VPHS Update
September 2021
A Note From Dr. Luhning
VPHS Family,
The end of September marks the end of our first six weeks of 5 days a week in person learning. I am thankful to our staff, students, families, and community for helping us maintain a healthy school environment. Students and staff are doing an excellent job of wearing masks, staying socially distanced, and staying home when unable to pass the Healthy Hawk checklist https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/cms/lib/MO01947787/Centricity/Domain/358/Updated%20healthy%20hawk%2007%2030%202021%20letter%20size.pdf .
We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment that prioritizes five day a week in person learning. I appreciate you partnering with us to help make this priority a reality.
In a previous email message sent to each family I referenced the disturbing TikTok trend of stealing items and vandalizing schools across the country. This trend found it's way to VPHS as some students vandalized and destroyed items in the boys bathrooms. We have identified students involved in the incident and are assigning consequences for their behaviors. Unfortunately, there seems to be monthly TikTok challenges for the rest of the school year. Please read the section below and see the digital photograph describing each months challenges. Please take time to speak to your child or children about these truly illegal behaviors.
There are many great things happening on the campus of VPHS. Please read through the sections below to learn more about fall athletic success, the upcoming musical, parent teacher conferences, college financial aid planning meeting, technical school options, and new procedures to order lunch.
For district messages please reference the link below:
https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/Page/769
We are Valley Park Strong!
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.
TikTok Disturbances
We are aware of monthly TikTok challenges, impacting schools across the nation, that are circulating where students are encouraged to participate in illegal activities such as vandalizing school property, stealing random items from their campus or committing assault on students and staff.
We have talked with our students and we are now asking for your help and partnership in explaining the seriousness of these acts. Please talk to your student and make sure they understand this is not acceptable behavior. Vandalism to school facilities or assault is unacceptable and discipline will be administered within the limits of the school’s handbook, district guidelines, and the law.
Thank you for your collective efforts in speaking with your student about the importance of respecting school property and others, as well as reporting inappropriate behavior to a trusted adult as we work together to foster pride in our schools.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
- Conferences should last 5-10 minutes with each teacher
- Conferences are an opportunity to ask questions, receive feedback, and work as a team to best support each of our students
- If you are unable to attend conferences, but would like to speak to your child's teacher Reach out by email to your child's teacher requesting your needs
- Masks must be worn at all times inside the buildings
- Social distancing to the extend possible is required
Valley Park Musical The Little Mermaid
The Valley Park School District Theatre Department, under the direction of Ms. Sara Magalli and Ms. Allison Hungate-Wood, proudly presents Disney's The Little Mermaid, October 28th, 29th, and 30th at 7:00 pm in the elementary gym. Community members are encouraged to enter this magical underwater kingdom and join in the adventures of Ariel, Prince Eric, Sebastian, Ursula, the evil sea witch; Triton, King of the Sea; Flounder, and Scuttle! Based on the Disney animated film and hit Broadway musical. Dive on in! Life is the bubbles, under the sea! Stay tuned for more information on purchasing tickets. Seats will be sold in pods, which will be socially distanced and masks will be required for all spectators.
Athletics
https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/Page/61
The Hawks Softball Team (16-1-1) is currently ranked #4 in Small Schools in the St. Louis area and defeated the previous #3 team in the area (Lutheran South) 15-1 last week ! The Hawks have now won their 15 successive game and this is their longest winning streak since the 2006 team captured its first 14 contests. The Post-Dispatch published a nice article with terrific photos of our student-athletes after the victory over Lutheran South. CLICK HERE.
Boys and Girls Basketball and Cheerleading will have their tryouts beginning November 1st. Look for more information from the athletic department in the upcoming weeks. More information from our Dean of Activities and each individual sport head coach will be shared soon.
FAFSA Meeting
Please attend an in person informational meeting to learn about the FAFSA process. The meeting will take place on October 28 from 5:15-6:45 PM in the High School Commons.
Financial aid offices at colleges and universities — from community colleges to Ivy League institutions — use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for financial aid, including student loans, grants, scholarships, and federal work-study programs. A completed FAFSA form sets the groundwork for a student’s financial aid package and is used to determine the expected family contribution and need-based aid at any given school.
Sophomores and South County Technical School
A field trip for all 10th grade students to South County Technical School is currently in the planning stages. More information will be shared with the 10th grade class soon.
Lunch Ordering
Breakfast and lunch will continue to be FREE for ALL students through the end of the 2021-2022 school year.
Accessing Important VPHS Information
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.
Important October/November Dates
October
1 FAFSA Available for 2022-2023
5 6 Week Infinite Campus Grades Update
5 Senior Night Boys Soccer
14 Testing Day-PSAT, PACT, ASVAB
14 Senior Night Volleyball and Cross Country
15 Staff Professional Development Early Dismissal 11:30 AM
22 Fall Sports/Activities Pep Rally
22 1st Quarter Ends
26 High School Conferences Conferences 3:00-9:00 PM
28-30 VPHS Musical The Little Mermaid
29 Conference Break-No School
November
1 First Day of Winter Sports Practices
3 NHS Blood Drive
4 Jostens Senior Class Meeting during Advisory
11 Jostens Senior Class Orders 7:00-7:40 AM
11 Fall Sports Awards Night
12 Staff Professional Development Early Dismissal 11:30 AM
15 6 Week Infinite Campus Grades Update
24-26 Thanksgiving Holiday -- No School
2021-2022 District Calendar
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