North Notes
Blue Valley North's Parent Newsletter - September 17, 2021
In this Newsletter …
A Letter from BVN Principal
Parent Volunteers Needed
BVN Attendance Office
BV Dress Code Policy
North Dad's Club Meeting
BVN Bell Schedules
Mark Your Calendar
Parent Announcements
Counseling Center
Athletics
Senior Information
The Stampede Hours
Student Announcements
Durham Bus Information
The Mustang Club (former PBC)
A Letter from North Administrators
Mustang Community,
We continue to have a great beginning to the 2021/2022 BVN school year! Now that we are well into September, we encourage you to take part in your student’s educational progress. Our teachers are looking forward to Parent Teacher Conferences on September 27-30. An email was sent this week with the schedule and sign-up information. Conferences will be after the school day is over, by appointment only, via Zoom. If you and your child are happy with how things are going in their classes, a conference is not necessary at this time. Feel free to email your student's teachers if you have any questions. Teacher emails are found on the BVN website under the cover photo, then select Contact Us, then Staff Directory.
Partnership with our parent community is also vital when managing student behavior. We have noticed that a great deal of students are arriving late to school, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We understand there is more traffic on those days since we share a starting time with Valley Park Elementary. Please help your student understand a good time frame to arrive at BVN so they are not late. We would also encourage you to reference our Student Handbook for any questions regarding appropriate school attire (policy below), truancy, plagiarism, and overall student behavior. Your help is vital in ensuring that we have a learning environment that is productive and respectful for all of our students.
With that said, I am reaching out to ask for your help. Some of you may have heard of a recent TikTok “challenge” circulating social media called “devious licks.” The challenge asks students to video themselves stealing classroom supplies/personal items from teachers or damaging property within schools. This challenge is happening all over the country, and unfortunately, Blue Valley North is not immune, which is why we are reaching out. This “challenge” is becoming more than an innocent prank, it is criminal behavior.
We are asking our families to partner with us by talking with your child about being socially responsible and kind. Part of what makes Blue Valley North a special school community is our students’ and families’ willingness to support our school and take pride in our facilities. BVN is a great place and I am confident that by working together we can eliminate this issue.
Please mark your calendars for October 1 and 15, when there is no school. As always, thanks for your support, Mustangs!
Volunteers Needed for Hearing & Vision Screening (new)
On Thursday, October 14, 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. in the BVN Performing Arts Center, we need your help! Parent volunteers are needed for half-day or full-day shifts. Please call BVN Nurse Amanda Collichio at (913-239-3013) or e-mail her at ajcollichio@bluevalleyk12.org to volunteer. Nurse Collichio looks forward to getting to work with some of our Mustang Parents!
BVN Attendance Office (new)
Do you need to check your student out early for an appointment?
You can no longer send your student a text to get them released from class. Please send a note with your student that morning, and ask them to drop it off at the Attendance Office on their way to their first class. The attendance office window for students is located in the main foyer as you walk into the building. The Attendance Office can also be reached by calling 913-239-3001 or emailing AttendanceBVN@bluevalleyk12.org . We ask for a minimum of two hours’ notice. A pass is delivered to your student’s class and their teacher will give the pass to your student so they can check-out in the Attendance Office before they leave. If you plan ahead, we can have your student waiting on you so you don't need to come into BVN. You can wait in your car.
Attendance Office Information
With over 1500 students, BVN has Rita Mouber, Attendance Manager, solely dedicated to overseeing student absences and early releases from class for appointments. Enter (913) 239-3001 in your phone’s speed dial or email attendancebvn@bluevalleyk12.org if your student will be absent from school. Include student’s first and last name, grade, reason for absence, your name and phone number. Rita checks email and voice mail constantly so please leave the information on her voicemail if she doesn’t answer her phone.
Blue Valley Dress Code Policy (new)
Board of Education Appearance of Students Policy 3513
Student clothing shall be appropriate for students in the business of learning. Clothing or appearance that distracts from the purposes of the school shall not be permitted. Student clothing shall reflect a sense of self-respect and personal dignity.
District staff shall seek parent cooperation in encouraging students to adhere to this policy.
B.O.E. Adopted 25 Aug 1980
B.O.E. Amended 11 Oct 1999
B.O.E. Amended 10 Jul 2000
B.O.E. Reviewed 10 Mar 2014
North Dad's Club Launch Meeting (new)
Inviting All Dads to bring a friend and join us this Monday Night, September 20th, for our North Dad's launch meeting at 7:00 p.m.in the BVN Commons. It will be followed by a fun social hour at Johnny's.
