February 5, 2023
Week of February 5, 2023
The start of a second semester is a great time to reflect on the successes and challenges of the first semester. I encourage everyone to take time to have these conversations with your student(s). Academic improvement is always our focus, and I challenge our students to focus on their individual academic achievement as the new semester begins.
This is also the time we begin the process of course selection for the 2023-24 school year. Course selection is a critical process for our students as they plan for their future. Over the next couple months students will be spending time with their school counselor working on course selection. We know this time can be stressful for students, so always feel free to reach out to our counselors with any questions. Please take some time to look at the course offerings and opportunities we offer and remember that a well-balanced selection of courses is always a great choice.
Yellow Jacket Teacher Nominations
Our next PAC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 7 at 5:00 pm via Zoom. If you would like to attend, please email Marie Emery at [email protected] for details.
Activity Bus
We have added an Activity Bus that will drop off at Urbanna RD @ Portsmouth RD, Marstellar MS, and Gainesville HS. This will take effect starting Tuesday, February 7th.
February is Black History Month
Osbourn Park High School celebrates Black History Month with a number of exciting and informative activities that celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans in history and in the present.
They include:
- Daily moments in Black History read each morning in February
- Display case celebrating African Americans in History
- Spirit week the week of February 20 (more to come on the subjects for each day)
- A Black History Program on February 24 that will include song, dance, steppers and Martin Luther King, Jr. rendition
Please stay tuned for more information in upcoming Bee in the Know!
Reduced Parking Fee
For the remainder of the school year, the parking has been reduced from $100 to $50 for all students obtaining a new parking pass.
Junior Symposium
Osbourn Park High School will host a Junior Symposium Night on Monday, February 13th at 6:30 pm in the Lillian Orlich Auditorium. This is an excellent opportunity for juniors and their parents to find out about and start post-secondary planning. Information will be presented on graduation requirements, SAT/ACT Testing, two and four-year colleges options and processes, financial aid and scholarships, military and technical career opportunities, and much more. We will also hold drawings for 2 free prom tickets! You must be present to win.
National School Counseling Week
National School Counseling Week , “School Counselors: Helping Students Dream Big,” sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from February 6th - 10th, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within United States school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. We would like to thank our school counselors for their dedication and all they do for our students and community.
We will hold a spirit week to highlight some of the awareness campaigns that counselors regularly promote with our students. Each day of the week represents an awareness campaign and is represented by a different color. Make sure you dress out each day next week to support them!
- Monday, February 6 - Mental Health Awareness (Wear Green)
- Tuesday, February 7 - Drug Awareness (Wear Red)
- Wednesday, February 8 - Suicide Awareness (Wear Yellow)
- Thursday, February 9 - Anti-Bullying (Wear Blue)
- Friday, February 10 - Cultural Diversity (Wear Orange)
Academic Advising
Throughout the month of February and March our counselors will be meeting with students to review graduation requirements, prior course history, and students’ interest to support the 2023-24 school year course selection process. All elective course offerings will depend on enrollment and student interest. The PWCS course catalog is available online and we encourage you to review the course descriptions as well as the graduation requirements for the Standard and Advanced Studies diplomas.
News from College & Career Center
Seniors! Check out your February monthly newsletter from the College & Career Hive! https://www.smore.com/3xu80
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Don’t forget to complete the FAFSA® form before March 1st. Currently, seniors are beginning to receive financial aid award packages from colleges and universities. As part of Financial Aid Awareness Month during the month of February, students and families are reminded to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form before March 1st. Many scholarships require a FAFSA® on file for distribution and offers. Learn more about the financial aid award packages that your student will receive. Here is a link to the College and Career Website with information to share with families that includes videos: www.pwcs.edu/departments/student_services/college_and_career_planning/financial_aid
Also, links to resources on understanding how to decode the Financial Aid Award Package are provided below.
- Decoding Your Financial Aid Offers
- Annotated College Financing Plan- This example document explains each component of the financial aid award letter. Reminder each college/university provides their own letter.
