North Notes
Blue Valley North's Parent Newsletter - April 16, 2021
In this Newsletter …
A Letter from BVN Principal
New Vaccine Requirements 2021-2022
April and May Schedules
Mark Your Calendar
Kudos and Celebrations
Counseling Updates
Drug & Alcohol Virtual Presentation
Senior Class of 2021
Bone Marrow Donor Registration
Parent Announcements
National Honor Society Service Projects
BVN Environmental Club Newsletter
Student Announcements
Mustang Medical Messages
BVEF Night of Lights
Auxiliary Gym Construction Info
Durham Contact Info
Parent Booster Club Spirit Wear Sale
A Letter from North Administrators
Mustang Community,
Please mark your calendar for Friday, April 23. There is no school for students while our teachers have a professional learning day.
The school year keeps winding down and we only have 5 weeks left for seniors and 6 weeks left for underclassmen! As we approach the end of the school year, it is very important that students finish strong. Remember that we have time dedicated each day for students to get work done and/or Zoom with their teachers for help that they need.
Last week, you received important information regarding Blue Valley school updates for the rest of the year. It is very important that you consult that email as it pertains to our day-to-day activities. If you are the parent of a senior you should have also received an email regarding senior events (i.e. Yearbook Distribution, Senior Celebration, Class Day, and Graduation). Specifically, Class Day and Graduation info consisted of:
- Class Day - Friday, May 21st - 10:00 a.m.
- Class day will start at 10:00 am, in the Main Gym at Blue Valley North. Due to COVID-19, each student will only be permitted to have a total of two guardians in attendance at Class Day. Class Day will be live-streamed, and the link will be shared at a later date. Two tickets per senior will be available beginning on May 10th and can be obtained by visiting this link: https://bvnathletics.com/partner/28/event/313 . The passcode for Class Day tickets is your Student's ID number.
- Graduation - Sunday, May 23rd – 4:00 p.m.
- 13310 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS 66213
- Gates open for parents at 3 p.m.--There are no tickets required and no limit on seating.
- If our graduation is postponed, it will be rescheduled for Tuesday, May 25th at 8:00 p.m.
- Please be on the lookout for any communication from either the District or BVN related to cancellations.
Please make it a priority to read that information as we want to have a strong finish to our school year. We also want to honor our seniors as they have had to sacrifice a great deal over the last calendar year.
As we have stressed throughout the year, it continues to be EXTREMELY important to follow all COVID risk mitigation strategies. If you have a student who experiences any COVID symptoms (especially if you have recently traveled) it is imperative that they stay home and get tested. Remember that the only time students can Zoom into classes will be because of a COVID-related absence. All other absences must be through communication with teachers and Canvas access.
Have a great weekend, Mustangs!
New Vaccine Requirement - 2021-2022 School Year (new)
Dear parents/guardians of incoming 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th, and 12th students,
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Immunization Program has implemented a new vaccine requirement for students entering 7th grade, 8th, 11th, and 12th grade in the 2021-22 school year. KDHE now requires two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine to be administered to maintain vaccine compliance.
- Meningococcal (Serogroup A,C,W,Y): Two doses required. Doses should be given at entry to 7th grade (11-12 years) and 11th grade (16-18 years). For children 16-18 years, only one dose is required.
- Phasing In Menigococcal (Serogroup A, C,W,Y): For the 2020- 2021 school year: Children entering 7th and 8th grade: one dose of MenACWY at school entry. Children entering 11th and 12th grade having received a previous dose: one dose of MenACWY at school entry will complete the series. Children entering 11th and 12th grade with no previous doses: one dose of MenACWY at school entry will complete the series.
Detailed immunization requirements by age group are listed on the 02/2019 version of the Kansas Certificate of Immunization (KCI).
Students who have begun, but have not completed the required immunizations, may enroll and remain in school while completing the required immunizations as quickly as permitted by immunization requirements, if a physician or local health department certifies that the student has received the most recent appropriate immunizations in all required series. Kansas law provides the following alternatives to immunizations:
- An annual written statement signed by a licensed physician stating the physical condition of the child to be such that the tests or inoculations would seriously endanger the life or health of the child; or
- A written statement signed by one parent or guardian that the child is an adherent of a religious denomination whose religious teachings are opposed to such inoculations.
All immunization decisions should be made by the family physician or the Johnson County Health Department. If your child has transferred to Blue Valley, you are responsible for providing records that document the immunizations either have been completed or are in the process of completion. If a student’s immunizations are not current (most recent appropriate inoculation in all series) or current immunization waivers, specifically religious or medical waivers, are not in place; the student will be excluded from school.
