Blue Valley Northwest
Principal's Newsletter - March 22, 2024
In this Newsletter . . .
- Message from Dr. David Sharp
- March/April Block/Traditional Schedule
- Schedule Updates for Tuesdays: March 26, April 2 & 9
- 2023-2024 Bell Schedule
- Calendar Adjustment: Students In School on April 1
-
Solar Eclipse: April 8th, 2024
- 2024 Class Day/Graduation Interpretation Services
- Streaming on District Devices
- Rumble Strips - Drug & Alcohol Awareness annual event is April 2
- April 9 is Kansas City Area College Fair
- Kansas State Assessment dates are coming in April
- Enrollment for virtual summer courses now open
- Drama Club Lip Sync Battle is March 29
- Graduation signs - order from The Pack dance team by April 10
- Prom Corsages - order from The Pack dance team by April 19
- Egg My Yard Choir Fundraiser - ORDER by MARCH 25!
- June 6th ACT Prep Class available
- March Community Celebrations and Observances - to promote awareness and appreciation of our Blue Valley families.
- Happy birthday singing telegrams sung by BNVW Choir available for purchase
- Key Calendar Events
- SENIOR INFORMATION 2024
- Seniors: Oak Hill Elementary PTO $1000 Scholarship - Applications are due April 12
- Counseling News - Where to find helpful information & resources | Virtual Education for Summer 2024 | Dropping classes | Screen Sanity | ACT/SAT registration | College visits
- PBC News - Spring grants | Denim & Diamonds Fundraiser is April 6th - view the flyer | Auction items | Staff appreciation | Participate
Message from Dr. David Sharp
Greetings, Husky families!
I hope everyone had an extraordinary Spring Break! It was nice to have our scholars back in the building this week as we navigate through the final stretch of the school year. The end of the year will be here before you know it! Our spring sports teams have started competitions and are off to a fantastic start! Last night, the Northwest community came together for the Northwest Area Orchestra Festival. Seeing the main gym with students from all levels sharing their musical talents was terrific!
We are so proud of our scholars and encourage them to take advantage of our numerous extracurricular opportunities. Participation in clubs, sports, and other activities enhances the high school experience and fosters personal growth. This week, we congratulate the eleven new officers selected for leadership positions on the KAY Club board for the 2024-2025 school year. Furthermore, congratulations to all our students who competed in Manhattan, KS, for the DECA State competition! Also, kudos to the twenty-two students who will compete in the April DECA International competition in Anaheim, California.
Kansas State Assessments are just around the corner. Last year, BVNW observed a significant increase in Math and ELA scores. Our scholars were among the best in the district! Please see the important information below, as we will begin testing on April 1st. Finally, thank you for your continued support as we work to provide our students with the best possible educational experience. Let's keep the fourth quarter going strong!
Your partner in education,
David
David Sharp, Ed.D
Principal, BVNW
Weekly Schedule - MARCH / APRIL
Schedule Updates for Tuesdays: March 26th, April 2nd & 9th
On the following Tuesdays: March 26th, April 2nd & 9th, there will be no late arrival.
We will run a modified even day block schedule and school will begin at 7:35 on those Tuesdays. This schedule will continue March 26th through Tuesday, April 9th:
- 2nd hour: 7:35-9:05
- AST: 9:05-10:05 (OPEN the whole hour - students will either stay in their 2nd hour class or they may travel to a teacher via e-hallpass.)
- 4th hour: 10:10-12:05 (normal lunch time, follow the even day lunch schedule)
- Advisory: 12:10-1:10 (CLOSED the whole hour: Advisory Lesson: 12:10-12:40; Study Hall: 12:40-1:10)
- 6th hour: 1:15-2:45
2023-2024 Bell Schedule
Calendar Adjustment: Students In School on April 1
Solar Eclipse: April 8th, 2024
On April 8, a solar eclipse will cross a portion of the United States. What a great opportunity for our school community to experience a rare scientific phenomenon! We plan to incorporate this unique learning experience into our afternoon on April 8th. We have ordered safe viewing glasses for our staff and students to utilize. If you prefer that your child NOT participate in the solar eclipse viewing, please let our attendance administrative assistant, Carol Hess know, and there will be an option for your student to have an excused absence on this afternoon or a supervised, alternative activity that will be provided at school during the viewing.
EMAIL - AttendanceBVNW@bluevalleyk12.org.
2024 Class Day/Graduation Interpretation Services
If you or a guest plan to attend class day or graduation and need an ASL interpreter, please email Dr. Sharp (DCSharp@bluevalleyk12.org) by May 1. Please note that graduation will be livestreamed with live captioning.
