 |
|
Parent Newsletter
February 5, 2018
Valley Lutheran Executive Director Dr. John Brandt watches a video with two of the grandparents who visited the high school on February 1. Grandparents/Special Friends Days continue each Thursday through February.
Grandparents/Special Friends Day Schedule
Grandparents and Special Friends love to visit Valley Lutheran, and our students love to share with them, first hand, what makes Valley so special. This year, each Thursday in February has been set aside to do just that, with each class encouraged to bring guests. Last week, the seniors were able to bring in their loved ones. This week it's juniors.
- Juniors - Feb. 8 at 9am
- Sophomores - Feb. 15 at 9am
- Freshmen - Feb. 22 at 9am
Special guests will take a tour of the the school, sit in on a class with their student host, attend chapel, and, if they'd like, stay for lunch. For more information, call 989-790-1676.
|
The One Who Never Changes
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Having a child changes your life. It adds new highs and lows
(hopefully more highs than lows) that you did not even know existed! You look for ways to make things consistent for you and your family. You develop a routine which makes you feel comfortable. And as you continue flipping your calendar from month to month, it seems like things are going well. And then, something comes out of the blue. A loved one dies. You lose your job. Someone gets sick. You have to relocate. You go through a divorce.
Change. Most of us do not like change, especially when it is unexpected. It can destroy our sense of control. And yet the only thing that is consistent in most of our lives is change.
When things change for you, where do you turn for consistency? Hopefully to Jesus. He doesn't change. His grace and love are always there for us. He will be with us through any trials and changes that we experience, just as He has always been with us. He is our rock, our unmovable cornerstone. When change comes your way, look to the One who never changes for consistency!
Dear Lord, Thank you for never changing. Remind me of Your presence in my life, that I may rely on you when my circumstances change. In Jesus name. Amen.
|
|
Benefit Dinner Auction Tickets Now Available
Caribbean Nights is the theme for the 15th Annual VLHS Benefit Dinner Auction at the Apple Mountain Conference Center on
Saturday, Feb. 24. Tickets are available online at
vlhsauction.com. Don't delay as tickets have sold out in past years. New this year is fun, convenient bidding with streamlined checkout. For more details, visit
vlhsauction.com.
Consider a donation. Some ideas are: merchandise, tickets, services, or gift cards to area establishments. Auction items can be dropped off at the school office.
Questions? Call the school office at 989-790-1676 or the Auction Chairwoman Beth (Lambert) Kaul at 989-754-5918 or
[email protected].
|
|
Dessert Maker needed for Auction Prize
One popular item at the annual auction is the Dessert of the Month. Most of our bakers have returned, but one had to bow out. If you're willing to bake a dessert and deliver it locally in August (other months are open, too, as current bakers are willing to switch), please contact Lori Milroy at
[email protected]
or call 989-412-3666. Thank you!
|
|
Post Prom Fundraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings
The Post Prom committee is hosting a fundraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings on
Monday, Feb. 12. Visit the 2690 Tittabawassee Road location and 20 percent of your purchases will be donated to the Post Prom Party. Don't forget the
certificate when dining.
|
|
Dessert Theater Set for Feb. 15-17
Join the Valley Lutheran High School Drama Department at Peace Lutheran Church, 3427 Adams Ave., Saginaw, as they present
Alibis, on
Feb. 15-17 at 7pm.
Alibis is a mid-length comedic murder mystery. Watch for shades of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, Clue, and other iconic whodunit scenarios in this classic drawing room mystery.
Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students, and are available in the school office or at the door prior to each performance. Prices include dessert during intermission.
|
|
Calling all VL Alumni Athletes
As Valley Lutheran continues to celebrate its 40th Anniversary, we would like to recognize any and all VL Alumni athletes. Join us on
Friday, February 16 for a varsity basketball doubleheader. The Girls Varsity team takes on Ithaca at
6pm and the Boys Varsity tips at
7:30pm. We will recognize alumni athletes from any sport between games during a brief program (approximately
7pm). If you are a VL alum,
RSVP for this fun event here. Free admission for those wearing "vintage Valley apparel!"
|
|
Open House Series Continues Feb. 18
Valley's annual Open House series continues
Sunday, Feb. 18, from 2-3pm. Faculty members will be on hand to show prospective families around the school, as well as to answer questions about VLHS. You don't need to make a reservation, just show up! Feel free to let friends and neighbors know about the opportunity to check out all VLHS has to offer.
|
|
Saginaw Antique Society Show March 17
The Parent Organization will host the annual Saginaw Antique Society Show on
Saturday, March 17 from 9am to 4pm at Valley Lutheran. There is a $4 admission fee that covers two free appraisals.