Student health requirements are important as we partner with families to create a safe and effective learning environment. All health forms must be completed and returned to the school nurse prior to the first day of school.
Your school nurse will be glad to answer any questions. Blue Valley North’s school nurse is Amanda Collichio and she can be reached my email at AJCollichio@bluevalleyk12.org or by phone at (913) 239-3013.
Mark Your Calendar
April 23 - No School/Professional Learning for Teachers
May 23 - Graduation at 4:00 p.m. at the SWIDAC
May 26 - Students attend class Hours 1 & 3; Finals Hours 5 & 7
May 27- Final Exams Hours 2, 4 & 6
May 28 - Final Exams Hours 1 & 3/School dismissed @ 10:41
May 28 - Last Day of School
May 31 - Memorial Day
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 revised 2020-21 Blue Valley School District Calendar.
Kudos and Celebrations
Science Olympiad Team (new)
BVN Science Olympiad Team had a very successful season again this year. They placed 2nd at the Regional Competition and 2nd at the State Competition. These students earned the following medals.
State Results
Anatomy & Physiology ~ 2nd ~ Luke Chen & Natalie Swerdlow
Chemistry Lab ~ 1st ~ Luke Chen & Natalie Swerdlow
Circuit Lab ~ 3rd ~ Richard Koulen & Damon Henderson
Designer Genes ~ 3rd ~ Damon Henderson & Ella Chiu
Detector Building ~ 1st ~ Brenden Wood & Richard Koulen
Dynamic Planet ~ 1st ~ Hugo Yu & Aiden Juhl
Experimental Design ~ 1st ~ Luke Chen, Ella Chiu, Hugo Yu
Forensics ~ 3rd ~ Luke Chen & Ella Chiu
Geologic Mapping ~ 2nd ~ Hugo Yu & Justyna Hayslett
Gravity Vehicle ~ 1st ~ Hugo Yu & Ella Chiu
Ornithology ~ 1st ~ Rishi Palit & Aiden Juhl
Sounds of Music ~ 1st ~ Richard Koulen & Hugo Yu
Water Quality ~ 2nd ~ Richard Koulen & Justyna Hayslett
Regional Results
Anatomy & Physiology ~ 1st ~ Luke Chen, Natalie Swerdlow
Chemistry Lab ~ 2nd ~ Luke Chen, Natalie Swerdlow
Circuit Lab ~ 1st ~ Richard Koulen, Damon Henderson
Detector Building ~ 2nd ~ Richard Koulen, Brenden Wood
Disease Detectives ~ 2nd ~ Gaby Kill, Akif Ansari
Dynamic Planet ~ 2nd ~ Hugo Yu, Aiden Juhl
Experimental Design ~ 1st ~ Luke Chen, Ella Chiu, Hugo Yu
Forensics ~ 1st ~ Luke Chen & Ella Chiu
Fossils ~ 2nd ~ Justyna Hayslett & Akif Ansari
Geologic Mapping ~ 3rd ~ Hugo Yu & Justyna Hayslett
Machines ~ 2nd ~ Hugo Yu & Damon Henderson
Ornithology ~ 2nd ~ Rishi Palit & Aiden Juhl
Protein Modeling ~ 2nd ~ Richard Koulen, Lucas Seeley, Brian Garretson
Girls' Swimming and Diving Team (new)
Our BVN girls swim and dive team was victorious against the team from Olathe Northwest at their meet on Thursday, April 8. Congratulations again to our divers Carolyn Nuss who placed first, Sydney Adams who placed second and qualified for state (way to go, Sydney!), and Rachel Braun who placed third!! A huge shout out goes to our swimmers who qualified for state: Abi Patterson (100 breast) and Molly Smith (100 back) and to the girls who received consideration: Izzy Hadel (50 free/100 free), Sofia Campagnuolo (50 free/100 fly), Grace Plunkett (50 free), Sadie Rosenthal (200 IM/500 free), Natalie Patterson (100 free), and Maddi Stewart (100 breast).
The girls swim and dive team competed against Blue Valley Southwest on Tuesday, April 13. Three of our divers placed in the top five: Carolyn Nuss (1st), Rachel Braun (4th), and Sydney Adams (5th). Way to go, girls!
A huge congrats goes to our 400 Free Relay team consisting of Izzy Hadel, Maddie Stewart, Abi Patterson and Caroline Blake, and to our 200 Medley Relay team consisting of Molly
Smith, Caroline Blake, Grace Plunkett and Abi Patterson for a state qualifying time!!!
