The Pizitz Post
for Students, Parents & Families - April 10, 2023
Inspired by TA
On Tuesday, our students had the opportunity to hear from Timothy Alexander, often referred to as TA. Timothy has an incredible story that left our students and staff thinking about determination, perspective, and kindness in a whole new way. Timothy's life experiences included challenges in his home life, a learning disability and then a physical disability as well. Timothy told the students, "We don't need it to be easy, we just need it to be possible." Following his energetic visit, teachers reflected with many of their classes about what he shared throughout the day. Mrs. Wilson's class talked about a new word of the week inspired by TA- vision. They discussed what it means to have a vision for their future. Mrs. Colby's unified arts class took the opporutnity to share their thoughts in a class activity. Here are some of the student responses:
- Work hard and never give up.
- I should do what I do because it is what my heart says is right, not because it is what others are doing.
- He really showed us our core values. What he did was cool, but how he did it was even cooler.
- He made me realize that I have so much to be thankful for.
- He persevered through hard things and turned his life around.
- Something that stuck with me is how he reminded us to appreciate our parents.
A special thank you to our PTO for helping to fund our author visits at Pizitz. We also thank Mrs. Smith, our librarian, for arranging this opportunity for our students. If you would like to learn more about Timothy, check out his website here.
Registration for 2023-2024
Registration for the 2023-24 school year will open for all returning students tomorrow and must be completed by Monday, May 15, 2023. We are using the PowerSchool online registration system as we did last year. School fees are not due at this time. You will receive an email tomorrow with your child’s Snapcode and a link to access the registration portal. You will need the Snapcode in order to complete registration. Please monitor your inbox for an email from PowerSchool.
A video tutorial of the registration portal is available on our Registration Overview website at www.vhcs.us/registration.
ACAP
As a reminder, we have ACAP testing Monday-Thursday this week. All students will have an alternate schedule this week, and will begin the morning in their academic strategy classes.
A few reminders for ACAP:
- Charge your Chromebook each night to have it ready for testing
- Put your backpack and devices in your locker first thing each morning during testing
- Checkouts will not be permitted while testing is going on
- Make-up tests will be given when a student returns to school
- The library will be closed during ACAP- if students need tech assistance they can go to the front office
Carpool & P.E.
As the weather gets warmer, our P.E. department often spends more time outside. Please note that during the school day, the back gate around the back of the school is closed when students and teachers are accessing the field. In addition, if the gate is open, please watch your speed around the back of the school.
In the afternoon, especially when lining up for carpool, keep in mind that students are crossing the street for athletic practices. Make sure to proceed with caution while driving on the campus (this includes being mindful of your cell phone use while driving).
Tennis!
Our tennis teams completed an amazing regular season, and finished out the metro tournament beautifully as well. Our boys' tennis team earned a 2nd place finish in the metro tournament, and our girls' tennis team earned the title of METRO CHAMPS! Congrats to all of the student-athletes, and their coaches, for an amazing season.
7th Grade Parents, You're Invited!
Seventh grade parents, you are invited to attend your student's Social Studies class on Monday, April 17 to view their family migration projects! We hope you will join us as students present about their family history during their class period. If you have questions, reach out to your child's Social Studies teacher.
Apply for the 2023-2024 Robotics Team
The Pizitz Robotics Team is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year. The Parent/Guardian information meeting will be held on April 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the library. Students who are interested in being a part of the 2023-2024 Pizitz Robotics Team need to read the Robotics Information Packet and complete an application by May 5. Here is the link for more information.
Interested in being a Library Assistant?
Attention 6th & 7th Graders: If you are interested in being a Library Assistant for the 2023 - 2024 school year, please stop by the library to pick up an application. All applications must be returned by 3:00 PM Friday, April 28 to be considered.
Advanced Art Submissions Due April 21
Advanced Art submissions are due April 21, 2023. Any rising 6th, 7th, or 8th grade students that are interested in participating in Advanced Art will need to submit a portfolio of artwork to Mr. Gibson at gibsonla@vhcs.us or Ms. Padgett at padgettsc@vhcs.us.
The portfolio of artwork needs to contain two of the three choices. The choices are:
1. A self-portrait in pencil
2. A watercolor painting of an animal or pet
3. Ink drawing of a home or building.
The selected students for next year's class will be notified by May 5, 2023. Thanks for your interest!
Track & Field Update
Congratulations to our Track & Field team for a great meet at Hewitt-Trussville on Tuesday.