Luncheon available 11am-1:30pm
- Homemade Chicken Salad on a Croissant
- BBQ Beef Sandwich
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Bake Sale
Parent help is needed. Please contact Amy Schrank at 989-488-7439.
|
|
STEM Research Program in Search of Applicants
STEM @ SVSU is excited to announce the 2018 Dow Science and Sustainability Education Center Summer Research Program. High school students currently in grades 9-11 are encouraged to apply for this paid opportunity by
March 23
. In addition, Middle School and High School STEM teachers are also encouraged to apply for this paid internship opportunity by
March 16
. Application materials are available at
www.svsu.edu/stem/students
. Contact Adrianne Cole (
[email protected]
) with questions.
|
|
Camp Concordia Seeks Applicants for Junior Counselor
Camp Concordia is looking for Junior Counselors for the summer. You will spend up to 12 days volunteering at Camp Concordia, where you will serve and laugh and lead and love.
You will spend each week in hands on training with a camper group, working with a college age summer ministry leader, and helping behind the scenes to make this an incredible week for all attending.
Each session has a limit of seven Junior Counselors. Applications are available at the
Camp Concordia website.
|
|
LEAP Meeting Bring Pastors, Principals Together
When the Lutheran Education Advancement Plan, or LEAP Alliance, was created in 2011, one of many objectives was to bring pastors and school principals together on a regular basis to collaborate on matters of shared ministry. Late in 2013, the first such "P2 Pastors and Principals Meeting" occurred. These meetings still take place three times each year
at various LEAP church/school sites.
Examples of topics at these meetings
have been, Children's Church, TEAM Ministry, Being a Lutheran in a Post-Churched Culture, and Funding Options.
There have been conversati
ons leading to learning what various congregations and schools are doing to meet needs and to respond to challenges.
|
|
From the Dean of Students
|
|
A Note About Vaping
Vaping has become more popular and mainstreamed in recent years, and I'd like to share some information with you since it is becoming "trendy" among young people.
You might have heard the term, but what exactly is vaping? Vaping is the modern term for using e-cigarettes. Unlike traditional cigarettes that burn tobacco and create smoke, vaping relies on a battery system to heat liquid into vapor, which is then inhaled. Devices do not necessarily look like traditional cigarettes; they come in all shapes and sizes. Some look like pens or flash drives, making them easy to carry and mask as something other than vaping devices. Liquids that can be vaped range from non-nicotine liquids, to e-juices with varying amounts of nicotine, to liquid marijuana. Unfortunately, e-cigarettes are marketed as a "safe" alternative to cigarettes, when in fact that is not the case.
Here are a few myths and facts about vaping (e-cigarettes):
Myths:
-
They are safe because they don't contain tobacco.
-
You're only inhaling water vapor when vaping.
-
Everyone who is cool is vaping.
Facts:
-
E-cigarettes are not safe. Though they don't contain tobacco, most still contain nicotine. The exact ingredients in e-cigarettes are often unknown, which makes it dangerous to inhale the vapor. Some e-cigarettes have been found to contain toxic chemicals, such as formaldehyde, which is used in embalming fluid, or ethylene glycol, which is used in antifreeze.
-
Even when vaping non-nicotine liquids, the vapor that is inhaled contains chemicals (not just water) and goes directly into the lungs.
-
Most teens DON'T vape. However it should be noted that the accessibility of e-cigarettes is growing, and vaping is being marketed to younger demographics.
In recent FDA reports, the percentage of high school students using e-cigarettes has jumped from 1.5 percent in 2011 to 16 percent in 2015. The study also reported that one in three high school seniors has tried vaping in the last year.
With vaping on the rise among young people, I'd like to encourage you to continue learning about vaping and become more observant with your children. The fact that teenagers are being told it is safe makes it much more likely for them to try vaping. Check the next issue of the Parent Newsletter for Part 2 on vaping where I'll share information about warning signs of vaping.
