VPHS Update
September 29th
A Note From Dr. Luhning
VPHS Family,
It has been a busy September. I thank all of you that were able to attend our annual Back to School Night on September 12th. It was great to see our parents/guardians follow their child's schedule to learn a little more about the wonderful teachers that are in front of them daily and a brief preview of the curriculum they receive. Partnering with our parents/guardians is important for developing each of students to their fullest potential. If you were unable to attend please reach out to your child's teachers with any questions.
Please continue reading the update below. There are so many great things happening at VPHS, I hope you take time to read about them.
To access the daily announcements you can visit the VPHS website frontpage and access this link:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Yb6fy79ygucfNN1eZLnhrDYsz8eSKXjKb2-Ypd9DTwg/edit
You can access our school calendar from the VPHS website.
https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/Page/14#calendar545/20220903/month
You can access your student(s) teachers websites from the staff directory on our website:
Our classrooms have been active and our staff continues to spend countless hours creating engaging lessons for our classes. Please keep track of your child's progress in their courses. You can access Infinite Campus Parent Portal here:
https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/domain/83
Parents and Students:
If you experience any issues logging into Infinite Campus, please send an email to: infinitecampus@vp.k12.mo.us
Please note: The "Forgot Username?" and "Forgot Password?" functions only work if you have signed into the portal before, and you confirmed the verification email sent by the system.
Please send an email to the email address above for any issues.
Thank you for all you do to support VPHS!
We are 1 Valley Park!
Dr. Luhning
One Community. One Campus. Limitless Learning.
The Valley Park School District is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment of belonging where personalized learning experiences prepare our students holistically for limitless opportunities, empowering them to make the world a better place.
2021-2022 End of Course Exam Scores
The Missouri End of Course (EOC) exams evaluate students’ progress toward the Missouri Learning Standards. EOC Assessments provide important information that contributes to decisions concerning individual students, groups of students, and educational programs. At Valley Park High School, the assessments given are in the subject areas of Algebra I, English 2, Biology, and Government. In most cases, Valley Park High School students take each EOC once during their high school career, immediately following the class in which the assessment aligns.
Your child's EOC score includes an Achievement Level, which will describe his or her performance as Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, or Advanced. If your child took an EOC assessment during the 21-22 school year, it is now available in Infinite Campus. When you log in, choose “More” in the left-hand column, then choose “Assessments”. State and national assessment scores will be located there.
If you have any questions about your student’s report, please reach out to his/her teacher, counselor, and/or administrator.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Facilities Master Plan Survey
The Valley Park School District wants your input on our facilities master plan. Please visit: www.vp.k12.mo.us/messages to read the latest message from Dr. Dilg and to complete the survey.
Thank you.
En español:
El Distrito Escolar de Valley Park quiere su opinión sobre el plan maestro de nuestras instalaciones. Visite: www.vp.k12.mo.us/messages para leer el último mensaje del Dr. Dilg y completar la encuesta.
Gracias.
Arrive Alive Tour September 8
We were able to educate 135 students directly in the driver seat of the Arrive Alive impaired / distracted driving simulator. Also, there were 89 surveys collected from participants. It seems that distracted driving is a very prevalent issue in our community as 22.5% of survey respondents indicated that they frequently or sometimes text and drive. After experiencing Arrive Alive 95.5% of participants indicated that they will never drive impaired/distracted or think twice before doing so and warn others of the dangers of these behaviors.
This was a great opportunity for our students to learn through a simulator rather than an accident.
Fall Blood Drive
Our VPSD Fall Red Cross Blood Drive (hosted by the National Honor Society) is Nov 2nd from 9:00-2:00 in the High School Commons. Our donation goal for the 2022/2023 school year is 101 units of blood. If we reach our goal the Red Cross will allocate 750 dollars towards a scholarship for graduating seniors. We encourage and kindly ask for your support and generosity in donating blood.
Secondary Chess Club
“Hello parents! Mr. Wood would like to invite all your Middle and High School students to join chess club on Tuesdays in Room 205 after school. Learning and playing chess is a great way to develop strategic thinking and problem solving skills as well as have fun and be involved. We will be returning to competitions this year, which are always a fun time. All students, no matter their skill level, are welcome and encouraged to attend! If there are any questions, please contact Mr. Wood by email, twood@vp.k12.mo.us, and we hope to see students there!”
MS. PORTER MUSIC PERFORMANCE
We are delighted that one of your teachers, Laura Porter, Band Director, has been selected to participate in a very special opportunity with musicians of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra on Friday, October 7, 2022. EXTRA CREDIT On Stage at Powell will provide Laura with the opportunity to rehearse and perform a concert side by side with SLSO musicians under the direction of Conductor Norman Huynh. The concert is free and open to the public and free tickets are available here. We hope that many students, parents, teachers, and administrators from Valley Park Schools will be able to join us at Powell Hall to applaud Laura’s performance. We encourage you to download the promotional flyer for the concert and share it with your school community.
