#AltEd Alert
The Venture Community Newsletter for Grades K - 12
Thursday, April 1, 2021
4/2 NO SCHOOL for STUDENTS
This is a teacher workday.
Spring break follows 4/3 - 4/11
(for real - NOT an April Fools)
PRINCIPAL'S POST
I am sure that you are looking forward to spring break just as much as I am! Before you go, I wanted to provide you with some information about next year.
1. Venture Registration Packets for students who are enrolled in four or more Venture classes: The Registration packets for next year will be sent out electronically when we get back from Spring Break. If you are a current Venture student (enrolled in four or more classes) and would like to stay at Venture for 2021-22, you will complete the registration packet and return it to us by May 1st. Students entering grades 6-12 will also be completing a course selection form. Ms. Kruse will hold a meeting to go over the course selection process, and explain concurrent enrollment procedures for the Venture students who are interested in taking 2 classes at another SRVUSD school. Watch for the invitation when we return in April.
2. Virtual Academy: At the school board meeting on 3/30 there was a presentation about the SRVUSD Virtual Academy for next year. It will be one of our Alternative Education options. There is a tab on the Venture web page that will take you to information about the Virtual Academy. It will be similar to the remote instruction that was offered at the other schools this year. If you are interested in that model, you will complete the transfer application on that webpage. If you would like to continue at Venture with independent study or continuation high school, you will simply complete the registration packet described in #1 above.
3. Concurrent Students at Venture: If you are a 6-11th grade student, are taking 2 classes at Venture this year, AND are interested in continuing your concurrent enrollment from another SRVUSD school (4 classes at the other school), AND would like to continue to take 2 classes at Venture next year, contact your counselor at the other SRVUSD school. You will not complete the Venture Registration Packet or course selection sheet. If you would like to switch your enrollment so that you are at Venture for 4 or more classes you will apply for an intra-district transfer to Alternative Education. That application will be available online after April 20th.
Keep an eye on our school webpage; we are updating it frequently with information and links to forms you may need. We will continue to send the #Alt Ed Alerts via email and post those on the website, too.
Best wishes,
Rose
COUNSELOR KRUSE SAYS....
Happy Spring Break!
Rest, Relax, Rejuvenate for the last push in 4th quarter to FINISH STRONG!!!!
THE OFFICE NEEDS EVERYONE'S HELP, PLEASE!
If books (for English classes) are not claimed, they will be returned back into our collection. If your student found the book in another way (library, online), please let us know that - it really helps.
Questions? Vivian in the office: vjeffrey@srvusd.net
MIDDLE and HIGH SCHOOL COURSES for 2021-22
Scheduling information will be coming out soon. We will be holding a virtual presentation at the end of April to explain the scheduling / transcripts process. Look for that date/time in the coming weeks #AltEd Alert!
April is National Poetry Month
What is National Poetry Month?
National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each April, was introduced in 1996 and is organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States.
What are ways to celebrate?
Sign Up for "A Poem a Day"
Download the Free Poster
Learn More
4/10: Virtual College Fair
Click Here for more info about these events and the featured schools (from around the world!). There are also pre-recorded videos.
WELLNESS SERIES for HIGH SCHOOLERS
The series is free but you must pre-register HERE.
- April 1, 2021 4:00 - 5:30pm: Take Down Tobacco: A Roast of Big Tobacco. A night of comedy and empowerment that will engage students in the #TakeDownTobacco National Day of Action, led by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. The county's Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) team has also created a resource folder with additional information, resources, and activities.
- April 15, 2021 4:00 - 5:30pm: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE): LGBTQI+ Fluency and Allyship. Exploring SOGIE terminology, rights, and how to be a supportive ally.
- April 29, 2021 4:00 - 5:30pm: Financial Competency, Fluency, and Wellness. Engaging and educating students on financial competency, including creating a budget, financial literacy, and planning for the future.
- May 13, 2021 4:00 - 5:30pm: Mental Health & Wellness: Prevention & Support. Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness month in May, students will receive information and resources on self-care, managing stress, how to get help, and how to support others.
4/16 DEADLINE: 2021 Congressional Art Competition (High School)
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each congressional district. Since the Art Competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Congressman Swalwell is hosting a CA-15 Congressional Art Competition once again this year. Any high school students residing in our district may participate. For more information, see the submission guidelines and release form. All entries will be accepted electronically and are due to CA15ArtComp@mail.house.gov no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, April 16.
First-place wins will a certificate from Congressman Swalwell, and their art will be sent to Washington, DC, to hang in the Cannon Tunnel to the U.S. Capitol Building for one year. Additionally, the first-place winner will receive two round trip tickets to attend the Congressional Art Competition Reception held in Washington, DC.
4/18 and 4/29: College Board's College Fairs by Region
BigFuture Day events are four hours long. You can drop in and out of the event at the times that work for your schedule. The College Panels and College Planning sessions will be recorded for future viewing. You need to register in advance to attend the live events and access the recordings.
- Connect directly with colleges you're interested in by using the chat feature to talk with admissions representatives.
- Hear from representatives at a range of colleges through regional and state panel discussions. Use the chat to ask questions and learn more from the speakers.
- Take key college planning steps at our sessions. Hear from experts on topics like financial aid and scholarships, essays and interviews, college applications and planning timelines and more.
What to expect and to Register: Click Here.
