FROM THE PRINCIPAL

The 2003-2004 school year is off to a great start! I would like to thank the numerous parents who attended our Back to School Night celebration. Additionally, I would like to thank our faculty and staff for all of their hard work preparing for the evening.

Fully Accredited

Stonewall Jackson High School is officially accredited! Congratulations to our faculty and students who worked hard preparing for and passing the SOLs.

Homecoming 2003

The time of year all students anticipate is here. Homecoming week activities commence on October 13 and run through the Homecoming Game on October 17. Students are invited to participate in the week-long homecoming festivities. Friday is an important day for seniors. Sporting togas during school and attending both the pep rally and football game makes for a memorable day. The annual Homecoming Dance caps off the week on the evening of October 18.

The Stonewall Jackson administrative team and faculty would like Homecoming Week to be filled with spirit and excitement. At the same time, we would like to make sure the safety and welfare of our students comes first. The Class of 2004 is a great class and students should be proud of their accomplishments while here at Stonewall Jackson High School. Demonstrating superior leadership, the senior class has chosen to move their morning celebration to an open area just outside the auditorium entrance. This location removes students from the paths of the many cars and buses arriving in the morning.

The administration will follow normal school policy on Friday, October 17, 2003, as it pertains to early dismissals and tardy to school notes. Any student who is on school campus, inside or outside, must have a signed note verified by their administrative office prior to leaving school grounds. Also, students arriving to school late must have a signed note verified by their administrative office. Once again, we want to make sure the day is enjoyable and safe for all students. The leadership of the Class of 2004 and their parents will make this year the best Homecoming ever!

David J. Huckestein, Principal

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

IB CANDIDATE REGISTRATION

Juniors and Seniors will register as IB Diploma Candidates, Class of 2004, and Anticipated IB Diploma Candidates, Class of 2004, on Thursday evening, October 23 at 6:30 p.m., in the auditorium. Parents and students are required to attend this presentation since the signatures of both are necessary. The registration will be followed by a College Admissions Program presented by the Stonewall Guidance Department at which college admissions representatives will discuss admissions and application procedures.

HIGH SCHOOL SPECIALTY PROGRAM FAIR

A fair featuring the Prince William County High School Specialty Programs will be held at Hylton High School on Tuesday, October 28, from 7:009:00 p.m. Representatives present will include the International Baccalaureate Programme at Stonewall Jackson High School, the Biotechnology Center at Osbourn Park High School, The Center for Environmental Science at Freedom High School, the Cambridge Program at Brentsville District High School, the Center for International Studies and Languages at Hylton High School, the Information Technology Program at the ninth high school in Western Prince William, and the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at Woodbridge High School. These reps will have information available on their programs and will be able to answer questions concerning their specialty programs. Please relay this information to any families of eighth graders who are contemplating a student entering a High School Specialty Program in Prince William County for 2004-2005.

IB INFORMATION MEETINGS

There are two evening presentations scheduled for parents and students to find out more about the International Baccalaureate at Stonewall Jackson High School. All Prince William County middle school students and parents are encouraged to attend a session in order to find out about this Prince William County high school specialty program. The meetings will take place on November 13, 2003, and January 13, 2004, at 7:30 p.m. in the Teacher Learning Center. For more information, call Mrs. Giorgio, IB Coordinator, at 703-365-2900.

IB ADVISORY COUNCIL

The IB Advisory Council will meet on Tuesday, October 21, at 7:30 p.m. in the Teacher Learning Center. This group meets six times each year and is comprised of interested students, parents and teachers who address the continuing implementation of the International Baccalaureate program at Stonewall. All are welcome.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROGRAM

All juniors and seniors and their parents are invited to participate in a program to advise them about the college admissions process. College admissions counselors will conduct a session in which they will address recommended high school courses, applications definitions, the application timeline and application writing. The program will take place on Thursday evening, October 23, at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Any junior or senior planning to apply to college should attend and bring a parent.

EXTENDED ESSAY PROCESS, CLASS OF 2004

For the IB Diploma Candidates, Class of 2004, September 22 was the submission date for the rough draft of the Extended Essay. The first revision of the Essay is due on October 20, with the final due on November 14. Those students who met the September 2, September 22, and October 20 deadlines are eligible for an extension of the final due date. Students must apply for this extension in writing to Mrs. Giorgio on October 20, the due date of the first revision. Those who are eligible will have the final due date extended to November 18.