North Notes
Blue Valley North's Parent Newsletter-December 8, 2023
A Message from Your Principal
Mustang Family,
Recently, BV superintendent, Dr. Merrigan, has communicated that global, national, and local events “remind us to stand together, embracing diversity and creating an environment where everyone feels respected and valued.” We have recognized this at Blue Valley North and continue to seek ways to foster an inclusive school community in which ALL students, parents, and staff members feel safe, supported, and respected. I wanted to take this opportunity to share measures we have taken this semester to help further this work.
- Over the last several weeks I have held four grade-level meetings to discuss the culture of BVN and our expectations of tolerance, respect, and the ways that we treat must treat one another with respect. So many of our kids are inundated with negative models of behavior on social media and various other aspects of today’s culture that we have recognized the need to clearly define these expectations. A large component of my presentation focused upon the misperceptions many kids have about “joking around”. Essentially the words that are used in “jokes” hold power and can be viewed as microaggressions, harassment, or even hate speech. Ultimately, I made it clear to each grade level that:
- It is a priority that everyone feels safe at our school.
- Harassment (Sexual, racial, religious, etc) is not tolerated and will result in consequences.
- Bigotry or intolerance is unacceptable at BVN.
- What you may think is a “joke,” can hurt others and be viewed as harassment. Every student is responsible on how you treat others at Blue Valley North.
- These presentations have resulted in great conversations with students and staff, and it has been important for me as the principal to see ways that we need to continue to grow to be an inclusive school for all stakeholders.
- Administrators have visited classrooms after these conversations, to get feedback from students on how we can continue to pursue ways that BVN can cultivate a Culture of Kindness. Students have provided great insight on this, and we have learned that our kids value having a kind, inclusive culture as well. All 9th and 12th grade classes have been visited and we will meet with 10th and 11th grade classes after Winter Break.
- I will meet with our school’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team throughout the 2nd semester to continue to get feedback and ideas on how we further this very important work.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we continue to develop a positive, inclusive school environment.
Assistance for BVN Families -- deadline December 12
There are Blue Valley North families in need and we want to offer assistance during the Holiday Season. If you are able, please sign-up for a gift card on the link below. It is not necessary to create a Sign up Genius account to sign-up.
Please put your gift card in a sealed envelope marked “Family #1” , "Family #2" and so forth. Drop it off by 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12, to the BVN Receptionist in the Main Office. If you have questions, contact Janet Roush at (913) 239-3012 or jroush@bluevalleyk12.org .
Thank you for being the Unspoken Heroes of North!
BVN Performing Arts Food Drive - December 12, 13, 14
Tri-M is running their Winter donation drive for BVN Music department's upcoming Winter concerts. Please bring breakfast items such as adult cereal, pop tarts, children's cereal, cereal bars, pancake mix, and syrup. All donations will go to the Blue Valley Food Pantry to help support our community. There will be boxes outside the auditorium on the concerts. The Choir Concert is Tuesday the 12th at 7:00 p.m., the Band Concert is Wednesday the 13th at 7:00 p.m., and the Orchestra Concert is Thursday the 14th at 6:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball Team Fundraiser - deadline is December 13
The Boys Basketball team is doing an online fundraiser. They are looking to raise money for new uniforms, equipment and travel to future games. If anyone would be interested in supporting the team you can go to the link https://schoolfundr.org/fund/bvnboysbball . The fundraiser will end on Dec 13th. Thanks for your support!
BVN Staff Appreciate Dessert Buffet - deadline December 18
The Mustang Club is calling all bakers and candy makers!! To show our appreciation for our Blue Valley North Staff for the holidays, we are going to serve them a Dessert Buffet on, Monday December 18th. We'd love to have you share your favorite holiday treats with us for the staff to enjoy while they are grading finals! (Please tell us what you are bringing, so we don't end up with 20 versions of brownies or chocolate chip cookies) If you would like to donate but aren't feeling the desire to bake (or buy), we are also collecting Keurig cups for the staff.
