Excel in Mind, Body and Character

George Mason High School Newsletter

Tyrone Q. Byrd, Principal April 2011

Dear Mustang Parents and Guardians,

The third quarter report cards will be printed and handed out during Block 3 on April 6. The grades
reported constitute 40% of the semester grade for each of your child’s courses. The fourth quarter grade
(40%) and the final exam (20%) are the other components of the semester grade which will be reported in
June. The one-half credit awarded for the successful completion of courses is made at the end of each
semester. Each full-year course successfully completed earns 1.0 credit toward graduation.

As we begin the fourth quarter let’s reconstitute ourselves to excellence in all we do. Endeavor to
achieve the goals we established for ourselves in early September and commit to supporting one another
through challenging times. This community has demonstrated amazing resiliency over the past several
months. Our collective resolve has been tested, but we have proven to be up to the task. There is more work
to be done this year and we all must work collaboratively to ensure that each of our children has the
opportunity to Excel in Mind, Body, and Character. Encourage your children to fully utilize the resources
they have available to them and help them navigate the numerous distractions that arise when the weather
improves. We all look forward to the excitement that accompanies the Spring Play (To Kill a Mockingbird),
spring sports, Spring Band Concert, Spring Choral Concert, JV Talent Show, Junior/Senior Prom, and of
course graduation, and recognize that participation in these events enhances the Mason experience. While
we want our children to fully participate in these fun events, we must ensure that our collective priority is
addressing our academic responsibilities.

Mustang seniors will receive a letter in early May which will provide specific information regarding
the numerous senior activities. This letter will also provide important final exam and graduation ticket
information. Graduation will be held at 5:00 p.m. at Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution
Hall on June 15.

The George Mason faculty and staff thank you for your continued commitment to our community.
Alexander Graham Bell said “Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not
burn until brought to a focus.” Experiencing a successful close to the 2010 – 11 school year will require that
we maintain our collective focus on completing the work we began in September. We are looking forward to
celebrating a task well done!

Sincerely,

Tyrone Q. Byrd
Principal

Excel in Mind, Body and Character

GO MUSTANGS!
PAGE 2 GEORGE MASON HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

IMPORTANT DATES
Please note that some of these dates have
changed since the beginning of school and some
other changes may still occur.
May 21
April 6
Junior/Senior Prom – Hearts Are Wild
Report Cards Distributed
8:30 – Midnight
April 6
Cherry Blossom Yacht
PTSA Meeting
Alexandria City Marina
7:30 p.m. – Library
May 23
April 6
IB Exams End
College 101 – Senior Panel
May 24
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Library
Special Education Parent Meeting
April 7-9
8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
State Band
Mustang Café – B121
Charlottesville High School
May 30
April 13
Memorial Day/School Closed
Parent Walk-In (PWI)
All Staff Holiday
7:15 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.
June 1
April 13
PTSA Meeting
Early Release Wednesday – 1:45 p.m.
7:30 p.m. – Library
April 13 – 14
June 2
IB Art Show
Spring Band Concert
Open to Public
7:30 p.m. – Auditorium
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
June 8
Auditorium
8-9 Grade Awards Assembly
April 18 – 22
1:30 p.m. – Auditorium
Spring Break
10-12 Grade Awards Assembly
April 26
7:00 p.m. –Auditorium
Special Ed Parent Meeting
June 9
8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Spring Chorus Concert
Mustang Café – B121
7:00 p.m. -- Auditorium
April 28-29
June 13-16
Spring JV Show
End-of-year Exams for grades 8, 9, 10 and 11
7:30 p.m.—Auditorium
June 15
April 30
Graduation 2011
Solo & Ensemble Festival
DAR Constitution Hall
Twain Middle School
5:00 p.m.
May 2
June 16
IB Exams Begin
Last Day of School for Underclassmen
May 4
June 17
Early Release Wednesday – 1:45 p.m.
Last Day for Teachers
May 11
Parent Walk-In (PWI)
7:15 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.
May 11
Interims Available on AccessGM
May 12-14
Spring Play – To Kill A Mockingbird
7:30 p.m. – Auditorium
PAGE 3 GEORGE MASON HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

The annual IB art exhibition will be open to the public Wednesday and Thursday, April 13 and 14, from 7:00
– 9:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Don’t miss this opportunity to see our students’ superb artwork! The George
Mason Relief Project (GMRP) will be hosting their third annual dinner preceding the IB Art show on
Thursday from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the front lobby.

