Magna Vista High School

Freshman Guide to Success

701 Magna Vista School Road Ridgeway, VA 24148

Telephone: 276-956-3147 Fax: 276-956-5888

Table of Contents

Welcome 3

First Day of School 4

Bell Schedule 5

People You Need to Know 6

Attendance Policies and Procedures 7

Academic Policies and Procedures 8

Bring Your Own Technology 9

Advanced Diploma 10

Standard Diploma 11

Warrior Tech Academy 12

Academic and Career Plans 13

Career Clusters 14

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) 15

Athletics 16

Clubs and Organizations 17

Dress Code 18

What is Bullying? 19

Open Communication 20

Calendar 21

Helpful Links 22

Welcome Students!

The administration, faculty and staff are pleased to have

the new freshman class join the Warrior Community. Our

desire is for every student to have a successful experience at Magna

Vista High School. By following the policies and procedures outlined in

the Freshman Guide to Success, we are certain you will accomplish that

and much more while having fun in the process! The resources

provided in this guide should not replace personal contact with

teachers, staff and administration. Please feel free to seek out anyone

to assist you throughout your years at Magna Vista.

Mr. Charles Byrd, Principal Ms. Katrina Perry, Assistant Principal Mr. Travis Murphy, Assistant Principal, Athletic Director Ms. Franketta Tatum, Assistant Principal, Director of Warrior Tech Academy

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Arrival

● Students may begin arriving at 7:30 a.m.

● Car-riders unload on the side of the cafeteria side of the building.

● Assemble in the front lobby

● ALL students must pick up a class schedule printed on colored paper.

● 8:10 bell – Students may begin reporting to classrooms.

Breakfast

● Free to all students

● Breakfast is served from 7:45 a.m. to 8:20 a.m.

● A Late bus pass is needed to enter the cafeteria after 8:20 a.m.

Bell Schedule

● Students must be seated in classrooms before the tardy bell.

● The tardy bell sounds at 8:25 a.m.

● There are four blocks per day with five minutes travel time between blocks.

● Lunch is scheduled during the third block.

● Restroom breaks are as needed during the travel time between classes and during lunch.

Lunch

● There are two dining rooms with two serving lines in each room.

● There are two microwaves for student use.

● Students should be prepared to pay for lunch unless the meals application has been approved.

Forms to be submitted through Info Snap

● Meals Applications

● Student Information Forms

● Code of Conduct form with signatures

Dismissal

● Dismissal is at 3:25 a.m.

● KNOW your bus number! A bus pass is required to ride a bus other than your regular one.

● Car-riders are picked up on the cafeteria side of the building only!

● No car-rider traffic is allowed in the parking lot or in the bus loading area.

Bell Schedule

8:10-----------------Release Bell to Report to Classes

8:20-----------------Five-Minute Warning Bell & End of Breakfast

8:25-8:35----------Announcements/Moment of Silence/

Pledge

10:10-11:40------Second Block

11:45-1:50--------Third Block (Lunch)

1:55-3:25----------Fourth Block

3:35…………………Dismissal Bell

Lunch

11:45-12:15-------------------First Lunch

12:15-12:45-------------------Second Lunch

12:45-1:15---------------------Third Lunch

1:20-1:50-----------------------Fourth Lunch

People You Need to Know

Mr. Charles Byrd, Principal

Ms. Katrina Perry, Assistant Principal

Ms. Franketta Tatum, Assistant Principal, Warrior Tech Director

Mr. Travis Murphy, Assistant Principal, Athletic Director

Mrs. Brook Hankins, Coordinator of the New Tech Programs

Ms. Vicky Hayes, Grade 9 Guidance Counselor

Mrs. Susan Dawson, Media Specialist

Ms. Heather Holland, Attendance Secretary

Officer Richard Martin, Resource Officer

Mrs. Jana Penn, Registrar

Mrs. Angie Wood, Bookkeeper

Ms. Lisa Gardner, School Nurse

Mrs. Theresa Huston, Cafeteria Manager

You are encouraged to contact staff members regarding any questions or concerns.

www.henry.k12.va.us

Policies and Procedures

Attendance

Regular school/class attendance is very important to academic success. Attendance is recorded in each class period on a daily basis. TARDINESS

Students must be mindful of being on time for school and class. Tardiness is not tolerated.

