VPHS Update
End of the School Year
A Note From Dr. Luhning
VPHS Family,
As we finish the 2022-2023 school year, I just wanted to say thank you for trusting your most prized possession(s) with us. The VPHS staff takes great pride in challenging, inspiring, and caring for all of our students. I am grateful for our students, our staff, and our community!
Congratulations to the Class of 2023 on all of their achievements during their time at VPHS. Graduation is Friday May 19th at 7:00 PM in the fieldhouse. Live stream link and other reminders can be found in the sections below. The Class of 2023 earned $2,181,137 in scholarship money. Congratulations to this amazing group!
Final Exams are upon us. To access the schedule use the following link:
Congratulations to the baseball team for winning back to back district titles. The Hawks will travel to West County on Tuesday May 23rd to play in the sectional round. Time of the game is still to be determined.
I will not be able to have my fourth quarter parent meeting, but will share information for a meeting in August to discuss the past school year and the upcoming school year.
To access the daily announcements you can visit the VPHS website frontpage and access this link:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Yb6fy79ygucfNN1eZLnhrDYsz8eSKXjKb2-Ypd9DTwg/edit
You can access our school calendar from the VPHS website.
https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/Page/14#calendar545/20220903/month
You can access your student(s) teachers websites from the staff directory on our website:
Our classrooms have been active and our staff continues to spend countless hours creating engaging lessons for our classes. Please keep track of your child's progress in their courses. You can access Infinite Campus Parent Portal here:
https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/domain/83
Parents and Students:
If you experience any issues logging into Infinite Campus, please send an email to: infinitecampus@vp.k12.mo.us
Please note: The "Forgot Username?" and "Forgot Password?" functions only work if you have signed into the portal before, and you confirmed the verification email sent by the system.
Please send an email to the email address above for any issues.
Thank you for all you do to support VPHS!
We are 1 Valley Park!
Dr. Luhning
One Community. One Campus. Limitless Learning.
The Valley Park School District is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment of belonging where personalized learning experiences prepare our students holistically for limitless opportunities, empowering them to make the world a better place.
Class of 2023 Graduation May 19 Live Stream
Live Stream Link:
Please use this link to access the graduation ceremony and share it with friends and family that are unable to attend:
Class of 2023 Graduation Reminders
Class of 2023 Reminders:
Hang up your graduation gown to get the wrinkles out.
If you have not gotten your athletic medal please see Mr. Hamilton.
If you are attending college go to SCOIR to request a final transcript or see Ms. LaManna for assistance.
Graduation Day Friday May 19th
8:15 AM Hot Breakfast served for Class of 2023 in MS Cafeteria
9:00 AM Graduation Practice in Fieldhouse (BRING CAP AND GOWN)
10:40 AM Senior Stroll through Elementary, Middle, and High School
11:15 AM Lunch on the Lawn Burgers, Hot Dogs, Chips, Water, and Soda served for the Class of 2023, staff members, and parents (staff will join when available for lunch)
6:00 PM Class of 2023 arrive for graduation and report to Elementary Gymnasium
7:00 PM Graduation Ceremony in VPSD Fieldhouse
Parent/Guardian Reminders:
Have your student hang up your graduation gown to get the wrinkles out.
If you have not gotten your athletic medal please see Mr. Hamilton.
If you are attending college go to SCOIR to request a final transcript or see Ms. LaManna for assistance.
Graduation Day Friday May 19th
10:40 AM Senior Stroll parents/guardians will line-up on the sidewalk between the high school and central office.
Following the Senior Stroll Class of 2023, parents, and staff will have “ Lunch on the Lawn” Burgers, Hot Dogs, Chips, Water, and Soda served for the Class of 2023, staff members, and parents.
6:00 PM Class of 2023 arrive for graduation and report to the Elementary Gymnasium.
