Justice HS News & Announcements - 12/16/24


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This Week's Topics


Important Dates

Monday, December 23 - Friday, January 3, 2025 - Winter Break (Justice Offices Closed)

Wednesday, December 25 - Chanukah

Wednesday, December 25 - Christmas

Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - New Year's Day

Monday, January 6 - First day back to school after Winter Break 

Saturday, January 11 - Saturday School

Monday, January 20 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday & Inauguration Day - Division Closed

Saturday, January 25 - Saturday School

Tuesday, January 28 - End of Quarter 2

Wednesday, January 29 - Teacher Workday


PTSA Meeting Cancelled Tonight

The PTSA Virtual Town Hall and General Meeting have been cancelled tonight to allow families the opportunity to attend this event hosted by the Legal Aid Justice Center (see flyer below). The next PTSA Virtual Town Hall and General Meeting will take place on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 7:30pm virtually.

legal aid

Title I Community Survey- LAST CALL

We want to hear from you! Please take a few moments to complete the survey linked below on our Title I status. In collaboration with the Justice HS PTSA, we're breaking down our work around Title I into three core groups - Student Success, Family Partnerships, and School Experience to be support our students and school community.

Surveys

We greatly appreciate your collaboration as we look to leverage our Title I statue to increase student achievement, family engagement, and the overall school experience. Surveys will remain open until Friday, December 20. Should you have any questions, please contact Sean Rolon, Prinicpal at sprolon@fcps.edu and/or Kim Lanoue, Justice HS PTSA President, at president@justicehsptsa.org. 


Winter Break (Justice Offices Closed)

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break.

Justice HS offices will be closed for the duration of Winter Break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.


Please Review IB Calendars

Please review the IB Exam Calendar for April-May 2025. IB exams are worldwide exams with dates and times dictated by the IB. There no makeup exams for IB exams. Please plan accordingly. In addition, please review the Justice High School IB IA (Internal Assessments) calendar with your student to be sure they are aware of IA deadlines throughout the 24-25 school year.

Internal Assessment (IA) Calendar

ia calendaria calendar 2

IB Exam Calendar

ib exam calendar 2425

Course Selection Begins in January 

Beginning in January 2025, students will meet with their counselors to discuss course selection for next year. Families are encouraged to actively participate in this important process. 

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements (high school students).
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.

Graduation Requirements and Planning

Careful consideration is essential when planning next year's courses. We encourage our students and families to review the Graduation Requirements and Course Planning webpage to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond. Reviewing the Program of Studies may be helpful as well. 

Please refer to our course catalog and course selection for more information.


Save the Date: Academy Open Houses Begin in January!

FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in January.

A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students 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, or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.


2025-26 FAFSA Form Now Available

The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available. Any college-bound high school senior — regardless of income — who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete a FAFSA form. 

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to work with their children to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Check each college’s financial aid office webpage for deadlines and financial aid forms. Then, create an account, if you have not already done so, and fill out the FAFSA.

The Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application will be available in late January for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA. To help determine which aid option is right for you, visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.

Get Help Filling out FAFSA From College Access Fairfax

Over the next few months, College Access Fairfax will be offering several programs on completing the FAFSA/VASA and finding and applying for scholarships. Get information on these programs and how to access them on the College Access Fairfax website.

In addition, College Access Fairfax staff are available for virtual one-on-one help sessions to complete the FAFSA/VASA. To request an appointment, families should email appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org.


Justice HS PTSA

The Wolf Shack is Open!

The Wolf Shack is our PTSA-sponsored in-school food and resource pantry, providing free essential resources for all students. The Wolf Shack is open from 3-5pm on late bus days (Wednesdays & Thursdays) in Room B27 between the Black Box Theater and the Little Theater. 

Read more in the latest PTSA newsletter.


Calendar of Events

JANUARY 2025

11 - Sat - 11am - Wolf Shack Stock-Up with FFN Red Bag Day

27 - Mon - 7:30pm - PTSA Monthly Town Hall & General Meeting


Connect with the PTSA

JHS PTSA Website

justicehsptsa.org

Social Handles

Facebook: facebook.com/justicehsptsa

X (formerly Twitter): x.com/justicehsptsa

Instagram: instagram.com/justicehsptsa/

Membership Link

jhsptsa.org/join

Donation Link

jhsptsa.org/packpartnerfund

Contact the PTSA

info@justicehsptsa.org

Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA)

www.fairfaxcountysepta.org 


From FCPS

Community Meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review

If you did not get a chance to attend one of the recent community meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review, please consider attending the final meeting in this first phase of the boundary review process. The Region 1 meeting will take place Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., in the Madison High School cafeteria. Register today. If you are unable to participate, stay tuned for details about virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings coming early next year.

View FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.


Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter

The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:

  • Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
  • Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
  • SEL Screener Results
  • New Accessibility Resources
  • Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
  • Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
  • VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
  • Executive Functioning Webinars
  • Early Literacy Resources
  • ESY and Assessment Webinar
  • COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options

Subscribe to the Special Education and 504 Newsletter.


⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.


🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.


📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered. Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.


⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!

The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.


Calendar Reminders

Chanukah 🕎

Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25. See the complete school year calendar.


Christmas🎄

A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas.


Weekly Reminders

Saturday School at Justice High School

On certain Saturdays, students can get one-on-one assistance in any English, Math, Science, or History class. Our dedicated teachers will be available to help students tackle assignments, strengthen their understanding of key concepts, and ensure they are well-prepared for their upcoming assessments. Students do not have to sign up ahead of time to attend Saturday School.

Details are as follows:

  • When: January 11th and 25th | February 8th and 22nd | March 15th, and 22nd | April 5th and 26th | May 3rd and 17th
  • Time: 9 AM - 12 PM
  • Where: Justice High School

We encourage your child to take advantage of this valuable opportunity. It’s a fantastic way for them to improve their grades and gain confidence in their studies. Thank you for your continued support in helping our students succeed!


Partners for Safe Teen Driving (PSTD)

Justice High School Auditorium - Driver’s Education

The state of Virginia requires students and their parents or legal guardians to attend ONE session of Partners for Safe Teen Driving in order to receive their Pink Card (DEC-8). The 90 minute session requires participants to be actively involved during the presentation. This is offered in conjunction with our 10th grade driver education curriculum and is a requirement. All sessions are in person for the 2024-2025 school year at Justice HS in the Auditorium. Registration link, and schedule is below. It is also posted on your 1oth grade teacher’s SCHOOLOGY PAGE.

If you are a current 11th or 12th grade Justice HS student seeking to attend a PTSD session, please email Monica White at mwhite@fcps.edu  for information.

PSTD presentations are 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

3rd Quarter - Thursday February 6th, 2025 & Wednesday March 19th, 2025

4th Quarter - Wednesday May 14th, 2025

The meetings are a “hard” 6:30 PM start in the Auditorium for every PSTD event. Doors lock at 6:30 sharp and an entry after that will not be allowed. (State Law)

Please plan to arrive at 6 pm to avoid being locked out. Every student will NEED to have a legal guardian present with them If they are attending PSTD session.

Link for students to register for 2024-2025 Justice HS - Driver Ed PSTD


Dismissal Reminder

If your student(s) ride a bus to go home, please remind them that all buses leave promptly at 3:05 pm. Once the call to dismiss buses begins, drivers can't open their doors for safety purposes. Students should exit the building as soon as possible and be sure to make their way to their bus as soon as it arrives. There are two bus board listing the bus numbers outside of Door 1 listing the bus numbers in order of arrival.


Padres Comprometidos (Committed Parents)

Edu-Futuro will be offering a free program named Padres Comprometidos (Committed Parents) taught in Spanish. The program offers parents the tools to participate effectively in schools to support their children and their preparation for Post-Secondary education. The program will run from October 29th till December 17th and will happen every Tuesday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

edufuturo english

edufuturo spanish

Free Meals at Justice HS

Justice HS has qualified for the USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) meal program for the 2024-2025 school year. CEP is a non-pricing meal service option for schools in low-income areas. CEP allows schools to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to ALL students without collecting household applications for free and reduced-price meals.

CEP General Information

  • CEP is a USDA program; eligibility is based on direct certification for free meals at individual FCPS schools.
  • All students at CEP schools automatically receive no-cost breakfast and lunch every day of the school year (even if the student would not qualify for free meals). 
  • If a student purchases an additional breakfast or additional meal, it will be at cost to the family. 

Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications, Additional Benefits, and Related Information

For families that may want to receive benefits (class fees) beyond meals that are income-based, the FCPS CEP Consent to Share Information for Other Programs will continue to be utilized and is included in the free and reduced-price meal application process. Parents are encouraged to complete and submit the CEP Consent to Share Form


Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.


No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available at no cost to FCPS high school students to provide a safe space to address concerns such as:

  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
  • Anxiety, worry, fears.
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
  • Academic stress.

In order for students to participate, caregivers must give permission for FCPS to share basic demographic information with Hazel Health in ParentVUE. They must also provide consent for their student to access therapy services. 

Students may then be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. Refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services.

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.


Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health

Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially these warning signs:

  • Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
  • Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
  • Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
  • Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
  • A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
  • Alcohol or drug use.
  • Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family. 
  • Thoughts of harming themselves or others.

If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. Please contact your child's school counselor to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Find additional ways to support your child’s wellness

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.


Follow Justice HS On Social Media

X (formerly known as Twitter) 

School - @justicehswolves

Activities - @justice_sports

Instagram

School - @justicehs_wolves

Activities - @justice_wolves


Helpful Links

Justice Website

Justice Athletics

Student Services

Attendance

Red/Blue Rotation Calendar

Bell Schedule

Justice HS PTSA

MySchoolBucks

ParentVue Information


Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline - 703-527-4077

Crisis Text - Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency - 703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency - 703-289-7560

Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health (formerly Merrifield) - 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711

Life Threatening - 911


FCPS Cares

FCPS Cares

Do you know a Justice High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.


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