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“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” ~ Albert Camus
As we enter the second week of the state-mandated COVID-19 (coronavirus) emergency school closure, I hope you and your family are well and staying healthy. I know how incredibly difficult it is to find ways to establish new routines while navigating through the uncertainty of this challenging and rapidly evolving health crisis. Although it is such a stressful and uncertain time, each time I receive an email from a Justice member offering to help, it reminds me of the strength and bond we share as a Justice community.
With that in mind, plans are currently being developed to hold a virtual Shine On week, a week of positivity and happiness to honor a Justice HS alumna, Casey Schulman. Shine On week is a special tradition for the Justice High School community and we feel continuing this is important. Our students in the Leadership classes and many of our clubs and athletic teams were actively planning activities for Shine On week and we invite the Justice Pyramid to join us in participating as we offer virtual activities next week. When you post to social media, be sure to use #ShineOnJustice. Stay tuned to @justicehswolves on Twitter or contact Megan Neforos, for more information.
According to FCPS, if we are not able to return to school on April 14, then we will begin countywide distance learning. We are in the beginning stages of this preparation. Our staff is working together to embrace this new way of teaching and learning with the same passion and drive towards excellence.
Take care of your families and loved ones and as always, please let me know if you have any questions.
For consistency and clarity in messaging, we will stay focused on what FCPS sends to families. This will eliminate multiple messages and will decrease chances of error or confusion. If there is information particularly unique to the entire the Justice community, I will be sure to keep you informed.
For information please go to the coronavirus webpage.
For the first two weeks of the school closure, learning opportunities can be found on FCPS 24-7 (Blackboard). You can also access resources by clicking here.
One of the most beneficial academic activities you can have your child do at this time is read for at least 30 minutes each day and then talk with your child regarding what they read. With the online resources we have, you can read as a family too! Below is information regarding ways students can access reading materials.
- Students can access the FCPS online catalog to find electronic books, audio books, and lots of other resources from any computer from the following link: Click here for additional eBook and audiobook sources (MyON, Tumblebooks).
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The Library Catalog has a new look and lots of cool features, INCLUDING eBook and audiobook access to high interest and newly released YA lit. After you click the book to open it, you will be prompted to LOGIN. Use your school computer login (ID number/password).
Learning activities are now available on FCPS cable channels. New instructional videos are currently being developed and recorded and will be added to the programming shortly. Channel 21 includes elementary school programming, Channel 25 includes middle school programming, and Channel 99 includes high school programming. Find out what is available online at What's On.
Due to school closures and numerous parent requests, FCPS is opening the summer session of the self-directed EPF course early. Only one session will be offered, which will run from March 30 – July 31, 2020. Students have until July 31, 2020 to complete the course. Students who have already registered (for either summer session) prior to 3/27/20 will receive their login information by March 27, 2020 at their fcpsschools.net email account. Students who register after 3/27/20 will receive their login information within a week of registering. If you previously registered for Summer Session 1 your registration has been accepted. The Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance course requires students to complete work without direct teacher instruction. Register here until June 12, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
Due to the number of cancellations from outside presenters, our Junior Focus Day event which was planned for Thursday, April 16th is cancelled. The Student Services team will develop virtual sessions that students will be able to access to continue planning for their post-high school options. More information will be sent no later than April 20th.
Since activities are currently cancelled until April 12, our College Planning Night is still scheduled for Thursday, April 16 from 6:30pm-8:00pm in the Little Theatre. Parents are invited to hear about key timelines, procedures, and resources to help support their students in the college process. For more information, contact your child’s counselor or Alicia Grande, Career Center Specialist, at agrande@fcps.edu.
The Senior Letter has been posted on the Justice HS website here - Senior Letter 2020. This letter includes important information and dates for upcoming senior activities. We will keep this page updated if there are any changes.
Students are encouraged to reach out directly to scholarship sponsors and/or check the scholarship webpage(s) to inquire about any potential deadline extensions, as necessary. Please contact your school counselor if you need assistance sending a transcript to a scholarship sponsor. Due to the impact of the coronavirus on students and school attendance, the Justice High School Scholarship Fund has extended the deadline for scholarship applications by six days. The new deadline to submit applications is midnight on Monday, April 13, 2020. https://www.jhsscholars.org/.
FCPS staff members are working closely with officials from the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) program and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) regarding the evolving impact of school closures on AP/IB instruction and testing. The following links will provide the latest updates from the AP and IB programs.
During these uncertain times, students and families may be feeling anxious. Mental Health Resources and 24/7 Emergency Numbers are available on the Justice HS website. Below are some additional resources to help guide families.
Fairfax County Public Schools is providing "grab and go" breakfasts and lunches at no cost for students at multiple sites to students, with breakfast from 8:00-10:30am and lunch from 10:30am to 2:00pm. Below are the nearest locations to Justice:
- Annandale Terrace, 7604 Herald St., Annandale
- Braddock Elementary, 7825 Heritage Dr., Annandale
- Bailey’s Elementary School, 6111 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church
- Crestwood ES, 6010 Hanover Ave., Springfield
- Graham Road Elementary School, 2831 Graham Rd., Falls Church
- Weyanoke Elementary School, 6520 Braddock Rd., Alexandria
All meals are available at no cost to children 18 years and under. Adult meals are available for purchase for $2. Check out the "Coronavirus Update - Food Resources for Families" for the latest information and other "pop-up" and grab and go locations.
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