September Newsletter

This is a reminder that Orientation Sessions are on Thursday, August 31 from 3:30-7 pm and Friday, September 1 from 8:30-12 pm. Please come to Valley View during your assigned time slot to meet with your child's teacher. If you need a reminder on what time you signed up or to sign up, please call the office. We look forward to seeing you!

Valley View asks that each family make a contribution of $25 per student to cover the cost of supplies. Instead of spending time going to multiple stores in search of the items on the list, we will do the work for you! Since we will be able to purchase supplies in large quantities, the final cost to you will also be lower than if you were purchasing the items yourself. As you know, the costs can really add up! By ordering supplies, teachers will also be able to ensure that all students have the correct materials they will need to be successful in the fall. Students will need a backpack, headphones and tennis shoes for PE.

Supplies can be paid for during our Orientation sessions via cash or credit cards, or click the link below to pay now.

Dear Pre-K through 5th Grade Valley View Families,

We will be starting our bicycle unit in our Physical Education class soon!

PreK-K: September 11-September 21

1st-5th Grade: September 8-September 20

The bike unit will take place on our Valley View Playground. We received 50 bicycles and helmets through the SHIP Grant and Free Bikes 4 Kids Organization a few years ago. Recently, we also received 22 Strider bikes donated from MedExpress. We have bicycles of all sizes, some with training wheels, and a handful of scooters that the students can experience.

Our curriculum will cover:

· Pre-ride bike inspection

· Proper wearing of helmets

· Stopping and starting safely

We are encouraging students to bring their own helmets to use at school. Students can leave their helmet at school in their locker for the two weeks, or bring it to school every day they have PE. Please label your child’s helmet if they choose to bring one. If your child does not bring a helmet from home, they will wear a school helmet that we will provide. Students will need to wear a personal hat (baseball hat, skull cap, winter hat, etc.) or a provided hair net under the school helmet.

Students will be allowed to bring their own bicycles and scooters from home for the Bike Unit. If your child chooses to bring their bike or scooter to school, an adult will inspect the bike or scooter for safety of the rider on school property. We recommend students bring a bike lock to attach to their bike or scooter at school. The bike racks are in the front of Valley View for personal bikes and scooters.

Students will not be able to participate in the Bike Unit if they wear sandals, crocs or flip flops due to safety. Please help remind your child they need tennis shoes.

Valley View is not responsible for any damage or loss of bikes or helmets while on school property.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you,

Heidi Ostrander

Valley View PE Teacher

763-528-4224

Please join Valley View for a family outing to cheer on the Minnesota United FC against San Jose Earthquakes.

Here is the link for discounted tickets.

Please contact our rep, Jake Garfield at jake.garfield@mnufc.com with questions or anything related to the Minnesota United tickets.

Mark your calendars! The book fair will take place October 12-October 16, including conference evenings. Watch for more information coming home with your student in September.

Columbia Heights Public Schools provides a healthy breakfast and lunch for students each day and an after-school snack for students enrolled in after-school programs. This school year we are approved to be a Community Eligible District (CEP) at all of our school sites. It is very important that all families who do not receive a letter from the district stating their household is "Directly Certified" fill out an educational benefits application to determine the household eligibility in order to qualify for additional educational benefits. Starting on September 5th, 2023, all meals will be served at no cost to any household as the Universal Meals Bill was passed by Governor Walz and the State of Minnesota Legislature in May 2023

Please see the attached link to fill out prior to Orientation Session. You can also fill them out during this time if you need assistance.

Educational Benefits Form

• Navy blue or gold polo, fleece, or ¼ zip sweatshirt with Valley View logo.

• Khaki or navy blue pants, skirts, or shorts. All skirts or shorts must touch the knee. No jeans, sweatpants, or leggings.

• All hijabs and abayas must be solid navy blue, gold or khaki. Valley View top must be worn over the abaya.

• Bandanas and hats may not be worn in the classroom.

• Tennis shoes are required for physical education class.
• Any solid navy or gold sweater, vest, or cardigan may be worn over the polo (no hoods).

• Solid navy blue, gold, black or white long sleeve shirts may be worn under the polo.

• Solid navy blue, gold, black, or white tights or leggings may be worn under shorts or skirt.

Welcome Back! The Valley View PTO will be having a used uniform sale during school orientations on Thursday and Friday.

Our first PTO Meeting of the year will be on Wednesday, September 13 at 6 pm. We would love to have you join a meeting! This is a great opportunity to meet new families, share your ideas, or ask questions. We hope to see you there!

• There are two referendum questions that will be on the ballot. There is a “revoke and replace” of an Operating Levy and there is renewal of an expiring Capital Projects Levy.
• “Levies are for learning and bonds are for building” is a phrase that describes the difference between operating levies and bond referendums.
• CHPS has not increased the Operating Levy amount in 18 years. The amount of $308.93 was renewed in 2014.
• In 2023, taxes on an average priced home decreased by $4.25 because of an expiring CHPS bond levy. If the operating levy passes, the monthly tax increase for property owners for this levy would be $12. This is a total tax increase of $7.75 per month from 2022 on an average priced home.
• The 2023 Operating Levy is a 10-year levy. The school district would first receive these funds in fiscal year 2025 and would continue to receive these funds through fiscal year 2035.
• The second question is for a renewal of the of the expiring capital projects levy. Authorization of this levy will not increase taxes, as it is simply a direct renewal and would be authorized for ten years.

Creating worlds of opportunity for each and every learning.

All Belong, All Succeed

Email: KuhlmanJ@colheights.k12.mn.us
Website: https://www.colheights.k12.mn.us/VVES
Location: 800 49th Avenue Northeast, Columbia Heights, MN, USA
Phone: 763-528-4200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VVisd13