The following individual swimmers also qualified/considered for state:
Caroline Blake: Qualified for state in 50 free/100 back; considered in 200 IM
Abi Patterson: State consideration time in 100 free
Molly Smith: State consideration time in 50 free/500 free
Maddie Stewart: State consideration time in 50 free/100 back
We are Mustang proud!!
Counseling, Academics & Testing (new)
Click Here For BVN's Counseling Webpage
for information about:
- The class drop deadline has passed. Students must stay in classes they are enrolled in for the remainder of the semester.
- Freshmen Pre-ACT score reports have been delivered to students through 4th hour North Time. Students who did not receive their report may pick it up in Student Services. Virtual students may contact Ms. Gonzalez at tgonzalez@bluevalleyk12.org to arrange pick up.
- Visit the Counseling Virtual Calming Room!
- Junior College Planning
- Sophomore Naviance Tasks
- Freshman Naviance Tasks
- AP test information and deadlines
- Virtual Counselor Appointments
- Virtual College Visits
Questions? Contact Theresa Gonzalez @ (913)239-3016 or tgonzalez@bluevalleyk12.org .
Drug & Alcohol Virtual Presentation (new)
Please join us for our district Drug and Alcohol Committee’s virtual presentation of “A Journey of One, Awareness for All” on April 29 at 6:30. Click HERE for more information and to sign up.
Senior Info for Class of 2021
Save the date for our graduation ceremonies at the District Activity Complex, 13310 Switzer, in Overland Park on Sunday, May 23, at 4 p.m. with a rain date of Tuesday, May 25, at 8 p.m. No tickets are required for graduation, and there is no limit on seating.
Click SENIOR INFO for links to:
- A countdown to graduation! Only 36 more days . . .
- Instructions for completing the Senior Exit Survey (due today!)
- Seniors voting for grad readers (by April 30)
- Purchase your Senior Class Photo
- Order cap & gown from Balfour--less than 40 seniors still need to do this!
- Authorize the release of your student's transcript when he or she applies to colleges
- An image file of Senior Week events, including the Senior Finals schedule for you to copy and print to put on your fridge
- and more . . . .
The PTO of Valley Park Elementary is looking for all Seniors that attended Valley Park. We are putting together a video message for the graduating 5th graders. We need to find these seniors and schedule a time for them to record a message with the video department at BVN. Please email enathan@bluevalleyk12.org if you have a student that is graduating this year and attended Valley Park Elementary.
Questions? Contact BVN Activities: Lisa Miller @ lkmiller@bluevalleyk12.org .
Parent Announcements
Yearbook Distribution Days coming soon (new)
If you haven’t purchased a yearbook yet, and would like to, plan to bring $50 cash or check, or a credit card, to school on distribution day. For seniors, this will be May 14. For underclassmen, the distribution date is TBA. Due to the limited number of extra books, these extra yearbooks will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Click here to see if you’ve purchased: PURCHASED 2020-21 YEARBOOKS
Activity Programming Fee questions? (updated info)
Please check to make sure you have completed paying your student’s Activity Participation Fees (APF) for the 2020-21 school year. Remember, this is a fee charged at the time of registration to all students in grades 6-12 and goes toward the support of activities in middle and high schools. The Activity Participation Fee supports the existence of these programs and allows students the continued opportunity to receive the valuable experiences that these programs offer. The Activity Participation Fee includes all sports, activities, clubs and other supplemental contract items that support student activities.
Take a moment to log in to ParentVUE to confirm you have paid your child’s Activity Participation Fee.
For information on the fee, including the purpose and use of funds, please see the Participation Fee section on the district’s website.
Volleyball Team
Do you have a current 8th grader interested in VOLLEYBALL next fall? Please fill out this interest form. https://forms.gle/6CCBWTaeB6RWXLAp7
Email Coach Allin, MAllin@bluevalleyk12.org , with any questions.
Course Fee Payment is Open
The student elective fees have been posted on the student accounts; check ParentVue for the electives' charges. Payments were due on 2/12/2021 so please make sure this is paid. Your ParentVUE login and password are required to pay course fees. Here is a link to ParentVue: online now.
Questions regarding fee payment should be directed to our BVN Bookkeeper, Linda Kaphingst, email: lkaphingst@bluevalleyk12.org .
Report Student Absences via ParentVue
Did you know you can report your student's absence in ParentVue? This is an easy, efficient way! Once you sign into ParentVue, you will see your student's name and a blue button titled "Report Absence." It takes you to a screen where you can select the start date and end date and the reason code. There is also a box titled "Note" for additional information. Don't forget to hit the "Save" button. If you have questions, please call Rita Mouber, BVN Attendance Manager, 913-239-3001.