FINAL EXAMINATIONS

Final exams for grades 8 – 11 will be held Monday through Thursday, June 13 – June 16. A special schedule
for senior exams will be mailed home in May. Senior exams will begin June 6.

APPROPRIATE
STUDENT DRESS
The warm weather has certainly arrived and it is a good time to remember that student dress at school must
always be appropriate. Clothing a student may wear on the boardwalk in Ocean City is quite possibly not
appropriate at school. We ask all to be compliant with our simple request to dress modestly and
appropriately in a non-distracting manner. Students who do not comply with this request will be sent home
to try again. We greatly appreciate everyone's cheerful cooperation in this!

High School Awards Assembly

The awards assembly for the GR8s and freshmen will be on Wednesday, June 8, beginning at 1:30 p.m. in
the GM Auditorium. The awards assembly for sophomores, juniors and seniors will be held on
Wednesday, June 8, at 7:00 p.m. in the GM auditorium. Parents and guardians of students receiving an
award will be notified by mail.
PAGE 4 GEORGE MASON HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Important May SOL Test Information

End-of-Course and 8th Grade SOL testing will begin on May 18. GMHS will operate on a modified block schedule
from May 18 to May 27 to administer the End of Course and 8th Grade SOL tests rotating in the sequence indicated
on the attached calendar (page 12). The subject test for each date and block are also shown. Tests will be
administered for the following subjects at the blocks that begin at 8:00 AM in the morning and 12:54 or 1:25 PM in
the afternoon depending on anticipated time needed..

• Algebra I • Chemistry • US / VA History • 8th Grade Science

• Geometry • Geophysics • World Civilizations I • 8th Grade English
• Algebra II • English 11: • World Civilizations II
• Biology Reading • 8th Grade Math

Term graduates are seniors who still must successfully complete one or more SOL tests to meet graduation
requirements. Term graduates will begin testing on Thursday, May 12. These students will be notified by their
counselors about specific tests and times.

Students are encouraged to spend some time reviewing their SOL course material before testing season begins, to get
plenty of rest the night before tests are scheduled, and to arrive punctually for early-morning testing.

As you know, students are required to earn a certain number of SOL-verified credits to meet graduation requirements
(see GMHS Program of Studies Booklet for details). To assure multiple opportunities for students who have not been
successful in SOL testing, the state offers expedited re-testing for students who have failed an SOL test but have come
close to the passing mark. Expedited re-testing will occur when we know who is eligible for such testing. Only
students who participated in May 2010 testing and who have been identified by the state as eligible will participate in
this expedited re-testing. As soon as the state completes its identification process, eligible students will be notified
about specific dates and times for the expedited testing.

Foreign Language Testing

During the last week of April and the first week of May all French and Spanish students in Levels 1-3,
Spanish 4 (non-IB) and Mandarin Chinese Levels 1-4 will be taking an online proficiency test called
STAMP which was developed by The Center for Applied Second Language Studies at the University of
Oregon. This innovative test has been used in Arlington County and in many school systems across the
country with quality results. STAMP results will provide us detailed data on the speaking, reading, and
writing proficiency of our students based on national standards, in order that we can continue to improve our
program. It will also provide valuable feedback to students on their foreign language progress as they move
through various levels of study. For further information, please contact Linda Johnsen, K-12 FL CIRT at
johnsenl@fccps.org or Suzanne Planas, GMHS FL Department Leader at planass@fccps.org.
PAGE 5 GEORGE MASON HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Summer Information
Summer school for GMHS students in grades 8-11 include the following remediation enrichment, and credit
recuperation programs. Students in grades 8-11 whose achievement record at the end of the third quarter
shows that summer school may be mandatory will be notified by letter. There are two summer sessions.
The first begins on July 5 and run through July 20. The second session begins on July 20 and runs through
Aug 4. Specific offerings for each session and decisions regarding mandatory attendance for some students
will be determined at the end of the school year when all achievement data are available. Some fees may
apply.

Gr 8 Enrichment sessions are designed to enable students who struggled in eighth grade (as evidenced by
failing and/or low grades or SOL scores in core areas) an opportunity to preview 9th grade curriculum and
improve their likelihood of success in credit earning classes.

SOL Remediation sessions will focus on certain SOL content areas and are designed for students who have
failed a Virginia Standards of Learning test. Specific areas of remediation will be determined following the
spring test administration. SOL re-tests will be administered at the conclusion of the session.

