Valley Christian Junior High Newsletter |
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LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL |
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Dear VCJH Families,
It is the final countdown to the new 2022-23 school year! We are just a couple of weeks away from the first day of school. Our administrators, counselors, teachers, and staff are busy preparing to launch an exciting school year ahead. The goal is to make your transition into this new year as seamless as possible. If you are brand new parents to Valley Christian Schools, I cannot wait to see you at the New Parent Orientation on Wednesday, August 3.
VCJH Student Orientation will be Wednesday, August 10. This is for students only.
ALL 6th grade students are coming on campus 12-2:30pm. Please drop off at 12pm in front of the Football Stadium drive-thru area (do not park), and pick them back up at 2:30pm in front of the Football Stadium drive-thru area. This is great practice for the typical school day. Your child will meet in the Large Gym for an introduction rally, meet their WEB Group, take a tour, pose for their school photo, and receive their Class Schedule.
ALL Brand New 7th and 8th grade students are coming 9:30-11:30am. Please drop off at 9:30am in front of the Football Stadium drive-thru area (do not park), and pick them back up at 11:30am in front of the Football Stadium drive-thru area. This is great practice for the typical school day. Your child will meet in the Small Gym for an introduction rally, meet their Connection Group, take a tour, pose for their school photo, and receive their Class Schedule.
ALL Returning 7th and 8th grade students will do a drive-thru event anytime between 3-6:00pm. As you drive through the car loop, your child will get out of the car where instructed. They will proceed into a modular classroom to take their photo and receive their schedule while you continue to drive around the loop. Once you come back around, your child will get back in the car and you are all set to exit campus.
Please mark your calendars for Back to School Night, Thursday, August 25, at 6:30pm. All junior high parents are welcome to come see your child’s classrooms and teachers, and meet other VCJH parents.
Please also plan for your whole family to attend our returning Pancake Breakfast, Saturday, August 27 8-11:00am, for some great food, fun, and fellowship. We are so excited to have all of our in-person community events return this year. I look forward to connecting with you as we kick off the year.
We are praying for a great year! May God continue to bless you in the remainder of these summer weeks and into this new school year. I cannot tell you how excited I am to partner with you!
God bless,
Brian Clemons
PrincipalCAMPUS PAS
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“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:2-3 |
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WELCOME LETTER FROM OUR CAMPUS PASTOR STEVE DANG |
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Dear VCS Families,
When it comes to parenting, it is said, "the days are long, but the years are short." For Kindergarten parents, drop-off this year marks the beginning of a new journey for the class of 2035. That seems far off, but for perspective, our senior class was born around 2005, the same year YouTube was launched.
As a family pastor, I gave our high school parents a jar full of 208 Skittles representing the number of weeks families have with their students from freshman year to graduation. I encouraged parents to eat or toss out one Skittle each week. At first, the jar seems full, but by senior year, parents remark, "I can't believe how few Skittles are left!" As the class of 2023 embarks on their final year at Valley, they have forty-eight Skittles left in the jar. And they continue to diminish quickly...
Click here to continue reading this welcome letter.
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August 2022
03 | K-12 New Parent Orientation
10 | Welcome Warriors Event - ALL grade 6 students and transfer students grade 7 and 8 (This JH event includes school photos and schedule distribution)
10 | JH Orientation for returning students (This JH event includes school photos and schedule distribution)
16 | First Day of School
25 JH Back to School Night
26 Grade 8 Breakaway Retreat
27 JH Pancake Breakfast
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2022-23 VCJH ACADEMIC CALENDAR |
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Click here for the 2022-2023 Valley Christian Junior High A/B Schedule.
Click here for the VCS K-12 Holidays and Key Dates for the 2022-23 school year.
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2022-23 VCJH BELL SCHEDULE |
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Please click here to see the 2022-2023 Valley Christian Junior High Bell Schedule.
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VCJH ORIENTATION INFORMATION |
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IF YOU ARE A NEW PARENT TO VCS
JOIN US FOR THE K-12 ORIENTATION
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K-12 New Parent Orientation, Wednesday, August 3
We invite all parents and guardians who are new to Valley Christian Schools to attend an orientation evening on the Skyway Campus on Wednesday, August 3.
