Excel in Mind, Body, and Character

George Mason High School Newsletter Special Back-to-School Night Newsletter—September 9 Tyrone Q. Byrd, Principal

September 2015

Dear Mustang Parents and Guardians, Welcome to the 2015 - 16 school year. Wednesday, September 9th is Back-to-School Night and each member of the George Mason faculty is eager to welcome you into the classrooms your children will call home for the next 10 months. We hope that you will be able to attend as we launch yet another year filled with promise and high expectations for all students. During our evening together we will communicate our continued commitment to Excel in Mind, Body, and Character in all settings. This marks our second year of Personalized Learning, not only at George Mason, but throughout our entire division. A key aspect of this innovative and exciting initiative continues to be the utilization of laptop computers as learning tools. Each member of the George Mason community has been provided with this powerful resource with the expectation that it will be used to Enhance learning, Prepare our children for success in their generation, and Equalize learning experiences from one class to another. I encourage you to join us for what promises to be an informative and energizing evening. Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block 5 Block 6 Block 7

7:00 – 7:10 7:15 – 7:25 7:30 – 7:40 7:45 – 7:55 8:00 – 8:10 8:15 – 8:25 8:30 – 8:40

The purpose of this special event is to give parents and guardians a general understanding of each course. There will not be time for teachers to engage families in individual conversations regarding student performance. Teachers will provide you with contact information so that you might reach out to arrange for a more personal conversation. SPECIAL LOCATIONS

In addition to your students' teachers who can be found in the classrooms listed on their class schedules, you may also want to visit the following people in designated areas listed below: Ms. Judy Bracken, College Career Specialist, D112 Ms. Julie Bravin, Assistant Athletic Director, B102 Ms. Kesha Legagneur, Librarian, Library Ms. Mica Thomasson, Student Support Counselor, D109 Your student’s counselor can be found in the counseling suite in the C-Hallway throughout the evening. Mason administrators will be in attendance and will make themselves available to you. Sincerely, Tyrone Q. Byrd Principal

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Estimado Mustang padres y tutores, Bienvenidos al año escolar 2015-2016. La Noche Regreso a la Escuela es el jueves 9 de septiembre y cada miembro de la facultad George Mason está ansioso por darle la bienvenida a las aulas que sus hijos llamaran su hogar durante los próximos 10 meses. Esperamos que usted será capaz de asistir esta noche como lanzamos otro año lleno de promesas y altas expectativas para todos los estudiantes. Durante esta noche vamos a comunicar nuestro compromiso continuo en sobresalir en mente, cuerpo y carácter en todas las configuraciones. Esto marca el segundo año de aprendizaje personalizado, no sólo en la escuela George Mason, pero a lo largo de toda nuestra división. Un aspecto clave de esta iniciativa innovadora y emocionante sigue siendo la utilización de ordenadores portátiles como herramientas de aprendizaje. Cada miembro de la comunidad de George Mason se ha dotado de este recurso de gran alcance con la expectativa de que se va a utilizar para mejorar el aprendizaje, preparar a nuestros niños para el éxito en su generación, e igualar las experiencias de aprendizaje de una clase a otra. Os animo a unirse a nosotros para lo que promete ser una noche informativa y energética. Bloque 1 7:00-7:10 Bloque 2 7:15-07:25 Bloque 3 7:30-7:40 Bloque 4 7:45-siete y cincuenta y cinco minutos Bloque 5 8:00-8:10 Bloque 6 8:15-8:25 Bloque 7 8:30-8:40 El propósito de este evento especial es dar a los padres y tutores una comprensión general de cada curso. No habrá tiempo para que los profesores se involucran en conversaciones individuales con familias con respecto al rendimiento de los estudiantes. Los maestros le proporcionará información de contacto para que pueda llegar a hacer arreglos para una conversación más personal. LUGARES ESPECIALES Además de los profesores de los alumnos que se pueden encontrar en los salones de clase que aparecen en sus horarios de clase, también se puede visitar las siguientes personas en las áreas designadas: Sra. Judy Bracken, Especialista de Colegio y Carrera, D112 Sra. Julie Bravin, Directora Asistente Atlético, B102 Sra Kesha Legagneur, Bibliotecaria, Biblioteca Sra Mica Thomasson, Consejera de Apoyo al Estudiante, D109 El consejero/a de su hijo/a y el horario de clases de su hijo/a se puede encontrar en la aula de la consejería en el pasillo-C durante la noche. Administradores de George Mason estarán presentes y se harán disponibles para usted. Atentamente, Tyrone Q. Byrd Principal