Credit recuperation sessions will be offered in certain core subjects and will include offerings designed by
GMHS and certain on-line and correspondence services. Courses offered will depend on the identified needs
for student groups to meet prerequisites for continued studies and to fulfill graduation requirements. There
will be particular emphasis on Math and English. These sessions are for students who have failed a course
and have therefore not earned a required credit or whose low achievement grade indicates a likelihood of a
struggle in a subsequent course.

Pedestrian Safety…Notes from Officer Rau…

Ahhhh, Spring is the air. With Spring comes the pitter patter of little feet. The only problem is that the pitter patter of
little feet that we’re hearing is that of students darting across Leesburg Pike and back. Your student’s safety is our
number one concern! Staff members, parents and community members have brought to our attention some dangerous
behaviors of some George Mason student pedestrians as they travel to and from school! Students have been seen
crossing Route 7 directly in front of the school and standing on the median strip as opposed to using the crosswalk.
Others have been seen running in the crosswalk when they do not have the right-of-way causing vehicles to slam on
brakes or use other aversion tactics! Yet others have been seen crossing Haycock Road without the crosswalk
protected by Falls Church Police Crossing Guards. These careless and reckless behaviors can easily result in a tragedy!

Not only is this behavior dangerous, it is also illegal. The Code of Virginia states that pedestrians “shall cross,
wherever possible, only at intersections or marked crosswalks…” A pedestrian who violates the law can receive a
summons to appear in court and be fined for violating the law. Please review these legal, safe and common sense
practices with your student. His/her safety is far more precious than the seconds "saved" by crossing illegally.
PAGE 6 GEORGE MASON HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

From the Counseling Department

THE FOLLOWING ARE STEPS TO BE TAKEN WHEN YOUR CHILD IS
WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR

STEP 1: Notify the registrar in writing by sending an e-mail to birdb@fccps.org.

STEP 2: Pick up a *Withdrawal Form (required) in the counseling office and schedule a withdrawal
appointment
STEP 3: The student is to take the Withdrawal Form to each teacher and return his/her books at that
time. A current grade will then be given for each course.
STEP 4: The student visits the school nurse, librarian, and financial secretary to sign the form;
ensuring that all items have been returned and no fines are due.
STEP 5: Parent completes the school/forwarding address sections and signs the form.
STEP 6: Return this completed form at your Withdrawal Appointment, in which a formal
withdrawal packet will be given to the student. *Note: If the form is not complete, the
withdrawal packet will not be released.

OR END-OF-YEAR/SUMMER WITHDRAWALS
• Follow steps above, eliminating Step 3.
• Withdrawal appointments will begin the first Tuesday after graduation.

College 101 Senior Panel

Wednesday, April 6, 2011
GMHS Library
Juniors, sophomores and their parents should mark their calendars to attend this informative evening.
Current GMHS seniors will share their college application process stories. They will tell you what worked,
what didn’t work and what they would do differently if given the chance.
PAGE 7 GEORGE MASON HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

ALL NIGHT GRADUATION PRIZE COMMITTEE

NEEDS YOUR HELP!

PARENTS: DO YOU HAVE ACCESS TO POTENTIAL PRIZES OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES?
Don't sit back, please help us ensure that this year's All Night Graduation prizes are as awesome as they
were in previous years. If you work for a company that could donate an appropriate prize or know someone
who could donate or get a discount on a prize, please contact the Prize Committee chairs as soon as possible.
If we work together, we will give our students the best graduation party ever!
Ideas include:

• employee discounts
• tickets for sporting events
• tickets for theatre events
• ipods/cell phones/ipads
• computers
• jewelry, handbags, perfume
• tanning, teeth whitening, facials

Please contact Mary Lynn Hickey at MaryMLynnHickey@msn.com or Jen Short

at jennifer.short0802@gmail.com

Volunteer to help the Class of 2011 celebrate with

their ALL NIGHT GRADUATION CELEBRATION
The All Night Grad Celebration(ANGC) is gearing up for its 23rd year and the Volunteer
Committee has been asked to recruit more than 100 freshmen, sophomore, junior and
senior parents to help make this event as wonderful as it has been for years. The
Celebration follows the graduation ceremonies on Wednesday, June 15th and runs through the night.