Please sign-up here: BVNDESSERTS
Drop off your donation to the BVN main office by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, December 18th, on the cart titled "Staff Dessert Buffet." The Mustang Club sends their sincere thanks!
Kudos and Celebrations
Science Olympiad Team
On Dec. 2nd, the Science Olympiad team went to the Scrodinger's Invitational. They placed 1st in overall and took home 1st through 4th place in 19 out of 22 events!
BVN Senior Sings his way to Nationals
On October 28th, BVN senior Noah Tarjan competed in the Central Regional level of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Vocal Competition. Noah performed his vocal solo alongside other singers his age from Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri, and he earned 1st Place in the Upper High School Lower Voices Division. This is an amazing honor! Noah qualifies to move on to the National Competition in the Spring.
Bell Schedules and Schedule Changes
Bell Schedules for Odd, Even and All Classes
If you need to look ahead, you can see the plan for Odd/Even/All schedules for every month of the school year here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UcH1E-EQn0PxZ--P4-SbtgjfL2voHyfk/view?usp=sharing
Mark Your Calendars
December 18-20 - Final Exams (see times below)
December 21-January 2 - No School / Winter Break
January 3 - No School / Professional Learning for Teachers
January 4 - Schedule Change / 7:35 a.m. School Resumes / All Classes
January 5 - All Classes
January 11 - Enrollment Night, Class of 2028
January 15 - No School / Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 16 - Even Day
January 17 - Odd Day
January 18 - Even Day
January 19 - Schedule Change / Odd Day
January 26 - Sweetheart Game
January 27 - Sweetheart Dance
Upcoming All School Events
All BVN events, activities, sporting events and additional calendar adjustments are found on the EKL calendar: www.easternkansasleague.org
Click here for the 2023/2024 Blue Valley School District Calendar.
Finals Schedule
Testing is an integral part of the curriculum. Summative final exams are required at the end of the semester in every course that is taken for credit. The staff of BVN has developed a finals schedule that is most conducive to students doing their best on the tests so we can truly assess what students have learned. Any deviations from the schedule shown below must be approved by Dr. Cory Cox, Assistant Principal, and must be agreed upon before Dec. 15.
To request a modified final exam schedule, have your student pick up the Alternate Finals form from Mrs. Miller in Student Services.
The Fall 2023 Final Exam Schedule is as follows:
Monday, Dec. 18, 2023 Hours 1, 2 & 3 Finals
7:35 - 8:55 a.m. - Hour 1
9:05 - 10:25 a.m. - Hour 2
10:35 - 11:55 p.m. - Hour 3
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 Hours 4 & 5 Finals
7:35 - 8:55 a.m. - Hour 4
9:05 - 10:25 a.m. - Hour 5
Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 Hours 6 & 7 Finals
7:35 - 8:55 a.m. - Hour 6
9:05 - 10:25 a.m. - Hour 7
Community Celebrations and Observances
Some December Celebrations & Observances:
National Poverty Awareness Month - While the United States is considered the richest country in the world, 37.9 million people live in poverty, including 12.5 million children. National Poverty Awareness Month works to bring awareness to issues of poverty and increase access to resources and services. To help and or find support, visit Johnson County Outreach Services.
Maghi - January 13 - a Sikh celebration. Some Sikh families will celebrate with a recitation of the holy Guru Granth Sahib and religious rituals in Gurdwaras - a Sikh place of assembly and worship meaning “Gateway to the Guru”.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - January 15 - a day that honors the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. Some families will participate in a day of service to their communities.
World Religion Day - January 21 - established by the Baháʼí Faith community in 1950. Now observed by people around the world, it seeks to find common values shared by different faiths, encourage tolerance and dialogue, and foster cooperation among religious communities.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day - January 27 - an annual day of commemorating the six million Jewish victims and millions of other victims of the Holocaust and Nazism.
A World Premiere Production
Playwright/movement director Vanessa Severo (Frida...A Self Portrait) and stage director Rusty Sneary (The Living Room Theatre) will lead theatre games and movement exploration. This workshop is not a requirement for, but an introductory session to, our 2024 world premiere production of Severo's play "Rubik," written about and for teens on the autism spectrum.