From 5:00 – 6:45 PM you can enjoy complimentary dinner provided by food trucks. During this time, you can also visit the departmental information tables on the nearby lawn.
At 7:00 PM, Valley's president, Dr. Clifford Daugherty, and key VCS administrators will present a K-12 overview in the gym.
Campus-specific meetings led by our principals will follow the general session.
*VCS intends this special event for parents and guardians only.
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WELCOME WARRIOR EVENT FOR ALL
NEW to VCJH CAMPUS
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Wednesday, August 10
These are drop-off events for students only
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What to bring: Mobile device (iPad or phone) so you can scan a QR code on site for your school picture.
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ALL Grade 6 Students
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12-2:30pm - All grade 6 students will meet in the Large Gym
- Take your school picture and get your student ID card
- Receive your Class Schedule
- Tour the campus and make new friends
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Transfer Students Grade 7 and 8
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9:30 to 11:30am - All transfer students will meet in the new location - Small Gym!
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Take your school picture and get your student ID card
- Receive your Class Schedule
- Tour the campus and make new friends
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VCJH EVENT FOR RETURNING
GRADE 7 AND 8 STUDENTS
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Date: Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Time: Drive thru anytime between 3-6pm
Location: Skyway Campus - Module Building (drop-off before you enter the Yellow Lot).
Who: Returning grade 7 and 8 students
What to bring: Mobile device (iPad or phone) so you can scan a QR code on site for your school picture.
• Take your school picture and get your student ID card
• Receive your Class Schedule.
To help with traffic flow, please arrive at the suggested times:
Last name A-O anytime between 3-4:30pm
Last name P-Z anytime between 4:30-6pm
This will be a drive thru event, and will end at 6pm.
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SCHOOL PICTURES AT ORIENTATION |
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School pictures will be taken during the VCJH Orientation on Wednesday, August 10.
***Please be sure your child is in compliance with the
If your child is entering the EIGHTH grade, please have them wear (or bring) some special clothes for their picture, as this will be their YEARBOOK photo and student ID card. Boys will need to be in a shirt and tie, and girls should be in a nice blouse or dress (photos will only show from the waist up).
No purchase forms needed. Generations Photography will be emailing you directly two weeks after the photo is taken with proof and purchasing options.
If you are unable to attend this event, or your child needs their photo re-taken, we will have Picture Make-Up Day on Thursday, September 8.
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How do I set up my iPad?
To access the VCJH required iPad Set-Up and Training click here.
ALL students will need to complete the iPad set-up by Monday, August 8, to receive their schedules at the VCJH Orientation.
Which iPad should I choose?
RECOMMENDED:
- iPad, iPad Air (latest model), iPad Pro (11" max.), or the most current model
- 128GB of storage
- AppleCare+ for iPad
- Protective Case (for example, Gumdrop or OtterBox)
- Keyboard (for example, Apple Smart Keyboard or Logitech Slim Folio)
What iPad Accessories should I purchase?
We recommended you not buy an Apple Pencil, as they often get lost. If you decide to purchase one, please be sure you label it with your student's first and last name!
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2022-2023 TEXTBOOK FEE WAS DUE JULY 15 |
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If we do not receive your fee before the VCJH Orientation on Wednesday, August 10th, your child will not receive their 2022-2023 class schedule.
The Junior High Administration manages all book and online subscriptions for students, as well as the purchasing of other materials. Payment of the $350 fee buys you peace of mind that your child has ALL of the eBooks, workbooks, and digital subscriptions required for the 2022-2023 school year.
All student books, including digital texts, workbooks, IXL (online English program), and ALEKS (online math program), will be supplied through the Junior High School during the first week of school. The $350 fee does not include specialized apps that may be required by your child's teacher.
***Each teacher will assist your child during class to access their digital textbooks!
2. Click on “Your VCS Account” and then click on “Pay Fees”
3. Follow the directions on the page to pay with your credit card (no check or cash payments will be accepted)
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GRADE 7 IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIRED |
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If we do not receive the records before the VCJH Orientation on Wednesday, August 10th, your child will not receive their 2022-2023 class schedule. Additionally, your child will not be allowed to attend classes until this verification is on file.
