YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 1
HELLO! We hope you are doing well and enjoying the start to your summer. While the 2020-21 year has just come to a close, many of us at VES are beginning to prepare for the fall when we will welcome our new students and families and catch up with our returning students as they join us back on campus. Each June, we share this comprehensive e-book—Your Guide to Success—to provide the details VES families need to know to prepare for a successful start to the school year. Please read this information thoroughly and complete all required actions on time. All families will find these resources particularly helpful: • • • • • •
The 2021-22 School Calendar and Academic Schedule Your Summer Contacts Required Forms and Due Dates Our Refreshed Dress Code Summer Reading Books Travel and Orientation Information
New families will find a special section with additional information and actions to take, including: • • • • •
Fall Athletics & Afternoon Activity Sign Up Preparing for Residential Life & Roommate Survey for New Boarding Students A Guide to What to Bring / What to Wear What to Know about Laptops, Cell Phones and School Supplies Parent Information and Opportunities
Should you find that any information you need is not available in this guide or at ves.org/MyGuide, please contact Susan Brown (sbrown@ves.org), who will direct you to the person who can best help. Later in the summer, we will share our 2021-22 Student and Parent Handbook, an informative online tool to help you know what to expect and how to successfully engage as a member of the VES community. Most importantly, we encourage you to find time to relax and refresh. Wishing you all the best,
Chris Button Jenny Anderson Associate Head of School Dean of Teaching and Learning
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 24
2021-22 SCHOOL SCHEDULES YOUR VES SUMMER CONTACTS + COVID-19 & VACCINATIONS UPDATE LOG IN AND STAY CONNECTED WITH VES DOWNLOAD THESE APPS COMPLETE REQUIRED FORMS + MAKE TUITION PAYMENTS STUDENT HEALTH PREPARING FOR SCHOOL LAPTOPS & TECH REQUIREMENTS DRESS CODE ACADEMICS & SUMMER WORK ARRIVING AT VES & ORIENTATION + PREPARING FOR FALL SPORTS
JUST FOR NEW STUDENTS & PARENTS
31 32 33 34 36
JOINING THE VES COMMUNITY ESSENTIAL FOUNDATION SKILLS + WORLD LANGUAGE PLACEMENT PREPARING FOR RESIDENTIAL LIFE SETTING UP YOUR VES EMAIL CHOOSING YOUR FALL AFTERNOON ACTIVITY
JUST FOR PARENTS
38 39
PARENTS COUNCIL & VES PARENT UNIVERSITY CONNECT WITH VES
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 3
2021-22 SCHOOL SCHEDULES SCHOOL-YEAR CALENDAR Review the 2021-22 VES Calendar so that you can plan your year early and in line with important school dates. The calendar includes a detailed list of opening, closing, special events and vacation dates for semesters and holidays. Please take careful note of these key dates as you make your travel plans and reservations; we do not give exams before their scheduled time. ARRIVAL, REGISTRATION & ORIENTATION SCHEDULE August 18 - 28
Pre-Season Football Camp for All Football Players
August 18 Return to Campus for International Students Not Fully Vaccinated and Traveling Alone August 19 Return to Campus for International Students Not Fully Vaccinated and Traveling with a Family Member August 25
Return to Campus for: - New International Students Fully Vaccinated with an FDA EmergencyApproved Vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson) - Returning International Students Elected to Student Leadership Positions
August 26 - 27 Student Leader Training New International Student Orientation August 28 All New Student Orientation Return to Campus for All Other Returning International Students Who Are Fully Vaccinated August 29
Returning Domestic Student Orientation
August 30
First Day of Classes
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 4
YOUR VES SUMMER CONTACTS GENERAL QUESTIONS Chris Button Associate Head of School cbutton@ves.org 434.385.3600
ACADEMICS Jenny Anderson
STUDENT & RESIDENTIAL LIFE Esther Johnson Asst. Dean of Student Life
Residential Life Coordinator International Student Coordinator Student Activities Coordinator
ejohnson@ves.org 434.660.3429
Dean of Teaching & Learning
ATHLETICS
janderson@ves.org 434.385.3639
Athletic Director
Bob Leake bleake@ves.org 434.385.3811
ACADEMIC SCHEDULES Charles Watson Director of Studies
HEALTH CENTER & MAGNUS HEALTH
cwatson@ves.org 434.385.3630
Teresa Poe, RN Head Nurse tpoe@ves.org 434.385.3706
COVID-19 & VACCINATIONS UPDATE We hope the vast majority of our students—both new and returning—will be vaccinated prior to the start of the 2021-22 school year. In fact our ability to have as normal a school year is dependent upon vaccinations. While we are not yet requiring the vaccination, we do need at least 85% of our students vaccinated prior to August 30 to avoid reintroducing Covid-19 mitigation protocols used in the 2020-21 school year. Arrival to VES and opening-of-school practices may change if the student body has a vaccination rate lower than 85%. Our practices also will be influenced by the status of the pandemic in the United States and regionally. What if I’m not vaccinated? Students who are not vaccinated may be asked to quarantine, test regularly and/or have limits to their off-campus activities, depending upon the local situation. How do I inform you about my student’s vaccinations? Please be sure to upload your student’s vaccination information to the Magnus Health application under the Certificate of Immunization section. Even if your student has only completed one of two shots, please go ahead and upload the card. When the student becomes fully vaccinated you may upload the completed card. You will find more details about this on page 10 of this guide. YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 5
HOW TO LOG IN AND STAY CONNECTED WITH VES You have already created your account at: www.ves.org. Now you need to log in to: 1. Complete essential forms so your student will be registered to begin the school year. 2. Discover how to stay connected with the school and find the information you need throughout our website. ACCESSING THE STUDENT & PARENT PORTAL OF THE VES WEBSITE Parents, you have already established your username and password. New students will soon receive an email explaining how to establish their login. To log in, begin by going to www.ves.org, then click on LOGIN in the upper right corner of the homepage.
