John Champe Knightly News

Calendar reminders

Jan. 29-Feb. 2: Winter Spirit Week, part 2 (see the image below for daily themes)

Feb. 2: Pep Rally

Feb. 7: Curriculum fair open house, 6:30pm (see more details in the counseling section below)

Feb. 9: School holiday (in observance of Lunar New Year)

Feb. 14: Powderbuff

Feb. 19: School holiday (in observance of Presidents' Day)

Mar. 5: Student holiday (countywide PD day)

Mar. 22: Last day for quarter 3 late work

Mar. 25-29: Spring Break

Other Reminders

Students with early release are reminded they must depart from campus at the end of their last scheduled class of the day. If they are staying for any reason, they must check in and out through the attendance office.

Names of students in need of credit recovery are being submitted by teachers. Families, please remind your students of the importance of completing quarter 2/semester 1 work as soon as possible so they can gain the knowledge they've not yet mastered and not get too behind in quarter 3. Additionally, please be reminded that students that are referred for credit recovery during the year and do not complete it are not eligible for end-of-year recovery opportunities.

Parent feedback needed!

We want to hear your views on technology and learning! Be a part of the conversation happening across the state! We are participating in the Virginia Speak Up Research Project for Digital Learning. The national Speak Up is the first survey designed to help families share their ideas directly with schools and national policymakers. Speak Up provides parents and guardians with a mechanism for expressing their views to the administrators at their child(ren)’s school and district about key issues impacting their child(ren)’s education.

Since 2003, Speak Up has collected and shared the views of more than 5.4 million students, teachers, and parents/guardians from across the country. By participating in the Virginia Speak Up, you are expressing your views to a wider audience of local, state, and national policy makers —and contributing to the national dialogue about how best to prepare students for the future. The online survey is open to students, educators, and parents/guardians; it’s quick and easy to get involved. All participation is 100% confidential. Surveys take about 20 minutes to complete. To preview any of the surveys (students, teachers, administrator) visit https://www.tomorrow.org/speakup/vaspeakup/

Please complete the parent/guardian survey by January 31 at THIS LINK. We appreciate you taking the time to share your views with us! We need your input!

Common Sense Media planner from our IFT

Being healthier in the new year also includes being healthier in our relationship with technology. The family tech planner (linked below as a .pdf; please ensure you've launched this newsletter in a browser) from Common Sense Media can help you have a conversation with your teen about changes that you would both like to make in the way you use technology. Remember that instead of setting big resolutions, experts recommend identifying small, specific changes that you are able to more easily sustain. For more information about online media and technology from a parent perspective, visit commonsensemedia.org.

The yearbook is available for purchase now! You can go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter our school code: 13848. Be sure to check out the options for purchasing senior ads as well. Senior ads are a great way to celebrate your child and give you and your family a printed memory that will last forever! To order your ad, go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter our school code: 13848; you'll then navigate to "Start Your Ad". Prices range from $60-500 depending on size of ad.

The Yearbook stafff has a survey for students to complete. Click HERE to do that today!

Counselor Assignment Changes

The School Counseling Department is excited to have a couple of new faces joining the Counselor team this year.

Mr. Mark Brier has moved onto another position outside of education. Fortunately, we have hired Cristina Membreno to take over Mr. Brier’s School Counselor position. Some may remember Ms. Membreno from last year because she served as a long-term sub for another counselor last school year. Ms. Membreno’s Counseling caseload is last names Sw-Z.

Also, Danielle Coniglio, is on maternity leave for the remainder of the school. We are excited to have Dan Choi serve as a long-term sub for Mrs. Coniglio’s caseload for the remainder of the school year. Mr. Choi’s caseload is last names A-Bro.

We all give Ms. Membreno and Mr. Choi a huge Champe welcome!

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Mr. Yarborough, our Director of School Counseling.

2024-2025 Course Registration

➢ 2024-25 LCPS Program of Studies: The LCPS Program of Studies is a great resource that lists and describes all the courses offered in LCPS. It can be found on the John Champe website and can also be found on the LCPS website. Please make sure you review and use this invaluable resource.

Please note however that John Champe does not offer all the course listed in the LCPS

Program of Studies. Please refer to the JCH Course Selection Form for courses offered

at Champe.

➢ Teacher Course Recommendations for the 2024-25 School Year: Students, between January 23rd and February 5th we are asking for you and your teachers to discuss the appropriate course recommendations for next year based on your current course progress. Use the Course Selection Form you received to review courses being offered to assist with your conversations with your teachers.

➢ Curriculum Fair/Open House: On February 7, at 6:30pm, John Champe HS will be sponsoring a Curriculum Fair/Open House for all students and parents. All John Champe departments, and the courses thaught, will be represented this evening to give students and parents the opportunity

to find out more information and ask questions about all the courses we offer at John

Champe before they select classes for the upcoming school year. Also, this night there

will be a Course Registration/Academic Advising presentation for parents and students

at 6:00pm in the auditorium.

➢ Counselor/Student Meetings to Select/Confirm Courses: Between February 14 and March 15, students will have a meeting with their assigned counselor to review, select and confirm their courses for the 2024-25 school year.

•Current 9th Grade through their World History 1 Classes

•Current 10th Grade through their World History 2 Classes

•Current 11th Grade through their US/VA History Classes

All these events/programs are designed to assist you and your parents in making informed decisions about your course selections for next year and beyond. Please take advantage of these opportunities.

Academies of Loudoun

Check out the flyer below from Mrs. King about the application process for the Academies.

Family Liaison: Patricia (Minardi) Mars

Phone: 703-722-2680 ext 80285

Email: Patricia.Minardi@lcps.org

Ryan Bartel Foundation - Click HERE for February sessions

LCPS Opioid Awareness Task Force

We encourage parents to have a conversation with their students about this and to review the drug and alcohol abuse prevention resources available on the LCPS website. Please also review the following information.

