Advanced Placement (AP) Testing Update

Posted:  March 30, 2020

The College Board has recently provided updates regarding Advanced Placement (AP) testing, online review sessions, and important dates.  Please review the presentation.  For questions regarding AP testing, please contact our Counseling Director, Carol Mayer.

Participate in the Virtual Spirit Week, March 30-April 3, 2020

Posted:  March 28, 2020

Participate in our Virtual Spirit Week, March 30-April 3, 2020!  Each day features a different theme.  View the theme for each day.  Students can upload their video from TikTok, Snapchat, or other platform to the Google Form.  A virtual pep rally will be shared across our social media platforms showcasing the submissions starting at 1:00 PM.  The dress code is enforced. 

Senior Cap, Gown, and Announcement Distribution

Posted:  March 28, 2020

Our high school has coordinated with our colleagues at Jostens to provide our prospective 2020 graduates the opportunity to pick up their caps, gowns, and graduation announcements.  We will distribute these important items on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM on our bus ramp.  We will handle the distribution in a drive-through format, so please proceed to the bus ramp upon entering the campus.  If you plan to walk to campus, you should report to the bus ramp and be mindful of social distancing.  It is important to note that senior dues must be paid in full in order to receive your cap and gown. Additionally, you must pay Jostens in full before receiving your graduation announcements.  There will be no collection of money at the bus ramp distribution site on Tuesday, March 31st.  If you still need to pay senior dues, please access our online payment service.  At this time, please select the $40.00 option (“Option 2”).  To help keep efficient traffic flow, please see the map.  We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday!

Charting Our Course with School Closures

Posted:  March 25, 2020

As Governor Northam and our school division announced yesterday, schools in Virginia are now closed through the end of this academic school year.  Our high school is beginning to chart a course to assist with answering the numerous questions that we all have surrounding a variety of topics. In the coming days and weeks ahead, as more guidance is provided by state and local education officials, we will provide information on the following topics:

• Report card distribution
• Receiving temporary drivers’ licenses (TDLs)
• Field trip refunds
• Yearbook distribution
• Pick-up of student items like instruments and items in lockers
• Drop-off of team uniforms and equipment
• Return of school textbooks and library books
• Borrowing school devices and mobile hotspots for continued instructional activities as defined by state and local officials
• An additional date for student medication pick-up
• Graduation coursework requirements
• Graduation
• Standards of Learning (SOL) testing
• Advanced Placement (AP) testing

We appreciate your patience as both our high school and division navigate through this unprecedented time in our nation’s history.

COVID-19 Community Outreach

Posted:  March 20, 2020

We have been informed that a staff member of North Stafford High School has tested positive for COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019). The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified in Wuhan, China in late December. North Stafford High School will continue to be closed until April 13, 2020, out of precaution. The building has been disinfected since the exposure occurred as part of our county cleaning process during Spring Break.

Although there was a confirmed case of COVID-19 detected at North Stafford High School, the overall risk of exposure to students and staff in the facility is low. It is impossible to definitively determine where and when the virus was contracted, but the individual started feeling ill on Wednesday, March 11. In consideration of personal privacy, we are unable to provide any more detailed information. The Rappahannock Area Health District is conducting a contact investigation for all individuals that are laboratory confirmed for COVID-19 and will identify and contact all individuals that may have been exposed. For most staff and students at the North Stafford High School, the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is extremely low.

The COVID-19 virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

We encourage anyone who is concerned that they have symptoms of the virus to consult with their physician and to stay home and away from other people until you can see your physician. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and sore throat. Some people may experience all of these symptoms, while others may only experience one or two symptoms.

Risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19 is higher for people who are close contacts of someone known to have COVID-19; for example, healthcare workers or household members. Other people at higher risk for infection are those who live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Please take the following steps to monitor your health and prevent the spread of COVID-19:

1. Avoid close contact (about 6 feet or 2 meters) with people who are sick or people who are at a higher risk of developing severe disease (e.g., older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. Stay home if you feel sick and take these appropriate measures:
   • Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home. As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
   • Wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
   • Call ahead before visiting your doctor. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take important steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
   • If you have a medical emergency, call 911 and tell the operator about your recent possible COVID-19 exposure.
5. Cover your coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Please contact your local health department at (540) 899-4797 and ask to speak to a public health nurse if you have questions or need additional information. You can also find pertinent details on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html or the Virginia Department of Health’s website at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/. The attached fact sheet has additional information on COVID-19 that may also be helpful to you. Thank you for your continued support.

Review the community notices and fact sheets in your preferred language.

Changes to School Division Calendar

Posted:  March 11, 2020

Our school division has made the following adjustments to the calendar:

• No school on Friday, April 10, 2020, for both students and staff.  This was previously an early dismissal for students at 11:45 AM.
• Tuesday, April 28, 2020, is now a full day of school.  This was previously an early dismissal for students at 11:45 AM and a workday for teachers.
• No school on Friday, May 22, 2020, for both students and staff.  This was previously a full day of school.  

