James River High School

Rapid News Volume

Issue

January, 2018

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Happy New Year!

Food Fight

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@ Your Library

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Counseling PTS0

4-5 7

Dear Parents, Students and Friends of the Rapids Community, Welcome to 2018! I hope your holidays were enjoyable and restful and that you are excited for the New Year. We are back and ready to finish the first semester strong. I wanted to draw your attention to a few specific dates on this month’s calendar:   

January 15 is a is a holiday for students and teachers; February 1 is an EVEN day (meaning students will meet in all of their EVEN day classes on 2/1/180; and February 2 is a 3-hour early release day for students as well as the last day of the second nine weeks and first semester.

Have you had an opportunity to see a boys’ or girls’ basketball game? How about swimming or wrestling? You will also want to look out for dates to see our Show Choir in competition, as their season is gearing up. With all of these opportunities, among others, we invite James River students, parents, and community members to come out and support our Rapids as they compete and perform for James River!

Happy New Year!

In the December newsletter, I mentioned tips for managing a hectic schedule and the importance of taking care of ourselves during the busyness of the holiday season. Here we are at the beginning of a new year, with a new semester upon us; we have an opportunity to celebrate new beginnings. This brings the opportunity to finish the semester, reflect, and set goals for the second semester. Meeting new challenges and setting goals can be an intimidating process for many. In an article in the Harvard Business Review, Rebecca Knight (2016) suggested strategies for boosting our confidence when we are overwhelmed. As Bernie Siegel states, “Act as if you are the person that you want to be.” So, a message conveyed from Knight says that sometimes we have to fake it…until we make it. I feel some of her suggestions apply here as we finish the semester, reflect, and set goals for the second semester: Continued on next page

Continued from page 1

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Frame new events as opportunities. Instead of fearing a new experience, focus on what’s new and exciting and remind yourself that it’s not altogether different from things you’ve done before. Here, perhaps, you may just need to scale up.



Think incrementally. Rather than setting grandiose goals – as we do with New Year’s resolutions

– think about small, incremental improvements. For example, “Today I’m going to attend all of my classes and engage in discussion in each class.” Think of goals as a moving target, constantly being set, met, and reset. 

Watch and learn. Watch how those you admire use humor, pose questions, use silence, participate, prepare for class, and come across as self-assured. Borrow bits and pieces that fit your style.



Use bold and expansive body language. In surprising ways, the way we carry ourselves has a

direct impact on self-confidence. Take long strides, walk tall, sit up straight, and carry yourself in ways that convey confidence, poise, and pride. 

Use positive self-talk. Don’t be overly intimidated or scared, and don’t beat yourself up for feeling nervous. New opportunities can be scary for everyone. Remind yourself of what you have already accomplished and what you have done to prepare for this new situation.



Recognize when faking it won’t work. If the challenge you’re confronting is way beyond your

skillset, or if the time-frame is absolutely unrealistic, the suggestions above may not help. If the task is too much, if you have taken on too much, speak up! I hope students will use these strategies to step out and try new things, set rigorous goals, and push themselves farther than they initially feel comfortable. I encourage students to get involved with activities and clubs and to refocus on high academic and personal goals. I look forward to a second semester that is both positive and productive for all students and faculty. Here’s to 2018 – a year full of success and happiness! Jennifer C. Coleman, Ph.D.

Principal

Reference: “How to Fake It When You’re Not Feeling Confident” by Rebecca Knight in Harvard Business Review, June 7, 2016.

Food Fight 2018! Once again James River High School will participate in the Hokies vs Hoos Food Fight to raise desperately needed donations for the Central Virginia Food Bank. The Food Fight is a city-wide competition that capitalizes on the rivalry between Virginia Tech and UVA to see which fans can raise the most food and funds for FeedMore’s Central Virginia Food Bank. Our competition is always a big part of FeedMore’s fight against hunger in the post-holiday winter months, when donations decrease dramatically. This year marks the 14th year that JRHS has joined in this most worthy cause, and JRHS has won this competition every year! Please send in food donations during the time period of January 22 — February 11. (The library will gratefully store any donations before these dates.) All classes will be competing with each other to earn extra privileges, but the real winner is the Food Bank! Help us beat last year’s winning, record shattering total of over 14,000 donated food items and $1500 in cash for a total of over 40,000 meals! Please visit https://feedmore.org/food-bank for a list of desperately needed items.

