North Notes
Blue Valley North's Parent Newsletter - September 29
Homecoming Week - October 2-7
HoCo week is jam-packed with the Homecoming parade, pep rally, football game, royalty crowning, an outdoor assembly, and of course – the dance!
Dance tickets go on sale starting Monday, October 2nd and will be $10 in advance, $20 at the door. You can purchase tickets with cash or check payable to BVN during lunch Oct. 2-6. You'll also be able to purchase a ticket with a credit card on the GoFan app starting October 2. If your student wants to invite a date from another school, they must pick up a form in the Student Services office and get an administrator signature from the date's school. Spirit Days are shown above. Happy Homecoming!
BVN hosts the first "Sing at the Stadium" - Friday, October 6
BVN’s first “Sing at the Stadium” will be Friday, October 6th at the BV District Athletic Complex located at 13310 Switzer Rd, Overland Park. We’ll be singing the “Star Spangled Banner” to kick off the Homecoming Game! BVN students will wear the NEW Choir Department t-shirts (YAY!) which will be given out that week. Students will need to arrive at the stadium at 6:30 p.m. and gather on the North end of the track (if you’re seated in the home-side seats, the north is to your left). Access to the track is at the bottom of the seats on either side of the field. We will sing after the band plays the Alma Mater and the football team runs in (roughly 6:58pm). Singers will get in free and are welcome to stay with their families for the remainder of the game. We are inviting singers from BVN, LMS, OTMS, LES, MTE, OTE, and VPE to join in on this new tradition!
Please join us on Tuesday, October 10th, for the first BVN Fall Choir Concert at 7:00 p.m. in the BVN Performing Arts Center! All choir students will perform the music they've been learning since the start of the school year. Admission is free. We hope to see you there!
BVN Donation Opportunities
Donations Needed for BVN Homecoming Parade Pizza Party
Looking for an easy way to support our school? Please donate to the Homecoming Parade Pizza Party! The Mustang Club provides free pizza to all BVN students and staff before the parade on Wednesday, October 4, but we need you to help make it a complete meal! Sign up to donate water, chips, desserts and the use of your cooler by clicking the link below:
Homecoming Parade Pizza Party Sign Up Genius
Thank you!
Volunteers needed for Homecoming Parade Block Party - October 4
Please sign up for the pre-parade setup and/or post-parade block party teardown. It’s a quick and easy way to help support BVN and our students. Only around 30 minutes per shift!
Please sign up on the following link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0945AAAC2EA31-44358846-bvnhomecoming
Mustang Club Spirit Wear at BVN Football Game - Friday, 9/29
Testing Day - Wednesday, October 4
October 4th is a national testing day for all 9th – 11th grade BV students. Students involved with testing will test during the morning and then be dismissed when their test is completed (approximately at 12 p.m.); our cafeteria will have a grab-and-go lunch available for any student who would like one. Bus times will be adjusted to accommodate the testing dismissal, and will leave BVN at or shortly after noon to take students home.
All students testing at North should look for their room assignments posted outside Student Services on Monday. Students must bring No.2 pencils, a calculator, and a student ID. Students should plan on arriving at school by 7:30 a.m. In addition to the items listed above, students taking the PSAT should bring their school-issued MacBook fully charged with the College Board Bluebook Application downloaded.
Freshman
- Pre-ACT at BVN
Sophomores
- Pre-ACT 10 or PSAT, both exams will be administered at BVN (PSAT Payment deadline was August 25.)
- Students taking the PSAT should bring their school-issued MacBook fully charged with the College Board Bluebook Application downloaded.
Juniors
- Practice ACT & Work Keys at BVN
- NMSQT/PSAT at the Blue Valley Hilltop Campus (PSAT Payment deadline was August 25.)
- Address: 7700 W 143rd St, Overland Park, KS 66223
***Juniors who have registered to take the NMSQT/PSAT will go directly to the Hilltop campus, arriving no later than 7:30 a.m. for testing, and they will be dismissed for the day from there. If any junior needs transportation, please email Cory Cox: ccox@bluevalleyk12.org by Friday, September 29th.****
Seniors
- Work Keys at BVN, if registered
- If you have not done so already, please complete this Google Form no later than Monday, October 2nd to be excused from attendance. Seniors who have not completed the Google form by October 2nd will be put on a Study Hall list and expected to be at school on October 4th from 7:40 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
We will not be able to interrupt testing, so please schedule all doctor appointments and other appointments after 12:00 PM on October 4th. Tests will begin at 7:40 a.m., and all testers will remain in their classroom until all students in the room have completed the test; then, they will be dismissed for the Grab & Go lunch and are free to go home.