The benefits of music education in our schools are numerous and well documented. EXTRA CREDIT On Stage at Powell provides an opportunity to celebrate the educators who inspire the effort required by their students to learn to play an instrument and perform successfully in an ensemble.
Senior Jostens Graduation Meeting
Seniors: Jostens will be here for a short meeting during advisory on Thursday, November 3rd. They will bring ordering packets to take home so you can order Caps and Gowns, announcements and any other Senior gear you might like. South Tech students can pick up the ordering materials on Friday November 4th, in the office.
Jostens will return on Thursday, November 10th, before school, to take your orders.
*Note: You need to at least have a cap, gown and tassel for the graduation ceremony.Class of 2023 Fall Bonding Field Trip
Senior Bonding Field Trip
to
Eckert’s Fun Farm
Millstadt, IL
Friday, October 14 8:30-2:15
$5 per person - includes entry, tractor ride, a small pumpkin, corn maze, farm animals to visit, other activities (Give your money to your advisor).
Picnic Lunch Options
· Order Jimmy John’s meal $10
· Order school box lunch $3.05 (or your reduced/free meal price)
· Bring your own lunch or buy concession
**We will send a lunch order form closer to field trip time
You can choose to bring money for:
🍂 animal feeding ($2 each)
🍂 larger pumpkins in the patch ($0.79/lb)
🍂 apples (for sale, not for picking $1.99/lb)
🍂 snacks - hot dogs, popcorn, drinks
What to bring/wear
· All outdoors: dress for the weather and farm activities!
· Water bottle/drink
· Backpack optional (maybe for a deck of cards or frisbee, etc.)
Questions: Email Mrs. Houston chouston@vp.k12.mo.us or Ms. Light klight@vp.k12.mo.us.
Haunted School
Chartwell's Food Service
Discovery Kitchen
September’s cafeteria theme was Power Up! Balanced diet and hydration are essential parts of living a healthy active lifestyle, as well as athletic performance. This month’s Discovery Kitchen took place during the school’s picnic and play day on the 28th. Fresh melon slices and three different infused water varieties were shared with students, all of which are great ways to stay healthy and hydrated!
Leadership Class Update
From the Nurse's Office
A reminder for parents, if your student is not feeling well with the following symptoms, please do not hesitate to keep them home from school:
- Fever over 100.4 (24hrs without medicine: Tylenol/ibuprofen)
- Cold symptoms (coughing, sneezing, runny nose, congestion)
- Stomachache and/or vomiting, Diarrhea (vomiting/diarrhea to stay home 24 hours after vomiting is done)
- Sore Throat
- Unexplained Cough/ Shortness of Breath
- Signs of Conjunctivitis (pinkeye)
- Signs of Head lice (persistent itching scalp, nits in hair, or lice present)
- Rash (if present need to be evaluated by physician)
- Covid precautions as well, follow the Healthy Hawk Way.
Campus Visitors/Safety Update
Visitor Management System
Valley Park School District welcomes parents and other community members into our schools for special events, meetings, tours, and other occasions. However, keeping our students and staff safe while at school is something we take very seriously. To increase security at all our school buildings, we have started using the Hall Pass Visitor Management System to track visitors. The system is simple and easy to use. The only thing you need is a government-issued ID. For more information, click here.
To watch a video which shows how the system works please click here:
Athletics
For all athletic and activity schedules visit the VPSD athletic website:
You can access our athletics calendar from the VPHS website:
https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/Page/61
You can access our activities calendar from the VPHS website:
VPSD Care Closet
VPSD Care Closet
If your family is in need of any clothing, shoes, school supplies, etc., we would love to help! We have a Valley Park Care Closet, located here on our campus, to serve your family and help provide you with items you need. The care closet includes items such as: Clothing, shoes, personal care items, backpacks, coats/hats/gloves, school supplies, and much more. If you are in need of any of the above listed items, please feel free to either reach out ot your child's counselor or complete this form and a counselor will reach out to you.
This form can be found on our district website as well under the Parents tab and Resources.
