Judges' Docket

Seniors: We will have a senior student meeting on Wednesday, 24, during extended second period, in the Patsy Cline Theater.

Help Us Feed Our Fantastic Teachers!

Parent/Teacher Conferences are coming up on September 25th, and we’d love to show our amazing teachers some love with a Taco Dinner to keep them fueled and appreciated!

We’re looking for volunteers to bring taco fixings, sides, drinks, or desserts. Every little bit helps!

Sign up to help here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805094AABAB22A0FE3-58460081-taco

¡Ayúdanos a alimentar a nuestros increíbles maestros!

Las conferencias de padres y maestros se acercan el 25 de septiembre, y queremos demostrarles nuestro cariño a los increíbles maestros con una cena de tacos para que se sientan con energía y apreciados.

Estamos buscando voluntarios que puedan traer ingredientes para tacos, acompañamientos, bebidas o postres. ¡Cada pequeña ayuda cuenta!

Regístrate para ayudar aquí:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805094AABAB22A0FE3-58460081-taco

Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled for Thursday, September 25th, from 4:30-7:00 PM. The PickATime Conference Scheduler will be accessible from September 7th until noon on September 24th. We encourage you to schedule appointments with teachers to discuss your student's progress this school year. Directions for scheduling conferences can be found here.

EGSIC teachers will be located in the JHHS main cafeteria during Parent/Teacher Conferences. Counselors will also be available, and parents may schedule appointments with them if desired.

In 4th place with 92% are the Juniors
In 3rd place with 93.5 are the Sophomores
In 2nd place with 93.8% are the Seniors
In 1st place with 95% are the Freshmen

Congratulations Class of 2029 for winning 2 weeks in a row!

Dear parents/guardians,

School pictures are ready!

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number. All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card. More about the Smilesafe program here.

Thank you!

On Thursday, October 10th, all students will report to the JHHS main building.

• Morning IC students will report directly to the Patsy Cline Theatre where attendance will be taken.

This special Level Up Day is designed to help every student prepare for life beyond high school, with engaging and grade-specific activities throughout the day. From exploring future pathways to building essential skills, this is a valuable opportunity your student won’t want to miss!

A huge thank you to our community partners — Sierra Learnership Collaborative, City National Bank, Tristate Nissan, Strosnider Plumbing, Navy Federal, and more — for helping make this day possible!

We look forward to seeing all students present and ready to Level Up!

Juniors, a great career exploration opportunity is coming your way! The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) will be offered on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The ASVAB is a valuable tool that helps you discover your strengths and interests and provides personalized career suggestions for both military and civilian jobs. Participation is optional, and your scores will not be released to the military unless you choose to share them. If you do not wish to take the test, your parent or guardian must complete the opt-out form and return it to Ms. Tiffany Saville, in the Counseling Office, by September 29, 2025. Students with an IEP or 504 Plan who need accommodations should contact Katie Lockhart by the same date. Ms. Lockhart's office is in the Innovation Center.

NEW! Senior Newsletter: Here is the senior newsletter.

Here is the presentation (English / Spanish) shared last week at the Senior Parent Night. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Saville in the Counseling Office.

John Handley High School may nominate one student for each of the following scholarships. If you would like to be considered for nomination to the Jefferson Scholars Program, the Walentas Scholars Program, the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Leadership Award, or the Pamplin Leadership Award, come to the Counseling Office to pick up the interest form. This form must be returned with your resume by Friday, October 31st. For more information, continue reading below:

The Jefferson Scholars Program and The Walentas Scholars Program cultivate outstanding undergraduate students, providing them with financial support to pursue their passions and develop their talents for the good of the University and beyond.

Jefferson and Walentas Scholarships provide the entire cost of attendance at the University of Virginia and many supplemental enrichment experiences.

The chosen nominee for the Walentas Scholars Program must also be a first-generation college student.

Deadline for School and Student Submission: December 1, 2025

LEARN MORE: https://www.jeffersonscholars.org/scholarship

The Harry F. Byrd, JR. Leadership Award seeks to reward applicants who consistently display excellence of character, qualities of leadership, devotion to duty, and academic accomplishment. While academic excellence is a consideration, the selection of award recipients emphasizes the importance of leadership and public service. Therefore, most recipients are leaders who go above and beyond their peers to improve themselves and to make a difference in the lives of others. Most recipients engage in endeavors that demonstrate their independence, initiative, courage, personal discipline, strong work ethic, commitment to community service, leadership qualities, ability to confront challenges, and pursuit of academic excellence. This is a $30,000 scholarship, and students do not need to attend a college/university in VA. After nomination, the selected student must complete an online application with short essay questions, submit a transcript and a letter of recommendation from the principal.

