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Parent Newsletter
July 30, 2018
Kayla Engelhard and varsity girls' basketball coach Matt Princing.

Kayla Engelhard (VL '2011) volunteered to work with members of Valley Lutheran's girls basketball program this summer to help players improve their game, as well as strengthen and condition against injuries common to basketball players. 

Kayla is a two-time first team All-State selection and led Valley to the state semifinals in basketball in 2011. She was a four-year starter at  Calvin College. She currently serves on the coaching staff at Whitman College in Washington. To find out what current students and recent graduates  are doing this summer, visit our Facebook page.
Devotion
'Anchored in Hope'  
This summer, I visited the palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian in Split, Croatia. Under his orders thousands of Christians were killed. The streets where Christians walked to their deaths were teeming with tourists - some aware of the horrifying history of the place and, probably, many who simply were awed by the splendor of the building even these many years later.

This year's theme verse, " We have this hope as an anchor for our soul, firm, and secure (Hebrews 6:19)," was written to Christian Jews at the beginning of the persecutions. It was encouragement as they faced the ultimate "persecution" like those Christians experienced under Diocletian.

With thanksgiving we can say that American Christians, members of the Valley Lutheran family, do not face persecution of this magnitude. Yet, we too need encouragement as we face our own trials. School worries, strife among family and friends, and disappointments are times to remember we are "anchored in hope." Days of celebration and relief from worry are also times to remember we are "anchored in hope," and to celebrate God's blessings.

People danced in the streets when Diocletian died and his mausoleum ultimately became a cathedral. His successor, Emperor Constantine, ended the Christian persecutions. The Christian church not only survived but flourished.

The anchor through all of this? Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Son of God. The one Christians died for under Diocletian. The one who is our hope as we live for Him.

- John Brandt
Executive Director
News
New Cell Phone Initiative
Starting high school is a tremendous transition for students coming from the grade school setting. The freshman year is critical for developing good habits that lead to success in academics, activities, and social interactions. With this in mind, we are beginning a new cell phone initiative with ninth graders that will greatly improve that transition.

Ninth grade students will be asked to leave their cell phones in their lockers for the duration of the school day. While they may certainly contact their parents when necessary before/after school, during lunch/study hall, or during passing periods, they will be asked not to use cell phones (or other mobile communication devices) for any other purposes between 7:30 am and 3:30 pm. In case of emergency, parents may have quick contact with their student through the office.
During this year, we will be initiating a number of strategies that will give them a better experience in all areas of high school life:
  • Intentional training on digital citizenship, internet safety, and positive internet/social media use will occur within the required "Computer Fundamentals" course taken by all 9th graders
  • Intentional assistance in utilizing their Academic Seminar (study hall) time effectively
  • Intentional guidance and direction on developing positive social relationships with others both in-person and online
  • Intentional strategies used with students in all grades to create a positive school culture and successful academic atmosphere
We believe that these strategies will help lay a solid foundation in skills that are necessary to perform their best academically, to develop social skills that are necessary beyond high school, and to keep them safe from negative experiences often seen through internet use.
Parents can be a partner in this effort by supporting the cell phone initiative and reminding ninth grade students to keep cell phones in their lockers (or even left at home) during the school day.
Researchers on the impact of cell phones on adolescents also recommend the following:
  • Insist on a "cell phone free" dinner time where family members can talk with each other.
  • Set boundaries on phone use (i.e. none after 10 pm or before 7 am) and set up a charging station for your teen's cell phone that is outside their bedroom so that they are not accessing it during that time period.
  • Remind them not to post anything that they wouldn't want their parent to see or that they wouldn't say in person.
  • Model appropriate cell phone use yourself as a parent.
Cell phone technology can be a huge blessing when used properly, but it also comes with huge responsibility.  Many high schools have banned cell phones during the school day for all students. We believe that our students can handle the responsibility with some intentional targeted training on positive, appropriate use.   Thank you for your help in getting our ninth graders off to the best start possible to high school and their futures.
Here are a couple articles that you might appreciate:

Common Sense Media - Lots of articles on "Cell Phone Parenting"
Sports Physicals at Valley This Wednesday
Sports Physicals are being offered at Valley Lutheran this Wednesday, Aug. 1, from  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.
Back to School Materials List
You can find a general school "Materials List"   here, which lists items required/recommended for specific classes. Here are a couple more suggestions:
  1. Each student should keep a set of "ear buds" at school for personal use. We have sets of headphones available for our computer towers but when students are using the Chromebooks in the classroom, it is nice for them to have their own personal ear buds.
  2. The ESV Lutheran Study Bible is used all of high school. The Concordia Publishing House is the primary distributor and their selection of Bibles can be found   here. We will try to have some available at school for purchase as well. Freshmen Bibles are on sale now. An order will be taken at freshmen orientation, as well ($24.99 for paperback and $39.99 for hard cover).
Many people ask if their student can bring in a technology device. The answer is, "Yes, please!" Students may use laptops, tablets, Chromebooks, etc. in classes, study hall, and at lunch. While students are not required to have a device, they are encouraged to bring one (if available) and use it in the academic setting. If you are interested in purchasing a device, any laptop, tablet, or Chromebook would be acceptable.
Summer Read
The books for the Summer Read program have been announced. Students are to read the following books before the 2018-19 school year begins. 
  • Freshmen (Class of 2022): Shift by Jennifer Bradbury
  • Sophomores (Class of 2021): The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Juniors (Class of 2020): Warriors Don't Cry by Melba Patillo Beals
  • Seniors (Class of 2019): All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
This year, there will be no project for the book. In its place, students will take a comprehension test on their book in August. The grade will be part of their English grade for the first quarter. If they do not have an English course in the first quarter, the grade will be applied to another class. Students should be prepared to present their book or discuss it. This may happen in family groups, English classes, or in another class.

A copy of the project guidelines  can be found here. Call the office at 989-790-1676 or email Lisa Meyers at  [email protected] with any questions.
Freshmen and New Transfer Home Visits
Every freshman and new transfer student will have a home visit from a teacher by Aug. 17.  This home visit helps everyone become acquainted before school begins, and it is a good time to get those questions answered. Expect a phone call to schedule this visit.
Sophomore/Junior/Senior Info Night 
Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, and their parents are asked to attend meetings at school on either  Tuesday, Aug. 7 or Thursday, Aug. 16 to receive information specific to those classes.  The meetings will begin at   7pm and last for about one hour.
  
There will be another meeting immediately following both nights for National Honor Society prospects.
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.
19th Annual Golf Scramble
Valley's 19th Annual Golf Scramble will be Saturday, Sept. 15, at Apple Mountain Golf Course. This year, in the midst of our Growing Campaign, the rate has been reduced to $85 per person. Brochures are available in the school office or can be downloaded here. The Golf Scramble helps raise money for the Student Aid Fund, which provides tuition assistance for students in need.
Class of 2019 News: Senior Photos, Retreat
  • Save the date! 
    The Senior Class Retreat will be held Oct. 12-14 at Camp Timbers. We hope to see you there!
Fall Sports Practices
Call the coach of the sport your child is interested in to find out what time practice begins in August.

Cheerleading - Grace Schardt - 989-928-4009
Football - Joe Willey - 989-274-1703
Golf - Steve Zill - 989-980-4801
Soccer - Doug Guenther - 989-482-2202
Volleyball - Jon Frank - 989-284-9008
Cross Country - Renee Brenner - 989-372-2096
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.
Homes For Old Mattresses
Buying a new mattress? Wondering if there is a use for the old one besides filling the dump? We will accept mattresses for the Franklin Ave. Mission in Flint on Sept. 24 and 25 and early morning on the 26th. Just bring them to school on one of those days and we will deliver them to the Franklin Ave. Mission on service day where they will be distributed to people who have no mattress. All sizes are welcome. Please, no mattresses with bed bugs.
Cybersecurity Camp
Join the Michigan Initiative for cybersecurity education (MICE) team to build drones, explore cybersecurity concepts, program games in Python, and prepare for the future. The camp is open to 13-15 olds and will take you to new heights with guest speakers, hands on experiences, and a special gift for students to take home. Broaden your skills even further with free access to Cisco Networking Academy courses; free for every camp attendee.

The camp runs from 9am to 3pm Aug. 15-17 and is hosted by Saginaw Valley State University. Registration is free and lunch is provided. If you have questions, call 989-501-1900. For a PDF flyer about the camp, click here.
Guidance Corner
2018-2019 STUDENT SCHEDULES
Schedules for returning students will be released via My Student Data on Friday, Aug. 17 by 5 pm. All students will have access to their schedule online, regardless of any holds on their account. To access student schedules, go to www.mystudentdata.com and enter their UIC# (on their student ID) and birthdate. Our school code is 50 and the password is Chargers.

SCHEDULE CHANGES
Students wanting to make a change to their courses for next year can email or call Mrs. Mueller at any point between now and the start of school. As a reminder, schedule changes are not typically made to adjust lunch or academic seminar hours.