If you have forgotten your login or you are logging in for the first time: 1. Click on the link below the box that says: Forgot login or First time logging in?
2. Enter your new VES email address and check both boxes: Username and Password. Then, click Send.
3. You will then receive two emails, one with your Username and the other with a link to reset your password. If you have any questions or problems logging in, email Sandra Ross: sross@ves.org. CHANGING YOUR PASSWORD & UPDATING YOUR PROFILE To change your username and/or password, simply click on your name at the top right of the Resources page, choose Settings, and input your new information. Bryan Adams
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 6
YOUR RESOURCES PAGE Bryan Adams
When you login, you will arrive at your Resources page. The buttons allow you to: • find calendars, handbooks and forms • access the Magnus Health site • pay your VES bill • schedule parent-teacher conferences • refer prospective students • and much more. PARENT & STUDENT PERSONALIZED INFORMATION The top row of links (see below) provides quick access to personalized information for parents and their students—groups you are in, VES news, a customizable school calendar, and directories to reach out to faculty, staff and others.
Parents may click on your child’s name to arrive at a page showing a list of his/her classes and progress in those courses, individualized school schedule, assignments and much more.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 7
CUSTOMIZING YOUR VIEW IN ONCAMPUS Bryan Adams
After choosing Settings under your name, look at the Account Settings box at the left of the page. • Choose Login Settings to select your starting page view. - Most parents prefer to select Resources. - Most students prefer to select My Day - Schedule & Performance.
• Choose Notifications. -Select how you would like to receive notifications (text, email or both).
badams@ves.org
888.888.8888
-Select the type of Notifications you would like to receive. For example, students will want to be alerted when assignments, games or practices are added or updated. -Subscribe to select email lists, for example, important school announcements, news and more.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 8
DOWNLOAD THESE APPS STUDENTS ONLY Orah (Available July 1). This app helps you with sign-ins, roll calls, campus leaves, and helps us support your wellbeing. We will guide you through the use of the app during Orientation. Returning students, please note: if you have already downloaded the Boardingware app, it will update automatically. Safe to Speak Up. Students, download this app prior to your arrival on campus in August. You will log in during Orientation in your first dorm meeting or day student meeting and will learn about the app, which is important for student safety and crisis communications across our campus. PARENTS ONLY Magnus Health. You will upload your student’s health records, proof of insurance, annual physical exam form, a list of prescription medicines, up-to-date immunization and Covid-19 vaccination records via the app or the web portal. Smart Tuition. VES uses Smart Tuition as its platform for tuition payment. With this app, you can make secure online payments for tuition, activities, bookstore purchases, etc., review your payment history and see an itemized breakdown of tuition, fees and discounts billed to your account. Read all the benefits and details about Smart Tuition. You also can use their website.
MAKE A SHORTCUT TO THE VES HOMEPAGE ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE Why spend the extra time to log in to the VES website or login page the conventional way? Save time and taps by creating a shortcut on your mobile device! Follow these steps: •F or an iOS device, open the Safari app. In the address bar, enter the desired URL, tap the Share button and then select Add to home screen. Enter a name for the link (such as "VES") and then select Add. •F or an Android device, open Google Chrome. Enter the URL, tap the Menu button (it may look like a vertical ellipsis of three dots in the upper right corner) and then select Add to home screen. Enter a name for the link (such as “My School Login”) and then select Add.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 9
COMPLETE REQUIRED FORMS & MAKE TUITION PAYMENT All forms that parents and students need to complete are available online on your Resources page at www.ves.org. Please note that some forms require the signatures of both parents. To participate in pre-season athletics, move into the dorm and begin attending classes, all forms must be completed and submitted on time. We are strict on this point for the protection of students and the wellbeing of the community. COMPLETE THESE FORMS ☐ Registration Forms (due by July 15) Log in to www.ves.org and you will land on your Resources page. When you arrive there, you will see a yellow banner at the top that notes that you have checklist items you must complete. Simply click on the link: Checklists to Review.
☐ Health Forms: Magnus Health (due by August 1) Before completing the Magnus Health forms, you may find it helpful to read about our partnership with Magnus Health on page 11 of this guide. Only parents have access to Magnus Health. Complete all requirements and receive notications from the school on the Magnus PHR mobile app or on the website. Please note: You will upload an image of your student’s Covid-19 vaccine card under Certificate of Immunization. Even if your student has only completed one of two shots, please go ahead and upload the card. When the student becomes fully vaccinated, you may upload the completed card. Direct all questions to Magnus Health at 877.461.6831 or click on the “Need Help” button on the website/app. If Magnus Health cannot answer your questions, contact VES Head Nurse Teresa Poe, RN: tpoe@ves.org. NEW STUDENTS ONLY (due by July 15) Beginning on page 30 of this guide, you will learn about three additional forms/surveys you need to complete: ☐ World Language Survey
☐ Roommate Compatability Survey
☐ Afternoon Activity Form
PAY TUITION Billing statements are emailed to families on or about the 10th of each month, with the first sent around June 10 and due by July 1. Use the button “Pay My Bill” on your Resources page to pay your 2021-22 tuition through Smart Tuition.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 10
STUDENT HEALTH YOUR VES HEALTH RECORD VES partners with Magnus Health to keep all student medical information in an online Student Medical Record. Benefits include less paperwork for parents to complete each year, easy access for parents to update information during the school year, and more accurate information that is accessible to parents and the appropriate employees at our school. Another bonus: you will also have the option to take the digital health file with you after graduation from VES. Parents of seniors will have easy access to Magnus for any information they might need for college until the end of June when records are archived. After that they will need to contact Magnus. Note about annual physical exams: As mandated by state law, each student must have a physical on file performed after May 1 of the preceding school year and which is good through June 30 of the current school year, and a completed up-to-date Immunization Record, both of which are to be signed and dated by the student’s physician or Health Department official. If you haven’t already made this appointment, please do so to meet our August 1 Magnus Health forms deadline. New U.S. Families: To complete the Magnus Health Student Medical Record, we encourage you to gather your student’s health records in advance and set aside 20 - 30 minutes per child. You will receive automated weekly reminders until the form is submitted. The good news is that you will not have to repeat this work next year; the data is securely stored, so going forward you will simply provide updates to the record as needed. Returning Families: Simply click on the Magnus Health button and review, update and approve/sign off on the data already in your student’s record. International Families: Over the summer, you should plan to see a medical doctor who will sign important health forms. VES will enroll you in the school-required ISM health insurance plan. This will be automatic and you do not need to take any action. You will receive a health insurance card and ID number after you arrive at VES. We encourage you to view this helpful video, which gives you a simplified overview of the U.S. health system.
