I’m a humanities guy (History major) but have always been fascinated with my STEM friends. Over the last several years, VCHS has invested heavily in our STEM program. Why? Because many of our students are passionate about these subjects and want to pursue college majors and careers in these fields. And we are able to be entrepreneurial in creating new course and club offerings that match student interests.

With last year’s graduating class, more than 50% of them let me know that they plan to pursue a STEM college major or career (and 25% are pursuing an engineering field). The majors and careers they listed with many doubling and tripling up included:

Architecture, Aviation/Pilot, Biology, Computer Science/Programming, Engineering (Aerospace, Biomedical, Mechanical, Petroleum, Software), Environmental Science, Equine Science/Veterinarian, Natural Resource Management, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Physician’s Assistant, Physician

Why might we be seeing such interest in these STEM fields? Answer: talent attracts talent. Our STEM faculty are talented and exceptional – hands down the best I’ve worked with. They are the magnet!

• Science – Mrs. Hochtl, Mrs. O’Neil, Mrs. Wiebe
• Technology/Computer Science – Mr. Pyke
• Engineering – Mrs. O’Neil
• Math – Mr. Jager, Mr. Mysnyk, Ms. Nock, Ms. Robinson, Ms. Webster

They’re also offering clubs such as Cyperpatriot (Mr. Pyke), Future Health Professionals (Mrs. Burner), River Watch (Mrs. Hochtl), SPRI-EPOC (Mrs. Burner), Sustainability (Mrs. Hochtl) and Women in Engineering (Mrs. O’Neil). 

Much of this would not have happened without the generous support from several STEM donors, some who have even specifically underwritten new and returning course offerings – PLTW Aerospace Engineering, AP Computer Science Principles, and Cybersecurity. 

Using baseball as a metaphor, VCHS likes to play Major League Baseball with things like STEM – not farm or minor leagues. And based on the success trajectory of our students and graduates, I think they’re knocking balls out of the park!

Steve O'Neil

Head of School

BRAVOS

VCHS Spanish Teacher Published

Our very own Lisa Venz, Spanish Department, has published the Spanish translation of

The Zen and Art of Pickleball!

Zen y El

Arte del

Pickleball

which is now available to purchase on Amazon.

SPORTS

Volleyball

Lady Saints defeat Caprock Academy 3-0 Friday and Addenbrooke Classical Academy away on Tuesday

Click here for the Vail Daily article

Tennis

Wyat Fisher wins championship at Western Slope Open Tournament at # 2 singles in Grand Junction over the weekend. Daniel Blanch takes 4th place at #1 singles. The boys competed against 16 4A & 5A teams from all over Colorado to prove to be some of the top players in the state. Way to go boys!! We're so proud of you!! Let's go Saints!!! 

Other Notable Shout Outs 

• Cody Keyes made a huge comeback from injury as well with doubles partner Hans Wittenberg
• Blake Kirkham is impressive on the court with some of the highest percentage serving on the team 
• A special shout to Ben Grier and Matthew Wolniak who made it to the finals and took 2nd place in the consolation rounds
• Also special thanks to Finn Courtney for managing the team over the weekend 

Golf

Saints Golf places 5th out of 17 teams in Craig on Monday



Below are the individual scores:

Sam Casey '25 | 74

Andrew Gruell '24 | 82

Sutton Dodds '24 | 85

Austin Reyna '25 | 88

Jack Hughes '24 | 95

Football

Congratulations Saints JV Football for their 32-8 win over Lyons on Monday

Softball

Saint, Lia Nowicki '25 was pictured in the Vail Daily pitching for the BMHS Huskies

Click here for the Vail Daily article

PARENTS: If your student is involved in an off campus sport or local school activity - please send a photo and the off-campus sport to Shannon O'Brien by September 18th to be recognized at the Fall Fellowship Dinner on Setpember 28th

ANNOUNCEMENTS

VCHS LAUNCHES SCHOOLPASS

VCHS is excited to launch our new attendance and visitor management system, SchoolPass.

A QR Code and Quickpin was sent to all students this morning. Students should add the QR Code to their wallet on their phones.

Alternately, students who prefer not to use their phones can use their Quickpin to sign in manually or come to the front desk and get a sticker with their QR Code and Quickpin to stick to their key card or ID.

Parents should have received an email this morning with instructions on how to create a SchoolPass account and access the app. Parents can use the SchoolPass app to schedule late arrivals, early dismissals and absences.

Please contact Shannon O'Brien with any SchoolPass questions.

PSAT 8/9 & PSAT/NMSQT @ VCHS

 October 11^th, 7:45 am start - 11 am end

Learn More!

Digital PSAT 8/9

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMwphSapsEQ

Digital PSAT/NMSQT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yljPogCcKrY

Mrs. Verratti will use English classes for

College Board account and Bluebook Exam App support

PARENT ASSOCIATION NEWS

Click here to become a Member or Sponsor

Click here get involved & volunteer

Click here to sign your club up or

to volunteer to help with home game concessions

Football Parents - Sign up for Basketball Concessions

Volleyball Parents - Sign up for Football Concessions

Basketball Parents - Sign up for Fall Concessions

Clubs - Sign up and earn money for your club needs

Clubs & teams make $150 for every concessions night they volunteer

HOMECOMING NEWS

Click here for details and to RSVP to the Fall Fellowship Dinner

Click here to Volunteer

ALUMNI NEWS

COUNSELORS CORNER

Click here for college fair information

STUDENT LIFE

Students who want to bring a guest to the Homecoming Dance must have the Homecoming Dance Guest Past Request completed and submitted by Tuesday, September 26th. Multiple signatures are required from visitor's school and VCHS so do not wait until the last minute to start this process.

Submit your intentions for Cap & Gown (purchasing from Jostens or borrowing) on the Saints Senior Collection Form before the deadlines to ensure we have your information

Place your Jostens order - Cap & Gown - by October 1st

Past Due: Upload your candid photo, name as you want it on printed year-end publications, submit Class Verse suggestions and your parking intentions on the Saints Senior Collection Form ASAP!

REMINDERS

*October 4th & November 1st will be held in Classroom 209 across from the Senior Lounge

The VCHS Sustainability Cub in collaboration with Rustic Farm to Fork provide a seasonal fruit bowl to students and staff. This fall, the fruit bowl will be stocked with Colorado apples and pears from Austin Family Farms in Paonia. This is part of an initiative to support Colorado farmers and provide a healthy snack option for students to eat between classes. Scan the QR Code above or click here to donate to the Seasonal Fruit Bowl Project.

To view the electronic directory log into your FACTS Family Portal, under School click on Directory

Please click "Calendar" at the top of Saints News to view school calendar