Viking Pride
March 16, 2023
Hello Valhalla Community,
See you tomorrow after morning announcements for Pastries with Pappas in Thor Hall! π
Thank you for the amazing success of the Read-a-Thon! We reached our goal of $15K and please check out our official stats below! π WOW! π
We had a blast at family movie night and the art fair! Thank you VPFA! Please check out the photos below!
We really appreciate the extra help at lunch recess, especially during rainy days! Click here to sign up! πβπ
Thank you for our Friday treats! We appreciate it! Click here to sign up! π₯―βπ©
Thank you VPFA leadership & all volunteers for the continuous support for all of our community events and end of the year activities!
Respectfully yours,
Theodora π€
Miss Pappas
Please participate in a special spirit day and wear green on Friday, March 17 for St. Patrick's Day! ππ
With Saint Patrickβs Day coming up, check out some fun lore and tradition that surrounds this holiday celebrated on March 17th every year. Not only is Saint Patrickβs Day the national holiday of Ireland, but it is also widely celebrated in the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. Yet many people donβt know the truth about Saint Patrick, including the fact that he wasnβt even born in Ireland! For more information including: Who Was Saint Patrick? What do Shamrocks have to do with St. Patrickβs Day? How We Celebrate St. Patrickβs Day? and a Saint Patrick's Day Quiz! Click here!
Report Cards Are Available through Aeries Parent Portal ~ Homelink
Art Fair - March 15th π¨πΌππ 6:30PM Thor Hall
Hello families!
The Art Fair was a blast! Thank you to all who came out to support our students and their artwork! Thank you to Natalie Krause and Anne Aita for making this year's Under Water theme a fabulous success!
Mrs. Kings School of Fish
Mrs. Richards Jelly Fish
Ms. Sparks Sharks
Mr. Thomas
Mrs. Austen - Art Inspired by Yayoi Kusama
Ms. Phillips - "Humans Hurt"
Mrs. Glenn's Class - Jellyfish Paintings
Mrs. O'Leary's Turtles
Mrs. Motta's Turtles Under the Sea
Mrs. Kellerhals' Jelly Fish Art
Ms. Fairbanks' Rainbow Fish
Mrs. Shearer - "Draws Upon Our Studies This Year"
P-4 Inky the Octopus
Mrs. Fox's Seahorses
Mrs. Robinett's Come Snorkeling with Me
Ms. Fivey's First Grade Fish
Mrs. Rosner's - A Galaxy of Sea Stars
Mrs. Ramirez' Ocean Food Web
Ms. Martz' Sea Creatures
Mrs. Young's Alma's Colors
Mrs. Snitselaar's Class - Breaching Orcas
Mrs. Hanko's Class - Inspired by Yayoi Kusama
Mr. Murray's Class - Inspired by Yayoi Kusama
Check out my π!
Read-a-Thon results and winners!
Hello Vikings,
Weβre ready to officially announce this yearβs Read-a-Thon results and winners!
First, I have to say that you all blew me away with your enthusiasm for reading and dedication to Valhalla. We had 239 students participate who read an astounding total of 118,408 minutes! Not only did we make our $15,000 fundraising goal, we BEAT IT by raising a total of $16,234.49! Every dollar goes toward funding the programs and services that make Valhalla the special place that it is. On behalf of the VPFA, I would like to thank each and every one of you for making this Valhallaβs best Read-a-Thon yet! Thatβs right β weβre the Read-a-Thon GOAT!!!
Now to the moment youβve all been waiting forβ¦.
This yearβs top reading class was Ms. Snitselaarβs 3rd grade class, who read a total of 13,904 minutes. The top fundraising class was Ms. Richardβs 2nd grade class, who raised a whopping $2,440. Congrats to both classes for winning a silly string party!!!
Iβd also like to give a shout-out to Ms. Hankoβs 4th grade class, who was the fundraising runner-up by a slim margin. Some of the top readers in Ms. Hankoβs class are recognized below. Great work!
Donβt forget, everyone who participated in the Read-a-Thon will get a participation prize, and the top readers and fundraisers in each grade will get extra prizes for their achievements. Those students are:
Top Readers
Β· TK β Theia Eckenrodt (Fairbanks), 460 minutes
Β· K β Ian Flenar (Kellerhals), 1,140 minutes
Β· 1st β Logan Nagle (Rosner), 1,265 minutes
Β· 2nd β Jane Munkascy (Fox), 1,640 minutes
Β· 3rd β Jazlynn Lorenz (Snitselaar), 2,726 minutes
Β· 4th β Hazel Fox (Hanko), 2,400 minutes
Β· 5th and overall top reader β Kondai Aono (Ramirez), 5,650 minutes (WOW!)