BigFuture Scholarship
Congratulations to Brooks Munns on being a BigFuture Scholarship winner from College Board! BigFuture rewards you for doing what you already are doing: planning for life after high school. With no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements, BigFuture makes it easy to enter drawings (yes, plural!) each month. Simply complete unlocked steps on your dashboard, and you'll be automatically entered to win. One step completed = one entry each month, the earlier and sooner you complete tasks, the bigger your chances to win. Students whose families earn less than $60,000 a year receive two entries each drawing. Don't wait, get started today! Click HERE to get started on your search and earning scholarship money.
Athletic Boosters
OP Boosters would like to congratulate the following individuals for being selected as their team's Student-Athlete of the Month for January.
They will be recognized at a special breakfast with Ms. Kane in a few weeks. Way to go YellowJackets!
- Swim: Wyatt Allanson, '23 & Bella Rosaria, '25
- Wrestling: Eddy Rodriguez, '24
- Boy's Basketball: Josh Okuadido, '23
- Girl's Basketball: Kori Cole, '23
- Track: Aubree Harris, '25 & Max Reeder, '24
- Gymnastics: Robyn Lyle, '23
George Mason University Game and Technology Academy
The PWCS CTE Department, in collaboration with Math, will sponsor the George Mason University (GMU) Game and Technology Academy Saturday classes again this Spring.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:
- Roblox Game Development Ages 10 -14: This course utilizes the Roblox game platform to teach students game design and development. Students will build multiplayer worlds and use the Lua programming language to create desired game mechanics. During the second half of the course, students will create their own game by choosing from a collection of custom tutorials provided with one of the base game templates provided (Platformer, Racer, RPG).
- Game Programming with Unity and C# Ages 12+: This course utilizes the C# programming language within the Unity game engine to help students learn game programming. Students will initiate the development of a variety of games by writing C# scripts to enable desired game features, object and character behaviors, and game mechanics. Students will then use a collection of custom tutorials to expand on and publish one of their games.
- Intro to 3D Modeling with Blender Ages 12+: In this class, students will learn the basics of Blender, a free and open source 3D software used by both beginners and experts in the 3D animation/modeling industry. During these weeks, students will be learning the process involved with creating a simple 3D character in Blender. The students will model, rig and animate their characters and render a video of their animation.
Dates: March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 15, 22 Times: 10 am – 3 pm
There will only be 90 students selected to attend these classes. The registration will be paid for with funds from the Advancing Computer Education Grant. Interested students will need to have their parents complete the survey with them to provide permission and review the expectations. Students will be notified by Mason Gaming and Technology Academy (MGTA), if selected. Fill out this form: https://forms.office.com/r/SjTDYLEcbg This survey will close on 2/10/23.
Mason Game & Technology Academy (MGTA) at George Mason University in Manassas will be offering 12 paid internships to students, 4 in each of the following classes:
- Intro to 3D Modeling with Blender
- Game Programming with Unity and C#
- Roblox Game Development
Interested students must complete this interest form by 2/6/23.
- Dates (Saturdays): 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/15, 4/22
- Work Hours: 9 am – 3:30 pm
- Minimum age: 16
- Wage: $15/hour
- Total hours paid: 60
- Paid training included
Students must be able to commit to all dates and times and have their own transportation.
PWCS expands Family Engagement Series
PWCS is expanding the Family Engagement Series to offer more topics to assist our families.
- Thursday, February 9, 2023 - 7 p.m. - Live Virtual Session
Positive Climate and Culture: Student Well-Being: Strategies to Support Families of Students Suffering with Mental Health Issues
- Thursday, February 16, 2023 - 7 p.m. - Live Virtual Session
Positive Climate and Culture: Supporting Student Well-Being with Coping Strategies for Students with Disabilities
- Tuesday, February 21, 2023 - 7 p.m. - Live Virtual Session
Positive Climate and Culture: Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Reporting: How to Support Your Student & School
Explore offerings for February on the Family Engagement webpage and register today >>
Athletics
As we prepare for our Inaugural Crew season at OPHS, any questions should be sent to:
[email protected] (Boosters)
[email protected] (Head Coach Benjamin Fields)
Mark your calendar for Spring Sports Try-outs starting on 2/21. Contact the respective coach for information on the specifics time- slots for their tryouts. Athletes must have a current physical and concussion training certificate on file prior to any participation in sports.
|
“Empowering all to be future ready, together.” OPHS Team Follow Us on Twitter! @OsbournParkHS |
February 12, 2023
February 20, 2023
Bee in the Know Week of February 19, 2023
We celebrated our Sweet Week Kindness-inspired spirit week and were truly inspired by the Random Acts of Kindness displayed throughout the school. Looking ahead, we will continue our Black History Month celebration with a Black History Month Spirit Week from February 21-24. See more information below.
