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Parent Newsletter
April 5, 2017
Valley Lutheran High School students spent the morning of Thursday, March 23, at the Saginaw County Courthouse for Law Day. Students served as lawyers, witnesses and jury members. Valley's team successfully defended its case and, along with Hemlock High's team, earned the best performance award by a team. More photos can be found on Facebook.
Devotion
Be Still
This week, the number of days I don't have an after school (or, to put it more accurately, after play rehearsal) commitment is (drumroll please) ... zero! Yep, zero. Suffice it to say, I'm in one of life's busy seasons. 

Now, I know that sounds complainy, so please don't misunderstand - I love those things that keep me busy. I love being an English teacher. I love directing plays and being able to connect with students after school in rehearsal. I love furthering my own education and growing in my own abilities through challenging Masters classes. I love being able to serve my church by being on call committees and participating in musical ensembles and seasonal drama productions; the list could continue on and on. I love these things, but sometimes when they're all in the mix together, I feel like a juggler who, without much prompting is about to lose control of all the balls in the air.

When life starts to feel like that, I try to remember Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God." However, sometimes I focus on the "Be still" part; and (I hate to admit) try not to laugh, "Be still?! Isn't stillness what's going to make all those balls come crashing to the ground? The juggler's arms must constantly be in motion." I need to do a better job of remembering the "and know that I am God" part of the verse. He's got everything under control because He's God - He's Almighty and Everlasting - and there's no juggling act too complicated for Him. I can still prioritize stillness - being in the Word, and in personal devotion and prayer, and nothing about my busy life is going to come crashing down. In fact, that juggling act might become just a little bit easier because I'll constantly be reminded that I'm not doing it on my own. Right beside me is the God who promised to be "an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).

- Jeanette Weilnau
News
Third Quarter Grades Available Online
Third quarter grades can be accessed by going to www.mystudentdata.com and entering the following information:
  • School Code: 50
  • Student ID Number: Call the office or email Nora Krueger at nkrueger@vlhs.com if you cannot locate your ID number.
  • Password: Chargers
  • Student Birth Date
If you have questions about your child's grades, please contact the teacher by phone at 989-790-1676 or by email. Teacher email addresses are available on the school website, www.vlhs.com .

Please remember that grades can only be accessed if tuition payments are current. If you have any problems, call 989-790-1676.
Incoming Freshmen Scheduling Dates
The next incoming freshmen scheduling date is  April 25. Registration forms need to be submitted to schedule classes. Call the office at 989-790-1676 for details.
Next Open House This Sunday
The next Valley Lutheran Open House is scheduled for this  Sunday, April 9, at 2pm. Talk with students, teachers and administrators, tour the building and get questions answered.
Spring Play Tickets on Sale This Monday
The Valley Lutheran Drama Department will present William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night on April 27-29 at 7pm in the gym. Tickets go on sale starting Monday, April 10. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. Seating is limited and advanced purchase is encouraged.
Unique Day on Tuesday, April 11
On Tuesday, April 11, most Valley students will participate in a variety of tests. The juniors will take a real SAT as part of the Michigan Merit Exam. Freshmen and sophomores will take a real PSAT. Testing will begin promptly at 8am - please not that students will need to be at school before 8am even though it's a Tuesday.

Students should bring No. 2 non-mechanical pencils and an approved calculator. Students are dismissed after their test has concluded. No lunch will be served. Estimated release times are below:
Juniors SAT 8am-1pm
Freshmen/Sophomores PSAT 8am-Noon

In addition, AP Spanish students will be taking their final exam during the following times:
AP Spanish 8am-Noon

Seniors who are not in AP Spanish do not need to report to school April 11.

All testing is paid for by the State of Michigan. We are once again participating in the state testing for several reasons:
  1. To give our juniors a free opportunity for the SAT college entrance exam
  2. To give freshmen and sophomores a practice opportunity for the college entrance exam
  3. To receive valuable, detailed information about how our students perform on specific skills that can be used to evaluate and improve our curriculum.
Juniors Taking the MME
All Juniors in the state of Michigan participate in the Michigan Merit Exam (MME).  Students will receive individual score reports that identify academic strengths and weaknesses.  VLHS will also receive detailed reports that measure performance levels on important academic skills and content. 

One benefit of participating is that the juniors will receive a free SAT, taken during the school day, that they may use for college entrance and scholarships.  Additionally, VLHS will receive detailed information on how well the juniors perform on many academic skills.  These reports are a valuable tool used by the faculty to evaluate and improve our curriculum.

The schedule for the MME is as follows:
Tuesday, April 11
 SAT 8am-1pm Students are dismissed at 1pm (no regular classes). Students take tests in reading, writing and mathematics.
Wednesday, April 12 WorkKeys 8-11am Students will rejoin their regular schedule (in progress) starting at 11am. Students take tests in reading, math and locating information.
Thursday, April 13 MSTEP 12:55-3:05pm Michigan testing on science and social studies done on computer. Students may stay after 3:05pm if they need more time.

