Brendan McDonald was awarded the Rotary Club of Saginaw Valley’s scholarship on Monday, March 29th. His essay was chosen as winner by the faculty for his dedicated community service and leadership in the classroom and beyond. |
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Note from the Executive Director |
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Happy Easter!
I know we are in the middle of Holy Week, and we should give serious thought and consideration to our sinfulness as we consider what Jesus endured for us. Our sinfulness put God's plan of salvation into motion as Jesus came to live a perfect life, die a horrible death, and claim a wonderful victory over the grave. He did it for each of us, so that we would not need to live without hope. Hope that is found through faith in Him who has secured our future in heaven! On behalf of the entire faculty and staff of Valley Lutheran...Happy Easter!
~Dr. Julian Petzold
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March 31: 3rd quarter grades released
April 2-11: No School/Spring Break
April 13: PSAT/SAT testing for 9th, 10th, and 11th graders, 8am
April 14: WorkKeys testing for 11th graders, 8am
April 14: Parents in Prayer, 8am
April 16: MSTEP testing for 11th graders, 6th-8th hours
April 24: Prom, TBD
April 28: Parents in Prayer, 8am
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3rd quarter Grades Released Today
Look for an email today from Mrs. Mueller with 3rd quarter grade reports.
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State Testing on Tuesday, April 13th
On Tuesday, April 13th, 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:
- Juniors: SAT 8am-1pm
- Freshmen/Sophomores: PSAT 8am-Noon
- Seniors do not need to report to school April 13.
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.
For detailed information about the MME testing click here. The schedule for the MME is as follows:
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Tuesday, April 9, 8am-1pm SAT: Students are dismissed at 1pm (no regular classes). Students take tests in reading, writing, and mathematics.
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Wednesday, April 10,8am-11:30am WorkKeys: Students will rejoin their regular schedule (in progress) starting at 11:30am. Students take tests in applied math, work place documents, and graphic literary
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Friday, April 12, 6th-8th periods MSTEP: Michigan testing on science and social studies done on computer. Students may stay into 9th period 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 (lmueller@vlhs.com) or Dr. Lisa Meyers (lmeyers@vlhs.com) with any questions.
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COVID Testing for Spring Sport Athletes
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has stated that schools must complete an antigen test of athletes one time per week throughout the spring season. This testing will begin the week of April 12th. Parents of athletes: please read this letter for more information. Included are links for the following: consent forms that must be completed, test volunteer sign-up form, and a link to submit questions about this process.
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Applying for Financial Aid for 2021-22 School Year
Tuition assistance applications for the 2021-22 school year can be accessed here. Applications will be considered as soon as they are received. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has extended the due date for 2020 tax returns, but your 2020 tax return is required as part of your application. Don't delay!! Please plan to submit your application as soon as possible once your taxes are completed. You will be notified shortly after submitting your paperwork concerning your award. All awards are based on demonstrated need. Contact the school office if you have any questions.
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Prom Plans in Progress
Plans for prom have been underway for a few weeks, and we will be communicating directly to junior and senior students and parents once we have more details. Thanks for your patience as we work to make this happen as scheduled on April 24, 2021!
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Calling VL Class of 2025!
Is there a future Charger (current 8th grader) in your family? Or do you know of someone who is interested in joining us at Valley for next year? We are currently taking applications for the Class of 2025 and are completing course selection meetings with newly enrolled families. We'd love to get you and those you know who are interested in Valley "in"! Please head here (link to https://www.vlhs.com/admissions/application-process/) to get your initial paperwork or contact Admissions Counselor Amy Cooper (acooper@vlhs.com, 989-790-1676, ext. 40) with any questions.
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Help Us Spread the Word
Valley parents - do you know that YOU are the best Valley marketing there is? Families looking for a school want to hear authentic reviews and first-hand experiences. And that's exactly what you have to share! As you have the opportunity, we invite you to share with your friends and family what makes your Valley experience great. To help you, I made the digital business card shown here. Save the image to your phone or take a screenshot of it and have it ready when someone asks you where you send your kids to school. You can text it, post it in your neighborhood Facebook groups - share away! THANK YOU for helping spread the word about VL!
- Amy Cooper, Admissions Counselor
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Segment 1 Drivers Training Offered at Valley Lutheran
Official Driving School will be offering Segment 1 Drivers Training at VLHS April 12-29th, Monday-Thursday, 3:30-5:30. There are pamphlets available in the office, or visit www.OfficialDrivingSchool.com. Use the code SNOW for $75 off!