Deadline for Student Submission: December 1, 2025

LEARN MORE: www.byrdleadershipaward.org

The Pamplin Leadership Award (PLA) seeks students who demonstrate superior intellectual promise, academic performance, dedication to their communities, interest and success in physical fitness and health, and unimpeachable integrity. This is a 1-year, merit-based $5,000 VA Tech scholarship. Students must have at least a 3.8 GPA. Students must have already completed the VT undergraduate application. The student selected by JHHS must then complete a supplemental application and an essay.

Deadline for Student Submission: January 15, 2026

LEARN MORE: https://vt.academicworks.com/opportunities/53039

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is a national nonpartisan initiative to provide an annual opportunity for talented high school students with demonstrated leadership abilities to deepen their understanding of America’s political processes and strengthen their resolve to pursue careers in public service. The VDOE will select two student delegates to represent Virginia in the 64th Annual USSYP, sponsored by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. Each delegate will receive a $10,000 scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the week of March 7-14, 2026, for Washington Week.

Students interested in applying will complete an application and submit two essay responses. Building administrators will be asked at a later time to certify the student’s application. The top candidates will be invited to interview with a panel of judges appointed by the VDOE and also take the Public Affairs examination prepared by the Hearst Foundation. Final selection will be based on the student application, essay responses, examination results, outstanding academic performance, and demonstrated qualities of leadership and community service.

Detailed information about the program may be found on the VDOE USSYP website. There are very specific qualifications and expectations for candidates selected as delegates. VDOE strictly adheres to the USSYP program qualifications and expectations outlined by the Hearst Foundation.

Applications may be accessed and submitted online via the Online Student Application Portal beginning Friday, August 15, 2025. Applications and essays are due by 5 p.m. EST on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, through the application portal.

Girls In Aviation Day ✈️

September 20, 2025

Join the Winchester Regional Airport on Saturday, September 20th for Girls In Aviation Day. Open to all boys and girls ages 8-18, this free event offers aviation activities, aerospace career exploration, STEM learning, the chance to sit in an aircraft, fly simulators, and so much more. All attendees must register here.

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Girl Power Virginia! 💡⚡

October 30, 2025

Each year, the electric cooperatives of Virginia, Maryland & Delaware host one-day energy career experiences for high school girls interested or curious about working on a line crew, in a substation, with advanced-metering technology, as a fiber broadband technician, or a variety of other careers in the power industry. Instructors lead students through various activities in the classroom and outdoors at the Electric Cooperative Training Centers in Palmyra, Va., and Salisbury, Md.

Campers learn about safety on the job, including how to safely climb a utility pole and operate a bucket truck. Students also individually meet with industry human resources professionals to review their resumes and discuss interviewing best practices. Other representatives, including community college advisors, are on site and available to answer questions about career paths and education requirements.

WPS will take a small group of students to the Palmyra location if there’s enough interest and will provide transportation. The event would be an all day event.

Learn more here. If you're interested in this opportunity, sign up here and reach out to Ms. Weinstein by September 30th.

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**Please note: For students to be eligible to attend career exploration opportunities, they must be in good academic standing. i.e. grades, behavior and attendance. For questions about any of these opportunities or to sign up, please visit the link included or reach out to Ms. Weinstein, Work-Based Learning Coach or Ms. Hall, Transition Specialist**

Cell Phones: The Cell Phone Procedure (https://bit.ly/2425JHHSCellPhoneProcedure) will continue to be in effect this year, starting on the first day of school. Students will put their personal electronic devices in pouches during class and lunch. When transitioning in the hallway, personal electronic devices cannot be visible and will need to be in bookbags or in clothing pockets.

Weapons Detectors: We will continue to have weapon detectors as a layer of safety. Students will need to remove their Chromebooks from their bags and hand them to a staff member as they pass through the detectors. Additionally, other items such as metal water bottles, 3-inch 3-ring binders, and umbrellas may need to be taken out of bags before going through the screening process.

Communication with Teachers: Our primary communication tool for contacting teachers is TalkingPoints, a multilingual family-teacher engagement program accessible via SMS or through an Android/iOS app. For more information, please refer to https://bit.ly/3IpvtdJ. If you have any questions, please reach out to Julie Crawford (crawfordj@wps.k12.va.us).

JHHS PTSO: A great way to get involved and support the school is through the JHHS PTSO. They support many events and school activities, and always need support. To get involved, email jhhsptso@wps.k12.va.us.