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Please note that for your seating convenience the PE / Driver Education and Championship Training teachers will be located in these rooms this evening: Name Dye

Block 1

Block 2

Gibbons

Aux. Gym B118

Capannola

Green

Health Room F003

Block 4 Health Room F008

Block 5 Health Room F008

Aux. Gym B118 Main Gym B101

Block 3 Health Room F008 Adaptive PE B118 Main Gym B101

Main Gym B101

Main Gym B101

Health Room F003

Health Room F003

Ch Train Mustang Café

Ch Train Mustang Café

Block 6 Health Room F008 Aux. Gym B118

Block 7 Health Room F008 Aux. Gym B118 Main Gym B101

Enjoy the evening! Please allow me to remind you of some very important happenings here at GMHS in the coming days and weeks. Please note the venue for each as it may be different from the one previously announced.

IB News from Coordinator, Ms. Kelly Brown Due to scheduling conflicts, there are new dates for the IB Diploma Candidates Parent/Student Meetings Tuesday, September 15, 2015 @ 7pm in Mustang Cafe: Class of 2016 IB Diploma Candidates Parent/Student Meeting We discuss remaining requirements for the IB Diploma. We will review expectations for the Extended Essay and Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) requirements. We are eager to address your questions, concerns and hopes for students as they continue their path towards the prestigious and rigorous IB Diploma.

Monday, October 5, 2015 @ 7pm in Mustang Cafe: Class of 2017 IB Diploma Candidates Parent/Student Meeting We will review the requirements of the IB Diploma, the resulting course schedule, and extra-curricular expectations for students. We will discuss the Extended Essay and Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) requirements. We are eager to address your questions, concerns and hopes for students as they begin their path towards the prestigious and rigorous IB Diploma. Thank you very much for your continued support!

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GEORGE MASON HIGH SCHOOL

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Wednesday, September 16, in the auditorium: Picture Day Picture Day for underclassmen (grades 9-10—based on alphabet) will be on Wednesday, September 16. Picture order forms will be handed out to students in Block 1.

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Thursday, September 17, in the auditorium: Picture Day Picture Day for underclassmen (grades 10-11—based on alphabet) will be on Thursday, September 17. Picture order forms will be handed out to students in Block 1.

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Thursday, September 17 and Friday, September 18 in the TLC: Days

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Monday, September 21, 7:00 to 8:00 pm. in the Mustang Café: Information Night

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Thursday, October 1, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Mustang Café and 6 classrooms: Round Robin-Freshman, Sophomore and Junior Parent Night Parents and guardians of students in Grades 9-11 are invited to meet with the counselors and other members of the GMHS staff. Some of the topics will include graduation requirements, the importance of participating in activities and student supports, beginning to prepare for college and other post-high school careers, and the everyday challenges that adolescents and their parents face. We hope you will take this opportunity to learn more about counseling services and opportunities available for your student.

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Friday, October 9, 7:45 to 9:30 a.m. in the Mustang Café/Auxiliary Gym/Main Gym: Parent/Teacher Mini-Conferences.

Senior Portrait Make Up

Seniors and Parents

This is an opportunity to speak with the teachers of your choice for a few minutes to discuss your student's progress and to make appointments for additional conferences if you so desire. No appointments are required for these October 9 mini-conferences. Students begin school at 10:00 a.m. on this day. Buses will operate on a special schedule to be announced.

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Wednesday, October 14, during the school day at GMHS:

PSAT

GMHS will administer the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) to all 10th and 11th grade students during the school day on Wednesday, October 14. Students should come prepared with sharpened #2 pencils and a calculator. There is no fee for the test. The only requirement is a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast! The test will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m.

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Friday, October 16, 7:30 p.m., Stadium:

Homecoming Game

Home football game against Clarke County

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Saturday, October 17, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Mustang Café: Homecoming Dance in the Mustang Café

Homecoming Dance

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GEORGE MASON HIGH

EARLY RELEASE DATES Dismissal at 1:45

HEALTH SCREENING For all Grade 10 Students For all New Students September 29th September 30th Please call or email Ms. Miceli if you have volunteered to help or would like to help. 703-248-5530 [email protected] If your student wears glasses/contacts, please make sure they wear them the day of the screening.

