Knight's Update
September 8th
Announcements
Stay Connected with the SCPS App!
This year, we’re adding a new feature called Rooms to our Division app. Rooms enables you to have two-way parent-teacher conversations and keep up with classroom announcements.
Our Division app currently offers:
Live feed updates
District and school news
Upcoming events
Breakfast and lunch menus
Push notifications for important and urgent announcements
With Rooms, you’ll have access to even more exciting features like:
Two way messaging with teachers, staff, and coaches
Classroom announcements, reminders about coursework, and materials
Automatic translation
So what does all of this mean for you? This means that you don’t need another app or tool to keep up with your child’s teachers and coursework. You’ll be able to find the vast majority of school and Division information in one place: within our SCPS app. If you don’t already have it, the Division app is free and you can search for it in the Play Store and App Store!
In early September you'll receive an invite to Rooms by email or text. Once you receive the invite, you'll follow the link on your browser to create a login. To learn more about the App and Rooms check out the videos below.
If you haven't already done so, be sure to download the SCPS app for free on Google Play or Apple App Store:
Android https://bit.ly/3fIgnCa
iPhone https://apple.co/3Uesl5v
24-25 Clubs & Activities
Here is a recap of information presented at the Club and Activities fair last week. There are a few on here that were not set up so be sure to take a look! Please reach out to the sponsor/s if you have any questions.
Attention Parents Dropping Off Students
If you are dropping your student off in the front of the building, please take advantage of the entire circle and do not just drop them off closest to the doors. We are trying to minimize the traffic impacting 208.
If you are not dropping off your students in the front of the building, please drop them off near the stadium as shown in the graphic. Thank you.
Important Notice Regarding Student Cell Phones
Earlier in July, Governor Youngkin issued Executive Order #33 directing the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to provide guidance to school divisions to establish a cell phone-free education to promote the health and safety of Virginia’s K-12 students. Read the full executive order.
The current Spotsylvania County Public Schools (SCPS) policy, included in the Student Code of Conduct, prohibits the use of personal electronic devices by students during the academic day but allows principals to allow or restrict the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices.
To ensure consistent practices for 2024-2025, all SCPS high schools will follow the cell phone guidelines listed below during the instructional school day:
During class, all students should be focused on instruction. Personal cell phone devices are to be silenced and out of sight during class periods - from tardy bell to the bell ending class. No earbuds/AirPods/headphones may be in sight during class periods as well.
If a student leaves class, perhaps to go to the restroom, they may not use their device.
Students may use their smartphone/cell phone during class change.
Students may use their smartphone/cell phone during lunchtime inside the cafeteria only.
Students may use their smartphone/cell phone after school.
The VDOE plans to share draft cell-phone-free policy guidance to school divisions on August 15, 2024. It is important to note that once a new policy is approved by the Spotsylvania County School Board, it may be necessary to modify the expectations.
We appreciate the willingness of all to support and meet these expectations.
Parking is a Privilege
This is a reminder that driving to school is a privilege. Two key expectations to maintain your privilege are that you are on time for school and that if you leave school it is after the proper procedures to sign out are followed. The following expectations were on the Parking Permit Agreement.
Rule #11 - Skipping school and/or giving another student a ride from campus when that student does not have permission to leave school will result in the suspension and/or revocation of parking privileges. It is the driver’s responsibility to determine if the student is authorized to leave school.
*** The following steps represent the disciplinary sequence for unexcused tardies that will apply to every student who has the privilege of parking on school grounds.
1st unexcused tardy - Loss of driving privileges for a minimum of two (2) days.
2nd unexcused tardy - Loss of driving privileges for a minimum of four (4) days.
3rd unexcused tardy - Loss of driving privileges for a minimum of two (2) weeks.
4th unexcused tardy - Loss of driving privileges for a minimum of one (1) month.
5th unexcused tardy - Loss of driving privileges for the remainder of the semester.
6th unexcused tardy - Loss of driving privileges for the remainder of the school year
Pathway to Success
The main talking points that were outlined in the Pathway to Success which is linked below. Parents, if you have any questions after speaking with your child and/or looking at the outline of the presentation, please feel free to call and speak to your child's Assistant Principal.
Assistant Principal Contact Information:
Mr. Gibbons: Students with the last names A-F
Mrs. Andruss: Students with the last names G-O
Mrs. Bernard: Students with the last names P-Z
Upcoming Events
SHS Prom Committee Announcement
Do you have a knack for planning, a love for all things festive, or want to make this year's prom unforgettable? We're looking for enthusiastic juniors to join the Prom Committee!
