Knight's Update
January 12th
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.
WIDA ACCESS Test Notification
All English Language Learners (ELLs) in Virginia are required to take the WIDA ACCESS test annually to assess their English language proficiency. This assessment evaluates progress and proficiency in the four language domains: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
If your child is an ELL, they will participate in this important evaluation. The testing period is scheduled for January 21 – March 5.
Should you have any questions or concerns about the WIDA ACCESS test, please feel free to contact your child’s ESOL teacher or the school’s testing coordinator.
Upcoming Events
Shrek auditions UPDATE
Attention all students, Shrek auditions have been rescheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan 14/15 from 3:00 - 4:30 in the Spotsy High Auditorium.
Our first rehearsal will take place, Friday January 17th 3:00 - 4:30 PM.
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
Attention Senior Parents
Yearbook Senior Ads are almost sold out. Space is extremely limited. If you are interested in purchasing one please visit www.yearbookordercenter.com and use school code 4009.
Yearbooks on Sale!
Yearbooks are currently on sale for $60. Prices go up next month. This is also your last chance to add a nameplate and personalization to your student's yearbook. 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???
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 13, 2025
5:00pm Scholastic Bowl: Varsity Match vs. James Monroe @ Spotsylvania High School
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
5:00pm Basketball: Girls JV Game vs. King George @ Spotsylvania High School
5:00pm Basketball: Boys JV Game vs. King George @ King George High School
6:30pm Basketball: Girls Varsity Game vs. King George @ Spotsylvania High School
6:30pm Basketball: Boys Varsity Game vs. King George @ King George High School
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
4:00pm Indoor Track: Girls Varsity Meet vs. Multiple Schools @ Culpeper County High School
4:00pm Indoor Track: Boys Varsity Meet vs. Multiple Schools @ Culpeper County High School
5:00pm Basketball: Girls JV Game (Rescheduled from 01-10-25) vs. Eastern View @ Spotsylvania High School
5:00pm Basketball: Boys JV Game (Rescheduled from 01-10-25) vs. Eastern View @ Eastern View High School
5:00pm Scholastic Bowl: Varsity Match vs. Chancellor @ Chancellor High School
6:00pm Wrestling: Varsity Dual vs. Culpeper County @ Culpeper County High School
6:30pm Basketball: Girls Varsity Game (Rescheduled from 01-10-25) vs. Eastern View
6:30pm Basketball: Boys Varsity Game (Rescheduled from 01-10-25) vs. Eastern View
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Friday, January 17, 2025
5:00pm Basketball: Girls JV Game vs. James Monroe @ James Monroe High School
5:00pm Basketball: Boys JV Game vs. James Monroe @ Spotsylvania High School
6:00pm Swim & Dive: Girls Varsity Meet vs. King George @ King George YMCA
6:00pm Swim & Dive: Boys Varsity Meet vs. King George @ King George YMCA
6:00pm Wrestling: Varsity Tournament vs. Multiple Schools @ Culpeper County High School
Blue Devil Duals Tournament, January 17-18, 2025
January 17- Weigh-Ins, 4:30 pm -- Wrestling Begins at 6 pm
January 18- Weigh-Ins, 7:30 am -- Wrestling Begins at 9 am
6:30pm Basketball: Girls Varsity Game vs. James Monroe @ James Monroe High School
6:30pm Basketball: Boys Varsity Game vs. James Monroe @ Spotsylvania High School
Saturday, January 18, 2025
TBD Wrestling: JV Tournament vs. Multiple Schools @ Orange County High School
Girls Tournament -- More Information to Come
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.