North Notes
Blue Valley North's Parent Newsletter - December 11, 2020
In this Newsletter …
A Letter from North Administrators
Help our BVN Families in Need
Kudos and Celebrations
BVEF Awards BVN Grant
Yearbook Orders Due 12/22
Bell Schedule and Calendar for December
Mark Your Calendar
Counseling Updates
BV Career-Ready Auto Tech Program
- KSHSAA Update
- Senior Class of 2021
Freshmen Class T-shirt
The Stampede
Parent Announcements
Student Announcements
Mustang Medical Messages
Parent Booster Club Holiday Shopping Spiritwear
A Letter from North Administrators
Dear Blue Valley North Community,
If your student has received an email about an item for pickup, please ask them to come to the main office before winter break. We have art supplies, cameras, clay, ELA novels, geometry assignments, pre-paid school photo packets, cheer photos, band supplies and pre-paid Stampede (school store) orders in the main office. The BVN office is open Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. through December 22.
Many of the athletic and performing arts events are being streamed so you can watch them in the safety and comfort of your own home. Visit the BVN website https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/bvn and scroll to the bottom of the front page to the BVN Twitter and BVN Facebook feeds for links and information.
As announced earlier this week, the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) recently updated their guidance on spectators at winter activities and athletic events. Blue Valley will begin implementing these recommendations today, December 11. The details are in this newsletter.
We want to give another thank you to the families who have donated gift cards for our BVN families in need. The response has been amazing! There are still a few more needs if you are able to help, please see the signup in this newsletter. We can't thank you enough for reaching out to our very own. You are truly the unspoken heroes of North.
As always, thank you for your continued support of the Mustang Family!
The BVN Administrative Team
Blue Valley North High School
12200 Lamar Avenue
Overland Park, KS 66209
(913) 239-3000
Help our Mustang Families during the Holidays
Thank you to all the families that have generously donated already! There are still Blue Valley North families in need and we hope to help them all during the Holiday Season. If you are able, please sign up for a gift card on the link below (It is not necessary to create a Sign up Genius account to sign up.):
Put your gift card in a sealed envelope marked “Family #1” and so forth. Drop it off by 9:00 a.m. on December 14 to Hether Lyntton, BVN Administrative Team, in the BVN Main Office. If you have questions, please contact Janet Roush at jroush@bluevalleyk12.org or 239-3012.
Thank you for being the Unspoken Heros of North!
Also, please remember that Lisa Summers is the BVN Social Worker. It has been a difficult several months, both financially & emotionally, for families and Ms. Summers is here to help. BVN has a limited amount of funds to assist families. Programs that BVN offers include school supplies, Snack Program (Snacks will be distributed to students on a weekly basis), Give the Basics Program: Shampoo, Conditioner, lotion, deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste, etc. Please contact Ms. Summers at (913)239-3116 or email lsummers02@bluevalleyk12.org or BVNCommunityCares@gmail.com with your needs.
Kudos and Celebrations (new)
Congratulations to our 9 National Merit Commended Scholars and our 11 National Merit Semi-Finalists! We are all so proud of you and this significant achievement. Check the BVN homepage for a link to our virtual celebration. We are so proud of this group of students and we look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish in your future endeavors. Click here to view a congratulatory video from Dr. Ostroski and visit the BVN home page to find the links to the video speeches!
Varsity Scholars' Bowl takes 2nd!
Congratulations to Luke Chen (10), Devereaux Knight (10), Olivia Miller (12), Hugo Yu (12), and Ellianna Cierpoit (12) for their 2nd place performance at the Washburn Rural Virtual Invitational on December 2nd. Dominating pool play with a 5-0 record and the highest preliminary points, the team broke to quarterfinals. With a close semifinal win against Manhattan, the Mustangs barely missed out on a finals win against St. James Academy.
BVEF Awards Blue Valley North a Grant
As we are well aware, so many traditions have been hard to uphold this year, but BVEF’s Surprise Squad found a way to make this event happen… with a twist!
