Notes from Principal Zeman

VandenBerge Fall Conferences will take place over the following days in October:

• October 12 from 4:00-7:00 pm

• October 17 from 4:00-7:00 pm

• October 18 from 8:00-11:30 am and 12:30-3:00 pm

Conferences will be available to families on a first come, first serve basis. Please stop by when it works for you. Check in with your student’s homeroom teacher to pick up their official MCA score report from last spring. Then stop by to see any teachers you would like!

Please note: On October 18 teachers will also have some scheduled conferences, which means there may be times where you have to wait a little longer to see a specific teacher if you choose to come on this day. Thanks in advance for your patience.

We look forward to seeing you at conferences. This is a great opportunity to connect with teachers and discuss your student's progress. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to Mike Zeman or Amanda Ohlgren.

Picture retake day is Monday, October 16 during lunches. We know that sometimes the first picture doesn't turn out as expected, and we want to ensure that everyone has a chance to capture their best smile. If you haven’t received an email from Kemmetmueller Photography to view and order your original pictures, please contact them directly at (952) 473-2142 or info@k-photography.com. Their customer service representatives can help right away, so you don't have to wait!

We are excited to announce that we will have a support dog at VandenBerge this year through the "You're Not Alone" program. Jodi and her dog, Basil, will be joining us every Thursday from 9:00-11:00 for small group sessions. Basil is an Australian Shepherd who is ready to make her appearance at VMS! You may have already met Basil at Open House.

If your student is interested in participating in a small group session, they must sign up in the counseling office. They will be given a Puppy Pass when it is their turn to participate in a group. Students are responsible for making up any work they miss in class during their 20 minute session.

Please know that parent approval is required for your student to attend. If you know your student is signing up, feel free to email his/her school counselor your approval or you can wait until we reach out to you.

Members of the Stronger Together Inspiring Resilience (STIR) committee have organized multiple public viewings of different films and you're invited to attend!

The films that will be shown include:

Angst: Angst aims to remove the stigma and open up the conversation about mental health, helping our youth and their families understand that a certain amount of anxiety is healthy and how to recognize when it's too much. The film provides tips to recognize symptoms and encourages when to reach out for help. Most importantly, it shows us that we are not alone and that anxiety is 100% treatable. This hopeful and inspiring year-long film program has helped over 2 million people around the world, weaving in the personal stories of kids and families with expert perspectives, who break down what's going on, how to deal with it and how to help others. Michael Phelps shares his own anxiety story, proving that anxiety can affect everyone and that there is no shame in asking for help. For many, Angst has been a catalyst for changing their lives for the better.

Dates and Location Information for Angst viewings:

• October 25, 2023: 6:30-8:00 pm in the Zabee Auditorium at the Elk River High School located at 900 School Street, Elk River, MN 55330. Panel discussion will take place following the film. Please contact Sheila Dokken at sheila.dokken@isd728.org with questions about this event.

• November 14, 2023: 6:30-8:00 pm in the Big Lake High School Auditorium located at 501 Minnesota Ave E, Big Lake, MN 55309. Attendees should enter through Door B. A panel discussion will take place following the film. Please contact Ben Bonnett at b.bonnett@biglakeschools.org or (763) 262-5280 with questions about this event.

Like: Like explores the impact of social media on our lives and the effects of technology on the brain and on learning. Understanding that virtual connection is a huge part of our socialization and can have many benefits. How do we use it to best inform, educate and inspire us to self-regulate, so we can enjoy a more balanced and fulfilled life? Hopeful in tone, Like provides a dynamic learning opportunity for engagement by weaving in the stories and reflections of young people, their families and the perspectives of brain scientists, mental health experts and tech creators, who explain how our online behavior is affected by algorithms from being compelled to respond to notifications to manipulating ourselves to gain more 'likes'. It introduces JOMO, the Joy Of Missing Out, along with simple tips for creating a healthier relationship with our devices.

Dates and Location Information for Like viewings:

• October 4, 2023: 6:30-8:00 pm at Saron Lutheran Church located at 311 Lake Street S, Big Lake, MN. After the film there will be separate youth and adult panel discussions. Please email info@saron.org with questions about this viewing.

• December 20, 2023: 7:00-8:30 pm at Central Lutheran Church located at 1103 School Street, Elk River. Attendees should enter through Door #2. After the film there will be separate youth and adult group discussions. Please contact Kirsten Gill at kirsten.gill@clcelkriver.org or (763) 441-2363 with questions about this viewing.

Upstanders: The Upstanders film explores all sides of bullying, from the brain science to how it plays out in subtle scenarios to full blown bullying. Social media’s power means that bully behavior is now a 24/7 phenomenon, where even changing schools, jobs and phone numbers or deleting accounts cannot stop the cycle. Covid has increased the incidence of cyber-bullying by 70%. The Upstanders film program shares safe proven strategies and is rooted in character building. It inspires kindness, honesty, respect, empathy, trust and connection. Weaving together personal stories of kids and their families, educators, brain-scientists and mental health experts, The Upstanders shows the importance of safely modeling empathy and resilience to transform attitudes and action. It breaks down power dynamics and highlights new laws and established programs that are already reducing bullying in schools, the workplace and other communities. It shows that everyone is needed to eradicate bullying and gives all of us the confidence and tools to become 'Upstanders'.

Dates and Location Information for Upstanders viewings:

• October 12, 2023: 6:30-8:00 pm at Becker High School Performing Arts Center located at 12000 Hancock Street, Becker, MN. Community resources will be available to attendees during this viewing. Please contact Carla Nolan at cnolan@isd726.org with questions about this viewing.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/impactful-film-series-tickets-682344068477?aff=oddtdtcreator

October CTE Newsletter

Follow this link (Apparel Store) to purchase VandenBerge apparel.

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