LCPS will be adding more monthly information sessions to the calendar and continuing to emphasize the dangers of fentanyl, opioids and other drugs with our students.

Opioids: What you Need to Know

Youth Fentanyl Prevention Resources

The Opioid Awareness Task Force is also distributing Fentanyl Awareness Information, which is being posted throughout LCPS secondary schools.

Click HERE for LCPS Parent Resource Service site.

Parent Resource Service:

planning for life after high school - click HERE for details

JCHS Cheer

Our JCHS Cheerleaders hosted an outstanding youth cheer clinic Monday, January 22. The participating athletes learned cheer skills, JCHS cheers, and a routine, which they showcased during the Varsity Boys Basketball game January 24. Thanks to Coach Canonico and her cheerleaders for hosting such a great event.

Did you know?

LCPS launched SHINE: Spotlight Heroes In Education as a way for staff and community members to recognize the tremendous work occurring around the county. Would you like to shout out an inspirational or above-and-beyond moment you've had because of a staff member at JCHS? If so, check out this link to submit a nomination!

DECA GotSneakers Collection and Fundraiser

GotSneakers is an organization with a mission to reduce the amount of sneaker waste by donating old sneakers or recycling them responsibly. By donating your old sneakers you could make an impact on the world while also lowering the cost for future DECA fees. The type of shoes we accept are: running shoes, basketball shoes, gym shoes, rubber cleats, lifestyle/casual shoes, and hiking shoes. Shoes can be donated to Mrs. Brown's room (1308) or in the box by the front office. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Mrs. Brown (Shannon.brown@lcps.org)

College and Career Center News

For SENIORS and their parents -- If you are college bound or planning to attend Northern Virginia Community College or any trade school, you will be REQUIRED to complete the FAFSA.

The FAFSA opens on December 31, 2023. Since the FAFSA is opening so late this year due to revisions, you should try to complete the form within the first two weeks of January (not required, but strongly encouraged). Your student will not receive a Financial Aid Package from whatever school they get admitted to until the FAFSA has been submitted.

JCH, in conjunction with Freedom and Lightridge, will be having a FAFSA workshop on February 15th (formerly Jan. 9). Mark your calendar! More details forthcoming.

Financial Aid Webinar - click HERE for details

BEFORE January 9th, you will want your FSA ID to be completed, and for you to make an attempt to complete as much as you can of the FAFSA. What you don't complete, or don't understand, that is what the workshop if for. See you there!

Seniors, are you considering a gap year? Click HERE for info on the Gap Year Fair February 3.

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For ongoing CCC news, check out this newsletter. For great listings, links, and dates for available scholarships, click HERE. Looking for job or volunteer opportunities? Then please check HERE!

Service: Knights Give Back

Students can click HERE or the button below for codes to join their service course if they haven't yet. In the course, students can access this year's log as well as service opportunities that are shared with the school throughout the year.

Basketball Spirit Themes

Come out to the upcoming basketball games decked out in the relevant theme!

Mon, Jan 29 vs. Rockridge: Adam Sandler

Thurs, Feb 1 vs. Park View: Minions

Tues, Feb 6 vs. Broad Run: Construction

Thurs, Feb 8 vs. Loudoun County: Tropical out

GRADUATING SENIORS: APPLY NOW FOR THE PTSA SCHOLARSHIP!

We are proud to offer four $500 scholarships to graduating seniors planning to enter and attend a university, college, or technical school in the fall following graduation. Completed scholarship applications must be submitted to Karen King, Career Center Specialist, by 4:18 pm on Thursday, February 22, 2024. You may email or drop off the completed application to JCHS Main Office. Applicants must be JCHS PTSA members as of January 19, 2024.

TEACHERS LOVE (AND NEED) COFFEE!

While you’re shopping for your own coffee supply, please think about purchasing k-cups for our John Champe faculty, too. These can be dropped off between 9:15am-4pm at the front office. Thank you!

PTSA GENERAL MEETING ON FEBRUARY 15

PTSA member meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 6pm. Join us virtually (meet.google.com/iuq-svxn-cvs) on February 15 to discuss activities planned for this year, opportunities for volunteering, and much more. We look forward to seeing you online!

NEED TO GET IN TOUCH?

Reach us by email (johnchampeptsa@gmail.com), go to our website (http://jchampeptsa.org/), or check out our social accounts (Instagram, Facebook,and X/Twitter).

Encuentro Girl Scout conference - click the .pdf below for details

CAMPUS Information Sessions - click HERE for details

Environmental Excellence Award Nominations are now open; click HERE for info and to make a nomination

School business partnership awards nominations are now open; click HERE to submit your nomination

Take AP Exams - click HERE for info on how AP exams benefit your student

Adult education: English Learners Classes are available through LCPS. Click HERE for details to register. GED Math Workshop - click HERE. Enrichment classes offered; click HERE for options and registration. Upcoming sessions in October include Google and Computing and Business classes.

Drive for LCPS! Click HERE to learn more.

Student leadership conference opportunity - click HERE for details

Teens for Tomorrow sessions - click HERE for information

Coding for Youth classes - click HERE

New, Optional Service Provides Report of Student Website Access on LCPS Devices

ew this school year, LCPS is introducing an optional and free service for families called Lightspeed Parent Portal. Families who elect to use this service will receive weekly reports by email that list websites their student(s) are accessing when using their LCPS-issued Chromebook or laptop. For instructions, additional information and details on how to sign up, see the Lightspeed Parent Portal website.

Feb. 15: FAFSA workshop

April 13: Prom

June 18: Graduation at EagleBank Arena

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