THURSDAY (3/6/25)
HAPPY THURSDAY, SHS!
You’re almost at the finish line for the week—keep going strong! Every effort you put in today brings you one step closer to your goals. Stay focused, stay positive, and remind yourself why you started.
Great things happen when you push through challenges with determination and a winning mindset. Believe in yourself, trust the process, and make today count!
You’re doing amazing, SHS! Finish the week strong!
TODAY'S IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS!
EVOLV SECURITY!!
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools takes the safety of our students and staff very seriously. To enhance our existing security efforts at Spotsylvania High School, beginning on March 4th, we will launch the Evolv Detection System to screen students and visitors for potential weapons.
The Evolv weapons detection screening systems will be installed at the following locations (please see the map below):
• Parent Dropoff - Main Doors/Front Entrance
• Bus Entrance/Student Drivers - Stairwells off the academic wing
All students and guests entering the building will walk through the Evolv screening detector. Students will need to remove their Chromebook from their backpack and prepare to hand it to a staff member when they get to the detector. Students will wear their backpacks and carry any other items (instrument cases, purses, gym bags, etc.) through the detector for screening. Students will simply walk through the screening system and follow the instructions of staff members stationed there to assist them.
About the Evolv Screening System:
The Evolv screening detector uses artificial intelligence and sensor technology to determine if an individual has a weapon on their person or contained within any items passing through the sensors. The detector can distinguish between a phone, keys, or other personal items from a potential weapon. The technology is quick and can screen 10 times faster than traditional metal detectors, reducing wait times. The Evolv screening detector we are using is the same system that has scanned more than 350 million people in the US, second only to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This technology is used at locations around the U.S., including s schools, hospitals, theme parks, stadiums, and workplaces.
What happens when the System Alerts?
A low-volume alarm and a visible red light will alert staff of the potential threat. At the same time, the scanner will send an image to a tablet screen that shows the area where the potential threat is located. The individual will then follow the school's secondary screening guidelines, where staff will direct the student to empty their pockets, backpack, or belongings based on where the tablet identified the location of the threat. Students found with items that violate school board policy will be disciplined as per the Student Code of Conduct.
A video will be shared with students and parents prior to the installation to provide students with a look at the system and share our expectations. We encourage you to discuss these new procedures with your child and stress the importance of following the directions of those overseeing the scanning process. Also, please stress the importance of only bringing needed items to school.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our schools a safe learning environment. If you have any questions about the new Evolv detection system, please reach out to me.
Sincerely,
Rob Marchetti, Principal, Spotsylvania High
RESOURCES
Evolv Express Privacy and Data Security Document
EVOLV SECURITY UPDATE
Our third day with the Evolv security system went even better than the first two! A huge thank you to all students, faculty, and staff for your cooperation and patience as we continue to improve the process.
Students, remember to remove your laptop/Chromebook and 3-ring binders before entering to help keep things running smoothly!
Keep up the great work, and let’s continue making safety a priority at SHS!
WORKFORCE-FOCUSED SESSION
Attention JUNIORS & SENIORS!
Are you interested in hands-on careers, skilled trades, or workforce training? Join us for an exciting visit from Germanna Community College’s Workforce Division to learn about the amazing programs available to help you jumpstart your career!
HAPPENING TODAY!!!
THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025
SHS LIBRARY
DURING FLEX
For more details or questions, please email Mrs. Ballard at cballard@spotsylvania.k12.va.us.
GERMANNA INFORMATION SESSION
Are you ready to start your journey at Germanna? We invite you and your family to connect with us at an upcoming evening high school visit. This is a great opportunity to explore Germanna’s academic programs and career pathways and get your questions answered about the application process, financial aid, and scholarships.
THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2025
SHS LIBRARY
6-8P.M.
SPECIAL SESSION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS & STUDENTS
For more details or questions, please email Mrs. Ballard at cballard@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
CAREER FAIR
For more details or questions, please email Mrs. Curtis at tcurtis@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
SCHOLARSHIPS
Attention seniors! Do you want free money?! There are many scholarships available to those planning to attend college OR trade school in the fall! Check your email, Mrs. Williams has emailed all of you!
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
The FCA would like to invite you to use our prayer locker! Put a prayer into locker 45 (right in front of Ms. Coffman's room) and we would love to pray for you! It is completely anonymous and FCA would love to support you in any way we can through prayer.
SPORTS
There will be no football weightlifting as we are on the dead weeks and will resume lifting on Tuesday, March 11. See Coach Wood in room 144 if you have any questions.
Remember, we are Knights on the Rise!