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Parent Newsletter
September 11, 2017

Valley Lutheran held a special chapel service on Sept. 6 to mark the 40th anniversary of the first day of school in 1977 (Hear an excerpt from the message at this link). New faculty members Jai Millen and Caleb Abraham were installed and the entire faculty was re-dedicated. Many more anniversary events will take place throughout the school year. For information, visit www.vlhs.com/40.
Scripture
Blessed is the One Who Trusts in the Lord
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
- Jeremiah 17:7-8
News
Parent Open House Tuesday, Sept. 12
It's "Back to School Night" for parents at  6:30pm Tuesday, Sept. 12. Experience a day in the life of your child by going through their entire day at an accelerated pace. Meet teachers and other parents, hear course requirements and learn how to get involved. Your attendance sends a clear message that you think school is important. We hope all parents will attend. Class schedules will be waiting at the front entrance. The bell rings at 6:30pm. Don't be tardy! Your "day" will end at 9pm.
Peeks at Valley this Wednesday
Join us for an hour of Peeks at Valley for an insightful view of our school. The one-hour visit is led by students and faculty. The first Peeks is Sept. 13 at 8:15am. To reserve your spot for a Peeks at Valley experience, call us at (989) 790-1676 or email  Krista Flory .
Parents in Prayer Meetings Begin Sept. 14
Parents in Prayer is a group of parents who gather to pray at Valley twice each month. The group will meet at the school from 8-9:30am (can be finished by 9am upon request) on Sept. 14 and 28 and meets throughout the year. The group prays for the needs of your children, as well as the needs of all the students at Valley. Parents can attend any or all of the dates. Prayer requests can be sent to [email protected]. Confidential requests can be sent to this address or can be submitted in the prayer box in the RC. If you have questions, please call or text Carla Belill at 989-295-3018.
Celebrate 'Fore-Tee' Years of VLHS at Valley Golf Scramble
We can still take a last minute golfer registration for the 18th Annual VLHS Golf Scramble this Saturday, Sept. 16, at Apple Mountain Golf Course. Join us for a great day of fellowship, fun, and of course, golf! This fun event raises important scholarship funds and helps to make Valley Lutheran High School accessible for students, who otherwise might not be able to attend. $110/golfer includes 18 holes of golf, cart, continental breakfast, and a buffet lunch - plus you are supporting a great school! Call the school office at 989-790-1676 to register or for more information.
Register To Get Alerts Via Text, Email
Valley Lutheran makes use of Remind, a text and email messaging system, to share information regarding school-wide emergencies and school closings due to inclement weather. If you have already signed up in past years, you will continue to receive messages this year. If you would like to register, you may do so at https://www.remind.com/join/vlhs1718 or by texting @vlhs1718 to the number 810-10. To remove yourself from the VLHS Remind account, simply text @LEAVE in reply to a message or click "Unsubscribe" at the bottom of your email. Or, contact the school office to have your name and number removed.
Fall Service Day Wednesday, Sept. 27
Putting faith into "action" is an important part of the mission of Valley "to serve in the world". Students get the opportunity to do just that on Fall Service Day, Wednesday, Sept. 27. Between 8-9 a.m. they will join their family group to help others in the Great Lakes Bay Region. The day will conclude between noon and 1pm. Permission slips with specific site location and times will be sent home with students as the date approaches. All students are required to attend Service Day, so mark this day on your calendar and keep it open.
Contingency Notebook Workshop Oct. 10
The Valley Lutheran High School Foundation is hosting a Contingency Notebook Workshop on Tuesday, October 10, from 6-8:30pm in the Resource Center. Do you have a "contingency notebook with all the information a loved one or personal representative needs to know should you become seriously incapacitated or die? When tragedy strikes, it is no time to go through drawers, looking for pertinent information. An up-to-date contingency notebook can make all the difference. You will leave with a folder of resources to help you organize your important information. A light supper will be served. Please register by contacting Krista Flory at 989-790-1676 or [email protected] by October 3. Seating is limited.
Grand Homecoming Tailgate
The Grand Homecoming Tailgate will take place at 4:45pm Friday, Oct. 6, at the soccer fields south of the school parking lot. This year, there will be a special Valley alumni tent with food and drinks. Stop by and say hi, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the parade. If you would like a sample document for organizing your church's tent, see the linked file:  Sample Tailgate Invitation
Athletic Passes Available for Purchase
Athletic passes are a great way to save money when attending home Valley Lutheran sporting events. Passes cost  $20 for 10 entries to a regular season home game. Passes can be purchased at the entrance of athletic events or in the office. Without a pass, single-game admission is $5 for adults and students. Passes cannot be used for away games. Please note that admission for all-conference and division tournaments is $5 and athletic passes are not accepted.
Vendors Sought for VLHS Holiday Bazaar
Valley Lutheran is looking for vendors for its annual Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale. Crafters, businesses and home-based consultants are welcome to rent tables for the Nov. 11 event, which runs from 9am to 3pm at the school The deadline to apply is Oct. 20. Contracts can be downloaded here. For more information, contact Stacey Hildebrant at 989-737-9348 or Sarah Cmeyla at 260-450-5586.
Students Selling SaveAround Coupon Books, Subway Cards
Valley Lutheran students are selling Save Around coupon books as a fundraiser for the Parent Organization. Money is raised for classroom needs. The books, which cost $25, are filled with discounts from famous national chains to local mom-and-pop shops, SaveAround offers savings everyone will love. You may purchase them from any Valley student or in the school office beginning Sept. 15.