It is crucial that students are in attendance on these days as make-up testing is required. Students who attend a career technical school have been excused from those schools so that they may participate in testing. Students must be on time as the testing rules mandate an 8:00 am start.  Students should bring No. 2 non-mechanical pencils and approved calculators (lists posted at school) for Day 1 and Day 2 of testing. Contact Lindsay Mueller ( lmueller@vlhs.com) or Lisa Meyers ( lmeyers@vlhs.com) with any questions.
Parent Organization Meeting on April 11
The next VLHS Parent Organization meeting will be Tuesday, April 11, at 7pm in the cafeteria. Detailed information regarding each Parent Organization event will be given out at this meeting. Please consider attending.
Charger Post Prom Party April 22 At SVSU
The annual Post Prom Party is planned for Saturday, April 22, at 11pm at Saginaw Valley State University. Your child does not need to attend prom to come to the party. Note: There will be a secure place for all prom attire for those coming directly from prom.
  • Location: Saginaw Valley State University
  • Time: 11pm Saturday to 4:30am Sunday
  • Activities: Swimming, food and drinks, cash machines, Minute To Win It games, Jenga, human Hungry Hungry Hippo, bubble soccer, prizes, cash prizes and large raffle prizes.
  • Cost: Tickets are $15 and go on sale the week before prom during lunch periods.
13th Annual Handbell Concert on April 30
You are invited to attend the 13th Annual Handbell Concert on  Sunday, April 30, at 4pm in the VLHS gymnasium.  Come and hear Valley's Glorify bell choir, as well as bell choirs from six other area churches. The concert is free to the public.
Sign Up For Tuition Assistance By May 1
Tuition assistance applications for the 2017-18 school year can be downloaded here. Applications are due May 1 for full consideration. Applications received after May 1 will be considered as funds are available with a minimum late penalty reduction of 10 percent of the recommended grant. Re-registrations were due today (April 5) to avoid a $100 fee. Your child should have brought this home weeks ago. A pastor's signature is required if you are a member of an LCMS church.

To learn more about tuition and financial aid, visit our site or c all Mrs. Behnke with any questions at 989-790-1676.
Kroger Rewards Update - Re-Enrollment Not Necessary
If you use Kroger Community Rewards, please note that you do not need to re-enroll in the program to continue to earn funding for Valley Lutheran.  As of March 22, Kroger suspended its re-enrollment process from the program for this year. This means members will NOT need to re-enroll their Kroger Plus card. 

Communication from Kroger had gone out about the re-enrollment and the company apologizes for any confusion. The reason for the change is that The Kroger Co. is working on technology and enhancements that will make the program more user friendly to our Valuable Kroger Customers.

If for any reason a member does re-enroll they will just continue to earn as they were.  As always, new members may join the program at any time.
Registration Now Open for Summer Camps, Classes
Summer camps and classes return to Valley this summer: 
  • Six-week Credit Recovery Classes in June and July for Valley students who have failed classes during the school year 
  • Sports and extra-curricular camps (June 13-29) for students entering grades 4-9
  • New camps this summer include STEAM and French camps.
A detailed flyer and registration form is available at www.vlhs.com/camps. Flyers are also in the Charger Connection, which are given to students when Mr. Vincent visits the schools. Please share with friends and family who are looking for fun and affordable camps for their middle schoolers!
Entertainment Books (Limited Quantity) Available For $10
There are a few 2017 Entertainment Books still available. There's plenty of time to save money. Books may be purchased in the office for $10.
Wanted: Wheelchair For School Visitors
Valley is in need of a good, used wheelchair that visitors can use while at the school. If you have one to donate, contact Heath Vincent at 989-790-1676 or  hvincent@vlhs.com .
Host Families Needed
Host families are needed for future international students at VLHS. These students are attracted to our school because of its academic reputation, but they also give us, as Christians, a unique opportunity to share the Gospel. Host families do receive a monthly stipend. If you are interested in hosting an international student for the 2017-2018 school year, please contact Debbie Davis at 989-790-1676 or  ddavis@vlhs.com for more information.
STEM Scholars Summer Camps at SVSU
Saginaw Valley State University is hosting three "free" STEM Scholars Summer Camps. These 80-hour summer camps incorporate hands-on, problem-based learning and are open to 9th-12th grade students. The camps are Computer Science Explore Camp, Health Science and Kinesiology Camp and Technology of Filmmaking Camp. Visit www.svsu.edu/stem for an application and more information.
Applicants Wanted for Dow Summer Research Program
SVSU has announced the 2017 Dow Science and Sustainability Education Center Summer Research Program.  High school students currently in 9th through 11th grades are encouraged to apply for this incredible paid opportunity by  April 21 .

