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Parent Newsletter
August 22, 2018
Students pick up their schedules prior to classes this morning on the first day of school.
Devotion
Blessings
I often end email messages with the line, "blessings on your day (or week/month)." Until a couple of days ago, I had not given much thought to what exactly was meant by that phrase. I was participating in training where the leader gave a short devotion on what it means to "bless the Lord" and made the connection between that concept and my prayer for blessings for an individual.

When we bless the Lord, we are acknowledging His attributes. He is Holy. He is flawless. He is all-powerful. He is all-knowing. He is above all things. He is infinitely merciful. He is perfect grace and goodness. He is love.

When you are wished "God's Blessings," you are being wished that God indeed apply all of His attributes individually to you. May you experience his holiness ... his perfection ... his power ... his wisdom. May he extend to you his mercy and goodness. May you be covered in his grace and love. In blessing someone else, we are asking that God shower them with the best gifts ever given.

And with that understanding ... God's richest blessings to you and your family this school year!

- Dr. Lisa Meyers
News
Building Project Groundbreaking Set For Sept. 14
While summer vacation provides students and faculty a well deserved break, June and July were busy months for the Growing Campaign Building Committee. Chaired by Bill Wittig (VL Alumni Parent), this group of six volunteers met frequently as the building project bids were released, submitted, reviewed, and then a final recommendation made.

Then, on July 31, 2018, a special meeting of the VL Board of Directors was convened. The purpose: to receive several reports surrounding the progress of the Growing Campaign's building expansion (including the Building Committee's recommendation), and decide if/how to proceed.

Following faith-filled and thoughtful discussion, the Board of Directors unanimously voted to accept the Building Committee's contractor recommendation and move forward with the building portion of the Growing Campaign - thanks be to God!

The Groundbreaking Ceremony has been set for Friday, Sept. 14, at 2pm.

For more information about the Growing Campaign, please contact Valley's Development Director, Kyle DeWees at 989-790-1676.
Valley Lutheran Awarded School of Distinction
Valley Lutheran High School has been recognized as a School of Distinction by the National Lutheran Schools Accreditation (NLSA) Commission. The commission met in July to accredit 121 schools and awarded Valley Lutheran as one of five Schools of Distinction, meaning VLHS was rated in the top 5 percent of overall school accreditation ratings awarded by validation teams and the NLSA membership committee.

Schools involved with the NLSA process are committed to continuous ongoing improvement that reflects a self-study process and action plan. The self-study is used to evaluate the actual conditions in place that are related to essential indicators of school quality. Additionally, schools are held accountable for progress by their district accreditation commission throughout the five-year accreditation cycle.

During the past year, Valley Lutheran's work was evaluated by a visiting team of professional educators who affirmed the school's strengths and assisted with the development of an action plan.
Peace Lutheran School in Saginaw was also recognized as one of the five schools of distinction. The others are Christ Community Lutheran in Kirkwood, Missouri, Creak Lutheran High School in Irvine, California, and Salem Lutheran School in Tomball, Texas.

National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) serves as the accrediting body for Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod schools across the United States and the world. NLSA has been accrediting schools in the LCMS since 1978, and accreditation decisions have always been based upon a school's compliance with national standards for Lutheran schools that reflect the essential qualities that are expected of Lutheran schools.

Currently, NLSA accredits 688 Lutheran schools, which have chosen to complete the vigorous self-study and evaluation. Nationwide, there are 1,992 Lutheran schools: 1,127 early childhood, 778 elementary, and 87 high schools.
Booster Club Volunteer Sign-Up
This school year, the Valley Lutheran Booster Club is asking all teams and groups to help provide workers for the concession stands and have assigned nights. When your team/group is scheduled, you are to provide workers for all the time slots. It is required to have 1-2 adults per shift and the remainder can be students. The S
ign-up Genius links are provided below. Under the link, it indicates which team or group is scheduled to work. Thank you for your help to make VLHS athletics a success. Please visit the Sign-Up Genius link to sign-up.