If you're interested, email Mrs. Tydings ASAP, (atydings@spotsylvania.k12.va.us) and you'll be pulled for Focus on Tuesday, September 10th to kick off the prom planning fun! Don't miss your chance to help create the event of the year!
See you there, future prom planners!
Senior Pictures
Pictures will be taken September 19 & 19. If you have any questions, please email the Photo Studio's Senior Portraits Team: seniors@vosphoto.com
Please kindly include your Senior’s First and Last Name and “Spotsylvania Class of 2025” when
emailing, for faster assistance.
Yearbooks on Sale!
Attention Parents: yearbooks are currently on sale for $55. This is the lowest cost they will be so order early to save money. Yearbooks can be purchased online at www.yearbookordercenter.com school code is 4009. We have sold out the last three years so order early to ensure your student gets one!
Drills
As we start our school year, please be aware that SHS will be conducting multiple fire drills and lockdown drills in the first 20 days of school as required.
Attendance
Is your student going to be absent?
Please contact Mrs. Duvall at SpotsylvaniaHSAttendance@spotsylvania.k12.va.us when your child is absent to have the absence excused.
Do you have Late Arrival or Early Dismissal?
This is a reminder for late arrival and early dismissal students to come to attendance to check in or out. It is no longer in the Main Office. This is a change from last year.
SHS Athletics
Sports Parent Meeting
The Fall Sports Parent Meeting was held on Monday, August 12 at 6:00 pm. If you are a parent of a student-athlete, please take a moment and view SHS' presentation in addition to the SCPS Athletic Handbook.. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Coach Acors.
Pass Information
Tickets for all Home Athletic Events are available in advance at gofan.co for $7. Tickets can be purchased at the gate via Credit Card for $7. All Cash Tickets at the gate are $8.
Senior Citizens over the age of 65 are eligible for a Lifetime Battlefield District pass, gaining them entry into ALL Battlefield District Regular Season events. Show proof of age at the gate and get yours at any SHS event.
Ten Event Passes go on sale Monday during lunch shifts and will be available at the gate for all SHS Home games. Ten Event passes are $65 and are good for all Regular Season Home Events.
Student Athletic Passes go on sale Monday during lunch shifts! Student passes are good for every SHS, regular season athletic contests, for the duration of the school year. Just $50, grab yours soon!
It's Game Time!!
Reminder to all fans attending Athletic Events at SHS. It is Battlefield District policy that no bags are to be brought into any event. Exceptions for small, clutch purses (5" x 7"), medical equipment bags, and diaper bags for families with small children. No outside food or drink is permitted inside the gates, as well. Spotsylvania County Schools also prohibit pets on campus, which includes at our indoor or outdoor athletic events. We also ask that for the safety of all patrons, balls of any kind or other outside sporting equipment be left at home and not thrown, kicked, or batted around within the confines at Athletic events. Thank you for your support!
Sports for the Week
Monday, September 9, 2024
4:00pm Golf: Varsity Match vs. Chancellor @ Lee's Hill Golf Course
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
5:00pm Field Hockey: JV Game vs. Culpeper County @ Spotsylvania High School
6:30pm Field Hockey: Varsity Game vs. Culpeper County @ Spotsylvania High School
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
4:00pm Golf: Varsity Match vs. Culpeper County @ Pendleton Golf Club - Ruther Glen
5:00pm Cross Country: Girls Varsity Meet vs. Multiple Schools @ Culpeper County High School
5:00pm Cross Country: Boys Varsity Meet vs. Multiple Schools.. @ Culpeper County High School
6:00pm Football: JV Game vs. Caroline @ Caroline High School
Thursday, September 12, 2024
5:00pm Field Hockey: JV Game vs. Caroline @ Caroline High School
5:00pm Volleyball: Girls JV Match vs. Caroline @ Caroline High School
6:30pm Field Hockey: Varsity Game vs. Caroline @ Caroline High School
6:30pm Volleyball: Girls Varsity Match vs. Caroline @ Caroline High School
Friday, September 13, 2024
7:00pm Football: Varsity Game vs. Caroline @ Spotsylvania High School
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Breakfast and Lunch Menu for SHS
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
Mrs. Bernard: Students with the last names P-Z
School Counselor Contact Information:
Mr. Moreyra - Students with the last names A-C
Mr. Brewer - Students with the last names D-J
Ms. Yahl - Students with the last names K-P
Ms. Klipp - students with the last names Q-Z
Mrs. Ballard - Germanna Community College: SHS Career Advisor
Athletic Director
Attendance