California requires all incoming seventh-grade students to have the T-dap immunization (Whooping Cough Booster) and two doses of Varicella (Chickenpox) immunization.
Please submit your child’s updated immunization record, including the mentioned immunizations above, as soon as it becomes available. Please email records to Mrs. Blauman at kblauman@vcs.net.
Thank you in advance for submitting proof of updated immunizations for your incoming seventh-grader!
Please click HERE for immunization requirement information. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mrs. Blauman at kblauman@vcs.net.
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VCJH PREPARATION FOR THE START OF SCHOOL |
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IMPORTANT SUMMER CHECKLIST!
Please check off these items to ensure you are ready for the start of school!
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2022-23 VCJH DRESS CODE AND STUDENT HANDBOOK |
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Please click here to see the 2022-2023 Valley Christian Junior High Dress Code.
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Please click here to see the 2022-2023 Valley Christian Junior Student Handbook and for helpful tips select the button below.
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SUPPLY LIST AND PE CLOTHES |
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2022-23 SUPPLY LIST
Click below for the list of supplies your child
will need for the new school year!
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VCJH PE CLOTHES
PE clothes will be distributed during your child's PE class. Families will be billed through our online payment system, Pay Fees.
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If your child plans to buy lunch at school, all on-campus food purchases are digital! Students will be assigned a Valley Christian Lunch ID number to use when purchasing from VCS Food Services. These personal lunch ID numbers will be on their schedule, which they will be receiving at the VCJH Orientation event on August 10. Click here for instructions on how to set up a new lunch account after the event when you have your child's Lunch ID!
***Returning student lunch accounts from last school year will have the same lunch ID numbers.
The 5-Digit Lunch ID will be embedded in the student body ID card and may alternatively be keyed in as a PIN number.
Students will receive their ID cards at the VCJH Orientation event when they take their school picture, so if funds are added, your child's lunch account will be ready to go on the first day of school!
Please note that cash is not accepted at VCS Food Services.
Note: Funds need to be added to the lunch account before 9pm on the day prior to be accessible (i.e., add funds by 9:00pm on Monday night for use on Tuesday the first day of school).
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FREE SUPERVISION - EARLY BIRD STUDY HALL |
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FREE EARLY BIRD STUDY HALL
Did you know that Valley Christian provides a place for students to go when they arrive at school before 8am?
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Early Bird Study Hall Classrooms:
7-8am Room E130
7:30-8am Room E406
7:30-8am Room E424
Students arriving on campus before 8am must go to an Early Bird classroom. Since we share this campus with HS, we have a designated space for our JH students to go until HS classes begin.
In Early Bird, students may choose to study, visit with their friends, or simply wait for school to begin.
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MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
VCS students are not allowed to carry any medications with them,* so what is a kid to do? Plan ahead...and then come to the Junior High Office when you need help!
If you would like your child to have access to an OVER THE COUNTER medication during the school day, you will need to send that medication to the JH office (in the original container) along with a signed Medication Consent Form.
If your child needs to take a PRESCRIPTION medication at school, you will need to complete and submit that same Medication Consent Form, signed by both you and the prescribing physician.
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* prescribed inhalers and epipens require the same documentation but may be carried in a child's backpack. These are the only exceptions to prohibiting a student carrying medications at school.
If you have any questions regarding medications at school, please email Kristina Blauman at kblauman@vcs.net.
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VCJH ATHLETIC PHYSICALS & 2022 FALL SPORTS |
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Hello to all our VCJH athletes and parents!
If possible, we strongly recommend completing your child's physical during the summer months of June & July, as this will clear them for the entire 10-month timeframe of school athletics. We understand that every family is on a different cycle based on their insurance and circumstances. Please know that physicals are good for one year from the date taken and must carry them through the entire season of their sport. For example, if their physical expires in the middle of basketball season, we require that renewal be submitted before the 1st day of basketball to participate on day one. If you have any specific questions or have difficulty getting your physical completed by your primary physician, we recommend your local Action Day Urgent Care facility. Please check with them to confirm out-of-pocket or insurance requirements before booking an appointment.
Completed physical forms can be dropped off at any of the JH orientations or mailed to 100 Skyway Drive, San Jose, CA 95111(Attention Athletics) or emailed directly to kcerone@vcs.net Please scan for email as photo attachments will not be accepted.