7:00 PM Graduation Ceremony in VPSD Fieldhouse
We do not give tickets to the ceremony
Seating will be tight, but I expect everyone to make sure there is room for one another to celebrate this amazing achievement and evening
The ceremony will be live streamed, a link to the ceremony will be shared the week of graduation by email and all VPSD social media outlets
The Class of 2023 should dress nice, especially footwear
Respectful behavior by all in attendance is expected
Please leave balloons in the field house lobby or tied to the outside of the bleachers to not impede others view of the ceremony
Honor Codes must be returned to Dr. Libby following the ceremony
All Fines must be paid and all classroom books/materials and library books/materials must be returned:
To check fines please go to your IC Parent Portal and look under the fee tab
All fees and materials must be returned before your student will receive their diploma
Parking:
Champions Church Seeks Volunteers
Our partners at Champions Church are graciously providing free summer lunches to our Valley Park community, 18 years of age and under, through the summer. If you'd like to volunteer throughout the summer to help with lunch distribution, there is an informational meeting on May 17th (information below) or if you cannot attend, but want to volunteer, you can reach out to Pastor Ben directly and he will give you all the information you need. There is no expectation to volunteer...this service is fully provided by Champions Church, but if you'd like to help out, you certainly may. Information regarding volunteering as well as the summer lunch program is attached.
To sign-up:
TWIGS-Valley Park: Summer Lunch Program (signupgenius.com)
- Volunteer/Informational Meeting on Wednesday, May 17, at 7:00pm, at Champions Community Church (76 S Highway Drive in Valley Park). If you are interested in volunteering, feel free to reach out to Ben Ratchford: benratchford@gmail.com
- Start Date: Wednesday, May 31
- End Date: Friday, August 11
- Serving each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:30-12:30
- Three meal sites: Valley Park School Campus, Cheryl Lane Apartments, and Meramec Valley Baptist Church
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Valley Park Night at the Ballpark
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Saturday, September 2nd, 2023, at 6:15 P.M
· Our Valley Park Middle and High School Music Department and the 4th and 5th graders of the 2023-2024 school year will sing “God Bless America” on the field before the National Anthem!
· This is a fundraiser for the Valley Park Elementary music program. We need many instruments, music, and supplies. THANK YOU for supporting the music room!
· For your child to sing, you must purchase tickets from this order form and your child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
· Transportation and supervision are NOT provided. You may NOT drop off your child, a parent or guardian must be present.
· Each ticket is $20.00. The final date to purchase tickets is May 24th.
· If you want to sit with a group, you need to purchase your tickets USING ONE ORDER FORM, otherwise you will not sit together.
- Tickets will be given at the beginning of next school year (August 2023) to the student’s name listed. Please contact Mrs. Shrum at sshrum@vp.k12.mo.us for any questions.
- Performer’s parents/guardians: I need an email on the order below to send game day and rehearsal information. Please write clearly. Thank you! 😊
VPHS Band Trip
Class of 2027
A couple of dates to put on your calendar.
August 15 at 6:00 PM: Class 2027 Welcome to VPHS Parent Meeting in the high school commons
August 18 from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM: Freshmen Orientation meet in the Fieldhouse (only for 9th grade students. Students should wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Lunch will be provided.
August 21: 1st day of school
Welcome Thomas Rauls to VPHS and Kaily Butz to VPES
Thomas Rauls will join VPHS on July 1, 2023 as our Dean of Students. Thomas’ passion for the Valley Park School District and Community are unmatched. His relationships with all students, staff, and community members make him a great ambassador for this leadership position. His historical knowledge of the district and his mentorship with Adam Hamilton will make his transition to this position seamless. Thomas received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Southeast Missouri State University. He earned his Master’s Degree in Administration from Lindenwood. It is exciting to welcome Thomas to this new position; I know he will do a wonderful job!
Kaily Butz will join VPES on July 1, 2023, as our new Elementary Assistant Principal. Kaily is currently at Murphy Elementary School in the Northwest School District. She has two years of experience as an assistant principal K-5. In her current role, Kaily leads staff through a multi-tiered academic positive support system in cohesion with a behavioral support system. In addition, she leads staff in high-functioning PLCs. Kaily has her certifications in School Leader K-12, Mild/Mod Cross Categories K-12, Elementary Teacher 1-6, Middle School Mathematics 5-9, and Facility Director (ECC). Kaily has a great passion for building positive relationships with students, staff, and families. She is looking forward to getting to know everyone here at Valley Park.
