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Parent Newsletter
May 21, 2018

Valley Lutheran students in Bess Winter's family group spent Service Day last week by creating a new flower bed and completing other landscaping projects at Beacon of Hope Pregnancy Care Center in Bay City.
Scripture
Reminder of Comfort
Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
- Psalm 73:25-26
News
Pre-Paid Tuition Program
Families may pre-pay tuition for future school years at the 2018-2019 rates until  July 31, 2018 .  This allows families to "lock-in" these tuition rates and avoid future tuition increases. Be sure to note there are no longer discounts for the full tuition payment for the current school year. 
                 
School Year
Association
Non-Association LCMS
Community
2018-2019*
$6,275
$7,425
$7,775
2019-2020*
$6,275
$7,425
$7,775
2020 and beyond*
$6,275
$7,425
$7,775
*Annual pre-paid discount is discontinued.
No pre-paid tuition payments will be accepted after July 31 until the new tuition rates are announced in January 2019.  More  details  and a  formal agreement  are available online or by calling Business Manager Bill Ankoviak at 989-790-1676.
Music Department Spring Concert on May 22
Students from Valley Lutheran's Music Department will host their Spring Concert at Curtiss Hall on the Saginaw Valley State University campus on Tuesday, May 22. The concert begins at 7pm and doors open at 6:30pm. Everyone is invited to come hear the choirs and musicians directed by Paul Eschmann, Rebecca Eifert, and Lindsay Mueller. 
Senior News
SENIORS EXCUSED
Seniors are excused from school on  Friday, May 25.

SENIOR SURVEY
All seniors have been sent the link for their senior survey through Google Classroom. This is an important step to complete, as it is the only way we collect information for the graduation insert that lists college, major, and scholarship information for each student. The survey can be accessed online at  bit.ly/VLSeniors. Please fill out only one survey. Changes and additions can be made by contacting Mrs. Mueller. Paper copies are also available in the office.

FINAL TRANSCRIPTS
Seniors enrolling in a college or university next year will need to request their final transcripts to be sent after graduation. These are only sent to the school you will attend in the fall, and are seen as a step in the final enrollment process. The office will begin processing these in mid-June. Directions for requesting these through Parchment can be found  here. You can do this any time you are ready - just request that your transcript be held for grades.
Final exam schedule
Final exams are scheduled for  June 4-6. Valley is on the second cycle. The schedule can be found  here. Here is a recap of important information.
  • Exams will start at 8am each morning.
  • Most students will be finished with exams by 11:25am (exceptions would be for students who have double classes in a specific subject area. These exams conclude by 1pm.
  • Students may arrive late if they only have a second hour final or leave early if they only have a first hour final. However, chapel attendance is expected either way. Chapel runs 9:35-9:50am all three days.
  • A study hall will be offered for students who do not have a scheduled exam and must remain in school.
Sports Physicals at Valley
Sports Physicals are being offered on two dates at Valley Lutheran.
  • May 31 - 4:30-5:30pm  
  • Aug. 1 - 4:30-6pm
The cost is $13 payable to Dr. James LaFleur.

This exam will meet the requirement of every participating athlete's obligation to have a physical exam, if he or she intends to try out for and/or make one of Valley's sports teams for the 2018-19 school year.
Credit Recovery Classes
Credit Recovery Classes will be offered once again at Valley for students who have failed classes during the school year. Classes run June 18 to July 19, from 8:30-11:30am, with no classes on Fridays. 

Cost: $250 for the first (1/2 credit) class 
          $175 for a second (1/2 credit) class  
 
Registration is open for anyone who failed a first semester class. Final registration will occur between June 11-15, as the second semester grades are finalized. A parent/student meeting will take place Wednesday, June 13, at 7pm. For full details, pick up a flyer in the school office.
 
Classes are taught online through FuelEd and a VL teacher as in-class support. All students MUST attend class at Valley, however, additional work may be done at home. If you have any questions about this program, contact Dr. Lisa Meyers at  [email protected] or 989-790-1676.
Registration Now Open for Summer Camps
Summer camps return to Valley this summer: 
  • Sports and extra-curricular camps (June 11-28) for students entering grades 4-9
  • New camps this summer include 3-D Printing and Spanish camps.
A detailed flyer and registration form is available at www.vlhs.com/camps. Flyers are also in the Charger Connection, which were given to students when Mrs. Yantz visited the schools. Please share with friends and family who are looking for fun and affordable camps for their middle schoolers!
Parent Organization Meeting August 14
The next Parent Organization meeting will be at  7pm on August 14 at G's Pizzeria on Bay Road in Saginaw. Mark your calendars and join our great group to discuss upcoming events for the school year, and, of course, enjoy dinner at the same time.
Lutheran Study Bible for Freshmen, Sophomores
Lutheran Study Bibles are needed for all Theology classes. Bibles are on sale now at  cph.org  (paperbacks for $25.99 and hardcover for $39.99). Orders will be taken at orientation, though the sale price is not guaranteed.
Want To Engage Your High Schooler This Summer?
Concordia Irvine in California is hosting a week-long Crosswise Institute Summer Experience from June 24-29. It is designed to engage high schoolers with exciting issues in the world today and to relate them to the faith. This year the topic is neuroscience and God. If your children are interested in attending, a discounted rate of 300 is available. Plus, they can receive a scholarship to cover half of the airfare. Get more information at this website. For information on the discounted rates, contact Paul Elliott at [email protected].
Guidance Corner
CLASS OF 2018 - FINAL TRANSCRIPTS
Seniors enrolling in a college or university next year will need to request their final transcripts to be sent after graduation. These are only sent to the school you will attend in the fall, and are seen as a step in the final enrollment process. The office will begin processing these in mid-June. Directions for requesting these through Parchment can be found here. You can do this any time you are ready - just request that your transcript be held for grades. Mrs. Mueller will not send out student documents unless requested by the student or parent in order to maintain the confidential nature of these documents.

