Home of the Falcons

Dear Parents: Another successful year has quickly passed. Our students continue to excel in various ways. Our most recent success has been the outstanding results that our students have achieved on the end of year standards of learning tests. Preliminary results show pass rates from the low to the high 90's with significant numbers scoring pass advanced and numerous perfect scores. I am extremely proud of what our students and our staff has been able to accomplish. I want to thank our PTSO for all that they do for our school. Most recently they provided an end of year breakfast for our seniors. They provided a wonderful luncheon for teacher appreciation week. They also funded the second phase of our landscaping project in the front of the building. There is not a better looking entrance to any school in the area. On a sad note, our athletic director, Joe Breinig and one of our assistant principals, Michele Havener have decided to retire at the end of this school year. They are two of the original four staff who worked to open our fabulous school. They will be sorely missed and I am sure that we all wish them the very best in their retirement. Both of the positions have been filled. Tammy Brock, who is currently serving as an assistant principal at Loudoun County High School, will replace Michele. Jerry Carter, who is currently the athletic director at Liberty High School will replace Joe. Both are experienced, quality administrators. We are fortunate to have them join our staff. Please welcome them with open arms. I want to thank all of our parents for all of the support that you provide. Quality students come from outstanding homes. The work you do at home with your children makes our jobs educating students much easier. This is to wish you and your family a safe and relaxing summer. We look forward to an even better year next year. Regards, Ed Starzenski

The Flight Yearbook Staff has been recognized for three awards: 1. The Staff earned 19 early days. They did not miss any deadlines, turn in anything late, or receive any fines. 2. By January 31, 2008, the Flight Staff had completed 50% of the yearbook. That was the highest percentage of pages completed out of all Loudoun County schools attending the Herff Jones Awards Dinner. 3. Ms Leigh was selected as Rookie of the Year for her work as a new adviser.

Our Athletic Trainer, Marco Mastrangelo, has decided to take on a big challenge and he needs your help! On June 22nd, he will be participating in the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon as a Team in Training member on behalf of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. His hope is to raise money and awareness for the society. Each donation helps accelerate cures for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma and brings hope to the patients and families who are on the front lines of the battle against these diseases. Marco has been training very hard and now needs your generosity to help him cross the finish line. So please help make a difference. No donation is too small. Two ways to donate: Online at: http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaMMastra and make a secure online donation with your credit or debit card. Or, you can make a check out to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, put it in an envelope with Marco’s name on it and drop it off at the BWHS main office. UPDATE: Because of your support I am currently ranked 4th out of 50! as far as fund-raising goes. And if you've been meaning to donate but just haven't had the chance, now would be a great time! And who knows, maybe I can take over 3rd!

Class of 2008 Senior News

Congratulations to the class of 2008! As graduation nears, we wanted to provide you with some information regarding the senior activities leading up to graduation on June 17, 2008. **Cap and Gown Distribution and Panoramic Picture: Caps and gowns will be distributed on Thursday, May 22th, during all lunch shifts. Any senior who has not purchased a cap and gown may do so at this time. At 2:00 pm that day, a photographer will be at BWHS to take a panoramic picture of the class of 2008. Information regarding the purchase of the picture will be provided by the photographer. Seniors with early release should plan on staying at school until the picture is taken. **Senior Breakfast and Alumni Reception: On Wednesday, May 28, there will be a senior breakfast for all seniors at 8:50 am in the cafeteria. At 9:30, we will have a panel of BWHS alumni to talk with seniors about surviving their first year of college. **Senior Class Trip: Plans have been made for a senior class trip to Hershey Park, Hershey, PA. on Thursday, May 29th. Tickets must be purchased in advance and will be approximately $40. We will leave Briar Woods at 8:30 am and return by 10:00 pm. Transportation will be by chartered bus. **Blood Drive: The senior class will help with INOVA Blood Drive to be held at Briar Woods HS on Friday, May 30th. Seniors who want to volunteer to help should see Ms. James or Mrs. Hoffmann. **Senior Awards Ceremony: Wednesday, June 4th at 7:00 pm will be the Senior Awards Ceremony. Parents of students who will be receiving awards will be notified that they should attend. Recipients of the community scholarships and awards will be announced at this time. All seniors and their parents are welcome to attend. **School Awards Assembly: Friday, June 6th at 9:00 am will be the school awards assembly. School based awards will be presented at this ceremony.