There are several shifts, with all sorts of jobs to do! And we welcome anyone who wants to work from
beginning to end - we had a few last year, and all told us it was a great experience!

Volunteers can indicate their interest to the committee by email at gmhs_angc_volunteers@yahoo.com or

contact a committee member by phone: Stefani Lailari, 402-210-1343,stefani317@gmail.com; Laura Brady,
703-237-1679, lbrady59@gmail.com.
PAGE 8 GEORGE MASON HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

ATTENTION PARENTS OF JUNIORS!

Our time to carry on the George Mason Junior/Senior traditions is quickly approaching. These
traditions include…

• Junior/Senior Prom – Saturday, May 21st 8:30 p.m. – Midnight

Cherry Blossom Yacht
Alexandria City Marina
Cameron and Union Streets

JUNIOR/SENIOR PROM—Hearts Are Wild

The GMHS Junior/Senior Prom will be held at the Cherry Blossom Yacht in the Alexandria Marina, located
at Cameron and Union Streets on Saturday, May 21st. “Hearts Are Wild” is the theme. The night will
include casino games on the second floor, dancing on the first floor and views of the Washington DC skyline
from the open top deck. Desserts will be catered with an unlimited supply of coffee and soda.

Tickets will be on sale Thursday, May 12th; Friday, May 13th; Monday, May 16th and Tuesday, May 17th
during Mustang Block from 9:45 – 10:10 a.m. in the front entrance lobby. Tickets are $40 and all checks
should be made payable to GMHS. All students inviting guests who are not in the 11th or 12th grade at
GMHS must fill out a guest application. Guest applications can be picked up in the front office. All GUEST
APPLICATIONS must be turned in at the front office by May 13th. Failure to meet the deadline will be
reason for a denial of a request. Prom promises to be an exquisite event this year. For more information,
please contact Ms. MJ West or a junior class officer.

• Senior Dinner
This dinner follows Senior Reflections held in the George Mason Auditorium. The Senior class plans the
Senior Reflections, and dinner and beverages are provided by their parents. The parents of the Junior class
plan and implement the Senior Dinner. THIS IS WHERE WE ARE COUNTING ON YOUR SUPPORT
AS JUNIOR CLASS PARENTS!

Approximately 40 parent volunteers are needed in the following areas:

• Follow-up calls to confirm reservations

• Set-up and Decorating
• Food Servers
• Clean-up

For parent volunteer opportunities, please contact Senior Class Sponsor Will Snyder at snyderw@fccps.org
 International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Asheesh Misra
George Mason High School IB Coordinator
7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043 USA Ph: 703-248-5590/misraa@fccps.org

Dear Parents of Mason’s IB/AP Students,

IB and AP exams will take place from May 2 to May 23, 2011. These examinations are comprehensive and rigorous
assessments. I recognize that students taking multiple IB/AP exams on consecutive days may benefit from additional
time to rest and study. If you feel it is necessary for your child to arrive late to school on an exam day or be dismissed
early following an exam, you must complete the enclosed pre-arranged absence form. George Mason High School
will allow students to select up to five exam “rest and study” absences related to IB/AP exams. I encourage you to
review your student’s exam schedule and carefully consider any early dismissal or late arrival requests. It is important
to note that coursework in IB/AP and non-IB/AP classes continues during May. As always, students are responsible for
making up any missed assignments or assessments as the result of an absence. All late arrivals and early dismissals due
to an IB/AP exams must be pre-arranged. A student may pre-arrange a maximum of five late arrivals and/or early
dismissals due to IB/AP exams. Please complete only one form for all exams taken.

• Attendance: All IB and AP students at George Mason High School are required to take the corresponding
examination at the end of the course. If your student experiences a medical emergency on the day of an IB or
AP exam, please inform the Attendance Office, (703) 248-5543 and Asheesh Misra (703) 248-5590 at Mason
as early as possible and schedule a physician’s appointment for your child. The IB will require proper
documentation before ruling on the absence. Make-up IB exams are not available.

• Arrival: AM exams at Mason will begin at 8:00, 8:30 or 9:00 and PM exams at 12:00, 12:15, 12:30, 1:00 or
1:30. Please be sure to review the testing schedule for start times. In all cases, students are expected to be
seated immediately at the posted time of the exam.

For IB exams, students who arrive late to an exam may be admitted up to 30 minutes past the start time,
although they will not be read test instructions, nor will additional test time be permitted. Students who arrive
later than 30 minutes beyond the start time may not enter the test room or take the exam.