Streaming on District Devices
In an effort to reduce distractions in the learning environment for all of our students, beginning on March 19, 2024, all high school students had streaming services blocked on district devices (examples include: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Prime Video etc.). YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music will still be allowed.
Rumble Strips - Drug & Alcohol Awareness annual event is April 2
April 9 is Kansas City Area College Fair
Kansas State Assessment dates are coming in April
Dear 10th/11th grade families,
Kansas State Assessments are coming up! Testing dates are included below. Students will take these assessments on their MacBooks, so please make sure that your student has charged their device the night before and brings the charger to school. Getting a good night’s rest, eating a good breakfast, and having a positive attitude will help our students to do their best! In addition, we would ask you to avoid scheduling appointments during your student’s class so that their testing is not disrupted. We appreciate your support!
Enrollment for virtual summer courses now open
Enrollment for Blue Valley Summer Programs opened 8 a.m. March 18 and closes 4 p.m. April 3. These programs include virtual courses for credit, such as Business Essentials or Physical Education. Additional information about Summer Programs, including a high school virtual course catalog, can be found at www.bluevalleyk12.org/summerprograms.
Drama Club hosts Lip Sync battle on March 29
Order Graduation signs from The Pack Dance Team by April 10
Order prom corsages from The Pack Dance team by April 19
Egg My Yard Choir Fundraiser - ORDER by MARCH 25!
June 6th ACT Prep Class available
While not affiliated with or endorsed by BVNW, we wanted to let you know that there is an ACT prep class being offered at Blue Valley Hilltop Conference Center (7700 W 143rd St, Overland Park, KS 66223) on June 6 in preparation for the June 8th ACT. Register here: http://actprep.info/bluevalleynw.
Community Celebrations and Observances
Some March Celebrations & Observances:
Women’s History Month - recognizes the achievements and contributions of women to society, culture, and American history. Women’s History Month coincides with International Women’s Day on March 8.
World Teen Mental Wellness Day - March 2 - aims to raise awareness and decrease the stigma of mental health issues among teenagers.
Ramadan - evening of March 10-April 9 - the holy month of fasting for the Islamic faith. For some Muslim families, it is a time for introspection, communal prayer, reading the Qur’an, and fasting between sunrise and sunset.
Holy Week and Easter Sunday - March 24-March 31 - includes the Christian holidays of Palm Sunday, Maundy (Holy) Thursday, and Good Friday. Some families will attend church services to commemorate the week leading to the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.
Holi - March 25 - known as the Hindu festival of colors, Holi honors the triumph of good over evil and marks the beginning of Spring. Some families will light bonfires, throw colorful powder called gulal, eat sweets, and dance to traditional music.
Upcoming Key Calendar events
- March 26 - NO LATE ARRIVAL/modified even block
- March 29 - Drama Club hosts Lip Sync Battle
- April 1 - SCHOOL IS IN SESSION (ODD DAY)
- April 1-4 - 10th grade KS State math assessment
- April 2 - NO LATE ARRIVAL/modified even block
- April 2 - Rumble Strips D&A Awareness event
- April 6 - PBC Fundraiser Denim & Diamonds
- April 9 - NO LATE ARRIVAL/modified even block
- April 9 - College Fair
- April 15-18 - 10th grade KS State reading assessment
- April 15-18 - 11th grade KS State science assessment
Senior families, please bookmark the "Important Senior Dates" document and check back regularly for updates! More details to come second semester.
We added in the Senior Finals Schedule below!
- Last day of regular classes for seniors - Thursday, May 9th
- Yearbook Distribution - Friday, May 10th - seniors in the AM, everyone else in the PM
- Senior Finals Schedule -
- Monday 5/13: 5th and 7th blocks
- Tuesday 5/14: 4th and 6th blocks
- Wednesday 5/15: 1st and 3rd blocks
- Thursday 5/16: 2nd block
- Senior Class Day - Friday, May 17th, 8:00 AM
Graduation - Saturday, May 18th, 10:00 AM
Blue Valley Northwest Graduation Q&A
Q: I have another student who has graduated within the past few years. May my 2024 graduate use a sibling's cap/gown?
A: Yes!
Q: I just need to order a tassel or a cap and tassel. How do I do this?
A: Reach out to our rep, Megan Theiling, at mmtheiling@herffjones.com.
Q: When will my graduation products be delivered?