FBLA State Results
Please Congratulate the following individuals on placing in the Top 10 of the MO FBLA State Leadership Conference.
- Cooper Bellchamber placing 9th in Word
- Reilly Lancaster placing 10th in Business Law & placing 5th in Political Science
- Kennedy Picker placing 10th in Impromptu Speaking
The 3 days were packed with workshop conferences, ceremonies, a concert, networking with other chapters across our state, a college fair, campaign voting, 4 local college campus visits, meeting our MO State Adviser & chapter dining experiences.
Congratulations to the New NHS and NBHS Offcers
FBLA
President: Marissa Miller
Vice President: Cooper Bellchamber
Secretary: Sash Mabry
Treasurer: Clark Menley
Historian: Izzy Chittakhone
NBHS
President: Grace Vogt
Vice President: Gabe Brown
Secretary: Noah Facchin
Treasurer: Cooper Bellchamber
Historian: Ruth Buckman
Missouri Glory Awards
AAUW STEM Girls of Promise Awards
Congratulations to the following students for being awarded the American Association of University Women STEM Girls of Promise Awards:
Elizabeth Papalotzi
Marissa Miller
Szofia McGlawn
Sasha Mabry
Angelina Dern
Congratulation Ms. Mathews
Congratulations to Ms. Mathews who was named the Valley Park School District Teacher of the Year:
One of Ms. Mathews' nominations said, “Ms. Mathews encompasses all that a teacher should strive to be. She is patient, intelligent, compassionate, and motivating. Math is often viewed by students to be an insurmountable obstacle and yet she gives them the tools and the confidence to be successful. Students often leave her classroom with a renewed sense of passion and interest in mathematics because of her. She serves as a quiet leader in the building: she is an active committee member, a coach, and a support for her peers. She can be found in the building early and often stays late as needed to support her students. She teaches students more than just the subject of math: she teaches them to be good people and to stay true to their authentic selves. She often stays under the radar, but her work is worthy of this recognition.”
Dr. Luhning, Valley Park High School Principal, noted, “Ms. Mathews ability to relate to her students is extraordinary. She does it so effortlessly and connects them to the material in a way they understand. This is no easy task for a math teacher, and the result is powerful and effective. She is an involved, strong teacher who goes above and beyond for her students and our school.”
Congratulations, Ms. Mathews! Thank you for all that you do to help provide a safe and supportive environment of belonging where personalized learning experiences prepare our students holistically for limitless opportunities, empowering them to make the world a better place.
Important Dates
May 23-26: VPHS Final Exams dismissal at 11:40 AM w/ Grab and Go Lunch
May 26: VPHS Last Day of School
August 21: 1st day of school
From the Nurse's Office
A reminder for parents, if your student is not feeling well with the following symptoms, please do not hesitate to keep them home from school:
- Fever over 100.4 (24hrs without medicine: Tylenol/ibuprofen)
- Cold symptoms (coughing, sneezing, runny nose, congestion)
- Stomachache and/or vomiting, Diarrhea (vomiting/diarrhea to stay home 24 hours after vomiting is done)
- Sore Throat
- Unexplained Cough/ Shortness of Breath
- Signs of Conjunctivitis (pinkeye)
- Signs of Head lice (persistent itching scalp, nits in hair, or lice present)
- Rash (if present need to be evaluated by physician)
- Covid precautions as well, follow the Healthy Hawk Way.
Campus Visitors/Safety Update
Visitor Management System
Valley Park School District welcomes parents and other community members into our schools for special events, meetings, tours, and other occasions. However, keeping our students and staff safe while at school is something we take very seriously. To increase security at all our school buildings, we have started using the Hall Pass Visitor Management System to track visitors. The system is simple and easy to use. The only thing you need is a government-issued ID. For more information, click here.