CREATE YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY KIT While the majority of our campus will be vaccinated by the fall, we remain committed to risk protocols that keep our VES community healthy. Please create and bring your own personal health and safety kit with the following items: • 2 large canisters of disinfecting wipes • 2 large bottles of hand sanitizer (60% alcohol content) • Washable face masks that fully cover the nose and mouth
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 11
PREPARING FOR SCHOOL MATERIALS AND TOOLS FOR THE SCHOOL DAY If you want to purchase supplies and academic tools prior to the start of the year, here is a short list of items you will want to have available. Check your class pages on OnCampus, as teachers may list specific supplies there. Boarders: Trips to our local Target and Walmart are routinely scheduled for any additional needs you may have. • • • •
Backpack Personal Laptop TI-84 Plus Calculator Ruled Notepaper and Graph Paper bound or unbound
• Binders • Pens/Pencils • Highlighters
CHOOSING A CELL PHONE PROVIDER Domestic Students: If you are planning on purchasing a new cell phone or switching service plans before your arrival, please be aware that Verizon has the best reception on the VES campus. All other carriers have weak to no cellular coverage. International Students: Many international students choose to use prepaid SIM cards rather than contract with a cellular service. It is possible to purchase these after you arrive on campus.
STUDENT VEHICLES ON CAMPUS We believe the risks and temptations to boarding students with cars on campus are great. Therefore, the school policy is that boarding students may NOT have cars on campus without special permission. If you need to request permission, please contact Assistant Dean of Students Pete Huryk: 434.385.3857 or phuryk@ves.org. • Ninth, 10th and 11th graders may not have a car on campus for any reason. • Day students who drive to/from school must complete the Day Student Vehicle Registration form on the Resources page under the button Handbooks, Schedules and Forms. • Senior boarders may have a car on campus. They must complete the Boarder Vehicle Request Form on the Resources page under the button Handbooks, Schedules and Forms with your parent to register your car. Your keys will remain on file and you may request them when needed from the Duty Desk.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 12
LAPTOPS & TECH REQUIREMENTS LAPTOPS Click on these Tech Specs for our computer hardware and software requirements. GET YOUR LAPTOP CONFIGURED For students to be ready to start school well, our IT team needs to pre-configure computers for the following students: • New students in the U.S. (international students: see note below) • Returning domestic students who have purchased a new laptop over the summer To help us do this work in a timely manner, we ask you to get your laptops to the IT team as soon as possible, beginning July 14. First, complete and print this fillable form, which needs to accompany your computer. Deliver your laptop to us in one of the following ways: Come in Person • Drop your laptop and form at the front office of Jett Hall or in the Admissions office. • Expect to leave your computer. We will call you when it is ready for pickup (usually within 4 hours). Ship Your Laptop • Ship your computer to VES by August 16 if you wish for us to ship it back to you in advance of school. • Ship your computer to VES to arrive after August 23 if you wish for us to hold onto your computer for pickup at school when you arrive in late August. • If you have not yet purchased your laptop, you may have it shipped directly from the vendor to VES. If you choose one of the shipping options, please ship the computer via UPS or FedEx in a special laptop shipping box generally available at those stores, and mail to: Liz Parthemore Virginia Episcopal School 400 VES Road Lynchburg, VA 24503 International students, we will configure your computers when you arrive in Lynchburg. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Liz Parthemore, Director of Technology: eparthemore@ves.org.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 13
VES DRESS CODE 2021-22 VES strives for consistency in all school rules and expectations. The following are universal expectations that apply to all VES students; the school expects all students to maintain distinct and similar degrees of formality in their attire. Please see the descriptions below to help guide your wardrobe decisions.
Chapel/Classroom Dress Top • Sport coat, blazer, varsity jacket • Tailored dress shirt (tucked in as appropriate) • Sweater • Necktie Bottom • Dress pants/slacks: khakis or corduroys • Belt (if the pants have belt loops) • Skirt or dress of professional length (longer than a minimum of five inches from the top of the knee) Shoes Student choice with the exception of flip flops, slides or slippers
Business Casual When granted by the Dean of Student Life Office Top • Polo-style shirt • Dress shirt Bottom • Pants/slacks: khakis, corduroys • Nice jeans • Dressy shorts (when allowed by DOS office) • Skirt or dress of professional length (longer than a minimum of five inches from the top of the knee) Shoes Student choice with the exception of flips flops, slides or slippers
Bishop Dress Fridays and other special occasions
All Students Tops: Must be adorned with the VES logo or be VES colors (garnet and white); can be a t-shirt or sweatshirt Pants: Shorts (must not expose a student’s behind); jeans; athletic pants Shoes: Student choice
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 14
DRESS CODE SUCCESS We want all students to succeed when it comes to understanding how to dress professionally. When getting dressed for school, all students should ask themselves: 1. Is the general tone of my outfit professional, neat, clean and in good repair? If not, make a change. 2. Is the tailoring of my outfit in line with school policies and expectations? If not, make a change. 3. Do I have good personal hygiene in line with VES norms and expectations? If not, make a change. Universal Expectations • All clothing must be clean and in good repair. In good repair means free from frayed edges and holes with buttons and working zippers. • Undergarments must be completely covered at all times. • Students may wear frayed clothing outside the academic day only.
