Magna Vista High School
Freshman Guide to Success
701 Magna Vista School Road Ridgeway, VA 24148
Telephone: 276-956-3147 Fax: 276-956-5888
Table of Contents
Welcome 3
First Day of School 4
Bell Schedule 5
People You Need to Know 6
Attendance Policies and Procedures 7
Academic Policies and Procedures 8
Bring Your Own Technology 9
Advanced Diploma 10
Standard Diploma 11
Warrior Tech Academy 12
Academic and Career Plans 13
Career Clusters 14
Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) 15
Athletics 16
Clubs and Organizations 17
Dress Code 18
What is Bullying? 19
Open Communication 20
Calendar 21
Helpful Links 22
Welcome Students!
The administration, faculty and staff are pleased to have
the new freshman class join the Warrior Community. Our
desire is for every student to have a successful experience at Magna
Vista High School. By following the policies and procedures outlined in
the Freshman Guide to Success, we are certain you will accomplish that
and much more while having fun in the process! The resources
provided in this guide should not replace personal contact with
teachers, staff and administration. Please feel free to seek out anyone
to assist you throughout your years at Magna Vista.
Mr. Charles Byrd, Principal Ms. Katrina Perry, Assistant Principal Mr. Travis Murphy, Assistant Principal, Athletic Director Ms. Franketta Tatum, Assistant Principal, Director of Warrior Tech Academy
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Arrival
● Students may begin arriving at 7:30 a.m.
● Car-riders unload on the side of the cafeteria side of the building.
● Assemble in the front lobby
● ALL students must pick up a class schedule printed on colored paper.
● 8:10 bell – Students may begin reporting to classrooms.
Breakfast
● Free to all students
● Breakfast is served from 7:45 a.m. to 8:20 a.m.
● A Late bus pass is needed to enter the cafeteria after 8:20 a.m.
Bell Schedule
● Students must be seated in classrooms before the tardy bell.
● The tardy bell sounds at 8:25 a.m.
● There are four blocks per day with five minutes travel time between blocks.
● Lunch is scheduled during the third block.
● Restroom breaks are as needed during the travel time between classes and during lunch.
Lunch
● There are two dining rooms with two serving lines in each room.
● There are two microwaves for student use.
● Students should be prepared to pay for lunch unless the meals application has been approved.
Forms to be submitted through Info Snap
● Meals Applications
● Student Information Forms
● Code of Conduct form with signatures
Dismissal
● Dismissal is at 3:25 a.m.
● KNOW your bus number! A bus pass is required to ride a bus other than your regular one.
● Car-riders are picked up on the cafeteria side of the building only!
● No car-rider traffic is allowed in the parking lot or in the bus loading area.
Bell Schedule
8:10-----------------Release Bell to Report to Classes
8:20-----------------Five-Minute Warning Bell & End of Breakfast
8:25-8:35----------Announcements/Moment of Silence/
Pledge
10:10-11:40------Second Block
11:45-1:50--------Third Block (Lunch)
1:55-3:25----------Fourth Block
3:35…………………Dismissal Bell
Lunch
11:45-12:15-------------------First Lunch
12:15-12:45-------------------Second Lunch
12:45-1:15---------------------Third Lunch
1:20-1:50-----------------------Fourth Lunch
People You Need to Know
Mr. Charles Byrd, Principal
Ms. Katrina Perry, Assistant Principal
Ms. Franketta Tatum, Assistant Principal, Warrior Tech Director
Mr. Travis Murphy, Assistant Principal, Athletic Director
Mrs. Brook Hankins, Coordinator of the New Tech Programs
Ms. Vicky Hayes, Grade 9 Guidance Counselor
Mrs. Susan Dawson, Media Specialist
Ms. Heather Holland, Attendance Secretary
Officer Richard Martin, Resource Officer
Mrs. Jana Penn, Registrar
Mrs. Angie Wood, Bookkeeper
Ms. Lisa Gardner, School Nurse
Mrs. Theresa Huston, Cafeteria Manager
You are encouraged to contact staff members regarding any questions or concerns.
www.henry.k12.va.us
Policies and Procedures
Attendance
Regular school/class attendance is very important to academic success. Attendance is recorded in each class period on a daily basis. TARDINESS
Students must be mindful of being on time for school and class. Tardiness is not tolerated.