Report Card Posting Window Extended

Posted:  March 9, 2020

With the closure of our building on the originally scheduled teacher workday, on Friday, March 13, 2020, the report card posting window has been extended.  Report cards will now be distributed on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.  The original report card distribution date was Friday, March 27, 2020.

Battle of the Books Meetings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in March

Posted:  March 9, 2020

Battle of the Books will meet every Tuesday after school and every Wednesday during lunch in March to prepare for their upcoming competition.  Please see a librarian if you cannot attend a meeting.

Xi Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Honorees 

Posted:  March 9, 2020

The Xi Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. nominated two of our students for their academic excellence.  From left to right, D. Saitcyr received the Maude B. Murchison Scholarship in the amount of $500, and K. Bye received the Shirley Fluellen Award for her continuous academic excellence over the past four years of high school.

U.S. Service Academy Recognitions

Posted:  March 9, 2020

On Saturday, March 7, 2020, five of our students were recognized and honored at Congressman Rob Wittman's Nomination Ceremony.  In the 1st Congressional District, Congressman Wittman nominated 10 students to attend each U.S. Service Academy.  Our students who were nominated (from left to right) are:  N. Lumpkin to the Military Academy, K. Bye to the Naval Academy, and O. Shuhait, K. Rush, and W. Costa-Glenn to the Air Force Academy. Nominees must receive an appointment from each of their academies to attend.  N. Lumpkin and K. Bye have received their appointments.

Maintaining a Healthy School Environment

Posted:  March 6, 2020

This notice is an update on our continued efforts to maintain a safe learning environment.  Our students and staff are permitted to use and carry on their person alcohol-based hand sanitizers.  Over the course of next week, we will be distributing hand sanitizer bottles for the general use of students and staff in our classrooms.  These bottles were purchased by the school division. We encourage the use of hand sanitizer when washing hands is not readily available. Washing hands with soap and water thoroughly for 20 seconds is the best method to prevent the spread of viruses.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2020) recommends washing your hands after using the restroom,before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. This is common knowledge; however, we want to encourage our school community to follow these guidelines more closely.  

We understand our school community’s concern over the flu and the coronavirus disease (2019) COVID-19 with the headlines featured on main media sources.  Maintaining a healthy school environment is a top priority.  Our school maintenance and housekeeping staff have been responding to broken soap dispensers or refilling soap.  We encourage our students to continue to report any issues in student bathrooms. Students can report issues to any staff member.

References:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2020). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19):  Prevention & treatment.  Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

National Honor Society Teacher and Student of the Month for March

Posted:  March 2, 2020

Congratulations to our National Honor Society Teacher of the Month, Mr. Rossi, and Student of the Month, Phoenix Rash, for March!

Refer a Friend and Earn $10.00 at the Wolverine Branch!

Posted:  February 25, 2020

During the month of March, any current Apple Federal Credit Union member who refers a friend will receive $10.00!  There's no limit on the number of membership referrals you submit.  Stop by the Wolverine Branch during your lunch throughout the month of March to have your friends open a new account.

Download the referral form flyer.

No After-School Activity Bus on the Professional Development Afternoons

Posted:  February 24, 2020

The next professional development afternoon where students will be released at 11:45 AM is on Thursday, February 27, 2020 (X-Day).  There will be no after-school activity bus.  Students planning to stay after-school for practices should arrange for a ride home.  The last professional development afternoon is on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 (X-Day).  There will be no after-school activity bus either.

Graduation 2020 and Related Events

Posted:  February 20, 2020

The graduation ceremony will take place at 8:00 AM on Saturday, May 30, 2020, at A.J. Slye Memorial Stadium.  This ceremony is outside and will last approximately two hours.  Our graduating seniors are to report to North Stafford High School at 6:30 AM for final preparations.  Guests may start arriving to our campus at 7:00 AM. Please plan for delays in travel as all five high schools will be hosting graduation on the same morning.  In addition to parking on our campus, a shuttle bus service will be available and allows for satellite parking. The two satellite parking locations are at Park Ridge Elementary School and Mount Ararat Church.  Buses run every 15-30 minutes and provide round-trip service at no charge.

A Graduation Ceremony Web page is available for you to view—it contains all of the information surrounding the commencement ceremony and other related events.  The Web page will be updated on a regular basis and we ask that you continue to reference it for updates, including any severe weather postponements. To view the Graduation Ceremony Web page, point your Web browser to http://bit.ly/nsgrad20.

Watch and Subscribe to Our Weightlifting Course's YouTube Channel

Posted:  February 18, 2020

Our student weightlifting program has created its own YouTube channel, North Fit, to help students live healthier lives by working out and eating better.  The class wanted to find a solution on how to share their successes and show proper techniques when lifting weights.  YouTube offers many weightlifting videos but North Fit's are geared towards a high school audience.

Enroll in Our Firefighting Program for the 2020-2021 School Year

Posted:  February 18, 2020

If you are interested in becoming a firefighter, enroll in our firefighting program for the 2020-2021 school year.  Talk to your counselor today about this incredible course that offers amazing opportunities.  Watch a promotional video about the course.