- Heath Vincent, Dean of Students
Resources:
"A Parent's Guide to Vaping" by Axis
"The Truth About Vaping and Smoking" by Sync Magazine
|
Family and Friends Address Error
Valley Lutheran High School recently produced a special edition "Family and Friends" publication announcing the exciting launch of the GROWING Campaign. Unfortunately, an error occurred during the mail merge process causing the publication to be delivered to the correct address, but printed with an incorrect name. We apologize for this error. However, please keep and enjoy the publication that was delivered to your address - we know who you really are!
If you did not receive this special edition "Family and Friends" and you would like to receive this bi-annual VLHS publication, we encourage you to call the school office and we will gladly mail you a copy. You can also view it
on our website.
Thank you for your understanding.
|
CLASS OF 2018 FINANCIAL AID
Seniors, be sure you are taking time to file your FAFSA as soon as possible. Most colleges will not release any financial aid award letters or packages until this important step is complete. Remember that most of your financial aid will come from need-based and merit-based scholarships through your university, or from outside community scholarships. Check out our VL Scholarship Page -
http://bit.ly/VLScholarships - for the most up-to-date scholarship information that we receive. Need an electronic version of your transcript? Email Mrs. Mueller from your school email address and she will send back a PDF copy within a day or two. If you are up against a deadline, talk with her in person ASAP!
MICHIGAN COMPETITIVE SCHOLARSHIP
Students who have earned a 1200 or higher on their SAT and demonstrate financial need can qualify for up to $1,000 per year at an approved Michigan higher education institution. In order to fully qualify, students must have their Social Security Number on file with the Student Scholarships and Grants office and have a FAFSA on file by March 1st. More information can be found
here or at
http://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid.
SAT PREP COURSE AT VLHS
Valley Lutheran will be hosting a ZAPS Test Prep seminar on
Saturday, March 17 from 9am to 3pm. Students attending the seminar will experience practice test scenarios, learn tips on eliminating wrong answers, and receive materials to use at home in their own test prep. Information will be mailed home in the next few weeks or you can check it out
here. This is a great opportunity for our current juniors, who will be taking the ACT in April as part of the MME. Scholarships are available for students with financial need. Contact Mrs. Mueller for more information.
FOUR-YEAR PLANS
Before you know it, we will be talking about course options for next year. Now is a good time to explore options and put a plan in place, especially if your student is thinking about taking courses through the Saginaw Career Complex, Bay-Arenac Career Center, or dual enrollment options through CUAA or Delta. Mrs. Mueller is more than happy to sit down with students and talk about options or develop a plan!
AXIS.ORG PARENT GUIDES
Talking about issues like smartphones, eating disorders, Snapchat, video games, and sexting with teens can be scary and complicated. But it doesn't have to be! Axis.org has created
these guides to help you understand the things your teens face, how to have conversations about them, and how to biblically disciple your teens into lifelong faith through it all.
IMPORTANT LINKS
|
| Feb. 8 |
Parents in Prayer, 8am |
| Feb. 8 |
Grandparents/Special Friends Day - Juniors, 9am |
| Feb. 11 |
Grade School Boys' Basketball Tournament (Rescheduled) |
| Feb. 12 |
National Honor Society Blood Drive, 7:30am |
| Feb. 15 |
Grandparents/Special Friends Day - Sophomores, 9am |
| Feb. 15-17 |
Winter Play, Alibis (at Peace Lutheran - Adams Campus), 7pm |
| Feb. 18 |
Open House, 2-3pm |
| Feb. 19 |
No School - Presidents Day |
| Feb. 21 |
Third Quarter Grades Available Online, 5pm |
| Feb. 22 |
Parents in Prayer, 8am |
| Feb. 24 |
Benefit Dinner Auction at Apple Mountain, 5pm |
|
 |
|
Click on the image above to view the latest Valley Vision. |
|
|
|
|
|
Mission Statement
Valley Lutheran High School believes that Christ is the foundation of our school and everything that we do. We prepare our students as children of God academically, physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually to serve in the world today and tomorrow.
|
|
|
John Brandt
Valley Lutheran High School
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
