Valley Christian High School Newsletter |
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Letter From the Principal |
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Dear VCHS Parents and Guardians,
Greetings and warmest of wishes to your summertime months! I pray that this season provides rest, restoration, and reflection with friends and family.
It is humbling to serve as the fourth Valley Christian High School (VCHS) principal under Dr. Daugherty’s visionary leadership that has shepherded us for the past 36 years. I am honored to carry on the legacy of our previous principals: Mark Lodewyk, Joel Torode, and Kurt Wilson. The foundation laid by these leaders has prepared our staff to serve both God and our students through our mission of Christ-centered education. I sincerely welcome the opportunity to steward and care for the school that has shaped so many lives.
This fall I will serve not only as a principal but also as a proud alumnus and VCS parent. I personally experienced the historical journey of our school for the past three decades. As an alumnus, I remember the “hard times” as we bounced around various rented campus spaces. I remember witnessing the enormous sacrifices made by school leaders and staff in order to keep the school moving ahead. I also remember the “great times” we experienced as students who were part of a thriving community based on rich Christ-centered values.
I also personally know that most parents are looking towards the fall with hopeful optimism. As parents, we hope that the experiential-social-emotional gaps felt by many in the past few years are quickly filled. We want to be certain that the educational process used to shape and enrich VCHS students for the past 70 years is trustworthy for today’s world. Will the VCHS educational process, which is steeped in both tradition and visionary thinking, serve our students during the complex world that they face in 2022?
As I have reflected on whether VCHS is up to that task, I have found myself saying, “The proof is in the pudding.”
As someone raised by parents from Alabama, southern colloquialisms like this tend to ooze out of me. Phrases such as, “I’m in hog heaven” or “This is a real barn-burner” can sum up a feeling or situation perfectly.
The “proof is in the pudding” means that the real worth, success, or effectiveness of something can only be determined by putting it to the test. At some point, the promises and the talk must be set aside. You have to try it. Start to use it. Like a dessert that you’ve worked so hard to make, the best test of whether it is any good or not is simply to take a bite.
Our students will face tests of both exciting opportunities and difficult challenges in this complex world. They will be prepared for those life tests because we will do what VCHS has done for years...stay true to our values. As your new leader, I promise that VCHS will continue to innovate and be fearless with our vision for a bright, creative future. I also promise that we will hold to our mission of providing a nurturing environment with quality academics grounded in Jesus Christ’s teachings. Together, we promise to remain rooted in who we are as a community: Loving God and Loving Others, with our very best effort (Col. 3:23). Our future has never been brighter because if God is for us, nothing can be against us. The proof is in the pudding.
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter with its various updates. In the next newsletter, we will continue to share exciting work done by our staff. From our fun new Back 2 School Bash to our expanded missions trips, VCHS is preparing for our best year yet. We can’t wait!
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior.
With Gratitude,
Jennifer Silva Griffin, Ed.D (class of ’94)
Principal
Valley Christian High School
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Valley Christian High School welcomes all of our ninth grade families and transfer students.
Now that you have joined our community and enrolled your child for the 2021-2022 school year, you may be asking, "What comes next?" Please use our calendar in the events section below to find important events that will occur in preparation for the next school year. We are so excited to welcome you into our Warrior family.
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August
3 New Parent Orientation/Transfer Student Orientation
4-5 International Student Orientation
8 EdTech Bookstore Opens*
11 Wellness & Dual Credit Webinars (link in August newsletter)
15 New Student Sunrise and B2S Bash
16 First Day of School
18-19 Yearbook/School ID Picture Days
*Please note that our textbook system is different than that of Valley Christian Junior High. We do not purchase books for students. You must visit our on-line textbook purchasing site and select and purchase the books that apply to your student's individual list of courses.
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We invite parents and guardians new to Valley Christian Schools to attend an orientation evening on Wednesday, August 3, on the Skyway Campus. Join us from 5:00 – 6:45 PM for a complimentary dinner provided by food trucks while perusing the departmental information tables on the Conservatory lawn. At 7:00 PM, Valley president Dr. Clifford Daugherty and key VCS administrators present a K-12 overview in the main gym. Campus-specific meetings led by our principals follow the general session. This special event is for parents and guardians only
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Transfer Student Orientation |
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Transfer students (10th-12th graders new to VCHS 2022-23) are encouraged to attend our transfer student orientation while their parents are at the New Parent Night on Skyway Campus. Dinner is provided from 5:30-7:00 pm, but the transfer orientation will begin at 7:00 pm.
