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Parent Newsletter
March 6, 2019
The Valley Lutheran boys basketball team went 18-4 this season, winning the Tri-Valley West championship with a 13-1 record in league play.
Devotion
Recently, I listened to a TED Talk by a man named Phuc Tran. Tran came to the United States with his family as Vietnamese refugees in 1975. While escaping Saigon, he witnessed a bus being destroyed by artillery fire, a bus that he and his family had almost boarded. Later, as a boy growing up in rural Pennsylvania with a growing command of English, he often wondered what would have, or could have happened had he been on that bus with his family. When he expressed these thoughts to his parents, he was met with misunderstanding and confusion. Tran, now a teacher of classical languages, realizes that the reason for this misunderstanding was that the Vietnamese language lacks the nuanced subjunctive of the English language. English uses the subjunctive mood to express possibility, potentiality and counterfactuality - 'coulds', 'shoulds', and 'might haves' abound. While his parents likely had wonderings and regrets related to their past, they were unable to verbalize them due to the lack of the subjunctive mood in their native tongue. Tran identifies that while the English subjunctive can open the doors of possibility, it also can be an Achilles heel, as we focus on the mistakes of our past and what could have or should have been. 

This is where we find ourselves during Lent, using 'coulds' and 'shoulds' of the subjunctive mood to compound guilt and regret of past sins. One of God's many gifts to us this season is that he meets us right there, in the darkness and the guilt, and leads us to repentance to bring all our sin and regret to the foot of the cross and leave it there, not to be dwelt on any more. The subjunctive mood may have a useful role in the English language. However, when it comes to our salvation, there are no 'coulds', 'should haves', or 'mights' there is only the indicative fact of our salvation. On Good Friday, we will hear again the last words of Jesus as he gives up his life for our sin, "It is finished."  Later, in Romans, the apostle Paul writes "Since we have been united with him in his death, we also will be raised."

These statements are spoken in the indicative mood, expressing only fact.  Praise be to our Savior!

~Ben Cooper,
Science Dept.
News
Class Meetings For Returning Students
The process of selecting next year's classes for returning students begins with class meetings on  Monday, March 11. For many students this is an easy process based on course selections in previous years. In some instances, there are unique circumstances which we will need to work together to address. Please contact Mrs. Mueller if you would like to discuss your child's specific schedule.

Students will bring the course selection sheet with next year's registration form home for your signature. Your pastor's signature is also required if you are eligible for the association member tuition rate. We will waive the $100 re-registration fee if your completed re-registration form is returned by  Monday, April 8.

If you are applying for financial aid be sure to complete that process by  April 1 for full consideration.  Contact Cathy Miller (camiller @vlhs.com or at 989-790-1676) for help with the application form.
Scheduling of Incoming Freshmen has begun
Registration is open for incoming freshmen for the 2019-20 school year. Scheduling nights have been set. Upon receipt of registration and a tuition down payment, you will be contacted to set up an appointment to schedule classes.

To schedule a visit, a shadowing experience, or for more information, contact Sondra Yantz at syantz@vlhs.com or call the office at 989-790-1676.
S pring Sports Practices Begin Monday; Physicals Must Be on File
All spring sports will start practice this coming Monday, March 11. A valid sports physical, given on/after April 15, 2018, must be on file with the office to try out. Check with the coaches that conducted the sign-up meeting for your student's sport for more details such as where practices will be held, required dress, length of practice, other equipment needed, tryout period, etc.
Band and Choir Lenten Tour Begins Next Week
Our Symphonic Band and Golden Voice Choir will begin their Lenten Tour on Wednesday, March 13. Pray the Lord will bless their concerts as they share the message of "Peace" with congregations in Ohio and Michigan. Their return Homecoming Lenten Concert is scheduled for 3pm Sunday, March 17 at Peace Lutheran Church, 3427 Adams in Saginaw.

Below is their travel itinerary so you can share this with family and friends who might be in the area and want to hear our students share the message.

  • Wednesday, March 13 -- Immanuel Lutheran, Bridgman, MI, 6pm
  • Thursday, March 14 -- Saint John Lutheran, Rochester, MI, 7pm
  • Friday, March 15 -- Bethany Lutheran, Parma, OH, 6pm
  • Saturday, March 16 -- Saint Paul Lutheran, Napoleon, OH, 7pm
Next Open House is March 17
The next Valley Lutheran Open House is scheduled for 2-3pm Sunday, March 17. Talk with students, teachers and administrators, tour the building, and get questions answered.
Thank You From The Auction Committee
Thank you for attending the 16th Annual VLHS Auction and Benefit Dinner. Your presence and participation helped generate just over $58,000, of which $22,000 was raised towards new lockers. The rest will support student financial aid. Awesome!!