Saturday, December 9, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 16, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS
Please register using the link below for either or both workshop(s)!
Student Announcements
Girls' Soccer Team
There will be a Girls' Soccer Interest/Informational Meeting on Wednesday, January 10th, at 3:00 p.m. in the BVN Library. If you have questions, please contact Coach Skylar Roush at sklarroush@gmail.com
NCAA/NAIA | NCAA Information Night
For student athletes pursuing athletics on the collegiate level, visit this website for information: the BVN Athletics website has NCAA/NAIA information under the section titled “More”.
Counseling Department
SCHOLARSHIPS | Seniors, please make sure to review scholarship opportunities on Xello. There are several scholarships available for BV students!
10 AND 11 GRADES | JCCC Career Ready Programs Community-Wide Events
- Fire Science on Tuesday, Jan. 16th at 6:00 pm at the Fire Training Center at 12401 Hemlock
- Dual Degree on Wednesday, Jan. 17th at 6:00 pm at the JCCC in the Nerman Museum
- Industrial Arts on Wednesday, Jan. 24th at 6:00 pm at the JCCC in the Hugh Libby CTEC building
- Cybersecurity and Culinary & Hospitality on Thursday, Jan. 25th at 6:00 pm at the JCCC in the Wylie Culinary building
College Fairs are posted to the BVN Counseling Canvas Page!
Career Ready Programs
The Career Ready Programs department is offering several exciting opportunities for Blue Valley students to earn college credit at little to NO cost to families through Johnson County Community College (JCCC). Students can earn an associate degree OR career-ready certification in high-demand, high paying fields. Areas include: Automation Engineering Technology, Automotive Technology, Culinary & Hospitality, Cybersecurity, Electrician Technology, Electronic Technology, Emergency Management & Fire Science, HVAC, Plumbing, and Welding/Metal Fabrication.
The information shared at these sessions will be most relevant for current sophomore and junior students and parents/guardians. We invite you to attend one of our community-wide family informational sessions in January. We encourage parents/guardians/students to all attend. You do not need to RSVP to any of these events, please make plans to attend and learn more about these programs.
January 16, 2024: Learn more about the Emergency Management & Fire Science program with our partners at the Overland Park Fire Department (OPFD) at the OPFD Training Center at 12401 Hemlock at 6:00 P.M.
January 17, 2024: Learn more about the Dual Degree option and how to earn your associate degree AND your Blue Valley diploma at the same time! Join us on the campus of Johnson County Community College and the Nerman Museum of Modern Art, Room 217, at 6:00 P.M. Link to JCCC Campus Map
January 24, 2024: Learn more about the career ready certification program in:
Automation Engineering Technology
Automotive Technology
Culinary & Hospitality
Cybersecurity
Electrician Technology
Electronic Technology
Emergency Management & Fire Science
Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning
Plumbing
Welding/Metal Fabrication
We will meet in the JCCC Hugh Libby CTEC building lobby at 6:00 P.M. We will hear from Blue Valley staff, JCCC Deans, Department Chairs, and Blue Valley students currently enrolled in these programs. Link to JCCC Campus Map
January 25, 2024: Learn more about the career ready cybersecurity and culinary & hospitality certification programs in the JCCC Wylie Culinary Center building lobby at 6:00 P.M. We will hear from Blue Valley staff, JCCC Deans, Department Chairs, and Blue Valley students currently enrolled in these programs. Link to JCCC Campus Map
Questions? Please visit the Blue Valley Career Ready Programs website or please feel free to reach out to Sarah Beren, Liaison to JCCC for Blue Valley Career Ready Programs, at 913-239-4141 or sberen@bluevalleyk12.org and Adam Wessel, Director of Career Ready Programs, 913-239-4023 or ajwessel@bluevalleyk12.org.
Gabriel Decker, senior, understands the power of music. He plays the piano, bass and percussion with his school’s band, orchestra, and musical theater group. He’s also a regular volunteer with a classical string ensemble that performs at elderly care homes.
