Knight's Update
January 3rd
Announcements
Welcome Back
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. Please do not pull into the student/staff parking lots on the side of the building to drop your student. It is creating a dangerous situation with students and staff attempting to get into the building with cars trying to leave. 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.
Boys State Application Due January 17th
Applications are now being accepted for Boys State. Boys State is a mock government program held at Radford University from June 15th-June 21st. Students who attend are assigned to a mock political party and a city where they set up their own government. They learn the duties and responsibilities of the offices of which they are elected. Please visit this website for more detailed information.
Students interested in participating must complete the application form by Monday, January 13th. Please see Ms. Yahl in the counseling center to pick up an application. Those selected will then participate in an interview with an official from the American Legion as the next step in the selection process. Please contact Ms. Yahl at ayahl@spotsylvania.k12.va.us with additional questions.
Virginia Purple Star Designation
Spotsy High is please to announce that we have achieved our Virginia Purple Star Designation. Below is an brief discription of what it means to be a Purple Star School:
- The Virginia Purple Star Designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Schools that earn the award will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display onsite.
- A school will be honored with the Purple Star Award if it completes all the required activities, plus one optional activity. The Virginia Department of Education’s Military Student Support Process Action Team, (MSSPAT) will review all school applications for the award. Final approval on awards will be made by members of the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on the Educational Opportunity for Military Children.
Upcoming Events
Shrek "The Musical"
Show details
- Show: Shrek
- Audition dates: January 9th & 10th
- Time 2:30-4pm
- Location: Auditorium/Theatre Classroom/Choir Classroom
- Preparations
- People can just drop in and audition, no appointment booking necessary.
- Prepare to act, move creatively, dance, and sing at least 1 Min of a musical song.
- Mr. Jacobs, Mrs. Roberts & Mr. Woodrell will be present
- Audition outline
- We will begin with Vocal Auditions
- Then acting Auditions
- Then a Group Choreography session
- Then a Character Walk across the stage.
- If signing up for a crew, they need to be at rehearsal only 1 day to fill out the audition form.
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.
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 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, T-Z
Mrs. Andruss: Students with the last names G-O, P-S
Counseling Corner
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:
Upcoming College Information Sessions
Students can sign up in counseling and will be called in for the visit.
No upcoming information sessions
Senior Meeting w/ Counselors
Parents, below is a link to the presentation that our School Counselors shared with you Senior students. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your child's counselor.
Need a your School Counselor?
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. Williams - students with the last names Q-Z
Mrs. Ballard - Germanna Community College: SHS Career Advisor
Yearbook Information
Yearbooks on Sale!
Attention Parents: yearbooks are currently on sale for $60. 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!
Do you want your pictures in the Yearbook???
Our Yearbook staff is looking for pictures of the following: our students over summer, first day of school photos, students doing fall things (pumpkin patches, pumpkin carving, apple picking etc), students at school events, senior sunrise, spirit days, and homecoming pictures from before the homecoming dance. Pictures can be sent to the yearbook by uploading them here: https://www.hjeshare.com/eShare/ (school code is: spotsyyearbook). Photos can also be uploaded through the HJ eshare eshare app. Any questions please contact Yearbook adviser Mrs. Fiefhaus at bfiefhaus@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
SHS Athletics
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, January 6, 2025
5:00pm Basketball: Girls Varsity Game (Postponed) vs. Culpeper County @ Spotsylvania High School
5:00pm Basketball: Girls JV Game (Postponed) vs. Culpeper County @ Culpeper County High School
6:30pm Basketball: Boys Varsity Game (Postponed) vs. Culpeper County @ Spotsylvania High School
6:30pm Basketball: Boys JV Game (Postponed) vs. Culpeper County @ Culpeper County High School
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
5:00pm Basketball: Girls JV Game vs. Caroline @ Caroline High School
5:00pm Scholastic Bowl: Varsity Match vs. King George @ King George High School
6:00pm Wrestling: Varsity Dual vs. Chancellor @ Spotsylvania High School
6:30pm Basketball: Girls Varsity Game vs. Caroline @ Caroline High School
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
6:00pm Basketball: Boys JV Game vs. Varina @ Varina High School
7:30pm Basketball: Boys Varsity Game vs. Varina @ Varina High School
Thursday, January 9, 2025
4:00pm Indoor Track: Girls Varsity Meet vs. Multiple Schools @ Chancellor High School
4:00pm Indoor Track: Boys Varsity Meet vs. Multiple Schools @ Chancellor High School
Friday, January 10, 2025
5:00pm Basketball: Girls JV Game vs. Eastern View @ Spotsylvania High School
5:00pm Basketball: Boys JV Game vs. Eastern View @ Eastern View High School
6:00pm Orchestra BINGO Spotsylvania High School - Commons A 6:30pm
6:00pm Basketball: Girls Varsity Game vs. Eastern View @ Spotsylvania High School
6:30pm Basketball: Boys Varsity Game vs. Eastern View @ Eastern View High School
7:30pm Swim & Dive: Girls Varsity Meet vs. Eastern View @ Spotsylvania YMCA
7:30pm Swim & Dive: Boys Varsity Meet vs. Eastern View @ Spotsylvania YMCA
Saturday, January 11, 2025
9:30am Wrestling: Varsity Tournament vs. Multiple Schools @ J.R. Tucker High School
Jay Cox Memorial Tournament, January 11, 2025
Weigh-Ins, 7 am -- Wrestling Begins at 9:30 am
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, T-Z
Mrs. Andruss: Students with the last names G-O, P-S
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. Williams - students with the last names Q-Z
Mrs. Ballard - Germanna Community College: SHS Career Advisor
Athletic Director
Attendance
Resources
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.
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, T-Z
Mrs. Andruss: Students with the last names G-O, P-S
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.