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When: Wednesday, August 3rd from 7:00-9:00 pm
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Where: Counseling Center
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Event Leaders: Student leaders, Associated Student Body (ASB) teachers, and members of the counseling team.
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What to Expect: Meet other transfer students and get help with any scheduling questions. A tour will be given so that you know exactly how to find your classrooms. We will also be doing a student panel where you can get a feel for our school culture and ask any questions you may have.
Please email nsmith@vcs.net if you are planning on attending so that we have your schedule printed out for your small group tour.
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New Student Orientation: New Student Sunrise |
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New Student Sunrise will take place on Monday, August 15, from 8am to 12pm. New Students will have a chance to attend sessions introducing them to VCHS, to tour the campus, and to get all their questions answered. Check in opens at 8am in the Gym Building.
Afterwards, all our new students are invited to stay for our Back 2 School Bash from 12-3pm. If you have questions, please email Nathan Smith at nsmith@vcs.net.
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Replacing "Reg Day" New!: Back 2 School Bash |
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Valley Christian High School invites all our High School Students to our Back 2 School Bash on Monday, August 15, from 12-3 pm. Six food trucks will be available, so please bring $12-$15 for lunch (credit/debit accepted). Allergy and vegetarian-friendly options are available. We will also have inflatables and yard games for students to have fun connecting with classmates.
During the three-hour event, IT support and digital textbook support will be available. Students will be able to find their classrooms, mingle with teachers, and request needed changes to their schedule in the counseling center.
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Summer Communication & Checklist |
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VCHS students and parents will recieve two emails in August with important information including:
- Textbook Ordering Instructions
- Student Class Lists
- Lunch Account Information
- Picture ID/Yearbook Instructions/Purchasing
- Parking Pass Information
- PowerSchool Access
Please Note: Freshman PE Uniforms will be handed out during PE class and the uniform fee will be billed to the VCS parent portal account.
Click HERE for a New Student Summer Checklist of items to take care of over the summer. |
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Our dress code is changing for 2022-23. Please take time this summer to carefully review our 2022-2023 VCHS Dress Code and ensure that the clothing you purchase will be allowed at school.
If you would like more information on how the dress code was formed, please reference the parent letter that was sent out on May 26th, 2022 HERE.
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VCHS IPAD Requirements & Setup |
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All VCHS students are expected to bring a personally owned iPad to school. The iPad is used extensively by students to access information and complete work. All new and returning students must complete the Online Learning Prep Checklist provided in August prior to the first day of school.
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Aligning Open Periods With Your Carpool |
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If your family has arranged a carpool and you want to ensure that your open periods align, please fill out the Google form. The counseling team will look at the students’ class schedules and will do our best to accommodate your carpool arrangements.
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Summer Spotlight Series 9th Grade & Transfer Students |
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The Summer Spotlight is a series of interview videos intended to introduce freshman students and their parents to various staff and faculty on the valley Christian High School Campus. Interviews include Jake MacMillan, our AP Computer Science Teacher, Pastor Steve Dang, our Campus Pastor, and Dr. Steve McGriff, our K-12 Director of Biblical Unity. The Spotlight videos will be available to you through an email from our Admissions Department (videos will be emailed every few weeks). Check your email inbox for the links.
Thursday, July 21
Thursday, July 28
Thursday, August 4
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Summer Assignments
Select Honors and AP courses require summer work designed to help prepare students for their upcoming course. All summer assignments should be completed before the first day of school.
To check if your course has summer assignments, Click HERE to view our 2022 Summer Assignments Moodle Page.
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Our dual credit course offerings for the 2022-23 school year are still being finalized. Students will be notified by their teachers if their course is eligible for dual credit in the first week of school and will be given instructions about how to enroll as dual credit students with a partner college if they are interested in this opportunity.
We will be offering a dual credit informational webinar on August 11 from 6:15-7:30 PM. Check the August newsletter for the link to join the webinar.
Transcript Reminder: 2021-22 Dual credit students, please remember your grade in the VCHS course will generate a college transcript at the completion of your course. On or around July 15, dual credit students are advised to order a transcript from your partner college to check for accuracy and store for your records. Seniors who took a dual credit course, remember it is your responsibility to send the official transcript to your future college in order to receive credit for your course. Please wait until July 15 to order transcripts from the 21-22 school year. For links to order transcripts and a list of what documents we advise you to store for the next 8 years, please click on our dual credit home page here. Questions? Email ellee@vcs.net.
