North Notes
Blue Valley North's Parent Newsletter - November 3, 2023
Food Drive -- Please donate -- Deadline November 14
Food Drive thru November 14 – room 602 -- please donate!
IR Connections classes are doing a food drive to benefit the Blue Valley Food Pantry! We appreciate your support in keeping our shelves stocked. From March 2023 to August 2023, the BV Food Pantry has had over 750 visits. Your donation will have a big impact in our community! There are items listed above to help make a chicken & wild rice casserole meal-kit.
After BVN's food drive to help, the students will visit the BVSD pantry in mid-November. If you are able, please drop off your donations to room 602. Questions? Email Carla Wolters or Michael Allen. Thank you for your support!
Kudos and Celebrations
BVN Volleyball Team
A huge congratulations to the BVN Volleyball Team for taking 2nd in the state! What a great season they had and we are so proud of these incredible student athletes & Coach Matt Allin!
KSU Programming Competition
The BVN Business students participated in the KSU Programming Competition on November 1st and had great success. BVN had a team take 1st place in the K-State Competition. With over 40 teams from over 20 different schools across Kansas in the Advanced category, this is a huge accomplishment! We had another team get 27th in Advanced and a team get 7th in the Beginner category! A huge thanks to Tanner Crow, BVN Business/Programming Teacher, for sponsoring these awesome students!
Advanced Teams -- 1st place
Sriram Kalki
Quinten Schafer
Shreya Ramachandran
Matthew Chen
Advanced Teams - 27th place
Vatsa Pandey
Anass Alshobaki
Jagannath Nair
Raj Sadhankar
Beginner Team - 7th place
Cam Newsome
Max Zhang
Trivikram Yellapu
Navigators' Fall Party
The Navigators' students partnered with Sources of Strength, Art National Honors society, and other special education programs for a great fall party on October 27th. Students led activities and booths including face painting, pool noodle javelin, bowling, cup knockdown, arts and crafts, and many more. We invited students from some of the other nearby middle schools and high schools. Overall, our students did a great job leading the activities and ensuring all of the students had a good time! We appreciate SPED Teachers, Erin Hire and John Daigle, and their time sponsoring the gathering.
BVN Girls' Cross Country Team
The BVN Girls' Cross Country Team qualified to state at Rim Rock. Congratulations to this neat group of student athletes on a great season and an 8th place team finish! A shout out to Coach Keegan Hanson and Coach Kylie Loewen for their support!
Boys' Soccer Team
The above photo features the starting lineup from the Boys' Senior Night game. Thanks to these student athletes for all their work this season!
News from our Theater and Choir Departments
Musical Theatre Workshop-Open to All Students - November 7
BVN Theatre and Choir Departments are sponsoring a free Musical Theatre Workshop with Kristen Hertzenberg! If your student is looking to improve their auditioning skills, musical theatre performance skills, and engage with a professional in the industry this is a fantastic opportunity.
Best known for her role as Christine in the Las Vegas production of The Phantom of the Opera, Kristen Hertzenberg has proven her ability to sing anything in her concerts, performing music ranging from opera to Broadway to blues. She has also enjoyed playing Sophie in Terrence McNally's Master Class, Heidi in [title of show], and starring as Dyanne in the long-running Las Vegas production of the Tony award winning musical Million Dollar Quartet. Kristen has also graced the stage in concert halls across the country including Symphony Hall in Boston, Carnegie Hall in New York, and The Smith Center in Las Vegas.
Kristen is a recent transplant to Kansas City. She served as a judge for the 2023 KC Superstar competition, is an adjudicator for Starlight’s 2023-2024 Blue Star Awards, and loves participating in events and initiatives that raise social consciousness, build empathy, and promote mindfulness.
More information to come, but be sure to SAVE THE DATE- Tuesday, Nov 7th, from 3:15-5:00 p.m. in the PAC. You can reach out to Mrs. Cain, RMCain@bluevalleyk12.org , or Mrs. Krulik, JLKrulik@bluevalleyk12.org , for more information in the weeks ahead. All BVN students are welcome.
Holiday Play on Dec. 1
Our Repertory Theatre class production of “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” will have a public performance Dec 1st at 6:00pm in the Little Theatre.
SPAMALOT Auditions
BVN’s Musical SPAMALOT will hold open auditions Nov 14th and 15th from 3:15-5:30pm in the PAC. Reach out to Mrs. Cain and Mrs. Krulik for more info. Audition sides and cuts will be outside of Mrs. Cain’s room beginning Nov 2nd! Once again, all are welcome to audition or sign up for a technical crew.
AND! There’s more! We will host a Theatre Clinic for future Thespians on Jan 20th. Registration will open in December.