Thank you for helping us provide a great testing environment!
2024 Washington D.C., Mount Vernon, Williamsburg & Jamestown Trip (new)
Students and families are invited to learn more about a June 2024 travel opportunity to Washington D.C., Mount Vernon, Williamsburg and Jamestown. Mrs. Benson teaches A.P. U.S. History and U.S. History at BVN and she is sponsoring and chaperoning the trip. She takes students (and some parents) on a history and government related trip like this in the summer, last year they went to historic Boston and Salem. The travel group usually has mostly rising seniors and juniors on the trip and some family members that want to enjoy the experience with their student without having to worry about travel, scheduling, navigating the metro and rental cars. Siblings and friends in other grades are welcome to sign up as well.
Mrs. Benson is hosting a Virtual Info Meeting on Thurs., October 5, 2023 from 7:00 pm - 7:30 p.m.
Please RSVP to get the Zoom link or to request more information if you can’t attend. RSVP: https://rsvp.efexploreamerica.com/skfs5bd
Please feel free to contact her if you have questions at ebenson@bluevalleyk12.org.
Kudos and Celebrations
Orchestra Special Guest - Mastro Creston Herron
We were so honored and privileged to have Mastro Creston Herron, the NEW University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra Director come work with our students in Chamber and Symphonic Orchestras last Friday. We were the FIRST Kansas High School that he reached out to, to come work with students! Students enjoyed an intense rehearsal focused on advanced musical techniques to apply in their October Concert literature. It was such a fun and productive day! A huge thanks to Judy Erpelding, BVN Director or Orchestras, for coordinating Mastro Herron's visit.
Choir
On Wednesday, September 21st, BVN hosted the first annual Treble Clef Choir Festival! This event involved all sopranos and altos from BVN, Leawood Middle School, and Overland Trail Middle School. It was an awesome day of making music, building community between the three schools, and making memories! A big thank you to LMS director Jenni Lahasky and OTMS director James Levy for helping make this a fantastic day of singing! And we thank Jaclyn Krulik, BVN Choral Director!!
Yearbook and Newspaper Students
BVN Yearbook and newspaper students took a field trip on September 27 to KU for the KSPA Fall Conference. It was a great day full of learning and inspiration for the students. Accompanying them was Jaci Van Wyhe, BVN Journalism and ELA Teacher.
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
Schedule Change: Assembly Schedule on October 6
Pease make note of the revised bell schedule on Friday, 10/6, for the Homecoming Assembly.
Mark Your Calendars
October 4 -- 7:30-12:00: The District Wide Testing Day for 9th-11th grade students! Testing locations will be announced in September. 12th grade students will participate in Senior Outreach Day (email response required--see link in Senior Section of this newsletter).
October 4 - Homecoming Parade & Pep Rally 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
October 6 - Assembly Schedule/Odd Block Day (see times above)
October 7 - Homecoming Dance
October 12 - All late work for the 1st quarter is due
October 13 - No School / End of 1st Quarter
October 18 - Junior College + Career Planning Parent Info Night (new date)
November 20-24 - No School / Thanksgiving Break
December 18-20 - Final Exams
December 21-January 2 - No School / Winter Break
January 3 - No School / Professional Learning for Teachers
January 4 - School Resumes
January 15 - No School / Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 26 - Sweetheart Game
January 27 - Sweetheart Dance
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.
Community Celebrations and Observances (new)
Some October Celebrations and Observances to promote awareness and appreciation of our Blue Valley families:
Down’s Syndrome Awareness Month - celebrates those with Down syndrome and raises awareness of their abilities and accomplishments. The colors blue and yellow symbolize support for the Down syndrome community.
Learning Disabilities / Dyslexia / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Awareness Month - raises awareness and encourages the sharing of resources to support students who experience learning disabilities and attention issues.
Filipino-American Month - celebrates the heritage and achievements of the second-largest Asian American population in the U.S.
World Blindness Awareness Month - educates and raises awareness of the realities of living without sight and advocates for what is needed to live equitably.