To watch a video which shows how the system works please click here:
Athletics
For all athletic and activity schedules visit the VPSD athletic website:
You can access our athletics calendar from the VPHS website:
https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/Page/61
You can access our activities calendar from the VPHS website:
VPSD Care Closet
VPSD Care Closet
If your family is in need of any clothing, shoes, school supplies, etc., we would love to help! We have a Valley Park Care Closet, located here on our campus, to serve your family and help provide you with items you need. The care closet includes items such as: Clothing, shoes, personal care items, backpacks, coats/hats/gloves, school supplies, and much more. If you are in need of any of the above listed items, please feel free to either reach out ot your child's counselor or complete this form and a counselor will reach out to you.
This form can be found on our district website as well under the Parents tab and Resources.
Attendance Line
Daily attendance at school is very important. Please make sure your child is arriving on time, and ready to start learning at 7:40am. We appreciate you keeping your student home if they are feeling ill.
If your student is going to be absent from school, please call 636.923.3500, extension 3858. You can also call directly to the HS office at 636.923.3613 or email the HS secretary from an email we have in Infinite Campus for the parent. jdeveraux@vp.k12.mo.us
Safe Schools Helpline
Valley Park School District will now be using The Safe School Helpline®, a confidential way to report student concerns about threats, suicide, drugs, bullying or anything that threatens the safety of our schools. Available 24/7.
Four Ways to Report to the Safe School Helpline®
Call: 1-800-418-6423 ext 359
Text: TIPS to 614-426-0240
Online: SafeSchoolHelpline.com
Mobile App: Download the FREE app from the GOOGLE PLAY STORE and the APPLE APP STORE
The app makes it easy to anonymously report a safety or mental health concern using your mobile device to text, call, or submit an online form.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q. How do we know it is anonymous?
We have contracted for this service through Security Voice, an outside company with no ties to our school.
Q. How does it work?
A toll-free number has been assigned for our school district. When you dial this number from a touch-tone phone, you will be advised how to leave your information – and not to include your name or other facts that could identify you. Then, record your message.
Q. What type of information should be reported?
Please report any facts, remarks, or actions that could jeopardize the safety of our children, staff, or school. Examples of harmful or threatening behavior might include:
• Bullying
• Violence
• Theft
• Drug or alcohol use and abuse
• Talk of suicide
• Sexual harassment
• Weapons
Q. What happens next?
Security Voice will send a typed copy of your message to the school. The school will then investigate the report, and determine how best to act on it.
Q. When and where can I call?
You may call toll-free anytime, day or night – from a home, mobile or pay phone. Take care that your call is not overheard.
Q. Can this service help troubled students, too?
Yes. If you see a student who is very troubled, or overhear remarks like "I can't go on," please report it. The call will e routed to a Community Counseling and Crisis Center that provides a 24-hour crisis intervention service. Trained counselors are available 365 days per year to talk with persons seeking assistance in coping with suicidal thoughts, depression, or feelings of loneliness and loss. Callers need only press "3" when prompted.
Q. Who can call this number?
Everyone within our school, including:
• Students
• Teachers
• Staff
• Parents
• Administrators
Q. Can I change my message later? How will you know who is calling?
Yes. When you leave a message you are given a case number that is yours alone. Enter that same case number when updating your message or answering additional questions.
Q. How will I know if any action has been taken?
After three school days, call the toll-free number and enter your case number when prompted. A recording will let you know your message was heard and may ask for more information. Your answers will be transcribed and sent to the school administration for further investigation. Administrative actions may sometimes be confidential, but your call is always important.
Here is the link for more information:
Safety and Security / Safe School Helpline (vp.k12.mo.us)2022-2023 District Calendar
https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/cms/lib/MO01947787/Centricity/Domain/4/2022%202023%20School%20Calendar.pdf
Dr. Luhning
Email: rluhning@vp.k12.mo.us
Website: https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/vphs
Location: One Main Street Valley Park, MO 63088
Phone: 636-923-3616
Twitter: @DrLuhningVPHS