CLASS OF 2019
Be sure you and your parents attend one of the two designated "Senior Nights" in August, as we will be going over the college application process in great detail. This is important information that you do not want to miss!

WORK PERMITS
Students under the age of 18 need a work permit on file in order to hold employment. Work permits are available in the school office, and require information from the student and parent, the employer, and the school. Stop in during normal office hours to pick up a permit.

SUMMER JUMPSTART
Want to get a jumpstart on college or career planning? Take a look at resources below for your grade. It's never too early to start making a plan! Visit a college campus. Job shadow in a career area you might be interested in pursuing. Volunteer for local organizations. Explore your options when it comes to training for various career areas. Take the time now while life is a bit more relaxed, and start the new year off with a plan!

SAT/ACT TESTING INFORMATION
SAT Information, Registration, etc. - www.sat.org
ACT Information, Registration, etc. - www.actstudent.org
Job Opportunities
Valley Lutheran Hiring Part-Time Communications Assistant
Valley Lutheran High School is accepting applications for the position of part-time Communications Assistant. This individual will work closely with the Executive Director, Development Director, and Director of Student Recruitment in communicating the school's mission to its constituencies. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who is strong in written communication skills, familiar with InDesign and Office software applications, social media, and supportive of the mission of Valley Lutheran High School. The position is for 15 hours per week with a flexible work schedule. Interested applicants may send a resume with cover letter to Dr. John Brandt, Executive Director, Valley Lutheran High School, 3560 McCarty, Saginaw MI 48603 or by email to [email protected]. For more information contact John Brandt at 989-790-1676 or by email.
Peace Hiring Preschool Aides
Looking for a part-time job this coming school year? Peace Lutheran School,  3161 Lawndale Road in Saginaw Township, is hiring part-time classroom aides in its Early Childhood Center. Morning and afternoon opportunities are available for up to 20 hours per week. Required: Experience working with children. Preferred: A CDA and experience working with children ages 3-5. Email resumes to  [email protected] or call Early Childhood Director Kathi Pearson at 792.2581, ext. 207, for more information.
Temple Theatre Foundation Hiring Part-Time Usher

Working with a team of Ushers/Guest Services Associates to provide guests with an outstanding experience attending events at the Temple Theatre and Shaheen Performing Arts Center. This position is event driven and would work evenings and weekends. The position includes sweeping and picking up trash in the theatre after events. Other duties include assisting guests to their seats, and assisting disabled customers as needed. Some light housekeeping/cleaning may also be included. Additional duties could include attendance at Community Events such as Party on McCarty or Friday Night Live to hand out marketing information for the Temple Theatre. Reimbursement for mileage is provided.

Saginaw Art Museum Hiring Part-Time Workers
  • Garden and outside maintenance: This position would be anywhere from 5 to 15 hours per week and would be working outside in the gardens. Primary work duties would include pulling weeds, and watering pots/plants. Ideally we are looking to have 30 hours per week of outside garden work in paid positions.
  • Museum Associates: This position would work primarily on Saturdays with some evening events a possibility, depending on availability. Duties include janitorial and cleaning. Other duties include manning the front reception desk, greeting patrons, accepting payment for admissions, tracking attendance, and basic office duties.
Community News
Peace Deaf Ministry to Host Movie Event Aug. 12
All are invited to join the deaf members of Peace Lutheran Ministries as they host a free spaghetti lunch followed by a closed-captioned movie immediately following the  11:15am  contemporary service on  Sunday, Aug. 12 , at Peace Lutheran Church, 3427 Adams Ave. An ASL interpreter is provided every Sunday at the  11:15am  service. Join us for church and stay for lunch and the movie. If you know any deaf members in our community, please extend this invitation to them. RSVP or learn more from Rene Wuckert at  [email protected] .
Upcoming Events
Aug. 1 Sports Physicals at Valley, 4:30-6pm
Aug. 6 Football Practice Begins
Aug. 8 Boys Soccer, Cheer, Volleyball, Cross Country, and Girls Golf Practices Begin
Aug. 7 Sophomore/Junior/Senior Parent-Student Night, 7pm
Aug. 16 Transfer Student Orientation, 5:30pm
Aug. 16 Sophomore/Junior/Senior Parent-Student Night, 7pm
Aug. 17-18 Freshmen Lock-In, 7pm
Aug. 22 First Day of School
Aug. 29 School Pictures
Aug. 31-Sept. 3 No School - Labor Day Weekend

 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