North Notes
Blue Valley North's Parent Newsletter - September 10, 2021
In this Newsletter …
A Letter from BVN Principal
BVN Bell Schedules
Mark Your Calendar
Kudos and Celebrations
Parent Announcements
Counseling Center
Student Services Team
Athletics
Senior Information
The Stampede Hours
Student Announcements
Durham Bus Information
The Mustang Club (former PBC)
The BVN Father's Club
A Letter from North Administrators
Mustang Community,
BVN students received the BVN Student ID last week in their English class. Please remind your student to keep their ID with them when at BVN. They will need it to get into school if they come late or leave for a doctor's appointment. We also encourage you to make sure your student has several face masks in their backpack. Thank you!
Information will be coming out next week about Parent-Teacher Conferences that will be held after school hours on September 27-30. These will be 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.
Please mark your calendar that there is no school on Friday, October 1. As always, thanks for your support, Mustangs!
World Language Credit Information (new)
9th grade students and 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.
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
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.
Kudos and Celebrations
Boys Soccer Team (new)
It's hard to believe that we are already through to Match Day 6 in the first few weeks of the Fall 2021 campaign. Your Mustangs started off the season with a MASSIVE 3-2 win over the Huskies of BVNW in the annual White Out match. With over 3000 fans in the crowd cheering on both teams, your Mustangs were led on the scoresheet by Sr. Captain Jonny Emerson, Sr. All American Watch-list Luke Mohess, and Jr. Captain Eden Kay. Senior Louis Greenyer made a game-tying PK save late in the 2nd half to seal the Mustang victory! Thank you to everyone that made that night special for the Varsity team. It was a huge step forward for the program, and one we look to continue to build on.
After a strong start to the season picking up a first round tournament 5-1 win against Basehor Linwood, we have dropped the last three due to fatigue. We are through the first quarter of the season and look to rebound during our next match on September 14th against Aquinas.
Album Released by BV North Student (new)
Congrats to our very own North Senior, Jordin Mackenzie, on the release of her first album of original music with her band, Baby & the Brain!
Two articles have been written about the album: Click here to read a review of the album, along with Jordin giving the background info for each song from the blog "Ones to Watch". Click here to read an interview with Jordin's bandmate published in The Pitch.
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 will be in an email next week and will also be in North Notes on September 17.
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.
Parent Volunteers Needed for Hearing & Vision Screening (new)
On Thursday, October 14, 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. in the BVNorth Performing Arts Center, we need your help! Parent volunteers will help assist with labeling, handing students with vision/hearing forms, file into the PAC for vision screen, move to the PAC stage for hearing screen, remind students to remain quiet for screening process, collect, sort and record screenings. Please call BVN Nurse Amanda Collichio at (913-239-3013) or e-mail her at ajcollichio@bluevalleyk12.org to volunteer or ask questions. Nurse Collichio looks forward to getting to work with some of our Mustang Parents!
School Photo Orders (updated info)
If your student’s picture was taken on Picture Day (August 18) and you placed a pre-order for photos, the picture package will be delivered to your student in their English class as soon as they are received from Rolland Studios. If you did not pre-purchase a packet, your student will be 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 from their English teacher last week. 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 (new)
The Nurses 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 .
Panorama Survey
The Blue Valley School District is excited to partner with Panorama to collect perceptual survey data on students’ social-emotional learning skills. The survey will be administered in October and March and provides helpful information for classroom teachers and other school personnel to help meet the needs of each student.
The survey includes questions related to the following topics:
- School safety: perceptions of students’ physical & psychological safety while at school
- Self-management: students’ ability to manage emotions, thoughts, and behaviors
- Social awareness: students’ ability to consider the perspectives of others & empathize with them
- Self-efficacy: students’ belief that they can succeed in achieving academic outcomes
- Grit: students’ ability to persevere through setbacks toward achieving goals
- Emotional regulation: how well students regulate their emotions
- Sense of belonging: how much students feel they are valued members of the school community
A couple of items to note:
- Please log into ParentVue to either opt your student into participating or opt your student out of participating. Participation is entirely voluntary. Upon logging into ParentVue, a screen will pop-up, and families will have the opportunity to record their decision.
- Implementation reflects a Kansas State Department of Education requirement for school districts to collect social-emotional learning data.
- You can learn more about the survey at https://www.panoramaed.com.
National Honor Society Info for 2021-22 School Year (updated)
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 7:00am and Mandatory Induction is Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 6:30pm 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!