Vaccinations: The Virginia Department of Health requires students receive the Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine before they can begin 12th grade. Students will not be able to start 12th grade classes without proof of these vaccines. Please email proof of vaccinations to reesem@wps.k12.va.us or submit to the front office.

Transportation: Bus information can be found through the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Students who skateboard, scooter, or bike to school are expected to dismount and walk while on school property. Students who skateboard to school will store their skateboards in the main office during the school day. Students with scooters or bikes need to bring a lock and secure the bike or scooter to the bike rack off of Handley Circle. This includes electronic bikes and scooters. We cannot store or charge electric transportation devices in the building. Please ensure students wear a helmet and follow traffic laws. Additionally, students cannot ride these bikes or scooters on property while at school.

JHHS Parking Permit Information: Parking passes are available for purchase in the main office through Ms. Coates beginning July 29th. Please visit this link for more information: https://bit.ly/3TnjrEe

Parent Resources in WPS website: The Parent/Student Handbook, WPS calendar, PowerSchool Portal, and many more resources, can be found under https://www.wps.k12.va.us/Page/7522

Welcome back, Judges!

The halls of Handley are buzzing with excitement, and we're so thrilled to kick off another amazing school year with all of you! We hope your summer was filled with sunshine, smiles, and maybe a little bit of relaxation before diving back into textbooks and school spirit!

Our PTSO is powered by YOU – your brilliant ideas, incredible energy, and awesome involvement. This year, we're on a mission to make some magic happen with our fundraising efforts, and we want to hear all your creative ideas! Whether it's a classic that always brings in the bucks or a super-duper new concept, every suggestion helps us reach our goals and bring even more fun to our school community!

Guess what?! Our sweet partnership with Sugar Creek is back! 🍦 They'll be at our home games selling their yummy ice cream, and a portion of every scoop sold goes right back to our PTSO initiatives! How cool is that?! If you're ready to scoop up some fun and help out at our home football and volleyball games, sign up with this sign up genius.

Feeling extra spirited and want to make an even bigger impact? We'd absolutely love to chat with you about taking on a leadership role in the PTSO! Whether it's leading a committee, organizing an event, or stepping into a bigger position, it's a fantastic way to connect with others, share your talents, and truly make a difference at Handley.

Want to stay in the loop with all things PTSO? Pop your email on our list here or scan the QR code below! And seriously, don't be shy! Reply to this message or reach out if you have ideas to share or want to learn more about how you can shine as a leader.

Here's to a fantastically fun year ahead!

Our dress code can be found on Page 27 of our Parent/Student Handbook which delineates the acceptable school dress code, under School Board Policy JFC - Student Code of Conduct Policy.

The dress code reads as follows:

Dress Code

1. Clothing must cover areas from one armpit across to the other armpit, down to 3 inches in length on the upper thighs (see image below). Tops must have shoulder straps.

2. Shoes must be worn at all times and should be safe for the school environment (pajamas,

bedroom shoes or slippers shall not be worn, except for school activities approved by the

principal).

3. See-through or mesh garments must not be worn without appropriate coverage underneath that meet the minimum requirements of the dress code.

4. Headgear including hats, hoodies, and caps are not allowed unless permitted for religious,

medical, or other reasons by school administration.

5. Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as sports uniforms or safety gear.

Student Support List

Student Tech Support times are daily 8:15 - 9:00 and 11:30 - 12:15.

Here is the school lunch menu.

Here is the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center lunch menu.

For the duration of this school year, Comcast will continue to partner with WPS to provide eligible families with one year of free internet service.

Families can learn more by visiting this webpage. In short, we provide the promo code, and Comcast, ultimately, determines eligibility. School Social Workers will have the necessary information to provide assistance to a family who would like to apply.

All seniors need the meningitis vaccine, please turn in your record of vaccine to the nurses clinic.

If your student would like to receive tylenol, ibuprofen or pepto bismol during the school year please send in an unopened bottle with their name and signed authorization form.

Any student requiring prescribed medication during school hours please complete the Student Medication Authorization. Form needs to be signed by the health care provider.

Please refer to this school bus locator to find the bus stop closest to you.

Have you registered for SchoolCash Online, our new option for processing student/school fees online? You are encouraged to register now as there will be many items that you can pay for online as we expand use of this service. More information, including registration details, an introduction video, help with logging in, etc. are available on our website. Simply click on the SchoolCash Online link from the Parents, Students, or Staff Quick Links page, or click here to go directly to the information page.