BVN Fall Activity Guide (new)
Please take a look through the BVN Mustang Club's Fall Activity Guide! Here is a link to the on-line edition: https://anyflip.com/qzkqi/mgfd/
This is a great way to see photos of the athletic teams & performing arts students, find out more about their coaches and directors, and read a greeting from the BVN Principal & the Mustang Club Presidents. Please take time to see the advertisements from our corporate partners and give them your business whenever possible. We thank them for their support of the Mustang Club and our Blue Valley North students. Enjoy!
BVN Bell Schedules
When there are five days in the school week, the Bell Schedule will be Odd, Even, Odd, Even, Traditional Day with North Time. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, school begins at 7:40 a.m. On Tuesday and Thursday, school begins at 8:25 a.m. (see below). If you want a copy for home, ask your student to stop by the BVN main office. It's also posted on the BVN website. When there are schedule changes due to a shortened school week, during finals, etc., it will be announced in North Notes and listed on the EKL calendar, BVN’s school calendar.
Here is a link to the Bell Schedule which is on the BVN website: BVNBELLSCHEDULE .
Mark Your Calendar (new dates added)
Sept. 24: Picture Re-takes / Senior Last Chance Portraits
Sept. 27-30: Parent/Teacher Conferences (see details below)
October 1: NO SCHOOL; First semester course fees due; two weeks prior to quarter end.
Oct. 4-9: Homecoming Spirit Week
October 6: Homecoming Parade at 6:00 p.m.
October 9: Homecoming Dance at BVN, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
October 15: NO SCHOOL/End of 1st Quarter
November 1: NO SCHOOL/Professional Learning for Teachers
Nov. 24-26: NO SCHOOL/Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 17, 20, 21: Final Exams/Early release (times announced in Oct.)
Dec. 22-Jan 4: Winter Break
January 5: School Resumes
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 2021-22 Blue Valley School District Calendar.
Parent Announcements
Parent Teacher Conferences - September 27-30 (new)
Conferences will be held during after-school hours September 27-30 by appointment only via Zoom. Signup information and instructions were emailed on Monday.
Given the virtual nature of these conferences and the time available, we encourage you to talk to your child, check grades on Canvas, and decide if a Parent-Teacher conference is necessary. If you and your child are happy with how things are going and with their progress in class, a conference is not necessary at this time. Feel free to drop the teacher an email with any extra questions that you might have.
During conference week, students will follow their normal schedule of Monday/Wednesday, Odd Block and Tuesday/Thursday Even Block. There is no school on Friday, October 1.
World Language Credit Information (9th grade families only)
This information is only for students who have completed the Middle School world language sequence and will seek to transfer two world language credits to their High School transcript. In July 2020, the Board of Education revised the policy on high school credit for world language courses successfully completed. Students have the option of receiving 2 credits for successful completion of the middle school world language series. To apply for the credit transfer, please fill out the form found here by October 15. This link was also sent to all 9th graders and their parents/guardians via email during the week of September 6, 2021.
School Photo Orders (updated info)
If your student’s picture was taken on Picture Day (August 20) and you placed a pre-order for photos, the picture package was delivered to your student in their English class this week. If you did not pre-purchase a packet, your student was given a proof sheet with instructions for how to purchase from their website, www.rollandkc.com using your student's ID number as the password.
Student Photo Retakes ~ September 24 (updated info)
If your student was absent on Picture Day or would like a re-take, Rolland Studios will be at BVN on September 24, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Seniors should sign up in Student Services for an appointment. Underclass students should bring their pre-purchased photo packet to the photographer. If you did not pre-purchase a packet, but want a re-take of the photo on the proof sheet, you'll need to send $3 with your student. Photos will be taken in the PAC.
Student ID Cards and Student Activity Passes
Your student should have received their school ID by now. If a Student Activity Pass was purchased by August 24, it should be printed on his/her Student ID. If you’ve purchased a Student Pass after August 24, just have your student come to Student Services and fill out a form to request a new corrected ID.
If you purchased a Family Activity Pass or an Adult Individual Activity pass, you may have picked it up at the home football game on September 2. If you did not, you can have your student pick it up from Mrs. Miller in the Student Services office, or if you want to swing by the school, just call ahead and we can have your pass in the front office for you. Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
School Nurse Information and Clinic Hours
The Nurse's office is open Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. during school hours. This office closes for non-emergencies for lunch 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. each day. Nurse Amanda Collichio is available to assist students with their health needs, first-aid and medical conditions. Please contact Nurse Amanda at (913) 239-3013 or by email at AJCollichio@bluevalleyk12.org .
