Academic Advising for School Year 2024-2025 and Curriculum Fair January 11.
In January, Hayfield will be hosting various events during the school day and after school to help expose students to course selection opportunities for next school year. Students will meet with their counselors in the third quarter to register for classes. A separate memo will be sent with all of the important dates for the academic advising season. Please save the date of Thursday, January 11, 2024 to attend our annual Curriculum Fair from 6-7:30 p.m.
2024 Gap Year Fair for Students and their Families
FCPS’ School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Immediately following, the program fair will be held in the cafeteria from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., with representatives from over 30 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are invited to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available.
Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event.
For more information, visit USA Gap Year Fairs or FCPS Gap Year Fair, or contact Pamela White, Special Projects Liaison, at pcwhite@fcps.edu or 571-393-1102.
**In the event of inclement weather on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. The Gap Year Fair will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at the same time and location.
2024 Gap Year Fair Flyer
Northern Virginia Community College – NOVA Virtual Sessions for Seniors and Their Families (HS)
VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSIONS
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December 12, 2023 (7:00pm)
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January 23, 2024 (4:30pm)
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February 20, 2024 (7:00pm) (Spanish Session)
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March 19, 2024 (4:30pm)
APPLICATION WORKSHOP
These sessions are open to all FCPS seniors and their families. For more information and registration links, please see the event flier.
For questions, contact admissions@nvcc.edu
NOVA Accommodations and Accessibility Event (HS)
NOVA’s Accommodations and Accessibility Services is offering a virtual New Student Orientation. Interested in learning more about accommodations, the importance of self-advocacy, NOVA resources, etc.
Wednesday, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. January 3 & January 10
See the event flier for additional details and registration information.
NOVA Early Online College – Spring 2024 Semester (HS)
NOVA Early Online College (EOC) allows current high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take up to 2 tuition free college courses. EOC courses for the Spring semester begin on January 30, 2024, and end on April 22, 2024. Registration opened on October 23rd. Deadline to register is January 8, 2024 at 5pm. Courses are asynchronous, online, and for college credit only. 13 different courses are offered along with courses that fulfill the IT Technical Support Career Studies Certificate. EOC courses are selected because they meet the requirements for most of NOVA’s associate degrees as well as being highly transferable as general education requirements for most colleges and universities.
NOVA Site - Early Online College Information
FCPS Site - Early Online College Information
Flyer
Message from our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
Mental Health, Coping & Addiction
One in four Americans suffer from a mental illness. Almost 3 in 5 people with mental health challenges will not receive treatment or medication. In 2019, an estimated 19% of adults in the United States (47.6 million) dealt with a mental health challenge, but only 43% received any kind of mental health care (Johns Hopkins). People often turn to alternative methods to cope with issues that are uncomfortable topics to speak about. These reasons include turning to drugs, alcohol, food, etc. Coping mechanisms are habits formed over time that serve to help a person manage difficult situations or high stress levels. These mind-altering substances are sometimes used as coping mechanisms for stress, difficult emotions, physical ailments, focusing, and other issues. Drugs and alcohol can provide a temporary moment away from the reality of everyday life. Substances can enhance the feelings of pleasure, decrease feelings of anxiety and restraint. Substance use can be an unhealthy coping mechanism. Not all coping mechanisms are destructive or fail to provide appropriate or adequate adjustment to the environment or situation; however, addiction is both.
Before using drugs as a coping strategy here are some recommendations for a healthier mindset. The main goal is to identify the “void” or issue and work towards healing. In the meantime, experts recommend diet and exercise as great places to start. Schedule a visit to your Primary Care Physician and a Professional Counselor if needed. Quality sleep is also a major factor in the stabilization of a healthy mind. Surround yourself with people who are supportive and good examples. Keep in mind that finding balance in life is an ongoing process. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
Resources:
Substance Use Disorder info
FCPS Social Work
For further information & support:
Mr. Villalobos
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
bvillalobos@fcps.edu
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