Playing an instrument provides students with access to a caring and welcoming community, a sense of accomplishment, and a way to express themselves and have fun. Gabriel has seen these benefits first-hand. He knows, however, that not all children are as fortunate as he is, and he wanted to change that.
That’s why, beginning in his junior year of high school, Gabriel started asking people to donate new or used musical instruments for children in foster care. “Having the opportunity to play music is one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. Being able to make music has led me to meet some of the kindest people I know, and it has been one of the things I continuously look forward to in school.” Within a week, Decker had collected five instruments.
After his initial success, Gabriel published his flier on social media and at local stores. Soon he had collected keyboards, guitars, drums, a violin, a flute and a trumpet. Several donated music books, sheet music, folding stands, etc. “One woman donated two guitars,” said Decker. “They had been her children’s instruments until they stopped playing them. She said she had been storing them until she found a good cause. She was thrilled other children would be using them.”
To ensure the instruments got in the hands of children who needed them, Gabriel Decker reached out to several nonprofit organizations based in Kansas City that provide support to children in foster care. One organization helped to deliver instruments to students in Kansas who had specific requests. Another group plans to use the instruments in music therapy sessions and day treatment programs.
To learn how you can donate a new or used instrument, music supplies, please contact Music4allKC@gmail.com.
Parent Announcements
Important Travel Outside of the USA Information
This important message is for any family or staff that will travel out of the United States during the school year. Please click here to read the restrictions and recommendations for Out of the Country travel. Blue Valley resources such as Canvas, Classlink, and school email are not accessible out of the country unless you have a personal device with a VPN on it.
BV Changes to Student Assessments: FASTbridge
There are some changes to student assessment in Blue Valley this fall. As a result, you may notice a change in some of the tests your student is being asked to take this year, such as:
We have replaced our previous reading screening assessment, the SRI with the Fastbridge FASTtrack reading assessment. The benefits are:
- Fastbridge testing provides comparable student results with fewer questions.
- Teachers get information that is easier to act upon.
- Fastbridge is endorsed by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).
- Families will get a printed student report.
Additionally, KSDE has changed the requirements for high school reading screening. Starting in Fall 2023, districts must screen:
- 9th graders in the fall
- New students
- Students whose scores from the previous test indicate below level performance
Online ATHLETIC PASSES and Individual Event Tickets
Fans can purchase single-game tickets online through the GoFan app, as well as Student or Family Athletic passes. (This Athletic Pass takes the place of the former Activity Pass that was sold through ParentVue.) Here is the BVN GoFan link: Blue Valley North High School Events and Tickets by GoFan
Are you moving? Have you moved?
Please contact the BVN Registrar, Ann LaGrange, by email at ALLaGrange@bluevalleyk12.org.
Nurse Notes
If your child is not feeling well please refer to the Disease & Symptom Exclusion Recommendations /Regulations: https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/cms/lib/ks02212623/Centricity/Domain/4486/disease%20exclusion%20recommendations%202022.pdf
Student Well-Being Support Resources:
https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/Page/34318
Immunization Documentation Needed
Thank you, all parents, for working so diligently to have immunization records turned in to the nurse. The Kansas Requirements are: https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/Page/34370
- All 9th grade students are required to have their Hep A series
- 11th grade students are required to have their second dose of meningococcal immunization.
If your student is non-compliant, you will be contacted by a district exclusion letter. Please contact Amanda Collichio, BVN School nurse via ajcollichio@bluevalleyk12.org or fax at 913-239-3038 with up-to-date immunization certificates or documented appointment date and time.
Flu, COVID and the masking recommendation
This is not a requirement; for further info please visit https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/Page/36106.
Update Medical Orders for 2023-2024
If your student has medical orders please be sure the school nurse is kept up-to-date. Authorization for Medication Administration Forms must be signed by the prescribing physician and returned preferably by e-mail to Nurse Amanda Collichio at ajcollichio@bluevalleyk12.org or faxed to 913-239-3038. Medications may be dropped off to the nurse by appointment.
