Thor's Report
12/5
Hello Orange Nation,
On Friday Dec 3rd our school was placed into "Secure Campus" during the first 10 minutes of lunch. We are extremely proud of our students, staff and teachers who quickly responded to the alert. During the lunch period we had large gatherings of students, and concerns over a dispute, in multiple areas of campus. By initiating "Secure Campus" our staff was able to ensure all students were safely supervised by staff in a classroom. Administration, Campus Supervisors and School Resource Officer were able to quickly assess the concern, gathering more information, and isolate students of concern. Our administration assistant was able to communicate with our staff, parents and district. Food services were able to provide afternoon snack for students who did not receive a lunch.
During October safety week we had practiced this procedure at nutrition break. Overall, our past experience had allowed us to be prepared for this scenario. The events of this year have challenged our safety protocols. With each experience our staff improves their response and ability to address situations. I am also reflecting on the recent tragedy at Oxford High School in Michigan. School safety is a collaborative effort between school staff, students and parents. Below I've provided some basic information to help our community better understand our response to safety concerns.
I appreciate your partnership and do not take lightly the responsibility of ensuring our students remain safe at school.
Brianne Froumis
Principal, Valhalla High School
What is Secure Campus?
Secure campus is initiated when there appears to be a safety concern on campus, or in the neighborhood. Secure campus limits the movement of students/staff on campus, but allows for learning to continue. Classroom doors are locked, teaching may continue, and the bell schedule is suspended until we know it is safe for travel through campus. During break and lunch, secure campus requires students to shelter in place inside the nearest available classroom.
How is Secure Campus different than a lockdown?
Lockdown is initiated when there is a clear threat on campus. Doors are immediately locked, lights are turned off, teachers should cue students through safety protocols that will keep them safe in the classroom space. Law Enforcement will most likely clear classrooms during a Lockdown.
What does it mean when school staff claim to "investigate the concern"?
When a concern comes forward, our Assistant Principal and campus security team investigate concerns. Initially, students reporting are asked to complete a written statement and speak with an AP. These statements remain confidential. Based on information gathered, other students are spoken with and asked to write a statement. At times security footage is reviewed. As allowed by students, photos from social media/student cell phones are collected. Depending on the nature of the concern our School Resource Officer is included in the investigation. Once all information is collected, Assistant Principals determine if school rules were broken (based on Education code 48900) and the appropriate consequences. Families of students are notified of discipline. Reporting, or victim, families are notified the investigation is complete. We consult with families/students to offer any social services that might support the students moving forward.
When is the school allowed to search personal items of a student?
The law provides school officials with a wide latitude to search students, their possessions, and automobiles, in the ongoing effort to maintain a safe and secure campus. When a school official has a “reasonable suspicion” that a student may be in possession of contraband or dangerous objects, the student will be asked to empty all pockets and provide the official access to other personal items (backpacks, lockers, cars) which may contain contraband or dangerous objects. Reasonable suspicion may also warrant school officials' use of a metal detector to identify concealed weapons or a breathalyzer to determine if a student is under the influence of alcohol. It is hoped all students will be cooperative as the school official will make every attempt to be unobtrusive and respectful of privacy. Students should be aware that grounds for suspicion commonly includes being “out-of-bounds” without permission or a report by another student, parent or staff member of possession of contraband or dangerous objects. Students should also be aware that any contraband or dangerous objects found in their possession will be assumed to belong to them. Finally, if a student should discover contraband or dangerous objects on campus, he or she should go directly to a vice principal or other staff member and turn it over without delay. (Education Code 489050)
How can the school stop social media accounts and postings that are inappropriate?
Unfortunately, social media is very challenging to address. We will investigate any identifiable students and postings. If students/parents see any posts that imply a violent threat to the school they should report it immediately to law enforcement. For all other postings, students should immediately report them to an adult, campus supervisor or administrator. Any inappropriate accounts/posts can be reported to the social media platform as a violation of community regulations. See below for information on how to report Instagram accounts.
My child does not feel safe reporting concerns. What options are there for anonymous reporting?
Students have access to an app called "3P Tips" on their Chromebook. This app allows students to report concerns anonymously. Tips are immediately directed to Law Enforcement or school staff. Incidents around violence, gangs, weapons, vandalism and bullying can be reported via this app. Please see the below link to watch a brief clip on accessing the app.
What's Happening! Save the Dates
Wednesday Dec 8th
- Parent Engagement Night @ Monte Vista 5:30-7:30pm
Thursday Dec 9th -
Vocal Music Winter Concert
Thursday, December 9th 7:00pm
Skyline Church: 11330 Campo Road, La Mesa
Adults $7; Students/Children $5
Friday Dec 10th - Min Day
Instrument Music Winter Concert
Friday, December 10th 6:00pm
VHS East Lawn
Free, Bring a Blanket or Lawn Chair and any Comfort Food you may enjoy
Monday Dec 13th - Coco and Cram - 9th Graders and NorseCREW
Finals Dec 14-16 - Please view modified Schedule.
Friday Dec 17th - Faculty Workday (Non-Student Day)
Parent Engagement Night
Please plan to join us for the second event in our Family Series.
December 8 - 5:30-7:30 PM
Event will be held at Monte Vista High School Event is for ALL GUHSD families
This event will focus on Student Wellness. Topics will include:
Impact! Campus Canine demonstration
Drug and substance use awareness
Student mental health
Resource fair and Food to follow.
Please RSVP
Toni's Toys!
Toni Guiterrez, a cherished member of the Orange Nation, had a passion for helping children in need. Toni passed away in 2015 shortly after retiring from Valhalla and since then our school has attempted to keep her vibrant spirit of care alive through Toni’s Toy Drive.
Partner: The Angel Tree program of El Cajon - over 700 local families in need of gifts
Target Age Range: 10-14 year olds (Angel Tree struggles to get gifts for older children)
How to participate:
Individual students and/or classes can collect new/unwrapped gifts from the suggested list below.
Gift Drop Off: Our primary drop-off location will be in Marina Hernandez’s office. You may also drop gifts off in the counseling center or the front desk. All gifts must be dropped off by noon on 12/13.
Goal: To collect 200 toys for local families
Some popular requests:
Legos, art sets, headphones/speakers, books, science kits, slime, board games, scooters, blankets, anime books/décor, drawing sets, gaming toys/books (roblox, Minecraft etc.), soccer balls, nail polish/art, hair accessories and hats.
Angel Tree Gift List ONLINE REGISTRY
January/February VHS Staff of the Month Award:
Dear Valhalla Community,
the PTO would appreciate your help in recognizing a deserving NON-TEACHING staff member (support staff, campus supervisor, food service, office staff, facilities, counseling, coach, administration, or other staff member) who has made a positive impact on the students and community of Valhalla.
Click HERE to vote. Thank you for your participation!
Finals are coming!
Schedule
12/13 Monday - Collab day
12/14 Tuesday - Finals p1, 4, 7
12/15 Wednesday- Finals 2, 5 (Finals Min Day)
12/16 Thursday- Finals 3, 6 (Finals Min Day)
Study Hall- Room 301
Quiet Study hall will be open in 301 during the school day for any student waiting for class- ie: student enrolled period 3, but does not have period 6, may attend study hall period 6. Students should be actively engaged in an independent quiet study activity during this time.
Coco & Cram - NorseCREW supporting 9th graders
Monday 12/13 at 7:45 NorseCREW will be serving hot coco to 9th graders and providing a place for studying and support. 9th grade Teachers - please come out to check in with students and answer questions. We appreciate your support.