North Notes
Blue Valley North's Parent Newsletter - August 26, 2022
In this Newsletter …
A Letter from BVN Administrators
Bell Schedules for Aug.29 - Sept. 23
Kudos and Celebrations
World Language Credit Transfer
BVN Parking Pass Update
Mark Your Calendar
Parent Announcements
Athletic Announcements
Counseling Updates
Seniors Class of 2023
Medical Messages
Student Announcements
The Mustang Club
Durham Bus Information
A Letter from Your Principal
Mustang Community,
It was great seeing everyone at this week’s Back to School Night on Tuesday! We have had an excellent start to the school year and are excited to start our fall athletic season.
Tonight is our annual kickoff soccer game against Blue Valley Northwest. We will be playing on the football side of the Switzer District Athletic Complex since this game has outgrown the soccer side. We would love for students and families to show Activity Passes which would have been purchased at registration. Your student received directions during Advisory on Thursday about how to obtain it on their phone. Please encourage students to get this done as soon as possible. If you paid for a Student Activity pass, it should be on their ID, and if it’s not, please have your student go to Student Services to get that activated. If your student was absent on Thursday, they can find instructions on the Student Hub.
As we progress into the school year, please be aware that we have Academic Support Time Monday through Thursday every week. Students can get a pass from a teacher to meet with them for help. This is a great way to get clarification on assignments or information that was missed due to an absence.
Thank you for your involvement in making this a great start to the school year. Have a great weekend!
BVN Bell Schedule
August 29 - September 2:
Monday-Wednesday are Odd Hour Days
Tuesday-Thursday are Even Hour Days (*School begins at 8:40 a.m.)
Fridays are Traditional 7-Hour Days
September 5 - 9:
Monday is Labor Day/NO SCHOOL
Tuesday is Professional Learning for Teachers only/NO SCHOOL
Wednesday is Odd Hour Day
Thursday is Even Hour Day (*School begins at 8:40 a.m.)
Friday is Traditional 7-Hour Day
September 12 - 23:
Monday-Wednesday are Odd Hour Days
Tuesday-Thursday are Even Hour Days (*School begins at 8:40 a.m.)
Fridays are Traditional 7-Hour Days
*On late start Tuesday/Thursdays, Durham buses will run their normal pickup times. Students can eat breakfast in the commons, study in the flex space or in the library.
Kudos and Celebrations
KMBC 9 News and Johnny Rowlands were live at North on August 22 for a back-to-school special feature titled “Banding Together. BVN students and staff attended and the marching band and cheerleaders performed live as the NewsChopper 9 helicopter landed. What a great way to start out the week!
BCBS "Coaches with Character" August nominee Erin Nathan
The "C" You In The Major Leagues Foundation teams up with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) to recognize the Blue KC Coaches with Character, intended to spotlight amateur coaches who, through their leadership on and off the field, are helping to grow youth sports in the Kansas City area, and making our community a better place to live, work and play. Each Blue KC Coaches with Character honoree is selected from nominations submitted by fans, with one honoree announced each month. The August nominee is our very own BVN math teacher & Bowling coach, Erin Nathan! Erin with her son Eli were honored by throwing out the first pitch at a Royal's game in mid-August. Enjoy this video of Coach Nathan and her son, Eli being honored by throwing out the first pitch at the Royals game. Congratulations Coach Nathan!
FBLA Nationals
Congratulations to the following students who qualified and competed at FBLA Nationals in Chicago last July.