Are you moving? Have you moved?
Please contact the BVN Registrar, Suzy Doherty, by email at sdoherty@bluevalleyk12.org .
Counseling, Academics & Testing (updates)
Click Here For BVN's Counseling Webpage for information about:
- Juniors and Seniors may sign up for BVN-only virtual admissions presentations by college reps on Naviance->Colleges->College Visits. Visits for next week include Donnelly College, Pittsburg State, Drury University, Brown University, Macalester College, Franklin and Marshall College, University of Kansas, Ottawa University, Colgate University, University of Alabama, George Washington University, Johnson County Community College, and Colorado College.
- College Admissions: Counselors visited with seniors in ELA classes this week to discuss the application process, to include finding and saving their unofficial transcript, transcript requests to colleges, sending test scores, recommendation requests, scholarships, etc. Students may sign up for a more in-depth session on Tuesday, September 21st during 4th hour North Time by logging into College Visits on Naviance and selecting one of these sessions listed under Sept 21st.
- For AP test registration, see AP Registration Information
- Visit the Counseling Virtual Calming Room
Questions? Contact Sarah King @ (913)239-3016 or SKing@bluevalleyk12.org .
BVN Athletics
Unified Bowling (new)
EXCITING NEWS! For the first time, Blue Valley North will have a Unified Bowling team, and we are looking for any interested students to join the team!
“Unified Sports join people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.”
The season will be from October 4th – November 18th and is a two day a week commitment, with one practice and one meet every week. (More specific dates and times will be to come). If your BVN student would be interested in being an Athlete or a Partner on the Unified Bowling team, please reach out to Erin Nathan, Sarah Young, or John Daigle. The student must have a recent physical on file. The deadline to sign up is next Friday, September 24th!
Boys' Bowling (new)
Blue Valley North is excited to announce the addition of Boys' Bowling! Attend the information meeting, Thursday, October 7th, room 242, during NorthTime! Contact Coach Nathan enathan@bluevalleyk12.org with any questions.
Boys' Swimming and Diving Team
If students are interested in being a member of the Boys' Swim and Dive Team, please mark your calendars!
- Student-Athlete Information Meeting will be held on Friday, September 17, during B North Time in Mrs. Stein's classroom #247.
- Team/Parent Meeting will take place on Monday, November 8, at 6:15 p.m. in the Library.
- All physicals & athletic participation forms are due to Mrs. Anderson, BVN Main Office on Friday, November 12, by 3:00 p.m. in order to begin practice on November 15.
Student-Athletes Action Needed for 2021-22
Winter Sports begin on November 15, and physicals and KSHSAA required athletic participation forms are due on November 12 by 3:00 p.m. If your student will be participating in a KSHSAA sponsored sport at BVN, every student-athlete needs a new physical completed, signed and dated (May 1, 2021, or after) by a physician. If your student athlete participated in a fall sport, they will already have their packet on file with the BVN Athletic Department. Here is a link to all the forms & physical on the BVN website PHYSICAL2021. The physical is just part of the paperwork required. All forms need to be printed, read, signed by a parent and student, and returned to BVN's Main Office. If you have questions, contact Teresa Anderson, BVN Assistant to the Athletic Director, at 913-239-3011 or by email, tanderson@bluevalleyk12.org .
Senior Information for the Class of 2022
Save the date for 2022 Graduation: Sunday, May 22, at 7 p.m. at the District Activity Center, 13310 Switzer, Overland Park, Kansas 66213. Rain date is Wednesday, May 25 at 6 p.m. No tickets required and no limit on seating.
Senior Info page: Click HERE to access info about:
- Ordering your Senior Tribute Ad--deadline is quickly approaching. Turn in your ad materials by Sept. 30!
- Your last chance to get your senior portrait for the yearbook--
sign up for an appointment at Mrs. Miller's desk - Let us know how you want your senior's name printed on the diploma, along with authorizing the release of your student's transcript
- And MORE!
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 .
Student Announcements
Kay Club - BVN Community Service Club (updated)
My name is Haya Boda and I'm one of the VPs of KAY Club. Our first meeting of the year was September 8. If you missed it and still want to participate, please join the KAY Club GroupMe in our Instagram bio @bvnkayclub. We hope you can join us!