  • 8/29:   Varsity Football
  • 9/07:   JV Football
  • 9/14:   JV Football
  • 9/20:   Soccer
  • 9/27:   Mission Trip
  • 9/28:   Junior Class
  • 10/11:  Soccer
  • 10/19:  Music/Drama
  • 9/12:   Volleyball
  • 9/26:   Volleyball
  • 10/01:  Cross Country
  • 10/10:  Mission Trip
  • 10/24:  Cheer/Golf
School Pictures
Picture day will be  Wednesday, Aug. 29. Order forms will be sent home the first week of school. Seniors are required to have their photo taken for their student identification cards.
Parent Organization Meeting Sept. 5
The next Parent Organization meeting will be at  6pm on Sept. 5 at Valley. Mark your calendars and join our great group to discuss upcoming events for the school year.
Parents in Prayer Meetings Begin Sept. 10
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. 10. 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 parentsinprayer@vlhs.com. Confidential requests can be sent to this address or can be submitted in the prayer box on the wall by the south entrance in the RC. If you have questions, please call or text Carla Belill at 989-295-3018.
Parent Open House Tuesday, Sept. 11
It's "Back to School Night" for parents at 6:30pm Tuesday, Sept. 11. 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.
Parent Organization Mum Sale Sept. 14
Fall is right around the corner. Add some gorgeous color to your yard and support the VLHS Parent Organization at the same time. Potted mums will sell for $10, one evening only - before the home football game against St. Charles, from  3-7pm Friday, Sept. 14, in the school parking lot. They will be sold on a cash and carry basis. Thank you to Boehler's Greenhouse in Saginaw for being this year's vendor.
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.
Peeks at Valley
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. 20 at 8:15am. To reserve your spot for a Peeks at Valley experience, call us at (989) 790-1676 or email  Krista Flory

Other upcoming dates for Peeks are:
  • Oct. 4 at 11am
  • Oct. 17 at 8:15am
  • Nov. 1 at 9am
Fall Service Day Wednesday, Sept. 26
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. 26. Between 8-9 a.m. they will join their family group, at a location, 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.
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!
Hot Lunch Price for 2018-19  
Hot lunch prices for 2018-19 are $32 for a 10-punch card. Individual lunches are $3.75. Cards may be purchased in the office before school. Applications for free and reduced lunches are available on our website.  Download here.
Athletic Passes Available for Purchase
Athletic passes are a great way to save money when attending 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. Without a pass, single-game admission is $5 for adults and students. The cost is the same for away games. Please note that admission for all-conference and division tournaments is $5 and athletic passes are not accepted.
Valley Students Selling Entertainment Coupon Books
Valley Lutheran students are selling Entertainment coupon books as a fundraiser for the school. The books, which cost $25, are filled with discounts from local restaurants and shops, as well as chains. Purchase one from any Valley student or in the school office between Sept. 14-28.
Kroger Updates Community Rewards Program
Kroger has updated its Community Rewards Program, changing the access number when logging into the site.  While the previous number will continue to be associated with Valley, it will not be visible to new enrollees. New members can enroll by searching either the new number (MW482) or Valley's name.

Kroger is committed to helping our communities grow and prosper. Year after year, local schools, churches and other nonprofit organizations will earn millions of dollars through Kroger Community Rewards. Kroger Community Rewards makes fund-raising easy..all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Plus Card. To log in or create an account, visit the website.
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 Avenue 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 Avenue 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.
Learning From Lutheran School Ministries in Ohio  
The Lutheran Education Advancement Plan Alliance (LEAP) is committed to advancing Lutheran Education for Future Generations Across the Great Lakes Bay Region. Identifying and implementing "best practices" is a key to success. Sometimes that means reaching beyond our own region, for example:
 
For eight years, 13 Lutheran schools in Ohio (11 elementary schools and two high schools), have successfully partnered in the "Lutheran Schools of Ohio Admissions and Marketing Program."  This summer five LEAP Board members met with the admissions coordinator for these Ohio Lutheran schools. They were pleased and encouraged by what they saw and heard. An initiative to launch a similar program among LEAP schools is in its planning stages.
 
