North Notes
Blue Valley North's Parent Newsletter-January 19, 2024
BVN Parent-Teacher Conferences - February 5-8
The Sign-up for Parent/Teacher Conferences is open! BVN teachers look forward to speaking with as many parents as possible, but time slots are always at a premium. We encourage you to talk to your child 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 may not be necessary at this time. Feel free to drop the teacher an email with any extra questions that you might have.
Dates:
January 19, Friday - Conference sign-ups begin
February 1, Thursday - Conference sign-ups conclude
February 5, Monday - In-Person conferences at BVN, 3:15 - 6:45 p.m. (by appointment only)
February 6-8, Tuesday - Thursday - Zoom conferences (by appointment only)
February 9, Friday - No School
To sign up for a conference, please click on this link for sign-up instructions: P-T CONFERENCES
After signing up for each conference, you should receive a confirmation email.
Girls’ Basketball KA MO Tourney Championships tonight (new)
Your #1 ranked Lady Mustangs basketball team is 8-0 and we have been hosting the KA MO girl’s basketball tourney this week at North. Teams from both sides of the state line are playing. Games were Tuesday, Wednesday & continue tonight, 1/19. It’s the longest running girls’ basketball tourney since 1981. “We have a great group of girls that are fun to watch so come out and support your #1 ranked team in the metro!” says Coach Fritz.
BVN plays in the championship game tonight against Staley at 7:00 p.m. in the main gym. Lee's Summit High vs. Olathe West play for third place at 5:30 p.m. in the main gym. And Shawnee Mission East vs. Lee's Summit North play for fifth place at 5:30 p.m. in the new gym.
1st Semester Grades published in ParentVUE next week (new)
Final exam scores and other individual assignment grades can be viewed in Canvas. Semester grades reports will be published for high school and ready for families to print in ParentVUE the week of January 22 due to the unexpected snow days.
A reminder that 1st semester courses in Canvas have concluded and are no longer visible on the Canvas Parent app. A concluded course is only visible through the Canvas Website. To view concluded courses, open Canvas in a web browser, log in, and click on the Courses tab. Click "View All Courses" and scroll down to find the past enrollments.
Need some help?
Blue Valley has a variety of resources available for parent support on the district’s Canvas web page, www.bluevalleyk12.org/canvas.
BVN Sweetheart Dates Announced -- Mark Your Calendars
Sweetheart is January 27th from 8:00-10:00 p.m. at Blue Valley North. The theme is Glow Party!! Tickets are $10 and will go on sale starting on Monday, Jan. 22. You can purchase tickets with a credit card in the GoFan app, or find our table and pay with cash or check at lunch during Sweetheart Week. If a student is taking a guest who does not attend BVN, have them grab an Outside Guest Form from Student Services--it needs to be turned back in to Mrs. Miller by Wednesday, Jan. 24.
Spirit Days will be fun! Plan your outfits for:
Monday, 1/22: Pajama Palooza
Tuesday, 1/23: Neon Glow
Wednesday, 1/24: On Wednesdays, We Wear Red, White & Pink
Thursday, 1/25: Adam Sandler Day (flannel and/or sloppy)
Friday, 1/26: Class Colors
Additionally, Student Council would love to offer beverages and snacks for students at the dance! Please consider making a donation of bottled water, canned sodas, or individually wrapped snacks. You can sign up here. Drop off donations to Catie Bosch in Student Services anytime before the 27th!
BVN Dance Team Fundraiser - Thursday, January 25 (new)
Counseling Department (new info)
9-11 GRADES | Enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year has begun! 9th and 10th grade students were told about enrollment this past Wednesday and Thursday. 11th grade families, please see an email from BVN Counseling for information about how to enroll. Everyone can view information about enrolling for classes here.
ACT $5 VOUCHER | ACT is providing a $5 voucher to be used on registration for an upcoming test. Use the code FEB-NAT-PVO-FF when registering. Voucher expires Jan. 22, 2024.