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Find It @ Your Library Reading is an important skill, and like all skills, it must be developed through practice. Studies prove that a person who can read, and read well, is more likely to graduate from college, get a higher paying job, experience the joys of learning new things, and enjoy the stress-reducing entertainment of a good book. In the 21st century, literacy now encompasses information literacy, media literacy, and information and communication technologies (ICT) literacy. In the November 12, 2012 issue of Education Week, Jason Tomassini wrote about a new study from

the Pew Research Center on how students research in a digital world. Citing a report from Project Information Literacy (PIL), employers are hiring for online dexterity but question the research competency of the digital generation. Few new employees know how to go beyond Google. One employer said, “As long as it doesn't require them to go past using a basic search engine….It's that their toolkit, their whole sense of searching is limited." Another employer stated, “They expect information to be so easy to get, that when it's not, it's frustrating to them. They've lived in a world where it's always been there." Employers admitted they tended to hire candidates based on digital skills, expecting social and analytical skills to be evident as well. In a 2013 follow-up to the Pew Research study, professors noted that because students have access to a seemingly endless amount of information, they do not know how to filter out bad information. Used to quick information access, when they cannot find what they are looking for immediately, they quit. Additionally, “students have a hard time reading online for extended periods of time. They get distracted so easily with the computer screen as opposed to salient, extended reading in books/texts.” This lack of digital literacy is being recognized and addressed not only in the workplace but also in education. School librarians and K-12 teachers are most familiar with information literacy as more student switch from print to electronic and web-based resources. Students need to learn to find, use, and evaluate information using these technologies. Media literacy encourages students to evaluate the media messages presented in advertising, not only through television, but also during daily use of the Internet. ICT literacy focuses on the skills needed to use the new technologies to function in the 21st century.

School Library Monthly recently provided a guideline to these literacies, and what follows is sampling of websites to educate and test one’s knowledge as schools work to link these new literacies with 21st century learning skills. RAPID NEWS

“I can imagine nothing in the world preferable to a nice, well-heated room with the books one loves and the leisure one wants.” Gustave Flaubert

Information Literacy Project Information Literacy http://projectinfolit.org/ “A national study about early adults and their information-seeking behaviors, competencies, and the challenges they face when conducting research in the digital age.” ACRL Information Literacy www.ala.org./acrl/standards/ informationliteracycompetency This is the information literacy website of the Association of College and Research Libraries of the American Library Association. Media Literacy Media Education Foundation www.mediaed.org This website provides educational resources to inspire critical thinking about the social, political, and cultural impact of American mass media. ICT Literacy ICT Digital Literacy www.ictliteracy.info/ Check out the resource directory for information on ICT assessment, research, and K-12 resources. NCTL: The National Center for Technological Literacy www.mos.org/NCTL/ Part of the Museum of Science in Boston, NCTL’s intent is to integrate engineering as a new discipline in schools. “The truth is, engineering is really about solving problems. About creating ‘technologies.’ And when we say ‘technologies,’ we don't just mean computerized gadgets and space-aged polymers. The word technology really refers to anything that helps to make up the human-made world around us.” More websites on these literacies will follow in next month’s Rapid News, but in the meantime, test your knowledge and your student’s knowledge to evaluate 21st century skills. In this new year, the JRHS librarians look forward to promoting reading, increasing vocabulary with the Wednesday Word of the Week, guiding research, honing literacy skills necessary in the 21st century workplace, and encouraging lifelong learning and reading @ your library! Ann Reinke Librarian Page 3

News From Counseling and the College & Career Center PSAT Results The results from the PSAT, taken in October, have arrived. School counselors will meet with juniors and sophomores in early January to distribute and interpret scores. Please be sure your student shares the score sheet with you; feel free to contact your student’s school counselor if you have questions or concerns. By taking the PSAT, students have taken an important step toward college. The test shows firsthand the kinds of reading, math, and writing skills students will need to succeed in college. It also gives students practice for the SAT, a test that students must take for college admissions. If the results were not what your student was expecting, then we encourage him/her to focus on ways to improve scores. Scores will naturally improve with time, more advanced courses, and working in class. However, students should take a close look at the Overview of Answers section on their answer sheet, locate the questions they missed, and then look at the test book to ask themselves these questions:    

Did the questions cover material I need to learn? Did I get the easy answers right and leave the harder ones blank? Did I guess when I didn’t know the answer? Did I get stuck on a couple of hard questions and run out of time?