More Class of 2008 News!!! **Graduation Rehearsal: A mandatory graduation rehearsal will be held on Thursday, June 12th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at BWHS. Students are to arrive promptly at 2:00 pm and plan on staying until 4:00 pm. Students should report to the auditorium. Seniors who do not attend the rehearsal, will not be permitted to participate in the cere-mony. We appreciate your help in making sure that students attend this important event. Thanks! **Graduation: *The Ceremony: The graduation ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17th at 7:30 pm at the Patriot Center of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Seniors should arrive by 6:30 and report directly to the lower level. *Tickets: No tickets are required for the graduation ceremony. *Special Accommodations: If due to a disability, you need assistance to enable you to participate meaningfully in any LCPS sponsored activities, please contact Principal Starzenski at (703)-957-4400 at least five working days prior to the scheduled activity. *Graduation Attire: We are asking your assistance in making sure that seniors are appropriately dressed for this important occasion. Young men should wear dress slacks, dress shoes, and a dress shirt with a tie. Appropriate dress for the young ladies is a dress, skirt or dress slacks with shoes or dress sandals. Please, no jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sneakers or flip flops! Thank you for your help! *Appropriate Behavior: Graduation is a formal ceremony and we ask that students and guests show respect for the ceremony as well as the people involved: faculty, school board members, keynote speaker and others in attendance. Please, no noise makers, helium balloons, signs or beach balls. *Pictures and Video-taping: The graduation ceremony will be video-taped and copies will be available for purchase. Information will be given to the seniors regarding this sometime prior to the ceremony. Also, a photographer will take a picture of each graduate as they receive their diploma from Mr. Starzenski. Information about the purchase of these pictures will be mailed to you. *Diplomas: When students walk across the stage during the ceremony, they will receive the diploma cover, not their diploma. Immediately following the ceremony, students will proceed to a designated area at the Patriot Center to receive their diploma. If students owe any fees, they will not receive their diploma until the fees have been paid in full at the main office. **Project Graduation: The Project Graduation party will be held at Dave and Busters in Bethesda, Maryland on June 17–18, from 10:30 pm until 6:00 Transportation to the party will be provided. Tickets are on sale through the PTSO. Contact Liz Carroll with any questions at (571) 333-8391 or liz@bcarroll.net Updated information on senior class activities can be found on the Briar Woods web site under the activities section. Should you have any questions regarding any of the above information, please contact either of the class sponsors at (703)-957-4402. Thank you.

Parents are reminded to pick up medications that your child has in the Clinic by June 17, 2008. State requirements do not allow storage of medications over the summer. If it is not picked up it will be destroyed. Parents of students with a known medical condition of Asthma and/or Severe Allergy reactions will be receiving medical forms, in the mail, to be filled out over the summer for the 2008-2009 school year. Please return these forms ,completed, at the start of the new school year. If your child does not require medication in school, PLEASE RETURN THE FORM with that noted on it. If you have any questions, please call Mrs. Gail Le Floch RN at 703-957-4406. Thank you for your cooperation and ...have a safe and healthy summer.

Loudoun County Public Schools 2007 - 2008 Student Calendar

September 3 Holiday (Labor Day) September 4 First Day of School for Students

October 8 Holiday (Columbus Day)

November 2 End of First Grading Period

November 5-6 Student Holiday (Planning/Records/Conference Days)

November 21-23 Holiday (Thanksgiving)

December 24-28/31 Winter Break (Classes Resume January 2)

January 1 Holiday (New Year’s)

January 21 Holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

January 24 End of Second Grading Period

January 25 Moveable Student Holiday (Planning/Records/Conference Day)*

February 18 Holiday (Presidents’ Day)

March 17-21 Holiday (Spring Break)

April 10 End of Third Grading Period

April 11 Student Holiday (Planning/Records/Conference Day)

May 26 Holiday (Memorial Day)