Students are expected to be seated and ready for class when the tardy bell sounds. Discipline
referrals are made for students with excessive tardiness.
EXCESSIVE ABSENCES
The Henry County School Board is committed to enforcing the state compulsory attendance
laws. A phone call or note from parents is required with three (3) days for each absence.
Students with excessive absences may be referred to the school board office for truancy.
Truancy referrals may result in court action.
MAKE-UP WORK
Students are responsible for making arrangements with teachers for make-up work.
Assignments must be completed with three (3) days of returning to school. Students who skip a
class are not permitted to make up work for a daily grade.
APPEALS
More than two (2) unexcused absences per grading period will result in a failing report card
grade. If there are extenuating circumstances, students may submit an appeal once per
semester. Additional consequences apply to student athletes.
SUPPLIES
A student’s responsibility includes being prepared for class. Basic school supplies students will
need include: book bag, pencils, pens, three-ring binder, spiral notebooks and folders.
Individual teachers may require additional items.
Policies and Procedures
Promotion Policies
From grade 9 to grade 10—6 credits
From grade 10 to grade 11—12 credits
From grade 11 to grade 12—17 credits (and meet graduation eligibility
requirements)
Elective Courses:
Electives are required for graduation. Students must pass these courses. All
grades impact a student’s Grade Point Average (GPA).
Discipline
Students are expected to adhere to the rules and policies in the HCPS Code of
Conduct and the MVHS Student Agenda. To be successful, students must refrain
from receiving discipline referrals.
Homework and Class Work
All assignments are expected to be completed on time as assigned. Students are
encouraged to ask for help. Teachers are available to provide individual
assistance.
Homework Helps
Teacher web pages found at: http://web.henry.k12.va.us/magnavista/
Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT)
The district has implemented a program in which students may bring
electronic devices to school to be utilized for instructional purposes.
These devices are brought at the student’s risk.
Students are not permitted to use electronic devices in the classroom, except
under the direction of the teacher. This includes cell phones, iPad, laptops, etc.
Due to testing security, cell phones are not permitted in classrooms during state
testing.
Warrior Tech Academy
Warrior Tech Academy operates as
a school within a school. It is a part
of the New Tech Network which has over 10 years of proven success. Through
project-based learning and technology connections students gain the technical
and real-world skills needed for careers and college.
Some classes are integrated wherein students are taking courses simultaneously,
for example, Biology/Physical Education and English/History. Teachers act as
facilitators to guide learning and students work in collaborative groups. Trust,
respect and responsibility are character traits that are emphasized within the
culture of the Warrior Tech community. This program of study is a choice for the
motivated learner.
Follow us on Twitter:
@WTA_Pride
Pathways to College and Career Readiness
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Architecture & Construction
Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
Hospitality & Tourism
Human Services
Information Technology
Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
Manufacturing
Business Management & Administration
Education & Training
Finance
Government & Public Administration
Marketing
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Information on each career cluster and other resources are found at the link below:
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/career_technical/career_clusters/index.shtm
Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) End of Course Tests
The Standards of Learning (SOL) for Virginia Public Schools establish minimum
expectations for what students should know and be able to do at the end of each grade or
course in English, mathematics, science, history/social science and other subjects.
www.doe.virginia.gov
Verified credits be located required for graduation from high school and are obtained by
passing the SOL tests. See the diploma requirements to learn how many are required for each
diploma type.
Tests are administered online and contain technology enhanced questions requiring responses
in ways other than in a multiple choice format. For additional information and practice items
visit the Virginia Department of Education website-
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/indexshtml.
Other Assessments
Other assessments given are dependent on a student’s grade and/or course of
study.
