Knight's Update
September 14th
Announcements
ParentVue
Parents don't forget to log into your your ParentVue account. This is the BEST way to see how your child is progressing over the course of the school year. If you have questions about how to log in, please reach out to your child's school counselor.
Budget Feedback
SCPS and Dr. Mitchell would like your feedback as we start to plan our budget for the upcoming school year. If you could would take a moment and complete the survey, it would help us greatly align our needs with your priorities. Thank you in advance!
FY27 Public Budget Survey (English)
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:
Renaissance Survey
We hope your school year is off to a great start! Spotsylvania County Public Schools will administer a survey for students called Renaissance Fundamentals. All students, in grades 2nd through 12th will be invited to participate. Information collected from the Renaissance Fundamentals survey will allow our school team to proactively address non-academic barriers to learning, which can compromise the wellbeing and academic success of our students. While student participation is voluntary, the information will help us better understand and provide support to your student.
The short engagement survey is focused on the following nine factors:
Feeling about school
Perceived learning capability
Self-regard as a learner
Preparedness for learning
Attitude of teachers
General work ethic
Confidence in learning
Attitudes of school attendance
Response to curriculum demands
Students are scheduled to take the survey September 15th-26th and again during the second semester from January 19th - 20th. If you have any questions about the purpose of the survey or wish to opt your child out from completing the survey, please contact your child’s school counseling office prior to September 15th.
Upcoming Events
Attention Students in Drivers Ed
The required Student/Parent Drivers Meeting with the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Dept is scheduled for September 15th at 6 pm in the auditorium. Doors open at 5:30. Once the presentation starts, the doors will be closed. Don't be late!!
Drills
Evolv Information
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.
Attendance
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.
Student in Good Standing
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
Yearbook & Picture Information
Yearbooks on sale now!
Yearbooks are currently on sale. This is the lowest price of the year. Our yearbook is over 170 full color pages. Order your copy today at www.yearbookordercenter.com our school code is 4009. We have sold out of yearbooks for the past four years so pre-order soon!
Attention Seniors
The studio is coming back on September 17 & 18 to take your senior portraits. Seniors must make an appointment.
Please use the following link to choose your session type and appointment time: www.vosphoto.com/spotsylvania The required attire for the school’s yearbook pose are traditional Tuxedos and Drapes; provided by the studio. In addition to the free yearbook session, The studio also offers sessions that include casual/personality portraits and Cap and Gown portraits.
If you have any questions, please email Victor O'Neil Studio Senior Portraits Team: seniors@vosphoto.com Please kindly include your Senior’s First and Last Name and “Spotsylvania Class of 2026” when emailing, for faster assistance.
Counseling Corner
Signs of Suicide
The school counselors will teach 9th-grade students during their PE classes about mental health and how to seek help if they are concerned about themselves or a friend. The counselors are scheduled to teach on Monday, September 15th, and Thursday, September 18th. We are using a program called SOS Signs of Suicide. The program teaches students about this difficult topic and encourages them to seek help. Parents or students can opt out by letting their PE teacher know
Through the program, students learn:
● that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help
● how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend
● to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend
● who they can turn to at school for help
We encourage you to visit www.mindwise.org/parents for information on warning signs for youth suicide, useful resources, and some of the key messages students will learn.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s participation in this program, please contact your child’s counselor
Co-Responders Week is Coming
In recognition of International Co-Responders Week, the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office Behavioral Health Unit set up an outreach table on Tuesday, September 16th, during all four periods. Our team will provide students and staff with an opportunity for conversation, resources, and education about the Behavioral Health Unit.
AP Ordering Announcement
The deadline to order a test is October 20th!
All of the following steps must be completed for students to be fully registered for their AP test:
1. Register for your course on the My AP website and select yes that you intend to take the exam (see your teacher for the join code)
2. Submit payment on School Cash (cost is $99 per exam plus an additional processing fee)
3. Turn in the AP exam order form to Ms. Yahl in the counseling center. (Forms are available in the Counseling Center or using this link). Your order form must be signed by your AP teacher.
Please email the AP coordinator, Ms. Yahl (ayahl@spotsylvania.k12.va.us), if you have any questions.
PSAT information
Please see the letter below for additional information about the PSAT/NMSQT opportunity.
Upcoming College Visits
College visits are happening at Spotsy. ODU, VCU, UVA, RMC, LONGWOOD, CNU, RANDOLPH COLLEGE, RADFORD, JMU and many more to come. Keep watching the college board outside counseling. Sign up with Mrs. Buzzell in counseling to be called in for college presentation.
Say hello to Xello!
Xello is an engaging online program that helps students build the skills, knowledge and plans to be future ready. The program uses an investigative, discovery-based learning process. Students better understand themselves, their future career options, and the 21st century skills they’ll need to succeed. Please see the links below for additional information:
SCPS Tip Line
Please see the following information regarding the SCPS Tip Line
Need a your School Counselor?
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
SHS Athletics
The Battlefield District and Spotsylvania County are going cashless!!
The Battlefield District and Spotsylvania County are going cashless - tickets/passes can be purchased ahead of time through GOFAN online / app. We will offer cashless point-of-sale at the gate but there will be no handling of cash or physical tickets.
Tickets & Passes:
Varsity Football will be $10/ticket this fall...all other games will be $8/ticket...sports where JV & VAR both play together like Field Hockey and Volleyball an $8 ticket gets you admission into both games.
Save money buy a year long athletics pass, good for all regular season home games.
$50 per student
$100 per adult
Fall Sports Parent Meeting
If you were unable to attend the Fall Sports Parent Meeting, the slide show is linked below. If you have any questions, please reach out to Coach Jack.
Tickets & Passes
Practice & Game Schedules
Breakfast and Lunch Menu for SHS
Reminder
Just a reminder that all SHS students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch.
Administrator and School Counselor Contact Information
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
