1 | P a g e

The Gryphon News

WOW! Time flies when you’re having fun! We are moving through this school year at lightning

speed. We have had so many wonderful moments to kick off this school year: We have collected over

$3000.00 for United Way thus far in our campaign. Middle school students have received 10,777

positive referrals or “gotcha” points. Forty one students in the 4x4 program achieved Honor Roll and

three students made the Principal’s List. Academically, our 4x4 students have finished a semester,

and our A/B students have completed the first quarter. Report Cards will go home on November 15th

and students will be able to apply (and re-apply) for Honors Level for the 1st half of the third nine

weeks.

Students looking to get involved in community service will want to check out our NobleTeens Club

(highlighted on page 7 of this newsletter)—so far this year they have raised money for the Susan B.

Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness, United Way, and they have begun their food drive

for the city-wide Beach Bag Program. If you are interested in getting involved or would like to donate

to a specific cause, contact Shawn McMahon, our Student Activities Coordinator. We also have after

school intramurals up and running, as well as tutoring and other clubs! There are always

opportunities to get involved and make a difference.

TESTING INFORMATION

School Improvement Specialist: Karol Bledsoe, at 648-5923.

Students will experience pre– and post- assessments in all of their

academic classes throughout the school year. The data from these

assessments provide vital information for teachers to ensure quality

instruction for our students. Our students are important to us, and we

want to individualize instruction that is designed to meet the needs of our students as well as provide

the appropriate supports and interventions to enable our learners to grow and prosper, just as you do.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our Renaissance family. If you have

questions or concerns regarding instruction, please contact your student’s teachers. If you have

questions regarding testing, please contact the School Improvement Specialist’s office.

2 | P a g e

Upcoming testing dates:

November 29 - December 2, 2016 Fall SOL Writing Second Opportunity

Students who were term graduates for the fall SOL test administration who need the writing SOL test for verified credit; online testing only.

December 8 – 15, 2016

CTECS: Workplace Readiness Skills Assessment

Students enrolled in Career and Technical Education classes, such as (but not limited to) Marketing, Fashion Marketing, Business Information Systems, earn industry certification (which can count as a Student Select Verified Credit).

January 9 - 20, 2017

Fall SOL EOC Non-Writing Tests Grade 8 Reading and Mathematics Tests

Students in EOC** classes; RRP students, and MSD*** students under SOL requirements.

January 13, 17, and 18, 2017 W!SE Financial Literacy Students enrolled in the Financial Management course.

January 9 - March 31, 2017

NCLB English Language Proficiency Test (ACCESS FOR ELLs) Academic Language of the Content Areas (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking)

All students designated with English proficiency levels 1.0-5.9.

January 19 - February 3, 2017 Fall SOL Expedited EOC** Tests Expedited Grade 8 Reading and Mathematics Tests

Fall EOC**; MSD*** students who meet the expedited testing requirements.

NEWS FROM THE GUIDANCE DEPARMENT

Some parents may receive a phone call and letter in the mail inviting them to participate in a SRT meeting (Student Response meeting) regarding their child. Meetings are scheduled for a variety of reasons such as attendance, grades, or other matters. Please take the opportunity to participate as a member of the team to review possible solutions to assist your child in being successful in school. You can participate in person or over the phone.

If you would like to schedule a meeting, please contact your student’s guidance counselor.

Ms. Jeanne Pearce Middle School Jeanne.Pearce@vbschools.com. 648-5914.

For high school students, the guidance department is divided by alphabet. Here is the breakdown: Ms. Rose Johnson Last Names A – E Alma.Johnson@vbschools.com 648-5915 Ms. Teri Wilson Last Names F – M Teri.Wilson@vbschools.com 648-5910 Ms. Debby Christian Last Names N – Z Deborah.Christian@vbschools.com 648-5934

If ever in doubt, just call our Guidance Office Associate/Registrar: Ms. Becky Perez at 648-5911 or email her at Rebecca.Perez@vbschools.com.