• Denim and flannel may be worn outside of the school day unless it’s a special occasion allowed by the DOS office • Athleisure—including sweatpants or spandex pants—may be worn outside of the academic day only, with the exception of Friday Bishop Dress. • All clothes should be free from drug, alcohol, nicotine, and/or any offensive reference. If a question over what is offensive arises, the Dean of Student Life office will make the final determination and act accordingly. Dress for Meals No shirts with visible sweat soaked through or visible dirt will be allowed. Athletic tank tops are not allowed in the dining hall. Athletes should make sure to have at least a clean shirt if they must rush to dinner. Exceptions The school may grant exceptions to this policy for particular reasons, such as documented religious or medical reasons. Violations Repeated violations of this dress code policy will result in disciplinary action.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 15
ACADEMICS & SUMMER WORK YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 16
REVIEW YOUR COURSE ASSIGNMENTS FOR FALL TERM Course assignments for Fall Term are available on OnCampus. You can find your assignments by going to the following: Students Login to www.ves.org. Click Progress (first tab). Your schedule will appear.
Parents Login to www.ves.org. Click your child’s picture/name in top left corner. You will land on his/her Progress tab and view schedule.
If you have questions, contact Mr. Charles Watson: cwatson@ves.org.
SUMMER CLASSWORK Each summer, students in certain AP classes are assigned work to build their knowledge in preparation for a quick start to the year with the required AP coursework. In addition, rising seniors begin work on their college essays. Review the assignments below; pay attention to when work is due. REQUIRED COLLEGE COUNSELING ASSIGNMENT FOR RISING SENIORS All seniors must have a completed rough draft of an essay addressing one of the Common App essay prompts. You must share your essay with your senior English teacher and college counselor on the first day of classes. To prepare your rough draft, please read this assignment sheet. AP CLASSES: SUMMER REQUIREMENTS Courses with summer assignments are listed on ves.org/MyGuide. Please review this information carefully and plan ahead to meet deadlines. If you have questions, contact Mrs. Jenny Anderson: janderson@ves.org.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 17
REQUIRED SUMMER READING 1. A ll VES students must read “Franny and Zooey” by J.D. Salinger (see the first book on the list below). The book will be the subject of the first unit of all English classes. 2. Each student also must choose one of the six books on pages 19 - 20 to read over the summer. We want you to enjoy your summer reading, so you will find a wide variety of books on our list. Choose something interesting to you! Discussion groups based on your book choice will take place on the first day of school.
ALL-SCHOOL READ FRANNY AND ZOOEY BY J.D. SALINGER “Everything everybody does is so—I don’t know—not wrong, or even mean, or even stupid necessarily. But just so tiny and meaningless and—sad-making. And the worst part is, if you go bohemian or something crazy like that, you’re conforming just as much only in a different way.” This book is actually two short novellas by the master of teenage angst. Frustrated with her boyfriend, and feeling disconnected from the world around her, Franny casts around for help. Will she find it in religion? In the love and support she gets from her family? How can she find a way to be her authentic self? Salinger brilliantly captures the struggles we have as teenagers and young adults as we hope to understand ourselves and our world better.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 18
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING BOOKS ANTHEM BY AYN RAND Have you ever thought of getting burned alive just because you said a word that your society prohibits? The book Anthem will show you what that word is and why it is so important. The main character, Equality 7-2521, is an individual who actively tries to find this word and its true meaning. This is a book that will remind you of the value of things that you thought were not so meaningful and will make you to re-evaluate the current society that we live in. If you want to experience a new perspective and finish a quick enjoyable summer reading, Anthem is perfect for you. - Brian Kwon ’23
MY INVENTIONS AND OTHER WRITINGS BY NIKOLA TESLA Penguin Classics Version Croatian genius Nikola Tesla wrote several reflections of his life, experiences and thoughts, collected in My Inventions and Other Writings. It is a rare opportunity where a world-changing man offers a behind-the-scenes look at how he thinks and works. Why should you read about Tesla? Because he walked 8-10 miles every day and slept only two hours at a time. He once spent more than $2,000 to fix an injured pigeon, he spoke eight languages, and was friends with Mark Twain. In 1912, he planned to make students more intelligent by saturating them unconsciously with electricity. He wanted to wire the walls of a schoolroom with millions of volts of infinitesimal electric waves vibrating at high frequency. The whole room would be converted into a health-giving and stimulating electromagnetic field or ‘bath.” The plan was, at least provisionally, approved by then superintendent of New York City schools. – Mr. Seldar & Mr. Knebel
BAND OF BROTHERS BY STEPHEN AMBROSE As good a rifle company as any, Easy Company, 506th Airborne Division, US Army, kept getting tough assignments—responsible for everything from parachuting into France early DDay morning to the capture of Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest at Berchtesgaden. In Band of Brothers, Ambrose tells of the men in this brave unit who fought, went hungry, froze and died, a company that took 150% casualties and considered the Purple Heart a badge of office. Drawing on hours of interviews with survivors as well as the soldiers’ journals and letters, Ambrose recounts the stories, often in the men’s own words, of these American heroes. – Mr. Rivenburgh
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 19
THE STARLESS SEA BY ERIN MORGENSTERN The Starless Sea tells the epic adventure of Zachary Ezra Rawlins, who is called out of his ordinary existence as a graduate student studying video game design when he finds a book including a very specific event from his childhood that only he would remember. Using the books inscribed secret symbols, a bee, a key and a sword, he sets out to find the origins of the book, which eventually leads him to this curious underground library. While there, he realizes many want to protect this ancient space, but others want its destruction. What side of this game-like conflict will Zachary choose? The Starless Sea is a captivating read for all bibliophiles and gaming aficionados.