Additionally, we look forward to starting our fall sports in August 2022 and encourage you to visit www.gowarriors.net. Once there, hover over JUNIOR HIGH and click on "Tryouts & Sign-ups." Our fall start dates have been posted, and general information regarding each team/season is available there as well.
If you have any questions, please contact our VCJH Athletic Director Adam Gill at agill@vcs.net or 408-513-2522.
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PARENTS, DOES YOUR CHILD WANT TO BE A
STUDENT AMBASSADOR?
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Hello Junior High Students! Are you interested in connecting with and sharing your knowledge and love for VCJH with others?
If so, we would love for you to join our VC Student Ambassador Team. As an ambassador you will meet prospective students, host them on campus during our Warrior for a Day events, attend monthly ambassador meetings and assist with various Admissions events, like our JH Open House. Ambassador candidates should be in good student, have a record of good behavior and have a love for welcoming others to VC.
Free pizza and VC Ambassador Apparel are an added bonus!
Click here to apply and applications are due September 9th.
If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Anita Waltz at awaltz@vcs.net.
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GRADE 8 BREAKAWAY RETREAT |
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The tradition known as "Breakaway" for eighth-grade students will be on Friday, August 26! This is our yearly retreat for the eighth-grade class that takes them to Coyote Ranch during the school day.
It will be a time for fun and excitement, but most importantly, a time for spiritual renewal.
The $200 payment for this field trip is made through the Grade 8 Fees, which was due in July. This can be paid online through VCS Pay Fees. If your fee has not been paid, your child will not be allowed to attend the event.
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2022-23 GRADE 8 RETREAT AND GRADUATION FEE WAS DUE JULY 15 |
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This fee covers the Grade 8 Breakaway Retreat that will take place during the school day on Friday, August 26. This fee will also cover the graduation gown for the Grade 8 Graduation on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
2. Click on “Your VCS Account” and then click on “Pay Fees”
3. Follow the directions on the page to pay with your credit card (check or cash payments will not be accepted)
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VCJH BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENT FOR
PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
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Please join us for the Back-To-School event on August 25 for the opportunity to learn more about your child's classes and meet their teachers. This event will start at 6:30pm in the Large Gym and end at 8:30pm. This is a parent-only event!
If you are a parent of an eighth-grade student, please plan to stay until 9pm so you can attend an Grade 8 meeting that will take place in the Large Gym at 8:30pm immediately after the Back-To-School event.
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SAVE THE DATE - VCS AUTO SHOW |
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VCS AUTO SHOW
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 | 9-2pm
VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
100 Skyway Drive
San Jose, CA 95111
Vehicle Entry - $50 (donation)
Free for Spectators
Raffle Tickets - $5
Customs - Classics - Exotics - Muscle Cars - Motorcycles - Trucks - Electrics
All Makes & Models Welcome!
FREE KIDS ACTIVITY
Bring a LEGO car and display it at the LEGO Show table. Prizes for the top three cars
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Would you like to meet other families in the VCJH community and get involved in serving with us?
to volunteer at our first 2022-23 community event, the Seventh Annual Pancake Breakfast!
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Saturday, August 27, 2022, 8-11 am
Skyway Campus Quad
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PARENT TEACHER PRAYER FELLOWSHIP (PTPF) |
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Valley Christian Junior High
Parent Teacher Prayer Fellowship (PTPF) Board
welcomes you to the 2022-23 school year!
All VCJH parents are welcome to join the Junior High PTPF.
PTPF is a great way to get involved with the school by volunteering to help with community events, teacher appreciation activities, prayer fellowship, and much more!
For information about VCJH PTPF,
please contact Kristina Blauman at kblauman@vcs.net.
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PTPF Sunshine Committee
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10
The purpose and intent of the Sunshine Committee is to support VCS families and staff members in difficult, complex, and challenging times, sending a card with a thoughtful note, plant or flowers, or requesting a meal as needed. It also serves God by helping meet the school's spiritual, social, and practical needs and its families.