Sports Pass Prices for the Spring are Reduced

Posted:  February 17, 2020

Sports pass prices for the spring season have been reduced.  Sports passes are honored at all regular-season home athletic events during spring sports.  Passes cannot be accepted at tournament play (conference, regional, and state).  Passes are $20.00 for our students, $35.00 for adults, and $75.00 for a family pass.  Punch cards for 10 games are still available for $30.00 too.

Download the sports pass application.

Reminder About Professional Development Afternoons

Posted:  February 15, 2020

As a reminder, our school division has established several professional development afternoons throughout the school year that will result in a shortened school day for all students.  Students will be dismissed early from school at 11:45 AM. The upcoming professional development afternoons that result in an early dismissal are:

• Thursday, February 27, 2020 (X-Day)
• Tuesday, April 28, 2020 (X-Day)

For other early dismissal dates and school breaks, point your Web browser to https://www.staffordschools.net/Page/64.

8th Annual Golf for Lax Sakes:  Friday, April 17, 2020

Posted:  February 10, 2020

The 8th Annual Golf for Lax Sakes event will be held at Augustine Golf Club on Friday, April 17, 2020, at 9:00 AM.  Participants who would like to register to golf may register individually for $90.00 or register as a foursome for $350.00.  The deadline to register is Tuesday, March 31, 2020.  You can also become a sponsor for the event.  The golf course is located at 76 Monument Drive, Stafford, VA 22554.

Download the registration and sponsorship form.

For more information about this event, please contact Debbie DeCola at debra_decola@comcast.net or call (540) 273-3554.

Interim Reports No Longer Will be Printed

Posted:  February 4, 2020

In an effort to take full advantage of the features in StudentVUE and ParentVUE, our high school has made the decision to no longer print and hand interim reports to students on the specified dates in the school calendar.  We have found this practice to be redundant and wasteful as our students and families have become accustomed to reviewing the Grades tab in StudentVUE/ParentVUE. Interim reports also quickly become outdated as StudentVUE/ParentVUE is live and constantly changing as assignments and grades are entered into a teacher’s grade book.  Parents/guardians and students can always request a printed interim report at anytime from their teacher.

If a student or parent/guardian is unable to access StudentVUE/ParentVUE, they can request an activation key if you have not set up an account.  Users can also reset their own account using the e-mail address that they created their account with.  Parents/guardians can reset their password.  Students can reset their password.  All student accounts are associated with their scps.net Google account.

North Stafford High School Named as a 2018-2019 W!SE Blue Star School

Posted:  November 9, 2019

Our high school was recently named as a 2018-2019 W!SE Blue Star School!  Only 247 schools around the country have received this recognition for this year.  To be named a W!SE Blue Star School, a school must have achieved an 80% or above passing rate on the W!SE Financial Literacy Test and have either a majority of students on a given grade level take the test or achieve a minimum average score of 85%.

To view all of the W!SE Blue Star Schools, point your Web browser to http://bit.ly/2CsDj11. 

Battery Recycling Program Now Available

Posted:  October 10, 2019

Paint Your Parking Spot

Posted:  August 15, 2019

If you are a student driver who wishes to paint your parking spot, please see Ms. Zawoiski in the Main Office before school or during your lunch time to sign-up.  There is a $20.00 participation fee (cash, check, or money order).  Checks must be payable to North Stafford High School.  You must first submit a copy of your design for approval before any painting can be done. 

Class Websites Mobile App Reported Issues

Posted:  December 11, 2018

We have reported to our school division the Class Websites mobile app issues that users are experiencing when utilizing the StudentVUE/ParentVUE mobile app on their device.  These issues are being investigated further.  The issues explained below are division-wide and not just isolated to our high school.

Reported Issue #1:

Users of the StudentVUE/ParentVUE mobile app may experience an error message when selecting the Class Websites button.  The user will be unable to view any class websites through the mobile app only.  

The workaround for this issue is to access your StudentVUE/ParentVUE account from your device’s Web browser rather than the mobile app by pointing your Web browser to https://psp.staffordschools.net.

Reported Issue #2:

Users of the StudentVUE/ParentVUE mobile app will be unable to view multiple file attachments that are posted by a teacher on the class pages when selecting the Class Websites button for a student’s courses.  This issue is present when a user is able to access the Class Websites button from the mobile app (see Reported Issue #1).  This issue only appears in the mobile app.

The workaround for this issue is to access your StudentVUE/ParentVUE account from your device’s Web browser rather than the mobile app by pointing your Web browser to https://psp.staffordschools.net.  

Provisional Drivers' Licenses

Posted:  June 19, 2018

During the School Year

Provisional drivers' licenses will be issued on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday from 2:30 PM-3:30 PM in the main office.  No appointments are necessary.  If you are not able to make this offered time frame, an appointment must be made by contacting Helene Hall at (540) 658-6150, Ext. 1204.  The student must have their driver's permit and the 45-hour driving log.  The parent/guardian must have their driver's license.

During the Summer

Provisional drivers' licenses will be issued Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM-3:30 PM in the main office.  The student must have their driver's permit and the 45-hour driving log.  The parent/guardian must have their driver's license.  Please call the front office at (540) 658-6150 prior to coming to the school to ensure there is a school official present who is authorized to issue the license.