13 REASONS WHY
This book turned Netflix series launched the second season on Friday, May 18. The story outlines the 13 different reasons why a young lady chooses to end her own life - many of which are concerning or mature in nature. Early reports indicate that the second season is not a departure from the graphic and disturbing first season. If you or your student choose to watch the series or read the book, I encourage you to have open and honest discussions about the content and any thoughts or emotions that might arise from viewing this content. Mrs. Mueller is available to talk with students and/or parents who may have concerns.

WHAT DO ALL THOSE LETTERS MEAN?
Having trouble understanding all the acronyms or slang your kids are using in their messages? Check out Axis.org's Parents Guide to Slang 2018. Warning: There are some graphic terms and explanations.

PSAT and SAT SCORES
SAT and PSAT scores from the April 10 testing have been released online to students. As a school, we are not given access to this information until mid-summer. You will need to create a CollegeBoard account to log in and see these scores. If you already have an account, login and your scores should be linked. (How to create a CollegeBoard account) Keep this information in a safe place - you will use it often the next few years. If you are having trouble accessing your scores, Mrs. Mueller is willing to sit down and troubleshoot. Make sure your student comes in with their username and password so we can access their account together.

CLASS OF 2019 INDIVIDUAL MEETINGS
Individual meetings are continuing with current juniors to talk about the future - career ideas, college ideas, senior year classes, etc. Meetings are being held alphabetically by student's Academic Seminar hours, so patience is appreciated as we work through the alphabet. Encourage your student to come prepared with questions or ideas. There are also great resources for college and career searches on their Big Future site - http://bigfuture.collegeboard.org.

IMPORTANT LINKS
SAT Information, Registration, etc. - www.sat.org
ACT Information, Registration, etc. - www.actstudent.org
FAFSA Information and submission - https://fafsa.ed.gov/
FSA ID Information and creation - https://fsaid.ed.gov
VL Scholarship Page - http://bit.ly/VLScholarships
Job Opportunities
Good Shepherd Seeking Contemporary Worship Leader
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Saginaw is seeking an experienced musician as its Contemporary Worship Leader. The primary responsibilities of this part-time position (16 hours per week) are to plan, coordinate and lead weekly contemporary worship services.  Interested candidates can visit  Good Shepherd's website for information on how to apply.
Administrative Assistant Needed at Good Shepherd
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Saginaw is seeking an administrative assistant to the senior pastor and the president of the congregation. The primary responsibilities of this part-time position (approximately 20 hours per week) are to help create and maintain pastoral and ministry calendars, assist with meeting preparation and follow-up items, as well as general office administration details. Interested candidates can visit Good Shepherd's website for information on how to apply.
Peace Hiring For Custodial Position
Peace Lutheran School and Early Childhood Center,  3161 Lawndale Road in Saginaw Township, is hiring a part-time custodian for its expanded Early Childhood Center. Custodians can work up to 20 hours per week; start date is after  May 28. If interested, please contact Peace Lutheran Facilities Administrator Joel Keup at  [email protected] or 792.2581. The full job description is available here. 
Peace Searching For Director of Finance
Peace Lutheran Ministries is searching for a Director of Finance. Applicants should have a strong understanding of a Lutheran ministry setting, church finances, annual budgeting and be able to work within a team ministry. This is a full-time salaried position with benefits. The detailed job description can be found at this link.  All interested individuals are asked to submit a letter of interest along with a resume and a minimum of three professional references to:  Henry G. Pahlkotter,  Director of Ministries, 3427 Adams Ave., Saginaw, 48602
Community News
Good Shepherd Hosting Trivia Night
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 5335 Brockway Road, in Saginaw, is hosting a Trivia Night on Friday, June 1 at 6:30pm. Create your own team or come on your own and join a table. The cost is just $15 per person or $120 for a table of eight. There will be cash prizes and lots of snacks. Tickets are available in the church office or at the event. All proceeds benefit the Brazil Mission Team. Call Becky Biber at 989-327-1185 for more information.
Peace Panther Prowl Golf Outing 
The Peace Lutheran Panther Prowl 9th Annual Golf Outing will be held  Friday, June 8, at the Sawmill.  Included in the $85 registration fee (if completed by June 1) is 18 holes with lunch and dinner. Tickets are also available for  those only interested in dinner and a silent auction. This event supports athletics at the school. For more information, contact Peace Athletic Director Keith Trent at  [email protected]  or 989-792-2581.
Upcoming Events
May 22 Spring Music Concert at SVSU, 7pm
May 24 Parents in Prayer, 8am
May 24 Senior Banquet, 6:30pm
May 25 Seniors Excused for the Day
May 28 No School - Memorial Day
May 29 Incoming Freshmen Placement Testing, 6pm
May 31 Sports Physicals, 4:30pm
May 31 Incoming Freshmen Placement Testing, 6pm
June 2 SAT Testing, 8am
June 4-6 Final Exams
June 4 Incoming Freshmen Placement Testing, 6pm
June 6 Last Day of School
June 6 Incoming Freshmen Placement Testing, 6pm
June 9 ACT Testing, 8am
June 10 Graduation, 2pm

 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