While the money raised is always appreciated, the fun and fellowship is the best part. Thanks for not just talking the talk, but also walking the walk. It's great to think that over the last 16 years, our party has generated over $850,000 for Valley Lutheran High School.

~VL Auction Committee
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 2019-20 school year, please contact Debbie Davis at 989-790-1676 or ddavis@vlhs.com for more information.
Saginaw Antique Society Show April 6
The Parent Organization will host the annual Saginaw Antique Society Show from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, April 6 at Valley Lutheran. There is a $4 admission fee that covers two free appraisals.

Luncheon available 11am-1:30pm.

Parent help is needed. Please watch for a sign-up for this event.  This is a great fundraiser for the Parent Organization as we get a portion of admission and lunch proceeds.
Scholarships are available for CyberMath Summer Camps
Summer camps can make a big difference in children's life academically and socially, but some families struggle to afford them. Scholarships are available for CyberMath Academy's summer camps. Interested students can sign up for consideration here. Scholarship amount varies depending on the student's achievements and/or need and availability of funds. The camps are open to students in grades 4-12. Application deadline for scholarships is March 24, 2019.
 
Camp Locations
  • Harvard Law School
  • Stanford University
Valley Post Prom is April 27, Committee Needs Help
Post Prom is a safe, fun event at SVSU Ryder Center following Prom where the kids play basketball, volleyball, swim, play inflatable bubble soccer, enter a cash machine, food and drink, and lots more!

This event is funded by the Post Prom Committee's fundraising and volunteer hours, as well as many generous businesses in the Great Lakes Bay Region. The committee is still in need of volunteers the night of prom and donations -- both monetary and merchandise. Volunteers arrive at the Saginaw Valley State University Ryder Center at 10:30pm and are done by 4am. 

Please contact Christian Wilke at 989-790-1676 or cwilke@vlhs.com, or Jenny Frank at 989-652-0187 or jlcfrank@yahoo.com with any questions, or if you'd like to make a donation.

Thank you in advance for making this event fun, exciting, and successful for our Charger family!
Guidance Corner
SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES
Seniors, don't forget about the list of scholarship resources at http://bit.ly/VLScholarships. Scholarships are coming in frequently and the list is updated weekly. Do not be shy on your applications - every little activity counts. If you need help or have questions, see Mrs. Mueller.

GREAT LAKES BAY REGION COLLEGE NIGHT
SVSU is hosting a Great Lakes Bay Region College Night on Tuesday, March 12 from 6-7:30pm in Curtiss Hall. High school students can visit with over 40 colleges and learn about financial aid, scholarships, career opportunities, and more. College Night is free and open to the public. For more information, go to the SVSU website.

SAGINAW CAREER COMPLEX
Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to take part in the programs offered at the Saginaw Career Complex. Students interested in pursuing one of these programs should meet with Mrs. Mueller soon to discuss the enrollment process and plan courses for next year.

SAT/ACT TESTING LINKS
SAT Information, Registration, etc. - www.sat.org
ACT Information, Registration, etc. - www.actstudent.org
Khan Academy (free test prep) - www.khanacademy.org/sat

FAFSA AND FINANCIAL AID LINKS
VL Scholarship Page - http://bit.ly/VLScholarships
FAFSA Information and submission - https://fafsa.ed.gov/
Community News
Trinity-St. James Hosting Fish Frys
Trinity-St. James Lutheran Church, 119 E. Munger Rd in Munger, is hosting two upcoming fish fry events. The dinners will take place the following Fridays: March 15 and April 12. The fish fry is an all-you-can-eat buffet from 11am-7pm and take outs are available. The cost for adults is $12. Children ages 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 more information.
Lion King Jr. March 21-23 at Peace Lutheran Church
Area Lutheran grade school students will perform "Lion King Jr." at Peace Lutheran Church, 3427 Adams in Saginaw, at 1pm Thursday, March 21 and at 7pm March 22-23. Advance tickets are available through the church office or may be purchased at the door for $8.
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 April 14 at 4:30pm and two performances on Good Friday, April 19 at 4:30pm and 7pm at the church.
Peace Lutheran in need of Classroom Aides
Peace Lutheran School, 3161 Lawndale Road in Saginaw Township, is hiring part-time classroom aides in its Early Childhood Center. They are seeking aides in the Infant and Toddler Rooms for 15-20 hours per week. Must be dependable and have experience working with children. Email resumes directly to  kpearson@peacesaginaw.org  or call Early Childhood Director Kathi Pearson at 989-792-2581 for more information.
Upcoming Events
March 9 SAT, 8am
March 11 Parents in Prayer, 8am
March 13 Peeks at Valley, 8:15am
March 14-16 Lenten Tour
March 17 Golden Voice/Symphonic Band Homecoming Concert (Peace Church), 3pm
March 17 VLHS Open House, 2pm
March 22 End of 3rd Quarter
March 25-29 Spring Break

 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