Memorial Day Fun During Week #21

Funny how time flies when you’re having fun, and graduation is less than 20 school days away, so we’re having a BALL!!! Have you completed your Senior Exit Survey(see below for updated information about completing the survey), and hopefully you have your cap and gown to wear to the ACPS Graduation March on June 16th.

We continue to be so proud of our seniors who are accomplishing amazing feats this year. It was wonderful to be a part of the celebration for our C~SPAN Honorable Mention Documentary winners when they received their award on Tuesday, May 24th in a special celebration attended by Mayor Silberberg and a representative from Congressman Don Beyer’s office. Their documentary on “For Profit Prisons” was very well done and insightful, and we are so impressed with the quality of their work! Well done gentlemen!

May 27th CSPAN3We also loved the stories of some of our sensational seniors that is available now on the ACPS website. Take a look by clicking on this image…

May 27th ACPS website

Now on to the news we hope you will use as we begin the serious countdown…

Upcoming Events

Spring Testing Calendar

April 25-June 9th: Sign Up for June 16th Graduation March to Alexandria elementary and middle schools in cap and gown (link) – DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS WONDERFUL ALEXANDRIA TRADITION THAT LETS YOUR FORMER TEACHERS, YOUNGER FAMILY MEMBER, AND SCHOOL COMMUNITIES CELEBRATE ALL THAT YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED!!!!

May 20th Graduation March posterSpring SoL Testing Underway for Seniors (May SoL Testing Schedule Link and End of Year Testing Schedule link)

May 23 – June 10: Senior Experience Internships

May 30th: Memorial Day (NO SCHOOL)

May 31 – June 24th: Summer School Registration (link to manual)

June 1-3rd: Delayed start for SoLs (You do not need to come to school if you are not taking an SoL, and have an alternative way to get to school by 11:30AM)

June 1st: Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Awards Night AND Girls Soccer Regional Playoff game (Way to go ladies!!)

June 4th: STEM Workshop (registration link)

May 20th STEMs for Success Workshop flier

June 6th: Senior Recognition Night at 7:00 PM

June 6-10th: Prom tickets will be $60 when they go back on sale (Guest approval forms will be available in LC 12 or the main office)

May 13 Prom ticket salesJune 10th: Prom at the Waterford in Springfield 8-11:30 PM

June 13th: Senior Experience Presentations

June 13th-16th: Senior Final Exams

June 16th: ACPS Graduation March to Alexandria former elementary and middle schools (Sign Up form link)

June 17th: Graduation rehearsal and picnic 10:00-11:30 AM ALSO, Graduation Tickets (10) will be distributed after rehearsal to students who have completed the Senior Exit Survey

June 18th: Graduation (meet at TC at 7:00AM) then onto…

March 4 EagleBank Arena 4AND then ALL NIGHT GRAD PARTY!!! 11:00PM-4:00AM (link)

June 19th: Father’s Day (Be sure you don’t forget!)

Senior Exit Survey is Live

Pay close attention to Question #3. You MUST check ONE box under Attending and ONE box under Final Transcript. If you don’t, your college of choice will not receive your final transcript. If you have completed your survey, confirm your attending school with Ms. Christian in the College and Career Center immediately.

To access the survey:

  • Log into Naviance through Blackboard
  • Click on the “About Me” Tab
  • Find “2016 Senior Exit Survey” under Surveys to take in the far left column

Please complete the survey in its entirety. You will not be able to save and return to the survey. Remember that your survey must be completed in order for you to pick up your ten graduation tickets on June 17th after rehearsal.
If you have any questions, please see Ms. Christian in the College and Career Center or email Samantha.christian@acps.k12.va.us.

All Night Grad Party Tickets Are On Sale

If you are interested in purchasing All Night Grad Party Tickets, they can be purchased online (link) or on Thursdays during the lunch block for $40 (they will be $50 at the door). Yearbooks are also on sale now for those of you who did not purchase them through a package.

Yearbook Sale and Pickup

Yearbooks can be purchased in person from Ms. Gaskins. The cost is $75 to purchase and can be paid in either cash or a check made out to “T.C. Williams High School” with a memo note that says your name and “Yearbook.” Students go to room B135 at the end of classes or to room A337 before and after school. Also, a receipt is provided to each student showing the proof of purchase. Finally, you may also get a yearbook by going to: www.yearbookordercenter.com then find TC Williams or enter code #13996.

Mental Health Awareness Month

As we continue to recognize Mental Health Awareness month throughout May (Presidential Proclamation link), we continue to share the connection between physical mental health. Take a look at another great issue of Student Health 101 that explores ways to take care of yourself in lots of different ways:

 May 15th issue of Student Health 101 is now live.

Quick Fact:  What are the warning signs of disordered eating in men and boys?  Click Here  to find out.

In this issue:

  • Get Your Nature On – 7 new ways to get fit outdoors
  • Should You Do it Yourself or Call for Backup?  – Take the quiz
  • Capture your calm 8 small steps to stress less

New Diploma Seal Available Starting With Class of 2016

Starting with the class of 2016, students have the opportunity to earn the Virginia Diploma Seal of Biliteracy. The Virginia Board of Education’s Seal of Biliteracy certifies attainment of a high level of proficiency by a graduating high school student in at least one world language in addition to English. For more information and the requirements click here or contact your child’s counselor for more information. A letter has been mailed out on Friday, May 6th with more information.

Mrs. Feldman’s May Scholarship List

There is still time to earn some free money to help finance your future. Take a look at this link for $$$$ opportunities for college. It is never too late to seek money to help finance your post secondary aspirations. Stay focused and stay organized in your search (link to form). We’re all here to help you, so just ask. It is sooooo important that you develop the habit of seeking resources and asking for financial assistance to finance your dreams without incurring debt as you head off into the world. (Also, she just released the June scholarship list!)

Here’s another example of the types of scholarships that exist locally that may surprise you:

The Northern Virginia Apartment Association annually awards scholarships of up to $1,500 to students seeking a college education in a field broadly related to real estate. This includes but is not limited to: property management, development or construction of real estate, architecture, engineering, law, but does not include real estate sales.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have an application for citizenship pending. Applicants must be legal residents of Northern Virginia which includes the cities, towns and counties located in Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford. Applicants should be incoming college freshmen or current college students. Preference will be given to full-time students attending educational institutions located in the state of Virginia. Completed application and required materials must be received by June 17, 2016. Completed applications are evaluated and scholarships are awarded on or before August 1, 2016. An individual may receive only one scholarship award under the NVAA Memorial Scholarship program.

Click here for a link to the Scholarship Application if you are interested in applying for the scholarship. If you have any further questions regarding the program please feel free to contact me at 703.671.6777.

Have a wonderfully long weekend, and remember those who have died in defense of our freedom!

May 27th Memorial Day