WELCOME DAY
Class of 2027 Welcome Day will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 9:00–2:00. While we would love to have the resident members of the class with us at Welcome Day, we understand that they may not be possible. There will be other events once you come to campus when the freshmen will have the chance to spend time together.   

PLACEMENT TESTS
Placement tests in math, science and languages will be administered to resident students when they arrive on campus in August. Incoming freshman are not required to take any placement tests. It is an option for students who feel that they might place out of our grade-level class in one of those subjects.

RESIDENT MOVE-IN AND ORIENTATION
Before July 1 the Residential Dean, Mr. Joe Harkins, will send new resident families an introductory email full of information about the move-in process.

• Tuesday, August 22 – New Resident Move-in Day
• Wednesday, August 23 – New Resident Orientation Day

The Dean of Students, Mr. Chris Rodriguez, with be in touch with more details about the all-freshman orientation. 

RESOURCES

• Packing list

Georgetown Preparatory School is a 1:1 Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) school, which means all students will be required to bring a device to school. The BYOD model gives students some autonomy to choose a device that they are familiar with and comfortable using. The device can be any of the following, so long as it is no more than three years old:

• PC laptop
• Macbook

Please note - Chromebooks and iPads are NOT acceptable devices

Minimum Device Requirements:

• A Laptop: PC, or Mac
• PCs running Windows 10 / 11, Intel Core i3 or AMD equivalent
• Macs running 10.15.7 or later
• Wireless Internet Connectivity (802.11n or later)
• Power adapter (at least 6 hours of battery life)
• Webcam (built-in or external)
   

FAQs

Do I need to purchase a new computer if I already have one?
No. The purchase of a new computer is not required so long as the device meets the minimum recommended specifications. With that said, it is important to consider the kind of “wear and tear” incurred by a high school student’s daily use of a device.

What if my son already owns a Google Chromebook, which is not on the approved list of devices?
If your son has been using a Chromebook thus far, he should already be aware of the technical limitations of that particular device. He should expect to encounter those same limitations moving forward. With that said, school computer labs are available to students for more extensive projects such as video editing/graphical design projects that require specialized software.

How will damage to personally owned devices be handled?
Georgetown Prep is not responsible for the maintenance of a student’s device. If a student’s BYOD device is experiencing technical difficulties, the school will have a limited supply of temporary laptops that can be borrowed (up to one week) while the student’s personal device is repaired. In addition, the school has computer labs located in the library with 30+ computers to use. Students are expected to seek repair or replacement of their BYOD device independent of the school. The school’s IT Department will NOT perform repairs to student’s personal devices. It is highly recommended that students purchase an insurance plan.

How will loss or theft of personally owned devices be handled?
Georgetown Prep is not responsible for devices that are lost or stolen. Our community is one in which students are very comfortable leaving their personal items unattended. Unfortunately, there are times when expensive personal items go missing. Some devices come with a device locator; it is recommended that students enable this feature if possible. Students are also encouraged to attach clear identification and tags to their devices.

Are students able to recharge devices during the school day?
Yes. Students are expected to bring their laptops to school each class day, fully charged. The minimum specifications for our student devices are designed to ensure that, when fully charged, the device battery will last throughout the typical school day. With that said, charging stations will be setup in common areas so that students can charge their devices during free time. In addition, all of the science labs are equipped with lab stations and outlets.

What software do I need to acquire for my laptop? 

• Web Browser: All student devices will be expected to have an updated web browser(s) (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and/or Apple Safari) 
• Security: All student laptops must have current antivirus and anti-malware, with updated definition files, installed and running regularly. 
• Productivity Software: Microsoft Office (optional) ○ Georgetown Prep students can receive this software for free. If it is required for a class, please reach out to the Prep IT department at techsupport@gprep.org for assistance.
• Class specific software: In the event that other programs may be required for specific classes, this will be detailed in the course materials along with textbooks. The student is responsible to purchase the necessary software on their own. Teachers will communicate with students if they need a specific type of software.

Will my son be required to use his device in every class?
No. Students are required to bring their device with them to every class. However, they will not necessarily be required to use it. Certain disciplines/teachers will require it more than others.

