North Notes
Blue Valley North's Parent Newsletter - October 7, 2022
In this Newsletter …
A Midsummer Night's Dream - Oct. 20-21
Kudos and Celebrations
Fall Activity Guide
Bell Schedules
Mark Your Calendar
Counseling Updates
Testing Day ~ October 12
Student Announcements
Parent Announcements
Athletic Announcements
Senior Info ~ Class of 2023
Medical Messages
Durham Bus Information
Kudos and Celebrations
National Merit Scholars
Blue Valley has the most National Merit semifinalists of any district in the state of Kansas with 49 Blue Valley seniors recognized with the honor.
Seniors who achieved this feat represent less than one percent of high school seniors. Semifinalists have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition.
Let's give a round of applause to the the following Blue Valley North National Merit Semi Finalists, Commended Scholars and our Hispanic Scholar. Mustang Proud!
BVN National Merit Semi Finalists
Nathan Bronson
Luke Chen
Thomas Gaffney
Eric Garretson
Leah Helfer
Prabhav Pagadala
Matthew Peng
Elizabeth Place
David Stutz
Johnathan Subramanian
Kayoko Thornton
BVN National Merit Commended Scholars
Supriya Bolla
Rahul Chavali
Rima Chavali
Caitlyn Choal
Emma Razi
Michelle Shin
Aneesh Vasamreddy
BVN Hispanic Scholar
David Stutz
Fall Activity Guide!
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/pcpe/
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
October 10-14:
Monday is an Odd Hour Day
Tuesday is an Even Hour Day (*School begins at 8:40 a.m.)
Wednesday is Testing Day for Underclassmen/Senior Outreach Day -google form link
Thursday is a Traditional Day (*School begins at 7:40 a.m.)
Friday: NO SCHOOL/End of Quarter 1/Professional Learning for Teachers
October 17-21 and 24-28:
Monday-Wednesday are Odd Hour Days
Tuesday-Thursday are Even Hour Days (*School begins at 8:40 a.m.)
Fridays are Traditional 7-Hour Days
*On late start Tuesday/Thursdays, Durham buses will run their normal pickup times. Students can eat breakfast in the commons, study in the flex space or in the library.
Mark Your Calendar
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 2022-23 Blue Valley School District Calendar.
October 1 - 1st Semester Course Fees due; Check ParentVUE > Fees
October 12 - Testing Day for underclassmen/No School for Seniors
October 13 - Schedule Change - Traditional Schedule
October 13 - Vision & Hearing Screening for 9th, 11th and new students
October 14 - No School/End of 1st Quarter
October 31 - No School/Professional Learning for Teachers
November 21-25 - No School/Thanksgiving Break
Counseling, Academics & Testing
Click Here For BVN's Counseling Webpage for information about:
- The deadline to request a schedule change for Fall 2022 has passed. Level changes are permitted until October 14th. Drops to a study hall are permitted until October 21st. After this time, students must stay in their class and take a grade .
- NEW THIS YEAR: 2nd semester changes will only be accepted through December 9th. Students may request these changes any time prior to that date.
- Counselors have visited with Seniors in ELA classes to discuss the college application process last week. More information can be found here - Counseling Canvas page/Senior College Planning
- Counselors have visited with Juniors in ELA classes this week to discuss the college and career exploration process in Naviance. More information can be found here - Counseling Canvas Page/Junior College and Career Planning.
- Junior parents are invited to a college planning night at BVN on October 6, 2022, 6-7pm. RSVP here by October 3rd - Junior Parent College Planning.
- Counselors will meet with Freshmen this week and next week in Advisory to discuss their 4 year academic plan. More information can be found here - Freshmen Four Year Academic Planning
- Testing Day is October 12, 2022. See email sent 9/16 for details.
- College visits are back in person this year! Juniors and seniors are welcome to sign up to meet with visiting admissions representatives on Naviance->Colleges->College Visits. Login here - https://student.naviance.com/bluevalleynhs
- AP exam registration is open. 1st semester registration deadline – October 28th. See details here - Counseling Canvas Page/AP Testing
- Check out School year and Summer Opportunities - Opportunities
- Visit the Counseling Virtual Calming Room
- Visit the Counseling Home Page to find additional resources or contact information for Counselors and other Student Services staff.