PIRANESI BY SUSANNA CLARKE Piranesi is a novel based on the works of Giovanni Piranesi, who created drawings of complex and stunning prisons. Piranesi is a man who knows the labyrinth-like house well. He spends his time exploring and documenting while searching for “A Great and Secret Knowledge.” His quest for this knowledge will change his perception of “the House,” “The Other,” himself and the world he inhabits. It is a clever, mind-bending read. – Mrs. Tuck
LONG WAY DOWN BY LUCINDA DYER Have you ever had to really think about something? What if you’re off on your way to do something that will be life changing, and you are forced to consider your options due to being stuck in traffic or just waiting for the moment to arrive? According to its Amazon review, “Long Way Down is New York Times bestselling-author Jason Reynolds’ electrifying novel that takes place in 60 potent seconds— the time it takes a kid to decide whether or not he’s going to murder the guy who killed his brother.” As someone who is a slow reader, this was the fastest I have ever read a book, which is only one of the reasons why I suggested it for you. The story itself has merited several awards with due cause. As ghosts from his past join him and bring their own experiences to light in face of this decision he must make, we follow 15-year-old Will on his elevator ride out of his building on the way to confront the person he believes killed his older brother. The review mentioned earlier concludes: “told in short, fierce staccato narrative verse, Long Way Down is a fast and furious, dazzlingly brilliant look at teenage gun violence,” and it grips the reader all the way to the end. I highly recommend this quick and powerful read that stayed with me long after I closed the book. – Mrs. Messinger YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 20
2021-22 DAILY ACADEMIC SCHEDULE We have a new academic schedule for the school year, with an 8:45 a.m. start each day, time for community building with assemblies, chapel and seated lunches, plus time dedicated to collaboration and clubs.
MONDAY 8:45 - 9:50
9:55 - 11
11 - 11:15
11:15 - 12:20
11:15 - 11:55
12:20 - 1
11:55 - 1
1:05 - 2:10
2:15 - 3:20
Period 1
Period 2
Break
Period 3
1st Lunch
2nd Lunch
Period 3
Period 4
Period 5
TUESDAY 8:45 - 9:50
9:55 - 11
11 - 11:45
11:45 - 12:45
12:45 - 1:50
1:55 - 3
Period 1
Period 2
Assembly
Advisory Lunch
Period 3
Period 4
WEDNESDAY 8:45 - 9:50
9:55 - 11
11 - 12
12 - 1:05
12 - 12:40
1:05 - 1:45
Period 1
Period 2
Chapel
Period 3
1 Lunch
2
st
nd
12:40 - 1:45
1:50 - 2:55
Period 3
Period 4
Lunch
THURSDAY 8:45 - 9:50
9:55 - 11
11 - 11:45
11:45 - 12:45
12:45 - 1:50
1:55 - 3
Period 1
Period 2
Student Life
Seated Lunch
Period 3
Period 4
FRIDAY 8:45 - 9:50
9:55 - 11
11 - 11:50
11:50 - 12:55
11:50 - 12:30
Period 1
Period 2
Assembly
Period 3
1 Lunch st
12:55 - 1:35 12:30 - 1:35 2
nd
Lunch
Period 3
1:40 - 2:45
3:15 - 5
Period 4
Afternoon Activities
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
MONDAY - THURSDAY & LATE START DAYS
3:10 - 3:45
4 - 5:45
Collaboration/Clubs Period
Afternoon Activities
LATE START DAYS 10 - 11:05
11:10 - 12:15
12:20 - 1:25
12:20 - 1
1:25 - 2:05
1 - 2:05
2:10 - 3:15
Period 1
Period 2
Period 3
1st Lunch
2nd Lunch
Period 3
Period 4
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 21
ACT & SAT TESTING: 2021-22 As the landscape surrounding college admissions and standardized testing continues to evolve, VES is committed to ensuring that our students have ample opportunities to take the SAT and/or ACT, should they decide that submitting these test scores will be in their best interest in the college admissions process. While more and more colleges have recently committed to test-optional admissions practices, we never want students to inadvertently close doors on the opportunities that could help them in the future. As such, we continue to encourage all students to take at least one ACT or SAT in their junior year, ideally in the fall semester. College counselors will use those results to help juniors make wise plans regarding their standardized testing moving forward. Families should reference the testing recommendations that are sent to rising juniors in early June to make an informed decision about whether their child will likely perform better on the ACT or SAT. Please remember that you are always welcome to email the college counselors at collegecounseling@ves.org if you would like to schedule a conversation about your child’s standardized testing plans or any other college admissions-related matter. TESTS BEING OFFERED IN 2021-2022 Saturday Test Dates: VES will not be offering Saturday testing this year because the national registration website does not allow us to limit seats to only VES students. As such, here is the plan for testing: • Whenever the SAT or ACT is being offered while school is in session, we will provide transportation to and from one of the local testing centers. • Later this summer, once we know which local schools will be hosting Saturday tests in the fall, we will communicate with you the Lynchburg testing center where students should register. • For students who need school transportation, generally we ask that they select the testing center closest to VES that is offering the test they want to take. In most cases that will be E.C. Glass High School, followed by Heritage High School, then Liberty Christian Academy. • Currently, we do not anticipate that any VES student who is taking a Saturday test in a testing center would need to quarantine afterward.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 22
The scheduled dates for Saturday tests in the 2021-2022 school year are as follows; registration for these dates will open later in the summer:
ACT Saturday Test Dates
SAT Saturday Test Dates
September 11, 2021
August 28, 2021
October 23, 2021
October 2, 2021
December 11, 2021
November 6, 2021
February 12, 2022
December 4, 2021
April 2, 2022
March 12, 2022*
June 11, 2022*
May 7, 2022
July 16, 2022*
June 4, 2022*
*T esting dates that occur during school breaks and holidays; school transportation likely not available.