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SAT/ACT Prep Seminars at VCS |
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For the 2022-2023 school year, VCHS will be offering SAT and ACT Prep Seminars. In these seminars, students are shown special strategies and techniques, which help them to significantly improve their scores. Students also take two full-length practice tests - one at the beginning and one at the end of this seminar to help them ascertain their weaknesses, see their improvement, as well as give them the opportunity to practice taking a full-length test, before having to take the official SAT or ACT. On average, students who have taken these seminars have raised their scores by 20%.
Click HERE for Seminar Dates
Click HERE for the SAT Seminar Registration Form
Click HERE for the ACT Seminar Registration Form |
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We are excited to continue our connection groups and allow students the opportunity to connect with their peers and a caring adult as we did during the 2021-2022 school year. This year connection groups will be the student’s 3rd-period class. It has yet to be determined whether it will be 3A or 3B, more information will follow. This will allow students to connect on a much more consistent basis as they engage with their teacher every other day as well as with those students in the classroom. Feedback from students and teachers was that both groups wanted more opportunities to meet with their connection groups and this model allows students a more consistent time. More information will be given to the students as school resumes. |
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We are so thankful that so many students are using their summer break to complete their community service hour requirements. As a reminder, students are required to complete 25 hours of Community Service each year. The Community Service Requirement encourages students to serve, inspire, and motivate others, both locally and abroad. Through action and love, students seek to advance the Lord’s Kingdom with the redemptive power of the Gospel to transform our communities and the world. Students are encouraged to keep track of their summer hours and the contact, email, and phone number of their agency/church contact. When we begin school, students will have the opportunity to log their hours into the x2vol program through the supervision of their Bible teachers. If you need help finding places to serve this summer, go to the Christian Service page HERE for current opportunities and contact information for our approved non-profit 501C3 agencies and Christian Churches. For more information about our Community Service requirement please contact Tim Galleher, Community Service Coordinator at tgalleher@vcs.net.
Click HERE for information regarding the community service requirement and FAQs. |
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SUMMER WORKSHOP SERIES
Join Cialfo’s Student Summer Workshop series this July to maximize your summer break and be on the path to college admissions success. Join sessions with Cialfo community experts, university admissions officers, and current university students from universities worldwide. Meet students around the globe and work together on the path towards college admissions success. You will also have opportunities to ask questions! You can register under the “Events” tab when you log in to your Cialfo account.
The program schedule includes:
Rising Seniors, Maximize Your Summer Break- July 11th
"Who am I" in the Personal Statement- July 14th
Meet Students from US & Canadian Universities- July 18th
How to Succeed in the UK Application Process- July 21st
Meet Students from European Universities- July 25th
Navigating the College Research Process- July 28th
Free Summer Webinars from our friends at Revolution Prep
Make the most of your summer by taking advantage of these informative webinars, hosted by Revolution Prep, featuring subject matter experts:
Student Mental Health Challenges and Academic Impact
Join Revolution Prep Faculty Director and licensed physician, Audra Stanton, M.D., for a discussion about how COVID-19 has
significantly impacted student mental health and get advice to better support students as they navigate this new world.
Insider’s Guide to College Admissions Testing
Learn insider tips and tricks and get an overview of each test so you can develop a test-prep plan with your child.
How to Succeed in a Test-Optional World
Walk through up-to-date admissions trends and develop a strategy for all elements of an application to be best prepared and see best outcomes.
Making the High School Transition
As the importance of standardized tests, grades, course rigor, and extracurricular activities increases, get practical tips for a
successful transition into high school.
Free Official SAT and ACT Practice Exams every Saturday in July – hosted by Revolution Prep
Take a live, online proctored practice exam to help you prepare for the official test. You'll get a free official test and answer sheet and will be able to get your score instantly via Revolution Prep's mobile app. For more information and to register for courses, use the follow links:
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SUMMER COLLEGE APPLICATION WEBINAR SERIES FOR RISING SENIORS
The counseling team is continuing our webinar series EDUCATING students about a variety of topics tied to college applications. Our hope is that the education provided by the counseling department will EMPOWER students as they begin their application process, and then students will be able to receive COACHING AND SUPPORT from their assigned counselor through individual appointments.