• Dismissal: Students will be dismissed together at the end of each exam and are expected to return to class.
Any student who wishes to leave campus following a morning exam must have turned in this absence form by
April 22, 2011.
Please note:
• Every dismissal requires a pre-arranged form (copy enclosed)
• A student may select a maximum of five pre-arranged absences due to IB/AP exams
• The form must be signed by a parent/guardian, the student and the student’s teachers
• All notes must be turned in by April 22 and
• A current telephone number must be on the form for confirmation
• Preparation: Throughout the exam period, there should be no reason for students to make drastic changes in
the daily schedule, although they should be encouraged to get plenty of rest and to eat properly. Last minute
“cramming” should be discouraged, especially if it entails staying up late at night.

With your help, we know our IB/AP exams will go smoothly and successfully again this year. Thank you in advance
for your continued support of our school, of our IB program – and most of all – your children!

Sincerely,
Asheesh Misra/IB Coordinator
See Next Page
 PAGE 10 GEORGE MASON HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

International Baccalaureate/Advanced Placement Prearranged Absence Form

May 2011
Student Last Name _______________________

Student First Name _______________________ Student Grade Level _____________________

Students taking an IB/AP exam in the morning and not taking an exam the next day are required to remain in school for the duration of the day. If you
feel it is necessary for your child to arrive late or be dismissed early you must complete this prearranged form. Students may select a maximum of
five days for early release or late arrival related to IB/AP exams.

Directions: Turn this form into the Attendance Office by April 22, 2011. Place an “X” in the appropriate AM absence or PM absence column in the
row for the date(s) that you choose for a prearranged absence. You may have a maximum of five X’s on the form. Have your parent/guardian
sign the form and include a daytime contact number. Student must also sign the form.

PM Absence AM Absence
Date Morning Exam Time After Exam Afternoon Exam Time Before Exam
11-15 Visual Arts: exhibit & exams Not Visual Arts: exhibit & exams
Indiv. Indiv. Not Possible
April Possible
2 May AP Environmental Science 8:00 None
AP Spanish Language 8:00 IB Psychology HL & SL, P 1 1:00
3 May
IB English A1 HL, P1 9:00
AP Calculus AB & BC 8:00 IB Math HL, P1 1:00
4 May Psychology HL, P2 & P3 8:00 IB Math SL, P1 1:30
Psychology SL, P2 8:30 IB Math Studies SL, P1 1:30
IB Math HL, P2 8:30 IB ITGS, P1 1:30
5 May IB Math SL, P2 8:30 IB Music HL & SL, P1 12:00
IB Math Studies, P2 8:30
IB ITGS, P2 9:00 None
6 May
AP US History at McLean 8:00
9 May IB Math HL, P3 9:00 IB Chemistry SL, P1 & P2 12:30
AP US Government & Politics 8:00
10 May IB English A1 HL, P2 12:30
IB Chemistry SL, P3 9:00
AP English Language and IB Physics HL & SL, P1 & P2 12:00
11 May 8:00
Comp. at McLean
AP English Literature & Comp. 8:00 AP Microeconomics 12:00
12 May
IB Physics HL & SL, P3 8:30 IB History HL & SL, P1 & P2 12:00
IB Mandarin B SL & AB SL, P1
13 May IB History HL, P3 8:30 12:00
& P2
16 May None None
17 May None IB Spanish A2 HL & SL, P1 12:30
Late: AP US Govt. 8:00
IB Biology HL, P1 & P2 12:00
18 May IB Spanish A2 HL & SL, P2 8:30
IB Biology SL, P1 & P2 12:30
IB Spanish B HL & SL, P1 & P2 8:00
Late: AP Calculus AB/BC 8:00 IB Computer Science HL & SL, P1 12:30
IB Biology HL & SL, P3 8:30 IB Business SL, P1 12:30
19 May IB Anthropology SL, P1 12:30
Late: AP Spanish 12:00
IB Computer Science HL &SL, P2 8:30 None
20 May IB Business SL, P2 8:30
IB Anthropology SL, P2 8:30
23 May IB French B HL & SL, P2 & P2 8:30 none

Confirmations and Signatures are on the reverse side of this page:

PAGE 11 GEORGE MASON HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

By signing below, I am requesting that my child be allowed late arrival/early dismissal on the
designated dates and only on those days.