Important Dates
9/30/22-Fall Pep Rally
10/4/22-National Alliance on Mental Illness Parent Presentation 6:00 PM
10/12/22-PSAT Testing for 10th and 11th (Must have signed up)
10/20/22-10/22/22-Bring it On Musical
10/25/22-High School Parent Teacher Conferences
10/28/22-Conference Break No School
10/31/22-Fall Break No School
11/3/22-Senior Meeting Jostens Graduation Ordering
11/8/22-Election Day No School
11/10/22-Fall Sports Awards Night
11/11/22-Make-Up 9th-11th Grade Students Students Pictures
12/12/22-12/16/22-Homecoming Week with Pep Rally on 12/16/22
12/17/22-Homecoming Dance
4/6/22-Spring Pep Rally
4/7/22-Prom
5/19/22-Graduation
Counseling Events
Sept. 29 – South Tech Field Trip
October 3-7 – Mental Health Awareness Week
October 4 – NAMI Parent Presentation 6:00 PM (more info in their emails)
October 5 – Mental Health Awareness Advisory Lesson
October 10 – 9th Grade CHADS (parents should look for more info in their emails)
October 12 – PSAT Testing for 10th and 11th (Must have signed up)
October 14 – 9th Grade CAPP (more info in their emails)
October 14 – 21 – Bullying Prevention Week
October 19 – Bullying Prevention Advisory lesson
October 24 – 27 – A+ Advisory lessons for 11th and 12th
High School Counselor
Dr. Emma Goldberg
(636) 923-3645
Post-Secondary Information
FSA ID Workshop: October 10th – Senior Advisory meeting in the commons
College Application Week October 24-27th – More information coming soon
FAFSA Frenzy – During Parent Teacher Conferences – email with more information is coming
St. Louis Internship Program Information Session for Sophomores and Juniors: November 15th- -- during advisoryMs. LaManna Contact Information:
Ms. LaManna Social Media:
Instagram: @VPHSadviser
Twitter: @VPHSadviser
Facebook: Valley Park Adviser
School Pictures
11/11/22-Make-Up 9th-11th Grade Students
Attendance Line
Daily attendance at school is very important. Please make sure your child is arriving on time, and ready to start learning at 7:40am. We appreciate you keeping your student home if they are feeling ill.
If your student is going to be absent from school, please call 636.923.3500, extension 3858. You can also call directly to the HS office at 636.923.3613 or email the HS secretary from an email we have in Infinite Campus for the parent. jdeveraux@vp.k12.mo.us
Safe Schools Helpline
Valley Park School District will now be using The Safe School Helpline®, a confidential way to report student concerns about threats, suicide, drugs, bullying or anything that threatens the safety of our schools. Available 24/7.
Four Ways to Report to the Safe School Helpline®
Call: 1-800-418-6423 ext 359
Text: TIPS to 614-426-0240
Online: SafeSchoolHelpline.com
Mobile App: Download the FREE app from the GOOGLE PLAY STORE and the APPLE APP STORE
The app makes it easy to anonymously report a safety or mental health concern using your mobile device to text, call, or submit an online form.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q. How do we know it is anonymous?
We have contracted for this service through Security Voice, an outside company with no ties to our school.
Q. How does it work?
A toll-free number has been assigned for our school district. When you dial this number from a touch-tone phone, you will be advised how to leave your information – and not to include your name or other facts that could identify you. Then, record your message.
Q. What type of information should be reported?
Please report any facts, remarks, or actions that could jeopardize the safety of our children, staff, or school. Examples of harmful or threatening behavior might include:
• Bullying
• Violence
• Theft
• Drug or alcohol use and abuse
• Talk of suicide
• Sexual harassment
• Weapons
Q. What happens next?
Security Voice will send a typed copy of your message to the school. The school will then investigate the report, and determine how best to act on it.
Q. When and where can I call?
You may call toll-free anytime, day or night – from a home, mobile or pay phone. Take care that your call is not overheard.
Q. Can this service help troubled students, too?
Yes. If you see a student who is very troubled, or overhear remarks like "I can't go on," please report it. The call will e routed to a Community Counseling and Crisis Center that provides a 24-hour crisis intervention service. Trained counselors are available 365 days per year to talk with persons seeking assistance in coping with suicidal thoughts, depression, or feelings of loneliness and loss. Callers need only press "3" when prompted.
Q. Who can call this number?
Everyone within our school, including:
• Students
• Teachers
• Staff
• Parents
• Administrators
Q. Can I change my message later? How will you know who is calling?
Yes. When you leave a message you are given a case number that is yours alone. Enter that same case number when updating your message or answering additional questions.
Q. How will I know if any action has been taken?
After three school days, call the toll-free number and enter your case number when prompted. A recording will let you know your message was heard and may ask for more information. Your answers will be transcribed and sent to the school administration for further investigation. Administrative actions may sometimes be confidential, but your call is always important.
Here is the link for more information:
Safety and Security / Safe School Helpline (vp.k12.mo.us)2022-2023 District Calendar
https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/cms/lib/MO01947787/Centricity/Domain/4/2022%202023%20School%20Calendar.pdf
Dr. Luhning
Email: rluhning@vp.k12.mo.us
Website: https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/vphs
Location: One Main Street Valley Park, MO 63088
Phone: 636-923-3616
Twitter: @DrLuhningVPHS