You can still call Rita Mouber, 913-239-3001, to report an absence. If no one answers, she's talking to another parent so please leave a message. Rest assured, Rita will get your student's absence recorded.
National Honor Society Service Projects
Book Drive
Let's join NHS students, clean out your books at home and donate new or gently used books! The drive starts now through the end of the school year, May 25. Ask your student to drop off the books in Mrs. Stein's classroom #247. There will be a bin labed "NHS Book Drive." Many students in the Kansas City area have not had access to books in over a year due to the pandemic. All the books will be going to elementary school kids in the area so they can continue to read despite the uncertain circumstances due to COVID-19. Contact any NHS officers, or Sheryl Stein if you have questions.Happy Bottoms Diaper Drive (new)
BVN NHS is sponsoring a diaper drive for Happy Bottoms from April 12th-23rd which will be run through the students' math classes. Happy Bottoms is an organization that provides diapers to people who cannot afford to buy them, and during COVID the need for their services has gone up. Please bring in either diapers or money and turn them in to your math teacher. The math class with the most diapers and money raised will win an ice cream/popsicle party! If you have any questions, feel free to contact either Abby Collins (ascollins@bluevalleyk12.net) or Roda Ahmed (rmahmed@bluevalleyk12.net).
Thank you for all your help on both events!
BVN Environmental Club Newsletter
Student Announcements
Join the 21-22 BVN Color Guard! (new)
Our BVN Color Guard is the most welcoming group imaginable, and filled with awesome performers. NO experience is required, and EVERYONE is welcome!
Audition Clinics:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, April 19-23
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the BVN Main Gym
CLICK HERE to complete an info form for our Color Guard.
CLICK HERE for Social Media Posts to Share!
Email BVN Color Guard Director, Ms. Amanda Sipes, OR Mr. Freeman, Band Director, with any questions or concerns. We have held a zoom info meeting already - Email us to get the details and join in auditions! If you have schedule conflicts, please let us know.
Ms. Sipes <bvncolorguard@gmail.com>
Mr. Freeman <djfreeman@bluevalleyk12.org>
Cheerleading Clinic & Tryout Dates (new)
Clinic – Thursday, May 6th
- Location: Blue Valley North Main Gym
- High School: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
- Middle School: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Clinic - Friday, May 7th
- Location: Blue Valley North Main Gym
- High School: 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
- Middle School: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Tryouts - Saturday, May 8th
- Location: Blue Valley North Main Gym
- High School: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
- Middle School: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
All questions can be directed to Mr. Cox: ccox@bluevalleyk12.org
Mustang Mentors Applications Being Accepted
Any sophomore or junior interested in being a mentor for 9th grade advisory for the 2021-22 school year should pick up an application in Room 338 or the library before or after school or during North Time. Applications are due by Friday, April 16, 2021, 3:00 p.m. to Mrs. Dalton in 338 or Mrs. Snethen in the library.
Application and Election Information for the 2021-2022 Student Council. We are looking for students who are passionate about Mustang Pride and bettering our community! All applications and campaign material are due by Tuesday, April 20th at 3:15 PM. Campaign and election week begins Monday, April 26th and ends on Friday, April 30th. You can find the printed material in Student Services. Questions? Talk with Ms. Bosch in Student Services or Ms. Petty in 516.
FCA
FCA will be meeting on Wednesdays during North Time for 15 minutes via Zoom. Please email Jason Jones, FCA Sponsor, at JJones05@bluevalleyk12.org if you have questions.
BVN Class T-shirts Pickup at The Stampede
All Class Shirts are available for pick-up in The BVN Stampede School Store during business hours: Monday – Friday when school is in session for 15 minutes before school starts and 2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. The store is also open during 5th hour on Odd days.
We have T-shirts for every grade: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
BVN GSA (updated)
GSA will meet on Zoom after school on Wednesdays. For information, please email smoran@bluevalleyk12.org .
KAY-Mustang Community Service Club
Join KAY-Mustang Community Service Club! We have an exciting community service project you can do from home. We are creating BVN Storytime, a read aloud library for K-2 students. We also have a couple of other service possibilities. Click this link to join the club. Click this link , then “enroll in Course” to see the Club’s Canvas page where club news and information is posted. Questions? Contact Club president Tanu @ tsakaray@bluevalleyk12.net .