Seniors--Info for Class of '24
The Graduation date for the Class of 2024 has been announced! Mark your calendar for May 19th at 1:00 p.m. Commencement will be held at the Switzer District Activity Complex, 135th & Switzer in Overland Park. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will move indoors to the BV West gymnasium, same date & time.
Seal of Biliteracy for Seniors: Seniors received information about the opportunity to earn the Seal of Biliteracy via email communication on November 27. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please review the Seal of Biliteracy website for detailed information. If you would like to participate, the Seal of Biliteracy Student Intent Form must be submitted by the end of day Friday, Dec 15, 2023.
ACTION NEEDED: Our diplomas will be ordered at the end of the first semester (very soon!!) in order to have them for May graduation. Please click on the link below and complete the Senior Diploma/Transcript Form. Please complete as soon as possible. This form also authorizes the release of senior transcripts for college applications. Click here: Diploma/Transcript Authorization
Order your cap & gown now from jostens.com.
We have over 150 seniors who have not done this yet! Please place your order ASAP.
IF YOU ORDER:
- Senior items: (like shirts, hats, keychains, etc.): they will be shipped to your home
- Announcements: they will be shipped to the school and seniors will be notified when to pick them up (sometime in March)
- Cap, Gown & Tassel: they will be shipped to the school and handed out at grad practice in May
Questions? email Mrs. Miller at lkmiller@bluevalleyk12.org and bookmark our Senior Info page.
Our parent community has been integral in contributing to our status as one of the best high schools in the state of Kansas and a leading high school across the nation.
Please support The Mustang Club (previously known as BVN Parent Booster Club). The Mustang Club financially supports BVN's extracurricular activities (as our version of a traditional PTO/PTA), and over the last 7 years, The Mustang Club has granted over a half million dollars to support our school’s extracurricular activities, organizations, and athletic teams. We could not provide the depth and breadth of opportunities that are available without your participation through membership and donations of your time.
The Mustang Club needs your support! Membership is down and volunteers are in short supply. Here are some options for you to consider:
- Become a Mustang Club member at one of the five membership levels;
- Purchase spirit wear from The Mustang Club website (www.bvnmustangs.com);
- Volunteer on a Mustang Club committee to support a specific event or cause; and
- Take advantage of one of the many sponsorship opportunities available for those of you affiliated with companies that want to support BVN financially.
- We would love for your company to be featured in our Activity Guide. It is printed 3 times each year and would be a wonderful way to promote your business to the North community. Email mustangactivityguides@gmail.com now! To see last year's spring guide, click here.
- Show your love and mustang pride for your student by purchasing a Spirit Ad in the Activity Guide! go to www.bvnmustangs.com on the Order form page.
You can find everything you need to know about The Mustang Club & membership at www.bvnmustangs.com. As you know, this organization is completely run by parent volunteers so every dollar donated goes to benefit BVN students. Additionally, the organization is a 501(c)3 so your contributions are tax deductible.
Thank you for your support and consideration and GO MUSTANGS!
Durham Bus Riders
Durham will continue to transport our bus riders in the 2023/2024 school year. If you have questions, please call Durham at 913-681-2492 or contact them via email at admin6700@durhamschoolservices.com.
We are Mustang Proud!
North Notes is a newsletter for the parents and students of Blue Valley North High School. If you have questions, please contact Janet Roush, Assistant to the Principal, at JRoush@bluevalleyk12.org .
The BVN Main Office is opened Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The BVN Offices will be closed December 21-January 2 for Winter Break.
Blue Valley North High School
BVN Twitter:
@MustangsBvn
@BVNOstroski
@TheKurle
@BVNCounseling
@MustangsOfBVN
@bvnnews
@BVNMustangsPBC
BVN Instagram:
@bvnmustangs
Email: Jroush@bluevalleyk12.org
Website: www.bluevalleyk12.org/BVN/
Location: 12200 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park, KS, 66209
Phone: (913) 239-3000
Facebook: facebook.com/BVNMustangs/
Twitter: @bvnnews