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Alumni News
Calling all Valley Lutheran alumni! Please share your latest highlights to be included in the next Family and Friends Alumni newsletter. New babies, recent weddings, honors and recognitions? All good reason to send a brief update, pictures welcome also! Need to update an alumni address? Send all alumni information to Heidi Behnke at hbenke@vlhs.com.
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Varsity Jacket Discount
Award & Sports offers VLHS students a $20 discount on varsity jackets. We have stocked up and are ready to serve the students and their parents! Visit www.awardandsports.com or call 989-793-9455.
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Global Awareness Collecting Fleece Donations
The VLHS Global Awareness Club is beginning a new project after Spring Break: making fleece blankets for area pregnancy centers and women's shelters. We are in need of donations of fleece that we can use to accomplish this. If you are able and willing, please consider a donation of clean, new fleece to the Global Awareness Club. All designs welcome, but there is a particular need for solid colors for the blanket backings. Pieces need to be standard 54"-60" wide by 1.5 yards. Donations can be dropped off in the school office or given to Mr. Patrick Winningham. Please direct any questions to pwinningham@vlhs.com. Thank you!
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Booster Club Masks and Spirit Wear Still for Sale
Parents! The Booster Club has some Spirit Wear on hand available for purchase for anyone interested. We have sweatshirts, t-shirts, shorts, and stadium seats! Please email Lynn Herzberger lynn@servapure.com for more details, pictures and purchases.
Booster Club also has a new supply of VL masks available for purchase in the office. $10 each, available in size medium or large. We appreciate your support!
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Summer Camps Returning
Yes, Valley is planning to hold our typical summer camp program for middle school students this summer! Protocols will be updated as summer draws nearer, but we invite you to head to www.vlhs.com/camps on April 12 or after to check out this year's offerings.
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St. Lorenz Spring Fish Fry
DATE: Friday, April 16, 2021
TIME: 4-7
LOCATION: Enter through the WEC parking lot off W. Genesee and circle around to the backside of the school (by the gym).
COST: $12 per person (regardless of age)
INCLUDES: fish (hand battered cod), parsley potatoes, coleslaw, tartar sauce, bread & choice of apple or cherry pie
OTHER INFO: We can't accommodate pre-orders or special timed pick-ups this year. This is cash only, no credit cards. We prefer no checks either but have taken them in the past.
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PSAT & SAT TESTING
Just as a reminder, all freshmen and sophomores will take the PSAT as part of the State of Michigan testing on April 13th. All juniors will take the SAT with Essay on April 13th as well as part of the official Michigan Merit Exam. This is an official score that can be used for college admissions. The State of Michigan covers the cost of this day of exams and the school takes care of registering all students for the exam on April 13th.
TEST DAY TIPS
The week following Easter Break, 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:
- Prepare materials for test day the night before. (Think #2 pencils, calculator, snack, water.)
- Get a good night’s sleep. Avoid screen time the hour before you want to fall asleep.
- Go through your normal morning routine. This tells your body that it’s go-time, just like any other school day.
- Eat a good breakfast. Avoid caffeine unless it is part of your normal routine.
- Plan to arrive at school a few minutes early to gather your testing items and find your test room.
- Once the test starts, take a deep breath and try your best. You’ve got this!
TEST ANXIETY
As students gear up to take the SAT, PSAT, and AP Exams, it is not uncommon to experience heightened levels of anxiety. TeensHealth offers great insight into why students might experience test anxiety, and some easy techniques they can use to think clearly in the face of stressful situations. The information given might also be a nice starting point to open lines of communication around mental well-being and stress management. You can read the full article at https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/test-anxiety.html.
SHOULD MY STUDENT BE TAKING THE SAT/ACT?
Students typically take these exams during the second half of their junior year or the first half of their senior year. As indicated above, all students receive one free SAT with Essay during their junior year. Many students will take the exam more than one time to try to improve their score for admissions and scholarships. Links to register for these exams are below. Need help deciding which test to take?
IMPORTANT LINKS
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Click on the image above to read the latest
Valley Vision.
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Mission Statement
Preparing students for life with Christ as our foundation!
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Julian Petzold
Valley Lutheran High School
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