Students should begin to learn strategies for taking this test. The best preparation is given to you every school day in your regular school classes, especially in math and English classes. Take advantage of all your learning opportunities. Free SAT Prep Opportunity Chesterfield County will once again be offering free SAT Prep Academies this spring. Students will have the opportunity to register for a four-day prep course that will take place after school, from 2:30 – 4:30 at each of the below sites. Transportation will be provided to and from JRHS to the SAT/ACT Academy site. ACT Academies:  February 5 – 8 at Thomas Dale High School  April 9 – 12 at Midlothian High School  May 29 – June 1 at Thomas Dale High School SAT Academies:  March 5 – 8 at Matoaca High School  April 30 – May 3 at Meadowbrook High School  May 29 – June 1 at Thomas Dale High School

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Other details and information about the SAT/ACT Academies is located on the CCPS website (http:// mychesterfieldschools.com/curriculum/studentsupport-services/sat-academy/). Financial Aid Reminders Parents of seniors are also reminded to file taxes early and complete the FAFSA and the CSS Profile (if the CSS is required by the college of choice). Listed below are several helpful web sites. www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/guide www.collegeboard.org www.collegenet.com www.fastweb.com www.finaid.com Seniors and parents are encouraged to reference each month the latest edition of the James River Ripple, which lists local, state, and national scholarships available to the JRHS community. The Ripple is posted in English 12 and US/VA Government classrooms and on the JRHS website. Scheduling Season Begins for 2018-2019 The first semester is almost over, and yes, it’s already time for underclassmen to think about future classes! Beginning in January, all rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors will receive course and level recommendations from their instructors for the 2018-2019 school year. In addition, students will have access to the elective awareness guide to help them select meaningful electives to support students’ identified career interests. A series of activities will be held to educate and update our students about the elective choices that will be available to them next year. In January, first period teachers will offer a brief overview of electives. Students will choose three electives that they would like to learn more about. In January, students will have an opportunity to visit those elective teachers and get the “real story” about the courses during the Elective Round Robin. Copies of the Elective Handbook will be available in the classrooms and on the school website (https://sites.google.com/a/ccpsnet.net/jrhs/ home) under “Instruction.” In addition, the Chesterfield Technical Center (CTC) will also visit 10th graders through H-PE 10 classes on January 18 and 19 to discuss programs offered for the 2018-2019 school year. Once again we ask that parents/guardians become actively involved with their students in this process by helping them determine their remaining gradu-

RAPID NEWS

Counseling continued ation requirements, reviewing the electives in each career pathway, and selecting a course load that is both challenging and manageable. As we enter the scheduling process for next school year, please note that students’ course requests will not be adjusted after May 1, 2018. The only exceptions to this deadline include courses failed at the end of this school year which must be repeated for graduation requirements, level changes made by instructors after further review of recommendations made in January, and conflicts that arise as schedules are being finalized. For specific questions about this timeline, please contact your child’s school counselor or administrator (378-2420). January SOL Testing SOL testing will be given in January and February for students who may have passed the class but still need the required SOL test for verified credit and for transfer students in need of verified credits. Review sessions are currently being held during Rapid Time to help prepare students for these assessments. For science, social studies, and math remediation, academies will be held in January and February at the following sites, from 2:30 – 4:30:  January 16-18 at Monacan High School  January 22-25 at Bird High School  January 29-February 1 at Manchester High School  February 5-8 at Meadowbrook High School Students can register at http://mychesterfieldschools.com/curriculum/student-support-services/solacademy/. Rising Freshmen Orientation JRHS will welcome the Class of 2022 on February 6, 2018, at the annual “V.I.P. Night” (Very Informed Pupils/ Parents). This program begins at 7:00 p.m. in the theatre, where we will share with rising ninth graders and their parents valuable information about courses, clubs, athletics, and all things JRHS! Teachers, counselors, administrators, coaches, and club sponsors will all be on hand to answer questions and provide information to our future Rapids!

Yearbook Information Purchase the 2018 full-color yearbook on sale now—(price includes a monthly school newspaper and the literary magazine). Mail a $75.00 check made out to James River High School to the following: 3700 James River Rd., Midlothian VA 23113 or bring a check to the school office or order online at www.yearbookordercenter.com. Use order number 2423 to locate James River. Personalized yearbooks must be purchased ONLINE by January 15!  

