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Updates from John Lewis High School’s Student Services Department
Week of February 8, 2021
Important Dates:
February 8, 10, 11: FCPS Academy Open Houses
February 9: Gap Year Fair
February 11: Return to School Town Hall Meeting for Parents of Lewis HS
February 11 & 17: CPP (College Partnership Program Interest Meetings)
February 13: SAT Virtual Practice Test through Tyson Pimmit Library
February 15: Holiday / No School
February 16: New Bell Schedule Begins (8:20 – 2:50
https://lewishs.fcps.edu/about/bell-schedule
February 20: HBCU Fair for Students
February 22: HBCU Fair for Students
March 6: ACT Virtual Practice Test through Tyson Pimmit Library
April 19: PSAT Test Day for 10th Grade Students
April 22: VDOT Transportation Career Fair (9:00am-1:00pm)
Important Information:
Return to School
Student Preferences – did my child sign up for in-person/hybrid learning or virtual learning?
We realize and understand that you may not remember if you signed your child up to continue with virtual learning for the entirety of the school year, or if you signed up for the hybrid model. This information can be accessed through logging into ParentVue (using the web-based computer or phone but NOT the app). Specifically, look for the Student Information Tab and scroll down to the bottom. You can also call our Main Office at 703-924-8300 to talk with an administrative assistant.
Can a Parent change their Request at this time?
Yes, after reviewing all information needed to make your decision, parents may apply to change your request. If you want to change from the in-person/hybrid learning model to the virtual model, we will be able to honor that request. However, if you are requesting to change your preference from virtual to in-person/hybrid, we need to ensure your child will be able to fit into our classrooms and on our school buses (as they are at set at a lower capacity than in normal years). That is a process and takes some time to review.
All parents who wish to change their preference – either way – should fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/8io5tY4YgA1Y4sMx6
Health Screening & Commitment Form
A required form for all parents to sign off on is an honorary promise to send healthy children to our school each day. By completing a daily health screening at home, you will help us maintain a safe environment for all students and staff in the building. If your child is sick, please call our attendance office and keep them home until they feel well again. There are three ways you can complete this form:
When are students returning to school?
Students who selected in-person/hybrid learning model will attend classes in our school building two days per week (and will remain home three days per week). The following schedule outlines the specific days students will return; it is by grade level and last name.
- March 2: Students in grades 9 and 12 with last names A-K (students will attend classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
- March 4: Students in grades 9 and 12 with last names L-Z (students will attend classes on Thursdays and Fridays)
- March 9: Students in grades 9-12 with last names A-K (same as above)
- March 11: Students in grades 9-12 with last names L-Z (same as above)
Return to School Town Hall Meeting for Families Academic Advising Season for the 2021-2022 School Year
Lewis Administration will be holding a Town Hall Meeting this Thursday, February 11th. The presentation will cover Return to School plans and expectations for students and staff so that we can provide a safe school environment. Based on capacity limitations for BBCU, students and parents who are returning to in person learning are asked to attend; the recording will be made available to all of our families after the meeting. The meeting will be delivered in English at 6:00pm and in Spanish at 7:00pm. To join the meeting, a link will be sent on Wednesday at noon.
Academic Advising Season for the 2021-2022 School Year
Our school counselors, teachers, feeder middle schools, and students have now begun to plan for students schedules for next year. Parents are encouraged to review this website: https://lewishs.fcps.edu/student-services/academic-advising You can review our course selection sheets, Flip Grid videos from our elective teachers, course catalogues, timelines and more.
Students will meet with their school counselors to finalize their schedules for next year. Once their schedules are locked in SIS at this meeting, their schedules are final. Minimal changes can happen after March, and will be on a space available basis. Please work with your children, their teachers, and counselors now to be sure they are signing up for the classes that will meet their needs.
Support for Parents Concerned about their Child’s Mental Health
Ongoing challenges of COVID-19 and school closures continue to have a significant impact on children’s mental health. As an example, according to the CDC, from April to October 2020, the proportion of mental health-related emergency room visits for children aged 5-11 and 12-17 years increased approximately 24% and 31%, respectively, compared with 2019.
Healthy Minds Fairfax provides easy-to-digest information about when and how to get help: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/sites/community-services-board/files/assets/documents/pdf/does-my-child-have-mental-health-concern.pdf
Opportunities for Students
FCPS Academy Open Houses (February 8th, 10th, 11th)
Are you the Top Chef of your kitchen or the pet lover of the neighborhood? Do you like to take computers and appliances apart and put them back together? Maybe you are the student who has been saying they are going to be a doctor since birth! If any of these describe you, consider taking an academy class. An FCPS academy is a center within an existing high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses that successfully integrate career and academic preparation. Enrollments in the Academy elective course offerings will provide students with career and academic preparation for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in Academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, and/or internships with local businesses. Please consider attending one of the following open houses at West Potomac, Edison, or Falls Church Academy. There are six academies in FCPS; however, these are the closest academies to Lewis High School and transportation is provided for West Potomac and Edison Academies.