For more information, visit this link or contact Adrianne Cole at 989-964-4058.
MDOT Hiring Student For Summer Program
The Michigan Department of Transportation is looking for applicants for its summer program which involves working at MDOT's roadside parks, rest areas, carpool parking lots, and roadsides. The work includes picking up debris and weed and brush cutting. Another exciting part of this program is the mentoring. Students will have an opportunity to learn more about MDOT, civil engineering, and transportation careers. These positions are paid and 40 hours per week.

The work locations are as follows:
  • Team Leaders - Saginaw and Flint (2 workers at each location) - typically college students
  • Team Members - Saginaw and Flint (8 workers at each location) - typically high school students with a minimum age of 16 when the program starts.
The program will start June 19 and end August 24. More information is available at this website.

To apply for a position, visit this website. Applications are being accepted until the positions are filled. If you have questions, email Selena Friend at friends@michigan.gov or call 989-233-2056.
Guidance Corner
DUAL ENROLLMENT FOR 2017-2018
Students intending to take Dual Enrollment courses next year, either through Delta College or CUAA, should be actively working on the paperwork necessary for their college applications and registrations. Checklists for this entire process are available on Mrs. Mueller's door. We encourage students to take the lead in this process!

AP CONTRACTS & TEST FEES
Students requesting an AP course for their 2017-2018 schedule should be completing an AP Course Contract, available on Mrs. Mueller's door. The contract is the only thing due at this time - testing fees for the AP Exam will be collected in the fall when test costs are released.

SCHOLARSHIPS!
Many new scholarship opportunities have been added to the VL Scholarship page in the past week. Check out our VL Scholarship Page - http://bit.ly/VLScholarships2017 - for the most up-to-date scholarship information that we receive.

CAREER DAY
This Friday, April 7, Valley Lutheran will host more than 75 professionals from the surrounding community who are excited to share their career experiences with students. Encourage your student to take full advantage of this awesome opportunity! Students are dismissed at 12pm.

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
Trinity St. James Hosting Fish Fry
Trinity St. James Lutheran Church in Munger, 119 E. Munger Road, is hosting an all-you-can-eat fish fry Friday, April 7, from 11am to 7pm. Take outs are available. The cost for adults is $12. Children 6-12 are $6. The menu includes fried perch, fried cod, baked cod, french fries, German potato salad, macaroni & cheese, corn, cole slaw, desserts and more. Call 989-659-2506 for information.
Good Shepherd Hosting Annual Easter Walk
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 5335 Brockway in Saginaw Township, will present three performances of "The Search for Jesus" Easter Walk." The dates are Sunday, April 9 at 4:30pm and two performances on Good Friday, April 14, at 4:30 and 7pm, at the church.

Take a step back in time and embark on a journey in this interactive drama. It is circa 33 A.D. and a group of travelers is on a quest to find Jesus of Nazareth. Thousands have enjoyed this powerful performance.

Come 30 minutes before the show and enjoy a re-enactment of Jerusalem's marketplace filled with crafts and music. There is no charge but a free will offering is appreciated. All shows are barrier-free and childcare is provided.
Trinity St. James Hosting Easter Egg Hunt
Trinity St. James Lutheran Church in Munger, 119 E. Munger Road, is hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunt at 10am Saturday, April 15.  Every child gets a dozen eggs. Please dress for the weather as the event will happen rain or shine. 
Chosen Daughters of Christ Meeting April 22
Join your sisters in Christ for an encouraging and uplifting women's brunch on Saturday, April 22, from 9am-1pm at Bay Valley Resort in Bay City. Ellen Hobson, educator and follower of Jesus, will be our speaker. Based on the theme of HOPE, we will be sharing about being loved through this journey of everyday life - life with all its ups and downs as a Chosen Daughter of Christ. Invite your family and friends to join in this encouraging time of fellowship and growth. Cost is $20. Call the St. Paul Lutheran office at 989-684-4450 to register. Contact Greta Dijak at 989-415-6839 or Heidi Schultz at 989-450-0975 with questions.
Upcoming Events
April 5 Third Quarter Grades Available, 5pm
April 6 Peeks at Valley, 8:15am
April 6 Freshmen Registration, 6-8:30pm by appointment
April 7 Career Day, Classes Dismissed at Noon
April 8 ACT Testing, 8am
April 9 Open House, 2-3pm
April 10 Parents in Prayer, 8am
April 14 No School - Good Friday
April 17 No School - Easter Break
April 19 Peeks at Valley, 11am
April 22 Junior/Senior Prom, 6pm (followed by Post Prom Party at 11pm)
April 25 Freshmen Registration, 6-8:30pm by appointment
April 27-29 Spring Play (Twelfth Night), 7pm at VLHS

 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