@lcps.org, if you have general parking questions.
The senior Paint the Lot & LHS Parking Agreement application closes on Wednesday, August 14th at 4pm. If you have not completed the 2024-2025 LHS Parking Agreement you will not receive a parking space and will lose parking privileges for the 24-25 school year. Parking spots will be allotted according to the time stamp on the approved application. Everyone receiving a parking permit will be notified by Monday, August 19, 2024. You must currently have a valid driver's license to apply.
Your official parking pass can be picked up from the SSO’s on August 20th from 9:30AM-11:30PM or 3pm - 4pm. You must bring your valid driver’s license with you to pick up the pass. If you are not available on August 20, you may pick up your parking passes during lunch.
Parking facilities are offered at Lightridge High School as a convenience to students who drive to school. Parking on school grounds is a privilege that may be granted and/or revoked by the School Administration. Any student parking on school grounds is required to have a parking permit properly displayed in their vehicle.
Juniors will receive more information about parking on Friday August 16.
More information about parking can be found on our Lightridge Parking Website.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
Dr. Lewis
Assistant Principal Du - Kr
Do you need a locker?
All Lightridge students have the option to be assigned a school locker for use during the academic day, and students can request to “opt-in” for a locker by completing the LRH Locker Request Form. Please be sure to use a current LCPS email address and student number when completing the form and please note that non-LCPS email addresses will not be accepted by the form. Requesting students will receive their locker assignment from the main office during the first two weeks of school, and all lockers will be assigned on a rolling basis. Once assigned, locker numbers and combinations will be found securely in StudentVue and if needed, students can obtain an LRH locker location map and general directions for opening a lock in the main office.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Cortash Jeremy.Cortash@lcps.org
TARDY TO SCHOOL
LET'S START THE YEAR RIGHT!!!
School starts at 9:30am. That means students should be in their classroom seated at 9:30am. Students walking through the door or in the hall are considerd late and will be redirected to the attendance window.
We all know there is a long drop off line, parking can take time, and we also need to factor in walking from the parking lot. Please plan ahead and leave early!
Student who are consistently tardy, will have discipline consequences from administration.
Transcript Release
For the 24-25 school year, senior Parents/Guardians must complete the Transcript Request form during the Online Verification process at the beginning of the school year. The LCPS Transcript Release RT-10 Form allows for school personnel to send vital documents as part of the college application process to include the LCPS academic transcript and letters of recommendation. This form seeks parent/guardian permission to send a student’s LCPS transcript to their chosen colleges, universities, and/or scholarship organizations as requested in SchooLinks.This form also seeks permission to waive the rights to review letters of recommendations sent to higher education institutions. The LCPS Transcript Release RT-10 Form is only required for parents/guardians of LCPS 12th grade students.
If a parent/guardian does NOT complete the form during Online Verification, we will not be able to send transcripts/letters of recommendation for the student via SchooLinks. Parents/guardians are also not able to make changes once the Online Verification has been submitted.
Schoology Post-Secondary Scavenger Hunt
Welcome to Senior Year!
You have worked long and hard and are finally in sight of the finish line, but there are still a few more tasks to complete. Wherever you go and whatever you do after graduation is up to you and we are here to help you reach those goals.
- Are you planning on apply to a 4-year college?
- Are you starting out at NOVA?
- Are you going into an apprenticeship?
- Are you taking a gap year?
- Are you doing somthing else fun and exciting?
This classroom is theresource to make your life easier (and also make your parents very happy).
So what do you do first?
- Click ALL of the links.
- Get to know what is in the classroom. More will be added when the time is right so check in periodically, even when you think you have finished everything.
Why do I have to do this?
- This will smooth out the process of planning for life after high school.
- It gives you and your parents a place to quickly get most questions answered
- It helps your school counselor know what you have and have not completed in the college application process.
- It puts all of your resources and reminders in a location that you already visit everyday
When is all of this due?
- There will be due dates posted in the calendar throughout the school year.
- For college applicants, many dates are based on your application deadline. That is very individual to each student.
- Pay close attention to meet the deadlines because teachers and school counselors depend on your follow-through to write letters of rec, submit transcripts, and other important information.
Login and get started today.
Common Application
The Common Application opens on August 1. Don't wait until school starts, get started on your essays and applications now.
Below is the full set of essay prompts for 2024–2025.
- Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
- The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
- Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
- Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
- Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
- Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
- Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
FAFSA
This week the Press Office for the U.S. Department of Education announced that the 2025-26 FAFSA will be released to a limited number of students and institutions on October 1, 2024. The 2025-26 FAFSA is expected to be fully available for all students on or before December 1, 2024. The article may be viewed at https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-announces-schedule-and-new-process-launch-2025-26-fafsa-form.
Immunization Reminder for Rising Seniors
While the 2024-2025 school year is still 5 weeks away, now is a good time to schedule immunizations for your rising 12th grader student. Students in grade 12 are required to receive the following vaccines prior to the start of school.