WISE (Financial Literacy Assessment)
English Language Proficiency (English Language Learners)
NOCTI (Industry Certification)
VPT (College Readiness)
PSAT (Practice test for SAT)
SAT/ACT (College Admissions Tests)
Work keys (Career Readiness Certification)
ASVAB (Career Readiness – Required for Military Service)
CWRA (Career/Workplace Readiness Assessment – Required for WTA)
Athletics
Participation in sports, clubs, or organizations enhances opportunities for college admission and scholarships. Academic eligibility requirements apply for athletics. Teams are open for boys and girls. See the athletics director for questions.
Football
Cross Country
Golf
Cheerleading
Volleyball
Basketball
Wrestling
Indoor Track
Color Guard
Winter Guard
Swimming
Baseball
Softball
Tennis
Track
Soccer
Magna Vista High School Clubs and Organizations
SCA (Student Council Association)
Class Officers
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)
DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America
FFA (Future Farmers of America)
HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America)
Drama Club
Forensics
French Club
Spanish Club
Beta Club
National Honor Society
National Technical Honor Society
Yearbook Staff
Show Choir
Concert Band
Marching Band
Color and Winter Guard
Sports
SCAEL Academic Teams
Student Ambassadors
Henry County Public Schools – Student Dress Code
• All shirts/tops must be of sufficient length to cover skin exposed at the waistline at all times.
Tank tops are not allowed nor are those that reveal undergarments or inappropriate body parts.
If worn, all sleeveless tops must come to the edge of the shoulder.
• Shirts and dresses should not have a low-cut neckline or expose the back.
• Clothing with logos that express obscenities, convey messages of a sexual nature, or advertise or
condone drugs, alcohol, or cigarette products will not be permitted.
• Clothing that is racially offensive or deemed a distraction to the educational process will not be
permitted.
• Mesh or see-through shirts are not permitted (males and females) unless a solid fabric shirt is
worn underneath.
• All pants, shorts, and skirts must be worn over the hips. Waistlines that sag and expose one’s
undergarments or under layer of clothing is not acceptable.
• No pants with holes or rips/tears are permitted unless another layer of clothing is worn under
them.
• Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be no higher than 5” above the knee.
• Slits on skirts or dresses must be no higher than 5” above the knee.
• Tight fittings pants, including but not limited to: leggings, jeggings, tights, biker shorts,
spandex, etc… are not stand alone garments. They must be covered with a shirt or garment
that is no shorter than 5” above the knee.
• The outer garment of clothing worn must always be in compliance with the dress code.
• No pajama-type pants/pajama pants are to be worn to school.
• No wearing of bedroom shoes will be permitted.
• Shoes should be appropriate for travel within the building; “heely” shoes (shoes with built-in
wheels) are not permitted.
• Hats, bandanas, headscarves, hoods, and/or any other head coverings may not be worn in
school. (Exceptions are made for religious observances.) Combs and picks may not be worn in
hair.
• Wallet chains/chains hanging from clothing or spiked jewelry are not permitted.
Consequences for Violations:
The student is required to make the necessary correction before returning to class. Repeated violations
will result in additional administrative action. (See the Student Agenda.)
What is Bullying?
Aggressive behavior may be bullying depending on what happened, how often it happens and
who it happens to. Find out what bullying is and what the different types are. You can also
learn more about other topics related to bullying.
Bullying Definition
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power
imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes
actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding
someone from a group on purpose.
How to Talk About Bullying
Parents, school staff, and other caring adults have a role to play in preventing bullying. They can:
● Help students understand bullying. Talk about what bullying is and how to stand up to it safely. Tell
kids bullying is unacceptable. Make sure kids know how to get help. ● Keep the lines of communication open. Check in with kids often. Listen to them. Know their
friends, ask about school, and understand their concerns. ● Encourage students to do what they love. Special activities, interests, and hobbies can boost
confidence, help students make friends, and protect them from bullying behavior. ● Model how to treat others with kindness and respect.
