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Parent Newsletter
April 3, 2019
The Valley Lutheran Law Day team was 1 of just 2 teams out of 10 to earn a not-guilty verdict at Saginaw County Law Day on Thursday, March 21.
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Anticipation
As a Marvel movie fan, I've been anticipating the release of Avengers: Endgame since I saw Avengers: Infinity War last spring. The release date is on my calendar; I've seen (and discussed with many a student) the trailers; I'm excited!
As a young(ish) woman in the middle of buying her first house, I'm anticipating the moment I get my keys and can move in. I've made offers and counteroffers, scheduled inspections, dreamed about paint colors and furniture placement; I'm excited!
As a person who leads educational trips to Europe, I, on every trip, eagerly anticipate departure day. I plan and recruit, guide and organize, pack and repack. For the roughly 2.5 years from my first informational meeting to the day we leave--I'm excited!
However, with each of the above scenarios, the anticipation is always accompanied by a little bit of fear. What if Avengers doesn't live up to my expectations? What if the ending isn't as satisfying as I hope? What if my questions aren't answered? What if something bad happens with the house buying process? What if it doesn't work out, and those keys I so desperately want are never actually mine? What if I can't recruit enough travelers to make a trip happen? What if someone gets sick or injured? What if Trevor can't get his emergency same-day passport and get back to the airport before we board our plane? (True story. If you're wondering, he DID make it).
I find though, that there is one thing I anticipate at this time of year that is different. Typically, the time of the church year that we associate with anticipation is advent, but our current season, Lent, is a perfect time to ruminate on this idea as well. During this time we, while certainly reflecting and meditating on Christ's suffering and sacrifice, also eagerly anticipate his resurrection. The best part is that in this anticipation there is no room for anxiety. We don't have to worry if He'll come through. We don't have to worry that it won't work out. We don't have to worry about anything! We can say with utmost confidence,
"I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end he will stand on the earth" (Job 19:25)
. As I eagerly anticipate my favorite day of the church year, I'm reminded of our theme verse for this school year.
I know that we have the hope found in the resurrection "as an anchor for the soul. Firm and secure" (Hebrews 6:19).
I'm excited!
Jeanette Weilnau,
English Dept.
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Unique Day on Tuesday, April 9
On
Tuesday, April 9, 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 note 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:
- Freshmen/Sophomores: PSAT 8am-Noon
Seniors do not need to report to school April 9.
All testing is paid for by the State of Michigan. We are once again participating in the state testing for several reasons:
- To give our juniors a free opportunity for the SAT college entrance exam.
- To give freshmen and sophomores a practice opportunity for the college entrance exam.
- 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 9 |
SAT |
8am-1pm (Dismissed) |
Students are dismissed at 1pm (no regular classes). Students take tests in reading, writing, and mathematics. |
| Wednesday, April 10 |
WorkKeys
Classes
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8am-11:30am
11:30am-3:05pm
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Students will rejoin their regular schedule (in progress) starting at 11:30am. Students take tests in reading, math, and locating information. |
| Friday, April 12 |
MSTEP |
7th-9th period |
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 8am 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 ( [email protected]) or Dr. Lisa Meyers ( [email protected]) with any questions.
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English Department Presents Curriculum Revision for 2019-20
The academic departments of Valley Lutheran High School undergo regular evaluation to ensure that they are consistently meeting the current needs of students. This year, under the direction of department chair Jeanette Weilnau, the English department completed a curriculum review and proposed a major overhaul to the program. The goals of the new courses are to strengthen student skills in reading comprehension, literary analysis, writing (especially argument, rhetorical analysis, and scholastic research) and communication (spoken and written). The Board of Directors approved the curriculum proposal at their meeting in February.