Questions? Contact Sarah King @ (913)239-3016 or SKing@bluevalleyk12.org .
Testing Day Information ~ Wednesday, October 12
October 12 is a district-wide testing day for all high school students in the 9th, 10th, & 11th grade. On this day, students will take the Pre-ACT, Practice ACT, or PSAT. Below is important information regarding this day that all parents and students need to be aware.
Testing Room Assignments: All room assignments/testing locations are posted on the exterior walls of Student Services, entrance hall, flex space and/or commons. Please encourage your student to determine their room assignment before the morning of Testing Day.
Testing Day Schedule for Students:
Buses will run on their regular AM schedule; buses will take students home at 12:15 p.m.
If your student is taking the PSAT with extended time – Busses will not be waiting for those students, and transportation accommodations need to be made. Please reach out to Cory Cox: ccox@bluevalleyk12.org with questions.
Students should be in their assigned testing room at 7:45 a.m.
Students will be admitted to the testing room if testing has not begun. Once testing has started, students will not be admitted to the testing room.
All testing should be completed by 12:00 p.m. and students will be dismissed following their exam. Parents are not permitted to call students out of testing.
BVN will be serving a grab-and-go lunch to students following testing. It is not required for students to stay and eat.
11th Grade PSAT at KU EDWARDS CAMPUS:
Students will provide their own transportation to campus and should be in their assigned testing room by 7:45 a.m.
Students will not be admitted to the testing room once testing begins.
Address: 12600 S Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66213, BEST Hall
If transportation is an issue, please contact:
Mr. Cox: ccox@bluevalleyk12.org
Ms. Petersen: vpetersen@bluevalleyk12.org
What to bring on Testing Day:
Sharpened wooden #2 pencils
Calculator
What NOT to bring on Testing Day:
Cell phone
Any other electronic device not needed for medical purposes
Paper or other school supplies
October 13: Thursday October 13 will be a traditional day with no late start.
October 14: No school for all students, end of first quarter.
Questions may be directed to Mr. Cox at ccox@bluevalleyk12.org. PSAT questions may be directed to Ms. Petersen at vpetersen@bluevalleyk12.org.
Student Announcements
Math Competitions ~ Recruiting Students! (new)
Are you interested in participating in math competitions? There is a math competition coming up on October 19th at Emporia State University (in-person). There are opportunities to participate as individuals and teams for Algebra, Geometry, Economics or Math Scramble. If you are interested, please email Matthew Chen (mwchen@bluevalleyk12.net).
Boys Basketball Tryout Meeting (new)
- All boys interested in trying out for basketball need to attend an informational meeting on Thursday, October 20 in the main gym during Academic Support Time. Players will report to the gym at the end of Advisory.
- The players need to see Coach Phifer if they can’t attend.
- Tryouts will start on Monday, November 14.
Bowling Team (new)
Anyone planning to try-out for girls or boys bowling, there will be an informational meeting in room 242 during AST October 25th. If you are unable to make it, come talk to Mrs. Nathan.
Food Drive
Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat is the International Thespian Society’s annual nationwide community service initiative to collect food for the hungry. The BVN International Thespian Society is joining forces with the other four BV High Schools’ Thespian Troupes to magnify our impact. Donations will be collected through October 14th through Mrs. Cain. We will gladly take on-campus donations from students, staff, and families to help those in need. If you have questions or would like to donate, contact Mrs. Cain at: rmcain@bluevalleyk12.org.
This food drive will benefit our local Harvesters’ Holiday Meals.
The following is specifically requested, but anything is welcome.
- Canned Green Beans
- Canned Corn
- Canned Cranberry Sauce
- Canned Sweet Potatoes
- Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Boxed Corn Muffin/Bread Mix
- Boxed Stuffing Mix
- Boxed or Packaged Instant Mashed Potatoes
- Packet of Gravy Mix
National Honor Society Info for 2022-23 School Year
Mandatory induction practice is Monday, November 7, 2022, at 7:00 a.m. and the mandatory Induction Ceremony is Monday, November 7, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.
Feel free to reach out to Ms. Cornelius (acornelius@bluevalleyk12.org) or Mrs. Stein (sistein@bluevalleyk12.org) with any questions.