Weekday Test Dates: We will continue to offer opportunities for students to take the SAT and/or ACT during the school week, as testing in a familiar environment on a weekday is an appreciated and successful approach. Dates when we will offer school day testing in the 2021- 2022 school year are:
School Day ACT Test Dates
School Day SAT Dates
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Thursday, October 28, 2021
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Registration is still required for in-school testing, but instead of registering through the College Board or ACT websites, students will sign-up through the College Counseling Office. The cost of testing will be charged to the students’ accounts through the VES business office. Please send any questions regarding next year’s standardized testing plans to collegecounseling@ves.org.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 23
ARRIVING AT VES & ORIENTATION
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 24
WELCOME, MOVE-IN & ORIENTATION FOR U.S. STUDENTS We cannot wait to greet you on campus in late August. It is extremely important for new students’ families to participate in New Student Orientation. If you are unable to attend for any reason, please communicate what your on-campus arrival plan will be as soon as possible with Associate Head of School Chris Button: cbutton@ves.org. TRAVEL TO VES & ACCOMMODATIONS We look forward to seeing you! Click here for driving instructions, options for hotel accommodations and other helpful information to plan your stay. MOVE-IN & ORIENTATION The full schedules for these days will be provided upon your arrival. Here are a few highlights: New Domestic Students You and your parents will arrive on campus Saturday, August 28. We will send information closer to the time with specific details, but the day typically unfolds this way: • Boarders will move on dorm and register in the mid-morning. • Day students typically arrive to register following lunch. • We ask that parents remain on campus for key sessions through early afternoon Saturday, then depart campus. • Day students typically remain on campus Saturday until early evening and return Sunday for activities that run the entire day through early evening. Returning Domestic Students If not already on campus because of other commitments, boarders will return and move in on Sunday, August 29. Details for boarders and day students will follow by email in August. YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 25
GUIDANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES: TRAVEL, VACCINATION AND OPENING OF SCHOOL We look forward to welcoming you to our VES campus in the fall. This information provides guidance to help you prepare for your journey. Please review it thoroughly. We will issue updates as new information is available. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Esther Johnson, International Student Coordinator: ejohnson@ves.org.
YOUR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISOR
Esther Johnson ejohnson@ves.org 434.660.3429
You will receive communication from Esther Johnson. Reach out to her with any questions you have throughout the school year.
ARRIVING IN THE U.S. AND TO THE VES CAMPUS All students not fully vaccinated with an FDA emergency-approved vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson) are asked to arrive to start your 7-day quarantine on campus on: • Wednesday, August 18 if the student is not fully vaccinated and is traveling alone. • Thursday, August 19 if the student is traveling to campus with a parent or other family member and is not fully vaccinated. Students who are fully vaccinated with an FDA emergency-approved vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson) are asked to arrive on campus on: • Wednesday, August 25 for fully vaccinated new international students to attend the new international student orientation on August 26 and 27. • Wednesday, August 25 for students elected into next year’s student leadership. You will attend leadership training on August 26 and 27. • Saturday, August 28 for all other fully vaccinated, returning international students (rising 11th and 12th graders). TRANSPORTATION SHUTTLE SERVICE FOR ARRIVING TO CAMPUS ON AUGUST 18, 25 & 28 Airport / Train / Bus Station
Departure / Arrival to VES
Dulles (IAD) Airport
5 p.m. / 9 p.m.
Charlotte (CLT) Airport
5 p.m. / 9 p.m.
Lynchburg (LYH) Airport
As Needed
Lynchburg Amtrak
As Needed
Greyhound Station
As Needed
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 26
We ask that students who are traveling alone by plane select a flight to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Charlotte Airport (CLT) or to the Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH), and VES will provide transportation to campus. If it is not possible to arrange a flight into these airports, we ask families reach out to Esther Johnson: ejohnson@ves.org. ACCOMMODATIONS IN LYNCHBURG For families traveling to Lynchburg who need accommodations, please click this link, then select “Accommodations” above the campus map. STUDENT VACCINATION & QUARANTINE Vaccination is not required but highly encouraged. For stuents who would like to be vaccinated, we will work with our healthcare partners to provide vaccinations when you arrive on campus. We will ask parents to sign a form giving permission for their students to be vaccinated with an FDA emergency-approved vaccine appropriate for the student’s age (most likely Pfizer). Our preference is for students who are not yet vaccinated to wait until they arrive on campus to receive an FDA emergency-approved vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson). If a student has received a vaccine not yet approved in the United States, we need you to notify VES by emailing Esther Johnson: ejohnson@ves.org. We are seeking further guidance for those with non-U.S. approved vaccinations and will communicate directly with these students. Following arrival on campus, students who do not have an FDA emergency-approved vaccine will quarantine for 7 days on campus. For those who choose it, we will begin the vaccination process shortly after arrival. These students will be able to live on dorm, engage with each other and spend time outdoors enjoying activities together. ORIENTATION & REGISTRATION We will provide engaging activities for students arriving August 18 and 19, leading up to our official International Student Orientation August 26 - 27. Our All School Orientation takes place August 28 - 29. Family members traveling with students on August 25 will enjoy orientation sessions on August 26. SIGNING UP FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES & BUYING NECESSITIES During registration Wells Fargo Bank representatives will be onsite. You will have the option to meet with the rep if you wish to set up a bank account. We also will offer a shopping trip into town to purchase items needed for school and dorm rooms.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 27
PLANNING FOR SCHOOL BREAKS & SHUTTLE TRANSPORTATION Breaks In 2021-22, VES will keep campus open for our international students during: • Thanksgiving Break: November 20 - 29, 2021 • Spring Break, as long as travel restrictions remain in place: March 12 - 27, 2022. Campus will not remain open during Christmas Break: December 18 - January 9. If your student is unable to travel home, we will work with the student to assist in finding a family to host him/her over the holiday. When travel restrictions are lifted, families should expect their students to return home for breaks or make arrangements with families in the U.S. Flight Schedules & VES Dulles Shuttle Service VES offers shuttle service to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) at the beginning and end of each major school break: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break and Summer. • Inbound Travel. We encourage you to arrange inbound flights to the U.S. to arrive by 4 p.m. whenever possible for the 5 p.m. VES shuttle departure back to campus. • Outbound Travel. At the beginning of breaks, shuttles from VES to Dulles leave at 6 a.m., arriving at Dulles at approximately 9:30 a.m. We strongly encourage you to book flights after 12:30 p.m. to allow sufficient time to get through the airport. Our VES Dulles shuttle will operate for these major breaks. Please plan your travel accordingly.