How will students receive instruction on the use of these laptops?
Students will participate in technology orientations in May and August. These orientations will not only focus on “Appropriate Use,” but also on the instruction on how to use school specific systems. In addition, technology training will be incorporated into the curriculum.

How can we make sure students are using the devices appropriately?
Students will be required to sign a “Parent/Student Handbook Agreement Form” at the beginning of the school year. This document includes language and expectations regarding appropriate use of technology at Georgetown Prep.

In addition, technology is and will continue to be integrated into our curriculum in a constructive and thoughtful way . Effective teaching is about tailoring the learning experience to the needs of the students and the material they are exploring. Teachers will be experts in understanding classroom management strategies that focus on keeping students on task while they are using their devices. Technology training will also be integrated into our advisory program with discussions that focus on appropriate use.

The appropriate use of technology is an area where the partnership between parents and the school is extremely important, as it needs to be part of the conversation at home as well as at school. By addressing these challenges with the devices present, we can begin to teach students how to achieve a reasonable balance between life and screen, and to model that behavior ourselves.

If I have additional questions about GP’s BYOD program, whom can I contact?
Contact our IT team at techsupport@gprep.org
 

Prep students may sign-up for bus that pick-up/drop-off in several locations in Northern Virginia. The bus is chartered by Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart. An email will be sent out in the early summer with a registration form. Please contact the Dean of Students, Mr.  Chris Rodriguez, at crodriguez@gprep.org with any questions about the bus or any transportation related questions.

Prep offers summer basketball, soccer and golf camps for rising 9th grade students. More information can be found on our camp camp web pages. 

Athletic Director, Mr. Dan Paro will contact you in last spring with more details and contact information for the fall sport coaches.

Cross Country

2023 Cross-country Summer Workouts Schedule

Visit here to sign up for summer workouts. The dates, times, and location are listed. Only 8 individuals may sign up for any one date. If we are at 8 runners, please email areinsch@gmail.com to be added to the group. Coaches Andy and Kate hold the summer workouts. 

If you are unable to make the workouts, please run on your own. Our first optional team practice will be held on Monday, August 14, at 9:00 a.m. We’ll meet on the new track. ( Go past the guard house and take the first right.) Please bring a drink with you. 

You should start out by running 15 minutes comfortably and then increase your runs by 5 minutes each week until you can run 30 minutes without stopping at 7:30 mile pace. You can bike and swim as well. 1 mile of swimming = 4miles of running and 4 miles of biking =1 mile of running. Stay active during the summer and try to do activities when it’s not too warm (early evening). Remember to drink.

Please contact Coach Greg Dunston with any questions.

Football

Freshman Football • Summer 2023

If planning to play Freshman Football please fill this Freshman Football Questionnaire 

• Workouts: June 20–July 20
  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday • 7:30–9:00 a.m. 
• The first hour is spent doing football workouts with the coaching staff, followed by a 30 minute gym session each day with Coach O’Liddy.
• Athletes should bring cleats, sneakers, and a water bottle to each session.

Contact: Coach Paul Kirk Pbkirk21@yahoo.com  and Coach Jim Long alongsummer1@gmail.com

If you missed the May 16 email to all freshmen families, you can review it here.

Soccer

Georgetown Prep Freshmen Summer Soccer 2023

Monday, June 5 through Friday, June 9
Practice 4:30–6:00 p.m.

Monday, June 26 through Friday, June 30
Practice 4:30–6:00 p.m.

Monday, July 17 through Friday, July 21
Practice  9:00–11:00 am

Monday, July 24 through Friday, July 28
Practice 4:30–6:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 26, Sunday, August 27, and Monday August 28
Tryouts—We begin with the 2-mile fitness test. A time of 14:00 or under is expected.

Contact: Coach Danver at bdanver@gprep.org

Weather cancellations will be posted to Prep’s Soccer Twitter account: @GPrep_Soccer

The GP Weekly is our community email that goes out to students, parents and faculty/staff every Thursday at the end of the day. It contains events, announcements, news and photos.

When will my son receive his schedule?