Parent Announcements
Safe Schools Reporting (new)
Blue Valley Schools is committed to promoting and fostering a safe environment in and around all of our schools. Through the convergence of physical and intellectual security measures, we are continuously working to prevent, mitigate, respond to and recover from a wide range of emergencies. Please check out available ways to report safety concerns.
First Semester Course Fees were due October 1
Please be sure to check you have completed paying your student’s course fees. Remember, course fees are assigned based on your student’s enrollment. Take a moment to log in to ParentVUE to see if any course fees were assigned.
Please note:
Not all courses will have associated fees. To check if your student is enrolled in a class with associated course fees, log in to ParentVUE.
Course fees are posted for the first semester only.
If your student dropped a course after the course drop deadline, August 19, they are responsible for paying any fees associated with that course.
The deadline for first semester course fees was October 1, 2022.
If you have any questions regarding course fees, please contact our BVN Bookkeeper, Lori Freeman, at (913) 239-3007. Thank you for your continued support of Blue Valley North High School!
Supporters of BVN Theatre! Donations Needed (new)
Take a look in that closet, garage, or storage unit and see if we can help you declutter for a good cause. We are asking for your help to finish the late 1990’s/early 2000’s look for our Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Do you work with or own a business that would be willing to loan or rent an item? Let us know. We will recognize all supporters in the program and may have advertising space available in our play and musical programs.
Wanted for Stage Set & Props:
- White Twinkle or Christmas Lights (Non-LED, White Wires)
- Twinkle Lights (Non-LED, Any color lights or wires)
- White Folding Chair Covers (10)
- Small/Medium Working Television (Not Flat Screen, Less than 36”)
- Working VCR & Disney VHS tapes
- Working Stereo/Boombox w/tape & CD deck
- Walkmans & Headphones (don’t have to work
- Beanie Babies
Wanted for Costuming:
- 90’s Band, TV, or Dare T-shirts, merch, jewelry or jackets/hats that scream late 90’s
- 90s posters/band posters
Wanted for Research and/or Lobby Display:
- Yearbooks/School Photos from 1994-2000
If you are willing to let us have or borrow any of the following items, please fill out this Google form by Friday, October 7th, and we’ll follow up with you.
North Needs Coffee (new)
The BVNorth coffee shop needs a coffee maker. The machine we have is broken. We also need an espresso machine. No coffee shop, in today's world, is a coffee shop without espresso.
Do you have an old coffee maker or espresso machine sitting in the basement, or in the garage, that you would like to get rid of? Can you donate (or purchase) a coffee or espresso machine for the school coffee shop?
The mental benefits of coffee are scientifically proven. Grades are at stake! (and teacher sanity!) Please, help! Email Mr. Forker (Ms. Yonke's long-term sub) at: jaforker@bluevalleyk12.org .
Need a Job? (new)
Blue Valley is always looking to grow our teams with talented people. If you are interested in working at BVN or know of anyone that would be a good fit for the Mustang family, please encourage them to apply on our district website.
ParentVUE URL updated -- Action Needed
Over the summer the URL for ParentVUE changed. Click here for the new URL: ParentVUE
Parents will need to have the new URL or they won’t be able to login to ParentVUE or request a password reset. The Blue Valley School District website and the BVN website have both been updated with the new URL so the parents can access the link from Parent>ParentVUE.
In addition, this also impacts the ParentVUE app. Parents will need to update their device to the correct link.
Student Digital ID Cards
Students have a new digital student ID card on their phones. If you paid for a Student Activity Pass, it should say that on the ID and students will show this to get into games. They can save their ID on their home page on an iPhone, or it can be saved as a favorite page on an android phone. If students were absent on Picture Day or if they have any trouble loading the ID, they can come to Student Services for help.
School Photo Orders
Picture Day was Friday, Aug. 19 at BVN. If your student’s picture was taken and you placed a pre-order for photos, the picture package was delivered to your student in their Advisory class on Thursday, September 8. If you did not pre-purchase a packet, your student was given a proof sheet with information about purchasing prints from their website, www.rollandkc.com.
Family Activity Passes
All Family Activity Passes and Adult Individual Passes have been distributed. If you paid for your Family Activity Pass by the end of the day on September 13 but haven't received it yet, the cards were sent home with your student. If you purchase a pass after September 13, you need to contact Lori Freeman to obtain your cards.