_______________________________ _________________________/________
Parent/Guardian’s Printed Name Parent/Guardian’s Signature / Date

By signing below, I acknowledge that I am required to make up any missed assignments or

assessments and agree to follow the exam absence procedures.

_____________________________________/_________
Student’s Signature / Date

_______________________ Confirmation phone number

Students please ask the teachers of the courses that you will miss to sign this form for confirmation
purposes:

Teachers’ Names: Teachers’ Signatures: Date:

__________________ _________________ _________

__________________ _________________ _________

__________________ _________________ _________

__________________ _________________ _________

__________________ _________________ _________

__________________ _________________ _________

__________________ _________________ _________

SPRING ATHLETES ONLY

___________________ _________________
Coach Bravin Coach Bravin’s Signature
PAGE 12 GEORGE MASON HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

SOL TESTING CALENDAR AND BELL SCHEULE May 2011

CALENDAR:
Blocks 1,2 and 3 rotate through the 8:00 and 10:16 timeslots in the morning. Blocks 4,5,6,and 7 rotate through the 11:13 and 1:25* timeslots in
the afternoon . Testing is administered by discipline area in the first and last Block of the day. Over the course of this testing window each class
meets for the equivalent of four full blocks of instruction.

Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Time 18-May-11 19-May-11 20-May-11 23-May-11 24-May-11 25-May-11 26-May-11 27-May-11

Test/Class 2 Test/Class 1 Test/Class 3 Test/Class 2 Test/Class 1 Test/Class 3 Test/Class 2

8:00 Class 1
(Eng & Sci) (Eng & Sci) (Eng & Sci) (Soc.St.& Math) (Soc.St.& Math) (Soc.St.& Math) (Soc.St.& Math)

10:16 Class 3 Class 2 Class 1 Class 3 Class 2 Class 1 Class 3 Class 3

11:13 Class 4 Class 5 Class 6 Class 7 Class 4 Class 5 Class 6 Class 7

12:54 (extended
Test/Class 6 Test/Class 7 Test/Class 4 Test/Class 5 Test/Class 6 Test/Class 7 Test/Class 4 Test/Class 5
session)
(Eng & Sci) (Eng & Sci) (Eng & Sci) (Eng & Sci) (Soc.St.& Math) (Soc.St.& Math) (Soc.St.& Math) (Soc.St.& Math)
OR 1:25

BELL SCHEDULE:
Class times will begin and end as per the regular schedule with the following exceptions:
™ Morning blocks that are in testing will remain in class through the Mustang Block to allow for a two hour testing session.
™ Afternoon classes that are testing will convene at either 1:25 (regular start of class) or 12:54 (if it is anticipated that the students or the
subject matter will require a 2-hour testing session.) *Students testing at 12:54 will be dismissed ½ hr. early (12:45) from their 11:13 class
(or from C-Lunch). Students not requiring the extended session or who are not testing will remain in class until 1:18 as per the regular bell
schedule for class beginning at 1:25.
™ There is no D-Lunch during the testing window. Lunch assignments during the testing window are based on departments as follows:
o A-Lunch: PE, Science
o B-Lunch: FL, English, ILMS
o C-Lunch: Math, Social Studies, VPA
April 2011

George Mason High School

Falls Church, VA 22043

Dear Class of 2011 and Parents:

Summer vacation, the end of your high school career and all the events that celebrate your
achievements, are fast approaching! To ensure that these events go smoothly, we are counting on you to
make it happen.

Please make note of the following important events and things to do. We want everyone’s
participation in these fun events. If any events in the last weeks of school prove to be difficult for you
and your family due to any financial or other circumstances, please let the Class of ’11 sponsors (Mr.
William Snyder and Mrs. Breanne Rodino) know because scholarships are available.

IMPORTANT GMHS SENIOR DATES

50 DAYS TO GRADUATION BREAKFAST: Thursday April 28th
The GM Class of 2013 will be providing the Class of ’11 with a breakfast to celebrate 50 days until
graduation. Meet in the cafeteria for the treats!

SENIOR EXAMS June 6-9, 2011:

Be sure that you have paid all your fines (Coach Horn [Athletics], Mrs. Johnson [library], Mr. Kane
[food services] & Mrs. Baldo [in main office]), scheduled any/all exams, returned all books and have
taken care of everything BEFORE you get caps/gowns!