International Day of the Girl - October 11. Adopted by the United Nations in 2011, this day promotes girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
Upcoming Blue Valley North High School Choir Events (new)
On Friday, October 6th, BVN will host the first "Sing at the Stadium"
BVN’s first “Sing at the Stadium” will be Friday, October 6th at the BV District Athletic Complex located at 13310 Switzer Rd, Overland Park. We’ll be singing the “Star Spangled Banner” to kick off the Homecoming Game! BVN students will wear the NEW Choir Department t-shirts (YAY!) which will be given out that week. Students will need to arrive at the stadium at 6:30pm and gather on the North end of the track (if you’re seated in the home-side seats, the north is to your left). Access to the track is at the bottom of the seats on either side of the field. We will sing after the band plays the Alma Mater and the football team runs in (roughly 6:58 p.m.). Singers will get in free and are welcome to stay with their families for the remainder of the game. We are inviting singers from BVN, LMS, OTMS, LES, MTE, OTE, and VPE to join in on this new tradition!
Tuesday, October 10th- BVN Fall Choir Concert 7pm, BVN Performing Arts Center
Come join us for the first choir concert of the year! All choir students will perform the music they've been learning since the start of the school year. Admission is free. We hope to see you there!
BVN 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/piwj/
Printed copies of the guide will be sold for $5—They’ll be selling copies at the Homecoming Football game on October 6 at the DAC. Contact Heather Glenn or Georgina Greenyer if you’d like to purchase one but won’t be attending the game. Email: bvnpbcpresident@gmail.com.
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!
Student Announcements
BVN Unified Bowling (new)
Unified Bowling will be starting Monday, October 2nd. Vans will leave BVN promptly at 3:00 p.m. and return by 5:15 p.m. to BVN. Practices will be at Bowlero, (formerly AMF on College). Physicals MUST be online to participate. Please sign up here: https://forms.gle/bw6o8VXUfrKGBD4j8 . Questions? Contact sponsors Sarah Dockendorf, John Daigle or Erin Nathan.
Valley Park Carnival Needs Volunteers (new)
Mustangs! Your Valley Park Elementary Panthers need your help. Our PTO Fall Carnival is Sunday, October 1st, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.! The carnival will take place outdoors on the VPE grounds. We will be providing 3.5 hours of community service to our high school volunteers this year. To sign up to volunteer, please go to the signup genius below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E45ABA62EA20-vpepto2
Please email us if you have any questions - volunteer@vpepto.org. Thank you for all your help!
Counseling Department
9-11th GRADE | The District-Wide Testing Day is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Students will report to their scheduled location at 7:30 AM and be released once their test is completed around noon. Testing locations will be posted outside of Student Services on Monday. Please be watching for a separate email from Dr. Cox for Testing Day instructions.
11th GRADE | College + Career Planning Information was shared with juniors in their English classes on Sept. 27th and 28th. There will be a Junior Parent/Guardian Information Night on Wednesday, October 18th (date changed) in the PAC for all junior parents to learn about postsecondary planning, Xello, and the college application process. Please fill out this GoogleForm if you plan to attend.
12th GRADE | College + Career Planning Information can be viewed on the Counseling Canvas Page for more information regarding Xello, requesting transcripts, and the Senior Diploma/Transcript Parent Authorization Form (form must be filled out in order to send transcripts).
Questions? Reach out to your counselor:
Terri Newman (A-Co) TNewman@bluevalleyk12.org
Catalina Donnelly Vazquez (Cr-He) CNDonnellyVazquez@bluevalleyk12.org
Catie Bosch (Hi-Mi) CBosch@bluevalleyk12.org
Linda Hardy (Mo-Sh) LKHardy@bluevalleyk12.org
Amanda Levin (Si-Z) Alevin@bluevalleyk12.org
Attention Juniors and Seniors: College Visit Update 23/24
Blue Valley North has decided to promote local college fairs for the 2023/2024 school year. No need to sign up. Google for more information and you are welcome to go to any fair below. Please contact Sarah King in Student Services if you have interest in a certain college and she will help you get in contact with their admissions rep. We are excited for this change and look forward to our amazing students going to a local college fair!
October Fairs
10/3 KC Metro College Expo
10/4 Turner (day fair)
10/10 NACAC day and night fair at Bartle Hall
10/11 Shawnee Mission East fair
10/12 Bonner Springs fair
10/19 Lawrence (Lied Center) on 10/19.
Any Counseling questions, contact Sarah King at sking@bluevalleyk12.org .