Canvas, Learning Management System
Do you need a refresher on @CanvasLMS, our learning management system for grades K-12, or looking to set up a new account? Check out how to access or set up your Canvas Observer account as a parent or review this Canvas Parent/Guardian Orientation. Remember, Canvas courses won’t appear until teachers publish them after the school year has started.
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:
- The schedule change period for 1st semester has ended, with the exception of level changes and drops to a Study Hall. Students should contact their counselor for these changes.
- 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 Boston University, Georgetown University, Missouri Western State University, Tulane University, Rockhurst University, Kansas Wesleyan University, Simpson College, University of Southern California, University of Miami, Wichita State University, Cleveland University-Kansas City, Butler University, Villanova University, Missouri State University, Amherst College, University of Pittsburgh, Kansas State University
- Counselors will be visiting with seniors in ELA classes next week to discuss the application process to include finding and saving their unofficial transcript, transcript requests to colleges, sending test scores, recommendation requests, etc. A summary of our visit topics will be emailed to parent/guardians on Monday, September 20th.
- For AP test registration, see AP Registration Information
- For JCCC and Baker Concurrent credit information see BVN Concurrent Credit Information
- 2021 graduates who did not submit a senior survey indicating what college to send their final transcript to can request it here - Alumni Transcript Request
- Visit the Counseling Virtual Calming Room
Questions? Contact Sarah King @ (913)239-3016 or SKing@bluevalleyk12.org .
Student Services Team
Social/Emotional Support
The new school year brings excitement and new opportunities for our students! These new possibilities may also bring on some anxiety. The Student Services Team welcomes students who need social/emotional support to stop by our office to meet with your counselor, the social worker or our school psychologist. BVN parents, if you have concerns or questions about your student’s social/emotional well-being, please contact your student’s counselor, (913) 239-3016 or Lisa Summers at ljsummers02@bluevalleyk12.org or (913) 239-3116.
McKinney-Vento Act--Help for Homeless Students
Blue Valley North Student Services Team wants you to know that if you are experiencing homelessness, including temporarily living with friends or relatives, the McKinney-Vento Act ensures your student certain rights to access a free, appropriate public education.
If your family is currently experiencing this situation, please contact Lisa Summers, Blue Valley North Social Worker, at ljsummers02@bluevalleyk12.org or (913) 239-3116, or Adam Wade at awade@bluevalleyk12.org or (913) 239-4623. We can explore how your student can be supported by the provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act. For more information, click on this link: NoticeofRightsHomelessStudents.
BVN Athletics
Boys' Swimming and Diving Team (new)
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 BVN 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 (updated)
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 .
First Annual Senior Sidewalk Project was a Success!
Check out the personalized horseshoe paintings on the sidewalk leading into North from the bus loop!
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!
Super Awesome BVN Shirts - School-wide Design Contest!
BV North received a grant to gift each student and staff member in our school with a t-shirt! The administration decided they want students to design this shirt to empower the student voice. This shirt design should embody our school spirit, culture, and pride. The design will be on a navy short-sleeved shirt. You must incorporate one of the North logos listed in this form: https://forms.gle/KBNuRzGczoGCWbSH8 (the logos are in the form!). To save the image, right click and select "Save Image As" and save to your computer.
Student Council will choose 3-5 top designs, then show to the student body to vote. Designs will remain anonymous during the voting process but will be announced once the final design is chosen. Designs are due Friday, September 10, at 12:00 p.m.
Questions? Contact Ms. Bosch: cbosch@bluevalleyk12.org or Ms. Yonke: lyonke@bluevalleyk12.org
The name, username and photo associated with your Google account will be recorded when you upload files and submit this form. Any files that are uploaded will be shared. Get crafty, Mustangs!
Boys' Soccer Team Fundraiser - September 15
Team Up For St. Jude KC
BVN is gearing up for its 6th annual Gold Out Game, September 24th! September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and BVN will participate in Team Up For St. Jude KC, an organization that began with a BVN student back in 2016. This student-led organization increases awareness, and fundraising in the fight against pediatric cancer. Over 15 KC Metro High Schools are involved, and BVN plans to lead the way!
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. Gold is the color for Childhood Cancer Awareness and proceeds go directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the leader in pediatric cancer treatments. All protocols are shared with hospitals worldwide including in KC. Contact these BVN students to join the effort. Your support is appreciated!
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!
Blue Valley North Father's Club
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. – 3:30 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