The following athletes placed in the top three in their events:
- Boys 4x400 meter relay -1st Place with a School and Alabama Middle School record time of 3:40. Cance Mills, Luke Vicinanzo, Garrett Jones, Walker McInnis. That's right - they ran the fastest 4x400m relay recorded for middle school in the state of Alabama. Wow!!
- Krislyn Thomas - 1st in Pole Vault
- Lizzie Griem - 2nd in Pole Vault
- Haley Hufnagel - 3rd in Pole Vault
- Kate McKinnon - 3rd in the 800m run, 3rd in the 1600m run
- Molly Stewart - 3rd in the 100m hurdles
- Morgan Butler - 1st in Shot Put, 2nd in Discus
- Luke Vicinanzo - 1st in High Jump
- Caleb Farrar - 1st in Pole Vault
- Daniel Richardson - 2nd in the 200m dash, 3rd in High Jump
- Matt Huffaker - 2nd in High Jump
- Ryder Travis - 3rd in Long Jump
- Alan Sheng - 3rd in Triple Jump
Track & Field will compete again TODAY at Mtn. Brook High School. Go Pirates!!
Boys' Basketball Tryouts
Attention ALL upcoming 7th grade (current 6th grade) and 8th grade (current 7th grade) boys interested in trying out for Pizitz Summer Basketball Team! All information will be on the Google Classroom (code: zzezyib).
HEAL Competition
Please help me congratulate the follow FACS students who participated in the HEAL (Healthy Living Active Living) Championship representing Pizitz.This is a healthy cooking competition where the students create their own healthy recipes, defend their dish, and are judged. They all represented Pizitz well!
- Sadie Onken- 7th grade presented her original “Rock Climbing Bark”
- Hayley Hufnagel and Caroline Lawton -8th grade presented their take on a healthy fruit pizza. Hayley and Caroline won first place over 15 other groups from local high schools and middle schools.
Attention Students: 2023-2024 SGA Officer Elections
If you are interested in running for an SGA Office for the 2023 - 2024 school year, please make plans to attend ONE (1) of the informational meetings listed below:
Tuesday, April 11 -- 7:30 AM, 4th Period, 5th Period, or 8th Period
Wednesday, April 12 -- 4th Period, 5th Period, or 8th Period
Thursday, April 13 -- 7:30 AM
All meetings will be held in the library. Students MUST attend ONE (1) meeting to be eligible to run for office.
Girls' Basketball Tryouts
Girls' basketball tryouts for both Pizitz and VHHS will be held in May.
Tryouts for Pizitz (rising 7th and 8th grade) will be held the week of May 1st. For more information and to sign up for tryouts join our google classroom: mtyi75d
Tryouts for VHHS (rising 9th) will be held May 8-12. For more information join the tryout google classroom: j5y2tfl
Pizitz Volleyball Tryouts
Volleyball tryouts for the 2023 teams will be May 8-11. If you are interested in trying out, please join the Google Classroom (Code: pxekr4c) to find out more information. If you have any questions, please email or talk to Coach Spence (spencejm@vhcs.us) or Coach Barger (bargersd@vhcs.us).
VHHS Basketball Cheer Tryouts
Basketball cheer clinic and tryouts will be held April 17-20 for rising 9th graders. The tryout packet and registration form can be found in the Google Classroom (code: l6okeer). The first step for rising 9th graders is due this Friday, April 7th. Reach out to Ms. Harris (harrisb@vhcs.us) for any questions.
VHHS Volleyball Tryouts
Any rising 9th grader interested in trying out for the volleyball teams at the high school should complete the Google form below as well as information on DragonFly. Tryouts will be May 1-5 from 4:30-6:00pm. If you have any question, please email Coach Hardee at hardeewa@vhcs.us
Donate Gently Used Shoes
Spring cleanout! Have gently used shoes you want to get rid of or need to donate? Help the VHHS Band/Choir today. Clean out your closet and donate your gently used shoes. Your donation helps small business owners in developing countries while benefiting your favorite Marching Band and Choir at the same time. Get friends, neighbors, and church family involved so we can reach our goal of 2500 pairs! Check out our host site for more info on how it works https://funds2orgs.com, and let’s flood them with shoes!
If you would like to learn more about the fundraiser check out funds2orgs.com. Drop your gently used shoes off at one of the following drop off points today: VHHS, VH Freshman Campus, and Little Soles (Cahaba Heights).