News from the BVN Library
The library website is now accessible from all Canvas pages. In the navigation list on the left side you should see Library. Or: Click here to visit the BVN Library website . From the library website, students and staff can now chat with the librarians during school hours. Look in the upper right corner. No question is too big or small!
Student Technology Help
On the Canvas Course card titled BVN Student Hub 2020-2021 there is student support information. After looking at the information in the BVN Student Hub, if you are struggling with technology, there is help.
- If your computer is broken please submit a BVCARE ticket and someone from I.T. will reach out to you. A link to BVCARE can be found on the BVN Student Hub or at www.bluevalleyk12.org / I would like to… / BVCARE- Technology help
- If you are having problems with a specific assignment or course in Canvas, always reach out to your teacher first.
- If you have questions about instructional tools (Canvas, Google Drive, Zoom…) or something is not working the way it should, there is a daily Student Help Zoom during North Time. To access this Zoom, open Canvas / Click on the BVN Student Hub 2020-2021 Course Card / Click on Zoom / Join anytime between 10:40-11:10am on Odd days, and between 12:25-1:20pm on Even days. If you are in the building and need help, you can bring your laptop to the library during North Time for tech help.
Meal Pick-Up Location Change Starting March 22
Starting on March 22 and going forward, we will offer meal pick-up at two locations only (Blue Valley High and Blue Valley Northwest). Meal pick-up will continue to be held from 11 a.m. to noon on Mondays and Wednesdays for virtual learners. You can find more information on this link Drive-Thru Meal Pick-Up web page .
Mustang Medical Messages
Mustang Senior Parents,
Please ensure the school has the most current immunization record on file before April 29th. In May your students BVSD immunization record will be printed and given to your student with their diploma. It is a very important document to keep for your students future.
Reasons your student will need their immunization record after high school:
- College applications
- Occupational opportunities
- Passport application/travel
- When your student family grows
Just to name a few.
I wish the Seniors all the luck and good fortune in the future endeavors.
Amanda Collichio, RN, BSN, School Nurse
Have a trip planned? 2-26-21 State Quarantine List.pdf
Consider looking over Kansas Travel Exposure Related Isolation & Quarantine Guidelines:
KS Travel Guidelines / Quarantine Guidelines
- Attended/traveled to mass gathering events out-of-state of 500 people or greater where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear masks.
- Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.
- Others needing to continue quarantining: Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19.
- International Travel: Please note that the CDC may have testing or quarantine requirements for individuals traveling back into the United States. Visit their web page for more information.
Free COVID Test resource:
https://www.gogettested.com/kansas
COVID Communication
The safety of Blue Valley North students and staff continues to be a top priority. In an effort to keep our school community informed when we have a positive case, families can expect the following:
Families will be contacted directly if through the contact tracing process conducted by the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) and the district's health professionals' team:
- your child was identified as a low-risk exposure of a student or staff member who tested positive for COVID-19.
- your child was identified as a high-risk exposure/close contact of a student or staff member who tested positive for COVID-19.
- If your child’s proximity to or nature of the interaction with the positive individual did not indicate a low or high-risk exposure, then you will not be contacted.
NOTE: Positive cases by school are reflected on the BV COVID Dashboard. The dashboard is updated every Friday with information from the prior week (Wednesday to Wednesday).
BVEF's Nights of Lights Virtual 10K (new)
Looking for a Fun, Family Activity? Join in BVEF’s Nights of Lights Virtual 10K! Grab your walking shoes! Spring has officially sprung, and with it comes the promise of warmer days, longer hours of sunshine, and a fun opportunity to support BV schools.
The Blue Valley Educational Foundation is thrilled to launch the first Night of Lights Virtual 10K, which is open to ALL members of the community, during the month of April 2021. Proceeds raised will support teacher and classroom grants, district wide initiatives, and a BV Cares fund, which helps meet essential needs of school families.
Night of Lights 10K registration is $30/entry + $5 for additional family members and all members of the community- whether or not they have children in BV schools- are invited to participate between April 3 and April 23, 2021. Your entry fee includes a race medal, bib, LED glow wand, link to a Spotify playlist, and suggestions for area walking/running paths.
For more information and to register, visit Night of Lights 10K — Blue Valley Educational Foundation (fundbv.org)
New Auxiliary Gym Construction: November through July
Durham Bus Riders
Durham has decided to not use the Hybrid stop times and instead only use the All in School stop times regardless of what learning mode the District is in. If you have questions, please call Durham at 913-681-2492.
Note that it is best to call outside of route times, between 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. or email admin6700@durhamschoolservices.com.
PBC Spring Spirit Wear Sale
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 . Thank you!
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