3 | P a g e

Ms. Pearce completed classroom presentations with all middle school classes on anger and stress management. Her next round of classroom presentations will cover GPA’s, study and organizational skills and have the students set up their Virginia Wizard accounts. The Virginia Wizard account will allow students to take a career interest survey and research careers.

The high school counselors are going into classrooms to complete career assessments with the students. They are scheduling meetings with each of their seniors to discuss credits and sign their senior letter.

2ND ANNUAL RENAISSANCE ACADEMY

GLOVES – MITTENS – SOCKS- HATS DRIVE

Renaissance Academy is working with Edmarc Hospice for Children in Portsmouth to collect socks,

mittens and gloves for their patients (ages newborn-17 years old) who suffer from a life limiting disease

or terminal illness.

If you’re interested in helping, you can do so in the following ways:

Purchase socks, mittens or gloves for children, newborn to age 17, and bring them to the

Guidance office. You can then complete a card with your name on it and we’ll post the card on

the “Giving Tree” located in the middle school cafeteria.

Spread the word to your students and colleagues to purchase new gloves, mittens or socks and bring them to the Guidance suite.

Purchase either gloves, mittens or socks and bring them to the Guidance suite. You can then complete a card with your name on it and we’ll post the card on the “Giving Tree” located in the middle school cafeteria.

The drive will begin on Monday, November 14, 2016, and will end on Friday, December 2, 2016. If you have and questions, please see Jeanne Pearce, Middle School Counselor.

OTHER GUIDANCE NEWS

2017-2018 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application process is available online three months earlier. Applicants can now complete the application process closer to the college application process. For resources specific to the 2017-2018 FAFSA, including a tool kit, educators and parents can visit the 2017-18 FAFSA Page

SENIORS AND FAMILIES OF SENIORS!

Senior Year is an exciting time as the final year of high school begins! A graduation ceremony in June will be a celebration recognizing the successful completion of many years of schooling! But it can be overwhelming for students as well as their families. Seniors should be reminded often that there are many steps to take before they walk across

4 | P a g e

the stage in June to receive their diplomas. Regular attendance is important, classes and mandatory SOLs must be passed, and the required number of credits must be earned. Parents/guardians are encouraged to stay in touch with your senior’s assigned RA guidance counselor who can help families monitor academic progress and understand graduation requirements. Counselors can also help families access the available resources to support students who may be in academic difficulty. There will be an important Senior Class Meeting on Thursday, November 17 at 1:30 p.m. in the Schola. January and June 2017 graduates are required to attend. Seniors who do not have afternoon classes and may not be in the building should see Mrs. Steckroth in the Library beginning on Friday to discuss the information presented at the meeting. Information regarding graduation requirements, home school communication, senior graduation speakers, ceremony choices, and expectations will be discussed. Seniors will truly miss important information if they do not attend. Seniors who plan to participate in a graduation ceremony may do so with their home school (if eligible), OR Renaissance OR choose not to walk anywhere. VBCPS does not permit students to walk in more than one ceremony. Student preferences will be documented by Mrs. Steckroth; January Completers must decide before leaving RA. Students participating in the RA ceremony will not order Caps & Gowns until early spring. Ordering will be done here at school under the guidance of the Senior Sponsor. Home school participants will purchase caps & gowns from their home school. August graduates will not order Caps & Gowns until they attend their summer classes. Parents, guardians, and seniors are encouraged to contact Senior Sponsor Steckroth at any time with questions or concerns. evelyn.steckroth@vbschools.com; 648-5919

Attention Seniors Looking to Have a Senior Portrait Taken

Lifetouch Studios, the company contracted by the school division that takes all school pictures, does

not take senior portraits at Renaissance Academy. If you missed your home school senior picture

date, you can still get a Senior Portrait taken at many places in Virginia Beach. You will be able to

choose what you want to wear and how many poses you would like. If you would like to contact

Lifetouch directly, their contact information is below.

Keep in Mind

Make calls/shop around and check out the prices of local businesses that take portraits.

Online websites are a great place to start.

Note whether or not the business charges a “sitting fee” or any fees other than the pictures.