June 17 Last Day of School for Students/End of Fourth Grading Period

2007– 2008 Guidance Staff 703-957-4402 Dave Royhab Guidance Director Susan James Counselor for seniors: A – F

Counselor for grades 9, 10 & 11: A – De

Steve Cohen Counselor for seniors: G – N Counselor for grades 9, 10 & 11: Dh – Ja Beth Dekenipp Counselor for grades 9, 10 & 11: Je - Re Michelle Hoffmann Counselor for seniors: O – Z Counselor for grades 9, 10 & 11: Rh – Z Jan Develli Career Resource Specialist Melissa Holder Guidance Secretary Corina Bryant Guidance Secretary

.

SAT & ACT Dates & Deadline for 2007-2008 Both the SAT and ACT tests are administered on nationally standardized dates and require advanced registration. Students may register on-line or may obtain paper registration materials from the guidance office. Registration and study information is available at www.collegeboard.org for the SAT and at www.act.org for the ACT. Students should register at least six weeks in advance of the tests. Most colleges require SAT or ACT for college admissions. Some colleges also require certain SAT Subject Tests for admissions or placement. Students should check with all of the colleges to which they plan to apply to determine which tests are required and preferred. Students usually register for the SAT or ACT in their junior year and repeat the test in the senior year. Some students elect to take both the SAT and ACT. The ACT is different than the SAT in that it tests a student’s educational development in four distinct areas: English, Math, Reading and Science. Some students feel that the ACT is better suited for their individual strengths than the SAT. While it is not as popular with students in this part of the country as the SAT, most colleges will accept either test

SAT AND ACT TEST DATES AND TEST CENTERS The dates and test centers listed below are not official - check the SAT & ACT websites for official dates and test center locations. On-line registration information is available at www.collegeboard.org for the SAT and at www.act.org for the ACT. Hard-copy registration materials will be available in the Career Center. SAT

June 7: SAT and SAT Subject Tests, Park View High School ACT

June 14

SAT Online Prep Course Briar Woods High School now offers a .5 credit/one semester SAT Prep course built into our schedule for students in grades 10, 11 and 12. The course is based on the “SAT Online Prep Course” produced by the CollegeBoard. Students may also take the course independent of teacher instruction free of charge (this option is available to all students, including freshmen). Students will have the option to: 1) Take the official full-length pre-test. Find out where you need to focus your study. 2) Work through the lessons and quizzes. Review key concepts, learn approaches, and practice with lesson quizzes. 3) Take the practice quizzes. Take a practice quiz and learn through detailed explanations. 4) Take an official full-length practice test. Take an official practice test and identify the concepts and skills you may need to review or practice further. 5) Take another official practice test. Take an additional official practice test and view an analysis of your performance. *To access this program, log onto the Briar Woods website and follow the guidance link to “SAT Online Prep Course.” Then enter our school code: 470061. Select "Independent Study" to begin your session.

Briar Woods High School Music Boosters

2nd Annual Rummage Sale

Saturday, June 7, 2008 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

(rain date: Sunday, June 8th)

Don’t miss out! We have many items to choose from including: furniture, house wares, electronics, toys, baby items, sports equipment, books, CDs, DVDs, video games, clothing, and more. Many items donated last year were brand new!

This sale will benefit the Briar Woods High School Music Boosters Association, a parent/teacher organization that provides volunteer and financial support for the Briar Woods High School music programs. This year the Music Boosters Association will be awarding several academic scholarships to qualifying seniors as well as assisting the band program with the purchase of equipment and specialized instruction.

Donations Accepted – If you would like to donate items to the rummage sale, we will be accepting items (no broken or torn items, please) on the following dates from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: April 26th, May 10th, and May 31st. Donations may be dropped off at Briar Woods High School – follow signs to the football stadium. All donations are tax deductible; you will be given a receipt.

Please support our talented musicians by shopping at the

rummage sale and donating items.

AIPHONE Security System Being Installed in LCPS Schools

In an effort to increase the security of its schools, Loudoun County Public Schools is installing a video intercom entry system at each of its 72 school facilities.