Top Fundraisers
Β· TK β Theia Eckenrodt (Fairbanks)
Β· K β Olivia Reese Dinozo (Motta)
Β· 1st β Olivia Colbeth (Fivey)
Β· 2nd β Logan Daughhetee (Martz)
Β· 3rd β Lorelei Duffy (Sparks)
Β· 4th and overall top fundraiser β Alaine McDivitt (Hanko)
Β· 5th β Danny OβSullivan (Phillips)
Congratulations to all of our top Read-a-Thon participants!
In addition, there were many other students who deserve an honorable mention for reading their hearts out in support of Valhalla:
Β· Nao Matsurua (Ramirez), 2,618 minutes
Β· Charlie Machida (Hanko), 2,360 minutes
Β· Lilly Munkascy (Snitselaar), 2,275 minutes
Β· Natalia Pamatian (Snitselaar), 2,190 minutes
Β· Daniel (Phillips), 1,910 minutes
Β· Arth Rao (Austen), 1,793 minutes
Β· Grace Roberts (Hanko), 1,730 minutes
Β· Shubh Kommuri (Thomas), 1,560 minutes
Β· Scarlett Wooley (Richards), 1,433 minutes
Β· Suri Kim (Austen), 1,421 minutes
Β· Benjamin Whitehair (Richards), 1,380 minutes
Β· Cole Morrow (Sparks), 1,290 minutes
Β· Ben (Snitselaar), 1,236 minutes
Β· Caden Takita (Sparks), 1,052 minutes
Β· Aidan Platt (Snitselaar), 1,020 minutes
Again, thank you Vikings for making this yearβs Read-a-Thon such a success! Please feel free to email me at valhallareadathon@gmail.com if you have any questions or recommendations for next year.
(p.s., special thanks to Maddi Bell, VPFA Corresponding Secretary, for her help with data entry.... and there was a LOT of data entry!)
Sincerely,
Heidi Mekkelson
VPFA Read-a-Thon Chair
We had a blast at Famliy Movie Night! π₯πΏ
Updated COVID guidelines:
Please click here for updated Contra Costa Health Services COVID guidelines 3-14-2023.
Please note that individuals who test positive may return to the workplace or school after day 5 if: Symptoms are not present, or are mild and improving, AND fever free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication)
These COVID guidelines have replaced any other guidelines that we have been using.
Thank you Mrs. Collymore for our Women's History Month Board!
Books of the month for Womens' History Month:
Jane Goodall - the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees.
Detailing the lives of women creators around the world.
Maya Angelou - the powerful speaker, writer, and civil rights activist.
Come join us at the happiest place on earth! π
2022-23:
Thank you to Mrs. Maddi Bell and Mrs. Krista Roberts who will be covering Melissa while she's on maternity leave.
We still need office subs from time to time, so if you're interested, please apply above.
Noon Supervisor @ Valhalla Elementary #39
2023-24:
Transitional Kindergarten at Valhalla Elementary, 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
*Please call Ms. Pappas for any questions or to let us know you applied! π
Celebrate Mrs. Melissa and baby Micah ππΆ
Coming up: after school enrichment session from 3/20 ands end 5/26:
Hi, Valhalla families! Just an update on the next after school enrichment session which will begin on 3/20 and end 5/26: I am excited to announce that we will be partnering with a few more vendors to offer more STEM and music classes. There will be Edible Science, Coding (grades 3-5), and Ukelele (grades 1-3).
We will also be piloting a new registration system through Homeroom to centralize the entire process. Registration will open on Monday 3/6, but you can set up your Homeroom account anytime at this link. In the meantime, take a look at the schedule of classes to see what your child wants to enroll in! I plan to be at Family Movie Night on Friday, so stop by to say hi and ask any questions you may have!
Community Events: Save the dates!
- 3/29 1:45 pm-3pm: Baby Shower for Mrs. Melissa & Baby Micah (library) Wednesday π
- 4/13 Family STEAM Night 6:30pm Thursday π
- 4/29 π€ Auction Dinner Dance 6:00 - 11:00 pm (Pleasant Hill CC) Saturday ππ»
- 5/5 Multicultural Night Friday
- 5/17 Open House 6:30-7:30 (Band will perform at 6) Wednesday π«
Save the date: Saturday, April 29, 2023 6:00 - 11:00 pm π€
Giddy on up and join your Valhalla School Community for a good cause! The Annual Auction Fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, April 29th at the Pleasant Hill Community Center.
Tickets are on sale now for Valhallaβs Auction & Fundraiser!
Early Bird Tickets are on sale now! Buy before prices go up on February 1, 2023.
https://www.fundraiser.support/valhallaschoolauction
The Auction Committee needs your help to make this fundraiser a success for our school, please contact us to get involved.
