Weekly News Digest 11/13/2020

Fri, 11/13/2020 - 3:30pm

Building Belonging and Togetherness: #OneLongReach

The weekly news digest from LRHS.  See below for important information for the Long Reach community:

2020/2021 School Year HCPSS Message Translations

Click here for the Full LRHS News Feed

Click here for the Calendar for Athletics, Fine Arts, and other school events

Long Reach Online Newspaper: LRHSLightningFlash.com


Highlighted Message

From the Desk of the Principal

Dear LRHS,

We are celebrating American Education Week from November 16–20, 2020. Every year we look forward to honoring public education and the many individuals who make a difference in ensuring that every student receives a quality education. 

American Education Week is a wonderful opportunity to encourage our collaboration and partnership with families, demonstrating how We Are Strongest Together! This year, during this time of virtual learning, we will not be able to hold all of our traditional American Education Week activities, but we still invite families to join us virtually during the week to see and hear our teachers and students in action! 

To ensure student safety, please understand that outside email addresses will not be allowed into Google Meet sessions. Parents/guardians should sit with their child and use their HCPSS email account to log into Google Meet sessions. In addition, we ask that all parents/guardians adhere to these Google Meet privacy guidelines:

  • Do not video record, audio record, photograph, live stream or transmit in any other way any part of a Google Meet, including not posting on any social media platform.

  • Any confidential or personally identifiable information related to students participating during Google Meets should not be collected, discussed or shared.

During this incredibly unusual and often stressful school year, it is even more important that we celebrate the team of people at our schools, including our teachers, administrative and support staff, food and nutrition employees, custodial team, and so many more. At the same time, our families are working closer with us to ensure our students succeed with virtual learning.

As part of American Education Week, Wednesday, Nov. 18 is Educational Support Personnel Day (ESP). ESP staff includes secretaries, health room staff, paraeducators, custodians and food service staff. We are encouraging families to email a message of thanks to the Long Reach High School ESP staff. You can locate all ESP staff emails on the the LRHS website (Click Here):

We look forward to our families getting involved in the spirit of American Education Week. Together, we can Move Forward in empowering each of our students to achieve and thrive.

Sincerely,

Joshua R. Wasilewski

Principal


 

Parent Teacher Conferences Conferences: 11/23 - 11/25 Sign Up: 11/13 -11/19 


Athletics In-Person Conditioning Canceled; Winter Athletics Scheduled to Begin December 7: Due to the recent rapid escalation of COVID-19 cases in Howard County, and in consultation with the Howard County Health Department (HCHD), in-person athletic conditioning, previously scheduled to begin on Monday, November 16, is canceled. 

HCPSS will now focus efforts on preparing for a safe and successful start to the winter athletic season beginning on December 7, and in accordance with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) plan for reopening high school interscholastic athletics. While there will be no in-person conditioning opportunities at this time, coaches may continue to engage student-athletes virtually. HCPSS will continue to monitor metrics related to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide regular updates should the rising cases impact the December 7, 2020 scheduled start. 

Please know that we take the safety and well-being of all of our students, staff and families very seriously, and hope that you are staying safe during this difficult time. Please visit the HCHD website for information related to the COVID-19 virus and how to remain safe.


Beyond School Hours Update:
Beyond School Hours will be holding SAT Prep Sessions on:

Critical Reading/Writing

November 17 

December 8, 15 

January 12

Math

November 19 

December 10, 17 

January 14

Time: 3:20-4:20

Code: Lrhs-Bsh

We are excited to offer several different after school academic support options this year.  We will have College Essay Writing (open to any senior), ESOL Homework Help (open to all students), Drop In Math Homework Help (open to all students), Drop In Writing Support (open to all students), and CARES Math and Reading Tutoring (invitation only).

See the whole schedule at this link:  Beyond School Hours Schedule

Students can get more information on the Long Reach Student Resources Canvas Page, by clicking "Beyond School Hours."  If you need more info, email laarni_lucero@hcpss.org or candice_hills@hcpss.org  


 

Free and Discounted Benefits for Qualifying HCPSS Families: Did you know that the Free and Reduced Meals (FARMs) program provides qualifying families with significant benefits to help save money? Go to https://www.hcpss.org/food-services/farms/#chart for additional information, as well as how to apply. 


