Andrew Pride
APRIL 28, 2021
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
At the time of writing this newsletters, I received word that Victor J. Andrew High School was named as one of the Best Schools in America by US News and World Report. In my twelfth year as principal, this is the eighth year in a row we’ve made this list and will likely stay for years to come. I am proud of this - as I reflect on when I was appointed to VJA, the need to raise the academic expectations was at the top of that list.
I am assuming that our rankings from the Washington Post will come soon, and I am proud that we are considered an Exemplary school as rated by the Illinois School Board of Education. This is because, as a school, we should value learning, we should challenge ourselves academically, and we should provide a system of support for students to be successful.
But here is something I am far more proud of but is not measured by any of these awards or recognitions - we have never lost our sense that kids are much more valuable than their academic prowess. As a school, we should never stray from our academic core. However, if there were awards for resilience, a sense of community, recognition that EVERY individual deserves our respect - VJA would win BIG! The competitive side of me wishes we had measurements to prove my point - but T-Bolts also understand the word humility, so I suppose that would not make much sense to try to win that theoretical award…
Great job T-Bolts, you continue to make your mark!
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 29: School Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.
May 12: Virtual Senior Academy
May 19: Athletic Booster Club meeting @ 7 p.m. in room 220
May 22: Class of 2021 Graduation (May 23 is the rain date)
VJA DECISION WEEK IS HERE!
April 26-30th is VJA Decision Week leading up to National College Signing Day on May 1st. The Guidance Office has many activities planned this week to celebrate the tremendous efforts and accomplishments of the Class of 2021. Throughout the week we will be sharing Senior Spotlights, highlighting the outstanding post-secondary plans of our students.
Monday, April 26th, 'Making The Decision' presentation sessions will be held during lunch to support students in finalizing their post-secondary plans.
Tuesday, April 27th head over to the Commons during lunch to have your photo snapped in front of the Post-HS photo backdrops and participation in a Decision Week Scavenger Hunt.
Back by popular demand, a Door Decorating contest, decorate the front door of you home and turn in a picture to bit.ly/VJADecisionDoor21.
Friday, April 30th - College Trivia with Counselors during lunch periods
FINISH STRONG
As we make our way towards the end of the 2020-21 school year, we encourage all students to finish the year strong!
With 4 weeks remaining make sure you are prepared for school the evening before. Limiting what you have to do in the morning to be ready for school will help you be on-time for school. During the school day, make sure you are frequently checking grades and assignments that are due. Identify and sign up for a class during T-Bolt time every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
If you are a remote learner, make sure you are signing on to all classes and make sure you are on-time. Have your cameras on and be ready to engage in class by asking or answering questions. Make sure all assignments are completed on-time.
Most importantly, and no matter if you are an in-person or remote learner, if you are struggling academically or emotionally, we are here to help you. Reach out to a teacher, counselor, coach or a dean. We are here to support you and help you finish the 2020-21 school year strong.
Lockers
All students should remove items from their lockers by the end of the school year. Any textbooks should be returned to the appropriate academic departments.
ATHLETIC BOOSTERS
Queen of Hearts fundraiser is here! We are still searching for the Queen of Hearts. We are on Week 11 and we are over $2600 in our progressive 50/50 split. The more everyone buys and the longer until we find the Queen the more money there is to win! Our virtual drawing is every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. until the Queen of Hearts is picked. This is open to any resident in Illinois 18 and over. Tell all your friends and family! We will have a weekly winner that will receive a $50 gift card to a local business. Please check out our website https://andrewathleticboostersqoh.org. This drawing will continue throughout the year. Please support the Booster Club.
The Booster Club is open for concessions for the home games for soccer and football for the limited capacity crowds. Please come out and support the Booster Club. Our fundraising opportunities have been limited this year due to Covid.
MUSIC BOOSTERS
On Monday, April 19, Winter Percussion and Winter Guard each performed their show live for their families. This was the first time performing in front of an audience in over a year making it an extra special event. Congratulations to both groups on a great season.
Attention Marching Band families: In a couple weeks, there will be a kickoff meeting for next season. Please be on the lookout for meeting information. Next season is going to be amazing and we are looking forward to welcoming back our returning members and meeting our new members.
Victor J. Andrew High School
Email: webmaster@d230.org
Website: d230.org/Andrew
Location: 9001 West 171st Street, Tinley Park, IL, USA
Phone: (708)342-5800