We ask that students register for the sessions they plan to attend. All webinars will be held beginning at 10:00 am with about 25-30 minutes of education and then allowing for Q&A. WEBINARS ARE DESIGNED FOR STUDENTS ONLY.
COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOPS:
In August, VCHS will hold two Application Workshops to dig into the actual application details, your activities and awards. We plan to host these application workshops in-person on campus, please check your email for further communication and drictions for how to sign up towards the end of July.
- Tuesday, August 2nd the Common Application 9am-Noon
- Wednesday, August 3rd, the UC Application 9am-Noon
SAT SCHOOL DAY OPPORTUNITY FOR SENIORS
VCHS understands that for some families it has been difficult to schedule an SAT that is close in proximity or that hasn’t been canceled. We know there are a handful of colleges that require a college entrance exam score, so we want to ensure that all of our seniors have an opportunity to take the SAT at least once. We have limited space available for seniors to test on the PSAT test day of Wednesday, October 12. The cost of the SAT School Day is $60. Students taking the test will be billed.
Seniors who meet the following criteria may request to take the SAT. The counseling staff will review all requests to determine who qualifies.
Qualifying Criteria:
1. Student will be sitting for the SAT for the first or second time.
2. Student is applying to schools that will consider the score in the application process (UCs and CSUs are test blind and will not consider scores).
Please complete the form if you hope to sign up, by Wednesday, August 17.
SENIOR YEARBOOK PHOTOS
Senior photos are completed off campus at specific reserved times. Families can sign up for appointments through Now and Forever Studios – spots fill up quickly, so please reserve your spot asap. Click here for a link to schedule your appointment. All senior families have received emails from Now and Forever Studios about the senior photo process.
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Our students' safety continues to be a top priority. We have partnered with school security experts and are making security upgrades, including additional cameras, fencing, and personnel to both campuses over the coming months. Thank you in advance for your patience. |
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Skyway Traffic Reminders
As we prepare for a new school year, we want to remind you of some critical campus traffic rules. Please exercise patience and give yourself some extra time during drop-off and pick-up during the first few weeks of school as we welcome 500 new families unfamiliar with our traffic patterns.
1. Please come to campus at least 15 minutes after your student’s dismissal time, allowing time for your child to walk from class to the pick-up area.
2. If you need to come early, please park in our student (yellow) parking lot and use it as a cell phone waiting area. This allows you to pick up your student in the lot and drive straight out instead of using the football stadium lanes.
3. Please consider using the complimentary shuttle service from campus to the Blossom ill Caltrain Station before school (6:45 - 9:30am) and after school (2:30 - 6:30pm) or the Capitol Caltrain Station before school only (6:45 - 9:30am). From these stations, you can easily park and wait for your student to use the shuttle bus from the main campus, thus avoiding the traffic on the Skyway Campus.
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Register for this class through Economic Driving School #2430
**Start this class anytime **
This state required Driver Education Online course is being offered through Economic Driving School #2430. The Driver Education course is approved by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Reading, flash graphics, videos, quizzes, and practice tests are part of the course. In addition, the student will be prepared to be a safer driver, bicyclist, and pedestrian as well as pass the DMV written test. The course is easy to use. You simply log into the website, enroll, and you can begin immediately! When registering make sure to complete the question that says: How did you hear about us by choosing School: Enter Code: 2500. Register at: www.economicdrivingschool.com/online
Cost: $68.50
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Junior Class Trip Class February 2024 |
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Junior Class Trip
If you missed our informational webinar and would like to watch our 25-minute review of the class regarding the where, who, when, and why, you can view it using this link and entering the password: #yr.@3yV
The deadline to sign up is August 19th. You can find out more information and register online by www.acts-tours.com using the Tour Code: T232602A and Password: 141356.
- Dates: Winter Break 2023/ February 19-24, 2023
- Costs: Approximately $3,750 with opportunities to fundraise to lower costs
- Cities: Memphis, Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Montgomery, Atlanta
- Sites: Blues Club Private Event, National Civil Rights Museum, 16th Street Baptist Church, Birmingham Civil Rights Museum, National Memorial for Peace & Justice, Rosa Parks Museum, Ebenezer Church, MLK Historic Sites, etc.
- Universities: University of Alabama, Auburn University, Tuskegee University, Georgia Tech
- Number of Students: 100 maximum with a focus on students who want to learn about the Civil Rights movement
- Classes that link to trip learning: AP U.S. History, U.S. History, African American Literature
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This summer, we invite you to continue growing with us by reading the book 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager: Making the Most of Your Conversations and Connections by Kara Powell.