Ask about specials, coupons, or discount pricing.

Ask if the business has a graduation robe/tuxedo/drape/other props that you can use.

Prestige Portraits by Lifetouch prestigeva@lifetouch.com 121 Landmark Square Virginia Beach 23452 (757) 222.0222

5 | P a g e

STUDENT VOICE COMMITTEES

Student voice committees meet twice this year and discussed Renaissance Academy’s climate and

culture as well as the positive impact of having a healthy, trusting positive relationship with their

teachers.

The majority of the students reported that they had an adult in the building that cared about them

and that they could go to them if they needed someone to discuss a personal matter. They felt safe a

Renaissance and many considered some of their teachers their heroes.

The committees will continue to meet throughout the school year and if your student would like to be

a part of the Student Voice Committee, please have them contact their administrator for more

information.

Administrators:

It is with great pride that we introduce our newest member of the administrative team, Mr. John Bennett. Mr. Bennett began his career as a math teacher in 2009 as a HS math teacher at Renaissance Academy. He became a Student Improvement Specialist for Renaissance Academy last school year and was recently promoted to the position of an Assistant Principal October 5, 2016. Mr. Bennett holds a Bachelor of Science degree from George Mason University and a Graduate degree from George Washington University.

Here is the new break down of students for each administrator

Mr. Bennett: Grades 6 – 12: students with last name F - M

Mr. Cassin: Grades 6-12; students with last name N - Z

Mr. Johnson: Grades 6-12; students with last name A - E

Mr. Loehn: Grades 6-12; Special Education

Ms. Phipps: Grades 6-12; Dress code Violations, Cell phones, and attendance referrals

UNITED WAY

Renaissance Academy begun its fundraiser Campaign on October 31, 2016. Faculty, students and parents are encouraged to participate. Students have participated by donating their pocket change or by donating one to three dollars to wear their own hat or clothing. If you or your family would like to donate, please contact Ms. Phipps at 648-5996. All donations must be returned by November 16, 2016.

6 | P a g e

Here are just a few of the United Way of South Hampton Roads certified Agencies that your donation can be directed to by you to benefit. Virginia Beach Public Education Foundation Virginia Beach SPCA Tidewater Youth Service Foundation Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters Southside Boys and Girls Club Meals on Wheels Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads Hope House Foundation Beach Health Clinic, Inc. Seton Youth Shelters Samaritan House FEDERAL CARDS Impact Aid Program Federal Cards were handed out to students on Tuesday, November 1, 2016.

Please take the time to fill out your child’s Federal Card and return it as soon as possible. For your

convenience, blank Federal Cards are located at the front desk in the event you cannot locate your

child’s card. If you have any questions regarding Federal Cards please contact Ms. Roberts at 648-

6000.

PRINCESS ANNE COUNTY TRAINING SCHOOL/UNION KEMPSVILLE HIGH MUSEUM Visit the Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School

(PACTS/UKHS) Museum located directly inside Renaissance Academy. Your visit will

transport adults and children to a time in local history when PACTS/UKHS was the only school

providing a secondary education for African American children in the former Princess Anne County,

which is now the city of Virginia Beach.

Hours of operation:

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday (through Labor Day) After Labor Day 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday (when school is in session)

Address: 5100 Cleveland Street Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Phone Number:

757.648.6006

Email Address:

sspencer@vbgov.com

Contact Person:

Shirin Spencer, museum educator

7 | P a g e

GREETINGS FROM THE RENAISSANCE CLINIC STAFF

Now is a good time to get vaccinated for the flu season. It is recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months receive a yearly flu vaccination. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses and prevent flu-related hospitalizations. For more information on the flu vaccine please go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.

Those with symptoms of flu should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have fever or do not feel feverish without using fever-reducing drugs.