Yearbook Update: Want to get your picture in the yearbook? Head over to the yearbook website and check out the posts on how to submit photos for the yearbook for different events and page topics. We will be posting a new topic for photo submissions each week, so be sure to subscribe!


Attention Class of 2021!:The final round of senior portraits by Prestige/Lifetouch will take place at Long Reach on 11/30-12/3. If you have not had your portrait taken yet, you should receive an appointment card in the mail soon. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service at 410-644-7700 or 1-800-445-1189. Please keep in mind that it is FREE to have your portrait taken for the yearbook purpose only. You must pay sitting fees for portraits beyond the yearbook pose. For more information, visit our school's yearbook website.


The Advanced Placement (AP) testing program for the 2020-2021 school year has been modified to allow for the maximum flexibility when registering for exams. Students and teachers are navigating the change to the 4x4 block schedule while dealing with the uncertainty of the health and safety for spring testing. The changes below will hopefully help students feel comfortable registering for exams and demonstrating their knowledge. 


 

Class of 2021 Parents - check out the post on the webiste with lots of important information: https://lrhs.hcpss.org/news/2020/10/class-2021-senior-updates


The LRHS Library Media Center is now offering Contactless Book Pick Up where students can reserve a book and pick it up at LRHS. Click here for details and directions!


Our Student Services Department has updated office hours!  Mrs. Quinn, our guidance secretary, will greet you at our virtual counseling office.

Meet Code: LRHS-Counselor 

Days:  All weekdays that school is in session

Time: 11:30am - 1pm

Mrs. Quinn is a great resource for all college applications and financial aid questions. She can also set you up with an appointment to speak with your counselor.  Please drop in with questions or just to say hello!


LRHS FIRST SEMESTER OFFICE HOURS :

The LRHS front office staff will check phone messages daily (410) 313-7117 on our answering machine and calls will be returned promptly, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. As always, you may also directly reach any staff member via email, which can be found on our school website at https://lrhs.hcpss.org/school-staff

Collection bins outside the main office are available for parents to drop off any materials or paperwork. Please drop off any important papers or documents in a sealed envelope addressed to the staff member or department intended, and include your first and last name and the name of your student on any item that is left in the bins. Bins will be checked throughout the day.


LRHS Attendance Information: To excuse absences to Google Meets (for entire day or certain periods), parents/guardians may send an e-mail to lrhsabsence@hcpss.org within 5 days of a student’s return. The e-mail must include the first and last name of the student, date of the absence and reason for the absence. You will receive an e-mail once absence is entered. 


Grab and Go Meals at LRHS: Grab and Go at LRHS access - Front of the building outside the cafeteria doors (courtyard by our purple picnic tables).

Meals will be provided at no cost to all students through December 31, 2020, subject to U.S. Department of Agriculture funding availability. The food services program during the 2020-2021 first semester (Sept. 8, 2020-Jan. 28, 2021) will consist of Grab-and-Go meals served Monday through Friday from 8–9am and 10:45 am - 12:45 pm, beginning Tuesday, September 8. Breakfast and lunch can be picked up at either meal time. More information can be found here.  


Please find below information regarding technology support for fall virtual instruction that includes both self-help resources and how to request technology support. Read more

Request a Chromebook or Internet: Go to https://www.hcpss.org/devices/ for detailed information on requesting chromebooks and internet access.Read more


Family File Information Update Request: Every year HCPSS parents must complete a Family File for each child. HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. Parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child, and can do so by logging in to HCPSS Connect and selecting the Family File tab on the left and then clicking on Family File. Once logged in, you will be asked to update or provide the following information:

  • Student Information
  • Parent/Guardian Contact
  • Emergency Contacts
  • Medical Information
  • Arrival/Dismissal Procedures
  • Photo Approval
  • Data Confidentiality
  • PTA/PTSA Directory

SchoolMessenger Reporting Form:  If you are having issues receiving HCPSS district/school emails and/or text messaging please use this new form for reporting your issues regarding emails/text messages not being delivered.

Canvas/Synergy Access Issues Reporting Form: If you are experiencing issues with Canvas/Synergy messages, please complete this form:  http://hcpssne.ws/Connect-Login-Issue-Submission 


Please visit the Community News and Programs page (http://www.hcpss.org/community-news-and-programs/) on the HCPSS website for announcements of upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations. 


Click here for the Full LRHS News Feed

Click here for the Calendar for Athletics, Fine Arts, and other school events