Eli Amsterdam ~ Social Media Strategies
Zach Amsterdam ~ International Business
Nathan Bronson ~ Coding & Programming
Louise Caron ~ Broadcast Journalism
Rahul Chavali ~ Coding & Programming
Hannah Chong ~ Business Ethics
Thomas Gaffney ~ Business Calculations
Eric Garretson ~ Marketing
Lakin Hobrock ~ Management Info Systems
Katherine Hutchison ~ Business Plan
Sanvika Inturi ~ Organizational Leadership
Julie Jefferies ~ Introduction to Event Planning
Ben Jordan ~ Business Ethics
Asher Kort ~ Social Media Strategies
Adele Lieshout ~ Intro to Parliamentary Procedures
Austin Lo ~ Business Plan
Caroline Massman ~ Intro to Business Presentation
Molly McCartan ~ Broadcast Journalism
Prabhav Pagadala ~ Business Ethics
Arshiya Pant ~ Journalism
Abi Patterson ~ Management Info Systems
Caroline Place ~ Public Service Announcement
Lizzie Place ~ Public Service Announcement
Quentin Schafer ~ Word Processing
Kayoko Thornton ~ Agribusiness
Joe Thummel ~ Digital Video Production
Aneesh Vasamreddy ~ International Business
Tate Wichman ~ Accounting 2
Jerry Xia ~ UX Design
Joy Yan ~ Business Plan
A HUGE congrats to the following students who placed in the TOP TEN in their events. This is a huge accomplishment as there were over 12,000 students competing at Nationals.
Joy Yan, Austin Lo, Katherine Hutchinson ~ 6th place ~ Business Plan
Rahul Chavali & Nathan Bronson ~ 8th place ~ Coding & Programming
Caroline Massman ~ 9th place ~ Intro to Business Presentation
Students, if you are interested in joining the FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), please email Mrs. Gossick, BVN Business Teacher, at AGossick@bluevalleyk12.org or stop by her classroom. Room 404 or 307.
Way to represent, FBLA!! We are Mustang Proud!
World Language Credit Transfer --- 9th grade parents ACTION NEEDED by October 3, 2022
Dear 9th Grade Parent,
The purpose of this email is to inform you of the option that your high school students have to transfer 2 middle school world language credits to the high school transcript. According to board policy 4340, only students who completed the entire world language sequence (6th-8th grades) in a Blue Valley middle school are eligible.
If you would like to transfer 2 middle school world language credits to your child’s high school transcript, please fill out this credit transfer form. This form will be open until October 3, 2022, and credit will not be applied to the HS transcript until after this time frame. Please allow at least two weeks for processing after the close of the form.
There are some important considerations for you to consider in making this decision:
Students will be able to transcript only the full 2 credits offered. They may not transfer only a single credit.
The middle school world language grades are factored into the student’s high school GPA.
Once the family decides to transcript these grades, they cannot be changed or removed.
The HS transcript will indicate that the credit was earned in middle school.
There is no foreign language requirement for high school graduation, although many colleges require at least 2 years. Please confirm with colleges directly on their entrance requirements and if they would accept transferred middle school language credits.
In order to confirm which grades will transfer, please access the quarterly grade reports in ParentVue by clicking on “Documents.” World language courses are transcripted by semester. Quarter 2 and quarter 4 represent the end-of-semester grades; therefore, the grade reports relevant to the world language credits are:
7th grade, quarter 2 = Language level 1b, semester 1 = ½ credit
7th grade, quarter 4 = Language level 1b, semester 2 = ½ credit
8th grade, quarter 2 = Language level 2, semester 1 = ½ credit
8th grade, quarter 4 = Language level 2, semester 2 = ½ credit
Please note that any pluses and minuses do not transfer.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your building registrar or counselor. You may also reach out to Rachel Benson, World Language Coordinator (rlbenson@bluevalleyk12.org). Thank you!
BVN Parking Pass Pickup (update)
Our BVN Security Office has parking passes! Students need to bring their completed parking form and payment. Parking passes can be purchased in ParentVue, or a check can be written to BVN or cash will be accepted. Students can pick up their pass during their lunch hour, after school from 2:45-3:15 p.m. and on Tuesday/Thursday mornings from 7:45 – 8:15 a.m. Officer Tony Latas and Office Tina Morse will be outside the security office (across from the main office) to distribute them. Thank you for your patience, and rest assured that no tickets will be given to if a student is parked in STUDENT PARKING until students have had ample time to secure their parking passes. Parking tickets are being issued to those students parking in Staff designated parking.
Please remind your student not to park across the street in Calvary Chapel's parking lot, or in BVN Staff Parking (behind the school and marked parking spots in front of the school).
As always, thank you for your help!
Mark Your Calendar
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 2022-23 Blue Valley School District Calendar.