Parent Announcements
New Family/Parent Baseball Info Meeting (new)
When: Tuesday, October 3rd (10/3)
Where: BVN Library
Time: 6:30-7:00 p.m.
This meeting is for any family that is new to BVN. Coach Dudley will share general program info, off season schedule/timeline, and anchor dates. Can’t make it, email Coach Dudley directly at MDudley@bluevalleyk12.org .
Senior Tribute Ad--Final Deadline is TOMORROW!! 9/30
The final deadline for purchasing a senior ad in the yearbook is tomorrow -- September 30th is the final day to buy an ad for your student. This is an excellent way to add a personal touch to your student's yearbook that they can look back at for years to come and treasure. To make your purchase visit this website: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3520590/Blue-Valley-North-High-School-Senior-Ad-Submission . Please send all questions to bvnseniorads@gmail.com .
Middle School to High School World Language Credit Transfer
9th grade students and families only - This information is only for students who have completed the full MS world language sequence in a BV middle school and will seek to transfer two (2) world language credits to their HS transcript. To apply for the credit transfer, please fill out the form found here by October 13. This link was also sent to all 9th graders and their parents/guardians via email during the week of September 4, 2023.
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
As seen in the annual assessment notice shared last week, 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. Here is a little more detail on these changes.
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.
Nurse Notes (updated)
Hearing & Vision for all 10th graders Thursday, October 12th 2nd hour
Please be sure your student comes to school with their glasses on Thursday, October 12th for hearing vision screening.
Immunization Documentation Needed
Thank you, all parents, for working so diligently to have immunization records turned in to the nurse. If you have not done so and your student is non-compliant
Per the Kansas Requirements (https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/Page/34370 All 9th are required to have their Hep A series & 11th-grade students are required to have their second dose of meningococcal immunization.) 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.
Update Medical Orders for 2023-2024
If your student has medical orders please be sure to up-to-date medical orders with the school nurse before August 16, 2023. 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 starting August 7th – August 15th. We can coordinate having your student drop off medication the first week of school as well if needed.
Nurse Amanda Collichio Will have access to e-mail starting August 7th and can correspond with you regarding any questions or concerns the week of August 7th before school starts on August 16, 2023.
COVID and the masking recommendation
This is not a requirement; for further info please visit https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/Page/36106.
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 Tribute Ads in the Yearbook
The FINAL deadline for purchasing a senior ad in the yearbook is tomorrow -- September 30th is the FINAL day to buy an ad for your student. This is an excellent way to add a personal touch to your student's yearbook that they can look back at and treasure for years to come.
To make your purchase visit this website: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3520590/Blue-Valley-North-High-School-Senior-Ad-Submission
See informational images below. Please forward all questions to bvnseniorads@gmail.com
Senior Outreach Day
While underclassmen are testing on October 4, senior students have a unique opportunity to participate in an activity to prepare for the future. Senior parents--please find more information on this Google Form and submit your response no later than Monday, October 2nd. This will help us to better track senior attendance next Wednesday. If a parent does not complete the google form, we will plan on the student attending the study hall option, and the student will be expected to be present at BVN on October 4th. We currently have about 150 seniors who have not filled out this form. Failure to report to study hall will be considered an unexcused absence.
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
You can now order your cap & gown from jostens.com . . .
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 February)
- 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.
Senior Horseshoes
If you have any questions about the horseshoe fundraiser, please contact: jennibecker5@gmail.com .
Check out the horseshoes (images below) that were painted by seniors near the pool entrance--They all look great!
BVN Concessions -- Volunteers Needed!
They say it takes a village and that is certainly true with concessions and we want you
to be in our village!! Come volunteer with BVN Concessions! You get to see all the kids
in their element and hear parents cheering for their players and marching band
members and cheerleaders and dance team and color guard and all of the other kids
who participate in Friday Night Lights. And - you get to hang out with great volunteers
and help serve your school and community. And we welcome siblings, parents, and
grandparents!
Here is the schedule for the year and the links to sign up: CONCESSION SIGN-UP
Below each date, you will see which organization has been assigned to volunteer for each event. Please note there is a new shift this year that is for only 1 hour the day before each game to help with set up. Also if you just want to be on our volunteer list - just let me know and we will get you added! Send any questions to Shelley Mathews at smathe2@icloud.com
Thank you in advance for all of your support and help raising funds for the BVN Students through the Mustang Club Concessions!
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