Break
From VES to Dulles
From Dulles to VES
Thanksgiving Break
November 20, 2021
November 29, 2021
Christmas
December 18, 2021
January 9, 2022
Spring Break
March 12, 2022
March 27, 2022
End of Year
May 22, 2022
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 28
PREPARING FOR FALL SPORTS PRE-SEASON FOOTBALL CAMP | AUGUST 18 - 28 All football players need to arrive after 3 p.m. on August 18 to check in for practice. Players will stay together as a team on dorm. Boarders will move into their permanent rooms when camp concludes. Please contact Coach Matt Porter (after July 1) with questions. FALL SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS In early August, you should receive an email from the coach of your selected fall activity to introduce themselves, communicate equipment needs and share any essential details.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 29
JUST FOR NEW STUDENTS & PARENTS YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 30
JOINING THE VES COMMUNITY Joining our VES community presents a new stage in your life. We know it can be exciting and also a little overwhelming. That’s why VES works to provide you a lot of support in this transition, helping you build independence and confidence, and laying the foundation that will set you up for long-term success. WE HELP YOU GET WELL-CONNECTED RIGHT FROM THE START Before you arrive at VES, you will be paired with a VES student—we call them “Big Sibs”— who is ready and available to provide insights and answer your questions. A full weekend of VES Orientation will help you get familiar with both new and returning students while you begin to learn about our VES culture...and laugh a lot! Dorm parents, Student Counselors and Junior Resident Assistants will all help you quickly and comfortably enjoy dorm and school life. Another important person in your career at VES is your advisor. New students can expect to hear from their advisors in August. As soon as you step foot on campus, you will begin to form an important partnership with your advisor, who serves as a “parent away from home” and a trusted adult link between home and school life. Advisory groups meet weekly at Advisory Lunch and in off-campus activities where you will bond with each other. In addition, advisors guide the selection of coursework and activities so you can develop your interests, serving as a willing ear to help solve challenges and keeping a pulse on how you are performing in and out of the classroom. And for freshmen—in your first month of school—your class will participate in an off-campus two-day Freshman Retreat, helping you form strong connections with classmates, develop your communication skills, collaborate with and trust each other, and just have fun.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 31
GAIN ESSENTIAL FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS Before arriving in the fall, all new students complete the online Introduction to VES curriculum, a series of mini-courses designed to help you successfully navigate your VES experience—in the classroom, on dorm, in student life, socially and personally. In early August, we will send an email with the link to these courses. You can complete them all at once or work on them at your own pace before you arrive at school. We cover topics such as: How to Use OnCampus, our online learning system to manage your courses and activities, daily schedule, class assignments, grades and progress throughout the year. Building Strong Study Habits Goal-Setting Skills Communicating Effectively with Faculty
WORLD LANGUAGE PLACEMENT AND SURVEY Placement in Spanish and French classes is based on your transcripts and teacher recommendations. When you see your class placement, if you believe you have been placed in the wrong course or would like to discuss or advocate for a different placement, please reach out to World Language Department Chair Amanda Rhem: arhem@ves.org. Students Who Are Currently Taking French or Spanish ☐ Please forward this link to your current world language teacher. Ask him/her to fill out the brief survey as soon as possible.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 32
PREPARE FOR RESIDENTIAL LIFE WHO IS MY ROOMMATE? ☐ Please complete our roommate compatibilty survey as soon as possible. You will learn your roommate pairing when you arrive on campus. We have had great success over the past few years in creating good partnerships that help students succeed at VES and broaden their horizons. If you have any questions about this, please contact Asst. Dean of Student Life Esther Johnson: ejohnson@ves.org.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING FOR MY ROOM? As new boarding families, we know you have lots of questions about what you need to bring —and what not to bring—with you to campus. Check out our helpful guide here. DECORATING YOUR DORM ROOM Students may choose to order room essentials and accessories from cost-efficient companies* like dormco.com or dormify.com, or a luxury dorm essentials provider like Leighdeuxdorm.com. When you arrive in Lynchburg, we provide transportation to our local Target and Walmart. * VES has no affiliation with these companies and is not endorsing these over other options in the marketplace.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 33
SETTING UP YOUR VES EMAIL We have created your student VES email account and updated your login to www.ves.org! Your VES email address is the one we will now use to communicate with you about all things VES. We want to help you get your email set up right away, so let’s get started. YOUR VES STUDENT EMAIL ADDRESS AND USERNAME Your VES email address is composed of the first initial of your first name (or nickname if that is your preferred name) followed by your last name. You will use this email address and password to access your email, login to www.ves.org and Google Apps for Edu, and to connect to the VES wi-fi once you are on campus. Example: The email and username for Robert Smith, who goes by “Bob,” is bsmith@ves.org. YOUR VES EMAIL PASSWORD To start, your password will be VES! combined with your 2-digit birth month followed by your 4-digit birth year. Example: Bob Smith’s birthday is September 8, 2005, so his password is: VES!092005 At this time, go to office.com, log in and change your password. Create a password you can remember that meets these requirements: • a minimum of 8 characters • contains a capital letter • contains a number • does not include any part of your name
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 34
To ensure you can reset your password in the future, set up your cell phone as an authentication phone (see below for how to set up email on your cell phone). Follow the remaining prompts to access your VES email. SETTING YOUR EMAIL UP ON YOUR MOBILE PHONE After setting up your account at office.com, if you wish to set your email up on your phone, please follow these instructions: • Go to Settings, Accounts, and select Microsoft Exchange Active Sync (or Exchange, depending on which option you are offered by your phone). • Enter your VES email address and password. Remember your username is your VES email address. • If you find this challenging or don’t have success, don’t worry. Our technology team will be available to help you when you arrive on campus in September. PLEASE TEST YOUR EMAIL AND VES.ORG LOGINS NOW Go ahead and give your new email a try. Make sure it works for you by sending a test to Director of Technology, Liz Parthemore: eparthemore@ves.org. After that, login to www.ves.org using your same username\email address and password. Once there, complete your registration documents by clicking the yellow bar across the page —Afternoon Activity selection and Technology Acceptable Use Policy. If you have any challenges with your new email or website access, please don’t hesitate to email Liz Parthemore: eparthemore@ves.org.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 35
SELECT YOUR FALL AFTERNOON ACTIVITY All new students are required to participate on a competitive VES team (which includes Robotics and Drama) in their first season on campus. We believe this is integral to the VES experience and team-building that are part of our mission. To help students make the choice that’s right for them, we ask that parents and students review together the descriptions below, then complete your Afternoon Activity Form online, which you will access by clicking on the yellow bar at the top of the Resource web page. If you have questions, contact Athletic Director Bob Leake: bleake@ves.org.