2024-2025 FASFA | You can access information about the FASFA on the BVN Counseling Canvas page or the JCCC FASFA Information page. JCCC is hosting a virtual FASFA Information Lunch on Wednesday, Jan. 31st; you can register here.
10 AND 11 GRADES | CAPS AND JCCC Career Ready Programs Community-Wide Events
- CAPS Enrollment Open House on Tuesday, Jan. 23rd at 6:00 pm in the CAPS building
- Industrial Arts on Wednesday, Jan. 24th at 6:00 pm at the JCCC in the Hugh Libby CTEC building
- Cybersecurity and Culinary & Hospitality on Thursday, Jan. 25th at 6:00 pm at the JCCC in the Wylie Culinary building
Questions? Contact Sarah King, Student Services: SKing@bluevalleyk12.org or 913.239.3016
BVN ACT Testing Information for Tuesday, February 27
The Kansas State Department of Education is again paying for a full ACT for all 11th-grade students. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. This is an opt-out testing event, meaning that unless you tell us otherwise, we will plan on testing your junior student on this day. All students test at their home school, and Blue Valley Academy students test at BVA.
We understand that the ACT might not be applicable for all students, as many colleges are moving to a test-optional format, and other programs such as JCCC and trade schools do not require an ACT score for admission. We strongly encourage you to contact the college, university, or trade school your student is considering attending after high school to receive the most current information. Your Blue Valley North Counselors are also a great resource to help you navigate these decisions.
If you decide to opt your student out of the February ACT, please fill out the Opt-Out form listed below. Please complete the form by February 1st.
Juniors will start school at 7:40 AM on Tuesday, February 27th, and will be dismissed after testing (roughly until 11:30 or Noon). [Please note that freshmen, sophomores, and seniors will not attend school on February 27th.]
If you have any questions, contact Dr. Cory Cox, Assistant Principal Curriculum & Instruction.
Potential Candidates for Induction into National Honor Society - 2/6/24
If you are a current sophomore or junior with a 3.5 or higher GPA, you are a potential candidate for induction for National Honor Society. The four pillars of NHS are Service, Leadership, Character and Scholarship. If you enjoy giving back to the community, are in good standing with regards to character, and you demonstrate leadership, then come to a meeting with your parents on Tuesday February 6, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the BVN PAC.
Co-Sponsors, Abby Cornelius and Sheryl Stein, will discuss the induction process that will take place in the fall, the computer platform that tracks hours, as well as answer any questions that parents and students may have.
We look forward to seeing both parents and students at this meeting. Students should bring their computer to get set up on the x2VOL platform which tracks hours.
Uplift KC Winter National Drive - deadline February 9 (new)
Do you have winter clothing you no longer need? Please clean out your closets and ask your student to bring them to BVN for a winter clothing drive, through February 9th, for Uplift KC. By placing the winter items below in the boxes located outside of the PAC and Library, you could play a crucial role in assisting the homeless through this brutally cold winter.
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 6 volunteers take one of the Uplift vans out through the city. While on the vans, volunteers serve the homeless with food, drink, and clothing needs.
Uplift’s requests include:
- Winter gloves
- Winter hats
- Coats
- Blankets
- Men’s and women’s underwear (new)
- Hot Hands/Hand warmers
- Candles
- Boots
- Hoodies
- Men’s jeans and pants (waist size 30-36)
- Long underwear/Thermals
- Socks”
If you have questions, please contact Johnny McMonagle at JWMcMonagle@bluevalleyl12.net .
Dance Team "North Stars" Fundraiser - February 4
Bell Schedules and Schedule Changes
Bell Schedules for Odd, Even and All Classes
If you need to look ahead, you can see the plan for Odd/Even/All schedules for every month of the school year here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UcH1E-EQn0PxZ--P4-SbtgjfL2voHyfk/view?usp=sharing
Mark Your Calendars
January 26 - Sweetheart Game
January 27 - Sweetheart Dance
February 1 -- ACT Opt-out deadline (see info above)
February 9 - NO SCHOOL / Due to evening conferences earlier in the week
February 19 - NO SCHOOL / Presidents' Day
February 23 - Schedule Change / Odd Day
February 27 - ACT Testing Day for Juniors / No School for 9th, 10th and 12th graders
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 2023/2024 Blue Valley School District Calendar.