Reminder
No School on Feb 20 to observe Presidents Day.
Black History Month and Spirit Week
Continue to Celebrate Black History Month with Spirit Week and BHM Program – 2/21 - 2/24
The celebration of Black History Month continues this week starting with BHM Spirit Week and a culminating Black History Month program which will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023, at 12:30 pm in the Lillian Orlich Auditorium.
The BHM Spirit Week days are as follows:
- Tuesday, Feb. 21 - “Sunday Best” - Means exactly what it states. Dress up in your best clothing.
- Wednesday, Feb. 22 – “Back to Our Roots!” - Dress up in your favorite African American musical artist or person in history, or even someone you know.
- Thursday, Feb 23 - “HBCU Day” - Represent a HistoricallyBlack College or University or if you do not have any attire from an HBCU, please wear attire from any College or University.
- Friday, Feb. 24 - “Blackout!” - Wear all black to honor all African American figures who helped shape our nation.
This week will end with the culminating event, the OPHS Black History Month Program which will take place on Friday, Feb 24th at 12:30 pm in the auditorium.
Safety and Security Briefings
PWCS families and community members are invited to attend one of the Safety and Security Briefing events PWCS has scheduled to give you an opportunity to join the discussion about the school division's comprehensive approach to “deter, detect, and defend,” including the use of new preventative technology currently under consideration.
Meetings will begin at 7 p.m. and are scheduled at three high schools around the county and one session offered virtually via Zoom.
- February 22 at Gainesville High School (13150 University Blvd,Gainesville, VA 20155)
- February 27 at Freedom High School (15201 Neabsco Mills Rd,Woodbridge, VA 22191)
- February 28 at Woodbridge High School (3001 Old Bridge Rd,Woodbridge, VA 22192)
- March 2 as a Zoom webinar (please register in advance for this webinar)
Tornado Drill
The annual PWCS Tornado Drill will take place at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. If severe weather occurs on the morning of March 7, 2023, the statewide tornado drill will be rescheduled for Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 9:45 a.m. Schools can schedule their tornado drill for any time during the week if there are scheduling conflicts. This drill allows the school division to practice its emergency procedures.
Please visit the National Weather Service website for more information regarding Virginia Severe Weather Awareness Week 2023.
Choir Recognition
Osbourn Park was proud to send 24 singers to District Choir this weekend and 15 singers to audition forall state. I am proud to say we are the second highest represented school at All State this year with 4 singers and 1 alternate selected.
A huge congratulations to Ruth Osaro, Sophie Monseur, Brett Barton, and Leland Boxer as singers and Angel Gaspar for being selected as first alternate.
Congratulations and enjoy all state choir in April! We are proud of you!
22-23 HI-JACKET YEARBOOK
WE ONLY HAVE 166 COPIES LEFT OF THE NEW 22-23 HI-JACKET YEARBOOK! Pre-orders have been selling like hotcakes and we may sell out. Reserve your copy now for just $85. Visit yearbookforever.com to pay by credit or debit or see Mr. Barber in room 1222 for cash or check. Receipts will be issued. Books will be issued in May with an extra free spring supplement to highlight OP spring sports and OP spring activities.
SENIOR TRIBUTE DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FEB. 24.
Senior tributes are full color celebrations of your child's journey to graduation. Parents can use theeasy-to-use template to download photos and text and create the perfect lasting memory. Imagine how special your student will feel knowing everybody who sees the yearbook will see their unique personal tribute! Tributes start at $75 for 1/8 of a page and can be as large as a full page.
To order a tribute by credit/debit visit yearbookforever.com
To order by cash or check made payable to "Osbourn Park HS" see Mr. Barber in room 1222
YEARBOOK STILL NEEDS YOUR CANDID PHOTOS!