Senior PDAs*

Submit electronically for the highest quality. All ads are in full color! Submit as a picture file (jpeg or bmp) to Christopher Calfee, yearbook advisor, at [email protected].  Make checks out to James River High School.  Include photos in a self-addressed envelope if you want them returned to you. Full page: 11” X 9 1/4” $300.00 Half page: 5 1/2” X 9 1/4” $225.00 1/4 page: 2 3/4” X 4 5/8” $175.00 1/8 page: Business card size $ 80.00 *Sizes negotiable. Discount available if you mention this ad!

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JRHS Forensics On December 16, 2017, the James River Speech team traveled to Ashland for the Center of the Universe Speech and Debate Invitational. Our hard work paid off once again with the entire team placing in the top ten. Congratulations to the following team members! Rhea Shah- 2nd Extemporaneous Speaking Isabelle Mayor Mora- 1st Impromptu Speaking (current state champ) Aaron Payne- 6th Impromptu Speaking Lindsey Stevens- 5th Humorous Interpretation Maria Tucker and Isabelle Mayor Mora- 2nd Duo Improvisational Acting Lindsey Stevens and Gwen Dean- 5th Duo Improvisational Acting Gwen Dean- 8th Storytelling Olivia McBride- 2nd Original Spoken Word Jessica Copi- 6th Original Spoken Word Georgia Scott- 2nd Prose Interpretation Maria Tucker- 3rd Prose Interpretation Marley Moore- 6th Prose Interpretation

Write for Rights RVA A Capstone Project sponsored by senior Caitlin Glauser When: January 13, 2018, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Where: Art 180 (114 W Marshall St, Richmond, VA 23220) Contact Caitlin Glauser at [email protected] Instagram: writeforrights_rva You are invited to participate in the Write for Rights campaign sponsored by Amnesty International. Write for Rights is a campaign focused around Human Rights Day which is December 10. Each year, Amnesty International selects 12 individuals who have been jailed, tortured, or persecuted in violation of their human rights. These individuals become the focus of their annual “Write for Rights” campaign. Citizens from around the world are encouraged to write letters on behalf of these wrongfully charged individuals. Letters make a difference! Please visit the website (http://write.amnestyusa.org/) to learn more about the project, read the profiles of the 12 individuals, and see the sample letters. Through individual action change is possible.

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JRHS PTSO News From the President: Happy New Year, Rapids! Exams are behind us, we’ve had two great weeks of break, and now we’re back. The end of the first semester is fast approaching, and we are excited about things to come for the rest of the year. Your PTSO looks forward to hosting some programs that will benefit our families, as well as the fun of our annual Color Splash Run in April. It’s not too late to join if you haven’t done so yet! Your membership helps us implement projects at the school that benefit everyone. Please visit our website at jrhsptso.com to join. The website also provides information about the organization’s activities and goals for the year as well as volunteer opportunities. We hope you’ll check it out! Scholarship Committee: ATTENTION SENIORS! MARK YOUR CALENDARS for January 15! If you are a senior and a joined the PTSO by November 30, you qualify to apply for the PTSO Scholarship. The James River High School Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) awards two $1000 scholarships each year. The application will be available on the PTSO and school websites from January 15, 2018 through February 16, 2018. The application will also be available in the Counseling Office during this time period. Programs: The JRHS PTSO and the Chesterfield Federal Credit Union will host an educational program for parents and students about checking accounts and credit cards for teenagers on January 23 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. More details soon! Save the date! April 21, 2018 Color Splash Run Details and sign up information coming soon!

Calling the Class of 2022! James River High School’s “VIP NIGHT” for upcoming 2018-2019 freshman will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, from 7:00–8:30 p.m. in the JRHS theatre . Teachers, counselors, administrators, coaches, and club sponsors will all be on hand to answer questions and provide information to our future Rapids! Mark your calendars! More information will be forthcoming, and middle school students will be receiving this information at their middle schools.

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JRHS

3700 James River Road Midlothian, VA 23113 Office: 804-378-2420 Fax: 804-379-2695 School Counseling: 804-378-2427 Athletics: 804-378-2429

JAMES RIVER HIGH SCHOOL A Nationally Recognized Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.

Jennifer Coleman, Ph.D. Principal Michael Farrell

Assistant Principal

Brandon Petrosky Assistant Principal

Jason Sears, Ed.D. Assistant Principal

Marcie Terry, Ed.D. Assistant Principal

Elisa Tedona

Dean of Students

Laurie Hogan

Director, School Counseling

Chip Boone

Director, Student Activities

Rapid News is produced monthly and designed with

Microsoft Publisher. Submissions should be sent to Ann Reinke, newsletter editor, by the fifteenth day of each month. She may be reached by email: [email protected]