Seniors--Info for Class of '24
The Graduation date for the Class of 2024 has been announced! Mark your calendar for May 19th at 1:00 p.m. Commencement will be held at the Switzer District Activity Complex, 135th & Switzer in Overland Park.
*In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will move indoors to the BV West gymnasium, same date & time.
SENIOR TILES: It’s time to honor your senior on our Class of 2024 tile wall! This tradition dates back many years. Order today until 1/31 at www.bvnmustangs.com!
ACTION NEEDED: Our diplomas will be ordered at the end of this month 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
Order your cap & gown now from jostens.com.
We have over 150 seniors who have not done this yet!
Please place your order ASAP.
IF YOU ORDER:
- Senior items: (like shirts, hats, keychains, etc.): they will be shipped to your home
- Announcements: they will be shipped to the school and seniors will be notified when to pick them up (sometime in March)
- Cap, Gown & Tassel: they will be shipped to the school and handed out at grad practice in May
Questions? email Mrs. Miller at lkmiller@bluevalleyk12.org and bookmark our Senior Info page.
Attendance Reporting and Notifications
Families can expect automated attendance messages by email, phone, and text if a child is absent and their absence has not already been reported by a parent/guardian. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to report an absence or reply to the automated email or phone message.
Reporting an absence at BVN
The most efficient way to report an absence is by emailing attendanceBVN@bluevalleyk12.org or entering your student's all-day absence in ParentVUE. You may also call the BVN attendance office directly at 913.239.3001, but please know they can have up to 70 VM messages first thing in the morning.
What is the purpose of attendance notifications?
We realize that students may occasionally need to miss school for planned absences, illnesses, and appointments. However, when a student does not arrive at school or unexpectedly misses a portion of the school day, we are concerned and want to make sure you are aware that your child is absent.
How can I get push notifications?
Families who would also like a push notification can download the ParentVUE app and manage their notifications. If a child has an unreported absence when a teacher submits attendance, then a push notification will immediately be sent to the parent/guardian's mobile device.
Interested in push notifications? Simply download the ParentVUE app (iTunes app store or Google Play), enable push notifications in device settings and select attendance notifications through in-app settings. Once the app is downloaded, these instructions will help you complete the set-up.
Parent Announcements
Basketball Concessions Help Needed! (new)
Basketball is underway and concessions help is needed! Each organization has been assigned to help with a game. Please take a look and see which date you are needed and help The Mustang Club raise funds for your student's organization. Students are welcome to volunteer and can receive service hours, but one adult volunteer per shift is required. Link to schedule
Important Travel Outside of the USA Information
This important message is for any family or staff that will travel out of the United States during the school year. Please click here to read the restrictions and recommendations for Out of the Country travel. Blue Valley resources such as Canvas, Classlink, and school email are not accessible out of the country unless you have a personal device with a VPN on it.
BV Changes to Student Assessments: FASTbridge
There are some changes to student assessment in Blue Valley this fall. As a result, you may notice a change in some of the tests your student is being asked to take this year, such as:
We have replaced our previous reading screening assessment, the SRI with the Fastbridge FASTtrack reading assessment. The benefits are:
- Fastbridge testing provides comparable student results with fewer questions.
- Teachers get information that is easier to act upon.
- Fastbridge is endorsed by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).
- Families will get a printed student report.
Additionally, KSDE has changed the requirements for high school reading screening. Starting in Fall 2023, districts must screen:
- 9th graders in the fall
- New students
- Students whose scores from the previous test indicate below level performance
Online ATHLETIC PASSES and Individual Event Tickets
Fans can purchase single-game tickets online through the GoFan app, as well as Student or Family Athletic passes. (This Athletic Pass takes the place of the former Activity Pass that was sold through ParentVue.) Here is the BVN GoFan link: Blue Valley North High School Events and Tickets by GoFan
Are you moving? Have you moved?