Instead of visiting each school in person to hand out teacher and building grants, on December 2, the Blue Valley Educational Foundation invited representatives from Blue Valley North to celebrate at Hilltop Conference Center and our principal received a check for $2,000!
This year, BVEF is funding $178,000 on building and program grants, suicide prevention programs for middle and high schools and supporting a Career Tech Ed partnership for our students with JCCC. They have funded more than $6.2 million over the last 30 years.
Our building grant will be used to fund nine Hybrid Instructional Sets for teachers. Each Hybrid Instructional Set will contain a mobile standing desk and a bluetooth amplifier microphone. These sets will allow nine teachers to interact and instruct at-home learners and in-person students in a much more meaningful and relevant way.
“We couldn’t continue to be on the forefront of education without support from BVEF and I’m so grateful that they found a way to continue to support our Blue Valley North students and teachers even though they couldn’t visit our school.” says Dr. Tyson Ostroski.
In addition to our grant funding, BVN also received a beautiful, matted print of a painting by BV alum, and world-renowned artist, Jeff Hanson, which we will proudly display for everyone in the building to enjoy!
To see all the special moments captured on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, visit #BVEFGrants and the BVEF website at www.Fundbv.org.
Purchase Student's Yearbook in ParentVue ~ deadline 12/22
Tips for Students and Parents
Report Student Absences via ParentVue
Did you know you can report your student's absence in ParentVue? This is an easy, efficient way! Once you sign into ParentVue, you will see your student's name and a blue button titled "Report Absence." It takes you to a screen where you can select the start date and end date and the reason code. There is also a box titled "Note" for additional information. Don't forget to hit the "Save" button. If you have questions, please call Rita Mouber, BVN Attendance Manager, 913-239-3001, or call the BVN main number, 913-239-3000.
Students! Check Your Student Email Daily
Students, it is important that you get in the habit of checking your school email frequently. We recommend checking it three times a day (morning, lunch, and the end of day). Thank you!
News from the BVN Library
The library website is now accessible from all Canvas pages. In the navigation list on the left side you should see Library. Or: Click here to visit the BVN Library website . From the library website, students and staff can now chat with the librarians during school hours. Look in the upper right corner. No question is too big or small!
Blue Valley North High School Calendar for December 2020
Blue Valley North Bell Schedule for December 2020
Mark Your Calendar
Nov. 30-Dec. 22 - All students Distance Learning from home
Dec. 23-Jan. 1 - Winter Break
Jan. 4 - School Resumes (schedule TBD)
Jan. 13-15 - Final Exams (schedule TBD)
Jan. 15 - End of 1st Semester
Jan. 18 - No School/Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Upcoming All School Events
All BVN events, activities, sporting events and additional calendar adjustments are found on the EKL calendar: www.easternkansasleague.org
Click here for the revised 2020-21 Blue Valley School District Calendar.
Counseling, Academics & Testing
Click Here For BVN's Counseling Webpage for information about:
Senior College Application Information
AP Test Information and Deadlines
New middle school WL credit information
Virtual Counselor Appointments
Questions? Contact Theresa Gonzalez @ (913)239-3016 or tgonzalez@bluevalleyk12.org
BV Career-Ready Automotive Technology Program (new)
Did you know that Blue Valley offers a variety of career-ready programs for high school students in partnership with Johnson County Community College (JCCC), including an Automotive Technology Program? Students in the Automotive Technology program spend half of the day at their high school and half of their day on campus at JCCC working toward an associate degree or certificate options in the field of Automotive Repair. Students may receive dual credit at no cost to the student for successful completion of JCCC coursework. Listen to what students in the automotive program have to say about their experience!
If you are interested in Automotive Technology or other Career-Ready opportunities, let your counselor know. If you have questions, please contact Sarah Beren at sberen@bluevalleyk12.org or 239-4141 or visit the district website.
Click here for a Career-Ready Programs Video.
Updated KSHSAA guidance for Families (new)
Throughout this year we have been dedicated to offering students activity and athletic opportunities when it is safe to do so. This dedication also comes with a commitment to adjust our plan when new or updated recommendations and guidelines come from professional organizations.