- In August, the Christian Counseling Center will host a wellness parent-specific webinar that will touch on some of the strategies in the book and provide some Q & A time. The webinar link will be in the August newsletter.
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In the fall, our newly appointed wellness counselor will help train our staff and students with best practices to support mental health and wellness in educational settings.
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We are excited for our 2022-2023 school year and are looking to partner with Christian staff and educators who are passionate about serving teenagers. Please look over our job openings and help us network possible candidates. Also please join us in praying that God’s hand leads our hiring season: https://www.vcs.net/about/employment
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Parent Teacher Prayer Fellowship |
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We are excited about all the possibilities God has in store for us in this coming year! We hope to have a PTPF Kick-off get together in August and our first meeting will take place on September 20th at 7pm! A Save the Date will come out next month once a location is confirmed. To receive an evite to either or both events, please contact me at Kathi Pershall 831-245-5591 or kpershall71@gmail.com, We look forward to connecting with you!
Interested in being informed, inspired and integrated with our VCHS community? Join us on the 3rd Tuesday of most months to hear from Principal Jennifer Silva Griffin, meet staff and other parents, pray with us throughout the school year and discover new ways of getting connected. (Volunteer opportunities available as circumstances allow). Be among the first to receive a welcome in the fall! For more information, email me at kpershall71@gmail.com to be added to the email list.
Thank you to all of you who supported us this year, we could not have done it without you!
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Looking to watch our Chapels? Contact Tim Coutts for more information: tcoutts@vcs.net
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All parents are welcome to join our Praying Parents to pray over our high school. Prayer participants need not pray out loud. We welcome silent prayer partners as well!
Join Us:
Wednesday Mornings Beginning August 17th 9:15-10:15 in the VCHS Chapel
Tuesday Mornings 6:30-7:00 AM Online
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We would like to pray for you and your family. Submit your prayer request using the link below, and it will immediately be sent to the prayer intercessor leader for the campus you select. No one will contact you, we just want to pray for you. All prayers are held in the strictest confidence.
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Business Entrepreneurship Initiative |
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Please click HERE for information on BEI program news. |
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Preparing the next generation of Christian STEM innovators.
The AMSE Institute offers unique learning opportunities that introduce and expand students' knowledge in a variety of STEM related technologies, fields, and professions. Learn more here about AMSE participation.
JOIN THE AMSE INSTITUTE
All high school students are encouraged to apply to the AMSE Institute and join our growing community of STEM-focused students. Completing the online AMSE Institute application will provide members with information about programs, speakers, events, and accomplishments, and is the first step towards AMSE program involvement. Please note that this application is open year-round and only new students to the AMSE Institute need apply. Currently enrolled AMSE Institute members and honors students do not need to reapply each year.
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AMSE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS NOW APPLICATION OPEN
AERONAUTICS * AGRI-TECH * ESPORTS * DIGI-X STUDIO LABS *
HEALTH & WELLNESS * INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION * MATH TEAM *
OCEAN DISCOVERY MATE ROV * OCEAN DISCOVERY MARINE LIFE * ROBOQUEST ROBOTICS
The VCHS AMSE Program applications for the 2022/23 school year are open. Apply now through July 22, 2022. Please note - if you are not already an AMSE Member or AMSE Honors student, you must first complete the high school AMSE Institute Application before applying to a specific program.
Use the link below to learn more and apply:
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Check it out! The Conservatory of the Arts has so much to offer students in 2022/23. A year packed with shows, performances, and activities are in store for you. Join us! There is a spot perfect for you. Where to start? Visit vcs.net/conservatory.
Click HERE for updates on music and dance auditions and Vivid dance summer happenings.
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International Student Program |
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New International Student Orientation: Thursday, August 4th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
This event is required for international students and families new to Valley. When you arrive on campus, our international staff and a group of friendly international students will be there to greet you. School administrators will welcome you with information about our Valley community during the morning session followed by a provided lunch. Then, the afternoon session will provide information about AMSE, BEI, Conservatory, and Athletic programs. You will also have an opportunity to hear from international students about their experience at Valley and ask them questions.
More details will be sent directly to new international families.
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2021-22 Important Contact Information |
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High School Office: 408-513-2400
High School Attendance Line: 408-513-2433
VCS Security: 408-639-6865
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Valley Christian High School | (408) 513-2400 | www.vcs.net |
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