A major difference in the new course choices is that students will select one semester of reading and one semester of writing for each of their four years. Advanced Placement English courses would be the exception to this as year-long courses that meet both reading and writing goals. A number of new courses will be implemented including courses on research, theme-based literature, and some electives. The English teachers explained the changes to their students and gave them some specific direction on how the transition to the new program would take place. We are looking forward to seeing many positive benefits grow out of this change as our students are even better prepared for their next steps whether it be to a college or a career.
| Current Course |
New Reading Courses |
New Writing Courses |
| English 1 |
Transitional Reading |
Transitional Writing |
| English 2 |
Introduction to Literature |
Introduction to Research |
| English 3 |
Literature Seminar (Theme-based)
- Mythology
- War
- Coming of Age (Growing up)
- Monsters
- Fantasy
- Faith
Students select one of the above themes.
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Introduction to Language and Composition |
| English 4 |
Literature Seminar (Theme-based)
Students may take another of the themes (see above) or take an Advanced Literature Seminar
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Research Seminar |
| Elective Courses |
Interpersonal Communication |
Creative Writing |
Year long courses which may be selected during the junior and/or senior years as an alternative to the two semester courses listed above.
- Advanced Placement English Language and Composition (2018-19, 2020-21, etc.)
- Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition (2019-20, 2021-22, etc.)
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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: 10 digit state ID number found on student ID card
- 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.
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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.
A luncheon is available from
11am-1:30pm.
If you are able to help, please sign up on the sign-up genius that was sent out. Your help is greatly appreciated.
This is a great fundraiser for the Parent Organization as we get a portion of admission and lunch proceeds.
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Annual Handbell Concert April 7
You are invited to attend the Handbell Concert on
Sunday, April 7 at 4pm in the VLHS gym. Come and hear Valley's Glorify bell choir, as well as bell choirs from other area churches. The concert is free to the public.
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Next Open House April 14
The next Valley Lutheran Open House is scheduled for
Sunday, April 14 at 2pm. This is a great opportunity for prospective students to talk with current students, teachers and administrators, tour the building and get questions answered.
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Tickets for Spring Play 'Radium Girls' on Sale April 15
Tickets go on sale for Valley's spring play,
Radium Girls, on April 15. Tickets are $5 for students, $7 for adults, and $24 for a family pass.
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Registration is Currently Open for the Class of 2023
Registration for the Class of 2023 is currently open. Forms and the $200 tuition down payment need to be submitted to schedule classes. Call the office at 989-790-1676 for details.
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Parent Organization Meeting April 25
The next VLHS Parent Organization meeting is
Thursday, April 25 at 6pm in the cafeteria. All are welcome, and if you would like to take part in raising funds for teacher and student needs, you are encouraged to attend.
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Charger Post Prom Party April 27 at SVSU
The annual Post Prom Party is planned for
Saturday, April 27 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 3:30am 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.
The committee is still in need of volunteers to help with the event. Contact Christian Wilke at [email protected] or call the office at 989-790-1676.
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Registration Now Open for Summer Camps
Valley is excited to once again offer summer camps for middle school students!
- June 11-14: art, band, French, drama, soccer
- June 17-20: girls basketball, boys basketball, liturgical dance (NOTE: Camps this week will be held off-site at Holy Cross Lutheran School, Saginaw due to construction at VL.)
Registration and full camp information will be available starting March 25 at
www.vlhs.com/camps. We look forward to spending a part of your summer with you! Please contact Summer Camp Coordinator Amy Cooper at
[email protected] with any questions.
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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 [email protected] for more information.
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VLHS Parent Organization hosting Spring Flower Sale
The VLHS Parent Organization is excited to be partnering with Abele's Greenhouse for a spring flower sale. The organization will be offering a variety of 10-inch hanging baskets and a $20 fundraising card.
The organization is going to sell hanging baskets at VLHS on
Friday, May 17th from 2:30pm until 5pm and
Saturday, May 18th from 9am until n
oon (or until flowers are gone). The five varieties of available hanging baskets include: Fuchsia, Impatient, Interspecific Geranium, Wave Petunia, and Multiliner Combination. Watch for the Sign Up Genius for photos and colors available. Each 10-inch basket will be sold for $25 each or 3-for-$70 on Friday and Saturday (cash & carry).
Pre-orders will also be collected
April 18th through
May 6th via Sign Up Genius or through the VLHS office. The baskets can be picked up on Friday or Saturday.