Giddy Up!
Every year, Valhalla parents come together to host parties as part of the offering at the Auction. Parties are fun, build community, and more importantly, they play a big role in supporting our school. Reach out to Christina Min (christinavmin@gmail.com) to get started. Donβt have an idea but want to help out? Join a party already in progress and contribute to the success of that event.
We Need Donations!
Auction: Do you know someone who owns a business (house cleaning, salon, photography, estate planning, etc.), has season tickets to a local team, or has a vacation home? Please consider your extended community when soliciting donations for the auction.
Wine: Please consider donating a bottle of wine worth $25 or more for our instant wine cellar raffle. Wine can be dropped off at the office.
Desserts: Please contact Tessa Barrows (tess@tessabarrows.com) to donate a sweet treat for the traditional Dessert Dash.
Your Time: We need volunteers to make this auction possible. Reach out to the Auction team to learn about how to get involved (valhallaschoolauction@gmail.com).
For any other inquiries or to volunteer to help, please contact: valhallaschoolauction@gmail.com
End of the Year Activities:
Friday, May 26: Chalk Art π¨ & BBQ school lunch ππ
Wednesday, May 31: BMX π²
Thursday, June 1: 5th grade promotion & party π
Friday, June 2: last day of school (12:30 dismissal) β
BBQ schoolwide lunch ππ
All school BBQ lunch will be served at regular lunch time for all students and staff! Lunch is a choice of cheeseburger, hamburger, hot dog or sun butter sandwich for vegetarians. Thank you Miss Anna and Marco for organizing and any questions, ask Miss Anna!
Friday treats for Valhalla's staff! π₯―π©π§πͺβπ₯ͺπ
SIGN UP NOW!!! The second half of the year needs volunteers!
Let's show our teachers and staff how much we appreciate them by bringing treats every Friday. Please sign up for a slot to bring a treat for the staff to the teacher's lounge on a Friday morning.
We have approximately 40 full time staff members. Click here to sign up! Thank you!
Our vision & theme for 22-23:
Valhalla Elementary School strives to provide a safe and orderly environment conducive to learning which supports all members of its community, both educationally and socially.
We strive to prepare students to be successful life-long learners and to be happy, kind, and contributing adults in a global society.
We strive to foster mutual respect, appreciation of diversity, and high individual self-esteem.
We strive to accomplish our goals by cultivating high levels of achievement and commitment on the part of students, parents, staff, and the broader community.
Our theme for this year is "Where adventure begins!"
Breakfast & lunch info: 2022-2023 MEALS AT NO CHARGE!
Thank you to Miss Anna and Mr. Marco for always making us delicious and healthy meals and snacks!
Click here for MDUSD's Food and Nutrition Services Department.
Click here to learn more about California Universal Meals: This includes background, policy, provisions, webinars, resources, FAQs, and contacts regarding Californiaβs Universal Meals Program.
TK-4th grade famlies: We have only had 223 responses. We have over 400 families. Please respond!
We are working on our plans & staffing for next year and would greatly appreciate you filling this form out. If you have multiple children with us, please fill out a form for each child. We appreciate your time and transparency. Please click here to take survey! *This is for current TK-4th grade famlies only.*
Thank you!
Principal Pappas
Just a Friendly Reminder - NO PARKING
Just a reminder to please not park in the staff parking lot. Every single staff spot is assigned to a specific staff member. Sometimes staff will leave for a quick errand or lunch and when you pull into their spot, that leaves them nowhere to park.
Please do not park in the loading zone right in front of the office. We have handicap students at Valhalla and they need to use that ramp, as well as our deliveries.
Where can you park you ask? On the street (except on the Valhalla side of Kiki from Odin to the entrance of our parking lot, that is a NO PARKING ZONE). Please do not park in front of our neighbors driveways. Otherwise, feel free to park on the street and in the neighborhoods.
23-24 School Year Intradistrict Transfers- Grades K-5
The Elementary Intradistrict Transfer application is now available. Elementary schools please post the following on your website:
The 23-24 Intradistrict Transfer Application for Grades K-5 will be open from February 10-April 1. For more information on the transfer process and to complete the online application, please visit our website: mdusd.org/intradistricttransfers
Independent Study Contracts (ISC)
With that being said, it is a contract that both you and your student sign, so if your student does not complete their assignments, it will count (either fully or partially) as unexcused.
The last day to use an ISC is May 12, 2023.
The only excused absences are sickness, dental/doctor appointments, death of a close family member or religious holiday. Contrary to popular belief, if you take your student out of school for an "appointment" Valhalla does not get paid, nor do we when your child is sick. We only get funds when your student is in their seat or if an Independent Study Contract is complete.