August 26 – Opening Sports Night (no student mixer/dance this year)
September 1 – Course fees for 1st & 2nd semester assigned and opened for payment Students who drop a course after Aug. 19 deadline will pay fees associated with that course
September 5 - No School/Labor Day Holiday
September 6 - No School/Professional Learning for Teachers
September 21 - Homecoming Parade & Pep Rally
September 23 - Picture Day Re-Takes in the Library, 8:15 - 10:00 a.m.
September 24 - Homecoming Dance
September 26 - This week are Parent-Teacher Conferences - details TBA
September 30 – First semester course fees due; 2 weeks prior to quarter end
September 30 - No School due to Parent-Teacher Conferences after school Sept. 26-29
October 14 - No School/End of 1st Quarter
October 31 - No School/Professional Learning for Teachers
Parent Announcements
ParentVUE URL updated -- Action Needed
Over the summer the URL for ParentVUE changed. Click here for the new URL: ParentVUE
Parents will need to have the new URL or they won’t be able to login to ParentVUE or request a password reset. The Blue Valley School District website and the BVN website have both been updated with the new URL so the parents can access the link from Parent>ParentVUE.
In addition, this also impacts the ParentVUE app. Parents will need to update their device to the correct link. Here are instructions:
- Download the ParentVUE app on your device (only if you haven't already)
- Click the gear icon on the bottom left
- Click Add another district URL
- In Zip Code, type 66223
- Click on Blue Valley School District
- Click OK
- After reading notice for login, select: No - if you do not have a key
- Please go to this URL to set up your ParentVUE account: URL
- Then click Create a New Account
- Already Activated -- if you already have an account. You will be taken to the login screen
- Yes -- if you have the key and continue with those instructions
Student Digital ID Cards (update)
Students got a text on Thursday, August 25 with a link to set up their new digital student ID card. If you paid for a Student Activity Pass, it should say that on the ID and students will show this to get into games. They can save their ID as their home page on an iPhone, or it can be saved as a favorite page on an android phone. If students were absent on Picture Day or if they have any trouble loading the ID, they can come to Student Services for help.
School Photo Orders
Picture Day was Friday, Aug. 19 at BVN. If your student’s picture was taken and you placed a pre-order for photos, the picture package will be delivered to your student in their Advisory class as soon as they are received from Rolland. If you did not pre-purchase a packet, your student will be given a proof sheet with information about purchasing prints from their website, www.rollandkc.com.
Student Photo Retakes ~ September 23 (new)
If your student was absent for Picture Day or would like a re-take once you get your proofs or packet, Rolland Studios will be at BVN on September 23, 8:15 a.m.-10 a.m. Photos will be taken in the library, and underclass students should bring their photo packet to trade in or bring their proof sheet.
Family Activity Passes (update)
We began handing out BVN Family Activity Passes at Back to School Night, and we continued to hand them out at lunch this week. If you have not received yours yet, they will be at Mrs. Miller's desk in Student Services--your student can come by and pick up for you.
Are you moving? Have you moved?
Please contact the BVN Registrar, Suzy Doherty, by email at sdoherty@bluevalleyk12.org .
Free meals for all students ended
The USDA ended the nationwide free meals that were available for all students at the conclusion of the 2021-22 school year. This means that meals will be charged at full price unless your family has been approved for the Free & Reduced Meal Program after July 1 of the current school year.
APPLY FOR THE FREE & REDUCED MEAL PROGRAM
Blue Valley Food and Nutrition Services is again participating in the Child Nutrition Program which offers Free and Reduced meal benefits to qualifying families. This is an annual program, and a new application is required each school year to qualify for benefits.
- Verify your family meets the Free & Reduced Meal income guidelines.
- Apply online using the Chrome browser. If your default browser is not Chrome, please copy and paste this URL https://family.titank12.com/application/new?identifier=TGY6RJ into a Chrome browser to begin the application process.
- Remember to complete the Consent for Disclosure section if you wish to obtain additional discounts for school fees or bus transportation fees based on your application status.
- If a member of your household receives Food Assistance (FA), or Temporary Assistance to Families (TAF) from the State of Kansas, or you have a Foster student you may not need to apply. Contact Bobbi Valverde at bvalverde@bluevalleyk12.org if you need to verify your status.