April 18th Event: Schools in the Midwest
April 29th Event: Schools in the Southeast
This event is meant for high school sophomores and juniors, but younger and older students are welcome. We also encourage parents/guardians to join along with their students.
4/19: Another Virtual College Fair for CA students
Featured Sessions:
- FAFSA, CSS & Financial Aid – How does it work?
- How to Approach your Personal Statement (Essay)
- Navigating the UC & Cal State Applications
4/22 DEADLINE: “Be Reel!” Video Contest for middle and high school
The Street Smarts “Be Reel” Video Contest gives San Ramon Valley students the opportunity to showcase their knowledge of traffic safety by producing public service announcements (PSAs) that educate their friends, family, and community. As a component of the Street Smarts Program, the video contest aims to raise awareness about traffic safety issues to both the students participating in the contest and those who see their work.Middle school and high school students are eligible to participate, with a separate contest for each grade level: Grades 6 – 8 and Grades 9 – 12, and entries will be judged and awarded separately.
- 2021 CONTEST THEME: “Biking Safely with Family and Friends!”
- Length: 45–60 seconds
- Evaluation: Content (50%): Does it follow the theme and is it persuasive? Creativity (25%): Does it hold their interest? Video Production (25%): Can it be viewed and heard clearly?
- Categories: “Best Use of Special Effects/Animation” and “Best Plot/Storyline” and “Best Editing”
Ready for more details? Click HERE.
MORE MIDDLE SCHOOL GET-TOGETHERS COMING SOON!
Questions? Contact Ms. Kruse
~~~ TO THE CLASS OF 2021 FROM COUNSELOR KRUSE ~~~
SENIORS- There WILL be a graduation ceremony! Fill this out ASAP!
There WILL be a Venture graduation celebration in June! If you are a FULL TIME Senior enrolled at Venture (4 or more classes), FILL OUT THIS FORM ASAP by April 1, 2021 or ASAP. We need to know:
- Your preferred name on your diploma
- Your height (for cap and gown)
- Short statement about your experience at Venture
- Do you want to purchase a celebratory lei?
- Do you want a 2021 lawn sign?
Questions? Contact Office Manager Dennice Barnes: dbarnes@srvusd.net
GRADUATES: Please Update Naviance
Questions? Contact Ms. Kruse.
SCHOLARSHIP$$$$ for SENIOR$$$$
Scholarships offer a lot of money if you are willing to put in the work to apply. Scholarships are being advertised and updated weekly. Check the Venture Scholarships page for updates.
Another place to look is StudentScholarships.org. They have tarted publishing their awards. BIG OFFERING$!!
If you have been offered a scholarship award, please send to Ms. Kruse for documentation.
4/8 and 4/15: DVC REGISTRATION ASSISTANCE
4/24 DEADLINE: $4300 Scholarship for DVC-Bound Seniors
Do you plan to attend DVC as a science, math, or engineering major?
Do you need to take General Chemistry I and Precalculus for your major?
Could you use an annual scholarship of up to $4300 to make progress towards that degree?
If the answer to all of those questions is Yes, the PUMA STEM Scholars project could be great for you!
The PUMA STEM Scholars project is DVC's newest learning community. Starting in Fall 2021, the PUMA STEM Scholars Project will welcome scholars into a collaborative, transformational learning experience designed to give aspiring scientists and engineers at our college a firm foundation in their science or engineering major to support their successful transfer to a 4-year institution.The program includes supports for students' academic, career, and financial needs.
Apply by April 24th to be considered for our first round of awards. If you have questions about this program, please contact Dr. Ellen Beaulieu lbeaulieu@dvc.edu
~~~~~ COMMUNITY NEWS and EVENTS ~~~~~
Stories Build Bridges Speaker Series #3
With over a decade of experience as a political operative and civil engagement advocate, Jones will be sharing about her various leadership roles and her passion for diversity and inclusion.
She has been featured in Vogue, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal and most recently was the national organizing director at Rock the Vote for the 2020 election.
Tuesday, Apr 27, 2021, 06:30 PM
undefined
4/29 and 4/30 Advocacy Day for Education 2021: Moving Forward with Resiliency
Please join the San Ramon Valley Council, Pleasanton Council and Las Trampas Council for Advocacy Day 2021.
The first Advocacy Day took place in 1980, prompted by the passage of Proposition 13 and its anticipated negative impact on education. Today, Advocacy Day serves as a vehicle to both influence our legislators and inform our PTA volunteers and community members. Four decades of advocacy have focused on issues of finance, education reform, class size, standardized testing, special needs and children’s health issues. This year is different.
Undeniably, the pandemic has greatly impacted the schools and the health of our families and communities. For exactly one year we have faced uncertainty on a daily basis and the challenge of not knowing what the future holds for our students and schools. This year Advocacy Day will focus on “Moving Forward with Resiliency.” We will have the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of our school superintendents and state legislators. A panel of highly respected frontline medical and mental health experts will share the most current information and recommendations. The equity issues at play will be addressed by both educators and corporate professionals.
Together we will advocate directly to our legislators for the education of all our children.
Thursday, Apr 29, 2021, 09:00 AM
undefined
REMINDER: CURBSIDE PICK UP
TUESDAYS THROUGH FRIDAYS 8:30AM TO 1:30PM
until the end of this school year.
(Except during Spring Break)
Same process as always:
- Pull up to the front of the school
- Honk your horn and in a minute or two someone will come out to assist you.
Bookmark our website
Follow Us on Twitter @VentureVikings
@VentureVikings