WHAT IS DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP? 

Teens today may seem like experts at using technology, but the digital world requires all kinds of skills and habits that kids don’t just pick up as they go. Digital citizenship helps them learn those skills. The Common Sense lessons help high school students reflect on their tech use and look at how media is designed to hook them. They also learn about online hate speech, how what they post online affects their future, and ways to spot hoaxes and misinformation. 

WHAT FAMILIES CAN DO:

Common Sense Education provides resources to help you support your kid’s learning. Beginning this week, as we prepare to deliver these lessons in March, we will begin sharing weekly tips for families from Common Sense Education.  You can also visit the Common Sense website at www.commonsensemedia.org for more.  Working together with Common Sense Education, we can prepare today’s kids to think critically and use tech in positive, creative, and powerful ways. 

Help Kids Fight Cyberbullying and Other Mean Online Behavior:  Most kids will encounter mean behavior at some point in their digital lives. For some kids, this experience is a blip that's easily forgotten, while for others it can have deep, long-lasting effects. For parents, the key is staying involved in kids' lives -- both online and off -- so they can step in and offer help if necessary. With guidance from parents and educators, kids can learn how to dodge the drama and stand up for others.

WEEKLY TIP:

Check in about online life: Just like you'd ask your kid about their sleep, exercise, and eating, stay on top of their online life. Who are they chatting with? How do people treat each other in the games and on the sites they're using?

AP Exam Ordering 

Students interested in taking an AP Exam may still register for an exam with a $40 late fee. Students may continue to register for AP Exams until March 6th. Students who paid a deposit for their exam must pay their remaining balance no later than March 6th. Exams with a remaining balance will be canceled without a refund. For detailed information, including the AP Exam schedule, please click here. To order AP Exam(s), please visit: https://user.totalregistration.net/AP/471850 

Important note: Late exams will only be approved in the instance of illness (with a note from the doctor), two AP exams in the same testing block, religious holiday, or HCPS sponsored athletic/academic events. Late exams will not be ordered for any other reason. Please reach out to your student’s AP teacher with any questions.

Class of 2024 - Senior Exam Schedule and Graduation Practice

Seniors and their families may review the senior exam schedule by clicking here. All seniors who plan on participating in the graduation ceremony on May 30th are required to attend both graduation practices on Tuesday May 28th and Wednesday May 29th from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon on both days. Students who miss graduation practice are not permitted to walk in the graduation ceremony. Students and families with questions or concerns should reach out to the senior administrator, Ms. Pantele (lkpantele@henrico.k12.va.us). 

Taking Accommodations to College - Parent Workshop

Join Rachel Holcombe, M.Ed. and school counseling for a presentation on supporting students with disabilities in their transition from high school to post-secondary education. Rachel will discuss applicable laws, changes in the levels of support, and how parents can be involved in the accommodation process. Rachel's most recent role was as Assistant Director in the Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity Office at Virginia Commonwealth University. In this position, she approved accommodations for students, developed training for faculty/staff on how to implement those accommodations, and ran a support group for students with chronic illnesses with University Counseling Services. We hope you will take away helpful information on how to support your student as you navigate the next stage in their academic journey. This event will be held in the DSF Library on February 28th from 6-7pm.

Summer School Online Health/PE 

The lottery for summer school online Health/PE will open on January 23rd and close on February 16th. Students who are interested in completing their PE 9 or PE 10 requirements during Summer 2024 must enter the lottery during this time. The cost for summer school PE is $225. Summer school PE begins on June 4th and ends on July 16th. To learn more and enter the lottery, please click here.

Required Immunizations Reminder + Clinic at DSF

Freeman High School will be holding an immunization clinic on February 9th from 9am – 12 pm. This is a quick and easy way to ensure your student is update to date on all immunizations for the following year.

As a reminder the following vaccinations are required and failure to provide proof of vaccination prior to the first day of school will result in the exclusion from school next year until proof of immunization is received by the school/clinic:

• • Meningococcal (meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY): One dose is required at age 16 or older and required for 12th grade entry.

A link to the requirements is available under “Immunizations” at https://www.henricoschools.us/documents/departments/health/immunizations/423062/. If you have any additional questions, please contact the clinic by calling the school.