- Need a paper application? Paper applications are available on the district website, at all Blue Valley schools or by contacting Bobbi Valverde at bvalverde@bluevalleyk12.org or (913) 239-4106.
- Submit the completed application before August 17 for full meal benefits upon qualifying. All families that apply will receive a letter notifying the determination. Please allow at least 10 days before inquiring about your submission.
Thank you for your support as we work together to meet the nutritional needs of all Blue Valley students. More information about the Free & Reduced meal program is available online. If you have questions please contact bvalverde@bluevalleyk12.org.
We look forward to a happy, healthy, and successful 2022-23 school year.
Athletic Announcements
Student-Athletes Action Needed for 2022-2023
Starting July 1st, the Blue Valley School District is moving to an online format to submit all paperwork, including a new physical completed, signed and dated (May 1, 2022, or after) by a physician. This paperwork is required for students involved in athletics and activities at the high school and middle school levels. The online system can be accessed directly through this link: https://bvnathletics.com/2022/06/30/new-online-physical-and-paperwork/ .
BVN Athletics' Questions?
Please contact Stevie Gibson, BVN Athletics Administrative Assistant, at (913) 239-3011 or SGibson@abluevalleykk12.org .
Counseling, Academics & Testing
Click Here For BVN's Counseling Webpage for information about:
- Counselor alpha assignments for the 2022-23 school year: Newman- A-Co (9-11), A-Dau (12); Petersen – Cr-He (9-11), Dav–Ho (12); Bosch – Hi–Mi (9-11), Hu–Min (12); Standefer – Mo–Sh (9-12); Levin – Si–Z (9-12).
- The deadline to request a schedule change for Fall 2022 has passed. Only level changes and drops to a study hall are now permitted. 2nd semester changes will be accepted through December 9th. Students may request these changes any time prior to December 9th.
- Counselors will visit with Seniors in ELA classes to discuss the college application process on September 14/15.
- Counselors will visit with Juniors in ELA classes to discuss the college and career exploration process in Naviance on September 28/29.
- Check out School year and Summer Opportunities - Opportunities
- Visit the Counseling Virtual Calming Room
- Visit the Counseling Home Page to find additional resources or contact information for Counselors and other Student Services staff.
Questions? Contact Sarah King @ (913)239-3016 or SKing@bluevalleyk12.org .
Seniors--Info for Class of 2023
The Graduation date for the Class of 2023 has been announced. Put Saturday, May 20 on your calendars! Commencement will be held at 5:00 p.m.
Hopefully your senior had their portrait taken in June or July by Rolland Studios for our BVN yearbook. IF YOU HAVEN'T HAD YOUR PICTURE TAKEN YET, please plan to have your portrait taken on Friday, September 23 at Blue Valley North--this is your LAST CHANCE to have this done! Sign up for an appointment time at Mrs. Miller's desk in Student Services. You can choose another company for your personal senior photos which can be used in the Senior Tribute Ads, but only a photo from Rolland Studios will be used for the “Senior Section” of the yearbook.
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
SENIOR SIDEWALK HORSESHOE PROJECT:
The Mustang Club has organized a fundraiser to celebrate the Class of 2023! Each senior has the opportunity to "buy" a horseshoe print and personalize it for display on the sidewalks leading into the 123rd Street entry of BVN (aka the Bus Loop entrance) during the duration of your senior year. The horseshoe order form can be found on the Mustang Club website: https://bvnpbc.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/17996807
- WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31st - Deadline to submit proposed artwork and payment
- THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st - Senior Block Party Painting Day during Advisory
- Paint and 1 paintbrush will be provided--feel free to bring stencils/painter's tape, etc.
If you have any questions about this Mustang Club Fundraiser, please contact: jennibecker5@gmail.com
Senior Tribute Ads: The early bird deadline of Sept. 1 to purchase and submit materials for senior tributes for the class of 2023 is quickly aproaching! See below for informational images that explain pricing, deadlines, and frequently asked questions about submitting materials for senior tribute ads in the 2022-23 Yearbook. Oct. 6 is the regular deadline. Start planning yours now!
We are making changes to our process for ordering cap, gown, tassel and grad announcements--we'll send an email when details are finalized.