September 9,23 October 7,21 November 18 December 9, 18 January 6, February *2,3,4,5 & 24 March 2,16 April 6,20 May4 June *8,21,22,23,24 *Denotes Exams

Welcome to the Writing Lab! I want to inform you about a valuable service that is available for your child Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons from 3 to 4 o'clock in room A-114. Now in its fifteenth year, the Writing Lab exists to provide writing assistance to any and all students in any class, any discipline. Whether your child is a proficient writer who wants to brainstorm ideas for a paper or is struggling with the technical aspects of writing, the Writing Lab will provide help. As an English teacher and Writing Lab instructor, I hope to meet and assist many students with their writing this year. I urge you to encourage your children to take advantage of this opportunity. How does the lab work? While students may be referred to the lab by their classroom teachers, the lab is also an informal drop-in program, and students may simply stop by for assistance. In addition to the Writing Lab instructor, the lab also utilities peer-tutors to help guide and assist students in the writing process. The George Mason English Department is dedicated to meeting your child's writing needs in every way possible, and the Writing Lab is just one more way we hope to accomplish this. Sincerely, Karin Tooze Writing Lab Instructor

GEORGE MASON HIGH SCHOOL FACULTY AND STAFF 2015-2016

Phone Numbers and Email Addresses GMHS 248-5500 + Extension

Fax Number 248-5533 Email: Staff’s name @fccps.org

ADMINISTRATION Mr. Tyrone Byrd, Principal 248-5505 (tbyrd@...) Mr. Matt Hills, Assistant Principal 248-5515 (hillsm@…) Mr. Kevin Clark, Assistant Principal 248-5515 (kclark@...) Mr. Erik Healey, Dean of Students 248-5515 (healeye@...) Mr. Tom Horn, Athletic Director 248-5539 (hornt@...) Ms. Julie Bravin, Assistant Athletic Director 248-5598 (bravinj@...) SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT LIAISON Ms. Sue Essman 248-5546 (essmans@...) EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT COORDINATOR Ms. Alison Johnson Ext. 3041 (johnsona@...) SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER Officer Clark Gagnon 248-5549 (gagnonc@…) ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE SUPPORT STAFF Ms. Debbie Flanigan, Mr. Byrd’s Secretary 248-5505 Ms. Edna Baldo, Finance Secretary 248-5545 Ms. Dorothy Clinton, AP’s Secretary 248-5515 Ms. Janice Nette, AP’s Secretary 248-5595 Ms. Peggy Monahan, Attendance Secretary 248-5543 Attendance Line 248-5501 ATHLETICS Ms. Vicki Galliher, Athletic Trainer Ext. 5583 (galliherv@…) SCHOOL HEALTH AIDE/ASSOCIATE Ms. Kelly Miceli 248-5530 (micelik@…) IB COORDINATOR/THE ACADEMICALLY ADVANCED PROGRAM/HS Ms. Kelly Brown 248-5590 (brownk@...) COUNSELING Ms. Amy Kurjanowicz, Director 248-5525 (kurjanowicza@...) Ms. Valerie Chesley, Counselor 248-5525 (chesleyv@...) Mr. Brad McAdam, Counselor 248-5525 (mcadamb@...) Ms. Ilana Reyes, Counselor 248-5525 (reyesi@...) Ms. Judy Bracken, College Career Specialist 248-5531 (brackenj@…) Mr. Adam Amerine, Asst. Testing Coordinator 248-5693 (amerinea@...) Ms. Jenifer Csaszi, Secretary 248-5525 Ms. Beth Ann Bird, Registrar 248-5526 COORDINATOR OF STUDENT SERVICES Ms. Mica Thomasson (thomassonm@…)

248-5540

MEDIA CENTER Ms. Kesha Legagneur 248-5541 (legagneurk@…) Ms. Lynette Kemp, Library Assistant 248-5542 PRINT SHOP Mr. Frank Sheedy Ext. 3014 (sheedyf@…) TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR Mr. Steve Knight 248-5532 (knights@…) ENGLISH Ms. Alison Johnson, *CIRT Ext. 3014 johnsona@...) Ms. Bridget Dean-Pratt Ext. 3008 (deanb@…) Dr. Al DeFazio Ext. 3100 (defazioa@...) Ms. Darcy Hood Ext. 3104 (hoodd@...) Mr. Peter Laub Ext. 3007 (laubp@...) Ms. Melissa Raeder, *DL Ext. 3047 (raederme@...) Ms. Karin Tooze Ext. 3020 (toozek@...) **Ms. Cynthia Thrush Ext. 6399 (thrushc@...) Mr. Brian Walsh Ext. 3046 (walshb@...) Ms. Maggie Webster Ext. 3018 (websterma@...) Ms. Angela Weston Ext. 3101 (westona@...) ESOL Ms. Linda Saleh, *DL Ext. 3108 (salehl@...) READING SPECIALIST Ms. Teresa French (office) Ext. 3087 (frencht@...) FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS AND CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION Ms. Mary Jo West, *CIRT/DL Ext. 3019 (westm@…) Mr. John Ballou Ext. 3057 (ballouj@…) Ms. Sarah Gurgo Ext. 3085 (gurgos@…) Mr. Shawn Northrip 248-5582 (northrips@...) Mr. Marc Robarge Ext. 3037 (robargem@...) Mr. Joshua Walker Ext. 3098 (walkerj1@...) Ms. Amanda Hull Ext. 4991 (hulla@...)

