Knight's Update
February 16th
Announcements
Attendance Matters
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.
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.
Attention Rising 12th Graders
Please see the information about required immunizations for entering 12th grade below.
Upcoming Events
Want to travel to Europe?
Attention students and parents, Ms. Coffman is planning the trip of a lifetime to London, Paris, and Edinborough in the summer of 2027. You are invited to attend an informational meeting on February 26 at 7:00 in the school's library. Here is a link to RSVP to the event: https://rsvp.eftours.com/xsghn57
Immunization Clinics for Rising 7th & 12th Graders - March & April
In-School Immunization Clinics for rising 7th & 12th graders for the 2025/2026 school year are being hosted during March & April. The Rappahannock Area Health Department will be onsite at each middle and high school to provide school required immunizations: Tdap; Meningococcal ACWY, and HPV.
Dates & Locations:
Battlefield Middle - March 14
Chancellor Middle - March 19
Freedom Middle - April 2 & 3
Ni River Middle - March 20
Post Oak Middle - March 18
Spotsylvania Middle - March 20
Thornburg Middle - March 17
Chancellor High - March 13
Courtland High - March 17
Massaponax High - March 13
Riverbend High - March 18 & 19
Spotsylvania High - March 14
To take advantage of this opportunity, return the attached completed consent form to your school nurse by January 29, 2025. Please note: No late forms will be accepted.
2025 Vaccine Consent Form - ENGLISH
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
Mrs. Andruss: Students with the last names G-O
Mr. Flinn: Students with the last names P-Z
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:
Attention JUNIORS & SENIORS
Are you interested in hands-on careers, skilled trades, or workforce training? Join us for an exciting visit from Germanna Community College’s Workforce Division to learn about the amazing programs available to help you jumpstart your career!
Germanna Community College offers workforce credentials across various industries to provide hands-on, industry-recognized certifications. Programs are available in Computer & Technology (AWS, Cisco, CompTIA, CISSP), Health & Wellness (CPR, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, Coding), Industry & Construction (HVAC, Welding, OSHA, Heavy Equipment), Training & Certifications (PMP, Lean Six Sigma, CNC, Mechatronics), and Transportation (CDL, Work Zone Safety, Private Pilot).
Courses are scheduled based on demand, with financial assistance available. Germanna partners with top credentialing bodies like AWS, Cisco, and VDOT. For more information visit Germanna's Workforce Credentials Webpage
What to Expect:
Learn about fast-track certifications in healthcare, trades, IT, and more
Explore high-demand, high-paying career paths
Find out how tuition assistance & scholarships can help you
Ask questions and get insider info on career opportunities
Don’t miss this chance to discover how you can gain skills, get certified, and start earning faster—all while staying local!
Sign up today with Mrs. Buzzell in the Counseling Dept!
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.
SCPS Tip Line
Please see the following information regarding the SCPS Tip Line
Renaissance Survey
Students will be taking the 2nd part of the Renaissance Survey that was administered back in the fall on Wednesday and Thursday this week. This short survey will focus on the following nine factors:
1. Feeling about school
2. Perceived learning capability
3. Self-regard as a learner
4. Preparedness for learning
5. Attitude of teachers
6. General work ethic
7. Confidence in learning
8. Attitudes of school attendance
9. Response to curriculum demands
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your child's School Counselor or Assistant Principal.
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!
Attention Senior Athletes
Spotsylvania High School Athletic Booster (SHSAB) Club awards two (2) scholarships each year, one to a male and one to a female athlete. This opportunity is offered to our senior athletes to help them fulfil their academic potential when attending a college, university, vocational, or professional training school. Scholarship monies will be paid directly to the educational institution in the student's name. All senior athletes are eligible to apply per the guidelines below.
Available Scholarships: one (1) $1,000.00 per athlete
Guidelines:
1. Applicants must be a student at Spotsylvania High School.
2. Plan to attend an accredited college, university, vocational, or professional
training school on a full-time basis.
3. Must have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 (80%) on a 4.0 scale.
If you would like to apply, please fill out the application below.
Sports for the Week
Monday, February 17, 2025
5:00pm Basketball: Boys JV Game (Rescheduled from 01-20-25) vs. Mechanicsville @ Spotsylvania High School
5:30pm Basketball: Girls JV Game (Date changed from 02-03-25) vs. Louisa County @ Louisa County High School
6:30pm Basketball: Boys Varsity Game (Rescheduled from 01-20-25) vs. Mechanicsville @ Spotsylvania High School
7:00pm Basketball: Girls Varsity Game (Date changed from 02-03-25) vs. Louisa County @ Louisa County High School
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
5:00pm Basketball: Boys JV Game (Rescheduled from 02-11-25) vs. James Monroe @ James Monroe High School
6:00pm Basketball: Girls JV Game (Rescheduled from 02-05-25) vs. Mechanicsville @ Mechanicsville High School
6:30pm Basketball: Boys Varsity Game (Rescheduled from 02-11-25) vs. James Monroe
6:30pm Chorus Pre-Assessment Concert Spotsylvania High School - Auditorium
7:30pm Basketball: Girls Varsity Game (Rescheduled from 02-05-25)
vs. Mechanicsville @ Mechanicsville High SchoolWednesday, February 19, 2025
5:00pm Basketball: Girls JV Game (Rescheduled from 02-13-25) vs. Courtland
6:00pm Basketball: Boys JV Game vs. Varina @ Varina High School
6:30pm Basketball: Girls Varsity Game (Rescheduled from 02-13-25) vs. Courtland
7:30pm Basketball: Boys Varsity Game vs. Varina @ Varina High School
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Friday, February 21, 2025
10:00am Wrestling: Varsity State Tournament vs. TBA @ Virginia Beach Sports Center
Saturday, February 22, 2025
9:30am Wrestling: Varsity State Tournament vs. TBA @ Virginia Beach Sports Center
Sunday, February 23, 2025
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
Mr. Flinn: 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. 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.