West Potomac Academy Open House – Monday, Feb. 8th – 6:15-7:30p – Please register for the event. A link will be sent after you register.
https://westpotomacacademy.fcps.edu/features/west-potomac-academy-virtual-curriculum-fair
Edison Academy Open House – Wednesday, Feb. 10th @ 6:30p – Please plan to log in a few minutes early. Welcome presentation starts promptly at 6:30p
https://edisonacademy.fcps.edu/announcements/academy-virtual-open-house
Falls Church Academy Open House – Thursday, Feb. 11th @ 6:30p - Please plan to log in a few minutes early. Welcome presentation starts promptly at 6:30p
https://fallschurchacademy.fcps.edu/announcements/falls-church-academy-virtual-open-house
Genesys Works (Paid Internship for Seniors – Must Apply)
Lewis HS has partnered with Genesys Works (www.genesysworks.org) to place interested and qualified students into a Paid Internship during their senior year. Current juniors are eligible to apply and this internship would begin next year. Students apply for the program, interview, and if selected, attend a summer training program. Then, they are placed into an internship where they attend classes for half the day and go to work the other half of the day. Genesys Works also provides computer training, job skills training, college application help, and mentorship.
Students are encouraged to sign up for a virtual info session (https://calendly.com/gwncrrecruitment/info-session) to hear more about the program. After that, they should sign up for an application help session application session (https://calendly.com/gwncrrecruitment/application-sessions). Space is limited so if you have an interested student, do not delay!
Gap Year Fair (February 9th)
Our students and parents are invited to hear about the Gap Year opportunity by attending the USA Gap Year Fair for the Fairfax & DC Area on February 9, 2021 from 6:00-8:00pm at the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fairfax-dc-area-usa-gap-year-fair-2021-registration-131822357219?aff=2021GYFEventonGO
College Partnership Program at Lewis HS
The College Partnership Program (CPP) is designed to assist students who are traditionally underrepresented in college (i.e. First Generation, African-American, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, English Learners, students with disabilities or economically disadvantaged) in exploring, applying and enrolling in college. All students are open to apply regardless of background and we invite anyone who would like to know more to please come to the interest meeting. In accordance with FCPS’ goal to eliminate gaps in opportunity, access, and achievement for all students, CPP focuses on academic advising, college visits, parent engagement and preparation beyond high school. The application window is now open! Apply online at: www.tinyurl.com/CPPApp2021. Interest meeting will be held on Thursday, February 11th - 3:00PM – 3:30PM and Wednesday, February 17th from 3:00-3:00. https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/395eef2ca5e44af5916afe6cfc1fa036
19th Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Festival (February 20th)
Alfred Street Baptist Church is hosting the 19th Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Festival on Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 08:00am to 4:00 pm. In response to COVID-19 concerns, this event will be VIRTUAL. Registration is now open for high school seniors only. Registration for all others will open on January 25, 2021 at 12:00 noon (EST) at www.AlfredStreet.org
Edison High School’s 11th Annual HBCU Fair (February 22nd)
Edison HS is hosting its 11th Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities fair virtually on Monday, February 22, 2021 from 9:00-3:30pm. Our students are welcome to attend and should be logged in to their FCPS Google Accounts to access the fair: https://sites.google.com/fcpsschools.net/ehshbcu2021/home
PSAT for 10th Grade Students (April 19th)
All 10th grade students in FCPS will have an opportunity to take the PSAT Test on April 19, 2021 at their high schools. PSAT 10 testing update webpage
**If your child needs to apply for testing accommodations through, and approved by the College Board, this must be complete by February 12, 2021. See this website: PSAT accommodations information Accommodations Input Form and Accommodations Request Consent Form are both due to our Special Education Dept Chair, Ms. Bertheussen, on Feb. 12. (klbertheusse@fcps.edu)
**Students will have the opportunity to ride the school bus to school to take the PSAT. You will receive a transportation intent form in March to indicate bus services is needed.
VDOT Career Fair (April 22nd)
This event will offer a wide variety of information about careers in transportation-related fields such as engineering, aviation, transit, architecture, technology, construction, and the environment. Students are encouraged to attend this virtual event and more information will be available in March. For now, save the date!
SAT and ACT Virtual Practice Tests
Tyson Pimmit Library is hosting Princeton Review FREE SAT® and ACT® Virtual Practice Tests. These events are open to the public. Join us virtually to take a full-length practice SAT® or ACT®. After the test, you’ll receive a comprehensive score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses. Be prepared with a calculator and scrap paper to work out your problems. You can also keep a bottle of water and a snack nearby, as breaks will be given just like on test day. Space is limited; you must register to reserve your spot.
SAT Virtual Practice Test
WHEN: Saturday, February 13, 2021, 1pm – 5pm
WHERE: Virtual Test: Zoom login info will be emailed to registrants
REGISTER: https://www.princetonreview.com/product/offerings/477595
ACT Virtual Practice Test
WHEN: Saturday, March 6, 2021, 1pm – 5pm
WHERE: Virtual Test: Zoom login info will be emailed to registrants
REGISTER: https://www.princetonreview.com/product/offerings/477596
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