VHS Newsletter

Viking Families and Friends,

It’s hard to believe we are officially done with the first quarter of the 2023-24 academic year. After a much deserved Fall Break, our 9th-11th graders dove into the PSAT/NMSQT. The PSAT/NMSQT provides students with data to determine their strengths and needs, connects students to colleges and scholarship programs, and helps prepare students for the SAT, college, and careers. During this time, our seniors had the opportunity to visit colleges or universities, participate in community service, attend college and technical education programming, or engage in a job shadowing experience as they prepare for life after high school.

On the afternoon of September 29th, our teachers participated in professional development created and facilitated by our instructional coaches and our ELL director. These sessions focused on building student-teacher relationships, as well as instructional strategies and resources for accommodating and teaching not only our English Learners, but all students. Teachers also had the opportunity to engage in curriculum development for their courses. Future sessions will continue to explore student-teacher relationships as well as the ongoing curriculum development process.

Finally, I’d like to extend my congratulations to our students who were recently recognized for their academic excellence. More than 800 Vikings earned academic recognition through the Valpo Schools Foundation by either earning an academic letter or a chevron. Four of our Vikings were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program as Commended Students: Martin Aguilera, Zachary Faga, Karissa Kasper, and Jack Shimer. Keep up the great work and continue to follow your dreams.

Thank you for continuing to support our students, teachers, and staff.

November 6th: Underclass Picture Retakes

November 7th: e-Learning Election Day

November 13th: Senior Picture Retakes

November 16th: Beauty and the Beast Musical 7pm

November 18th: Beauty and the Beast Musical 2pm, 7pm

November 19th: Beauty and the Beast Musical 2pm

November 22-24: Thanksgiving Break

December 4th, 5th: This Is Our Story 7pm

December 21st: 1/2 Day for Students/Staff Development PM

December 21st: End of 2nd Grading Period

December 22nd: No School/Weather Make-up Day

December 23-January 7: Winter Break

January 8th: Classes Resume

Please see the VHS Calendar for more events!

Step into the enchanting world of Disney's Beauty and the Beast: The Musical, presented by the Valparaiso High School Drama Club. This timeless tale of transformation follows the journey of Belle, a young woman with a thirst for adventure, who finds herself in an enchanted castle inhabited by a prince cursed to live as a monster. Their tale as old as time reminds us of the importance of looking beyond appearances and embracing the beauty within, the value of kindness and compassion, and the restorative power of love.

Join us on November 16 and 18 at 7pm, as well as November 18 and 19 at 2pm, for a magical theatrical experience showcasing the work of over 100 student actors, musicians, and crew. Don't miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary tale – get your tickets now and be our guest!

Tickets are available for pre-order beginning October 18, 2023. Remaining tickets will be available at the door for $10 beginning one hour before showtime. Tickets are general admission and the auditorium will open 30 minutes before showtime.

VHS’s UNICEF Chapter was started in 2015 by 4 VHS sophomores and has since continued to grow into one of VHS's largest service-oriented clubs. Throughout the year we spend our time organizing fundraisers, holding educational sessions & advocacy events, and participating in various social media campaigns in order to help contribute to UNICEF's lifesaving work worldwide. To date, we have been able to donate thousands of dollars and raise awareness in our community for UNICEF's work. If you are interested in joining UNICEF, contact Mrs. Arthur in the Media Center or at karthur@valpo.k12.in.us.

I have been teaching at VHS since 2001. I teach English 9, Themes in Literature, and Digital Media. I love working at VHS because we have the best staff in the business, most specifically our support and secretarial staff! An interesting fact about me is that I grew up on a small dairy farm milking cows.

Email: VHSadmin@valpo.k12.in.us
Website: https://valparaisohigh.valpo.k12.in.us/
Location: 2727 Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Phone: (219)531-3070
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Valpo-HS-411-627837360580660
Twitter: @ValpoHS411