• The schedules will be posted on both the student and parent portals in Veracross in July. Please contact the Academic Dean, Dr. Erik Maginnis, at emaginnis@gprep.org with any questions about the class schedule.

• The majority of freshmen take seven classes: Theology, English, Math, Biology, Western Civilization, Latin, and one semester each of Art & Music. There is an option to take a full year of art or participate in a musical group in lieu of the art & music requirement. Please contact the Dean of Academics, Dr. Erik Maginnis, at emaginnis@gprep.org to inquire about this option.

• Once your son receives his schedule, you will find a list of required textbooks on the Georgetown Prep website with links provided for purchase. We offer a used textbook event on campus in July. Used textbooks are offered for free on a first come, first served basis. You will receive an email in early July with the details about the used textbook event.

Who do I contact if my son will be late or absent from school?

• If your son will be absent from school please notify the Dean of Students Office. You may email the Assistant to the Dean of Students, Mr. CJ Carpenter at ccarpenter@gprep.org or call 301.214.1252.

• If your son will be late for school or needs to leave school for an appointment, please notify ccarpenter@gprep.org. Your son must report to the Dean of Students Office first upon his arrival/return to school, before he goes to class.

My son received academic accommodations in middle school (e.g. extended time on tests) – how do I make sure he continues to receive these accommodations?

• Each student who receives academic accommodations at Prep must have an up to date report with a full battery of psycho-educational testing. The testing must be no more than three years old; if your son has testing that is out of date, we would strongly encourage you to have him re-tested this summer. If you have any questions about academic accommodations and educational testing, please reach out to the Director of Counseling Services, Ms. Karen Napolitano at knapolitano@gprep.org. 

How will I know how my son is doing?

• High school is a big pond and we know that this can be a disconcerting transition. We have a few structures in place to help you – and us keep watchful eyes on your son:

  • Freshmen Advisory. Each 9th grade student is assigned to two faculty advisors. Along with about 7-8 classmates, these advisory groups meet once a week in small groups, and once every seven school days as a large group. The freshman advisory curriculum covers topics like organization, time management, study skills, sleep habits, and health & wellness, in addition to providing an adult source of support to each student.

  • Big Brothers. Each advisory group will have approximately three seniors to serve as Big Brothers to the younger students. 

• Many elementary schools provide grades to students and parents in real time. Prep does not do this, so how can you know how your son is doing academically?

  • Freshman Advisory. Each advisor has access to each of his advisee’s grades, and can share those with your son. 

  • Teach your son self-advocacy. Teachers love nothing more than students who are willing to advocate on their own behalf. The most successful students at Prep are the ones able to take a real sense of agency and ownership over their work. Encourage your son to go see his teachers to ask how he is doing in a class.

  • Progress Reports and Report Cards. At the halfway point of each academic marking period, you will receive a Progress Report for your son in EVERY class, regardless of whether he is doing well or poorly. At the end of each marking period, you will receive a report card. Roughly every 6-8 weeks, you will receive a mailing from the school with your son’s academic progress provided. 

  • Cycle Grade Reports. We follow a seven-day testing cycle, with school days lettered from A through G. At the conclusion of each cycle, your son will receive a Cycle Grade Report in his portal. Though this report doesn’t publish to parents, it is an easy way for you to check in with your son for a productive conversation about his progress.

  • Reach out. There are many members of our community who care deeply for your son: advisors, teachers, coaches, administrators, and staff. Rest assured that we are doing everything in our power to care for each student at Prep. If you find yourself worried about how your son is progressing academically, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Academic Dean, Dr. Erik Maginnis, at  emaginnis@gprep.org.

What sorts of communications will I receive from the school?

• Please refer to the parent portal–your login for Veracross–which will take you to a dashboard. This dashboard houses links to the schedule, the school calendar, and other resources. More information to come as the academic year begins. 

• Read the GP Weekly that comes out every Thursday.

• Read the monthly letter from the Academic Dean, Dr. Erik Maginnis. 

• Follow Georgetown Prep on our all-school Facebook and Instagram channels.

• Ask your son questions! There is no better source about what’s going on at school and in the classrooms than the students themselves – use current events and routine circumstances as a way to engage your son on how he is developing as he acclimates to this new environment.