The system, called AIPHONE, will allow schools to lock all doors during the school day and still permit visitors to enter. Visitors will push a button on an intercom located on the wall by the main front door of the school. A security camera at the door will allow a school staff member to view the visitor on a screen inside the building. The visitor will be asked for identification and the reason for the visit.

If the visitor is approved by the staff member, an electronic door lock will be

released so that the visitor may enter the building. Once entry is granted, visitors will sign-in at the office and obtain a visitor’s

badge. In the event school staff believes the person requesting entry is a danger to the students or staff, entry into the building will not be allowed.

Installation of this system will take place during the 2007-2008 school year.

The AIPHONE system will be installed in elementary schools first, followed by middle schools and high schools. The installation schedule plans for two to four schools a week to receive the new security system.

Parents will be notified when the AIPHONE is ready for

operation at their child’s school. LCPS asks for the cooperation of all visitors as this safety tool is implemented. Parents are an integral part of the education process and are encouraged to visit their child’s school. This safety measure will add yet another layer of security to our schools

Student Parking Students need to purchase a parking permit to park on school grounds. The cost for the permit is $25.00. This is a standard fee for all of the high schools. Parking permits can be purchased from Mr. DeCenzo during all of the lunch shifts in the cafeteria. Make your checks payable to BWHS.

Meal Prices For 2007-2008 Free and reduced lunch applications are available at the school and were distributed in homeroom on the first day of school. Please complete the form promptly and return it to your homeroom teacher. The cost for a Secondary student lunch will be $2.30 and breakfast will be $1.30. Students may pay for lunch by the week or the month if desired.

Briar Woods Absentee Call-In Line When a student will be absent form school, parents are asked to call the attendance call-in line. The number is (703) 957-4409. Please leave The following information when you call: 1. Date 2. Student name 3. Grade 4. Reason for the absence 5. Your identity For your convenience, this is a 24 hour answering machine. If you forget to call on the day of the absence, you must send a note with your student on the day they return to school. Without a phone call or note, the absence will be considered unexcused and disciplinary action will be taken.

Early Dismissals Parents: When requesting an early dismissal, please send your written request with your student that morning. Ms. Culbert will write them a pass to excuse them at the appropriate time. This will alleviate the need to disrupt the classroom. Thank you for your cooperation.

Disability Notice

If due to a disability, you need assistance to enable you to participate meaningfully in any LCPS sponsored activities, please contact Principal Starzenski at (703) 957-4400 at least five working days prior to the scheduled

Student Parking Students need to purchase a parking permit to park on school grounds. The

cost for the permit is $25.00. This is a standard fee for all of the high schools. Parking permits can be pur-chased from Mr. DeCenzo during all of the lunch shifts in the cafeteria. Make your checks payable to BWHS.

Meal Prices For 2007-2008 Free and reduced lunch applications are available at the school and were distributed in homeroom on the first day of school. Please complete the form promptly and return it to your homeroom teacher. The cost for a Secondary student lunch will be $2.30 and breakfast will be $1.30. Students may pay for lunch by the week or the month if desired.

School Board Approves 2008-2009 Student Calendar

The Loudoun County School Board adopted the student calendar for the 2008-2009 school year at its Tuesday, October 23rd, meeting.

2008-2009 School Calendar

September 1 Holiday (Labor Day) September 2 First Day of School for Students October 13 Holiday (Columbus Day) October 31 End of Grading Period November 3-4 Student Holiday (Planning/Records/Conference Days) November 26-28 Holiday (Thanksgiving) December 22-31 Winter Break (Classes Resume January 5) January 1-2 Holiday (New Year’s) January 19 Holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) January 22 End of Grading Period January 23 Moveable Student Holiday* (Planning/Records/Conference Day) February 16 Holiday (Presidents’ Day) April 2 End of Grading Period April 13 Student Holiday (Planning/Records/Conference Day) April 6-10 Holiday (Spring Break) May 25 Holiday (Memorial Day) June 19 Last Day of School for Students/End of Grading Period June 22-23 Planning/Records/Conference Days *NOTE: Parents with child-care or other weekday scheduling concerns – date of the Moveable Planning/Records/Conference Day between first and second semesters may change if the school calendar must be changed due to school closings for inclement weather or other emergencies.