Students are expected to be seated and ready for class when the tardy bell sounds. Discipline

referrals are made for students with excessive tardiness.

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES

The Henry County School Board is committed to enforcing the state compulsory attendance

laws. A phone call or note from parents is required with three (3) days for each absence.

Students with excessive absences may be referred to the school board office for truancy.

Truancy referrals may result in court action.

MAKE-UP WORK

Students are responsible for making arrangements with teachers for make-up work.

Assignments must be completed with three (3) days of returning to school. Students who skip a

class are not permitted to make up work for a daily grade.

APPEALS

More than two (2) unexcused absences per grading period will result in a failing report card

grade. If there are extenuating circumstances, students may submit an appeal once per

semester. Additional consequences apply to student athletes.

SUPPLIES

A student’s responsibility includes being prepared for class. Basic school supplies students will

need include: book bag, pencils, pens, three-ring binder, spiral notebooks and folders.

Individual teachers may require additional items.

Policies and Procedures

Promotion Policies

From grade 9 to grade 10—6 credits

From grade 10 to grade 11—12 credits

From grade 11 to grade 12—17 credits (and meet graduation eligibility

requirements)

Elective Courses:

Electives are required for graduation. Students must pass these courses. All

grades impact a student’s Grade Point Average (GPA).

Discipline

Students are expected to adhere to the rules and policies in the HCPS Code of

Conduct and the MVHS Student Agenda. To be successful, students must refrain

from receiving discipline referrals.

Homework and Class Work

All assignments are expected to be completed on time as assigned. Students are

encouraged to ask for help. Teachers are available to provide individual

assistance.

Homework Helps

Teacher web pages found at: http://web.henry.k12.va.us/magnavista/

Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT)

The district has implemented a program in which students may bring

electronic devices to school to be utilized for instructional purposes.

These devices are brought at the student’s risk.

Students are not permitted to use electronic devices in the classroom, except

under the direction of the teacher. This includes cell phones, iPad, laptops, etc.

Due to testing security, cell phones are not permitted in classrooms during state

testing.

Warrior Tech Academy

Warrior Tech Academy operates as

a school within a school. It is a part

of the New Tech Network which has over 10 years of proven success. Through

project-based learning and technology connections students gain the technical

and real-world skills needed for careers and college.

Some classes are integrated wherein students are taking courses simultaneously,

for example, Biology/Physical Education and English/History. Teachers act as

facilitators to guide learning and students work in collaborative groups. Trust,

respect and responsibility are character traits that are emphasized within the

culture of the Warrior Tech community. This program of study is a choice for the

motivated learner.

Follow us on Twitter:

@WTA_Pride

Pathways to College and Career Readiness

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Architecture & Construction

Arts, A/V Technology & Communications

Hospitality & Tourism

Human Services

Information Technology

Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security

Manufacturing

Business Management & Administration

Education & Training

Finance

Government & Public Administration

Marketing

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Information on each career cluster and other resources are found at the link below:

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/career_technical/career_clusters/index.shtm

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) End of Course Tests

The Standards of Learning (SOL) for Virginia Public Schools establish minimum

expectations for what students should know and be able to do at the end of each grade or

course in English, mathematics, science, history/social science and other subjects.

www.doe.virginia.gov

Verified credits be located required for graduation from high school and are obtained by

passing the SOL tests. See the diploma requirements to learn how many are required for each

diploma type.

Tests are administered online and contain technology enhanced questions requiring responses

in ways other than in a multiple choice format. For additional information and practice items

visit the Virginia Department of Education website-

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/indexshtml.

Other Assessments

Other assessments given are dependent on a student’s grade and/or course of

study.

