Knight's Update
August 10th
WELCOME BACK
We hope that you all had a great summer and are as excited to start the school year as we are! Just a reminder:
Only freshmen report to school tomorrow, Monday the 11th
The first day of school for everyone else is Tuesday, the 12th.
Is your student going to be absent?
If you need to excuse your child's absence or tardy please use our Spotsylvania attendance email. You can also use this email to ask any attendance questions you may have!
spotsylvaniahsattendance@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
If your child will be missing 5 or more consecutive days please have them see me in the office for a prearranged absence form to have filled out by their teachers before the absence.
SPCS has a bell-to-bell prohibition on student use of connected devices
Students are not permitted to have a connected device out, or use it in any way, at any time between the hours of 7:35 am and 2:20 pm.
Prohibited devices include, but are not limited to:
Cell phones
Connected watches and devices, such as the Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch.
Earbuds
Headphones
Tablets and other non-SCPS devices that can connect to the internet and/or other devices.
A connected device is not limited to smart phones, but is any device that can communicate with a network or other device. The policy is not limited to devices in existence at the adoption of the policy, but includes devices yet to be developed.
Bell to bell includes during lunch, study halls, Focus, class changes, and bathrooms.
Please see the email sent out by SCPS below:
Parents, we need your support!
Parents, Spotsylvania High school has been fortunate to have the involvement of a phenomenal Athletic Boosters organization and PTSO organization. Both organizations have been instrumental in the experiences of our students, our athletes, and even our community as they attend athletic events. In order to keep these two organizations functional, we need additional parent support. If you would be interested in supporting SHS by working with either of these organizations, please take a moment and fill out the form below. We appreciate your support!
Evolv Message to Parents
Spotsylvania County Public Schools takes the safety of our students and staff very seriously. To enhance our existing security efforts at Spotsylvania High School, beginning on March 4th, we will launch the Evolv Detection System to screen students and visitors for potential weapons.
The Evolv weapons detection screening systems will be installed at the following locations (please see the map below):
• Parent Dropoff - Main Doors/Front Entrance for
• Bus Entrance/Student Drivers - Stairwells off the academic wing
All students and guests entering the building will walk through the Evolv screening detector. Students will need to remove their Chromebook from their backpack and prepare to hand it to a staff member when they get to the detector. Students will wear their backpacks and carry any other items (instrument cases, purses, gym bags, etc.) through the detector for screening. Students will simply walk through the screening system and follow the instructions of staff members stationed there to assist them.
About the Evolv Screening System:
The Evolv screening detector uses artificial intelligence and sensor technology to determine if an individual has a weapon on their person or contained within any items passing through the sensors. The detector can distinguish between a phone, keys, or other personal items from a potential weapon. The technology is quick and can screen 10 times faster than traditional metal detectors, reducing wait times. The Evolv screening detector we are using is the same system that has scanned more than 350 million people in the US, second only to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This technology is used at locations around the U.S., including s schools, hospitals, theme parks, stadiums, and workplaces.
What happens when the System Alerts?
A low-volume alarm and a visible red light will alert staff of the potential threat. At the same time, the scanner will send an image to a tablet screen that shows the area where the potential threat is located. The individual will then follow the school's secondary screening guidelines, where staff will direct the student to empty their pockets, backpack, or belongings based on where the tablet identified the location of the threat. Students found with items that violate school board policy will be disciplined as per the Student Code of Conduct.
A video will be shared with students and parents prior to the installation to provide students a look at the system and share our expectations. We encourage you to discuss these new procedures with your child and stress the importance of following the directions of those overseeing the scanning process. Also, please stress the importance of only bringing needed items to school.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our schools a safe learning environment. If you have any questions about the new Evolv detection system, please reach out to me.
Are you in Good Standing?
Have you been absent? Take advantage of our Attendance Recovery Program to make-up your work and tests so you don't fall further behind!!
To be considered a Student in Good Standing, you cannot have:
- No more than 4 absences (excused or unexcused) OR 10 tardies for the current 9-weeks OR
- 1st Qtr = No more than 4 total absences (excused or unexcused) for the school year
- 2nd Otr= No more than 8 total absences (excused or unexcused) for the school year
- 3rd Qtr = No more than 12 total absences (excused or unexcused) for the school year
- 4th Qtr = No more than 16 total absences (excused or unexcused) for the school year
If you are not in Good Standing, talk to your Assistant Principal and schedule your Attendance Recovery time now!!!
Assistant Principal Contact Information:
Mr. Gibbons: Students with the last names A-F
Mrs. Andruss: Students with the last names G-O
Mr. Flinn: Students with the last names P-Z
Need a your School Counselor?
School Counselor Contact Information:
Mr. Moreyra - Students with the last names A-C
Mrs. Waterman - Students with the last names D-J
Ms. Yahl - Students with the last names K-P
Ms. Williams - students with the last names Q-Z
Mrs. Ballard - Germanna Community College: SHS Career Advisor
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions for concerns please feel free to reach out to your child's Assistant Principal or School Counselor. Your child's administrator or counselor can be determined by the first letter of their last name:
Principal
Assistant Principal Contact Information:
Mr. Gibbons: Students with the last names A-F
Mrs. Andruss: Students with the last names G-O
Mr. Flinn: Students with the last names P-Z
School Counselor Contact Information:
Mr. Moreyra - Students with the last names A-C
Ms. Clark - Students with the last names D-J
Ms. Yahl - Students with the last names K-P
Ms. Williams - students with the last names Q-Z
Mrs. Ballard - Germanna Community College: SHS Career Advisor
Athletic Director
Attendance