Help Students Understand Bullying
Students who know what bullying is can better identify it. They can talk about bullying if it happens to them or
others. Students need to know ways to safely stand up to bullying and how to get help.
● Encourage students to speak to a trusted adult if they are bullied or see others being bullied. The
adult can give comfort, support, and advice, even if they can’t solve the problem directly. Encourage
the child to report bullying if it happens. ● Talk about how to stand up to students who bully. Give tips, like using humor and saying “stop”
directly and confidently. Talk about what to do if those actions don’t work, like walking away ● Talk about strategies for staying safe, such as staying near adults or groups of other kids. ● Urge them to help students who are bullied by showing kindness or getting help. ● Watch the short webisodes and discuss them with students.
Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Research tells us that children really do look to parents and caregivers for advice and help on
tough decisions. Sometimes spending 15 minutes a day talking can reassure students that
they can talk to their parents if they have a problem. Start conversations about daily life and
feelings with questions like these:
● What was one good thing that happened today? Any bad things?
● What is lunch time like at your school? Who do you sit with? What do you talk about?
● What is it like to ride the school bus?
● What are you good at? What would do you like best about yourself?
Get more ideas for talking with children about life and about bullying. If concerns come up, be sure to
respond.
There are simple ways that parents and caregivers can keep up-to-date with kids’ lives.
● Read class newsletters and school flyers. Talk about them at home. ● Check the school website ● Go to school events ● Greet the bus driver ● Meet teachers and counselors at “Back to School” night or reach out by email ● Share phone numbers with other students’ parents
Model How to Treat Others with Kindness and Respect
Students learn from adults’ actions. By treating others with kindness and respect, adults show the students in
their lives that there is no place for bullying. Even if it seems like they are not paying attention, students are
watching how adults manage stress and conflict, as well as how they treat their friends, colleagues, and
families.
Magna Vista High School has policies against all types of bullying, including verbal,
written, physical, internet and cell phone harassment. The major effort is towards education and prevention
of bullying and the promotion of kindness to one another. Teachers and school staff have a role to
play. Students and parents are urged to contact the school when there is a concern.
http://www.stopbullying.gov
Henry County Public Schools Calendar 2017-2018
Official Opening August 9
Interim Reports September 2
Labor Day Holiday September 5
End of First Six Weeks Grading Period September 22
Report Cards Sent Home September 26
Interim Reports October 17
End of Second Six Weeks Grading Period November 4
Report Cards Sent home November 9
Fall Break November 23-25
Interim Reports December 5
End of First Semester/Third Six Weeks/Second Nine Weeks December 21
Winter Break December 22-Jan 6
School Re-opens for Students January 9
Lee/Jackson/King Holiday January 16
Report Cards Sent Home January 17
Interim Reports February 3
End of Fourth Six Weeks Grading Period February 21
Report Cards Sent Home February 27
Interim Reports March 17
Spring Break March 20-24
End of Fifth Six Weeks Grading Period April 12
Report Cards Sent Home April 18
Interim Reports May 8
End of Second Semester/Sixth Six Weeks/Fourth Nine Weeks May 25
Early Dismissal Dates (Schools dismiss three hours early):
September 30 December 21 May 25
Inclement Weather Early Dismissal: Schools will be dismissed in the following order:
Elementary schools first, middle schools second, and high schools last. Times will be announced
through local media outlets.
Make –up Days (The order of make-up days is determined at the discretion of the
superintendent):
January 6 February 24 March 20-24, April 14, May 25 (to become full day for students) May 26
Parent Teacher Conferences are to be held as needed throughout the semester (November 8
may be used for this purpose)
Helpful Links:
MVHS Web page:
http://web.henry.k12.va.us/magnavista/
Career Readiness:
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/careertechnical/careerclusters/index.shtml
Parent Resources:
http://www.parenttoolkit.com/
Lunch Menus:
https://www.henry.k12.va.us/Menus.html
College Admission: sat.collegeboard.org