_eNews_
May 13, 2022
Every year, 161 high school seniors across the nation are selected and honored as U.S. Presidential Scholars. This recognition serves as one of the nation’s most selective and prestigious national awards. Out of the nearly 3.7 million students expected to graduate from high school this year and more than 5,000 candidates qualified for the 2022 honor, Blue Valley North senior Jordin MacKenzie rose above and was selected to the 58th Class of U.S. Presidential Scholars.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts. The committee also evaluates candidates’ evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. The commission selects 121 seniors as Presidential Scholars, 20 as Presidential Scholars in arts and 20 as Presidential Scholars in career and technical education.
MacKenzie was selected as a 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholar in arts, where scholars demonstrate academic achievement and extraordinary talent in the visual, creative or performing arts. While Blue Valley has had students named Presidential Scholars, she becomes the first and only one to be awarded the Presidential Scholar in arts for Blue Valley and Kansas in the history of the award.
Visit the district website to read more about this incredible accomplishment!
USDA funding for free student meals to end
The federal funding support that has provided free school breakfasts and lunches for the past two years is coming to an end at the conclusion of the 2021-22 school year. Families should note that this means:
Blue Valley is not eligible to offer free meals this summer. Families can find information about Summer Food Service Program locations online. Locations will be added for June.
During the 2022-23 school year, families will once again pay for student breakfasts and lunches unless they apply and qualify for the free/reduced meals program. Applications for the program will be available in mid-July. Information about the program is available on the district website.
COVID-19 drive-in testing to close May 24
MAWD’s local drive-in COVID-19 testing site will close at 3:30 p.m. May 24. There are no plans to reopen the site at this time.
Summer COVID Testing
Students involved in school-sponsored summer learning or summer activities/athletics will have access to COVID tests from their school as needed. Summer testing instructions will be provided upon the pick-up of tests during normal business hours. These tests are available for students only. Families in need of COVID testing this summer are encouraged to view testing locations on the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment’s website.
Graduation is on the horizon! A reminder that graduations will be held at the district’s Switzer Activities Complex (SWIDAC), 135th & Switzer. This centrally-located complex is well situated to host large-scale events and athletic competitions. The Blue Valley Academy Senior Recognition Ceremony will be held at the Ironwoods Park Amphitheater, 14701 Mission Road. If you are a graduate or a graduate’s family and have specific questions about graduation, please contact your school directly.
Class of 2022 graduation schedule:
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
10:30 a.m. - Blue Valley Academy Celebration
Ironwoods Park Amphitheater
Saturday, May 21, 2022
10:00 a.m. – Blue Valley High
6:00 p.m. – Blue Valley Southwest
Sunday, May 22, 2022
1:00 p.m. – Blue Valley West
4:00 p.m. – Blue Valley Northwest
7:00 p.m. – Blue Valley North
Monday, May 23, 2022
2:00 p.m. – 18-21 Program Services Celebration
The district will live stream graduations to provide access to all who want to join in on the celebrations. The live stream link will be provided and announced next week. For more information, including alternative rain-out dates, visit the district website.