WISE (Financial Literacy Assessment)

English Language Proficiency (English Language Learners)

NOCTI (Industry Certification)

VPT (College Readiness)

PSAT (Practice test for SAT)

SAT/ACT (College Admissions Tests)

Work keys (Career Readiness Certification)

ASVAB (Career Readiness – Required for Military Service)

CWRA (Career/Workplace Readiness Assessment – Required for WTA)

Athletics

Participation in sports, clubs, or organizations enhances opportunities for college admission and scholarships. Academic eligibility requirements apply for athletics. Teams are open for boys and girls. See the athletics director for questions.

Football

Cross Country

Golf

Cheerleading

Volleyball

Basketball

Wrestling

Indoor Track

Color Guard

Winter Guard

Swimming

Baseball

Softball

Tennis

Track

Soccer

Magna Vista High School Clubs and Organizations

SCA (Student Council Association)

Class Officers

FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)

DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America

FFA (Future Farmers of America)

HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America)

Drama Club

Forensics

French Club

Spanish Club

Beta Club

National Honor Society

National Technical Honor Society

Yearbook Staff

Show Choir

Concert Band

Marching Band

Color and Winter Guard

Sports

SCAEL Academic Teams

Student Ambassadors

Henry County Public Schools – Student Dress Code

• All shirts/tops must be of sufficient length to cover skin exposed at the waistline at all times.

Tank tops are not allowed nor are those that reveal undergarments or inappropriate body parts.

If worn, all sleeveless tops must come to the edge of the shoulder.

• Shirts and dresses should not have a low-cut neckline or expose the back.

• Clothing with logos that express obscenities, convey messages of a sexual nature, or advertise or

condone drugs, alcohol, or cigarette products will not be permitted.

• Clothing that is racially offensive or deemed a distraction to the educational process will not be

permitted.

• Mesh or see-through shirts are not permitted (males and females) unless a solid fabric shirt is

worn underneath.

• All pants, shorts, and skirts must be worn over the hips. Waistlines that sag and expose one’s

undergarments or under layer of clothing is not acceptable.

• No pants with holes or rips/tears are permitted unless another layer of clothing is worn under

them.

• Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be no higher than 5” above the knee.

• Slits on skirts or dresses must be no higher than 5” above the knee.

• Tight fittings pants, including but not limited to: leggings, jeggings, tights, biker shorts,

spandex, etc… are not stand alone garments. They must be covered with a shirt or garment

that is no shorter than 5” above the knee.

• The outer garment of clothing worn must always be in compliance with the dress code.

• No pajama-type pants/pajama pants are to be worn to school.

• No wearing of bedroom shoes will be permitted.

• Shoes should be appropriate for travel within the building; “heely” shoes (shoes with built-in

wheels) are not permitted.

• Hats, bandanas, headscarves, hoods, and/or any other head coverings may not be worn in

school. (Exceptions are made for religious observances.) Combs and picks may not be worn in

hair.

• Wallet chains/chains hanging from clothing or spiked jewelry are not permitted.

Consequences for Violations:

The student is required to make the necessary correction before returning to class. Repeated violations

will result in additional administrative action. (See the Student Agenda.)

What is Bullying?

Aggressive behavior may be bullying depending on what happened, how often it happens and

who it happens to. Find out what bullying is and what the different types are. You can also

learn more about other topics related to bullying.

Bullying Definition

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power

imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes

actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding

someone from a group on purpose.

How to Talk About Bullying

Parents, school staff, and other caring adults have a role to play in preventing bullying. They can:

● Help students understand bullying. Talk about what bullying is and how to stand up to it safely. Tell

kids bullying is unacceptable. Make sure kids know how to get help. ● Keep the lines of communication open. Check in with kids often. Listen to them. Know their

friends, ask about school, and understand their concerns. ● Encourage students to do what they love. Special activities, interests, and hobbies can boost

confidence, help students make friends, and protect them from bullying behavior. ● Model how to treat others with kindness and respect.