Please contact the BVN Registrar, Ann LaGrange, by email at ALLaGrange@bluevalleyk12.org.
BVN Art Students' Art Selected for Medical Center's new Center
Five of our students had artwork selected for the new Birthing Center at Menorah Medical Center. Ribbon cutting ceremony is on January 25. Congratulations to our students!
Annabelle Crappell (2 pieces)
Isabella Matascik
Marin Runnebaum
Olivia Ashworth
Aaliyah Robinson
Nurse Notes
If your child is not feeling well please refer to the Disease & Symptom Exclusion Recommendations /Regulations: https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/cms/lib/ks02212623/Centricity/Domain/4486/disease%20exclusion%20recommendations%202022.pdf
Student Well-Being Support Resources:
https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/Page/34318
Immunization Documentation Needed
Thank you, all parents, for working so diligently to have immunization records turned in to the nurse. The Kansas Requirements are: https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/Page/34370
- All 9th grade students are required to have their Hep A series
- 11th grade students are required to have their second dose of meningococcal immunization.
If your student is non-compliant, you will be contacted by a district exclusion letter. Please contact Amanda Collichio, BVN School nurse via ajcollichio@bluevalleyk12.org or fax at 913-239-3038 with up-to-date immunization certificates or documented appointment date and time.
Flu, COVID and the masking recommendation
This is not a requirement; for further info please visit https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/Page/36106.
Update Medical Orders for 2023-2024
If your student has medical orders please be sure the school nurse is kept up-to-date. Authorization for Medication Administration Forms must be signed by the prescribing physician and returned preferably by e-mail to Nurse Amanda Collichio at ajcollichio@bluevalleyk12.org or faxed to 913-239-3038. Medications may be dropped off to the nurse by appointment.
Community Celebrations and Observances
Some January Celebrations & Observances:
National Poverty Awareness Month - While the United States is considered the richest country in the world, 37.9 million people live in poverty, including 12.5 million children. National Poverty Awareness Month works to bring awareness to issues of poverty and increase access to resources and services. To help and or find support, visit Johnson County Outreach Services.
Maghi - January 13 - a Sikh celebration. Some Sikh families will celebrate with a recitation of the holy Guru Granth Sahib and religious rituals in Gurdwaras - a Sikh place of assembly and worship meaning “Gateway to the Guru”.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - January 15 - a day that honors the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. Some families will participate in a day of service to their communities.
World Religion Day - January 21 - established by the Baháʼí Faith community in 1950. Now observed by people around the world, it seeks to find common values shared by different faiths, encourage tolerance and dialogue, and foster cooperation among religious communities.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day - January 27 - an annual day of commemorating the six million Jewish victims and millions of other victims of the Holocaust and Nazism.
Mustang Club Winter Activity Guide (new)
Please take a look through the BVN Mustang Club's Winter Activity Guide! Here is a link to the on-line edition: http://online.anyflip.com/qzkqi/thvs/
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!
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 (previously known as BVN Parent Booster Club). The Mustang Club financially supports BVN's extracurricular activities (as our version of a traditional PTO/PTA), and over the last 7 years, The Mustang Club 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 that are available without your participation through membership 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 one of the many sponsorship opportunities available for those of you affiliated with companies that want to support BVN financially.
- We would love for your company to be featured in our Activity Guide. It is printed 3 times each year and would be a wonderful way to promote your business to the North community. Email mustangactivityguides@gmail.com now! To see last year's spring guide, click here.
- Show your love and mustang pride for your student by purchasing a Spirit Ad in the Activity Guide! go to www.bvnmustangs.com on the Order form page.
You can find everything you need to know about The Mustang Club & membership at www.bvnmustangs.com. As you know, this organization is completely run by parent volunteers so every dollar donated goes to benefit BVN students. Additionally, the organization is a 501(c)3 so your contributions are tax deductible.
Thank you for your support and consideration and GO MUSTANGS!
Durham Bus Riders
Durham will continue to transport our bus riders in the 2023/2024 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 .
The BVN Main Office is opened Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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