Viking Families and Friends,

Mother Nature gave us a taste of spring this week, but then reminded us that we should still keep our hats and gloves handy. Before everyone heads off for a few days of rest and relaxation, here is an update of things happening around VHS.

Our counselors continue holding individual scheduling meetings. Sophomores began their individual meetings on or about January 30th and freshmen will begin on or about February 21st. VHS Summer School information was sent via email to parents/guardians and students and posted to Canvas and the VHS website on February 3rd. As a reminder, summer school registration will take place online from March 1st through March 8th.

In September, I shared the names of the VHS National Merit Semifinalists. I am pleased to announce that Audrey Barriball, Jack Buinicki, Maralee Lockridge, Nathaniel Malchow, and Gabriel Wetzstein are now National Merit Finalists. Congratulations to these students as well as their parents and guardians. I wish them the best of luck as they enter the final phase.

After 18 years, our Lady Vikings worked hard and brought home the Basketball Sectional Championship earlier this month. Just last week, our Lady Vikings proudly represented us at the State level in swimming and diving. This week our band students shared their talents with us as well at the Winter Concert. It is always great to see our school community support come out and our students at these events.

Last Saturday, the VHS Key Club held Winter Formal in our cafeteria. The proceeds from Winter Formal are traditionally donated to Riley’s Children’s Hospital and this year is no different. The VHS Key Club once again hit a new record for ticket sales and will be donating $2,000 to Riley’s Children’s Hospital. The funds support the Kiwanis International campaign called Delivering Hope and Health, pledging $1,000,000 to Riley’s Children’s Hospital.

Once again, 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.

Lastly, as a reminder, VHS is looking for volunteers for our School Nutrition Program. If you’d like to serve as an honorary member of our School Nutrition team and be a celebrity server for the day, please click on this link for the volunteer guide and for further information. Speaking of food, 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.

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

This year the robotics club underwent a complete overhaul; what was once a weekly after school club has grown into a competitive team taking on some of the toughest robots right here in Northern Indiana. The VHS Robotics Team, better known as VEX Team 2790 Valpo Voltage, currently consist of two robots that are individually designed to complete a multitude of tasks such as shooting discs into elevated baskets, turning friction rollers and deploying webbing to cover maximum surface area all while defending off two other robots in a 12 foot by 12 foot arena.

Starting in September, the team has been working hard and putting in the long hours after school on robot design, development, program coding, structure, fabrication, game strategy and driving practice. When asked about what he liked the most about robotics, Senior Luke R. stated: “My favorite part for me personally would be being able to do the hands-on building because that has been my biggest role on the team.”

With the increasing demand for technical occupations expected to grow more and more each year, the robotics team provides a strong foundation and head start for those who are interested in pursuing a career in STEM. “I think it's a good opportunity for people to branch out to new activities especially with the way that STEM is going to take over in the future," Luke added. ” I think it's a great opportunity for people to broaden their horizons and get ready for the upcoming career choices that they are going to make.”

The robotics team meets after school every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday in room BL122. See Coach Kirk, Osuch or El-Naggar for more information or visit our Facebook page: Valparaiso High School Robotics.