Spotswood High School

What happens when a school division and a university come together to rethink high school? 🎓✨ In the latest episode of the RCPS Community Partner Café, host Katie LaPira sits down with Dr. Donica Hadley, Executive Director of the JMU Lab School, to explore an innovative partnership between Rockingham County Public Schools and James Madison University. Dr. Hadley shares how the Lab School model centers on interdisciplinary, project-based learning, student voice, and real-world problem solving, all while meeting graduation requirements. The conversation dives into how courses work at each grade level, the role of community partners, and how families can decide if the Lab School is the right fit for their student. 🎧 If you’re curious about what learning beyond the traditional high school model can look like, this episode is a must-listen. https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-w4gcf-1a30e96 📌 Application info: RCPS students can apply by submitting their name and address. 🗓️ Application window: March 30 – April 30

Consider coming out to SHS to see our talented students share the spirit of the holidays.

🎉 Congratulations to Ella Li and Jackson Graves from Spotswood High School Activities for being recognized as the Brittany Lam—Kelly Coggsdale Character Counts Award winners! Ella is recognized for her incredible kindness, hard work, and dedication to education! Teachers Jennifer Joyner, Chad Edwards, and Denise Lam recognized her character and leadership. Ella is genuinely making a positive impact in the Spotswood Trailblazer community Jackson's character, integrity, and positive attitude have earned him the respect of his teachers. He is academically successful, interested in learning, respected, encouraging, and helpful. His positive attitude and hard work have made him a trailblazer leader, guiding others toward success. #CharacterCounts

Good luck to our student-athletes as the school year and games begin.

Please consider purchasing a raffle ticket to help support SHS athletics and activities. Thank you! It's a great day to be a Blazer!

SHS is looking for help announcing and keeping score/time for soccer matches this week and next. Please see the flyer from Mr. Rhea.

Rockingham County will be holding a DUAL Party Primary on Tuesday, June 18, so please assist me in placing this information on your website, office bulletin board, or town newsletters. Specifically for Rockingham County, this is expected to include a Republican Party Primary (U.S. Senate) and a Democratic Party Primary (U.S. House of Representatives). Winners in these primaries will secure a spot to have their name listed on the November 5 ballot for their respective political party. (Also, if we use your facility as a polling location, would you please secure that space for us starting the day/afternoon before through the evening of June 18. Certainly, it would be fine if you would do the same for November 4/5!) As a reminder, voters will have to ‘choose’ which party’s ballot they wish to receive: Democratic or Republican. In person absentee voting will occur at my office starting May 3 at (8 AM-4 PM). Additional hours include: Saturday, June 8th and Saturday, June 15 (9 AM – 5 PM both days). Of utmost importance, voters will need to go to their normal polling location on Primary Day (June 18) as ALL voting precincts will be open that day just like they were on March 5. Lisa B. Gooden, VREO/CPGR Director of Elections/Voter Registrar State Certified General Registrar Rockingham County 20 East Gay Street Harrisonburg, VA 22802-4108 540.564.3056

SHS Spirit Store is open until 11:59 pm on 3/17/24 Spotswood Clothing Online Store New to the store: Class of 2024 logo option New SHS design Returning: The option to add a specific Sport or Activity to one of the logo options. It is open until March 17, 2024 (11:59 pm) Here is the link to the site: https://spotswood-high-school-spirit-wear-spring-2024.itemorder.com/shop/home/ It is good to see more and more families in Blazer Blue.

As Principal of Spotswood High School, I am in constant awe of what our students choose to undertake outside of the classroom setting. We are blessed with a supportive community that encourages its students to look into the greater community to make a difference. Additionally, we have staff members willing to work long hours outside of school to help our students achieve. On March 3rd, 2024, Pria Dua and Elizabeth Kidd were presented with the Inaugural Barbara Johns Youth Change Agent Award by the Virginia Council for Social Studies. To be eligible for this award, students needed to demonstrate how they took informed action to inspire their peers and adults through civic participation, community service, or philanthropic efforts. Pria and Elizabeth were chosen in part for their Knocking Down Walls Documentary film that debuted at Court Square Theatre in May of 2023. However, it was their continued efforts to create a historical marker on the grounds of the Harrisonburg Federal CourtHouse that ultimately secured the award. Both students were joined by Joan Johns Cobb, sister of Barbara Johns, to receive their award. Please join us in congratulating Elizabeth and Pria.

Due to the impending weather on Saturday, 1/6/2024, all RCPS events are canceled for tomorrow. Enjoy the snow, and please be safe!

How does RCPS help students prepare for their next steps after high school? In this special episode of RCPS Community Partner Cafe, student host Leo Johnson talks with two RCPS seniors about their plans after high school. Leo, Clayton, and James reflect on their time in RCPS, share what helped them along their current paths, and provide tips for students and parents looking to get more involved. https://www.rcps.net/page/rcps-community-partner-cafe

Character Counts in RCPS! Congratulations to Jocelyn Alvarez and Aidan Cahill who were recognized as the 2023 Brittany Lam - Kelly Coggsdale Character Counts Award winners from Spotswood High School!

VHSL Events for the week of 12/4/23

You are invited

I hope that everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving Break. The winter season starts in full force this week. Good luck to all of our winter sports/activities participants.

Regional Semi-Final Football Information Update Due to unhealthy air quality, the football game between Turner Ashby and Spotswood has been postponed until Saturday 11/18/23 at 7:30PM! The game will take place at Turner Ashby High School. All other outside activities have been canceled for today.

Please share the annual Spotswood High School Veterans Day Ceremony with those interested in joining our students as we honor local Veterans.

PM MTC will operate as normal. Students will need transportation to PM MTC. We can offer Transportation home in the Afternoon from SHS. The normal bus routes will operate this afternoon.

SHS. MTC will operate a normal schedule. Students that have the ability to be transported to MTC are welcome to attend. We will have a bus to take any bus riders to AM MTC. We WILL NOT bring students back to SHS at 11:20