SENIOR SERVICE PROJECT June 10, 2011:

Is in the works and will be a great opportunity for the senior class to help the parks of Falls Church.
The senior class will be cleaning up a park in Falls Church and removing invasive plants. Bring work
gloves. Wear pants, long sleeve shirts, and sneakers.

______________________________________________________________________________

SENIOR REFLECTIONS & DINNER: Sunday June 5th

On Sunday, June 5, we will hold a Senior Class Dinner with the families, friends, & staff to reflect on the
time the Class of 2011 has had at GMHS and what’s to come in the near future.

One of the most memorable parts of the dinner is the slideshow. In order for this to be memorable we
need YOUR HELP! If your student would like to be a part of the show, please submit pictures to
Victoria Pender, Katie Breen, or Mollie Breen at gmseniorslideshow2011@gmail.com or directly if
they are hard copies. Be sure to clearly label the back of the photos with student name. We need as
many pictures as possible so this can be great. Group pictures are also encouraged, but please note that
group pictures will increase the number of times some students may appear in the slideshow.

Jay Rodock will also be making a movie about the FCCPS school experience. Please contact him for
ideas, help, etc…

We will also be looking for Class of ’11 talent to include in the program. Bands, poetry, a potential
commencement speech or even a skit about your time at GMHS/FCCPS is a great way to help
commemorate this special time. Please see Violet Miller to get on the performance list & Kal Stakov
or Aleeya Ensign to help with backstage during the ceremony.
Parents, this dinner depends on your help! As per tradition, the parents of the senior class will be
responsible for all of the food for the dinner by each bringing a dish to share, while the junior class
parents will be in charge of decorations, setup and tear down.

SENIOR FIELD TRIP: Monday June 13th

We will be heading to KINGS DOMINION to celebrate your graduation.

SENIOR FIELD DAY: Tuesday June 14th

Is in the works and will be a great time! Meet down at the stadium turf at 10am for a fun filled day.
Food will be provided! Bring suits, sunscreen, towels, lawn chairs, beach balls, sprinklers and any super
soakers you have at your house!

GRADUATION: Wednesday June 15th

Caps/Gowns have been ordered and should be en route to your home or school for pick up. If you still
have not ordered either, please contact our Jostens Representative ASAP:

Mr. Steve Dodd 877-515-1447 (ext.1) or steve.dodd@jostens.com

Details concerning the ceremony and the schedule for that date will be sent home as soon as the details
become available.

Thanks again parents and seniors for your continued attention to the matters at hand. We want the last
months of your high school career to be the best but we can’t do it without all your help. Best of luck in
the final months! You guys are the BEST!

Your senior class officers and sponsors,

Mr. Snyder Mrs. Rodino

Violet Miller Brandon Alexander Daniel Drawbaugh Jade Womack

 Senior Field Trip Permission
On Monday June 13, 2011, the senior class of GMHS will be embarking on a fun filled day to Kings
Dominion. This is a regular scheduled school day so students will be in school or on the trip.

We will leave on Monday at 8:30 am to get to the park at 10:00am when it opens. At 4:00pm we will
board the buses to head back home to GMHS around 6 pm.

Please fill out this form and return it to Mr. Snyder’s room D102 with a payment of $60.00, which
includes lunch and transportation. You may pay by:

-Cash (there will be no change available)

-Check (made out to: George Mason High School)*checks that bounce will incur a $25.00 fee
*if this field trip poses a financial burden, please let Mr. Snyder snyderw@fccps.org know ASAP!

Permission Form & Money Due to Mr. Snyder by April

15th, 2011
Student Name: ___________________________________________________________

Student Cell #: ___________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian: ________________________________________________________

Work/Cell#: ____________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact name: _________________________________________________

Emergency Contact #: ____________________________________________________

Any medication needed?____________________________________________________

My child has my permission to go on this field trip and participate in the activity described
above. I understand that the necessary safety precautions will be taken for the supervision of the child.

The school has my permission, in an emergency when I (or my physician) can’t be contacted, to
take my child to the emergency room of the nearest hospital, and the hospital and its medical staff, have
my authorization to provide treatment which a physician deems necessary for the well-being of my
child. I recognize that this school district does not provide medical insurance for my child and my child
is physically fit to participate in the activity indicated above.

I have read this waiver and do not have any questions about the words used or their meaning.

Parent Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _______________

Student Signature: __________________________________________ Date:_______________