As you may be aware, the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) recently updated their guidance on spectators at winter activities and athletic events. Blue Valley will begin implementing these recommendations today, December 11, including:
- Interscholastic activities will allow for attendance of up to two parents/guardians per participant(s) family as allowed by local board of education or health department restrictions. This ensures the capacity to appropriately social distance both home and visiting team spectators and minimizes the risk of exposure while still providing opportunities for students.
- Mandatory universal masking for all spectators.
- Updated spectator recommendations apply to middle and high school activities and athletics.
- The NFHS Network will continue to livestream events from the main gymnasiums of our high schools.
- School information about guest lists and protocols will be shared soon.
As always, the district will continue to review appropriate measures and adjust again if necessary to ensure the health, safety and well-being of students, coaches and sponsors and spectators.
Senior Info for Class of 2021 (new info)
The Blue Valley North Commencement Ceremony will be Sunday, May 23, at 4:00 p.m. at Municipal Auditorium, 301 West 13th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105. If KCMO makes changes to their event sizes and gatherings, we will have a backup plan to host in one of our stadiums at a date to be determind.
We have a new Canvas page for all Senior information!
Check here regularly through the year:
Click here for: SENIOR INFO
This canvas page currently has links to:
- Order a senior tile from the PBC--deadline is Jan. 31
- An info video from Balfour about how to order your cap & gown and announcements
- A link to let us know how you want your senior's name printed on the diploma, along with authorizing the release of your student's transcript
We will update this Canvas page as new info becomes available. You no longer have to wait for Friday to get updates from this parent newsletter--you can check the Canvas page any time.
Questions? Contact BVN Activities: Lisa Miller @ lkmiller@bluevalleyk12.org .
Freshmen Class of 2024 T-shirt ~ deadline TODAY, 12/11
The Stampede, BVN's Student-led School Store
Parent Announcements
Virtual 8th Grade Enrollment Night (new)
In January, BVN will have a virtual 8th grade enrollment night available for parents and students. Information on how to enroll as well as explanations of all BVN programs will be provided via video. We don't have an exact date of availability, but it will be in mid-January. Updates and the video link will be in North Notes.
High school in-person/VirtualED course fee payment for the 2020-21 school year is open and online now. Your ParentVUE login and password are required to pay course fees.
Course fees are assigned based on your student’s enrollment.
Course fees are assigned for the first semester only.
Questions regarding fee payment should be directed to our BVN Bookkeeper, Linda Kaphingst, email: lkaphingst@bluevalleyk12.org .
Student Announcements
Spanish National Honor Society and Spanish Club (new)
Interested in applying for Spanish National Honor Society or learning about Spanish Club at North? Use this link to navigate to our Canvas course and click “enroll in course”. On the home page you will see a scan code and link for joining our GroupMe as well as a link for Spanish National Honor Society requirements and application. If you are eligible, the deadline for all application materials is Friday, January 15th at 3:15PM. Questions? Email Srta. Tankel: ktankel@bluevalleyk12.org.
BVN GSA
GSA meets virtually every Wednesday after school from 2:50 - 3:15 p.m. Please contact Ms. Moran at smoran@bluevalleyk12.org if you would like to join the meeting.
KAY-Mustang Community Service Club
Join KAY- Mustang Community Service Club! We have an exciting fall community service project you can do from home. We are creating BVN Storytime, a read aloud library for K-2 students. We also have a couple of other service possibilities. Click this link to join the club. Click this link , then “enroll in Course” to see the Club’s Canvas page where club news and information is posted. Questions? Contact Club president Tanu @ tsakaray@bluevalleyk12.net
Student Technology Help
On the Canvas Course card titled BVN Student Hub 2020-2021 there is student support information. After looking at the information in the BVN Student Hub, if you are struggling with technology, there is help.
- If your computer is broken please submit a BVCARE ticket and someone from I.T. will reach out to you. A link to BVCARE can be found on the BVN Student Hub or at www.bluevalleyk12.org / I would like to… / BVCARE- Technology help
- If you are having problems with a specific assignment or course in Canvas, always reach out to your teacher first.