Perhaps lessons learned from the Lutheran schools in Ohio will pay "enrollment dividends" among our own Lutheran schools. We pray for our Lord's blessing upon such studies, considerations, and actions related to the students and families of our own Christ-first Lutheran schools!
Guidance Corner
HELPING YOUR STUDENT START OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
The new school year can be both scary and exciting, but there are lots of things that you can do as parents to help set your student up for success. Here are 10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in High School.  

SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENTS
Students have until the fifth full day of the semester, Tuesday, Aug. 28, to make any academic changes to their courses. See Mrs. Mueller ASAP to change a course.

SENIOR BRAG SHEETS
Seniors, be sure to take some time to fill out those Brag Sheets before you get inundated with homework and projects for the school year. These make a drastic difference in the quality of your recommendation letters. See Google Classroom for the template.

PSAT-NMSQT EXAM
There are 24 seats remaining to take the PSAT/NMSQT Exam on Oct. 10. This exam is the only way for juniors to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. It's also great practice for the SAT exam students will take in April. Sophomores would also benefit from taking this exam as practice. Cost is $18 payable to VLHS. See the office to register.

SAT & ACT EXAMS
It is a common trend for students to take the SAT or ACT multiple times before applying to college. Colleges will accept either exam score and will typically take the highest score earned, regardless of the test date. If your student is going to be applying this year, it might be a good idea to take the SAT or ACT early this fall.

Most colleges will accept either exam. Need help deciding which exam to take? Check out this guide!
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.

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.

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

Job Opportunities
Valley Hiring Part-Time Paraprofessional for Resource Center
Valley Lutheran has an opening for a paraprofessional to provide supervision and assistance in the school's Resource Center after school. The position is part time from 3-4:30pm Monday-Thursday and 3-4 pm Friday. The ideal applicant will have experience working with high school students, familiarity with computer applications (especially Microsoft Office and Google Applications) and is supportive of the ministry of Valley Lutheran High School. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume' to Executive Director John Brandt at jbrandt@vlhs.com or to the school office at 3560 McCarty Road in Saginaw, MI 48603.
Community News
JME Memorial Run/Walk Sept. 8
The St. Paul Lutheran Church and School's 7th Annual JME Memorial Run/Walk will be held  Saturday, Sept. 8. There are five races: quarter-mile run (10 and under), 1-mile and 2-mile run/walk. All races will begin on Ziegler Road (just next to the church at 6100 Westside Saginaw Road in Bay City). Registration forms are available at   www.stpaulbaycity.org. Registration deadline is  Aug. 24 to guarantee a race T-shirt.
Wild Game Dinner
Messiah Lutheran in Clio is hosting a Wild Game Dinner at Circus Park, 4240 W. Wilson Road in Clio on Thursday, Sept. 27. A social hour begins at 4pm with the dinner to follow. Special guests include: 
  • Dave Minar, owner of Oscar & Joey's in Birch Run
  • Tred Bardta, host of 'The Best and Worst of Tred Barta' on the Versus Channel
  • Mike Avery, host of the Outdoor Magazine radio show.
Auction items and raffle prizes are available. The auction grand prize is a guided fishing trip for two with Tred Barta.  Tickets are $50 each or two for $95. Corporate tables of eight are $600.  Tickets are available by calling 810-686-0740.
Upcoming Events
Aug. 29 School Pictures
Aug. 31-Sept. 3 No School - Labor Day Weekend
Sept. 5 Parent Organization Meeting, 6pm
Sept. 10 Parents in Prayer, 8am
Sept. 11 Back to School Night for Parents, 6:30pm
Sept. 14 Parent Organization Mum Sale, 3-7pm
Sept. 15 VLHS Golf Scramble
Sept. 20 Peeks at Valley, 8:15am

 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