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September 26, 2024

Hello Steve, Please enjoy our Saints News! 

HEAD OF SCHOOL MUSING

I’m certainly not an expert on teenagers but I have worked with them in schools for thirty-five years, raised three of my own, and was one myself. There are timeless truths about teens – how they’re wired, what they want and need, and what parents should know and do. I’ve assembled a few thoughts – 10 Unsolicited Tips for Raising Teens.

 

1.    Talk about the hard stuff. They know a version of it already, likely from their peers or the Internet, not always the best sources. They need to hear from you. One-on-one in the car while driving is a good place. Open-ended questions will get the best responses.

2.    Promote self-advocacy. The key here is to be your teen’s number one cheerleader with the words ‘you’ve got this’ said regularly. Demonstrate confidence and you’ll see your teen become confident. With school, strongly encourage and challenge your teen to self-advocate with teachers by writing an email or meeting in person.

3.    Really listen. Be fully present to listen when they are ready to talk. Too often parents attempt to talk with their teens when the timing isn’t right. Listen on their time, not yours. Unfortunately, this may be very late at night.

4.    Praise character. What character traits do you want to see more of in your teen? When you see it, praise it. Praise traits like hard work, kindness, and resilience. And keep class grades talk in check – instead praise effort and improvement.

5.    Set boundaries and expectations. Deep down inside, these make teens feel loved. Be clear about your expectations with illegal substance use, especially alcohol. With older teens, brainstorm and create expectations together – ones that may not be ideal but that you can accept.

6.    Share your own failures. Most would agree that ‘skinned knees’ are the building blocks to strong character. Tell your own ‘skinned knees’ stories and how you moved forward. When you make parenting mistakes, apologize and ask for forgiveness.

7.    Teach and model digital citizenship. You can’t say enough that digital footprints (including screen grabs) are forever. Yes, set ground rules to limit screen time, but also set them for yourself. Teens are watching and learning from adults who are healthy (or not) with their screen time. Set a good example.

8.    Pray and encourage. If you believe God answers prayers, then pray for your teen. Some of the best prayers come from Scripture like this one from The Book of Numbers – The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. And write encouraging and smile-producing handwritten notes and texts. They really do love them.

9.    Protect family mealtimes. Make family meals a priority – without technology. Have them at least three to four times each week. Use a book of questions or conversation starter cards to help make time together fun.

10. Get involved with school. The research is clear. Students whose parents volunteer or are active with their child’s school make better grades and healthier lifestyle choices. When you’re involved with school, you also meet other parents. Parenting teens is not meant to be done in isolation. Parent in community with other parents, especially ones who share your values. Don’t go it alone.



Steve O'Neil

Head of School

SPORTS

Golf

Saints won the Eagle Valley Invitational on Monday! They took 1st place by 10 strokes!


Sam Casey '25 placed 1st overall by 8 strokes shooting a 70, Wyatt Hansen '27 and Eli Adams '28 tied for 3rd place overall with a score of 79, Sid Towle '27 shot 82 and Patrick Greer '27 shot 84. Way to go Saints!

Football

JV Saints defeated West Grand 52-0 on Monday! Way to go Saints!

Volleyball

Lady Saints volleyball teams swept Plateau Valley on Friday

Click here to read the Vail Daily article


Tennis

Boys Tennis defeated Grand Junction Central on Saturday!

Click here to read the Vail Daily results

Off Campus

Cross Country

Saints, Nate Beuche '27 and Adam Labenski '25 placed top two on their BMHS team at the Warrior Lincoln Park Classic in Grand Junction on Friday night!

Click here to read the Vail Daily article

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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If you would like to contribute to the Community Fruit Bowl please donate here and log in with your credentials. Please contact Sarah Hochtl or Chelsea Rummenie for more information.

COLLEGE COUNSELOR'S NEWS

SPIRIT WEEK

CHRISTIAN LIFE

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Passion 

PARENT ASSOCIATION NEWS

Save the Date | October 8th

Parent Hike (details coming soon!)

Concession Stand shifts available

October 12th & 26th football games!

Please sign up to help and earn money toward your team or club!


NEW Spirit Wear arriving in October!

Available on PA Website & at home games!

Save the Date | Friday, November 1st

First Annual VCHS Chili Cook Off (details coming soon!)

STUDENT LIFE

APES Hut Trip

AP Bio Lab

Who remembers this classic lab from high school? AP Biology students modeled why cells need to be small. They calculated the ideal surface area to volume ratio to maximize diffusion across a membrane. 

ALUMNI FEATURE

VCHS Alumni: Ethan Pence '16


Specializing in transportation, Ethan Pence’s journey has been shaped by his love for solving problems and improving infrastructure, leading him to a fulfilling career in Civil Engineering. Read more about Ethan's Journey.

VCHS Alumni:  Max Phannenstiel ‘17


Max Phannenstiel has rapidly distinguished himself in both the professional world of Quantum Engineering and as a talented photographer with a global reach. Read more about Max's accomplishments.

REMINDERS

Seniors and Parents:

Please check your email for September Updates. The email has a ton of Senior Year information along with upcoming deadlines that you don't want to miss! If you did not receive the email, please contact Shannon O'Brien ASAP.


Student Ads are available to "purchase" and design. There is no cost for the Senior Ad. This is your "Senior Page" in the yearbook. Visit Jostens Yearbook to get started! Deadline is October 1st.


Cap & Gowns are now available to purchase from Jostens. You are welcome to purchase any package you would like but the only required items to purchase is the Basic Cap & Gown Unit. All of these packages (even the basic) INCLUDE the 2025 stole and tassel.


IF YOU ARE BORROWING A CAP AND/OR GOWN, YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE A 2025 STOLE AND/OR TASSEL FROM JOSTENS.


Deadline to order caps & gowns is October 1st.


Upload your Slideshow photos today!

We need the following:

  • A senior photo you would like in the slide show and on other senior printed material - hi res if possible
  • A baby photo (up to 3)
  • An elementary school photo (no more than 3)
  • A current candid photo (no more than 3)
  • Group photos of current classmates

These should all be uploaded by October 1st.


Contact Shannon O'Brien with any questions.


Past Due:

The Learning Center After School Program

The Learning Center School Year Enrichment Program 2024-25 is looking forward to another year at VCHS

Click here for more information

CALENDAR


VCHS 2024-2025

School Calendar



Click here to view! 

*Subject to minor changes

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

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