If you or someone you know is in need of a blessing, or for more information, please contact Mrs. Blauman at kblauman@vcs.net
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WE WANT TO PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY |
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We would like to pray for you and your family. Submit your prayer request here, 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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Parents in Prayer Meetings-
You are welcome to join us in praying over our children each Wednesday morning in the chapel, from 8:30-9:30 am. For specific details, please contact Jothi Jebaraj at jothijebaraj@gmail.com
Pray that they will have:
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STRENGTH- "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13
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PROTECTION- "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:1-2
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DIRECTION- "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
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WISDOM- "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5 (and much more)
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JUNIOR AMSE INSTITUTE
The Junior AMSE Institute offers unique opportunities to introduce and explore various technologies in the STEM fields.
Not yet an AMSE Member? Apply for AMSE Membership before applying for a program. Members stay up to date on AMSE news and events!
Please note that this application is open year-round and only new students to the AMSE Institute need apply. Currently enrolled AMSE Institute members do not need to reapply each year.
JUNIOR AMSE PROGRAM APPLICATIONS
We are pleased to offer an excited lineup of engaging after-school programs for VCJH students. Applications open on August 2, 2022. Watch for an email announcement or find the applications here.
APPLICATIONS OPEN TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2022
Health & Wellness (New!)
Math Team
Ocean Discovery
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If you have any questions or concerns about your child's schedule, please contact their counselor.
Who is my child's junior high counselor?
6th grade counselor:
7th grade counselor for students with the last name beginning with A-O:
7th grade counselor for students with the last name beginning with P-Z: Mrs. Shari Gambello (sgambello@vcs.net)
When is the last day to make a schedule change?
THE LAST DAY TO MAKE A SCHEDULE CHANGE IS SEPTEMBER 7!
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Please notify the JH office of any attendance issues. All changes to attendance are made by our office staff on PowerSchool and can be viewed by teachers. Be sure to provide us your name, relationship to the child, child's full name (including spelling of the last name), the reason for the absence, and days affected before 9am.
· Phone – (408)513-2473
Late Arrivals – Have your child check in at the JH office when they arrive on campus. Depending on arrival time, they will need to sign in and obtain a Tardy pass.
Early Dismissals – Send a note with your child and have them bring it to the JH office before school begins. We will give your child a pass to be excused from class at the appropriate time. Students must come to the office and sign out before leaving campus for safety reasons. When you arrive on campus, call the JH office at (408)513-2460, and your child will meet you in the visitor's lot.
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VCS PARENT/STUDENT SUPPORT |
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VCS INFORMATION and TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
If you have questions or require support from the VCS IT Department, just click this link to place a request! http://support.vcs.net/
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We are excited for 100% in-person learning for the 2022-2023 school year. Rapid antigen testing is recommended for students and employees before the start of the school year unless COVID positive in the last 90 days. Below are some of the changes to COVID-19 policies. For further information, please go to www.vcs.net/covid.
Daily Screening:
We will no longer require students and employees to complete their Darcy screening before arrival on campus each day.
Masking:
Per the CDPH, masking indoors is still highly recommended but is not required. No one will be prevented from wearing a mask unless it could pose a safety hazard, like participation in water sports. Masks will be available for students and employees in each campus office.
Testing:
Valley Christian Schools will no longer provide PCR testing at the Skyway campus. Limited rapid antigen testing will be available at each campus. Testing is still required for large-scale indoor events and school-sponsored overnight travel.
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Wonder Woofs:
As part of VCS’ commitment to enforcing a zero-tolerance substance abuse policy, we contract with a drug-detecting canine non-profit organization. “Wonder Woofs” utilize specially trained golden retrievers and will visit the campus periodically throughout the year. More information and policies regarding our canine drug detection program can be found in the student-parent handbook and our website.
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CAMPUS NOTIFICATION SYSTEM |
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Phone and Text Emergency Notification System:
In the event of a campus-wide emergency or urgent event that affects any of our campuses, our notification system is used to communicate important information to parents/guardians via phone or text message. Please do NOT hang up and call the school. It is crucial that you take the time to listen to the entire message, which will usually be constrained to 45-60 seconds in length.
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CAMPUS TRAFFIC BEST PRACTICES |
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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 Capitol Caltrain Station before school (6:45 - 9:30am) and after school (2:30 - 6:30pm) or the Blossom Hill 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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Valley Christian Junior High School (408) 513-2460 www.vcs.net |
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