National Honor Society Meetings - Sept. 28 or 29 (new)
Do your Class of 2022 or Class of 2023 students have a GPA of 3.5 or higher? Are you interested in being a candidate for National Honor Society induction in the fall? If so, please read on. Students need 40 hours of community service from January 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. These hours must come from non-profit organizations. We will not count hours such as walking dogs, babysitting a neighbor, helping someone move, tutoring, etc. Students should already be on x2VOL, the platform that tracks hours, and should be recording and verifying hours on this online platform. An individual from the organization must verify hours with an email that is from a .org email address. Look online for opportunities that are posted on the x2VOL website. If you are questioning if hours work, please contact Mrs. Cornelius and Mrs. Stein to get prior authorization.
The initial information meeting is Tuesday, September 28 from 7:50-8:15 or Wednesday, September 29, from 3:00-3:25. Attendance at one of these two dates is mandatory! We will hand out all information to students at this meeting.
Mandatory induction practice is Monday, November 8, 2021 at 7:00 a.m. and Mandatory Induction is Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 6:30.p.m. upon approval of candidacy.
Feel free to reach out to Ms. Cornelius (acornelius@bluevalleyk12.org) or Mrs. Stein (sistein@bluevalleyk12.org) with any questions. Thanks!
Team Up For St. Jude KC Gold Out Game - Sept. 24
BVN's Gold Out Game is September 24th! September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, gold is the color, and BVN will participate in Team Up For St. Jude KC, an organization that began with a BVN student back in 2016.
Support this event by purchasing a Gold Out t-shirt at the BVN Stampede and/or tying yellow ribbons around trees at your home. Gold ribbons have been tied and continue to be tied by BVN students for a donation of $10+ in honor of childhood cancer survivors, those children and teens still battling, and those who have tip-toed into heaven too soon. Proceeds go to St. Jude Children's Hospital, the leader in pediatric cancer treatments. All protocols are shared with hospitals worldwide including in KC. Contact these BVN students to help. Thank you!
Cimone Trysla, cctrysla@gmail.com
Lars Yarkosky, lhyarkosky@gmail.com
Caroline Shewmaker, cgshewmaker00@gmail.com
Audrey Fendler, audreyfendler@icloud.com
Durham Bus Riders (updated)
Durham will continue to transport our bus riders in the 2021-22 school year. If you have questions, please call Durham at 913-681-2492. The best time to call is between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. when more staff are available to answer questions.
Durham Bus Services has three helpful tools for families with bus riders. Registration is required each year for families as bus routes and participants change:
- Bus Tracker: The Blue Valley Durham location will be using the Bus Tracker mobile app that is available for iOS and Android devices. To use the app, users will create an account that is tied to an email address of the user’s choice. The tool will allow account users to follow the route of a specific bus. Durham is updating daily when a scheduled backup bus is being used for a planned maintenance activity. If a bus is replaced with a quick turnaround due to an unforeseen event, Durham dispatch will make the switch on Bus Tracker at their next opportunity to update the app.
- Text Messaging: Families are still encouraged to sign up for Durham Text Messaging. The system is designed to share the “why” as Bus Tracker is designed to tell the “where”. To sign up for Durham Text Messaging visit www.bluevalleydurham.com.
- E-Link: Allows for verification of a student’s transportation information (i.e., stop location, bus # and pick-up and drop off times) based on the input of grade and home address. To access E-Link, go to www.bluevalleydurham.com.
Please Join The Mustang Club during 2021-22!
Our parent community has been integral in contributing to our status as one of the best high schools in the state of Kansas and a leading high school across the nation.
Please support The Mustang Club (the former BVN Parent Booster Club). It financially supports BVN's extracurricular activities (similar to a PTO/PTA), and over the last 6 years, has granted over a half million dollars to support our school’s extracurricular activities, organizations, and athletic teams. We could not provide the depth and breadth of opportunities without your help through memberships and donations of your time.
The Mustang Club needs your support! Membership is down and volunteers are in short supply. Here are some options for you to consider:
· Become a Mustang Club member at one of the five membership levels;
· Purchase spirit wear from The Mustang Club website (www.bvnmustangs.com);
· Volunteer on a Mustang Club committee to support a specific event or cause; and
· Take advantage of sponsorships for companies wanting to support BVN financially.
Visit The Mustang Club website at www.bvnmustangs.com. This organization is completely run by parent volunteers so every dollar donated goes to benefit BVN students. It is a 501(c)3 organization so your contributions are tax deductible.
Thank you for your support and consideration and GO MUSTANGS!
We are Mustang Proud!
North Notes is published most Fridays during the school year. 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 .
BVN Main Office Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
On Friday, October 1, the office will be closed due to after school conferences Sept. 27-30.
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