VHS Newsletter
September 2022
From the Principal, Dr. Tobon
Viking Families and Friends,
It’s hard to believe we are just a few weeks away from the end of the first grading period of the 2022-23 academic year. We have had a great start to the school year and the building has a renewed sense of energy and excitement after a challenging couple of years.
Life has a way of passing us by at a quick pace, and as a parent or guardian, it can be challenging at times to keep up with our student’s progress in school. I have shared this information previously, but it is definitely worth repeating. If you are not already receiving periodic updates from Skyward, please be sure to sign up for those. These updates are available to be sent automatically to your email on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The Skyward updates have some settings that can be customized and are worth looking into. The Skyward updates are in addition to being a parent observer on Canvas, where you can be up to date on what is happening in your student’s classes.
As we continue to work together to set our students up for success for life after high school, I ask you to please keep student attendance in mind. While I realize being absent from school is something that is unavoidable at times, making the conscientious effort to be in school every day is key to student success. It can be challenging for students who are frequently absent to catch up on missed work while trying to stay current on daily lessons. Likewise, it can be very difficult for students to get back on track if they are out for a week or two. Again, I realize life is filled with unexpected situations, but when things are going as planned, I ask that you please help make student attendance a priority.
Finally, congratulations are in order to some of our Vikings! The following students earned national recognition from the College Board for a job well done: Autumn Beville, Sofia Cox, Nicholas Diaz, Aniyah Edwards, Briannah Heard, and Caleb Ortiz. The following Vikings are 2023 National Merit Semifinalists: Audrey Barriball, Jack Buinicki, Rosa Cohn, Maralee Lockridge, Nathaniel Malchow, and Gabriel Wetzstein. I wish each and every one of our Semifinalists the best of luck as they enter the final phase of this process.
What's Happening at VHS!
September 19th: Senior Picture Day
September 20th: Senior Picture Day
September 23rd: Half Day for Students/Staff Development PD
September 23rd: Homecoming Parade and Tailgate
September 23rd: Homecoming Varsity Football Game 7pm
September 24th: Homecoming Dance 8-11pm
October 7th: End of first grading period
October 10th & 11th: No School/Fall Break
November 8th: e-Learning Election Day
Please see the VHS Calendar for more events!
VHS Club Spotlights
Drama Club
VHS 2022 Homecoming Dance
The 2022 VHS Homecoming Dance is Saturday, September 24th from 8:00pm-11:00pm in the VHS Cafeteria. The theme for this year's dance is "Come Sail Away". Tickets will be $15 each and will be sold online from Friday, September 16th through Friday, September 23rd.
VHS 2022 Homecoming Parade and Tailgate
Homecoming is a time to celebrate all VHS students, past, and present. We hope that students, staff, families, and alumni will join in on the festivities.
HOMECOMING PARADE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd:
Location/Route: Ben Franklin Middle School to Valparaiso High School (Campbell Street Route)
Parade Start Time: 4:30pm
Approximate End Time: 5:15pm
TAILGATE 4:00-6:30 in the lot behind the field house. FREE FOR ALL FAMILIES TO ATTEND -food/drink purchases are extra.
There will be 3 food trucks, a DJ, a photobooth and games!
The Homecoming Football Game will begin at 7pm(gates open at 5:30pm). Tickets are $7 a person.
This will be a night the entire family can enjoy!
Staff Spotlight
John Arredando
This is my 3rd year teaching at VHS. That said, I have been a teacher for 15 years.
I am currently teaching Government & Psychology. I have also taught AP Government & US History during my time here.
While I have only been teaching here a few years, I have been a part of athletics for the last 8-9 years. I am currently the Head Coach of the Girls XC team (4 years) & am also an assistant for the Girls Track & Field team (distance). Yes, I was teaching somewhere else, but coaching here.
I like being a part of VHS because I like the environment here amongst the students. For the most part, students are here to learn and, as a teacher, it makes our jobs much more
enjoyable. Selfishly, I also like being here as I get to see my athletes throughout the day. It is nice knowing that if they need me, I am in the building. An interesting fact about me is that, along with being a dad, teacher/coach, I am also a musician! I play acoustic guitar & sing. I've played all over Northwest Indiana at different venues. While it is a lot of work & exhausting, it is a lot of fun. It is nice to see people smile & enjoy the music you're playing.
Follow VHS
Email: VHSadmin@valpo.k12.in.us
Website: https://valparaisohigh.valpo.k12.in.us/
Location: 2727 Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Phone: (219)531-3070
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Valpo-HS-411-627837360580660
Twitter: @ValpoHS411