CROSS COUNTRY VES offers a coed cross country program that competes in conference meets and invitational events. Head Coach – Chris Bright @ves_xf_tf
DRAMA Interested in a fine arts opportunity where you can participate in the fall in “one act” drama productions? Students will learn acting skills, including characterization, stage directions and improvisation. Advanced students will have an opportunity to try directing. Depending on the level of proficiency, a one-act play may be chosen to compete at the Virginia Theatre Association conference in October/ November. Head of Program – Chris Aldrich
FIELD HOCKEY VES offers a varsity and JV program for our female student athletes. Both teams play a competitive schedule during the fall season. Placement on one of the two teams is by experience level and skill, and is determined by the coaching staff. Head Coach – To Be Named
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 36
FOOTBALL VES offers an 8-player football program with a competitive schedule during the fall season. Head Coach – Matt Porter @ves_football
MOUNTAIN BIKING Our coed mountain biking program focuses on developing proper technique and safety protocols. The team rides both on campus and off-campus courses, allowing for various degrees of difficulty. The team also competes with other schools. Head Coach – Chris Button @ves_mountainbiking
ROBOTICS Participation on the VES Robotics team allows students to learn CAD, computer programming, electronics, mechanical design and building in a team-based competition. Students may participate on the Robotics team during the afternoon activity time during the fall or winter seasons, with competitions taking place in late winter and early spring. Head of Program – Rachel Pollock
BOYS SOCCER
VOLLEYBALL
VES offers three boys soccer teams—varsity, JV and Deacon— which all play a competitive schedule during the fall season. Placement on one of the three teams is by experience level and skill, and is determined by the coaching staff. Boys socceer in our conference is played in the fall. Girls soccer is offered in the spring.
VES offers three volleyball teams for our female student athletes. Varsity and JV teams play a competitive schedule during the fall season. Our Deacon program offers developmental instruction in the sport. Placement on one of the three teams is by experience level and skill, and is determined by the coaching staff.
Head Coach – Peter Huryk @ves_soccer
Head Coach – Summer Jones @vesvolleyball
GIRLS TENNIS VES offers three levels of play— varsity, JV and Deacon. The Varsity and JV teams play a full competitive schedule during the fall season. Placement on one of the three teams is by experience level and skill, and is determined by the coaching staff. Girls tennis in our conference plays in the fall. Boys tennis is offered in the spring. Head Coach – Amanda Rhem @ves_wtennis
SPECIAL PERMISSION PROGRAMS AVAILABLE DANCE
HORSEBACK RIDING
Students seeking advanced dance classes may take classes at local dance studios. Most VES dancers are affiliated with Seven Hills Dance Studios just minutes from our VES campus. There is an added tuition payable directly to the dance studio for this option.
Students who wish to ride may contact us to discuss options available through local riding programs for individual and group lessons and IEA competition. Costs for these programs are payable directly to the trainer/barn.
Contact: Bob Leake | bleake@ves.org
Contact: Mimi Csatlos | mcsatlos@ves.org
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 37
FOR OUR PARENTS WELCOMING NEW PARENTS We like to match new families with the “pros” who have been part of our community to answer any questions you may have. Don’t be surprised if a current VES parent reaches out to see if they can be of assistance with information or to simply welcome you to our VES family. VES PARENTS COUNCIL The Parents Council engages and involves parents in the life of the VES community to effectively support the school in our commitment to guide every student Toward Full Stature. The Council is an active and vibrant group of day and boarding parents who come together to assist with the school’s academic, athletic and arts programs, student life, campus beautification, faculty appreciation, and admissions and development projects. Parents also play a key role in events such as Casino Night, Hanging of the Greens, and Family Weekends, and they open their doors for admissions and alumni gatherings at locations throughout the world. Your fundraising support helps to support a number of projects across the campus. We invite you to become involved. Read more about the Parents Council. VES PARENT UNIVERSITY: HELPING YOU STAY CURRENT ON HOT TOPICS We share information with our VES parents that will help you learn along with your child. Through book recommendations, seminars, faculty and leadership presentations, hot topics in the news, TED Talks and more, we will serve up content we think you’ll find of value. Check out VES Parent University.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 38
CONNECT WITH US VES Main Phone 434.385.3600 | Street Address 400 VES Road, Lynchburg, VA 24503
STAY CURRENT WITH ALL THAT IS HAPPENING AT VES Website: www.ves.org Weekly Email. Read Your VES Weekly News—our official school newsletter sent to you by email each Wednesday—which shares a recap of news highlights as well fun events and opportunities to be engaged at school. Social Media: Like/Follow us on social media. facebook.com/vesbishops instagram.com/ves_bishops youtube.com/bishoptv twitter.com/ves_bishops VES Photo Gallery
YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS | 39