WORLD LANGUAGE Ms. Kirsten Albert, *DL Ext. 3040 (albertk@…) Mr. Kent Foster Ext. 3048 (fosterk@...) Ms. Holly Garcia Ext. 3102 (garciah@...) Ms. Tina Kao Ext. 3075 (kaot@...) Ms. Sally Larisch Ext. 3088 (larischs@...) Ms.Suzanne Planas, Ext. 3039 (planass@…) Ms. Katia Taylor Ext. 3193 (taylork@...) PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH/DRIVER ED Ms. Vicki Galliher, *CIRT FLE 248-5583 (galliherv@…) Mr. Tony Green, *CIRT PE/Driver Ed, *DL Ext. 3079 (greent@...) Mr. Brandon Dye Ext. 3015 (dyeb@…) Mr. Chris Capannola Ext. 3022 (capannolac@…) Ms. Courtney Gibbons Ext. 3086 (gibbonsc@...) SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST Ms. Allison McKee Ext. 3036 (mckeea@...) SOCIAL STUDIES Ms. Pam Mahony , CIRT Ext. 3074 (mahonyp@...) Ms. Tammy Chincheck Ext. 3060 (chincheckt@…) Mr. Mark Deal Ext. 3069 (dealm@...) Ms. Rebecca Eisenberg Ext. 3077 (eisenbergr@...) Mr. Paul Ferentinos Ext. 3051 (ferentinosp@...) Ms. Eleanor Hawkesworth Ext. 3105 (hawkesworthe@...) Ms. Holly Herrington HY-C Ext. 6406 (herringtonh@...) Mr. Chris Pikrallidas Ext. 3006 (pikrallidasc@…) Mr. Jamie Scharff Ext. 3063 (sharffj@…) Dr. Nisha Sensharma, *DL Ext. 3076 (sensharman@...) Ms. Tracy VanderNaald Ext. 3001 (vandernaaldt@...) MATHEMATICS Mr. Erik Healey, *CIRT Ext. 3052 (healeye@...) Ms. Sara Dudley Ext. 3023 (dudleys@...) Ms. Jennifer Jayson Ext. 3081 (jaysonj@...) Ms. Judy Knoke Ext. 3089 (knokej@…) Ms. Jennifer Monk Ext. 3083 (monkj…@)

Mr. Randy Moran (moranr@...) Ms. Mo Smith (smithm2@...) Mr. Will Snyder, *DL (snyderw@...) Mr. Stephen Whitcomb (whitcombs@...) **Ms. Ashley Williamson Hy-C (williamsona@...) SCIENCE Mr. Bryan Harris, *CIRT, *DL (harrisb@...) ** Ms. Lauren Geier (Hy-C Science) (geierl@...) Ms. Martina Goss (gossm@…) Dr. Peter Mecca (meccap@...) Ms. Carey Pollack (pollackc@…) Ms. Deborah Siegel (siegeld@...) Mr. Marc Silver (silverm@...) Mr. Mark Sokolowski (sokolowskim@...) Mr. Will Stewart (stewartw@...) SPECIAL EDUCATION Ms. Jennifer York, *CIRT, *DL (yorkj@...) Mr. Chris Carrico (carricoc@...) Ms. Susan Cassidy (cassidys@...) Ms. Amanda Crider (cridera@...) Ms. Shana Curtis (curtiss@...) Mr. Jamie Lahy (lahyj@...) Mr. Jason Perkins (perkinsj@...) Ms. Kristin Sherard (sherardk@...) Ms. Alexandra Ware (warea@...) TRANSITION SPECIALIST Ms. Liz McCarthy (mccarthye@...)

Ext. 3066 Ext. 3058 Ext. 3727 Ext. 3091 Ext. 6756

Ext. 3049 Ext. 8810 Ext. 3095 Ext. 3043 Ext. 3003 Ext. 3094 Ext. 3093 Ext. 3042 Ext. 3184

Ext. 3728 Ext. 3062 Ext. 3196 Ext. 3026 Ext. 3009 Ext. 3012 Ext. 3030 Ext. 3033 Ext. 3010

Ext. 4805

*CIRT—Curriculum and Instruction Resource Teacher *DL—Department Leader **Hy-C Room E011