S ubway cards are also available for sale for $20. There are more than $300 of coupons available, including four, free no purchase necessary coupons with a value of $20. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Class of 2018 News: Senior Photos, Retreat
  • Save the date! The Senior Class Retreat will be held Oct. 20-22 at Camp Timbers. We hope to see you there!
Storage Space Needed
Valley is in need of immediate storage space for post prom items, which include three  14-gallon tubs, three large tricycles, and four bean bag toss boards. If you can store some or all of these items, please contact  Christian Wilke at 989-790-1676.
Hot Lunch Price for 2017-18  
Hot lunch prices for 2017-18 are $30 for a 10-punch card. Individual lunches are $3.50. Cards may be purchased in the office before school. Applications for free and reduced lunches are available on our website. Download here.
Guidance Corner
FINANCIAL AID NIGHT
Set aside the evening of Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7pm for our annual Financial Aid Night. This is an evening geared towards parents of juniors and seniors who will be working on their FAFSA, scholarships, and other college financial planning in the near future. Contact Mrs. Mueller with any questions.

AP STUDENTS
AP Exam Fees are due to the front office or Mrs. Mueller by Friday, Sept. 29. Cost is $94 per exam. Fees are only being collected for exams in designated AP courses at this time. Elective exam fees (not associated with a course at VL) will be collected at the beginning of second semester.

ONLINE CHRISTIAN PARENTING SEMINARS
Summit Ministries is offering a free online conference providing practical advice from Christian leaders and authors on how to disciple your teens into lifelong faith in Jesus. Topics covered include "Knowing the Culture," "Connecting the Generations," and "Developing the Heart." Don't miss out on this quality resource! https://parentingteenssummit.com/home

TALKING WITH KIDS ABOUT GRIEF
We know that seasons of grief are a natural part of life, but sometime it can be difficult to know how to help your child work through these complex emotions. This great article from Focus on the Family gives parents great tips on helping your child wade through the complexities of their grief. If you ever need a helping hand through tough times, please don't hesitate to contact Mrs. Mueller at [email protected] .

2017-2018 COLLEGE GUIDE
Focus on the Family has published a great resource for students and their families who are headed off to college in the near future. Check it out!

PSAT/NMSQT EXAM
Valley Lutheran will be offering this exam on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 8am. Students will test, then return to their regular schedules for the remainder of the day. The PSAT/NMSQT is an elective exam that students can take in preparation for the SAT. It is also the only way for current juniors to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Deadline to register is Friday, September 15th. There are a limited number of exams available. Payment is due at the time of registration. The exam costs $18.

SAT & ACT TESTING RESOURCES
A limited number of student testing guides and practice exams are available from Mrs. Mueller in the Guidance Office. These are free to students on a first-come, first-served basis.

IMPORTANT LINKS
SAT Information, Registration, etc. - www.sat.org
ACT Information, Registration, etc. - www.actstudent.org
FAFSA Information and submission - www.fafsa.ed.gov
VL Scholarship Page - http://bit.ly/VLScholarships2017
Community News
Breakfast Fundraiser for Wittig Family
A pancake breakfast fundraiser to benefit Mr. and Mrs. Barry Wittig will be held from 8-11am on Sunday, Sept. 24, at Peace Lutheran Church, 3161 Adams in Saginaw. The  Wittig family could use help in remodeling their bathroom to meet Mrs. Wittig's special needs. A free will offering will be taken. Please  make checks payable to Mr. and Mrs. Barry Wittig.
St. Peter Turkey Trot Nov. 4
Join Tri To Finish for the 6th Annual St. Peter Turkey Trot in Hemlock on  Saturday, Nov. 4. Races start at 9am at St. Peter Lutheran School and include a 10k and 5k, which are sanctioned by USA Track and Field. To register, visit the  Tri to Finish website. Proceeds from the event benefit students at St. Peter Lutheran School.
Job Opportunities
Part-Time Opening at Peace
Peace Lutheran Church has an opening for a part-time Contributions Clerk (20 hours per week). The Contributions Clerk works with financial matters, overseeing the contributions, deposits, tuition payments, and Dedicated Accounts for the church and its ministries. He or she will work in conjunction with the Business Manager and Bookkeeper to maintain internal controls, as well as supervise teller teams. Basic accounting experience and knowledge of Excel and Word are a plus. Must be willing to learn the Shepherd's Staff church accounting software. Apply in person at Peace Lutheran Church, 3427 Adams Ave, (corner of Mackinaw), in Saginaw. For more details, call 989-793-9025.  
Upcoming Events
Sept. 12 Back to School Night, 6:30pm
Sept. 13 Peeks at Valley, 8:15am
Sept. 16 18th Annual Golf Scramble, 8am
Sept. 21 Parent Organization Meeting, 6pm
Sept. 23 Lutheran Grade School Volleyball Tournament
Sept. 26 National Honor Society Induction, 7pm
Sept. 27 Service Day, 8am
Sept. 28 Peeks at Valley, 11am
Oct. 6 Homecoming Grand Tailgate, Parade, 4:45pm
Oct. 7 Homecoming Dance, 8pm

 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