Centralized Enrollment for TK AND Kindergarten for 23-24 School Year - Valhalla Dates = March 15 & 16 (drop in 3/17)
The TK/Kindergarten Registration calendar is now available! We currently anticipate being in our new Enrollment Center (previously Diablo Community Day School) attached to Willow Creek Center, prior to the start date.
March 15th & 16th from 8:30am-4pm
1026 Mohr Lane
Concord CA
You will need to first register online at www.mdusd.org/enrollnow and then you can pick up kinder packets from the district office at the Student Services Department before registration or you can fill out paperwork at the registration.
Please remember, you will need to bring originals of:
- Birth Certificate
- Immunizations
- Proof of residency (2 items listed below PLUS a valid CA Driver's License)
- Current Valid Vehicle Registration
- State or Federal Tax Return
- Current Voter Registration
- Other forms of identification or communication from a government agency
- Current Property Tax Bill
- Rental/Lease Agreement
- Payroll stubs/checks
Welcome to Valhalla! ππ
From MDUSD:
MDUSD Employment Opportunities:
The National PTAβs Multicultural Calendar: 2022-23
Click here for the Calendar.
VPFA Corner:
Please join our next meeting Wednesday, Jan 18 6:00pm in the Library Annex and offered via zoom for spectating only.
*VPFA Fundraising:
- General Fund - click here for more info & to donate! π°
- See's Candy - click here for more info & to purchase! π«
Valhalla Yearbook with TreeRing!
ORDER and CUSTOMIZE by APRIL 21, 2023!!
The great thing about TreeRing:
1 - You can customize TWO full pages for your child (it will appear in your child's yearbook only)
2 - For every yearbook purchased, TreeRing plants 1 tree.
3 - It's a great fundraiser for our school!
It's not too late to purchase last years or the year before. Simply go to TreeRing.com and select our school and the year you'd like to purchase for.
Please consider helping us at the happiest place on earth! π
How to help at Valhalla: πππ«
Volunteers:
Please be proactive and become a clearned MDUSD volunteer! Volunteers must have a valid TB test, & fingerprints on file. Please reach out to your teacher for further information regarding helping in the classroom or sign up on Konstella to volunteer at lunch. (click here)
Click here to apply to be a volunteer on campus including lunch duty, PE, classroom parents, the library, reading lab, the garden or to help at future field trips.
*You no longer need to provide proof of Covid -19 vaccination.
Lunch Time Volunteers Needed! 11:30-1pm daily!
Calling parents, grandparents, friends or neighbors to help provide additional supervision during lunch and lunch recess. Please feel free to sign up for one shift or many (or all!). It's a great way to connect to our campus and see your kids in action!
Check in to the office when you arrive. Volunteers must be cleared by the district. (A valid TB test, fingerprints on file. Proof of covid vaccine is no longer needed.)
Please consider volunteering by signing up on the Konstella link ...if it is full and you are cleared to volunteer and want to come help...JUST COME ON BY! THANK YOU!!!
Thank you for helping at Valhalla- Substitutes Positions:
We need help in the office on occasion! If you'd like to help out, please see below:
-Substitute Secretarial/Clerical: Click here to apply for secretary/office manager substitute and for further info!
*Teacher: Substitute Teacher EdJoin Job Posting (Pay is $250 per day)
*Special Education Assistant Substitute (SEA SUB) -
Special Education Assistant Substitute (SEA SUB) click here to apply and for further information.
*Noon Supervisor Substitute: Click here to apply for noon supervisor substitute and for further info! You can help out when you can! Just let me know you signed up!
*Noon Duty Supervisor - click here for more info & to apply! Hours are 11:30am - 1pm. What a great way to help at school and get to know our amazing students!
*Crosswalk duty: morning and/or after school. Please call the office & ask for Miss Pappas.
Please let Miss Pappas know if you have any questions or have applied for a position! I will follow up with HR! Thank you! 925-687-1700
Parent Square
MDUSD/Valhalla uses Parent Square to contact parents in regards to community events, school news and events and emergency notices. Teachers also use Parent Square to reach out to their whole class or individual families/parents.
Parent Square has a similar interface as Facebook, it is pretty easy to use and user friendly. Parents also get absence notices from Parent Square to where you can directly respond back about why your child is absent.
Konstella (VPFA)
You can sign up HERE
Valhalla's school code for this year: UM4322
Follow us on Twitter
Email: PappasT@mdusd.org
Website: https://ves-mdusd-ca.schoolloop.com/
Location: 530 Kiki Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA, USA
Phone: (925)687-1700
Twitter: @VikingPridePH