A $20 Abele Greenhouse fundraiser card will also be available for purchase between
April 18th and
May 6th, just in time for Mother's Day, via Sign Up Geniusor or in the VLHS Office.
Both the hanging baskets and the fundraiser cards need to be paid for at the time of ordering. If ordering on Sign Up Genius, please send a check to the office in an envelope clearly marked. Please note the fundraiser cards expire on
June 15th, 2019 and cannot be used on sale items.
This sale will replace the Entertainment Book sale in the fall. Please consider supporting the Parent Organization.
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Support Valley Lutheran when you shop via Amazon
Do you shop Amazon? Did you know you can chose Valley Lutheran to receive a portion of your purchase when you select us through Amazon Smile? Sign in to
smile.amazon.com, go to your account and select Valley Lutheran High School as your charity. Valley receives .5% of every purchase you make. An easy way to support Valley Lutheran if you are a regular amazon shopper!
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Dave and Bonnie Duclos Scholarship Applications
The David and Bonnie Duclos Scholarship Committee is now taking applications for assistance to attend Valley Lutheran for the 2019-20 school year. Eligible students are those who are currently or will be attending Valley Lutheran next year, are members of a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation, and a graduate of a Lutheran grade school. Please notify Dr. John Brandt at [email protected] no later than
May 1 if you are interested and eligible.
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TEST DAY TIPS
Next week, students will be taking either the PSAT or SAT exam as part of the school day. There are a few easy things you can do to make sure students are ready to go:
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Prepare materials for test day the night before. (Think #2 pencils, calculator, snack, water.)
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Get a good night's sleep. Avoid screen time the hour before you want to fall asleep.
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Go through your normal morning routine. This tells your body that it's go-time, just like any other school day.
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Eat a good breakfast. Avoid caffeine unless it is part of your normal routine.
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Plan to arrive to school a few minutes early to gather your testing items and find your test room.
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Once the test starts, take a deep breath and try your best. You've got this!
PSAT and SAT SCORES
SAT and PSAT scores from next week's testing will be released online to students in the weeks following testing. 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, be sure you have the correct username and password available.
(How to create a CollegeBoard account) Keep this information in a safe place - you will use it often in the next few years.
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Christian Concert at Trinity-St. James
Trinity-St. James Lutheran Church, 119 E. Munger Rd in Munger, is hosting The Thurstons for a Christian concert at
4 p.m. Sunday, April 7.
A Michigan-based family, the Thurstons have traveled the country sharing their message of Family, Music and Ministry through gospel music along with family friend Monty Bishop. Together, the group has performed at the National Quartet Convention and shared the stage with some of the country's prominent Christian artists.
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Trinity-St. James Hosting Fish Fry
Trinity-St. James Lutheran Church, 119 E. Munger Rd in Munger, is hosting one more fish fry. The dinner takes place
Friday, 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.
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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.
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Baked Potato and Salad Bar
Holy Cross Lutheran Church Youth Group is holding a Baked Potato and Salad Bar from
11:45 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday, April 28 in the Fellowship Hall. Cost is $5 per person with proceeds going towards the youth group's trip to the 2019 National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis.
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| April 3 |
Student grades posted, 5pm |
| April 4 |
Peeks at Valley, 11am |
| April 5 |
Career Day (Half Day) -- Dismissed at 11:45am |
| April 6 |
Saginaw Valley Antique Society Show, 9am-4pm |
| April 7 |
Hand Bell Concert, 4pm
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| April 8 |
Parents in Prayer, 8am |
| April 9-11 |
MME testing |
| April 13 |
ACT, 8am |
| April 14 |
Open House, 2pm |
| April 17 |
Peeks at Valley, 11am |
| April 19 |
No School -- Good Friday |
| April 21 |
Easter |
| April 22 |
Parents in Prayer, 8am |
| April 27 |
Prom, 7pm |
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Click on the image above to view the latest Valley Vision. |
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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.
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John Brandt
Valley Lutheran High School
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