We are always on the lookout for the best pictures of OP students in action, and often those come fromparents and students themselves. To send the yearbook your photos for consideration, go to your favorite app store and download the free app "yearbook snap." Once the app is active, search for "Osbourn Park," put in our school code "jacket," and then upload your photos. Fill out your name and email and then send your best or favorite pics to the yearbook for consideration.
If you have any questions about anything yearbook related, please contact Mr. Barberat [email protected].
College and Career Center News
The PWCS Career Fairthis spring will be hosted at Gainesville HS March 9 from 5-7 p.m. Food trucks will be on site for families/students (food for purchase). There is no student registration needed to attend this eveningevent. This Career Fair is open to all grade levels looking for full/part-time jobs, summer jobs, internships, etc. PWCS has over 100 business partners that we work with to provide students with jobs. No pre-registration for the event is required.
PWCS is hosting an in-person job fair for students interested in working as Student Aides duringPWCS’s Summer School Program: Tuesday, March 21, 2023, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Kelly Leadership Center (14715 Bristow Road, Manassas, 20112). A committee of school civision personnel will meet with applicants to conduct interviews. Applicants must print and bring a copy of the completed online application and the completed school reference(s) to the job fair.
To be considered for PWCS Summer Student Aide ($14.34/hr.) positions, applicants must:
- Be age 16 or older, as of June 22, 2023
- Complete a PWCS online application (Go to https://jobs.pwcs.edu/WorkSpace/ and complete the “Summer School Classified” application)
- Obtain one completed reference. Reference forms and requirements are located on the PWCS Web site, www.pwcs.edu, select “Employment” then “Summer Employment”
- Attend the Summer Job Fair
High school juniors: The application is now open for the QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program!Awards include full scholarships to college summer programs, essay feedback,$1,000 awards, and more. Visit questbridge.org to learn more.
Learn more and apply here.
The NOVA CORE scholarship awards students a full-ride scholarship for an A.S. in Engineering here atNorthern Virginia Community College. Some of your current high school seniors could be studying on one of our campuses, free of charge, this fall! The attached flyer NOVA CORE Flyer.pdf provides details related to eligibility requirements and enrollment timeline. Engineering faculty will hold an information session on Tuesday, February 21st at 6:00 pm. Students should register online to attend.
Ronald Reagan Leadership Medal: This prestigious award is presented to graduating students who bestexemplify the following characteristics: Drive, Humility, and Service Before Self. Every high school in America may nominate one graduating senior for a Ronald Reagan Leadership Medal. This award allows schools to recognize outstanding high school students whose drive, integrity, and citizenshipqualities are emblematic of our nation's 40th President. Each nominated student will receive an exclusive medallion and a letter of recognition from John Heubusch, the Executive Director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. Awards will be mailed to school administrators during the month of May, in time to be presented at a culmination ceremony, award reception, or graduation. We encourage students to wear their medallions, take pictures with it, and share it on social media.
To be eligible for this award, the student must:
- Graduate in the current academic year
- Exemplify the values of Drive, Humility and Service Before Self
Each academic year, only one graduating senior per high school may receive an award. It is theresponsibility of each school's administrators to confer with one another to make their sole selection for the award. Multiple submissions by the same school may result in disqualification. If you wish to be considered as OPHS's nomination, please email Mrs. Jaeger a letter of interest as to why you feel you deserve this scholarship recognition and a letter of recommendation by March 27th, 2023.
Go2Support
Go2Support is a student-run platform dedicated to providing academic advising and social support to students. If you are interested in receiving advice on how to stand out to colleges with your extracurriculars, join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, February 21st in the Career Center. Please complete this short form to be notified of Go2Support’s future meetings.
Pathway For Future Engineers
Apply by March 1st to reserve your space in camp. Click to see more details!
Athletics
- 2/21: AT OP... Region 6B Quarterfinal vs. Woodbridge HS 6PM
- 2/22: Region 6B Semifinal - TBD
- 2/25: Region 6B Final - TBD
- [email protected] (Boosters)
- [email protected] (Head Coach Benjamin Fields)
This week's sports events:
@OsbournParkHS