Required Vaccinations for All 12th-Grade Students
- One dose of Meningococcal Vaccine, MenACWY (MenQuadfi, Menveo), given at age 16 or older
Once your student is vaccinated, please provide their school with the appropriate documentation. For more information, please see LCPS' Immunization Requirements webpage. For more general information about back-to-school immunizations for students of all ages, see this Virginia Department of Health website.
TURN INTO NURSE OXENDINE, Nicola.Oxendine@lcps.org
Setting Students Up for Post-Secondary Success: Learn More about SchooLinks and the College Application Process
Plan to attend the SchooLinks workshop on Thursday, Aug. 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Heritage High School to learn more about how SchooLinks, a college and career readiness platform, can help you and your student plan for what comes after graduation. From 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., LCPS staff and SchooLinks representatives will provide an overview of SchooLinks’ features and show how SchooLinks can help you and your student navigate their academic and future goal planning. From 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., we will discuss the College Application Manager, which supports students as they complete the college application process. Parents/guardians are invited to attend the entire workshop or just the portion that most applies to their student’s current needs.
If you would like to request interpretation for this workshop, please email SchooLinkshelp@LCPS.org at least five business days prior to the event with your request.
What is SchooLinks?
SchooLinks helps middle and high school students discover their interests and strengths, explore colleges and careers, and create individualized plans that best reflect their post-secondary goals.
For students who are applying to colleges this year, SchooLinks includes a College Application Manager that is designed to streamline the college application process and keep your student organized every step of the way.
Later this year, LCPS will be expanding its partnership with SchooLinks to utilize the Course Planner feature, which will assist LCPS students and families with the academic planning and course selection process. The existing Program of Studies platform will integrate into Course Planner. SchooLinks Course Planner will be accessible to students in grades 5 through 12 in late 2024.
As a parent/guardian, you have the opportunity to join your student on the SchooLinks platform and engage in the career and college exploration process with them. SchooLinks allows parents/guardians to:
- View the results of your student’s career interest, strength and mindset assessments to learn more about their interests and what careers might be right for them
- See what colleges and careers your student has favorited and set as goals
- Check your personalized dashboard for upcoming events as well as important reminders and to-dos for your student
- Complete your own research on colleges, careers and more to help you have informed conversations with your student
- Compare college costs and explore expected financial aid, scholarships, and out-of-pocket expenses
Students log in to SchooLinks through LCPSGo. Parents/guardians access SchooLinks through ParentVue. Please see the linked Onboarding for Guardians flyer for guidance on how to access SchooLinks through ParentVue.
For more information about SchooLinks, watch this introductory video or see information on the LCPS website. Check out the Getting Started information for middle school students and high school students for suggested areas of exploration. LCPS School Counselors can answer questions about SchooLinks. You can also email your questions about SchooLinks to: SchooLinkshelp@LCPS.org.
LABC Let's Get Loud Campaign
Join the Lightridge Athletics community and be a part of an electrifying way to make an impact for years to come! Introducing our Bolts “Get Loud” Campaign – where every contribution (large or small) counts towards our goal of raising $20K to offset the LHS Athletic Booster Club cost for a new Daktronics Speaker Investment at our Lightridge stadium. The successful campaign will ensure we have necessary funds going into the next fiscal year for athletic expenses.
Get ready to ignite the spirit of the Bolts as we gear up for an unforgettable Fall, Winter and Spring in 2024-2025 and beyond!
🔊 All Get Loud Contributors will be part of something special, with surprises in store if we exceed our goal! Plus, also hear your family name loud and proud at Friday night home football games throughout the season!
Join the charge with our exclusive tiers:
💛 Yellow Level: $10-25 - Your family name on the LHS Athletics website all year!
💙 Blue Level: $50 - See your family name on Get Loud Banners in the athletic wing and stadium, plus on the website!
💎 Silver Level: $125 - Secure your Stadium Bolt Family Acrylic Sign, along with banner and website recognition!
🥇 Gold Level: $500 - Score a VIP Couch End Zone Football Experience for one home game, served concessions, plus all the Silver perks!
💿 Platinum Level: $1000 - Lock in a designated VIP parking spot in front of stadium for the season, a Friday night home football game VIP Couch experience, and all the Silver Perks too!
Don't miss your chance to be a part of a new era in Bolts Athletics as we Get Loud! Scan the QR code on the flyer for full details and to make your contribution today! Let’s make some noise, Bolts! ⚡ Please see tiered menu option list in the flyer as all donations are tax-deductible! For any questions, please contact Mike Ryan at 703-629-1546.
#GetLoud2024 #GoBolts!
Mr. Jeremy Cortash
Assistant Principal A-Dr
Dr. Felecia Lewis
Assistant Principal Du-Kr
Dr. Kimberly Jackson
Assistant Principal Ku-Ram
Mr. Sundar Thirukkurungudi
Assistant Principal Ran-Z
Mrs. Christi Campbell
Director of School Counseling
Mr. Jason Treon
Athletic Director
Lightridge High School
Email: christi.campbell@lcps.org
Website: https://www.lcps.org/lightridge
Location: 41025 Collaboration Drive Aldie, VA 20105
Phone: (571)367-4100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightridgeHighSchool/
Twitter: @LightridgeLCPS