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
November 8 - Athletic Signing Day Ceremony, 3:00, BVN commons
November 13 - Winter Sports begin
November 20-24 - No School / Thanksgiving Break
December 18-20 - Final Exams
December 21-January 2 - No School / Winter Break
January 3 - No School / Professional Learning for Teachers
January 4 - School Resumes
January 15 - No School / Martin Luther King Jr. 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.
Community Celebrations and Observances
Some November Celebrations & Observances: Native American Heritage Month - celebrates the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, histories, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples. Military Family Appreciation Month - honors the military family by recognizing their sacrifices and commitments. Day of the Dead - November 1 - celebrated by some with Mexican heritage, a joyful time to remember and honor deceased loved ones. All Saints Day - November 1 - celebrated by some of the Christian faith, this solemn, holy day honors the saints of the church. Diwali - November 12-16 - the festival of lights celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and the human ability to overcome observed by some Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and others. Some will decorate their homes with lights and rangoli art, exchange gifts, dress in colorful clothing, feast with family, and/or go to temple.
Student Announcements
Girls/Boys Bowling Team 2023-24
Coach Nathan is still recruiting for the Girls and Boys Bowling Team! Please consider joining this great team! You can sign up here: https://forms.gle/CrUrLmaxm4hdgmMG8
See Mrs. Nathan in room 242 if you have questions or need more information. Thanks!
Boys' Swimming and Diving Team
Coach Rob Cole will host an informational meeting for parents and swimmers November 8th from 6:15 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the BVN Library. Mark your calendars: Tryouts begin November 13th-16th, 3:00 - 5:30 p.m.; practices start Friday November 17th.
Attention New Families and any new swimmers/divers interested in Boys' Swim & Dive this winter! Please email Kristen Lopez @ kristenjlopez4@gmail.com to get set-up on Team Snap!
NCAA/NAIA | NCAA Information Night
For student athletes pursuing athletics on the collegiate level, there is an information night at BVHS on Nov. 9th starting at 7:00 PM in their PAC. If you can’t make it, the BVN Athletics website has NCAA/NAIA information under the section titled “More”.
Counseling Department
NCAA/NAIA | NCAA Information Night for student athletes pursuing athletics on the collegiate level, there is an information night at BVHS on Nov. 9th starting at 7:00 PM in their PAC. If you can’t make it, the BVN Athletics website has NCAA/NAIA information under the section titled “More”.
OPPORTUNITIES | The Femineer Program was created to empower K-12 female students to develop the skills and confidence needed to pursue majors and careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. It has since expanded to include other under-represented individuals in these fields. Applications can be found under Opportunities on the BVN Counseling Website and are due Nov. 13th.
BOGO ACT! | For a limited time, ACT is offering students the opportunity to get a free ACT registration. The student must register and pay for the December 9 test date. The student then will receive a discount code to be used for a free registration. The code must be used by January 31, 2024 to register for February 10, April 13, June 8 or July 13. The following link has all of the details. https://www.act.org/content/act/en/register-for-the-act.html
College Fairs are posted to the BVN Counseling Canvas Page!
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.
ACTION NEEDED: Our diplomas will be ordered at the end of the first semester 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 . . .
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.
BVN Fall Activity Guide
Please take a look through the BVN Mustang Club's Fall Activity Guide! Here is a link to the on-line edition: https://anyflip.com/qzkqi/piwj/
Printed copies of the guide will be sold for $5. Contact Heather Glenn or Georgina Greenyer if you’d like to purchase one. Email: bvnpbcpresident@gmail.com.
This is a great way to see photos of the athletic teams & performing arts students, find out more about their coaches and directors, and read a greeting from the BVN Principal & the Mustang Club Presidents. Please take time to see the advertisements from our corporate partners and give them your business whenever possible. We thank them for their support of the Mustang Club and our Blue Valley North students. Enjoy!
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!
Educator Recruitment Fair
We are excited to announce the first Johnson County Educator Fair on Friday, November 17th, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Hilltop Conference Center in Overland Park, KS.
We are fortunate to have some of the best school districts in the country in Johnson County. To help attract and streamline access for potential candidates, we have partnered with Blue Valley to provide an opportunity for those interested in working in education to learn more about job opportunities, degree programs (undergraduate and graduate) in the area, receive information about licensure directly from consultants at the Kansas State Department of Education, and hear about all the perks of living and working here. In addition, there will be plenty of opportunities for on-the-spot screening interviews.
With award-winning districts, competitive compensation packages, affordable housing options, and plenty of opportunities to meet people, engage in recreational activities, and form social networks, we hope you will encourage your (insert students, candidates, etc.) to attend. We can’t wait to meet them!
The fall event is on Friday, November 17th, from 9:00 - 3:00 p.m.. The event location is Hilltop Conference Center at 7700 W. 143rd Street, Overland Park, KS 66223. No advanced registration is required. Please pass this along to anyone who may be interested. Thank you!
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 November 20-24 for Thanksgiving Week.
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