Justice Newsletter - August 23, 2020

A Note from Principal Eck


Dear Justice Families,

  

Last week was the first week for teachers and we had an awesome kick off!  Teachers have begun to furiously prepare for our virtual return.  We are so excited about what this new year will bring.  

On Thursday, September 3, all Justice students will attend their 4th period advisory class for a virtual opening. The purpose of this event is to ensure all students can access virtual instruction prior to school starting and will help us identify and troubleshoot needs. This will also be a time when we can start to build relationships and classroom communities, provide information to students, and answer questions students and families may have. More information is to come but please save the date.  

As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to me at mveck@fcps.edu.


Parent Question Corner

Last week's families submitted the following questions. Thank you for your questions.

  1. My son kept his laptop over the summer. Can he bring it in to get updates/make sure it's in good shape? Yes, please submit a tech support request using this link. Also, please see below for CPU updates.
  2. When will student class schedules be issued? September 2nd.
  3. When will we hear about last year’s field trip refunds? You should have received refunds from last year. Monies were refunded to the extend the school was able to recover reimbursements. Please contact Tracy Sollers at tasollers@fcps.edu if you did not receive your refund.
  4. Have faculty and staff participated in technology training to enhance virtual learning? Justice faculty and staff have engaged in summer learning with virtual tools. In addition, collaborative teams planned content during the summer months. During our back to school meetings, we have set several days aside to continue to learn and explore virtual tools to enhance learning and online tech skills. 
  5. How will parents and teachers communicate face to face? Parents may request face to face meetings with teachers using google meets.

Please continue to submit general questions. We will share answers in our upcoming News You Choose Newsletter. You can find the Google Form here. If you have student specific questions, please feel free to reach out to any of our administrators. We are happy to help.


Class of 2021 - College Planning Night

College Planning Night for the Class of 2021 will be held virtually on Thursday, September 17, 2020 from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm. Parents and students are invited to hear about key timelines, procedures, and resources to help support their children in the college application process. Registration is required by submitting the Justice HS College Planning Night RSVP form by 3:00 pm on Tuesday, September 15, 2020. Blackboard Collaborate details will be emailed to registered attendees 24 hours before the event. There is a limit of 500 attendees through Blackboard Collaborate and attendees will be registered on a first come, first served basis. We ask that only one attendee per household registers for this event. A recording of the session will be available for those who are not able to attend the live virtual session. For more information, contact your child’s counselor or Alicia Grande, College & Career Specialist, at agrande@fcps.edu. 


Return to School - Virtual Town Halls

As we begin the 2020-21 school year, we invite you to participate in our Back-to-School Virtual Town Halls. To participate in any of these virtual sessions, please complete this form by August 23: Virtual Town Halls. Follow-up information about accessing the Blackboard Collaborate sessions will be sent to all registrants. If you have any questions, please email Michelle Campiglia, Assistant Principal, at mrcampiglia@fcps.edu.

8/24: Virtual School Opening, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Topics will include the school calendar, bell schedule, student email, organizational tools for students, textbook/materials pick up, and information on accessing virtual learning platforms.

8/27: Technology Tips, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Topics will include how to access ParentVUE, Blackboard 24/7, Blackboard Collaborate, and Google Classroom. We will also discuss available resources if your student needs technical assistance or Internet access.

9/2: School and Community Resources, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Topics will include class schedules, school and community wellness resources, free and reduced lunch applications, and school supplies.

9/9: Clubs, Sports, and Activities, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Brian Garvey, our Director of Student Activities, will provide updates and answer questions about clubs, activities, and sports. Information will also be provided about PTSA and Boosters.


JHS 20-21 - Student Laptop Pickup

      We will be distributing 9th grade laptops on 8/25-8/28.  Your son or daughter was assigned a time between 8:30am and 2:00pm on either 8/25, 8/26 or 8/27 and an email was sent to their google email address (studentID#@fcpsschools.net).  Emails were also sent to any parent email addresses that we had on file.  If you’re unable to find the appointment time or unable to make the appointment, please email Jason Kagarise at JMKagarise@fcps.edu.


10th-12th Grade Tech Needs

Laptop for new 10th, 11th or 12th students will be distributed on 8/28 from 8:30-12:00.  If you’re unable to come at that time, please contact Jason Kagarise at JMKagarise@fcps.edu to reschedule a time.


Tech and Internet Support

If there is any issue with a student’s current laptop, home internet, or any other tech need, please follow this link and complete the necessary information. Once the request is received, we will contact you within 24 hours.


CPU Updates

To help prepare students for a successful a virtual start to the school year, parents are asked to ensure children have the tools and connectivity that will be needed.  If you currently have an FCPS issued laptop at home, please help us to prepare devices to receive county updates by doing the following once per week until school starts:

    • Plug the device into an outlet.
    • Turn the device on and let it boot up.
    • Ensure it is connected to the internet at that location.
    • Launch Google Chrome and visit the FCPS website to ensure the internet is connected on the computer.
    • Leave the laptop on and connected to the internet for 30 minutes.
    • After 30 minutes, the laptop may be shut down.

Parents, Please Update Your Contact Information

For parents to stay current on school news and plans, current contact information is essential. This is especially important because we will need to regularly notify parents about program changes and opportunities, such as laptop distributions, school supply lists, and other essentials. Once school begins, we may need to reach parents about student absences and academic and other concerns. Parents may update their information through Parent View.


IB Score Update

In July, IB released scores from the 2019-2020 school year. Recently, IB has readjusted scores due to worldwide questions over how scores were derived. These adjustments resulted in a score increase for some students. 

Please have your student log into the IB portal to check their scores. Please contact Ms. Kresse-Rodriguez at jakresserodr@fcps.edu if you have any questions. IB will be resending out new transcripts to colleges for those students with score changes.


Parent Resource Center

Survive and Thrive with Virtual Learning: Practical Strategies to Make At-Home Learning Work for You

Are you worried about managing your child’s virtual schooling this year? Do you hate becoming the “school police” when your child won’t focus? Do you have to balance your child’s schooling with your own remote workload? We hear you, and we’re here to help. 

You’ll learn how to avoid parent-child conflict around academics with practical tips for:

  • Establishing routines and expectations that really work
  • Creating ideal spaces for virtual learning
  • Keeping kids focused while learning online
  • Minimizing distractions from video games and other screens
  • Getting your own work done at the same time (Yes, it’s possible!)

Don’t tackle this unusual year without a plan. Instead, join us and feel more prepared and confident for the year ahead, with a toolbox full of practical strategies that actually work. We can’t wait to see you there!

Presented by Ann Dolin, M.Ed., educational consultant and award-winning author.  Ann is the President and Director of Educational Connections, Inc.

Friday September 11, 2020, 10-11:30 a.m.

Register for Survive and Thrive with Virtual Learning: Practical Strategies to Make At-Home Learning Work for You


Be Informed, Stay Involved @ Justice!


Important Dates

August 24 - Virtual School Opening Town Hall 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

August 25-28 - New Student Laptop Pick Up (by appointment)

August 27 - Technology Tips Town Hall, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

September 1 - Wolfpack Welcome

September 2 - School and Community Resources Town Hall, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

September 3 - 4th Period Virtual Check-ins

September 8 - First Day of School

September 9 - Clubs, Sports, and Activities Town Hall 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

September 17 - Class of 2021 College Planning Night @ 7:00-8:00 pm

September 22 - Back to School Night - 6PM