For the most up-to-date info, please bookmark our SENIOR INFO page! You can also find info about picking up your parking pass and download the parking permit application.
Questions? email Mrs. Miller at lkmiller@bluevalleyk12.org
Senior Yearbook Ads - Early Bird Deadline is September 1
Medical Messages
BVN Prescription Medications August 2022 (updated)
Parents who have students who require prescription medication while in school should contact the nurse to schedule a medication drop off. The medication must be in the current labeled prescription pill bottle with a signed medical order from the physician.
Please e-mail Nurse Collichio to schedule a medication drop off and e-mail the signed medical order to ajcollichio@bluevalleyk12.org . Thank you!
Parents of 11th Graders - Action Needed by September 6
Per the state of Kansas Immunization guidelines, your current 11th grade needs to have their 16-year meningococcal (MCV4) immunization for entry into the 11th grade. E-mail Nurse Collichio, ajcollichio@bluevalleyk12.org , your 11th graders updated MCV4 immunization record. All non-compliant 11th-grade immunization parents will be receiving a final exclusion letter if the updated immunization record is not received by September 6th.
Parent Volunteer Opportunity - October 13
BVN Parents, your students need your support. Nurse Collichio has a parent volunteer opportunity on October 13th, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., to work the Blue Valley North Hearing & Vision Screening. This is a huge undertaking and cannot be completed without the support of at least 10 parent volunteers. Please contact Nurse Amanda Collichio if you are interested in volunteering or you want more information: ajcollichio@bluevalleyk12.org or 913-239-3013.
Student Announcements
Unified Bowling Student Meeting - September 14 (new)
There will be an informational meeting for Unified Bowling right after school on Wednesday, September 14th in Room 242. Unified Sports join people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Our Unified Bowling team went to state last year! If you’re interested in being on the Unified Bowling team, be sure to attend the meeting after school on the 14th or see Mrs. Nathan, Mrs. Dockendorf, or Mr. Daigle for more information.
Calling all Mustangs with an interest in Music!
Have you had an interest in taking a music class but don’t know how to get started/where you might fit in? The world of music is huge, ever-expanding, and welcoming to many different talents and interests. This fall – Mr. Freeman (band director) is offering a chance for you to explore your musical path in a non-traditional music class (not a band/choir/orchestra class). If you are interested, please email Mr. Freeman: djfreeman@bluevalleyk12.org. Bring your big musical ideas!
National Honor Society Info for 2022-23 School Year
Are you a student who is in the class of 2023 or class of 2024 and have a 3.5 GPA 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, 2022 through September 30, 2022. These hours must come from non-profit 501c3 organizations.
We will not count hours such as walking dogs, babysitting a neighbor, helping someone move, tutoring, volunteering at country clubs, etc. Students should already be on x2VOL, the platform that tracks hours, and should be recording and verifying hours on this online site. 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 count as community service, please contact Ms. Cornelius and Mrs. Stein to get prior authorization.
Information will be sent out in the fall. Tentative dates for the initial information meeting are Wednesday September 21, at 3:00 p.m. in the PAC and Thursday, September 22, at 8:00 a.m. in the PAC. Attendance at one of these two dates is mandatory! We will hand out all information to students at this meeting. Other than community service hours, students do not need to work on anything else prior to this meeting.
Mandatory induction practice is Monday, November 7, 2022, at 7:00 a.m. and the mandatory Induction Ceremony is Monday, November 7, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.
Feel free to reach out to Ms. Cornelius (acornelius@bluevalleyk12.org) or Mrs. Stein (sistein@bluevalleyk12.org) with any questions.
Durham Bus Riders
Durham will continue to transport our bus riders in the 2022-23 school year. If you have questions, please call Durham at 913-681-2492 or contact them via email at admin6700@durhamschoolservices.com.
Please Join The Mustang Club during 2022-23!
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.
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!
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 .
Office Hours are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The office will be closed on Monday, September 5th for Labor Day, and on Friday, September 30, due to Parent-Teacher Conferences after school Sept. 26-29.
Blue Valley North High School
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@MustangsBvn
@BVNOstroski
@TheKurle
@BVNCounseling
@MustangsOfBVN
@bvnnews
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BVN Instagram:
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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