A: Class of 2024 apparel and accessories: 2-3 weeks after purchase Graduation announcements and accessories: after spring break
Cap, gown and tassel: Graduation Rehearsal in May
Q: Do parents come to Class Day?
A: Yes! Class Day is a more intimate celebration of our graduates. Parents are invited to attend. Sometimes siblings attend, as well.
Q: What happens if it rains the day of graduation?
A: If weather does not permit an outdoor graduation, the ceremony will be moved indoors to Blue Valley West. Tickets will be required. The number of tickets each family will receive has not yet been determined.
Q: Are tickets required to attend outdoor graduation?
A: No! You can invite all family and friends.
Oak Hill Elementary PTO $1000 Scholarship - Applications are due April 12
Attention Seniors! Did you attend Oak Hill Elementary School? If so, you are eligible to apply for the 2023-24 Oak Hill Elementary PTO $1,000 Scholarship. If you’d like to pick up the criteria and application packet, please see Mrs. Fromm in the counseling office. All applications are due Friday April 12, 2024.
Counseling News - March 22
Where to find helpful information & resources
https://bvusd.instructure.com/courses/70851
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nkl_HonPgP0FGfUl8oOSssBI0g-yXmCy/view
https://www.instagram.com/bvnwcounseling/
Career Exploration Resources for students
https://bvusd.instructure.com/courses/70851/pages/career-center
Blue Valley Summer Virtual course information (linked)
https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/Page/36140
Take N.O.T.E.-Find out why your child might be struggling
Take N.O.T.E. is a tool for parents whose kids struggle with reading, math, behavior, and more. Spot signs of learning and thinking differences with Take N.O.T.E.
7-inning approach for parents to check-in with their child regarding athletics or academics. Good conversation starters to let your child know you support them on and off the field!
Dropping classes
If a student chooses to drop a class, a “W” for the withdrawal will be recorded on their transcript. The last day to drop a second semester class is March 22, 2024. After this date, a student will stay in the class and keep the grade earned.
Check out this resource for parents, created by parents, to help support your digital parenting journey with your children.
ACT/SAT registration (must self-register for national dates)
Which test should you take SAT vs. ACT? Here
College Visits
College visits are underway for Juniors & Seniors. We have several coming up so students should sign up and use the confirmation received via email as their pass to join.
Iowa State University
3/26 @1:30
Commons
JCCC
3/27 @ 9:30
Commons
University of Nebraska @ Lincoln
3/28 @ 1:30
Commons
Parent Booster Club News - March 22
Dear Husky Families,
Are you ready for a fun night out with friends while supporting your kids’ high school experience? If so, organize a group of friends, get one of the limited reserved tables for 10 (at a lower price per person) and join us at Denim and Diamonds on April 6th at Museum of Prairiefire! Don’t feel like organizing a table? Individual tickets are also available!
All proceeds from this event go towards supporting our Grants program, as well as students & staff needs. We love being able to provide the funds so our students can have the tools and experiences they need to succeed. Year is not over yet and so far, we have given $15,000+ to the following clubs and activities:
Football
Band
The Muse Magazine
Psi Alpha (Psychology Honor Society)
Theater
Volleyball
Baseball
Choir
Softball
Dance Team
Dungeon and Dragons Club
We would like to continue supporting our students next year. To do so, we ask you to join us for a night out with friends, great auction prizes, wine pull, food, drinks, dancing and more. It's going to be so much fun! Tickets are limited. See you there! Ready to party for a good cause? Get your tickets now!
* PBC STAFF APPRECIATION
We are so fortunate to have a fantastic staff at BVNW. During Teacher Appreciation Week in May, we will be showering them with thanks - in the form of gift cards! We would like to be able to give each staff member in our building a gift card, and would the support of BVNW families. We have compiled a list of staff "Favorite Things" to make selecting a gift card to purchase easy.
Interested in supporting? Click here to sign up to participate. Gift cards should be delivered to school, in an envelope marked "PBC Staff Appreciation," by April 17th.
* PBC MEETING - Our next meeting is on Monday, April 8th @ 7:00PM at BVNW's Library.
Full School and Sports Calendars
Blue Valley Northwest Information
Email: bvnw@bluevalleyk12.org
Website: https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/bvnw
Location: 13260 Switzer Road, Overland Park, KS, USA
Phone: 913-239-3400
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bluevalleynorthwest
Twitter: @BVNW_huskies
BVNW Inclusion Statement:
Blue Valley Northwest values every individual and the diversity they bring to our community. Everyone shall be treated fairly in language and in action without regard to race, religion, national origin, financial status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. We, students, parents and staff will hold each other accountable to this mission.
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