Are you moving? Have you moved?
Please contact the BVN Registrar, Suzy Doherty, by email at sdoherty@bluevalleyk12.org .
Athletic Announcements
Bowling Team (new)
Anyone planning to try-out for girls or boys bowling, there will be an informational meeting in room 242 during AST October 25th. If you are unable to make it, come talk to Mrs. Nathan.
Boys Basketball Tryout Meeting (new)
- All boys interested in trying out for basketball need to attend an informational meeting on Thursday, October 20 in the main gym during Academic Support Time. Players will report to the gym at the end of Advisory.
- The players need to see Coach Phifer if they can’t attend.
- Tryouts will start on Monday, November 14.
Student-Athletes Action Needed for 2022-2023
Starting July 1st, the Blue Valley School District is moving to an online format to submit all paperwork, including a new physical completed, signed and dated May 1, 2022 or after, by a physician. This paperwork is required for students involved in athletics and activities at the high school and middle school levels. The online system can be accessed directly through this link: https://bvnathletics.com/2022/06/30/new-online-physical-and-paperwork/ .
Winter Sports start on November 14
Is your student participating in a Winter Sport: Boys' Basketball, Girls' Basketball, Boys' Swim and Dive, Bowling or Wrestling? Physicals and all completed athletic paperwork must be completed and uploaded by Friday, November 11. Get your students' physicals scheduled now! If your student participated in a 2022 fall sport, their physical and paperwork is already on file. Thank you!
BVN Athletics' Questions?
Please contact Stevie Gibson, BVN Athletics Administrative Assistant, at (913) 239-3011 or SGibson@abluevalleykk12.org .
Seniors--Info for Class of 2023
The Graduation date for the Class of 2023 has been announced. Put Saturday, May 20 on your calendars! Commencement will be held at 5:00 p.m. at the District Activity Center (DAC) at 135th & Switzer.
SENIOR OUTREACH DAY-October 12 ACTION REQUIRED
While underclassmen are testing, seniors may be excused from class to participate in a college visit, community service, job shadow, or work time at CAPS (only if the student is enrolled at CAPS this semester). This google form MUST be completed or the senior will be expected to attend a study hall at North in the commons from 7:45 to noon on Oct. 12.
Cap, Gown & Tassel for Graduation: It's time to order your Cap & Gown and any other graduation supplies you need. Just go to www.Jostens.com or ORDER HERE!
ACTION NEEDED: Our diplomas will be ordered at the end of the first semester in order to have them for May graduation. Please click on the link below and complete the Senior Diploma/Transcript Form. Please complete as soon as possible. This form also authorizes the release of senior transcripts for college applications. Click here: Diploma/Transcript Authorization
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For the most up-to-date info, please bookmark our SENIOR INFO page!
Questions? email Mrs. Miller at lkmiller@bluevalleyk12.org
Senior Yearbook Ads - Deadline is October 6
Want to have a tribute for your senior to look back on? Get a yearbook Senior Ad!! FINAL Deadline is November 29th. No photos or payment will be accepted after November 29th. Click HERE to purchase and submit ad materials. See below for FAQ. Email BVNSeniorAds@gmail.com with any additional questions.
Medical Messages
Hearing & Vision Screening for 9th, 11th and all New Students ~ Thursday, October 13
Please mark your calendars and remind your students to bring their glasses to school with them for an accurate vision screening.
Did your student forget to take a daily morning medication before leaving for school?
If your student forgets to take a daily morning medication before coming to school, the parent may bring the medication to the school’s front office and the parent may dispense and give the student the medication. If the nurse is to give the medication, it must be in the original prescription pill bottle accompanied by the signed physician’s medical order ( https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/cms/lib/ks02212623/Centricity/Domain/4486/Medication-Authorization.pdf ).
Need to update your students immunization records?
Please e-mail updates to your student's immunization records to Nurse Collichio at ajcollichio@bluevalleyk12.org, Thank you!
Durham Bus Riders
Durham will continue to transport our bus riders in the 2022-23 school year. If you have questions, please call Durham at 913-681-2492 or contact them via email at 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 .
Office Hours are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The office will be closed on Monday, September 5th for Labor Day, and on Friday, September 30, due to Parent-Teacher Conferences after school Sept. 26-29.
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