- If you have questions about instructional tools (Canvas, Google Drive, Zoom…) or something is not working the way it should, there is a daily Student Help Zoom from 12:30-1:15pm. To access this Zoom, open Canvas / Click on the BVN Student Hub 2020-2021 Course Card / Click on Zoom / Join anytime between 12:30-1:15pm.
Meal Pick-up
Drive-thru meal pick-up service for students in distance learning and VirtualED is available on Mondays and Wednesdays at four locations across the district, including Blue Valley North High School. The last day of the year for pickup will be on Monday, December 21, and each student will receive 6 breakfasts and 6 lunches. This service will start back up again on Monday, January 4. More information is available on the Drive-Thru Meal Pick-Up web page .
USDA extends free meals for students through 2020
As a result of extended USDA funding opportunities, all students enrolled in Blue Valley will be able to eat for FREE as of Sept. 9, 2020, regardless of eligibility status, until further notice. This includes complete breakfast and lunch meals for students who are dining in-person/hybrid at the elementary level, middle and high school students currently in the Distance Learning model, and all students enrolled in the all-virtual model, VirtualED. Please help out the Food and Nutrition Department and consider eating a complete breakfast and lunch meal at school for free. A la carte items will be charged at the set price and are not free.
Here are the details! Please note that the Online Code has to be used directly through the chipotle app/website instead of any third-party apps like GrubHub or DoorDash.
- 9900 College Blvd in Overland Park is the location
- Saturday, January 9th
- Between 5:00.p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
- Online Order Code: 7BPRQHL
- Bring in this flyer, show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause to make sure that 33% of the proceeds will be donated to BVN Class Of 2023 Student Council.
Thank you for your support!
Mustang Medical Messages
Free COVID Test resource:
https://www.gogettested.com/kansas
COVID Communication (new)
The safety of Blue Valley North students and staff continues to be a top priority. In an effort to keep our school community informed when we have a positive case, families can expect the following:
- Families will be contacted directly if through the contact tracing process conducted by the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) and the district's health professionals' team:
1. your child was identified as a low-risk exposure of a student or staff member
who tested positive for COVID-19.
2. your child was identified as a high-risk exposure/close contact of a student
or staff member who tested positive for COVID-19.
- If your child’s proximity to or nature of the interaction with the positive individual did not indicate a low or high-risk exposure, then you will not be contacted.
NOTE: Positive cases by school are reflected on the BV COVID Dashboard. The dashboard is updated every Friday with information from the prior week (Wednesday to Wednesday).
Protect yourself from COVID-19
Wash or sanitize your hands regularly, Avoid touching your face and mask, maintain 6 feet distance from others when possible, wear a CDC recommended mask in public settings. Cover your cough with your elbow, enjoy the great outdoors, keep social contacts limited, if you're sick, stay home and consider getting a test.
Planning any travel for the Holidays?
Consider looking over Kansas Travel Exposure Related Isolation & Quarantine Guidelines:
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to e-mail Amanda Collichio, BVN Nurse, at ajcollichio@bluevalleyk12.org. or call at 913-239-3013.
New Auxiliary Gym Construction: November through July
Durham Bus Riders
Durham has decided to not use the Hybrid stop times and instead only use the All in School stop times regardless of what learning mode the District is in. If you have questions, please call Durham at 913-681-2492.
Note that it is best to call outside of route times, between 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. or email admin6700@durhamschoolservices.com.
We are Mustang Proud!
North Notes is a newsletter for the parents and students of Blue Valley North High School. If you have questions, please contact Janet Roush, Assistant to the Principal, at JRoush@bluevalleyk12.org . Thank you!
Blue Valley North High School
BVN Twitter:
@MustangsBvn
@BVNOstroski
@TheKurle
@BVNCounseling
@MustangsOfBVN
@bvnnews
@BVNMustangsPBC
BVN Instagram:
@bvnmustangs
Email: Jroush@bluevalleyk12.org
Website: www.bluevalleyk12.org/BVN/
Location: 12200 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park, KS, 66209
Phone: (913) 239-3000
Facebook: facebook.com/BVNMustangs/
Twitter: @bvnnews