Viking Families and Friends,

We are now one week into the last quarter of the academic year. Some students are excited that the end of the school year is near, while others are nervous that life after high school is quickly approaching. One thing is for sure, everyone is ready for a much needed spring break. Before the alarm clocks are turned off for a week of rest and relaxation, here is an update of things happening around VHS.

Counselors have finished individual scheduling meetings with all students for the 2023-24 school year. Parents and students should reach out to counselors with any questions about schedule requests. Schedule confirmations will be available in Skyward later this month. If your student missed the summer school registration window but is interested in taking summer school, then contact your student’s counselor to inquire about available courses.

There are many things to celebrate at VHS, but here are just a few highlights. VHS Choirs sent over 280 entrants to the ISSMA State Solo and Ensemble. All of the entrants earned Gold Awards and several events received "With Distinction" and perfect scores! The VHS Drama Club recently held four nights of Mocha Madness. Once again, VHS was designated a Family Friendly School by the Indiana Department of Education. The following Vikings are 2023 National Merit Finalists: Audrey Barriball, Jack Buinicki, Maralee Lockridge, Nathaniel Malchow, and Gabriel Wetzstein. We were also visited by Governor Holcomb, where he witnessed the reading of the House Concurrent Resolution presented to our football team and coaching staff. We took the opportunity to show off our STEM area as well. Last Saturday, our Vikings brought home another State Championship! Our gymnastics team brought home the gold for the 14th time! Needless to say, our Vikings are representing Valpo well.

Lastly, I leave you with two final reminders. The Valpo Schools Foundation is happy to announce that they are accepting applications for the Most Valuable Viking. All teachers and classified staff (which includes bus drivers, custodians, food service, maintenance, paraprofessionals, and secretaries) may be nominated for this recognition. If you know of a teacher and/or staff member who exemplifies the qualities listed below, then I ask that you please take some time and consider nominating them for the Most Valuable Viking.

• Creates and contributes to a supportive, positive school environment.

• Goes above and beyond through participation on committees, club sponsorships, coaching positions, etc.

• Demonstrates admirable leadership qualities.

• Develops positive/ inspiring relationships with students, fellow teachers/staff, and families.

• Exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled member of the VCS community.

The deadline to submit your nomination is Monday, April 3, 2023. Nominations can be submitted via a Google Form or a fillable pdf, which should be emailed to mphelps@valpo.k12.in.us. Many thanks to the Valpo Schools Foundation for working diligently over the last couple of months to provide opportunities for teachers and staff to be recognized.

The second reminder is that our serving lines are getting a much needed update. We plan to begin this process upon returning from Spring Break and expect to complete it for the start of the 2023-24 academic year. A temporary serving area will be set up so that our food and nutrition staff can continue serving our students during this time. Tables will be moved from the Commons Area to the cafeteria after all lunches today to allow students all of next week to find a new place to sit and enjoy their lunch.

Thank you for continuing to support our students, teachers, and staff.

During the March 10th Blood Drive, VHS collected 78 pints of blood which can be used to save up to 234 lives! We also had 45 First-Time donors. Did you know that March is Red Cross Month, a time to celebrate the community heroes who make the mission of the American Red Cross possible to support those in need? President Franklin Roosevelt first declared March as Red Cross Month 80 years ago and every president since has done the same to recognize the important humanitarian work of the organization.

Gaming club is a club for gamers of all sorts. We play chess, board games, card games, and a lot of tabletop role-playing games. Kids get to have fun while practicing critical thinking and problem solving skills. Gaming Club meets on Thursdays at 2:30 in Ms. Cichocki's room, RD101. If you have any questions, email Ms. Cichocki at kcichocki@valpo.k12.in.us.