Sick people should stay at home, except to go to the doctor's office, and should avoid contact with others. Keeping people with a fever at home may reduce the number of people who get infected. Because high temperatures are linked with higher amounts of virus, people with a fever may be more contagious. For more information as to where you can get a flu shot contact your physician, or the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health at (757-518-2700). REMINDER: If your child requires medications at school, even over-the-counter medication, please go to the following website to download a copy of the “Request for Administration of Medication” form: http:ww.vbschools.com/health/medication_admin.pdf

Please feel free to contact the clinic staff if you have any questions or concerns regarding your student’s health. 648-5907/5908 (Pam Belote, RN, Linda Geherin, RN, & Laura Hisler, LPN).

Fall Health Tip from VBCPS School Health Advisory Board

Why Walk? Why Not! The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that children be active for at least 60 minutes every day. Walking can contribute to overall health, and decrease the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes. Walking is a great way to get the physical activity. It also does not require a gym membership or expensive equipment. More information can be found at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/walking/index.htm

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

There are many student sponsored activities and clubs off and running this school year such as intramural sports afterschool, bowling, NobleTeens, art club and robotics. The high school after school activity buses run on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. Middle school after school activity buses run on Monday’s and Wednesday’s. The activity buses depart at p.m. for both middle and high school runs.

If you have an interest in an activity and would like more information, please contact Mr. McMahon,

our student activity coordinator at Shawn.McMahon@VBSchools.com or 648-6400.

HIGHLIGHTED CLUB: NobleTeens

The NobleTeens are a philanthropic club ran by Renaissance students. Renaissance students have a

chance to give back to their local community doing activities such as food drives, Toys for Tots,

8 | P a g e

reading events for local elementary students, cancer awareness and united way drives, and feeding the

hungry at local shelters. Recently, the Renaissance chapter of NobleTeens attended A NobleTeens

Summit on November 2, 2016. During this summit, teens collaborated on ways to give back to the

community. Teens are looking forward to learning more from their mentors the NobleMen on how to

make their dreams of giving come true. The Renaissance Chapter mentors are Mr. Peter Reuss and

Mr. Kurt Werth.

(The Renaissance Chapter took a picture with one of

our mentors Mr. Peter Reuss at the Summit Meeting)

PHOTO ALBUM

Man Power Mentoring Group

Halloween costumes worn as a middle school PBIS

incentive. Teachers and students participated in the

incentive.

9 | P a g e

Students in Mrs. Woodley’s Culinary Class preparing to be

chefs

Red Ribbon Champaign obtained over 100 signatures from

students pledging to be drug free

Shine Girls Meeting

10 | P a g e

WEALTH OF INFORMATION

Most all the information you ever need about the schools and the school division can be found by accessing this link: http://www.vbschools.com/index2.asp.

Here are just a few of the many things that the website offers:

2016-2017 School Calendar

November 7 End of the First Nine-Weeks November 8 No School (Staff Day) November 11 Veterans Day (Schools Closed) November 15 Report cards issued to students November 23 Adjusted Dismissal November 24-25 Thanksgiving (Schools Closed) December 22 Adjusted Dismissal December 23, 2016 –January 2, 2017 Winter Break (School Closed) January 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day (School Closed) January 30 End of 2nd Nine-Weeks & 1st Semester

STAY CONNECTED WITH RENAISSANCE

The RA homepage is another great source of information to keep up with what is happening at Renaissance Academy. The RA homepage features updated calendars, important links, and much more to keep you in the know. The RA homepage can be accessed at: http://www.renacademy.vbschools.com/

STAY CONNECTED WITH VBCPS In an effort to better communicate and keep in touch with parents, staff members and students, Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) operates a number of social media channels. Follow along with the school division to find photos and videos of classroom activities and school productions as well as breaking news and information. Follow Virginia Beach City Public Schools on

THE CORE

Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Periscope

11 | P a g e

Virginia Beach City Public Schools is launching a new awareness campaign: Be Social. Be Smart. Be Safe. The goal is to help our students and families understand what it means to be responsible digital citizens and to realize that social media posts and their impact exist forever, regardless of whether they are deleted or not. We encourage you to share this information with your family and talk about the important role we all have in using technology and social media wisely. More information can be found by going to http://www.vbschools.com/BeSocial/

Have a great day!

BE SOCIAL

BE SMART

BE SAFE