Help Students Understand Bullying

Students who know what bullying is can better identify it. They can talk about bullying if it happens to them or

others. Students need to know ways to safely stand up to bullying and how to get help.

● Encourage students to speak to a trusted adult if they are bullied or see others being bullied. The

adult can give comfort, support, and advice, even if they can’t solve the problem directly. Encourage

the child to report bullying if it happens. ● Talk about how to stand up to students who bully. Give tips, like using humor and saying “stop”

directly and confidently. Talk about what to do if those actions don’t work, like walking away ● Talk about strategies for staying safe, such as staying near adults or groups of other kids. ● Urge them to help students who are bullied by showing kindness or getting help. ● Watch the short webisodes and discuss them with students.

Keep the Lines of Communication Open

Research tells us that children really do look to parents and caregivers for advice and help on

tough decisions. Sometimes spending 15 minutes a day talking can reassure students that

they can talk to their parents if they have a problem. Start conversations about daily life and

feelings with questions like these:

● What was one good thing that happened today? Any bad things?

● What is lunch time like at your school? Who do you sit with? What do you talk about?

● What is it like to ride the school bus?

● What are you good at? What would do you like best about yourself?

Get more ideas for talking with children about life and about bullying. If concerns come up, be sure to

respond.

There are simple ways that parents and caregivers can keep up-to-date with kids’ lives.

● Read class newsletters and school flyers. Talk about them at home. ● Check the school website ● Go to school events ● Greet the bus driver ● Meet teachers and counselors at “Back to School” night or reach out by email ● Share phone numbers with other students’ parents

Model How to Treat Others with Kindness and Respect

Students learn from adults’ actions. By treating others with kindness and respect, adults show the students in

their lives that there is no place for bullying. Even if it seems like they are not paying attention, students are

watching how adults manage stress and conflict, as well as how they treat their friends, colleagues, and

families.

Magna Vista High School has policies against all types of bullying, including verbal,

written, physical, internet and cell phone harassment. The major effort is towards education and prevention

of bullying and the promotion of kindness to one another. Teachers and school staff have a role to

play. Students and parents are urged to contact the school when there is a concern.

http://www.stopbullying.gov

Henry County Public Schools Calendar 2017-2018

Official Opening August 9

Interim Reports September 2

Labor Day Holiday September 5

End of First Six Weeks Grading Period September 22

Report Cards Sent Home September 26

Interim Reports October 17

End of Second Six Weeks Grading Period November 4

Report Cards Sent home November 9

Fall Break November 23-25

Interim Reports December 5

End of First Semester/Third Six Weeks/Second Nine Weeks December 21

Winter Break December 22-Jan 6

School Re-opens for Students January 9

Lee/Jackson/King Holiday January 16

Report Cards Sent Home January 17

Interim Reports February 3

End of Fourth Six Weeks Grading Period February 21

Report Cards Sent Home February 27

Interim Reports March 17

Spring Break March 20-24

End of Fifth Six Weeks Grading Period April 12

Report Cards Sent Home April 18

Interim Reports May 8

End of Second Semester/Sixth Six Weeks/Fourth Nine Weeks May 25

Early Dismissal Dates (Schools dismiss three hours early):

September 30 December 21 May 25

Inclement Weather Early Dismissal: Schools will be dismissed in the following order:

Elementary schools first, middle schools second, and high schools last. Times will be announced

through local media outlets.

Make –up Days (The order of make-up days is determined at the discretion of the

superintendent):

January 6 February 24 March 20-24, April 14, May 25 (to become full day for students) May 26

Parent Teacher Conferences are to be held as needed throughout the semester (November 8

may be used for this purpose)

Helpful Links:

MVHS Web page:

http://web.henry.k12.va.us/magnavista/

Career Readiness:

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/careertechnical/careerclusters/index.shtml

Parent Resources:

http://www.parenttoolkit.com/

Lunch Menus:

https://www.henry.k12.va.us/Menus.html

College Admission: sat.collegeboard.org